Only when a nation possesses a modern defence capability, will it be possible to ensure the full protection of its sovereignty. Thus, it can be seen that in every nation of the world, patriotic leaders and experts who hold sovereignty dear have the sense of responsibility to contribute to the strengthening and modernization of the Armed Forces.

Senior General Than Shwe Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (From address delivered at the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade)

YANGON, 27 March - Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe delivered an address at the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade in the Resistance Park on U Wisara Road here today. The following is a translation of the address.

Comrades, Today is the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, a day of great significance in Myanmar history. It was on 27 March 1945 that our Tatmadaw was able to transform itself from an organization under the influence of others into the National Tatmadaw. It is also the day when our national sense of honour, shared by the Tatmadaw and the entire people, was first displayed so decisively at our own initiative. On such a significant and auspicious day for the State, for the Tatmadaw and for the entire people, I would like to solemnly inform you of matters of importance.

Comrades, We lost our independence because there was no modern Tatmadaw in the country. With the realization that the cause of independence could only be won through armed resistance, our efforts to form the Tatmadaw began in earnest.

Looking back at the history of the Tatmadaw, you will see that the fascists and imperialists used every means at their disposal to break up the Tatmadaw whenever it gained strength. Their obvious concern was that a strong Tatmadaw would make it impossible for them to influence and exploit the country at will.

Even the armed Tatmadaw was compelled to exercise patience and forbearance as the nation was under colonial rule. Our Tatmadawmen, being the good sons of the people, could barely restrain themselves when the Myanmar people were subjected to all manner of aggression and bullying by outsiders. This being so, the Tatmadaw and the people joined hands in the resoundingly victorious anti-fascist resistance utilizing the people's war strategy. These glorious triumphs of the people and the Tatmadaw restored our independence and sovereignty.

History has taught us that, in order to protect and safeguard our independence and sovereignty, which was regained at a great cost paid in blood, sweat and lives, it is imperative for the country to possess a modern Tatmadaw and for the Tatmadaw to be at one with the people.

Comrades, We have to build up and maintain a national defence capability adequate for the total defence of the nation. Factors contributing to the national defence capability include not only economic strength and geographical characteristics but also the country's demographic features. Therefore, it is necessary for each and every citizen to participate in the defence of the nation with a heightened sense of patriotism. Defending the nation is an inborn duty of every citizen.

Only when a nation possesses a modern defence capability, will it be possible to ensure the full protection of its sovereignty. Thus, it can be seen that in every nation of the world, patriotic leaders and experts who hold sovereignty dear have the sense of responsibility to contribute to the strengthening and modernization of the Armed Forces.

Comrades, Our Tatmadaw has three main duties. The first duty is to defend the nation. We must train constantly for the successful defence of the nation. It follows from the nature of our defence duty that continuous training enhances capability. This makes training our second duty. In addition to the duties of national defence and continuous training, we have to vigorously discharge our third duty of serving the interests of the people.

We Tatmadawmen are the offspring of the people. Therefore, I would like to remind you to participate wholeheartedly in the activities that promote the welfare of the public wherever you are assigned and to join hands with the people to repulse courageously whatever dangers that threaten the nation and its people, even at the risk of your own lives.

Comrades, The Tatmadaw was compelled to assume the responsibilities of the State as the people were faced with a generally deteriorating and extremely critical situation. In assuming those responsibilities, the Tatmadaw has also become responsible for the nation's future. Therefore, the Tatmadaw, upholding the Three National Causes, has laid down the Twelve National Objectives and has been striving day and night for the emergence of a new peaceful modern developed nation.

As the Tatmadaw has given priority to achieving national reconsolidation, peace and tranquility now prevail throughout the country, including the border areas. With efforts to achieve peace and stability bearing fruit, endeavours to achieve all-round progress in all parts of the country simultaneously have begun. A trio of major projects - the border areas and national races development project, the 24 special development zones project and the rural areas development project - are being implemented in a coordinated network covering the whole country.

