EmailIn an event hailed as the "most remarkable in the entire history of the Nobel prizes", Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese democracy campaigner, delivered her acceptance speech for her peace prize in Oslo's vast City Hall more than two decades after it was awarded.
Given the prize in 1991 – but by then under house arrest by Burma's military junta – it was left to her two sons, Alexander and Kim, to travel to Norway to receive the peace prize that year. Able to travel freely after 21 years, Aung San Suu Kyi stood in front of a packed hall, in which Norwegian dignitaries rubbed shoulders with Buddhist monks in saffron robes and Burmese guests in traditional costumes, to deliver her long-delayed acceptance speech in a moment of high emotion.
Commended in the original citation for her "non-violent struggle" as "one of the most extraordinary examples of civil courage in Asia in recent decades", the 66-year-old activist, elected to the country's national assembly during its fragile political transition, recalled with typical self-effacement the moment at which she heard she had been awarded the peace prize.
"I heard the news on the radio one evening. I've tried very hard to remember what my immediate reaction to the announcement of the award had been. I think it was something like: 'Oh … so they've decided to give it to me'."
Aung San Suu Kyi arrived in Norway from Switzerland, her first stop on a two-week tour of Europe. The journey is her first in Europe since 1988, when she left her husband and two young sons in England to visit her ill mother in Burma and became the focal point for the nascent democracy movement.
She made a wide-ranging, deeply personal lecture, which touched on her feelings of isolation under house arrest, the Buddhist concept of suffering, human rights and her hopes and fears for her country's future, and the importance of the peace prize itself.
"It did not seem quite real because in a sense I did not feel myself to be quite real at that time," she said. "Often during my days of house arrest it felt as though I were no longer a part of the real world.
"There was the house which was my world, there was the world of others who also were not free but were together in prison as a community, and there was the world of the free; each was a different planet pursuing its own separate course in an indifferent universe.
"What the Nobel peace prize did was to draw me once again into the world of other human beings outside the isolated area in which I lived, to restore a sense of reality to me. This did not happen instantly, of course, but as the days and months went by, and news of reactions to the award came over the airwaves, I began to understand the significance of the Nobel prize. It had made me real once again.
"What was more important, the prize had drawn the attention of the world to the struggle for democracy and human rights in Burma. We were not going to be forgotten. When the Nobel committee awarded the peace prize to me, they were recognising that the oppressed and the isolated in Burma were also a part of the world, they were recognising the oneness of humanity … The Nobel peace prize opened up a door in my heart."
Talking about the motivation in a period during which she was separated from her family and her British husband, the academic Michael Aris, died, she said: "If I am asked why I am fighting for democracy in Burma, it is because I believe that democratic institutions and practices are necessary for the guarantee of human rights.
"When I joined the democracy movement in Burma, it never occurred to me that I might ever be the recipient of any prize or honour. The prize we were working for was a free, secure and just society where our people might be able to realise their full potential."
Aung San Suu Kyi appeared impossibly small, entering the City Hall wearing a purple jacket and flowing lilac scarf to the sound of a trumpet fanfare.
Thorbjørn Jagland, chairman of the Nobel committee, who introduced her, said: "Today's event is one of the most remarkable in the entire history of the Nobel prizes … We hope that Liu Xiaobo [the Chinese political activist] will not have to wait as long as you have before he can come to Oslo."
Jagland recalled how, when the peace prize celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2001 with more than 30 laureates in attendance, "we left one chair empty [for her]".
Comments
16 June 2012 4:03PM
Pffft . . . even Obama has one of those.
16 June 2012 4:14PM
There are a very few people with the dignity and honour and determination which she has demonstrated over the decades. All against the brutal regime which has murdered her countrymen/women.
That's why the above is so important and powerful moment. Demonstrates both that righteousness does prevail and that the power of her getting the Nobel all those years ago swayed the global opinion and, eventually, the generals.
So I don't give a chuffing chuff if Obama has one or not. She's one of the most deserving and powerful recipients of the prize. All democratic power to her elbow I say.
16 June 2012 4:15PM
The darling of the left wing luvvies. Tax avoidance specialist Bono - God to you and me - will be throwing a bash for her in Dublin next week at a cost of a couple of grand a head. We'll all be at that. Right....
16 June 2012 4:17PM
Countrypeople?
16 June 2012 4:18PM
I would love to see a photograph of Aung San Suu Kyi embracing Nelson Mandela. What a truly inspirational image that would be.
16 June 2012 4:20PM
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16 June 2012 4:21PM
She's an incredibly intelligent and modest politician.
