Safeguard Independence and Sovereignty at risk of live

Today,all the national races must keep in mind that it is our inborn duty to discharge what we are entrusted with enhancing the spirit of national solidarity,nationalist spirit and the love for the Union and with the spirit of sacrificing lives in safeguarding independence and sovereignty of the mother-land in order that independence that was regained would not be lost again.

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 52nd Anniversary Independence Day)

Independence and bounden duty of Myanmar people

Independence and sovereignty are two of a nation’s characteristics the world legal experts and

political scientists have standardized. They said that to be able to stand in the international community, a nation had to have (1) territory, (2) population, (3) sovereignty and (4) independence. Myanmar has its territory. King Anawrahta reunited the scattering regions into the First Myanmar Empire. Taking a stronghold in Toungoo, King Bayintnaung brought disintegrated regions together to establish the Second Myanmar Empire. Shwebo (Konbaung) U Aung Zeya (King Alaungphaya) founded the Third Myanmar Empire and delineated the territory of the nation. When the Third Myanmar Empire became weak in military prowess, the British colonialists annexed the nation. Myanmar national races thus had to sacrifice a lot of lives, blood and sweat to regain territory. The Union of Myanmar today has (1)

territory, and (2) more than 56 million people of more than 100 national races. (3) Since Myanmar regained independence, successive Myanmar governments have taken charge of State duties. (4) Myanmar is an independent and sovereign nation. Therefore, Myanmar stands tall in the world with allthe four characteristics of a nation. Sovereignty, independence or practice of

democracy in accordance with the consent of the majority of the people, and meeting the standards of human rights reflect the image of an independent nation. Sovereignty means the right to serve the interests of the nation and the people freely or self-determination.

Under the UN Charter, every independent nation shall become a member of the UN after pledging to follow the principles of the Charter and enjoy the rightstherein. The Charter prescribes that all member nationsshall recognize and respect the sovereignty of other
members. There shall be equality among big and smallnations holding only one vote for each nation. Members are to refrain from committing acts of aggression against the territory of others and the UN and other nations are not to interfere in the internal affairs of other nations and disputes are to be settled through negotiations rather than the use of force, and every

member nation is entitled to self-determination. International legal norms support the principles. The principles of the Bandung Declaration (resolution passed at Bandung Conference held in Bandung, Indonesia, in 1955) of the 118-member Non-Aligned Movement are similar to the principles of the UN Charter. The fundamental principles and objectives of

the ten-member ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) and the principles of the ASEAN Charter include cooperation for development, peace and security, and non-interference of the Association in the internal affairs of members. Myanmar joined the United Nations in 1948, in which it regained independence. It is one of the nations that initiated the Non-Aligned Movement. Myanmar, a member of the ASEAN, upholds nonaligned foreign policy and Bandung principles. Now, the government is dedicating itself to the national development tasks in line with the nation’s geographical features, characters of national races, historic experiences and consent of the majority of the people. As a result, it managed to put an end to
internal armed conflicts that had disrupted national development for 40 years. The government has been able to realize projects for all-round development of the whole nation, tenaciously braving a wide range of blockages, disruptions and destructive acts. The
purpose of the government’s endeavours is nothing more than enabling the people of national races to fully enjoy the taste of independence.Myanmar people have placed gravity on
perpetuation of sovereignty or independence, for which the people had to launch battles with tenacity against the colonialists, and on perpetual existence and prosperous
future of the Union that was unified with national solidarity and Panglong spirit or Union Spirit based on patriotism. National races have made efforts to regain
independence, chart brighter future of the nation and ensure non-disintegration of national solidarity. To maintain independence, to protect the Union, and to ensure perpetual unity of national brethren are the three national duties or bounden duties of Myanmar people.
(See page 9)
30-12-07 NL 8/2/18, 10:19 PM 8

Dignitaries at the Graduation Parade of the 9th Intake of the Defence
Services Medical Academy.—
Dignitary at the Graduation Parade of the 9th Intake of the Defence
Services Medical Academy.—MNA
Senior General Than Shwe inspects cadet companies.—MNA


Senior General Than Shwe presents Excellent
in Training Award to Cadet Chan Myae
Aung.—MNA

Senior General Than Shwe presents Best
Cadet Award to Cadet Ko Ko Soe.


