DOMESTIC NEWS: 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 message sent on the occasion of 49th Anniversary Independence Day)...Recent elections held successfully without violence - Tatmadaw to continue to render assistance to successive government that will emerge [NAY PYI TAW, 31 Dec—The following is the full text of speech delivered by Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye at the Passing Out Parade of the 8th Intake of the Military Institute of Nursing and Paramedical Science today.]...1st meeting on long-term existence of Inlay Lake and environmental conservation...3rd Dam Safety During Design, Construction and Operation paper read...Blood donation to mark 20th Custom Day...Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San attend graduation dinner of MINPS 8...Progress of infrastructures across the nation in the time of the State Peace and Development Council - Transport Sector: Thanks to better transport, people can travel to any region of the Union in a short period, enjoying fruits of economic and social sectors; Progress of roads, bridges and rail transportation sector across the nation from 1988 to date; Progress of aviation and water transportation sector across the nation from 1988 to date...PBANRDA Minister inspects upgrading of Maubin-Twantay Road...Vice-Senior General Maung Aye attends Passing Out of Parade of MINPS 8..... FOREIGN RELATIONS: Senior General Than Shwe sends message of felicitations to President of Cuba...Foreign Minister sends message of felicitations to Cuban counterpart...Cash donated to relief fund of flood disaster in Pakistan..... "PERSPECTIVES": "Towards the goal of new nation"..... ARTICLE: HAILING THE 63RD ANNIVERSARY INDEPENDENCE DAY: "Resolution to build a new nation" Myint Maung (PhilQ).....CARTOON: "Rally full public support!".....POEM: "Independence Day thoughts"