Senior General Than Shwe returns from Indonesia 
after attending Asian-African Summit 2005, Commemoration of Golden Jubilee of Asia-Africa Conference
( Myanmar Version )

YANGON, 25 April—Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe arrived back here by special flight of Myanmar Airways International this afternoon after attending the Asian-African Summit 2005 and the Commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of the Asia-Africa Conference held in Jakarta and Bandung from 22 to 24 April 2005 at the invitation of President of the Republic of Indonesia Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

The Myanmar delegation led by Senior General Than Shwe was welcomed back at the Yangon International Airport by Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of Senior General Than Shwe, 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 and wife Daw Mya Mya San, member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann and wife Daw Khin Lay Thet, Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Daw Khin Khin Win, wife of Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, members of the State Peace and Development Council, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife, ministers, senior military officers, Indonesian Ambassador Mr Wyoso Prodjowarsito and embassy staff, military and civilian officers. Members of the delegation Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint, Military Assistant to the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Nay Win, Director of Medical Services Brig-Gen Than Aung, Director-General Lt-Col Pe Nyein of the State Peace and Development Council Office, Director-General U Soe Tint of the Prime Minister’s Office, Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department, Director-General U Thaung Tun of Political Department, senior military officers and departmental heads also arrived back on the same flight.

Political freedom without commensurate economic development and human security  
does not meet fully the aspirations of our peoples for a fairer and more equitable world

YANGON, 25 April— The following is the full text of the speech delivered by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe at the first day session of the Asian-African Summit 2005 held at Jakarta Convention Centre, Jakarta, Indonesia on 22-4-2005.

Distinguished Co-Chairs, Your Excellencies President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia and President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlement,

I would like to begin by congratulating Your Excellencies, the Co-Chairs, for convening this important Summit. I am confident that under your able guidance our deliberations will be fruitful and contribute to inter-regional cooperation in the years ahead.

I am especially delighted to be here in Indonesia, a close friend and neighbour of Myanmar. Our two countries are bound by strong ties of friendship and cooperation that go back to the time of our struggle for independence. I wish to express our deep appreciation to the government and people of Indonesia for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to us and for the excellent arrangements made for the summit.

I would also like to take this opportunity to express again our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the peoples of Aceh and Sumatra in Indonesia as well as to the peoples of the affected countries of the Indian Ocean rim for the unprecedented loss of life and property due to the tsunami of 26 December 2004 and subsequent earthquakes that followed in its wake. We share the grief of our brethren for their irreplaceable loss.

Mr. Co-Chairmen,

We are gathered in this summit to celebrate the golden jubilee of Asia-Africa Conference of 1955. Myanmar is proud to have been among the 29 countries at the Bandung conference and among the Colombo Five that co-sponsored and initiated the historic conference. The ten principles adopted in Bandung remain sacrosanct for developing countries like ours. I would like to urge that we always uphold those principles. The world today is vastly different from that of 1955. At the time the focus was on decolonization. It is a matter of deep satisfaction that all countries in Asia and Africa have regained independence and have moved forward. We have indeed come a long way. However, political freedom without commensurate economic development and human security does not meet fully the aspirations of our peoples for a fairer and more equitable world.

I am therefore pleased to note that the spirit of friendship and cooperation which prevailed between Asia and Africa in past decades has been revived by the successful outcome of the First and Second Asian-African Sub-Regional Conference in Bandung in July 2003 and in Durban in August 2004. The process reaffirms the commitment of Asian and African countries to the principles and framework of cooperation agreed upon at the Bandung Conference.

The ten principles adopted in Bandung continue to be relevant and the spirit of Bandung remains a potent force for closer cooperation between the two regions. What needs to be done now is to galvanize our efforts by adopting an effective and sustainable mechanism for interregional dialogue and cooperation.

We live in an era of rapid change. In recent years we have witnessed significant transformations in many fields. However, the challenges we face are complex and can only be overcome with vision and fortitude.

I am confident that the new strategic partnership we have agreed to launch at this summit will serve as an effective means to enhance solidarity of the two regions.

In view of the common challenges we face, the creation of strong linkages between Asia and Africa is an imperative of the times. Although the countries of our two regions have made progress in the political field, the vast majority of our peoples still remain mired in abject poverty due to the adverse external environment. Our nations are blessed with vast human and natural resources. We must seek ways to complement each other’s strength, and develop workable political, economic and social-cultural programmes to achieve our full potential.