Countries in Orient moving away from foreign
dependence in the pharmaceuticals sector
Oriental indigenous drugs becoming well-known for
having few side effects and for their effectiveness
Country needs to depend more on domestically
produced pharmaceuticals for effective treatment
NAY PYI TAW, 28 Dec — The following is the address delivered by Commander-in-Chief of Defence
Services Senior General Than Shwe at the Graduation Parade of the 9th Intake of the Defence Services MedicalAcademy in Yangon today.
Comrades,
At the Graduation Ceremony of the 9th Intake of the Defence Services Medical Academy, I
have serious words of counsel on the national defence duty and the duty of the Defence Services Medical Corps. Comrades, For the national defence duty, you have received
military training and training in military leadership at the level of an infantry
platoon commander. The members of the Defence Services Medical
Corps have had the tradition of outstanding bravery since the time of the independence
struggle, with many earning titles and medals for Thura bravery.
You comrades are the proud successors to this tradition and must be intrepid
and daring in combat when required. Moreover, as junior military leaders, you
comrades must build up your own leadership qualities. You must know how
to provide correct leadership. Correct leadership means ensuring that your
subordinates have good morale, good discipline and good capabilities and
building unity among them, based on your own strong convictions and
capabilities, so that they follow you and share your Three Capabilities.
Comrades,
To continue with the Three Capabilities, the military capability is the ability to practise the basic
military theory and rules to your advantage, taking into consideration the circumstances you are encountering. As to the administrative capability, it refers to the thorough completion
of general staff, adjutant and quartermaster duties. As military success hinges
on strong administration, the entire hierarchy of leaders need to pay attention to administrative matters.
The organizational
capability is the ability to
foster a conviction for national
politics firmly and broadly in the society you come into contact with.
So, you comrades are to promote firmly and broadly Our Three Main
National Causes — Non-Disintegration of the Union, Non-Disintegration of National Solidarity and Perpetuation of Sovereignty.
Comrades,
You are Tatmadawmen and members of the Medical Corps.
The aim of the Defence Services Medical Corps is Health, Fitness and Combat Capability. You are to implement this aim according to your motto: “Goodwill, Compassion and Harm Reduction”. Speaking of medical practice, according to the saying, “Health is a great
gift,” one of humanity’s greatest wishes is longevity
with freedom from illness. To live a long life and be free from illness,
health education and prevention are most important. There’s a Myanmar saying, “Know what’s
wrong, and there’s a cure.” So once illness occurs, accurate diagnosis followed by correct prescription and treatments is imperative. With regard to pharmaceuticals,
some on the market are substandard, ineffective and cause badside effects. Countries

PERSPECTIVES

Exteansively produce potent madinces for better health care service


The goverment is making all-out efforts for development of all the State includeing education, health and cultural sectors. In that regard, it has

been enhancing health care service for uplit of health and fitness of the

entire nation.

Head of State Senior Gemeral Than Shwe on 20 December attended the oppening of Myanmar Permaceutical Factory(PyinOoLwin) and gave

guidance on work to officials concered.

In his guidance,he said that the goverment has been buliding phermaceutical factories to uplit the health of the people, and called on officials concered to seek ways for better distribution of madicines so that they can reach the hands of consumers sooner. He also spoke of the weaknesses in distribution of madicines due to restrictions.

Myanmar Phermaceutical Factory (Pyin Oo Lwin) is located near Pyin Oo Lwin Oo Lwin and has produced tablets and capsules since March

2005.The factory is now producing injection, embrocation, syrup ,powered and intravenous injection.

Other factories that produce medicines are Myanmar Pharmaceutical Factory (sagaing), Hepatitis-B Vaccine Factory , special phermaceutical

Factory No 1 and No 2,Myanmar Phermaceutical Factory (Yangon)

Extension and MPF (Inyaung).

The goverment has been building pharmaceutical factories and hospitals and has eqquiped them with modern medicals
equioment. And more specialists, dotors and nurses have been care service.
With the emergemce of more pharmaceutical factories across the nation, personnel concered are to produce potent and
reliable medinces to their utmost and to distribue them to the people to contribute a lot to uplift of health and fitness
of the entire nation.