Comrades, Major clusters of agriculture and other economic infrastructures are being built wherever necessary. Roads and bridges crisscrossing the length and breadth of the country have been built, resulting in reciprocal beneficial relationships among regions leading to greater development. Moreover, in order that highly qualified human resources develop simultaneously in all regions, the requirements in the health and the education sectors are being fulfilled effectively. We are therefore witnessing social and economic developments gathering momentum in all parts of the nation. However, continued efforts are necessary to ensure that our country shortly becomes a modern industrialized nation that keeps abreast of the world.

Vigorous efforts are being made toward increased electric power supply and exploitation of oil, natural gas and other resources, necessary in building an industrialized nation. Furthermore, major state-owned industries and private industrial zones have been established to promote the development of the industrial sector.

It should be noted that nation-building efforts that consolidate peace, modernization and development represent the fulfillment of the fundamental requirements for the emergence of a discipline-flourishing democracy in the nation.

Comrades, Finally, in accordance with the objectives of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, I exhort you:

. to strive hand in hand with the people for the successful realization of the State's seven-point policy programme; . to crush through the people's militia strategy the internal and external destructive elements hindering the stability and progress of the State: . to participate in implementing border areas develop ment tasks and the five rural areas development tasks together with the entire people; and . to work strenuously toward building up a strong ef ficient modern Tatmadaw capable of safeguarding Our Three Main National Causes

YANGON, 27 March - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe delivered an address at the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade at the Resistance Park at 7.30 am today.

The 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day was held in accord with the objectives - to strive hand in hand with the people for successful realization of the State's seven-point policy programme; to crush internal and external destructive elements hindering the stability and progress of the State through people's militia strategy; to implement border area development tasks and the five rural development tasks hand in hand with the entire people; and to build up a strong and efficient Tatmadaw to uphold 'Our Three Main National Causes'.

Also present at the parade were Prime Minister Chief of Military Intelligence Gen Khin Nyunt, Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen

Aung Htwe, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and Lt-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Chief of Staff (Navy) Captain Nyan Tun, Military Appointment-General Maj-Gen Hsan Hsint, Judge Advocate-General Maj-Gen Soe Maung, Defence Services Inspector-General Brig-Gen Thein Htaik, ministers, the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the Yangon Mayor, members of the National Convention Convening Work Committee, senior military officers, deputy ministers, supreme court justices, military attaches of foreign missions, advisers to the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads and the head of SPDC Office, members of the Public Relations and Information Committee of the State Peace and Development Council, representatives of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Headquarters, senior military officers of Yangon Command, local and foreign journalists, divisional authorities, senior police officers of MPF, Fire Services Department, NGOs, Mawgun Award winners, Union Solidarity and Development Association, Minami Kikan members, members of Japan-Myanmar History and Culture Association and winners in the contests to mark the Armed Forces Day.

Members of the parade columns assembled at the Myoma Grounds at 5 am to march towards the Resistance Park. At 6 am, Parade Adjutant Cmdr Min Naing (Navy) presented the nine parade columns to Parade Commander Brig-Gen Min Thein. The bag-pipe platoon led by Sgt Kyaw Naing and the Central Military Band led by Sgt Myat Kyaw Thu of the Guard of Honour and Military Band Company marched to the Resistance Park in advance and took the designated places.

Parade Commander Brig-Gen Min Thein led the military columns, followed by Parade Adjutant Cmdr Min Naing (Navy), the standard bearers of Union Flag and flags of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) led by Maj Moe Zaw and the military band led by WOI Aung Than Oo.

Column Commander Col Aung Kyaw Oo ushered Anawrahta Column which was made up of Guard of Honour of Directorate of Artillery Force led by Maj Han Min Hlaing, Commanding Officer Lt-Col Ko Ko Thant, parade company of South-West Command led by Maj Aung Zaw Oo, parade company of No 101 LID led by Maj Than Hlaing, parade company-3 of Western Command led by Maj Khin Maung Hlaing, parade company-4 of Coastal Region Command led by Maj Win Zaw Soe, parade company-2 of Eastern Command led by Maj Zaw Zaw Naing and parade company-2 of South-East Command led by Maj Kyaw Kyaw Oo.

