Q: What would you like to say as the NLD is preparing to collect signatures, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, in support of you to be delivered to the Maha Nayaka Sangha Council?
A: They are my followers. Monk receives donations from anyone. When army officers come and donate to my monastery, I extend my hospitality, and I do the same with the people from the opposition. Monks always stays neutral. We don't discriminate between soldiers or civilians. It is very simple, but I am sorry for those people who are trying to stir up the situation. I don't feel upset or frightened, but I take it as a punishment of life’s struggle.
Q: You recently met with the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Do you think that meeting is relevant to the current developments?
A: I had known one week before the letter from the Sangha Council was officially sent to me. I met Hillary Clinton on Dec. 2 and received this news on Dec. 4.
Q: What is your message to the Burmese people and the international community?
A: I want to say that all I am doing, including this, is for peace. I have been a leading monk in restoring peace. I have officially said that I will keep working for peace no matter other monks do or don't do. If you feel comfortable knowing that people are suffering in armed conflicts in the ethnic areas, you are unpatriotic to your country and your people. I am patriotic. I care for the interests of the country. If you really care for your country's interests, you shouldn't think that these ongoing conflicts aren't relevant to you. I am a peace advocate and have no violence in my mind at all.
I have many future activities that I intend to do. I see myself as if a tumbling doll, which can stand still at any position, or a fire balloon which you have to fill with smoke to go up.
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