I N T E R N A T I O N A L N E W S

I N T E R N A T I O N A L N E W S
Putin is “Time” magazine’s
“Person of the Year”
WASHINGTON, 20 Dec—Russian President Vladimir Putin was named Time magazine’s “Person of the Year”
for 2007 on Wednesday for bringing his country “roaring back to the table of world power”. Putin, a former KGB
official who was picked from obscurity in 1999 by then-president Boris Yeltsin, will appear on the cover of Time as the
person the editors believe had the greatest impact on events this year, for better or worse.
“He’s not a good guy, but he’s done extraordinary things,” said Time managing editor Richard Stengel, who
announced Putin’s selection on NBC’s “Today Show”.
“He’s a new tsar of Russia and he’s dangerous in the sense that he doesn’t care about civil liberties; he doesn’t care about free speech; he cares about stability. But stability is what Russia needed and that’s why Russians adore
him.”
The choice came days after Putin announced a plan to hold onto power after his term ends. Putin said on Monday that if his close ally, Dmitry Medvedev, wins next year’s presidential vote, he would serve as Medvedev’s Prime
Minister.
The Russian President beat out several rivals for the Time distinction, including former US Vice-President Al
Gore, British author JK Rowling, Chinese President Hu Jintao and US Commander in Iraq General David
Petraeus.—MNA/Reuters

British fire killed Danes in Afghanistan

British fire killed
Danes in Afghanistan
COPENHAGEN, 20 Dec—Two Danish soldiers killed in Afghanistan while fighting Taleban insurgents were
victims of friendly fire from a British unit, the Danish Army Central Command said on Tuesday.
The Army said its investigation showed that the two soldiers were killed on 26 September by a Javelin antitank
missile fired by British soldiers in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan.
“My thoughts go first and foremost to their relatives, who so tragically lost their loved ones,” said Major
General Poul Kiaerskou, head of the Army Central Command, in a statement.
“My thoughts go also to our British allies, who now have to live with the knowledge that two Danish
colleagues were accidentally killed by British fire. That's a situation no soldier wants to find himself in.”
British Brigadier Andrew Mackay, who commands a task force of British, Danish and Estonian troops in
Helmand, issued a statement expressing deep sympathy to the families and friends of the two Danes.
He said the British Army would conduct its own thorough investigation into the incident and would
make no further comment until that was completed. Denmark has about 550 soldiers in Afghanistan. So far
six have died in combat, while three others were killed while trying to dismantle a mine.—MNA/Reuters

British fire killed Danes in Afghanistan

British fire killed
Danes in Afghanistan
COPENHAGEN, 20 Dec—Two Danish soldiers killed in Afghanistan while fighting Taleban insurgents were
victims of friendly fire from a British unit, the Danish Army Central Command said on Tuesday.
The Army said its investigation showed that the two soldiers were killed on 26 September by a Javelin antitank
missile fired by British soldiers in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan.
“My thoughts go first and foremost to their relatives, who so tragically lost their loved ones,” said Major
General Poul Kiaerskou, head of the Army Central Command, in a statement.
“My thoughts go also to our British allies, who now have to live with the knowledge that two Danish
colleagues were accidentally killed by British fire. That's a situation no soldier wants to find himself in.”
British Brigadier Andrew Mackay, who commands a task force of British, Danish and Estonian troops in
Helmand, issued a statement expressing deep sympathy to the families and friends of the two Danes.
He said the British Army would conduct its own thorough investigation into the incident and would
make no further comment until that was completed. Denmark has about 550 soldiers in Afghanistan. So far
six have died in combat, while three others were killed while trying to dismantle a mine.—MNA/Reuters

Gunmen kidnap French journalist in north Somalia

BOSASSO (Somalia), 18 Dec — Gunmen in Somalia’s northern Puntland region kidnapped a French journalist on Sunday, thearea’s deputy governor said. “A French journalist has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen,” Yusuf Mumin Bidde told Reuters. “Puntland security officials are now meeting on that issue.” He had no information on the identity of the reporter or his media organization. The reporter’s driver told Reuters the attack took place some 70 kilometres (45 miles) east of Puntland’s main town of Bosasso. “I, with the translator, tried to talk to the gunmen who demanded a 70,000-USdollar ransom,” OmarAhmed said. He said the journalist was working on a story about Somali migrants being smuggled to Yemen.—

US soldier dies of non-combat related wounds

BAGHDAD, 18 Dec — An American soldier died of a non-combat related injury in area north of

Baghdad on Monday, the US military said.