Unlike any ministers in our own government I'm afraid....
16 June 2012 4:22PM
I honestly thought this day would never come, and extremely inspired that it finally has.
16 June 2012 4:26PM
Well he can afford it, can't he? He's just made hundred's of millions out of his investment in facebook.
... but I would in no way judge this great woman by the company she sometimes keeps. Political saints like her should take all the support they can get.
16 June 2012 4:31PM
Like Mandela, she is a symbol of hope that evil in the world can be overcome, through courage, honesty, and perseverance, and we can all find our common humanity, and all celebrate this wonderful gift of life, together across the whole world, in freedom, justice, and peace.
16 June 2012 4:32PM
Great, now repeal Obama's Nobel peace prize.
16 June 2012 4:34PM
Her speech was the most moving thing I have heard for many years - if ever. I found myself shedding real tears.
some of you shouldl get back under your bridges uttering such spite for such a brave, honest caring woman. Troll is too good a word for you..
16 June 2012 4:38PM
Could Aung San Suu Kyi (or anyone else) please tell us who "the remainder" are? Referring to them simply as "the unknown ones" is a sure-fire way to ensure they stay unknown.
16 June 2012 4:50PM
The Nobel Peace Prize is tainted after they gave it to Obama.
But Aung San Suu Kyi is clearly a very decent and influential humanist - she deserves all the positive publicity she gets.
16 June 2012 4:57PM
Not the first name I'd have spluttered out.
Maybe the second.
16 June 2012 5:05PM
She deserves it. She is one of the most inspiring people in the world and has made a difference in this world. I wish more young people would look up to someone like this
16 June 2012 5:24PM
Looking around at the political leadership in world today, I have to admit she is the one who will carry the torch ahead for Nelson Mandela. We did not expect that he will get out of prison. He did and brought some dignity to political processes.
Today she is our hope. Her heroic struggle to pull Burma out of tyranny and oppression and bring dignity and opportunity for its people. This frail woman has dignity, courage, and moral sense. However, we should not unload the responsibility on her alone. It reminds me of lines from Brecht's play, Life of Galileo. They are: “Andrea: Unhappy is the land that breeds no hero.
Galileo: No, Andrea. Unhappy is the land that needs a hero.”
16 June 2012 5:28PM
Agree, it was an act of incredible stupidity. That arguably helped Obama and the US government on there rampage of injustice and slaughter. ...
I don't know what to think about the whole thing atm.
16 June 2012 5:31PM
Dholliday -
'The Nobel Peace Prize is tainted after they gave it to Obama...'
Agreed but i think the Kissinger prize takes the biscuit beforehand.
As some wisely put it - 'never underestimate Scandinavian wit'.
16 June 2012 5:32PM
I am so proud that she finally been able to collect her award in person.I was at school with her and although she was three classes above me, everybody knew her because of her father who was a national hero. All our global school reunions have been dedicated to her and its a momentous occasion for all MEHS members all over the world. She really deserves this great honour.
16 June 2012 5:57PM
Such a beautiful speech with such genuine sentiment and intent for rebuilding a nation, founded on principles of empathy.
I find it so sad that so many feel the need to use the honouring of this woman through a prestigious award as an opportunity to disparage Barack Obama. I suspect many have not even read her inspirational speech. This woman is a true believer in human agency; she sacrificed her own personal freedom for the greater good. This is something I suspect not many of you would not do - I wouldn't even consider myself virtuous enough to sacrifice myself in such a way.
The Nobel peace prize is fitting for the Lady, for noble she is. A wonderful and brave politician with strength and belief in the goodness of people. Her example should be a lesson to us all on the human capacity for achievement and compassion.
16 June 2012 5:57PM
She does deserve great honour. She has it from many.
However this prize has been given for spurious reasons in the past. Should we get behind it and it's perceived credibility. What will it be for next time? Maybe I should look at the history of it more, but i'm unaware of any acknowledgement of what I consider to be a bad mistake, that fine, many wanted to think some things. But without clear acknowledgement they understand this?
Whatever, I will reserve judgement...
16 June 2012 6:07PM
She is a very brave woman. Una mujer valiente!
16 June 2012 6:09PM
I reckon I'd be overcome with emotion at said pic as well, that and a pic of Alex Ferguson when Man City win the title again next season.
16 June 2012 6:12PM
Both Aung Sang Suu Kyi & Nelson Mandela come closest to being heroic models.The fact that they "attract" flawed adherents does Not negate their achievements.I have worked for their freedom since the late 70*s,via Amnesty International.
Agree that Nobel judges come up with odd choices in all the categories,from time to time.
