Aung San Suu Kyi Interview: Myanmar Democracy Advocate Gives First U.S. Television Interview

NBC's Ann Curry has conducted the first U.S. television interview with democracy advocate and Nobel Prize-winner Aung San Suu Kyi since she was released from house arrest in Myanmar in November.

After traveling to Asia, NBC's Ann Curry was denied the visa she needed to enter Myanmar to interview Suu Kyi. However, because she was able to sneak a camera into the country, she conducted the interview by phone from the U.S.

"Freedom and democracy are dreams you never give up," said Suu Kyi, who has been imprisoned for 15 of the last 21 years. President Obama has described her as one of his heros, but Suu Kyi insists, "If I were the blushing kind, I would blush to be called a hero."

You can watch Suu Kyi discuss her family, her nation and Facebook here:

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Comments

[mudshark12]

12:33 PM on 01/23/2011

Aung San Suu Kyi is very honorable and diligent to continue seeking democracy for Myanmar. That she is wiling to talk to the junta that usurped control over Myanmar's government show that she is a practical leader similar to Ghandi or Martin Luther King. I hope she is successful in securing freedom for her people.

[FrancescoFemia]

10:59 AM on 01/22/2011

This woman, whose values are consistent with the best of American values of democracy and freedom, should be talked about in the mainstream American media regularly. Instead, she gets a 4 minute interview,likely followed by years of total silence on the subject.

[logicanada]

08:06 PM on 01/22/2011

When they see the interview she'll be back in prison.

[theseusofaustralia]

06:50 AM on 01/23/2011

americans dont value democracy, thats why every election is bought and every us ally in the middle east is a tyrant.

[Lou Allin]

10:21 AM on 01/22/2011

Now that is one beautiful woman. May she and her cause prosper.

[last nyer]

09:35 AM on 01/22/2011

ahhh NBC and Ann Curry couldn't leave the Emmy's out of the shot...classy

[roshni]

09:15 AM on 01/22/2011

Much respect to this amazing woman who has sacrificed so much to highlight the plight of her people.

[gavrielle]

09:07 AM on 01/22/2011

What does it say about this world when a person who simply stands by her principles and suffers the consequences with dignity is called a hero? That the vast majority of individuals now living are craven sell-outs who go along to get along and really aren't worth saving.

Grow a spine planet Earth. Take a stand and make your mark. She's right. It isn't heroic. It's just the right thing to do.

[zootalors]

11:18 AM on 01/22/2011

well put

[zaglossus]

07:35 AM on 01/22/2011

Cornball general at the 55 second mark. What are all those medals for. What military campaigns has Burma engaged in, except those against its own people?

[gavrielle]

09:02 AM on 01/22/2011

No doubt many of them are for little known engagements involving personal honor and ladies undies. The generals are known to have an irrational fear of female undergarments. That, or they just like the pretty colors.

[zaglossus]

07:28 AM on 01/22/2011

Burma needs a lot more exposure on U.S. television news. This woman is all but unknown to cable TV viewers.

[looneydoone]

08:34 AM on 01/22/2011

There is no US "news"
better to watch Al Jazeera, BBC, DW, Democracy Now , Mosaic etc

[roshni]

09:16 AM on 01/22/2011

Not in the international media. U.S. is pathetic in reporting international news.

[RumiSouth]

07:16 AM on 01/22/2011

Hero. Blush away, Aung San.

[Adam L Brinklow]

03:21 AM on 01/22/2011

That's it? Look, if you're only affording this woman four minutes of airtime, which is questionable enough as it is, then let us hear her talk for the ENTIRE four minutes.

[Franciscodeflores]

03:18 AM on 01/22/2011

The World needs more leaders of conscience who are willing to do their duty.

[gavrielle]

09:09 AM on 01/22/2011

The world needs more followers with guts, who are willing to take a stand and do their duty. Hanging your leaders out to dry when the going gets tough is not going to encourage any sort of leadership to arise - except the worst sort.

[soundping]

02:59 AM on 01/22/2011

Aung San Suu Kyi is an example of the best.

[larce1948]

02:44 AM on 01/22/2011

Again, I fault the silly American TV media culture. Aung San Suu Kyi has a relevant story to tell but cannot hope to get as much airtime as Sarah or Snooki.

[LMPE]

12:56 AM on 01/22/2011

Still, it seems like a risky move to talk directly with the junta. No telling what they'll try.

[Maung Pon Nya]

12:39 AM on 01/22/2011

Our mother, Daw Suu, has big brain but no hands. How could she proceed her belief with no hands? Most of the Activists are corrupt as well as Burmese Military. As a result, the people of Burma/Myanmar are suffering from poverty.

[David Rozgonyi]

03:52 AM on 01/22/2011

Mingalaba. This is true in my experience in Myanmar. But the people of Myanmar will endure because their nature is to do so. May the blessings of the Buddha be upon them, and you.

Incidentally, my wife and I were married in a Yangon monastery, and we'll be back there in less than two weeks! I can't wait to see your beautiful country and people again... twadame.