As you look at me and listen to me, please remember the often repeated truth that one prisoner of conscience is one too many.

Democracy acknowledges the right to differ as well as the duty to settle differences peacefully. Authoritarian governments see criticism of their actions and doctrines as a challenge to combat.

The important thing is Burma needs to end the civil war and for this to happen both sides must want to end the war.

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.

I was surprised by the response of young people because there is a perception that those younger than the 1988 generation are not interested in politics.

As the twentieth century draws to a close it has become obvious that material yardsticks alone cannot serve as an adequate measure of human well-being. Even as basic an issue as poverty has to be re-examined to take into account the psychological sense of deprivation that makes people feel poor.

I think by now I have made it fairly clear that I am not very happy with the word hope. I don't believe in people just hoping.