Burmese democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi says there are signs of political change in Burma, but its people are still far from gaining real freedom.

In an interview with the French news agency, the Nobel peace laureate said that an Arab-style uprising is not the answer to Burma's problems.

Speaking in her National League for Democracy party offices in Rangoon, Aung San Suu Kyi told AFP that what Burma needs is a revolution of the spirit, and added that until the authorities alter their perceptions of the problems they have to handle, there will be no real change.

Burma's military regime held elections last year that were marred by widespread complaints of cheating, and in March announced it was handing power to a civilian government dominated by former military officers.

In recent weeks, the new administration has shown signs of reaching out to critics including Aung San Suu Kyi, who met with President Thein Sein last month in the highest level dialogue since her release in November from house arrest.