But to carping churls re sneers @ A.S.Suu Kyi::: try to get in touch with your "better angels"
16 June 2012 6:13PM
Yes, Kissinger beforehand was (and remains) very controversial. I don't know enough about his history to offer an opinion, tho'...but browsing his Wikipedia it doesn't seem too different to Obama's story (promising to cease wars, only to cease them by authorising the killing of more innocents...see Cambodia bombing vs drone attacks on Afghans & Pakistanis).
One key difference is that Kissinger was awarded the Peace prize after his authorisation of atrocities, whereas Obama was awarded his before he authorised atrocities.
I'm not sure which is worse...
16 June 2012 6:16PM
I think most of us are just pleased for Suu Kyi that this story is receiving international attention and paints her (and her cause) in a positive light.
But yes, parallel to this we should also discuss the Nobel Jury's less than honorable past decisions.
16 June 2012 6:18PM
I wonder if she knows she is only free because Cameron and the other usual suspects needed her to be free in order to sell loads of weaponry to Myanmar. In a better world Bradley Manning and Julian Assange would have shared it. Does having and voicing an opinion like that count for anything?
16 June 2012 6:20PM
She is a worthy winner if there are ever winners?
As she stated in her speech, it was freedom and democracy
which was her goal and which she still is hoping to achieve.
The sad thing is the peace prize has lost its value. This year there have been calls for it to be returned to Sweden so they can better manage the award.
The Norwegian commitee are selected by the Norwegian government. They have awarded the most prizes to American presidents. Who also happen to be their biggest arms and weapons customer.
Norwegian weapons industry is said to be the four largest in the world. One is sure their weapons and and munitions have ended up in Burma. As their weapons are used in Israel, by the PPK terrorist group.
So however I value her and see her amazing strength, you can't help seeing through the fake prize.
16 June 2012 6:22PM
Just looking through some of the recipients. Seems a lot of years they could not find anyone and paid themselves the prize money.
It just does not ring true to me. I'm sure Aung San Suu has done many courageous and good things. But with wikileaks, Julian Assange, Bradley Manning. These pushed things on a scale that's unprecedented really.
Think, would Dave be hugging up to Assange if he won? Does it matter more the hardship of the struggle and personality or results. ?
And does someone like Bradley Manning and the things he also stands for not need this more atm.
A lot of this just stinks like many political agency's do imo. Just go with the grain and don't upset the boat. Or the wars.
16 June 2012 6:23PM
Well said and I agree 100%, much more than a tribute to womanhood, but make no mistake - her freedom became commercially viable. Watch the arms sales rocket.
16 June 2012 6:23PM
The Norwegians normally sell to a country and the either award their foe the award.
16 June 2012 6:30PM
One can only see the Nobel peace in either of the following ways.
Either as a naive little country being silly. Or a smart political game played by a country trying to play power games with their oil wealth and trying to be seen as a good guy, when they are one of the biggest arms dealers in the world.
In a way if you survive all the weapons that have killed people in your country, then the guilty weapons dealer will give you a prize and a free concert. Nice.
16 June 2012 6:43PM
I really don't get how they can't find anyone some years. What about all the journalists?
They could just put Amy Goodman / Democracy Now in there as backup if there having a bad year. So what if she gets 3 or 4, comparatively deserving imo.
Yea, if Amy has 4 for Obamas 1 it may gain back some credibility.
16 June 2012 6:46PM
If kissinger got one and Obama can get one based on US behaviour during his term in power Hitler could probably have got one early in his period in power for bringing 'peace' to the Sudetenland!
16 June 2012 7:06PM
I don't see it like that. Bringing critical attention the 'peace' prize (such as it is) does not negate any of her achievements. Nor is it intended to single out Obama.
'Even' You? Jeez
Personally I think people who gush over others mainly do it to try and give themselves credit for shit they don't do...It's so easy to say how wonderful others are. Pretty crap really.
16 June 2012 7:06PM
Quite possibly to name them would make their situation worse-or jeopardise delicate negotiations for their release. Publications like Mizzima may be a source of more information.
16 June 2012 7:12PM
I was remiss in not providing a link in my last post for the Burma Campaign as a source of information
16 June 2012 7:25PM
Daw Aung Sun Suu Kyi is an inspirational icon to many, for her personal sacrifices, but more so because she gives a dignified face to the struggles of the people of Myanmar to forge a nation in a different direction to the path it was on. As much as one hears about the atrocities of the military junta but I don't sense it is all one sided nor that it will all go away if a fuller democracy came to Myanmar tomorrow. This is a country in some parts still holding on to old, crude and violent ways.
