Saints, it has been said, are the sinners who go on trying. So free men and women are the oppressed who go on trying and who in the process make themselves fit to bear the responsibilities and uphold the disciplines which will maintain a free society.

There is nothing to be gained by being unnecessarily nasty. Violence begets violence.

If I advocate cautious optimism it is not because I do not have faith in the future but because I do not want to encourage blind faith.

The terms of the 2008 constitution [which ensures the military will continue to be the ultimate authority] could not benefit Burma in the long run. I think this constitution should be revised.

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

Human beings the world over need freedom and security that they may be able to realize their full potential.

Foreign investors will not come and do things without any returns for themselves. And we don't expect them to come work for us free. But the local population should benefit rightfully. The locals should benefit just a little more than the companies.