I think by now I have made it fairly clear that I am not very happy with the word hope. I don't believe in people just hoping.

I don't understand why people say that I am full of courage. I feel terribly nervous.

With the right kind of institutions, starting with the rule of law, Burma could progress very quickly.

I think corporations should give more attention to this suffering and should wait to invest until there is a responsible government in Burma. I do not think it is a good idea to separate economics from politics; in fact, I do not think economics can be separated from politics It's quite understandable that many business concerns think only about their own profits It's up to the public to put as much pressure as it can on these companies, through shareholder resolutions and public actions.

People need security of the mind. Why do they want democracy? Because it can give them freedom and security in a balanced way.

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.

We do need great change in Burma. We are trying to build a new society, a society where basic human rights are respected, and where our people enjoy all the benefits of democratic institutions.