Seven-step Road Map implemented to establish genuine democratic state  Plan made for people to avoid in future dangers of facing perilous situation of country to the extent of its annihilation

Naypyidaw, 27 March— The following is the full text of the address delivered by Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe at the 61st Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade held at the Parade Ground of Naypyidaw City today.

Comrades,

On the 61st Anniversary Armed Forces Day which is of historical significance as the entire people together with Tatmadaw annihilated the fascist menace on that day, I would like to solemnly inform you of matters of importance. Comrades, Our Tatmadaw is an indispensable patriotic Tatmadaw which was initially formed during the period of struggle for independence. As the Tatmadaw conquered the fascists of its own decision, our patriotism had to be recognized by the colonialists. Comrades, Since the time of colonialists occupation of Myanmar , they had practised the method of divide and rule among the national races. Upon re-entering the country, they sowed seeds of discord among national races of mountainous border areas as they had to consider granting of independence to the country. The colonialists ruled the mountainous border areas with existing administrative system as they realized that there existed less economic opportunity in these areas. They only collected tax from the areas. The colonialists as well as the feudalists preferred to rule the areas by proxy administration. When Myanmar was about to regain the independence, colonialsts openly sowed discord among the national races. That is why the 1947 Constitution had many loopholes and weaknesses. Therefore, the Patriotic Tatmadaw had upheld the spirit of national unity and laid down the national policy of non-disintegration of the Union , non-disintegration of national unity in order to perpetuate the sovereignty. I would like to point out that all the national races must always preserve the spirit of national unity as patriotic spirit. Comrades, All the national races which descended from our ancestors coming to live in this nation since millions of years ago are analogous to a hundred fruits bearing from a twig. Nowadays, the leaders of ASEAN, which consists of ten nations, have laid down farsightedly the principle of one vision, one character and one society. Likewise, our national races who live in the same land sharing the same water would wholeheartedly love the Union and stay together harmoniously. Comrades, Now the entire people are striving energetically hand-in-hand with the Tatmadaw for the emergence of a peaceful, modern, developed and discipline-flourishing democratic nation. The stability of State, community peace and tranquility, prevalence of law and order, uplifting of education standard and standard of living of people are essential for the multi-party democratic system. The Tatmadaw, for these reasons, strive consistently for the prevalence of peace and stability and for the prevalence of law and order in the country. Likewise, the Tatmadaw has made speedy and strenuous efforts to build infrastructure for agriculture, industrial and services sectors in order to uplift the annual income and standard of living of the entire people.

