When I was under house arrest, it was the BBC that spoke to me - I listened.

I've always tried to explain democracy is not perfect. But it gives you a chance to shape your own destiny.

The provision of basic material needs is not sufficient to make minority groups and indigenous peoples feel they are truly part of the greater national entity. For that they have to be confident that they too have an active role to play in shaping the destiny of the state that demands their allegiance.

I don't want to see the military falling. I want to see the military rising to dignified heights of professionalism and true patriotism.

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

When I was in London a Kachin youth criticized me for not condemning the Burmese military for their offensive in Kachin State. I answered "condemnation is not the solution." We want to build reconciliation, not condemnation.

There have been many claims that [U.S.] sanctions have hurt Burma economically, but I did not agree with that point of view. If you look at reports by the IMF, for example, they make quite clear that the economic impact on Burma has not been that great. But I think the political impact has been very great and that has helped us in our struggle for democracy.