I've always tried to explain democracy is not perfect. But it gives you a chance to shape your own destiny.

Lasting solutions are always difficult to come to. But they will have to persevere. I've been repeating ad nauseam that we in Burma we are weak with regard to the culture of negotiated compromises, that we have to develop the ability to achieve such compromises.

The true measure of the justice of a system is the amount of protection it guarantees to the weakest.

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.

Some of the best indicators of a country developing along the right lines are healthy mothers giving birth to healthy children who are assured of good care and a sound education that will enable them to face the challenges of a changing world.

The important thing is fear should not control your actions. It should not dictate what you do.