DOMESTIC NEWS: The spirit of cherishing independence - In Myanmar history, the Myanmar people's spirit of cherishing and safeguarding independence has been strong and prominent. Senior General Than Shwe Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (From the message sent on the occasion of the 49th Anniversary of Independence Day)...Minister inspects Ngwechi-6 cotton brokerage and factories...MAC holds diploma and prize awarding ceremony...AA Electronics' special sale promotion on 23-31 Dec...Information Minister visits dailies in Yangon..... "PERSPECTIVES": "Extend cultivation of rubber plants of quality strains"..... ARTICLES: Hailing the 62nd Anniversary Independence Day: "Myanma Railways building railroad network in public interest" Aung (Srekestra)..."Let's safeguard independence at risk to our lives" Padaung Than Kywe..."Bawditahtaung Dam contributes to greening of Monywa District" Byline: Kyaw Sein; Photos: Aung Than (Mingala Taungnyunt).....POEM: On a misty 4th January: "In the morning mist In high spirits the people On that auspicious 4th January Regained they independence As fresh as a mist sprinkled flower * We fell into colonialist quagmire Formed with multi means of wickedness In the darkness we were enslaved Colonialists trying to prolong their rule Applying tricks and ploys in various ways"