I can say with absolute confidence that the general public of Burma would be very little affected, if at all, by sanctions. So far, the kind of investments that have come in have benefited the public very little indeed. If you have been in Burma long enough, you will be aware of the fact that a small elite has developed that is extremely wealthy. Perhaps they would be affected, but my concern is not with them but with the general public.

The Nobel Peace Prize opened up a door in my heart.

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

All repressive laws must be revoked, and laws introduced to protect the rights of the people.

I don't think of myself as unbreakable. Perhaps I'm just rather flexible and adaptable.

Every government must consider the security of the country. That is just part of the responsibilities of any government. But true security can only come out of unity within a country where there are so many ethnic nationalities.

It is often in the name of cultural integrity as well as social stability and national security that democratic reforms based on human rights are resisted by authoritarian governments.