I don't think you can work on feelings in politics, apart from anything else, political change can come very unexpectedly, sometimes overnight when you least expect it.

There have been many claims that [U.S.] sanctions have hurt Burma economically, but I did not agree with that point of view. If you look at reports by the IMF, for example, they make quite clear that the economic impact on Burma has not been that great. But I think the political impact has been very great and that has helped us in our struggle for democracy.

One person alone can't do anything as important as bringing genuine democracy to a country.

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 look upon myself as a politician. That isn't a dirty word.

I think, if you have enough inner resources, then you can live in isolation for long periods of time and not feel diminished by it.

I've always said that the more coordinated the efforts of the international community are, the better it will be for democracy in Burma.