The incident took place near the Camp Taji, a US military base, some 30 kilometres north of Baghdad, the military said in a statement.
The soldier died of his fatal wounds after being transported to a nearby military medical facility for emergency treatment, it said. The latest death brings the number of US soldiers killed in Iraq to about 3,895 since the Iraq war broke out in March 2003, according to media count based on
Pentagon figures.—

Israel kills 12 Palestinian militants in Gaza Strip

Gaza, 19 Dec— Israel killed at least 12 Palestinian militants in airstrikes in the Gaza Strip that marked on Tuesday its most deadly military response in months to frequent rocket attacks from the Hamas - controlled territory.
Islamic Jihad, the group behind many of the rocket launchings that have been disrupting life in southern Israeli communities,said four of its members were killed as they walked out of a mosque in the Jabalya refugee camp in northern Gaza.
Hours earlier, airstrikes killed seven Islamic Jihad militants, including a senior Gaza commander, prompting the group to threaten suicide bombings inside the Jewish state.
Israel has not been hit by a suicide bombing in 11 months, a respite that has helped pave the way for renewed peace efforts with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who opposes such attacks.

PERSPECTIVES

Fossils found reveal the origin of human begins in Myanmar Experts of the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education and French palaeontologists conducted a field study of the environs of Paukkhaung, Ma- gyeegan and Bahin Villages in Myaing Township in Magway Division in search of fossils from 19 November to 8 December this year.The field study of the fossils in Pontaung region began in March 1997 with the assistance of the geologists from universities of the Ministry of Education.
Members of Myanmar-French expedition team discovered an upper molar of a primate, the fossils of two front teeth and the bone of a left thigh of a primate in Bahin and Magyeegan Villages in Myaing Township in Magway Division on 1 and 4 December.

The team also found jaw and teeth of the origins of goat and pig and teeth of other origins of carnivores in the region.The French palaeontologists have carried out field work in Myanmar science 1998.They also conducted research work in 2005 joining hands with the Ministry of Culture and found more fossils.

The fossils they found is proof that human beings originated in Myanmar 40 million years ago. Moreover, the discovery of the articles and other belongings of successive periods and the fossils of primate reveal the existence of stone age culture in Myanmar.
The success of research on fossils by Myanmar-French palaeontologists and other interesting fossils support the fact that human beings originated in Myanmar.

Senior General Than Shwe inspects greening Senior General Than Shwe inspects greening progress of Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadanabon), pays homage to pagoda

NAY PYI TAW, 21 Dec — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in- Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied by Member of the SPDC General Thura Shwe Mann and party, left PyinOoLwin for Monywa of Sagaing Division by helicopter yesterday morning. The Senior General and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Sagaing Division PDC Commander of North- West Command Brig-Gen Myint Soe, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Tin Maung Ohn and officials. They paid homage to 424 feet high Bawditahtaung Laygyunsekkya Standing Buddha Image near Bawditahtaung Monastery of Khattakantaung Village in Monywa Township At the briefing hall, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Soe reported to the Senior General on greening tasks in Monywa Township, progress of Monywa, Kyaukka and Shwemyintin protected public forests, growing of trees and tasks for environmental conservation. After hearing the reports, the Senior General gave guidance on greening of Monywa Township, conservation of forests and systematic arrangements for extended planting of trees in watershed area. Senior General Than Shwe and party viewed the greening of the environs of Bawditahtaung Monastery and natural scenes.
A 670 feet long and 75 feet high dam has been constructed for greening Bawditahtaung and its environs. The dam benefits arable lands and greening tasks. Furthermore, the water from the dam is being pumped to greening tasks around
Hill 919. The Senior General and party inspected conservation of forests and trees in the surrounding areas of Monywa Technological University and the Sambuddhe Pagoda and development of Monywa. In the afternoon, they proceeded to Mandalay by helicopter. In the evening, Senior General Than Shwe and party paid homage to Hsutaungpyae Buddha Image on Mandalay Hill. They viewed documentary photos of Mandalay Hill. After viewing greening tasks at Mandalay Hill and natural beauty of Mandalay and its envi rons, Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on greening of Mandalay Hill and ensuring of effective irrigation system of Hsedawgyi Dam. The Senior General presented cash donations to the Pagoda Board of Trustees. The Senior General and party paid homage to Maha Muni Buddha Image. The Senior General signed the visitors’ book and made cash donations there. This morning, they inspected progress of Zaygyo Market and Mandalay and development of Mandalay Kandawgyi Lake and its environs. At Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadanabon) project site, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun reported to the Senior General on facts about the bridge and nearing of the construction task. Deputy Superintending Engineer U Htay Myint reported on installation of suspenders in steel beams of the main bridge, strengthening of suspenders and the testing of the strength of the bridge. Afterwards, Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected the finishing touches to the facility. After inspecting the approach bridge and road on Sagaing side, the Senior General and party went back to Mandalay and inspected Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadanabon) and gave guidance. The main bridge of the 5 , 6 1 4 - f o o t - l o n g Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadanabon) is of steel beam type. The structure features the 49-foot wide four traffic lanes flanked by two six-foot wide pedestrian walkways. The bridge is designed to handle each truck weighing 60 tonnes in maximum.

