The UN Security Council on Friday in an unanimous statement expressed "serious concern" over the conviction and sentencing of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi by a Myanmar court early this week.

The 15-member Security Council, which had differences on the issue, had been meeting formally and informally over the past two days after the Yangoon court sentenced Aung San Suu Kyi for another 18 months of house arrest which has been condemned by leaders across the world.

"Members of the Security Council express serious concern at the conviction and sentencing of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and its political impact," said the Security Council President for the month of August, John Sawers, reading out the statement on behalf of the 15-members.

"The members of the Security Council note the decision of the Government of Myanmar to reduce Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's sentence and urge the Government of Myanmar to take further measures to create the necessary conditions for a genuine dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all concerned parties and ethnic groups in order to achieve an inclusive national reconciliation," the statement said.

Reiterating their support for the good offices role of the Secretary-General, the Security Council affirmed their commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Myanmar, and in that context, reiterate that the future of

Myanmar lies in the hands of all of its people.