Brussels - The European Union on Thursday condemned the extension of the house arrest of Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, at the same time criticizing the Myanmar regime's recent referendum on constitutional reform.

"The EU strongly deplores the decision of the authorities of Myanmar to extend the house arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi," the Slovenian government, which currently holds the EU's rotating presidency, said in a statement on behalf of the 27-member bloc.

"In clear breach of international norms, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate has now been under house arrest without charge for five years and has spent more than 12 of the last 18 years in detention," the statement said.

"The release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other political detainees would have been an opportunity to begin a process of national reconciliation and genuine democratic transition, which Myanmar needs now more than ever," the statement said.

On Tuesday Myanmar's military regime decided to extend Suu Kyi's house arrest for another six months - just days after concluding a referendum on constitutional reforms aimed at reinforcing the army's political power.

"The EU regrets that the authorities of Myanmar conducted the constitutional referendum on 10 and 24 May in an overall climate of intimidation and with results that lack credibility," the EU statement said. (dpa)