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Subscribe to RSSAung San Suu Kyi shares her message for people around the world struggling for freedom and democracy. NBC's Ann Curry reports.
Ann Curry, NBC News Special Correspondent
NEW YORK – Myanmar’s pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was one of the world's most famous political prisoners until her release two years ago.
After 15 years under house arrest, NBC News’ Ann Curry asked her Friday what her message is to other people all over the world struggling for freedom?
“It's the same struggle for everybody everywhere; because unless we are free we can't really realize our own potential. And if we can't realize our own potential we are like a crippled tree. It would be a stunted growth,” Suu Kyi replied.
Now on a 17-day coast-to-coast tour of the United States, earlier this week Suu Kyi met President Barack Obama at the White House and received the Congressional Gold Medal for her long fight for democracy in a country ruled by army generals since 1962.
She sat down with Curry on Friday morning and discussed her emergence from house arrest, her new political role in Myanmar and what kept her going all those years.
'I just didn't know how to give up'
During her years under house arrest in the country also known as Burma, Suu Kyi was separated from her family, and unable to see her husband, British academic Michael Aris, before his death from cancer in 1999. Suu Kyi was released in late 2010 and has since joined hands with members of the former ruling junta that detained her to push ahead with political reform.
Myanmar opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has been presented with Congress' highest award, the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of her leadership and commitment to human rights in Burma.
Curry asked her what sustained her over all those years?
“Well, I just didn't know how to give up,” Suu Kyi said with a smile. “I never thought of needing anything to sustain me. It never occurred to me that I should give up.”
Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi calls for release of Russian punk band Pussy Riot
She also credited the perseverance she learned as a child from her mother and father, Aung San, a Burmese independence hero and founder of the modern Burmese army.
“I was brought up by my mother very strictly,” she said. “She always spoke about the importance of a sense of duty and if you take up something you just don't drop it.”
She said she also felt an obligation to see her father’s dream of an independent country come true.
“My mother always brought me up to understand that my father loved his country and of course I always knew that he didn't live to see his dream come true. He died just before we regained independence. And I suppose always I wanted to realize his dream for him.”
Suu Kyi honored with Congress' highest award
MSNBC host Alex Wagner moderates a town hall with Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and Amnesty International live from the Newseum in Washington, D.C.
Possible presidential run?
Suu Kyi won the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize for championing democracy in opposition to the military junta that held her under house arrest for years.
Suu Kyi's election to parliament in April helped to transform the pariah image of Myanmar and persuade the West to begin rolling back sanctions after a year of dramatic reforms, including the release of about 700 political prisoners.
As for her house arrest, she said she learned at least one important skill during that time: how to listen.
“I learned to listen very well because I listened to the radio about five, six hours a day. And this ability to listen has stayed me- has stood me in very good stead,” she said. “It helps you to understand how people's minds work. How other people think. What their point of view is.”
Ease sanctions on Myanmar, Suu Kyi says on U.S. tour
She is confident in her country’s future – but did not rule out the possibility of ever running for president of Myanmar.
“No, if you're a politician you never rule out such a possibility,” she said.
Suu Kyi is currently in New York, where 40 years ago she worked for the United Nations. She'll then travel to Kentucky, Indiana and California to speak on campuses and meet Burmese expatriates.
See the full invterview with Ann Curry here.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
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Courageous lady
@earthycat:
Yes we know Mormonism is almost as whacky as Scientology and a little more incoherently loony than Christianity/Islam/Judaism. But...so what? Is this the right thread for your observations?
Indeed, a courageous lady, and it was good to see Anne Curry at her best, too. Two amazing ladies.
Great women.
earthycat 777 is that the best you can do as to character assassinate Mitt Romney who does far more good than your Father in Washington Lord Obama who has done nothing but to smear and devide the world!
Take a lesson from her-listen and not talk. If people listen more, they could gain more knowledge than if the mouth is always flapping. "silence is truly Golden"
I find it Ironic that the word courageous are used to describe this lady. When she has spent her life fighting against the same government controlled everything that Americans seem so attracted to. I would have thought the leftists would view her a traitor to their cause here.
Irony is not without a sense of humor, it would seem.
