Tough sanctions are helping push Burma’s government down the road of democracy, she said in an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. in an Internet interview on Wednesday.

Suu Kyi spoke to Canadians through an Internet link between her home in Rangoon and Carleton University, in a talk show moderated by the CBC.

“The way in which you can continue to help us is to keep up your awareness of what is happening in Burma,” she said. “Don’t be too optimistic. Don't be too pessimistic. Try to see things as they are and try to keep contact with the ordinary people of Burma. That is how you will learn whether or not we are making any progress under this new government.”

Suu Ky said even if her National League for Democracy party wins all 48 seats it will contest in the April 1 bi-election it will still only have only a small minority in the Parliament. But any success will mean the voices of the Burmese people will begin to be heard, she said.

She said she believes her country’s new civilian president is “sincere” in his intent to reform, but success depends on what the military thinks about that process.

A “great barrier” still exists between the military and the Burmese people, she said. Removing that obstacle, she said, would be a key step on the road to reform.

“We are at the beginning of the road,” she said “We have been able to reconnect with our people.”