Only in a more unified country can more change come about. Negotiations and inclusion of the junta and its own supporters/sympathizers contributes to relative stability, while changes take place. Solving the inter-ethnic conflicts and holding the country together under a central authority, independent from manipulation of foreign countries especially China and India, would be beneficial to stability in the region. Myanmar's future is within framework of ASEAN cooperation and it should take this part and not be a dominion of any foreign power.
It is intuitive that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is not rushing to solve conflicts in her country but instead visiting Western donor countries who have supported her cause in the past. She is herself mainly a Western construct rather than an innate Myanmar grassroots leader who had risen to prominence in the country before gaining world attention, like say Mandela. The Lady knows her value comes from her popularity as the democracy movement symbol of Myanmar. Touring the West will help change western governments minds to lessening the sanctions against Myanmar for its rehabilitation back into the world, thereby diluting control and dependency on current key players. This I believe is the reason she was allowed to leave and conduct this tour. She benefits because her position as an influential leader is strengthen, and progress in democracy also benefits.
[The current format of the Noble Peace prize has no bearing to my perception of what the highest accolade in the world should be and by whom. When there is a true, equally representative UN (devoid of permanent security council members, dominant voices, or donor control) and its committee nominates and selects a winner, then I will laud that winner for the Prize they bear. Until then one can judge the individuals by their own merits without need for external judges.]
16 June 2012 7:29PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jHe5OjAm_E&feature=relmfu
Have a double plus good week Aung San Suu.
16 June 2012 8:06PM
I have the utmost respect for Aung San Suu Kyi but one does have to remember that she was in a very unique position to do what she did. Both her parents were politically activate and high in the public light giving her the platform she needed to drive pro-democracy in Burma.
However this is a peace prize and she most certainly is a peaceful individual. Just somewhere in the back of mind my I remember that it there was a certain privilege in terms of family to allow her to do as she did.
All the best hope to her in her bid to help Burma.
16 June 2012 8:23PM
Obama should hand his back for those drone attacks that have killed many civilians, the continuation of Guantanamo Bay, the Afghan war, etc. He's been very little different from Bush in office, certainly when it comes to human rights and the value of non American civilian life.
16 June 2012 8:46PM
She should go back and stop the killing of innocent civilians in her country by the so-called Buddhism followers.
16 June 2012 9:05PM
Could she not even manage a shout-out to Dave Lee Travis, in among thanking all those dignitaries?
C'mooon. The Hairy Cornflake?
16 June 2012 9:43PM
"In an event hailed as the "most remarkable in the entire history of the Nobel prizes", "
I really really thought is was remarkable that obama was given one of these - thats more remarkable than this.
But well done young lady!!
16 June 2012 11:21PM
She didnt get the prize because she was Pro Democracy but because she was Pro-Western.
Sick of the West trying to control developing countries via the Democracy Card.
Burma began reforms not because Aung was awarded a Peace Prize 20 years ago. All I remember is Aung embracing Hillary Clinton, so they are both probably cut from the same cloth
17 June 2012 12:06AM
congratulation Aung San Suu Kyi.
17 June 2012 12:44AM
She's obviously a very brave woman but to allow that Clinton woman to embrace her she has lost all credibility and so has the Nobel committee for debasing the prize by giving it a war criminal in the hope it would bring peace.
17 June 2012 2:04AM
The Lord is Love, the Lord gives strength to Aung San Suu Kyi,
and we all bless the Burmese people with peace, as the Lord do.
This is not an end of democracy, this is a beginning of Aung San Suu Kyi,
to realize her ideal, but she needs help from all over the world, from all
kinds of resource, no matter what, no matter when, no matter which, no
matter where, no matter who, no matter how, Aung San Suu Kyi and her
Burmese poor people need your help.
It is not an easy problem in Burma, please understand the difficulities
Aung San Suu Kyi is facing on.............................................................
Faith,
Hope,
Love,
Aung San Suu Kyi gave us "Faith and Hope" in the real world, and we, the
people in the world, shall give her and her poor people back with Love.
Don't we?
17 June 2012 2:33AM
I don't buy this messiah picture of Suu Kyi and am perplexed at how people are so willing to utterly adore a politician. She used her privileged background and traded on her name to get into politics. The cult of personality around her is such that it was recently suggested that she was an unwilling participant in her career, that she 'never asked for it', yet early on she had the chance to go back to her family but chose to stay under house arrest.
I recognise that she has been brave but I wish more people were sceptical rather than constantly heaping her with fawning platitudes.