Although the bridge is not officially inaugurated yet, over 10,000 trucks, 40,000 passenger buses,100,000 light vehicles and 300,000 motor cycles have used it so far. Senior General Than Shwe and party also inspected the construction of road around Taungthaman Wetland, Yadanabon University and development of Amarapura Township in a motorcade. After visiting Mandalay Industrial Zone, the Senior General and party flew to Nay Pyi Taw. During the inspection tour, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo and Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw inspected Dokwin Agriculture Farm of Myanma Agriculture Service in PyinOoLwin Township yesterday. First, Manager of the farm U Tint Lwin reported to them on the farm. Deputy Supervisor of the farm Daw Yin Yin Mar reported on production process of medicinal herbs from orchids and propagation of orchids. Afterwards, officials concerned conducted Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo and Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw around the farm where herbal orchids were grown with the use of various methods. After inspecting the farm, Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo urged officials of the farm to grow the herbal orchids successfully in accordance with the guidance of the Head of State. Afterwards, the ministers inspected a small hydel power project on a irrigation canal of Dokwin Dam to produce power on a small scale. The generator equipped at the small project can produce 5 kilowatts. Generators are also equipped on irrigation canals to produce hydro
power on a small scale.

Senior General Than Shwe pays homage to Maha Arnt Htoo Kantha Pagoda

NAY PYI TAW, 20 Dec — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe accompanied by Chairman of Mandalay Division PDC Commander of Central Command Brig- Gen Tin Ngwe and officials visited Maha Arnt Htoo Kantha Pagoda in PyinOoLwin Township on 18 December evening and paid homage to Maha Arnt Htoo Kantha Buddha Image. The Senior General donated cash to the funds of the pagoda through the chairman to the Pagoda Board of Trustees. Later, the Senior General viewed prize winning works in the photo contest 2007 to mark Tazaungdine Festival of the pagoda.

Patriotic spirit not based on correct thinking likely to make one chauvinist

NAY PYI TAW, 19 Dec— The following is the speech delivered by Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe at the graduation parade of the 10th Intake of Defence Services Technological Academy today.