1n this regard, we recognize the crucial role that regional organizations such as the ASEAN, the African Union, the Asia Cooperation Dialogue and the East Asia Summit can make in promoting economic, social and cultural cooperation. I am also convinced that growing people to people contacts will contribute to the success of the new partnership between our two continents. Let us rededicate ourselves to the Bandung principles and strengthen the ties that bind us. Myanmar fully supports the call to reinvigorate the Bandung spirit and to forge a new strategic partnership.

Mr. Co-Chairmen,

With regard to natural disasters, the unmitigated impacts of the tsunami disaster of 26 December should serve to remind us that our two continents are bound together. It is therefore appropriate that we establish an integrated strategy for the development of a multi-nodal early warning system.

In this connection, we must encourage closer interaction among. our experts in sharing best practices and experience. We must empower those at risk to be able to protect themselves by way of capacity building and promoting education and awareness.

Myanmar therefore welcome the joint statement on tsunami, earthquake and other natural disasters to be adopted at this summit. We must work together to ensure that a human catastrophe of the magnitude we experienced recently will never occur again.

Distinguished Co-Chairs, Excellencies, I thank you for your kind indulgence.

Senior General Than Shwe attends second day session of Asian-African Summit

YANGON, 25 April — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe attended the second day session of the Asian-African Summit held at the Plenary Hall of Jakarta Convention Centre in the Republic of Indonesia on 23 April 2005.

The summit was attended by heads of State / Government from the nations of Asia and Africa and other nations and representatives of organizations.

At the start of the second day session, heads of State / Government from the nations of Asia and Africa delivered speeches on a New Asian-African Strategic Partnership.

Together with the Senior General at the summit were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint and Myanmar Ambassador to Indonesia U Kyaw Myint, Military Assistant to the State Peace and Development Council Chairman Maj-Gen Nay Win, Director of Medical Services of the Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Than Aung, the Director General of the SPDC Office and heads of department observed the holding of the second day session of the summit at Cendrawasih Room.

During the recess of the summit, Senior General Than Shwe cordially met Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore Mr Lee Hsien Loong at the recreation center.

When the summit resumed, leaders of representative groups and observers of respective nations delivered speeches. Next, the chairman of the Indonesian Traders Association presented matters related to the Asian-African Economic Summit to the summit.

Afterwards, the summit approved the declaration of the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership and the declaration of tsunami disaster.

Later, the summit concluded at 6.30 pm after the speeches delivered by South African President Mr Thabo Mbeki and Indonesian President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who jointly presided over the summit.

Senior General Than Shwe attends Asian-African Summit 2005 in Jakarta

YANGON, 25 April — Asian-African Summit 2005 was opened in Jakarta Convention Centre in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 22 April. Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe delivered an address at the summit.

The opening ceremony was attended by Senior General Than Shwe and 41 heads of State/Government, six vice-presidents and 58 special envoys of 105 Asian and African nations and other countries and representatives of 18 organizations.

Indonesian President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono cordially greeted the heads of state/government and representatives of the respective organizations at the Jakarta Convention Centre.

President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and President of South Africa Mr Thabo Mbeki jointly chaired the meeting.

The summit held a one-minute silence in memory of the earthquake victims of Ache, northern Sumatra and surrounding areas of Sumatra.

President Mr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono delivered the opening address. President Mr Thabo Mbeki also delivered an address.

The opening ceremony concluded after UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan delivered an address. The heads of State/Government and representatives of organizations posed for souvenir photos and cordially greeted one another. Members of the Myanmar delegation Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint and Director-General of the Political Department U Thaung Tun also attended the summit.

Military Assistant to State Peace and Development Council Chairman Maj-Gen Nay Win, Director of Medical Services of the Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Than Aung, Myanmar Ambassador to Indonesia U Kyaw Myint, SPDC Office Director-General Lt-Col Pe Nyein and departmental heads of the delegation attended the opening ceremony as observers at Cendrawasih Room.

The sessions of the summit were held in Plenary Hall at 10 am. Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Hassan Wirajuda explained the results of the 2005 Asian-African Ministerial Meeting.

Concerning the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership, President Mr Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, King of Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddaulah, President Mr Hu Jintao of the People’s Republic of China, President of Algeria Mr Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Prime Minister of Japan Mr Junichiro Koizumi, and Prime Minister of Malaysia Mr Dato Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi delivered addresses.

