MESSAGE TO INDEPENDENCE DAY CEREMON

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Date: Thu, 19 Jan 1995 23:12:40 -0800

/* Written  8:59 PM  Jan 13, 1995 by news.reporter@xxxxxxxxxx in igc:soc.cult.burma */
/* ---------- "MESSAGE TO INDEPENDENCE DAY CEREMON" ---------- */

Wednesday, 4 January, 1995

State Law and Order Restoration Council Chairman
Senior General Than Shwe's message to
47th Anniversary Independence Day Ceremony

     On this auspicious 47th Anniversary Independence Day of 
the Union of Myanmar, I cordially and respectfully greet the 
people of all national races residing in the country.

     Our Union of Myanmar had stood as a sovereign nation in 
the world for thousands of years, and the colonialists encroached 
upon and enslaved the nation. The national brethren, with strong 
patriotism, valiantly fought with whatever weapons they could lay 
their hands on, against the colonialist aggression and occupation. 
The patriots from among the various national races such as the 
Kachin, the Kayah, the Kayin, the Chin, the Bamar, the Mon, the 
Rakhine and the Shan who had taken part in the anti-colonialist 
and national liberation struggles must be put on record as patriotic 
heroes in the annals of our history.

     Similarly, members of the Tatmadaw, born of the national 
races, who have fought many battles with valour risking their lives 
in defence of independence, the service personnel and people should 
also be placed on record for their spirit of sacrifice.

     The spirit of safeguarding independence, in addition to the 
love for national independence, has already been firm and strong among 
the citizens of Myanmar. We are dutybound to make efforts to hand this 
spirit down to our descendants at present in future as well.

     We, all the people of national races, must try our best, on 
self-reliance basis, to enable the nation to stand tall among the 
world nations as an independent nation and to perpetuate its sovereignty. 
This is the duty to be discharged by all the people of the Union to 
always protect and defend the nation in cooperation. Hence, the spirit 
of patriotism and the spirit of nationalism must be kept alive and 
dynamic.

     When we review the historic events which we have experienced 
we will see that all the citizens of this Union have always been able 
to win victories against all kinds of enemies who were attempting to 
cause disintegration of the Union, home to the people residing together 
in weal or woe. And there have been instances in which every case of 
damage has been ameliorated.

     During the period of more than six years of the State Law and 
Order Restoration Council which has emerged according to historical 
needs of the nation, firm foundations have been established and allround 
development has been achieved in the nation's political, economic, social, 
education and health spheres with public cooperation. This, all can see. 
It is necessary for the people of national races to make every effort 
and play whatever role they can to keep the present rate of allround 
development grow unhindered.

     With such efforts, Myanmar will be able to always stand tall 
among the family of nations as a peaceful, developed and modern nation.

     The government has been implementing construction projects 
of schools, bridges, hospitals, dispensaries, electric power, 
communications, irrigation networks etc with added momentum for the 
development of the border areas and national brethren in their long 
term interest utilizing substantial funds, manpower and investment. 
At present, 13 armed groups, after realizing the genuine goodwill of 
the government, have returned to the legal fold and are now implementing 
construction projects together with others.

      The National Convention is being convened for the emergence 
of a new State Constitution which will suit the wishes and aspirations 
of the people of the Union and which will enable them to enjoy the 
rights they are entitled to and bring about their social development. 
At the National Convention, chapter headings of the constitution and 
fundamental principles that must be included in drafting the constitution 
have already been laid down and approved.  The main chapters of the 
constitution, the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary, are 
being discussed and coordinated in detail. All the citizens should be 
mindful of the fact that they are all responsible for extending allout 
support for the emergence of the durable constitution in accordance 
with the six objectives of the National Convention.
      
       The State Law and Order Restoration Council, which is 
providing leadership to the nation, will continue to exert strenuous 
efforts to achieve better results in the following  tasks with 
public cooperation based on the favourable conditions already in hand: 

(a) to always safeguard Our Three Main National Causes-non-disintegration
    of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and 
    ensuring perpetuation of sovereignty;

(b) to ensure prevalence of the rule of law and peace and tranquillity, 
    ensure secure and smooth transportation, and ease the food, 
    clothing and shelter problems of the people; and

(c) to give attention to and safeguard the tasks for the development 
    of national races residing in Myanmar.

     The Union Solidarity and Development Association that will 
provide practical training in spiritual, disciplinary, fitness and 
solidarity for the perpetuation of the Union of Myanmar was formed 
with the five noble and correct aims. It has been more than one year 
since its formation, the annual general meeting has also been 
successfully held. All the people of the national races are required 
to play an active role for the success of the aims of the association. 
Then only will all the causes of the Union be safe and secure and 
good foundations handed to the generations to come.

     At present the Union of Myanmar has established remarkable 
favourable conditions in international relations and foreign trade. 
Sustained efforts are to be exerted in the country for allround 
development while maintaining success achieved in agriculture sector 
and in trade and services sectors. On the other hand, it is important 
to guard against the danger of destructionists inside and outside 
the country. Then only will the nation ever remain as a modem, 
developed, peaceful and firm nation. All the people of the national 
races are to continue to cooperate with the State Law and Order 
Restoration Council to realize this.

     Hence, I urge all the citizens to implement, with unswerving 
perseverance, earnest zeal, great strength and spirit, the National 
Objectives for the 47th Anniversary of the Independence Day:

(a) for the entire mass of the national people to make concerted 
    efforts in unity and harmony to protect and preserve the 
    perpetuity of the State's independence and sovercignty;

(b) for all to cooperate and make concerted and relentless efforts 
    for development of the State and for emergence of a peaceful, 
    pleasant and prosperous State; and

(c) for making efforts for the emergence of a new and durable State 
    Constitution.