I think there's a need for the participation of the military for the stability of the transformation period of Burma. If the military and the people do unite together for the sake of our country, we can reach the development of our country in a very short time.

Young people drift away from society because, in many cases, they have no hope or goals. So, hope will have to be given to the young.

I've never thought of myself as being particularly brave - I used to be frightened of the dark when I was small. And I'm not very good with dead rats and things like that. But I face what has to be faced and I hope as best as I'm able.

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

Sometimes, 24 hours can bring a total revolutionary change.

It is the love of ordinary people, in Burma, in Japan or anywhere else in the world, for justice and peace and freedom that is our surest defense against the forces of unreason and extremism.

If you can make people understand why freedom is so important through the arts, that would be a big help.