When the summit took a recess for a luncheon at noon, Prime Minister for Republic of Korea Mr Lee Hae-chan and Prime Minister of Japan Mr Junichiro Koizumi called on Senior General Than Shwe. The luncheon was held at Assembly Hall 2 of the centre.

In the afternoon session, President of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister of Thailand Dr Thaksin Shinawatra, President of Ghana Mr John Agyekum Kufuor, Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech Hun Sen and President of Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong gave speeches.

Then, the Senior General delivered an address (reported separately).

Afterwards, President of Zimbabwe Mr RG Mugabe, President of Malawi Dr Bingu Wa Mutharika and President of Mongolia Mr Natsagyn Bagabandi made speeches.

In the evening session, President of Madagascar Mr Ravalomanana, President of Afghanistan Mr Hamid Karzai, Prime Minister of Singapore Mr Lee Hsien Loong, President of Sudan Mr Omer Hassan Ahmed, His Majesty Gyanendra King of Nepal, President of the Philippines Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, President of Botswana Mr Fetus G Mogae, President of Komores Mr Monsieur Azali Assoumani, Prime Minister of ROK Lee Hae-chan, Prime Minister of Tunisia Mr Mohamed Ghannouchi, President of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Mr Kim Yong Nam, and Prime Minister of Morocco Mr Driss Jettou delivered addresses.

As there was no opposition to the communiqué of the summit, the meeting chairman approved it. The summit was adjourned at 6.45 pm. Together with heads of state/government of other nations, the Senior General signed the communiqué.

The Indonesian President hosted a dinner in honour of the Senior General and other heads of state/government and representatives of organizations at Istana Negara in Jakarta.

Senior General Than Shwe attends Commemoration of Golden Jubilee of Asia-Africa Conference

YANGON, 25 April— Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe, together with Heads of State/Heads of Government of Asia and Africa, attended the Commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of the Asian-African Conference 1955 in Bandung, Indonesia on 24 April.

Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe, Heads of State/Heads of Governments of Asian and African countries, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win and the ministers of Asian and African countries, arrived at Halim Perdana Kusuma Airport at 6.30 am.

Heads of State/Government left for Bandung by special flight and arrived there and went to Savoy Himann Hotel. At 9 am, they had a historical walk along Asia-Africa Street to the Merdeka building where the commemoration of the golden jubilee would be held. They arrived at the building and they had taken documentary photos.

Next, the Commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of the Asian-African Conference was held. Students of Padjadjaran University in Bandung sang a song “Halo Halo Bandung”.

Afterwards, President of the Republic of Indonesia Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono delivered an opening address. On behalf of African countries, President of the Republic of Nigeria Mr Olusegun Obasanjo delivered a speech, on behalf of Asian countries, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Dr Manmohan Singh and on behalf of other invited guests, the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

President of the Republic of Indonesia Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and President of the Republic of South Africa Mr Thabo Mbeki signed the statement of the Asian-African Summit. The students of Padjadjaran University in Bandung sang songs.

After the ceremony, Senior General Than Shwe and the Heads of State/Government went to Tegallega Garden and grew commemorative plants from Asia and Africa. This morning, Senior General Than Shwe and party arrived at Halim Perdana Kusuma Airport from Jarkata Hilton Hotel by motorcade.

They were seen off at the airport by Myanmar Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia U Kyaw Myint and wife, Military Attache Brig-Gen Khin Maung Soe and wife and embassy staff and families. Senior General Than Shwe bids farewell to officials from Indonesia.

Senior General Than Shwe and party arrived back here in the afternoon.

Senior General Than Shwe arrives Jakarta to attend Asian-African Summit 2005 and Commemoration of Golden Jubilee of 
Asia-Africa Conference

YANGON, 25 April — At the invitation of President of the Republic of Indonesia Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint, Military Assistant to the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Nay Win, Director of Medical Services of the Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Than Aung, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein and heads of departments, left here by special flight of Myanma Airways International at noon on 21 April to attend the Asian-African Summit 2005 and the Commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of the Asia-Africa Conference to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The special aircraft carrying Senior General Than Shwe and party arrived at Halim Perdana Kusuma Airport in Jakarta at 4.25 pm local time. Myanmar Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia U Kyaw Myint and Head of Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Mr Djoko Hardomo boarded the plane and welcomed them.

