Members of the Myanmar opposition National League for Democracy  demanding release of their leader Aung San Suu Kyi, in front of the party headquarters in Yangon (File photo - June 19, 2006)

Burma says international pressure to release opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest will not work.

A commentary published in the state media Tuesday said the release of Aung San Suu Kyi would endanger the nation and herself. This is the latest in a long series of Burmese government statements defending its continued detention of the popular opposition leader.

Meanwhile, Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo announced he is postponing a planned visit to Burma that was supposed to begin Wednesday. Romulo said the change in plans is the result of a conflict of schedule.

He had asked the Burmese military to allow a meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi during his visit.

The Philippines is expected to assume the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations later this month.