Firstly, for the development of border areas and national races which lagged behind in development, large amount of funds have been allocated. Secondly, the 24 special development zones have been designated. Thirdly, the five rural development tasks have been carried out. These endeavours aimed not only for the development of entire national races but also for the future generations. Comrades, In a multi-party system, only when there is prevalence of law and order the dangers of violence can be averted; only when the national races can enjoy food, clothing and shelter, fraudulent bribery by money can be overcome and only through attainment of higher standard of education can trickery be avoided. Today, the Tatmadaw and the people are striving together for the emergence of a democratic state and these are tasks which need time for implementation. Today, the nation is well on its way to development as the infrastructure needed for development has been built almost to the fullest capacity every where and in every region of the nation. We are now implementing the 7-step road map to establish a genuine democratic state. We have also conceived of a plan so that our people can avoid in the future the dangers of facing a perilous situation of the country to the extent of its annihilation. I would like to state that whatever political or economic system the country practices, prevalence of peace and tranquility, prevalence of national sovereignty and security of life and property of the people are the requisites of a State. In order to ward off any danger befalling the country, our Tatmadaw, together with the people, must be strong, efficient, patriotic and modern. Our Tatmadaw should be a worthy heir to the traditions of the capable Tatmadaws established by noble Kings Anawarahta, Bayint Naung and Alaung Phaya U Aung Zeya. Comrades, Among the three capabilites required of a country such as political capability, economic capability and defence capability, the main of the Tatmadaw, as well as, that of the citizens is the high defence capability. In order to enjoy higher political and economic capablities, the patriotic Tatmadaw must render its assistance through its participation. Our three main duties are, duty to defend the nation, duty to undergo training and the duty to serve the interests of the people. In order to perform well these duties, we need to constantly fulfil the Ten Strengths of the Tatmadaw such as loyalty, obedience, strong morale and perseverance, good discipline, being well-training, possessing brilliant skill, healthiness and fitness, having esprit de corps, making sacrifices and endeavouring to meet the aim with strong determination. In addition, in order to be a good member of the Tatmadaw one has to practise the codes of conduct of soldiers comprising 60 in number which are like the law. The first of the 60 tenets places emphasis on the loyalty that the Tatmadaw places on the State. Moreover, by looking at the ten principles for dealing with the people, such as, loyalty to the people, protection of life, property and wealth of people, having courteous relations with people, behaving like “water and moon”, keeping foremost in mind the interests of people, giving priority to people, not taking more opportunity for oneself, keeping people feel happy and satisfied in whatever is done for them or whatever is being asked to be done, respect for religion, belief, culture and traditions of people, it is clear and evident that the sentiments of the Tatmadaw towards the people are noble. I would like to ask comrades who belong to the patriotic Tatmadaw to firmly safeguard these noble principles as one would to keep the pasoe firmly to one’s waist. Comrades, In conclusion I would like to urge you to spare no efforts to fully implement the following objectives of the 61st Anniversary Armed Forces Day: - to strive hand in hand with the people for the emergence of a peaceful, modern, developed and discipline-flourishing democratic nation, - to fulfil any duty for the successful implementation of the seven-point Road Map, to fight every danger of the country together with the entire people, - to work energetically toward building a strong efficient modern Tatmadaw capable of safeguarding Our Three Main National Causes.

Senior General Than Shwe addresses 61st Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade

Naypyidaw, 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 61st Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade at the Parade Ground of Naypyidaw City this morning. The 61st Anniversary Armed Forces Day was observed in accord with the objectives — to strive hand in hand with the people for the emergence of a peaceful, modern, developed and discipline-flourishing democratic nation,to fulfill any duty for the successful implementation of the seven-point Road Map,to fight every danger of the country together with the entire people and to work energetically toward building a strong efficient modern Tatmadaw capable of safeguarding Our Three Main National Causes. Also present at the parade were Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Prime Minister General Soe Win, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, 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 61st Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and Lt-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, the ministers, senior military officers, the chief justice, the attorney-general, the auditor-general, the chairman of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the deputy ministers, military attaches of foreign missions, departmental heads, senior police officers, senior officers of Fire Services Department, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, Women’s Affairs Organization, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Myanmar War Veterans Organization and social organizations, nurses, members of Fire Brigade, Red Cross Society, winners of respective competitions to mark the 61st Anniversary Armed Forces Day, local and foreign journalists and invited guests.

