Myanmar sets appeal date for Suu Kyi's trial

"The supreme court decided to hear Aung San Suu Kyi's request. Lawyers have to present arguments before the court on December 21," an official said on condition of anonymity.

Suu Kyi, 64, was ordered to spend another 18 months in detention in August after being convicted of violating her house arrest by sheltering an American intruder in her lakeside home.

The trial was widely criticized by the international community and human rights groups who have repeatedly called on the junta to release Suu Kyi, who has been detained for 14 of the past 20 years.

The political climate has changed since Suu Kyi's conviction, with the United States announcing that it is modifying its strict policy of isolating Myanmar's military government.

But Myanmar's junta showed no sign it intends to release Suu Kyi or initiate the democratic and electoral reforms demanded by her party ahead of elections.

The Yangon Divisional Court rejected an initial appeal in October.