Column Commander Col Thein Tan ushered Kyansittha Column which was made up of the standard bearers with the flags of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) led by Maj Aung Tun Naing, the military band led by Sgt Aung Zaw Latt of No 33 LID, Guard of Honour of No 33 LID led by Maj Thein Tan, Commanding Officer Lt-Col Khin Myint, parade company of North-West Command led by Maj Tin Aung Tun, parade company-2 of Northern Command led by Maj Tin Ko Ko, parade company-3 of North-East Command led by Maj Yan Naung, parade company of Southern Command led by Maj Khin Maung Lay, parade company of No 44 LID led by Maj Zin Aung Aye and parade company-2 of Coastal Region Command led by Maj Tin Maung Htut.

Column Commander Col Than Win ushered Bayintnaung Column which was made up of the standard bearers with the flags of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) led by Maj Ye Win Aung, the military band led by Cpl Tin Hsan of No 101 LID, Guard of Honour of Armoured Force led by Maj Htoo Myat Toe, Commanding Officer Lt-Col Lu Zaw, parade company of Northern Command led by Maj Aung Ko Oo, parade company of No 55 LID led by Maj Aye Lwin, parade company of Directorate of Signals led by Maj Soe Htaik, parade company of South-East Command led by Maj Way Zin Tun, parade company-2 of Central Command led by Maj Naing Din Latt and parade company-2 of Yangon Command led by Maj Tin Zaw Latt.

Column Commander Captain Aung Thaw (Navy) ushered Nawade Column which was made up of the standard bearers with the flags of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) led by Lt-Cmdr Saw Khun Cho, the military band led by PO Kyaw Kyaw of Naval Band, Guard of Honour of the Commander-in-Chief (Navy)'s Office led by Lt-Cmdr Kyaw Htwe, Commanding Officer Cmdr Aung Than, parade company of the Commander-in-Chief (Navy)'s Office led by Lt-Cmdr Moe Thura, parade company of North-East Command led by Maj Kyaw Tun, parade company-3 of Eastern Command led by Maj Sai Kyaw Thu, parade company-3 of Coastal Region Command led by Maj Tha Htay Kyaw, parade company of Directorate of Electric and Mechanical Engineers led by Maj Zaw Win and parade company of No 66 LID led by Maj Zaw Zaw Naing.

Column Commander Col Tint Way ushered Aungzeya Column which was made up of the standard bearers with the flags of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) led by Maj Kyaw Tint Maung, the military band led by Sgt Win Moe of No 11 LID Band, Guard of Honour of Directorate of Medical Services led by Maj Nay Myo Oo, Commanding Officer Lt-Col Maung Maung Zaw, parade company of the Directorate of Ordnance Services led by Maj Kyaw Kyaw Win, parade company of Central Command led by Maj Win Myat, parade company of Triangle Region Command led by Maj Ko Ko Aung, parade company of No 99 LID led by Maj Sein Lwin Win and parade company-2 of Western Command led by Maj Win Naing.

Column Commander Col Tin Naing Tun (Air) ushered Hsinbyushin Column which was made up of the standard bearers with the flags of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) led by Maj Tun Tun Win (Air), the military band led by Sgt Myint Soe of Air

Force Band, Guard of Honour of the Commander-in-Chief (Air)'s Office led by Maj Maung Maung Soe (Air), Commanding Officer Lt-Col Aye Min (Air), parade company of the Commander-in-Chief (Air)'s Office led by Maj Zaw Zaw (Air), parade company of No 88 LID led by Maj Kyi Aung, parade company of Directorate of Military Engineers led by Maj Myint Thein, parade company of Eastern Command led by Maj Soe Min Oo, parade company-2 of North-West Command led by Maj Myo Aung and parade company-3 of South-East Command led by Maj Win Naing Oo.

