When the Nobel Committee chose to honor me, the road I had chosen of my own free will became a less lonely path to follow.

The people of my country want the two freedoms that spell security: freedom from want and freedom from fear.

Because of rampant inflation, living standards have been dropping for the great majority of the population. The people are poorer because standards of health and education have fallen. And conditions in the rural areas are worse off than they have ever been. So, you cannot equate the so-called open-market economy adopted by the SLORC with any real development that benefits people.

The struggle for democracy and human rights in Burma is a struggle for life and dignity. It is a struggle that encompasses our political, social and economic aspirations.

I felt that it was my duty not to senselessly waste my time. And since I didn't want to waste my time, I tried to accomplish as much as possible.

If you want to bring an end to long-standing conflict, you have to be prepared to compromise.

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