Comrades,
On this occasion of the graduation ceremony of the 10th Intake of Defence Services Technological Academy, I shall address serious issues that you should be aware of. As you will soon be commissioned as Defence Services Engineers and junior leaders, you must, first of all, be good Tatmadawmen. You must also be dependable engineering professionals, serving the duties of building a modern Tatmadaw and a modern developed nation.
Comrades,
A good Tatmadawmen must be capable of carrying on the Twelve Traditions of the Tatmadaw. Ours is the patriotic Tatmadaw with the resolve to serve the nation and the people even at the cost of our own lives. Life is what all living beings value most; it is not something to be exchanged for any kind of privilege. We, who have no hesitation even to sacrifice our own lives, can sacrifice everything. It is because we dare to sacrifice individual interest that we are daring in serving the State and the people. The willingness to give up even one’s life in the service of the State and the people is indeed a noble spirit.value most; it is not something to be exchanged for any kind of privilege. We, who have no hesitation even to sacrifice our own lives, can sacrifice everything. It is because we dare to sacrifice individual interest that we are daring in serving the State and the people. The willingness to give up even one’s life in the service of the State and the people is indeed a noble spirit.
Comrades,
In the Twelve Traditions of the Tatmadaw, the patriotic spirit is vital. Such traditions as good discipline, loyalty, capability, a willingness to make sacrifices and be daring, the relegation of one’s individual interests, a noble spirit, courage and the capability to surmount difficulties, resilience against hardships, persistence, industry and perseverance, and the upholding Our Three Main National Causes come easy to a person with the patriotic spirit. For this reason, you comrades must have a strong integration of the Union, Non-disintegration of National Solidarity and the Perpetuation of Sovereignty.
Comrades,
Our country has more than 100 national races. Our nationalities have shared the same land and water for many years and we grew up together. Difficulties in transportation may have given rise to differences in languages and the varied climates may have led to a wide range of traditional dress, but our nationals share such characteristics as freedom from malice, strong good will, helpfulness born of metta (loving kindness), compassion, a keen sense of national prestige and a strong patriotic spirit. Our nationals move freely within the country in search of improved livelihood opportunities. The national groups are spread all over Myanmar and they live harmoniously together just as a line cannot be drawn to divide water. I would like to say that a keen love of the Union is required to ward off threats of disintegration against the Union.
Comrades,
The motto, “The strength of the nation lies only within”, primarily refers to the patriotic spirit. The patriotic spirit is the single ultimate source of strength. Strong unity among all the national
people with patriotic spirit is the best guarantee for the perpetuation of sovereignty and the best defence against any kind of threat the State may face. Bearing allegiance to others either directly or indirectly instead of relying on oneself will lead to the loss of sovereignty. For this reason, you comrades must have a strong patriotic spirit and a keen sense of national prestige.
Comrades,
As engineering professionals, your main duty will be the building of the modern Tatmadaw, but at the same time, you must also serve the State. So you need to be outstanding scientists and technologists. To ensure this, the Defence Services Technological Academy must ensure that its graduates are well on their way to carrying out research in addition to providing training. The Academy itself has to be a centre of excellence in creativity and innovation while you comrades make increasing efforts to achieve innovations, constantly utilizing the guidance
provided by the Academy. Only then will you become good sons on whom the State can depend.
Comrades,
You will soon by commissioned as junior leaders and each of you have to build up your leadership abilities. In addition to battlefield leadership, you will need professional leadership skills. To be a successful leader on the battlefield, the Three Capabilities are necessary: the military capability, the administrative capability and the organizational capability. You have to be exemplary in matters of ethical conduct and make every effort to practise the Sixteen
Characteristics of Leadership. You must be capable of ensuring the unity of the unit under your command at all times. You must be daring, courageous and practise the Principal Factors that Lead to Military Victory. Only then, will you have earned your position as a junior leader and win the respect, trust and confidence of your subordinates. For professional leadership, creativity and innovation are crucial. You have to be committed to and absorbed in research activities. In the technical fields, both outstanding individual efforts and team innovations are required.
I would like to urge you comrades to make collective endeavours to win the Outstanding Scientist Medals and the Outstanding Technologist Medals conferred by the State.
Comrades,
To sum up, in line with the aims of the Defence Services Technological Academy, I urge you to
* strive to become good professionals and good sons serving the national defence duty;
* participate with energy and vigour in the development of the Science and Technology of the Tatmadaw and the building of a modern Tatmadaw;
* ensure that you become the new generation of leaders who will defend the Twelve Traditions
of the Tatmadaw, even with your lives; and
* join in the activities for the building of a modern developed nation, just as you work for the
development of the Science and Technology of the Tatmadaw.
With this, I conclude my speech.NAY PYI TAW, 19 Dec— The 29th ASEAN Railways CEOs’ Conference was held at Sedona Hotel in Yangon this morning, with an address by Minister for
Rail Transportation Maj- Gen Aung Min. Also present at the conference were Deputy Minister Thura U Thaung Lwin, Railways CEOs and senior officers from ASEAN countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia and Vietnam, ambassadors, diplomats and officials of foreign embassies. Minister Maj-Gen Aung Min made an opening speech. The delegates were entertained with Myanmar traditional songs and dances. The minister posed for a documentary photo together with ASEAN Railways CEOs, senior officers, diplomats, and officials. The conference saw different sessions as CEO Group Session of ASEAN Railways CEOs, Technical Working Group Session of ASEAN Railway Technicians, Marketing and Operation Working Group Session. The conference discussed matters on practising of marketoriented system and transportation among the ASEAN countries, development in railway services and difficulties encountered, opening the training schools for the development of railway works and technical sectors, the preparation of ASEAN countries for
ASEAN railway and future programmes. The conference will last till 21 December.

