At a Washington think tank -- the Heritage Foundation -- Secretary of State Colin Powell talked about Asian democracy and America’s role in general.
In driving his point home, Mr. Powell cited both Burma’s democracy movement and the words of Aung San Suu Kyi that highlight America’s support.
Secretary Powell said, “We combine all of our policy tools into an effective diplomacy – blends power and persuasion as necessary to the case at hand. How more specifically are we supporting Asian democracy? Most importantly we let them know that we care – that we are rooting for them. It means a lot. Don’t just take my word for it. Listen to somebody we all know and respect – Aung San Suu Kyi."
“It’s deeply encouraging”, she said, “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.”
In his address Tuesday, Secretary Powell gave an encouraging reassurance to the Burmese democracy movement not to lose hope.
"Let me now tell all true Burmese patriots that we are with you still. Keep faith, my friends, keep faith. For Burma’s day of democracy will come.