Senior General Than Shwe was also welcomed by State Minister of Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia Dr Kusmayanto Kadiman. A young Indonesian girl presented a garland to Senior General Than Shwe. Members of the welcoming party welcomed Senior General Than Shwe and party. A young girl of Myanmar Embassy presented a bouquet to Senior General Than Shwe who was welcomed by Daw Win Win Nyunt, wife of Myanmar Ambassador, Military Attache Brig-Gen Khin Maung Soe and wife Daw Kyi Kyi San, embassy staff and families. Senior General Than Shwe and party went to Jakarta Hilton Hotel where they would be staying.

In the world, small nations are now facing many difficulties. So, it is important for Asian and African nations to cooperate more
Senior General Than Shwe calls on Indonesian President

YANGON, 26 April—Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe paid a courtesy call on President of the Republic of Indonesia Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at Jakarta Convention Centre in Jakarta on 23 April morning.

Also present on the occasion were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Military Assistant to the Chairman of the SPDC Maj-Gen Nay Win, Myanmar Ambassador to Indonesia U Kyaw Myint, Director-General of the Protocol Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thura U Aung Htet, Director-General of the Political Department U Thaung Tun, Coordination Minister of Politics, Law and Security Adm (Rtd) Widodo, AS, Minister of State Secretary Prof Dr Yusril Ihza Manhendra, and Cabinet Secretary Lt-Gen (Rtd) Sudhi Silalahi.

The Indonesian President in his speech expressed his pleasure, saying that the bilateral ties and cooperation have come into existence since the times of the independence struggles of the two nations.

The two nations also cooperated in the first Bandung Conference held in 1955. At that time, Myanmar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India held discussions on development and cooperation of Asia and Africa and laid down Bandung principles.

The Indonesian President expressed his belief that the friendship and cooperation between the two counties will therefore continue to flourish. Indonesia will make continued efforts to adhere to its belief.

Senior General Than Shwe said that he thanked the Indonesian President for his invitation to the Summit and he was glad to have an opportunity to meet the latter. He said he would like to praise Indonesia for its ability to host such an important Summit. The arrangements for the meeting were specially fine. He expressed his belief that the Bandung spirit will continue to flourish and the two continents will cooperate as in the past.

It is heartening to witness the Indonesia’s leading role to organize the historic Summit and its active participation in the interests of Asian nations. He said he believed that the Indonesian President will brilliantly lead the nation for its further development. In the world, small nations are now facing many difficulties. So, it is important for Asian and African nations to cooperate more.

He said he would like to give an account of Myanmar. The nation has regained her independence for more than 50 years. However, she lagged behind in development due to the internal armed insurgency. She has to strive for development up to now.

In the process, some nations understand her efforts, while some misunderstand hers. He also explained points about the development of Myanmar.

Next, the Indonesian President expressed his thanks for the Myanmar side’s opinions of the Asian-African Summit and briefings about the development of Myanmar. Indonesia is a true friend of Myanmar. He and the Myanmar Prime Minister held discussions at the meetings held recently in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Indonesia.

Such constant holding of meetings of the two nations contributes towards further cementing of bilateral relations, and enables State leaders of the two nations to cordially exchange views. He said he understands well that the national security is important. And he said he supports Myanmar’s activities for democracy in the nation. Similar activities are being carried out in Indonesia.

Indonesia and Myanmar need to make their activities for democratic reforms known to the international community. In the past, Indonesia had to face difficulties like Myanmar. He said that when leaders of other nations asked him about the drive for democratic reform in Myanmar, he replied that it was needed to support the work programmes being implemented in Myanmar, and to deal with the nation.

All nations need to understand the situation of Myanmar. Myanmar, Indonesia and the ASEAN have common interests. Indonesia and Myanmar need to continue to deal with each other and to make efforts to be able to catch up with other global nations.

It is unwise for a nation to interfere in other’s internal affairs. Indonesia to will never interfere in the internal affairs of Myanmar. In conclusion, he expressed his belief that the two nations will continue to cooperate cordially and closely.

Myanmar supports China’s ratification of Anti-secession Law

Senior General Than Shwe

PRC Government urging Chinese companies to make more investments in Myanmar

President Mr Hu Jintao

Senior General Than Shwe and President Mr Hu Jintao holds talks

YANGON, 26 April — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe held talks with President Mr Hu Jintao of the People’s Republic of China in Ballroom 3 of Hotel Mulia in Jakarta on 23 April.