Senior General Than Shwe addresses Graduation Parade of DSA 50th Intake

Entire people need to take discipline seriously and
abide by it while the administrative sector cultivates
discipline-flourishing democratic practices

NAY PYI TAW, 14 Dec—The following is the speech delivered by Commander- in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe at the graduation of the 50th Intake of the Defence Services Academy today.

Comrades,
On the occasion of the Graduation Ceremony of the 50th Intake of the Defence Services Academy, I shall speak on matters of importance that you would do well to bear in mind. As you have successfully completed the period of training and academic study, you will soon be commissioned as junior leaders. The three Primary Duties of the
Tatmadaw that you will be entrusted with are the national defence duty, the training duty and the public service duty.

Comrades,
In speaking of the national defence duty, military affairs are a continuation of politics, which in turn, is interdependent with economics. In addition, political objectives, economic objectives and social objectives are guided by the administrative sector. For this reason, you will need the Four Outlooks —the political outlook, the economic outlook, the administrative outlook and the defence outlook — in discharging the national defence duty as junior leaders.

Comrades,
With regard to the political outlook, in our country, Our Three Main National Causes — Non-Disintegration of the Union, Non-Disintegration of National Solidarity and Perpetuation of Sovereignty — constitute the national politics that history has bequeathed to us.

In our country, more than 100 national races have lived harmoniously since the origin of the human race. It was only under colonialism that they suffered divide-and-rule practices. As a result, racial and geographical prejudices made their appearance among some nationalities, and major domestic armed conflicts broke out with the gaining of the independence. Without peace, tranquillity and the rule of law, our country lagged behind in every way. Threats to sovereignty were also encountered frequently. Thus, in successive historical periods, it fell to the Tatmadaw to ensure Non-Disintegration of the Union, Non-Disintegration of National Solidarity and Perpetuation of Sovereignty at the cost of sweat, blood and lives. This is bearing allegiance to the State, to the People and to the fallen Tatmadawmen. In the future as well, the Tatmadaw will be true to its tradition and make every effort to safeguard Our Three Main National Causes — Non-Disintegration of the Union, Non-Disintegration of National Solidarity and Perpetuation of Sovereignty — in any age, in any period, under any government — even at the cost of our lives.

Comrades,
With regard to the economic outlook, the ultimate concern of economics is the fulfillment of the livelihood requirements for every citizen. In the past, increase in food production failed to match population growth, leading to the frequent rice shortage. So, during the time of the Tatmadaw Government, special efforts were made toward achieving rice sufficiency for a projected population of 100 million, anticipating the next generations in addition to the current population of 56 million. Moreover, all avenues are being explored for increased production of cooking oil and
the production of biofuel for use in mechanized agriculture. Efforts for domestic sufficiency in foodstuffs are also accompanied by endeavours toward the building of an industrial nation for national prosperity. To this end, education and health sectors are being upgraded to produce highly qualified human resources. The upgrading of human resources will bring ever greater momentum to national development year after year.

Comrades,
To move on to the administrative outlook, in today’s transition period, the main thrust of administrative administrative
activity is the cultivation of good practices required for a true discipline-flourishing democracy. As there is a thin line dividing democratic practice and anarchy, the entire people need to take discipline seriously and abide by it while the administrative sector cultivates discipline- flourishing democratic practices.

Comrades,
To continue with the defence outlook, our Tatmadaw was formed to protect the Nation and the People. Hence, Our Three Main National Causes need to be safeguarded. The territorial integrity of the State — our land, waters and airspace — has to be defended. National interests have to be protected, with our lives if necessary. To have such capability, our Tatmadaw need to be built into a strong, capable and modern patriotic Tatmadaw. The ways and means to achieve this are none other than the Four Principal Duties for the Building of Tatmadaw Units: Build Through Training, Build Through Administration, Build Through Welfare and Build Through Morale.