How about Comrade Obama and his Muslim faith?
@4everphillyfan... But duct tape is gray. Thank goodness for free speech.
Vincent;
Duct tape comes in many colors now. It ain't just gray anymore.
@Nicodemus1946, I did not know this. I have been living out of the USA for 5 years now and I still wouldn't want my mouth taped shut. My wife keeps telling me that I can't say some things out loud because it will get us in trouble. Only if some people really knew how lucky we are in the USA.
For much of her 17 years of house arrest, the American government ignored her plight. Only recently, as part of America military resurgence in the Asia Pacific region, the American government expediently cultivated her celebrity status to promote its military-political agenda in the region. Essentially, America secretly wants to promote Kyi as the next US-friendly government over Burma's existing military style dictatorship that has persistently resisted America's courtship.
The American government's special recognition of Kyi and subsequent adorning her with the Congressional Award are publicity stunts serving the foreign policy of USA rather than the purported pro-democracy stance of the American government. America has championed the democratic process only when it is to America's advantage. America has supported and will support dictatorships around the world. The former Saddam Hussain; the Shah; the Monarchy of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Berain(sic) and Jordan; the Sultan of Brunei; the previous Taliban regime; and a half dozen of African nations are some of the examples.
When the time comes Kyi no longer serves US interest, she will be discarded or over-thrown as the history of the Shah, Saddam, and the Taliban have shown.
hey fat cat, her name is Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and she is right up there with Gandhi,
Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela. She is larger than any U.S. president since
Lincoln. You know nothing about Burma.
Might be John528 I stay pretty connected to world events, tried to overcome my handicap of attending a public school. I can tell you who the VP for the Republicks was when Dewey ran against Truman. But got to tell you, never of heard of this women. And to say she is larger than any US president since Lincoln, well I think your pulling our, well you know.
"John528" I must agree with FatCat on this one. Obviously, it is YOU who knows not much about this area of the world. Look up ROHINGYA PEOPLE in Wikipedia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We sure have become cynical in our observations of the media reports. This may be just what their agenda is. But, really, Wikipedia? a reliable news source? Hmmm.
I would have to agree with john 528 to some extent, Suu Kyi is a world changer. I would ask you, fellow commenters, what have you done lately? Activists get the short end of the stick for their...well, activism. But, when you spend 12 years in house arrest you are going to change something, hopefully, its the world. These Burmese peoples need help. They are like the little skinny kid at the end of the block, everybody keeps kicking their a$$.
Suu Kyi, is "being the change she wants to see in the world" All those politicians in the pictures, (Polosi, Boehner, Clinton) they are just showing up to get some of what she ( Suu Kyi ) represents. Undeserving, of course.
She is my hero; and she has given hope to a lot of female fighters; perhaps, it may include male freedom fighters.
Non-violent approach, through patience and conversation/dialogue, has solved problems.
She may now focus business opportunities for her own nation to move forward . . .
This is a woman who should be admired and use as a role model not for only the world but for women as a whole. I do not believe that this award was given as political motivation to manipulate and even if it were this is a woman that cannot be manipulated and or controlled Ms. Kyi has shown that over the years with her firm stance against a hardline regime.
Congratulations for not only receiving the medal Ms. Kyi, moreover, congratulations on freeing your people and country and permitting a life that each person in the world deserves which is freedom of speech and movement without fear and all through peaceful means.
This is way out in left field. How did she just come out of the wall like Obama, and why was she awarded an Americans High Civilian award and for What. All these people stated how strong she was. For years she was under house arrest and sat there listening to the radio. What did she do actively for her country and what has she done for the U.S. Is she special because she was also go a Nobel Peace Prize? What did she do to get that. For the amount of posts on this topic it seems that this is just a build up for an Obama in his fight to maintain his control. Why is she touring the United States, and only certain locations? This woman gets an American Award and has been under arrest for years and our own Citizens are varily given any recognition for what they have down. The military only get awards mostly for suffering injuries and death. The Police and Fire Departmenst are the same. The Americans that want a stronger America are condoned as being Stupid but unknowns from afar are awarded for every word they may speak and it could be just plain JUNK. Go back home and prove you did something.
