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

When you think of Buddhism, you're likely to think of peace and tranquility.

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.

To be forgotten, is to die a little.

One person alone can't do anything as important as bringing genuine democracy to a country.

We have been making constant efforts, all the time, to start dialogue with the SLORC, but you know it takes two. We don't want a monologue. We would like a substantive political dialogue among the SLORC, political leaders including myself, and leaders of ethnic groups-exactly as stipulated in the U.N. General Assembly resolution on Burma.

Even one voice can be heard loudly all over the world in this day and age.