Members of the parade columns took their designated places at the assembly area at 5 am to march towards the Parade Ground. At 5.30 am, Parade Adjutant Lt-Col Thant Zin presented the seven parade columns to Parade Commander Brig-Gen Thet Naing Win. The bag-pipe platoon led by Sgt Kyaw Naing Oo marched to the Parade Ground in advance and took the designated places. Next, the Guard of Honour and the Central Military Band led by Sgt Myat Kyaw Thu took the designated places. Parade Commander Brig-Gen Thet Naing Win led the military columns, followed by Parade Adjutant Lt-Col Thant Zin, the standard bearers of Union Flag and flags of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) of Anawrahta Column led by Maj Thet Win and the military band led by Sgt Kyaw Zeyar Win of the Central Command. Column Commander Col Htin Zaw Win ushered Anawrahta Column, together with Commanding Officer Lt-Col Thein Tun Aung, which was made up of Guard of Honour of Directorate of Artillery and Armour led by Maj Zaw Tun Oo, the company led by Maj Maung Kyi representing Directorate of Supply and Transport, the company led by Maj Soe Naing Tun representing Northern Command, the company led by Maj Aung Myat Oo representing Southern Command and Company-2 led by Maj Zaw Zaw Aung representing Triangle Region Command. The standard bearers of flags of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) of Kyansittha Column led by Maj Myo Htut and the military band led by Cpl Min Naing of the South East Command ushered the column comprising Column Commander Col Khin Maung Oo, Guard of Honour of Kyansittha Column led by Maj Hla Myo representing Directorate of Artillery, Commanding Officer of Kyansittha Column Lt-Col Khin Maung Hsan, the company led by Maj Aung Myo Myint representing Directorate of Defence Industries, company led by Maj Htay Lwin representing Triangle Region Command, company led by Maj Soe Nyunt representing Western Command, Company-3 led by Maj Myint Wai representing Northern Command and company-2 led by Maj Nay Tun representing South East Command. . The standard bearers of flags of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) of Bayintnaung Column led by Maj Ye Naing Tun and the military band led by WO II Han Tun of Tatmadaw (Navy) ushered the column comprising Column Commander Captain Aung Zaw Win (Navy), Guard of Honour of Bayintnaung Column led by Lt-Cdr Win Htin Aung representing Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), Commanding Officer of Bayintnaung Column Cdr Kyaw Thu, the company led by Maj San Dun Phyu representing North East Command, company led by Maj Htein Lin representing North West Command, company led by Maj Han Win Aung representing No-77 Light Infantry Division, Company-2 led by Maj Nay Lin Tun representing Northern Command and company-2 led by Maj Myo Thant Zin representing Western Command. . The standard bearers of flags of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) of Aungzeya Column led by Maj Myint Naing and the military band led by Sgt Tun Aung of No-77 LID ushered the column comprising Column Commander Col Khin Maung Win, Guard of Honour of Aungzeya Column led by Maj Min Kyain Hsan representing Directorate of Medical Services, Commanding Officer of Aungzeya Column Lt-Col Tun Tun Nyi, the company led by Maj Ba Oo representing Directorate of Signals, company led by Maj Naing Naing Oo representing Eastern Command, company-3 led by Maj Ye Kyaw Kyaw representing Western Command and Company led by Maj Ye Lwin Oo representing N0-99 LID. . The standard bearers of flags of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) of Hsinbyushin Column led by Maj Zaw Win Tun and the military band led by Sgt Ko Ko Aung of Tatmadaw (Air) ushered the column comprising Column Commander Col Oo Kyaw, Guard of Honour of Hsinbyushin Column led by Maj Zaw Myo representing Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Air), Commanding Officer of Hsin- byushin Column Lt-Col Than Naing Oo, the company led by Maj Htin Latt Oo representing Triangle Region Command, company led by Maj Myo Naing representing South East Command, company led by Maj Zaw Myo Htut representing No-11 Light Infantry Division, company-2 led by Maj Khaing Min representing Eastern Command and company-2 led by Maj Kyaw Swa Maung representing North East Command. The standard bearers of flags of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) of Bandoola Column led by Maj Thet Naing and the military band led by WO Htay Win of No-4 Basic Military Training Depot ushered the columns comprising Column Commander Col Myo Myint, Guard of Honour of Bandoola Column led by Maj Soe Min Tun representing Yangon Command, Commanding Officer of Bandoola Column Lt-Col Thant Zaw, the company led by Maj Zaw Naing Oo representing Directorate of Military Engineers, company led by Maj Ye Htut representing Central Command, company led by Maj Tin Maung Cho representing Office of the Chief of Military Industries, company-2 led by Maj Han Thu representing Coastal Region Command and company-3 led by Maj Myo Zaw representing Triangle Region Command. The standard bearers of flags of Myanmar Police Force, Fire Brigade and Red Cross Society of Myawady Column led by Police Major Soe Aung and the band led by Police Cpl Zar Ni Oo of Myanmar Police Force ushered the columns comprising Column Commander Col Nay Win, Guard of Honour of Myawady Column led by Police Major Zaw Min Thant representing MPF, Commanding Officer of Myawady Column Lt-Col Than Lwin Myint, the company led by Assistant Director Ye Bala Thaung Hteik representing Fire Brigade, company led by Deputy Commanding Officer Thein Zaw representing Red Cross Society, company led by Maj Kyaw Tun Lin representing South West Command and company led by Maj Ye Naing representing Directorate of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Singing military songs, the parade columns comprising 11705 members of Tatmadaw, MPF, Fire Brigade and Red Cross marched toward the Parade Ground. Along the route, the marching columns were accorded a rousing welcome by the families of the Camp Commandant’s Office and Directorates of the Ministry of Defence, service personnel of the respective ministries of Naypyidaw City, Tatmadawmen, MPF members, Fire Brigade and Red Cross Brigade members, family members of Naypyidaw Station, members of USDA, WAO, MCWA, MWVO, Red Cross, Fire Brigade, nurses, teachers, students and local people who waved the miniature flags, presented flowers and garlands to the parade members. The columns took their designated places at 6.50 am. At 7.10 am, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied by Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann, arrived at the Parade Ground in Naypyidaw City where he was welcomed and ushered to the dais by Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 61st Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Aung Htwe. After Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe had taken position on the dais, the columns saluted him. Next, Parade Commander Brig-Gen Thet Naing Win presented the columns to Senior General Than Shwe. . Afterwards, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe inspected the columns by car. 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. Next, Senior General Than Shwe delivered an address. (The address is reported separately.) Afterwards, the parade commander sought the permission of the Senior General to march past him. Next, the columns led by Parade Commander Brig-Gen Thet Naing Win marched past the Senior General and left the Parade Ground for the assembly area. Afterwards, Senior General Than Shwe left there and the 61st Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade ended at 8.10 am. The entrance to the parade ground was decorated with archway of resistance star and batch of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air). To the east of the ground were the statues of King Anawrahta, King Bayintnaung and King Alaung Phaya. Various billboards with mottoes of the Tatmadaw and flags of the Tatmadaw were erected and the parade ground was illuminated.

Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing host dinner to mark 61st Anniversary Armed Forces Day

Naypyidaw, 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 dinner to mark the 61st Anniversary Armed Forces Day at the Ministry of Defence in Naypyidaw City this evening. Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing arrived at the dinner to mark the 61st Anniversary Armed Forces Day at 7 pm today. Next, Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing together with 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, General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Prime Minister General Soe Win, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant General Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Members of SPDC, Chairman of Leading Committee for Observance the 61st Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hem cordially greeted foreign military attaches’ to Myanmar and their wives and guests attending the dinner.

Afterwards, Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing hosted the dinner to the attendance.

Present at the dinner were Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, General Thura Shwe Mann and wife Daw Khin Lay Thet, Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win, members of SPDC and wives, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein and wife, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein and wife, ministers, the chief-justice; the attorney-general, the auditor-general, the chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, senior military officers and wives, the parade commander and column commanders, foreign military attaches’ to Myanmar and wives, officials of SPDC’s office and the ministries, foreign and local journalists, delegates to social organizations, artistes and guests.

Before and after the dinner, the guests were entertained with songs by artistes.

Thousands of people accord rousing welcome to parade columns of 61st Anniversary Armed Forces Day

NAYPYIDAW, 27 March — Tatmadawmen of Anawrahta, Kyansittha, Bayintnaung, Aungzeya, Sinbyushin, Maha Bandoola and Myawady columns, members of 1yanmar Police Force, Fire Bridgade. and Red Cross Society led by Parade Commander Brig-Gen Thet Naing Win marched to the parade ground to the 61st Anniversary Armed Forces Day for 2006 this morning.

Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and family members, Daw Mya Mya San, wife of 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, Daw Khin Lay Thet, wife of General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Daw Than Than Nwe, wife of Prime Minister General Soe Win, Daw Khin Khin Win, wife of Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant Gen eral Lt-Gen Thein Sein, high-ranking officers of the Ministry of Defence,

senior military officers along with thousands of people accorded a rousing welcome to the parade columns and so did service personnel from the ministries of Naypyidaw City , members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, Women’s Affairs Organization, Maternal and Child Welfare Association War Veterans Organization and social organizations, families of military persons and policemen, nurses, teachers and students.