Column Commander Col Myint Ko Ko ushered Bandoola Column which was made up of the standard bearers with the flags of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) led by Maj Myint Naing, the military band led by Sgt Aung Min Naing of Yangon Command Band, Guard of Honour of Yangon Command led by Maj Nanda Aung, Commanding Officer Lt-Col Myint Soe, parade company of Directorate of Supply & Transport led by Maj Hla Myint, parade company of Coastal Region Command led by Maj Aung Kyaw Hoe, parade company of No 22 LID led by Maj Htay Aung, parade company-3 of Northern Command led by Maj Thant Zin, parade company-3 of Triangle Region Command led by Maj Ye Htut and parade company-4 of Western Command led by Maj Kyaw Zeya.

Column Commander Col Kan Nyunt ushered Myawady Column which was made up of the standard bearers with the flags of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) led by Maj Kyaw Htin, the military band led by Sgt Aung Naing Soe of No 66 LID Band, Guard of Honour of No 77 LID led by Maj Ni Htwe, Commanding Officer Lt-Col Thant

Zin Ko, parade company of Directorate of Artillery Force led by Maj Paing Soe, parade company-2 of North-East Command led by Maj Aung Hsan Oo, parade company of the Office of Chief of Defence Industries led by Maj Kyaw Than, parade company-2 of Triangle Region Command led by Maj Tin Maung Than, parade company-4 of Eastern Command led by Maj Aye Tun and parade company of Western Command led by Maj Kyaw Kyaw Lwin.

Column Commander Col Maung Maung Than ushered Aung San Column which was made up of the standard bearers with the flags of Myanmar Police Force, Fire Brigade and Myanmar Red Cross Society led by Police Maj Naing Win, the military band led by Police WO Aung Zaw Oo of Myanmar Police Force Band, Guard of Honour of Myanmar Police Force led by Police Major Aung Thet Naing, Commanding Officer Lt-Col Win Ngwe, parade company of MPF led by Police Maj Soe Lin Aung, parade company of Fire Brigade led by Assistant Director Khin Maung Yi, parade company-2 of Fire Brigade led by Assistant Director Aung Swe Win, parade company of MRCS led by Company Commander Sai Nyi Nyi Aung, parade company-2 of MRCS led by Company Commander Tin Htay Oo and parade company of No 11 LID led by Maj Pe Kyaing. Altogether 7,139 members of Tatmadaw, MPF, Fire Brigade and Red Cross Brigade participated in the marching columns.

Along the route from Myoma Grounds to the Resistance Park, the marching columns were accorded a rousing welcome by the families of the Ministry of Defence, Directorates of Medical Services, Yangon Division USDA, Tatmadawmen, MPF members, Fire Brigade and Red Cross Brigade members, officers and Tatmadawmen and their families of Yangon Command, military stations and headquarters, students and local people who waved the miniature flags, presented flowers and garlands to the parade members. Singing military songs, the parade columns entered the No 1 Gate of the Resistance Park.

At 7.30 am, Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied by Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann, arrived at the park where

they were welcomed and ushered to the reviewing stand by Prime Minister Chief of Military Intelligence General Khin Nyunt, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Chairman of the Leading Committee Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein and Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein.

After Senior General Than Shwe had taken the position on the reviewing stand, the columns saluted him. Next, Parade Commander Brig-Gen Min Thein presented the columns to the Senior General.

Afterwards, the Senior General inspected the columns. The Central Military Band played the National Anthem while those present saluted the Flag of the Union of Myanmar. After paying tribute to the fallen leaders and members of the Tatmadaw, the columns members took the four oaths. The Senior General delivered an address. (Reported separately)

The columns led by Parade Commander Brig-Gen Min Thein marched past the Senior General and exited the park through No 1 Gate of the Resistance Park and left for the Myoma Grounds.

Afterwards, the Senior General left there and the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade ended at 8.50 am.

Various signboards with mottoes of the Tatmadaw and flags of the Union of Myanmar and the Tatmadaw were erected at the road-corners, parks, gardens and roundabouts. The Resistance Park was illuminated in the evening.

YANGON, 27 March - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing hosted reception and dinner in commemoration of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha this evening.

Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing arrived at the venue of the reception and dinner at 6.45 pm.

Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing, accompanied by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Prime Minister Chief of Military Intelligence General Khin Nyunt, member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thien Sein, members of the State Peace and Development Council, and Chairman of the leading committee for observance of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, cordially greeted Ambassadors and Charge d'Affaires ai of the embassies in Yangon, heads and resident representatives of UN agencies, military attaches and their wives and guests who attended the reception and dinner.

Next, Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing hosted a dinner to the guests.

Also present at the reception and dinner were Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, General Thura Shwe Mann and wife Daw Khin Lay Thet, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife, Secretary-2 Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife, members of the SPDC and wives, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) and the Commander-in-Chief (Air) and their wives, ministers, senior officers of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) of the Ministry of Defence, deputy ministers, the deputy chief justice, the deputy attorneys-general, the deputy auditor-general, members of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the vice-mayor, senior military officers of Yangon Command, the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade Commander and column commanders, departmental heads of the SPDC office and ministries, members of the leading committee and work committee for observance of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, local and foreign journalists, representatives of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, national business entrepreneurs, former Minami Kikan members, officials of Japan-Myanmar Society for History and Culture and guests. Before and during the dinner, variety songs were presented to the guests by vocalists and Myanma Athan Modern Music Troupe. After the dinner, aritstes of the Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture entertained the guests with Myanmar traditional cultural dances at Thabin hall.

YANGON, 27 March - To attend the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade, led by Parade Commander Brig-Gen Min Thein, Tatmadaw members of Anawrahta Column, Kyansittha Column, Bayintnaung Column, Nawade Column, Aung Zeya Column, Hsinbyushin Column, Bandoola Column, Myawady Column and Aung San Column, members of Myanmar Police Force, Fire Brigade and Myanmar Red Cross Society this morning marched into the Resistance Park from Myoma Grounds along U Wisara Road.

Thousands of people along the road accorded rousing welcome to them.

Together with the public, Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, Daw Mya Mya San, wife of Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and

Develop-ment Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior Gen-eral Maung Aye, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, wife of Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, Daw Khin Than Nwe, wife of Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Daw

Khin Lay Thet, wife of member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Daw Than Than Nwe, wife of Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Daw Khin Khin Win, wife of Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint, wife of member of SPDC Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Daw Khin Hnin Wai, wife of member of SPDC Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, Daw Marlar Tint, wife of member of SPDC Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Daw Khin Lay Myint, wife of member of SPDC Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Daw Khin Saw Hnin, wife of Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Daw San San Yi, wife of Chairman of the leading committee for observance of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, wives of the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the Commander-in-Chief (Air), the Chairman of the management committee for observance of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command offered Aung-thabyay (eugenia sprigs) to Tatmadawmen of the military columns and members of MPF, FB and MRCS and garlanded them.

Moreover, thousands of people, service personnel of various ministries, members of the Union Solidarity and Develop-ment Association, families of Tatmadawmen, members of NGOs, MPF, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade, teachers and students, members of boards of directors of companies cordially welcomed the Tatmadaw-men and offered Aungthabyay (eugenia sprigs) to them.

YANGON, 27 March-The prize distribution to best companies and columns in the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade took place at the Myoma Ground on U Wisara Street here this morning, attended by member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann, on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein and Chairman of Leading Committee for Observance of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win.

Also present on the occasion were Chairman of the Working Committee for Scrutinizing best company Vice Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Hla Shwe, Vice-Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Maj-Gen Aung Kyi and Brig-Gen Nyan Win, senior military officers, Tatmadawmen from Anawrahta Column, Kyansittha Column, Bayintnaung Column, Nawade Column, Aungzeya Column, Hsinbyushin Column, Bandoola Column, Myawady Column and Aung San Column led by Parade Commander Brig-Gen Min Thein, members of Myanmar Police Force, Fire Brigade and Myanmar Red Cross Society.

First, General Thura Shwe Mann took the salute of Tatmadawmen and members of Myanmar Police Force, Fire Brigade and Myanmar Red Cross Society of respective columns led by Parade Commander Brig-Gen Min Thein.

