OSLO (AFP) - Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre took to micro-blogging site Twitter on Tuesday to condemn the conviction of Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi.

In a message of 130 characters in Norwegian, Støre wrote: "18 mths house arrest for Aung San Suu Kyi. Condemn it, junta wants her out for the elections, unacceptable."

"Important to maintain pressure," he added, using telegraphic style to keep his message under the 140 character limit.

In a statement later issued by his ministry, Støre reiterated the condemnation in more conventional diplomatic style, saying "it is now important for the international community to react to this conviction".

The foreign ministry confirmed that Støre opened his Twitter account (jonas-ap) on Monday, about a month ahead of Norway's legislative elections scheduled for September 14.

Also Sweden - the European Union's presidency - condemned the actions.

"The EU will respond with additional targeted measures against those responsible for the verdict," Swedish said in a statement on behalf of the 27-nation bloc. "In addition, the EU will further reinforce its restrictive measures targeting the regime of Burma/Myanmar, including its economic interests."