DOMESTIC NEWS: Senior General Than Shwe felicitates President of Cuba ... Senior General Than Shwe pays homage to Marn Aungmyin Pyidawbyan Buddha Image in Zalun, inspects Pathein, Ngawun Bridge (Myokwin) ... Stakes driven to establish village in Kungyangon ... FM sends message of felicitations to Cuban counterpart ... Winner receives award at home ... Ambassador U Saw Hla Min presents credentials to King of Spain ... NDCG holds AGM ... Mingala Taungnyunt Township WJA holds AGM ... Beach folk dance contest on 4 Jan ... UMFCCI to hold Forum on Implications of Global Economic Crisis ... Civil Engineering alumni hold respect-paying ceremony, get-together ... Hlwan Moe Thu Co Ltd launches sales promotion ... Deputy FM signs Book of Condolences ... Earthquake report ....."PERSPECTIVES": "Consolidate unity through the might of literature".....HAILING THE 61ST ANNIVERSARY INDEPENDENCE DAY: ARTICLES: "Everyone loyal to motherland safeguards independenc" Ngar Min Swe..."ACHIEVEMENT OF THE AGRICULTURAL (DAM) SECTOR"...POEM: "Myanmar of the Thaki race" ["...Our courage and perseverance That wins global admiration Taking pride we of superior race For being the people of Glorious sovereign nation Where justice prevails And strength exists...Forest so thick Mountains, plains and clean water Religion flourishing everywhere And pagoda bells jingling Abundant supply of food in nation Rich in gems, teak, oil And other resources...With courage and sacrifices Dare sacrifice lives For nation and race We of the superior race..."]