President Mr Hu Jintao said that since ancient times the two countries have extended fraternal relationships. Exchange of views between the leaders is a task important for both nations.

Senior General Than Shwe expressed wish to perpetuate and further strengthen the existing fraternal relationship. He said, Myanmar was glad to see China’s rapid economic development which has been achieved since adoption of the open-door economic policy in 1978. As the people of China and the people of Myanmar have witnessed China’s developments under her own leadership with great pleasure. He said, Myanmar was proud of China’s success as China has become one of the top nations of the world, thanking China for her support for Myanmar in international affairs. Myanmar will continue to accept the One China Policy. Myanmar supports China’s ratification of the Anti-secession Law. Both nations have the tradition of always paying attention to the exchange of goodwill visits between the Sino-Myanmar leaders and further strengthening the existing cordial ties. The Senior General said that he always remembered and thanked the warm welcome accorded to him by Chinese leaders during his visit to the country in 2003, inviting Mr Hu, who had visited Myanmar in 2000, to visit Myanmar again. Sino-Myanmar relations have reached the 55th anniversary. The Senior General thanks China for her technological and other assistance to Myanmar, expressing belief that China will continue to help Myanmar in her all-round development drive. Concerning the seven-point Road Map, he said Myanmar has resumed the National Convention to draft a new constitution. The holding of the National Convention is the first and most important step of the Road Map. Of the over 1,000 delegates to the National Convention, 60 per cent represent national races. Moreover, nationalities of the 17 armed groups that have returned to the legal fold have also been attending the National Convention. It is important that the constitution should be the one all the nationalities can accept. The holding of the National Convention is a profound and delicate task. The most important thing for the nation is to ensure equality between the interest of the national races and that of the entire nation. Thanks to the Government’s relentless efforts, it is winning the understanding and cooperation of the nationalities. The results of the National Convention are satisfactory. The majority’s wish to strive for successful materializing of the future policy programme has become obvious.

Concerning the economy, the Senior General said, Myanmar has been making many changes in her transition from centralized economy to market oriented economy. Myanmar now is in the process of implementing the five-year economic plan from 2001-2002 to 2005-2006. Myanmar enjoyed trade surplus for two consecutive years during the first three years of the plan. A large number of nations are making investments and doing business in Myanmar. Myanmar is now striving for progress of the agricultural and industrial sectors. He said, at the same time it has been giving priority to the development of the trade, energy and electricity sectors, inviting cooperation in the sectors. The nation is also paying attention to improvement of the social, health and education standard of the people to face and address the challenges of the 21st Century.

Mr Hu in his discussions expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to exchange visits and views between leaders of both nations, and to extend bilateral political and economic cooperation in the international and regional fields. China thanks Myanmar for her adherence to One China Policy and her support for the Anti-secession Law. Sino-Myanmar friendly relations are important for China and must be further extended. He expressed satisfaction at witnessing developing Sino-Myanmar cooperation in various fields. The PRC Government is urging Chinese companies to make more investments in Myanmar. Constant meetings should be held to promote bilateral cooperation. The PRC is making arrangements to build an international conference centre in Myanmar. Agreed documents for the matter should be exchanged. China will promote its assistance to Myanmar to the best of its ability. The Chinese Government and people support Myanmar’s drive to restore internal peace. China accepts that Myanmar has the right to choose and practise the most suitable system. He said all must respect Myanmar sovereignty, adding that China opposes outside interference in Myanmar’s internal affairs. China will never change her stand concerning Myanmar. He expresses belief that Myanmar Government and people will overcome the difficulties. China sees UN reforms are important and need coordination from all angles. There is a Chinese proverb, which goes, “Haste will face difficulties in marching to a goal.

He thanked the Senior General for inviting him to visit Myanmar. The goodwill visit to Myanmar is an unforgettable one for him, he said. He said he accepts the invitation with pleasure and will visit Myanmar at an opportune time.

Also present were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Military Assistant to the State Peace and Development Council Chairman Maj-Gen Nay Win, Myanmar Ambassador to Indonesia U Kyaw Myint, Director-General of State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein, Director-General of Prime Minister’s Office U Soe Tint, Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet, Brig-Gen Kyaw Kyaw of the Ministry of Defence, and Director-General of Political Department U Thaung Tun.