This is one tough, courageous lady, who was under arrest for many years. She, unlike little boy barry marxist @!$%#, did not just come out of the woodwork, she is fighting for her country, and her beliefe. That was a great speech! She deserves that medal, for her struggles!!!
From the video....I don't believe it was an award given for political motivation either. It looked bi-partisan to me. With our congress, I'm always amazed to see members of both parties sharing a stage, even at an award ceremony. If Miss Suu Kyi can bring our congress together like that....maybe we should pay attention to her message.
Why it's, Mr. Spock!!! Now all we need is Kirk and Mc Coy.
Aung San Suu Kyi has been criticized for her apparent indifference concerning the plight of two ethnic minorities, the Rohingyas and the Kachins, who are being persecuted by government soldiers. This is worrisome, but perhaps her silence has to do with the fact that reformists under President Thein Sein, who is her de facto ally, do not have complete control over the army, especially the military regions outside central Burma. So she has decided to withhold comment in order not to put Thein Sein in a difficult position, caught between critics in the international community and his own military subordinates.
More needs to be known, before we can understand how Daw Suu Kyi is trying to deal with Burma's tragic ethnic conflicts. But some ethnic minority people have expressed skepticism.
I think at some point we have to realise that our heroes, even the most heroic of them, are still just people.
She can't free the whole world. She has given her life to the advancement of others. If she cannot free every one of them, I think that maybe others should step and into the breach using her extraordinary actions as an example instead of complaining that she hasn't done enough.
Not that I mean that you are saying this, Don - but it sounds like someone somewhere is and I think that's pretty s****y.
yeah.. you are right Clang, I agree with you.
If Obama (Nobel Peace Prize given to him for nothing, just like everything else that's been handed to him) didn't have such a large and undeserved ego, he'd be ashamed to be in her presence.
Obama Lies-Your a bigot, and would not know a person deserving of the Noble Peace Prize if your pathetic life depended on it. You choose to insult the President of our country so if you have so much disdain for him, how about you go where you can have a President you can show some respect for, because your going to have to live with President Obama for another 4 years. Go live in that make believe world where lying creeps like Romeny and Ryan make decisions for a country, because it will never be reality.
Obama/Biden-2012
I know a free gift when I see one, and Obama's life has been filled with them. I have nothing but disdain for a man whose plan is to reduce the country I love to levels of a third-world country. People like you disgust me. you ca folks bigots when, in fact, you are the one who is intolerant of anyone who disagrees with yourpoint of view. Taxpayers can't take another 4 years of this baloney and it'll be great to see creeps like you crying when Obama and his fat as s ed mooch of a wife get on the plane and get out of D.C.
The 2009 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to U.S. President Barack Obama "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples" The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award on October 9, 2009, citing Obama's promotion of nuclear nonproliferation and a "new climate" in international relations fostered by Obama, especially in reaching out to the Muslim world
Can't you see Obama Lies, he has the Muslims right under his thumb?
Obama lies- Your one disgusting human being and I can see with no respect for women at all, a real trait of the GOP party of disgust!
Obama/Biden-2012
Wonderful interview Ann. You bring so much to the table. It is clear that those you interview have such enormous respect for you, as do we. Your voice and thoughts add such richness to the discussion.
I'm just thrilled to see Ann Courie!!!! Today show really messed up by taking her off the Today show,,I quit watching. Savanah Guthrie has no confidence.
Isn't great to be a democrat! Romney and Ryan just make my day with all their lies and greed. Bishop Romney could never settle for the plight of Suu Kyi. He conveniently forgets his Mormon Bishop principles when it comes to political and financial gain. Money can't buy you victory to the presidency! Just watch and see. God has his plan and it's not Romney's plan. The 47% are all employed except for about 6%. Where do all the 47%'s money go to? It comes from WORKING!!!and NOT living off interest only. Bishops hold a higher place in the Mormon Church which comes with a higher calling to serve the church. Wonder why Romney lost his way?? He could NEVER BE LIKE Suu Kyi!!!! She exemplifies true patience, humility, courage, and leadership.
The Ann Curry interview was total tripe .. weepy ... insipid ... Suu Kyi is a great woman, and NBC’s Curry blew it bigtime. Bad journalism, typical of TV news, where weepy is preferred over straight questions. Awful.
