From the point of view of the people of Burma, there is hardly any investment coming in now that will provide employment and better standards of living for those who really need help. From the point of view of the investors, the basic structures necessary for sustained economic growth do not yet exist in Burma. But I am convinced that Burma is heading towards democracy because it's what the people want - and inspite of investment not because of it. A lot of Western politicians say that through commercial contacts with democratic nations the Burmese people will gain experience of democratic principles. Commercial contacts are certainly not going to help Burmese people get democratic ideas.
New investments help a small elite get richer.
I would have thought that this would work against the very idea of democracy because the gap between rich and poor is growing all the time. You've become quite an extraordinary icon of hope. Yes, because if people base their hopes on you, then of course it's a responsibility. No, because I've always said that I can't do it alone and neither can the National League for Democracy. We need the help of the people and we need the rest of the world.