If the restrictions on the work of my party and on me personally are not removed in the very, very near future - that is in a matter of days - I think the United States should start thinking seriously of sanctions. This is really about as bad as it has ever been.

Democracy is when the people keep a government in check.

I'm not the only one working for democracy in Burma - there are so many people who have worked for it because they believe that this is the only way we can maintain the dignity of our people.

I was heartened that people everywhere want certain basic freedoms, even if they live in a totally different cultural environment.

I think that freedom is sometimes a state of mind. Sometimes, mind you, but not always.

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.

We have to choose between dialogue and utter devastation.