It is incorrect to say there have been no reforms at all in Burma; there have of course been reforms, but we still need to do more for the people. To become a democratic society we have to continually be reforming.

Burma wants to have good relations with our neighboring countries, China and India. I do believe the United States itself wants to live in harmony with China and India. That's why we have to lay down political policies that are fair for everyone.

One person alone can't do anything as important as bringing genuine democracy to a country.

Some believe that the only way to remove the authoritarian regime and replace it with a democratic one is through violent means. I would like to set the precedent of political change through political settlement, not through violence.

I'm rather inclined to liking people.

I feel that the BBC World Service is not as versatile as it used to be - or perhaps I'm not listening at the right times.

I've always said that the most important thing is job creation. Jobs will earn people money and build self-confidence.