I love Ann, but why was she whispering?
There is an ethnic group in Myanmar called the Royhingas (spelling?) that has been the target of discrimination for decades. I recall in an interview that she was asked about equality for that group as well, and it seemed that Ang Suu Kyi was very hesitant in calling for equal treatment for them, responding with a very vague statement in an attempt to change the subject. It is likely that she shares the same negative sentiment toward that ethnicity as does the ruling majority. I used to hold her in high regard, but this fact alone makes me question her views as well. She should include EVERYONE when she calls for equality.
Proof that biggotry is alive and well no matter where you go. Thats the "Ok, but not in my back yard (aka NIMBY) effect.
Hopefully there are members of those ethnic groups, that have been discrimated against in Myanmar, residing here in the United States. Those individuals should attend the locations that Ang Suu Kyi has planned to speak at, and ask her personally. I would be very much interested in seeing and hearing her response.
She is amazing, and she speaks of reconciliation after enduring her years of captivity. There will be a seat for everyone in Burma to gather at the table as the country starts the transition toward democracy. The multitude of ethnic groups need to have their voices heard and need to be present and visible during this transition.
"That's all very interesting, Miss Suu Kyi! :) But what would you do if your employers TOTALLY effed you over after decades of loyal, outstanding service just so they could make you their own personal scapegoat??? :) :) :) "
So Much Wished I Watched This! I stopped watching NBC news (morning and evenings) since Ann Curry departure. I admit, I am a supporter of Ann. I Hate that NBC is TEASING Me or TRYING to MANIPULATE ME to watch NBC News.Ann Curry Interviews and her Reportings are Real Honest Discussions. She has respect for History and Present Times.
I agree with Clang, Why everything should be on her shoulder. She had done enough for country.There are 60 million of people in Burma. Now , it's time for reconciliation ,so she may need to handle things carefully.
This lady has done an incredible job of holding out hope for her country. Notice there were no bombs, no rioting, no threats just peace. Very tough to go up against a military dictatorship with no guns and no bombs but this lady managed to do it.
Excellent article! Great to see Ann Curry's work back in the public eye. NBC got a winner. CBS is stupid!
One truly brave lady!
meanwhile back on the ranch in America..............
laws and regulations are being passed under our noses that would limit the freedoms of those who own livestock. do a google search on Dollarhite rabbits, mad sheep, raw milk raids and go to nonais dot org to find out about the USDA program that would require owners to file movement reports on their animals, register with the govt, microchip, etc just so corporate ag-= who does not have to do these things= can say the meats raised on facotory farms is safe to eat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is obvious from many of the postings that few people know anything about Burma/Myanmar or the woman who has spent most of her lifetime fighting for a democratic government for her country.
Like most of the countries of the world, Myanmar population is made up of tribal groups, some of whom have a history of conflicts and lack the support of the ruling alliance of tribal groups. This problem is found in African, mid-eastern, central European and oriental nations as well as southeast Asian countries.
The largest country which contains hundreds of tribal groups yet has limited tribal conflict, it the United States. Our country's founders set up a nation in which they anticipated hundreds of tribes immigrating into the country to become a nation united not by commonality of tribes, but by commonality of aspirations, the desire for freedoms of all kinds, the right to speak freely, to think and act differently within a group of laws laid down by our democratically elected representatives. This being true, millions of people around the world aspire to what we have, a government that allows and encourages it citizens to seek and achieve their individual goals.
A loss of respect for those laws which make us who we are will drastically change what we are and the lost respect cannot be recaptured. Throughout history, all nations have declined, mostly as a result of mistakes made by the citizens and their governments. All that we can hope for is that nations following us will look to us for inspiration in developing their own nation without tribal conflict and equal freedoms for all.
What a shame, this story was looking so good untill it got to the O'sama part.
Just what we need in this country, another political activist from a communist country. We already have a political party dedicated to communism, they're called Democrats. I'm sure she's a nice lady, but when she starts hobnobbing around here with the liberal elites like Nancy Pelosi and Barbara Boxer, she'll be just as extreme as they are.
I'm sure this is Leonard Nimoy. SPOCK!!