Sometimes I didn't even have enough money to eat. I became so weak from malnourishment that my hair fell out, and I couldn't get out of bed.

As you look at me and listen to me, please remember the often repeated truth that one prisoner of conscience is one too many.

Burma wants to have good relations with our neighboring countries, China and India. I do believe the United States itself wants to live in harmony with China and India. That's why we have to lay down political policies that are fair for everyone.

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.

I feel that the BBC World Service is not as versatile as it used to be - or perhaps I'm not listening at the right times.

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

Justice is a dream. But it is a dream that we are determined to realize.