It's an honour to welcome the participants of the conference on "South-east Asia, democracy and civil liberty denied, in Burma, Laos, Vietnam."



It is deeply encouraging to know that there are people like you who care about our liberty and rights. We have struggled for democracy in Burma for more than a decade and during this time we have been strengthened by the support of friends and well-wishers from across the globe.



We know that our demands are not unreasonable, we are simply asking for the right of human beings to live lives contindent to the human dignity. Democracy and civil liberties are basic requirements for the survival of human dignity. I believe that this conference will contribute towards a better understanding of the problems we have to face and the discussion of possible solutions will help the process of democratisation to move forward.



We do not just need to change, we need to speedy change, that our people might be able to fulfil the potential and help to make this world a happier place.



We have no time to lose, already too much time has been lost. Therefore, I would like to urge you to increase your efforts to bring democracy and civil liberty to those countries where it is denied at present.

Thank you for your dedication to the cause of human dignity and human happiness.



I look forward to the time when we in Burma can also contribute towards the increase of human dignity and human happiness all over the world.



Thank you very much.