Member of the Secretariat of the Central Communist Party Mr Wang Gang, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Li Zhaoxing, Minister of Finance Mr Jin Renqing, Minister of Economics Mr Bo Xilai, Head of President’s Office Mr Chen Shi Ju, Director-General of Asian Division of the Foreign Affairs Ministry Mr Cui Kan and high level officials were also present.

Senior General Than Shwe meets UN Secretary-General Mr Kofi Annan

YANGON, 26 April — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe met Secretary-General of the United Nations Mr Kofi A Annan at Room 4 of Jakarta Convention Centre, in Jakarta at 12.10 pm on 23 April.

Present on the occasion were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Military Assistant to the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Nay Win, Myanmar Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia U Kyaw Myint, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein, Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office U Soe Tint, Director-General of Political Department U Thaung Tun, Special Envoy of UN Secretary-General Mr Brahimi, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Myanmar Mr Razali Ismail and senior officials. At the meeting Mr Kofi A Annan said he was pleased to meet Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe. He cordially extended greetings and invited open discussions.

Senior General Than Shwe said he was glad to see the UN Secretary-General as if he had met a close relative. He would like to clarify the developments of Myanmar. He said Myanmar is making democratic reforms and it laid down seven-point Road Map for democratic transition on 30 August 2003.

He said the National Convention is being held for drafting the State Constitution. Based on basic principles agreed at the National Convention the draft of the State Constitution would be drawn up. The referendum will be held for the approval of the draft. Free and fair elections would also be held and a government would be formed, he said.

The first session of the National Convention was held from 17 May to 9 July 2004 and it was attended by over 1,000 delegates. Seventy per cent or the majority of the population in Myanmar are Bamar. However, only 40 per cent of the delegates to the National Convention are Bamar and the rest or 60 per cent are national races. Moreover, the delegates of 17 armed groups that made peace with the government are attending the National Convention.

Apart from seven states and seven divisions, there will be six self-administered areas for national races. At the first session of the National Convention legislature was discussed in detail. The delegates agreed to the legislative programmes in the central, state, division and self-administered areas and the delegates continued to discuss executive and judicial sectors. The second session of the National Convention was held from 17 February to 31 March 2005 and the third session will be held in the open season. As the majority of the population of Myanmar are farmers the National Convention is held at the break of their work.

He said he believed that basic principles for sharing of the executive and judicial powers would be laid down. There is still much to be done, he added.

The Senior General said he would like to explain the brief history of Myanmar. Armed opposition occurred three months after she regained independence and it lasted for 50 years.

The government laid emphasis on peace and unity among the national races. He said he would like to state the development works being carried. The government is endeavouring for development of political, economic, education and health sectors. Three projects are being implemented for equal development of the entire State.

The first project is a rural development project that aims at improving education, health, transport sectors in rural areas, supplying pure water and water for agriculture and improving rural economy.

The second project is the 24 special region development project based on experiences and lessons through which Myanmar passed. It is being undertaken for equality and development of the State.

In education sector, there were only 32 universities and colleges and now there are 156. Only when the people gain knowledge and technology will democratic practices be successful.

The third project is border area development project that aims at developing border areas that lagged behind development in the past. These three projects are being implemented for equal development in hilly and plain regions and border and rural areas.

He said he would like other peoples to come and see efforts for development of border areas and national races in Myanmar. The Senior General said he was not saying about these efforts in words. He said he was not a hard-liner.

He said SPDC is rebuilding a nation that lagged behind in development. In doing so, there are some difficulties because of the pressures. The Senior General invited the UN Secretary-General to visit Myanmar at an opportune time.

In his discussions, Mr Kofi A Annan said he thanked the Senior General for full clarifications about developments in Myanmar. He was glad that it is obvious that the government is making concerted efforts for development of rural areas , 24 special regions and border areas.

He said he understood and was glad to learn the efforts to draft the State Constitution by holding the National Convention in political aspect. He said he believed that the government is exerting utmost efforts for all the citizens of Myanmar and national races and the UN praised the efforts.

There are comments and misunderstanding because of some foreign nations and news agencies.

According to the statements, some assumed that the UN is the enemy of Myanmar. In fact, the UN is not an enemy of Myanmar but a friend. International communities should provide assistance for development of Myanmar, he said.

He thanked Senior General Than Shwe for inviting him to visit Myanmar and he hoped that he would visit Myanmar one day.