Next, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win presented honorary prize to the Central Military Band; honorary bag-pipe prize to Bag-pipe Troupe, the third model prize for Aung San column to No 1 company representing Myanmar Red Cross Society, the second to No 2 company representing Myanmar Fire Brigade and the first prize to No 2 company representing Myanmar Police Force; the consolation prize 5 for military discipline to the company representing the No 11 LID, the consolation prize 4 to the company representing No 101 LID, the consolation prize 3 to the company representing the South-West Command, the consolation prize 2 to the company representing the Eastern Command and the consolation prize 1 to the company representing the North-East Command, the third prize for military discipline to the company representing No 33 LID, the second to the company representing No 11 LID and the first to the company representing Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Navy).

Next, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein presented the third prize to military band of Nawade column, the second to military band of Hsinbyushin column, the first to military band of Aungzeya column; the third prize to the standard banner company of Hsinbyushin column, the second to the standard banner company of Nawade column, the first to the standard banner company of Aungzeya column, the consolation prize-5 for military parade to the company representing the Eastern Command, the consolation prize-4 to company representing the Directorate of Signals, the consolation prize-3 to the company representing Northern Command, the consolation prize-2 to the company representing North-West Command, the consolation prize-1 to the company representing Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the third prize for military parade to the company representing Yangon Command, the second to the company representing the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Air) and the first prize to the company representing Directorate of Artillery Force.

Next, General Thura Shwe Mann presented consolation prizes 5,4,3,2 and 1 for marching song to the company representing Western Command, the company representing Southern Command, the company representing Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Air), the company representing the Central Command and the company representing the Directorate of Electric and Mechanical Engineers. General Thura

Shwe Mann presented the third, second and first prizes for marching song to the company representing No 77 LID, the company representing the Directorate of Ordnance Services and the company representing the Directorate of Supply & Transport. General Thura Shwe Mann presented the third, second and first model prizes to the company representing the Directorate of Medical Services, the company representing the Directorate of Armour Force and the company representing the Directorate of Artillery Force. General Thura Shwe Mann presented the best column prize to the Nawade column. Then, General Thura Shwe Mann took the salute of columns of Tatmadawmen, members of Myanmar Police Force, Fire Brigade, Myanmar Red Cross Society of respective columns led by Parade Commander Brig-Gen Min Thein.

YANGON, 27 March - The prize-distribution ceremony for the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day commemorative military code of conduct and extempore talks contests (central level) took place at Yangon Command Headquarters this morning.

Present on the occasion were Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, Chairman of the Management Committee for Observance the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Judge Advocate-General Maj-Gen Soe Maung, Defence Services Inspector-General Brig-Gen Thein Htaik, Vice-Chief of Armed Forces Training Brig-Gen Nyan Win, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Hla Shwe, senior military officers, members of the committee for organizing the contests and others.

Lt-Gen Kyaw Win delivered a speech and presented first, second and third prizes for military code of conduct and extempore talks contest (officer level) and extempore talks contest (officer level); Maj-Gen Myint Swe, for military conduct of conduct contest (warrant officer level) and extempore talks contest (warrant officer division); Maj-Gen Soe Maung, for military code of conduct contest (cpl level) and extempore talks contest (cpl level); Brig-Gen Hla Shwe, for military code of conduct contest (private level) and extempore talks contest (private level) to the winners.

YANGON, 27 March - After attending the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade held at the Resistance Park this morning, military attaches of foreign missions in Myanmar proceeded to the Memorial to Fallen Heroes on Azarni Road in

Bahan Township here where they were welcomed by Chairman of Maintenance Committee for the Memorial No 2 Military Region Commander and Yangon Station Commander Brig-Gen Myo Myint and officials. Next, led by Dean of the Military Attaches Military Attaché of the People's Republic of China to Myanmar Sr Col Xu Shulai, the military attaches paid tribute to the fallen heroes and signed in the visitors' book.

YANGON, 27 March - Honouring the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, the Han Golf Master's New Generation Youth Golf Championship, organized by Myanmar Golf Federation, will be held at Myanmar Gold Club, here, on 30 March morning.