We have to choose between dialogue and utter devastation.

As I travel through my country, people often ask me how it feels to have been imprisoned in my home -first for six years, then for 19 months. How could I stand the separation from family and friends? It is ironic, I say, that in an authoritarian state it is only the prisoner of conscience who is genuinely free. Yes, we have given up our right to a normal life. But we have stayed true to that most precious part of our humanity-our conscience.

Perhaps Singapore could learn from us a more relaxed way of life.

I don't understand why people say that I am full of courage. I feel terribly nervous.

In Burma, under the present Constitution, the Army can always take over all parts of government if they think this is necessary. so until the Army comes out clearly and consistently in support of the democratic process we cannot say that it's irreversible. But I don't think we need fear a reversal too much either.

I am not unaware of the saying that more tears have been shed over wishes granted than wishes denied.

I've always been strongly on the side of non-violence. Also, I think that if you use the wrong means, the ends themselves get distorted.