There should be no political prisoners in a democratic country.

I was a bit of a coward when I was small. I was terribly frightened of the dark.

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.

I do protect human rights, and I hope I shall always be looked up as a champion of human rights.

I think I should be active politically. Because I look upon myself as a politician. That's not a dirty work you know. Some people think that there are something wrong with politicians. Of course, something wrong with some politicians.

There are those who argue that the concept of human rights is not applicable to all cultures. We in the National League for Democracy believe that human rights are of universal relevance. But even those who do not believe in human rights must certainly agree that the rule of law is most important. Without the rule of law there can be no peace.

Once serious political dialogue has begun, the international community can assume that we have achieved genuine progress along the road to real democratisation.