Comrades,
Training is not only one of our Principal Duties but also the first of the Three Forevers: Training Forever, MilitaryAwareness Forever and Combat Ready Forever. Being welltrained is one of the Ten Strengths of the Tatmadaw. When you well-trained, you are good at taking orders. You have strong morale and possess a full measure of perseverance and courage. Youhave good military discipline, and full combat capability.You have robust health fitness. You develop a strong sense of comradeship toward one another. There is a motto: training begets skill and skill begets confidence. You will be confident and you will have a keen desire to make sacrifices and go beyond the call of duty for the State and for the Tatmadaw. In addition, you will have the resolve and the capacity to complete missions and achieve goals. So, when it comes to training, let it be wideranging and up to standard.

Comrades,
Speaking of public- service activities, which are part of the Three Principal Duties of the Tatmadaw, we, the Tatmadawmen who repeat the oath, “I resolve to sacrifice my life for my country, for my citizens, andfor my Tatmadaw,” every day, must follow the policy that the Tatmadaw is for the people. You comrades, who are the sons of the people, are to abide by your Code of Conduct Toward the People, which says, “Always uphold the interests of the People.”

Comrades,
As junior leaders who will be responsible for the Three Principal Duties of the Tatmadaw, you must strive to become
good leaders. A leader must have not only leadership characteristics but also talents that are above average. You must know how to bring forth commitment and ability and lead people to work in concert and do their duties to achieve goals. For this, a leader needs the Three Capabilities : the military capability, the administrative capability and the organizational capability. He must have courage and daring based on patriotism. He must dare to make sacrifices
and take risks. He must have the foresight and the preparation to anticipate all kinds of situations. He must win the confidence and trust of the soldiers he leads. He must know how to build the unity of the organization he is entrusted with, at all times. Only then will you comrades be the good sons of the people that deserve the reliance that the people place on you, just as the motto has it, the victorious soldier to whom the future belongs.

Comrades,
In conclusion, you, who are the patriotic Tatmadawmen, are to uphold Our Three Main National Causes. You are to abide by the Four Oaths, placing equal value on them as life itself. You are to be the successors to the Twelve Traditions of the Tatmadaw. You are to discharge fully the Three Principal Duties of the Tatmadaw. You are to abide by the Soldier’s Code of Conduct strictly as if it were the clothes that cover your shame. And while favourable circumstances have been achieved in every aspect and sector in the gentle transition to a true disciplineflourishingdemocratic State with development, youare to discharge the duties you are assigned, with energy and enthusiasm. With this, I conclude my speech.—MNA

Iran says sanctions will not help end nuclear row

TEHERAN, 3 Dec- Further UN sanctions will not solve the row with the West over Iran's disputed nuclear plans,
the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday, a day after six world powers discussed imposing new penalties on Teheran.
The power met in Paris on Saturday after the European Union's top diplomet,Javier Solana,said he was disappoin-
ted about his latest talks with Iran's chief nuclear negotiator that had aimed to persuade Teheran to halt sensitive atomic work.
"If these powers are trying to deprive Iran of its rights,resolutions and sanctions will be fruitless,"Foreign Ministry spokes-man Mohammad Ali Hosseini told a weekly news conference.
The five permanent UN Security Council members and Germany agreed in September to delay sanctions against Iran until the end of November,pending a report by Solana on his mediation efforts and another by the UN nuclear watchdog,the IAEA.The International Atomic Energy Agency report found Iran was cooperating,but not proactively.
Two rounds of sanctions have already been imposed on Iran for failing to heed a UN demand that it halt uranium enrich-ment,a process the West believes Teheran is trying to master so it can build atomic bombs.
Iran insists it wants only fuel for power plants.Iran has refused to stop the activity,saying it is a national right and insisting its work is based on internationally and regulations.

Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan…

NAY PYI TAW, 3 Dec — The following is theclarifications of Chairman of the Information Committee
of the State Peace and Development CouncilMinister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan made
at the press conference 2/2007 of the InformationCommittee of the State Peace and Development Council,
regarding the protests that occurred in August andSeptember in Myanmar.
Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Mingalabar! I wish all auspiciousness to youall. I wish both physical and mental wellbeing of youall present at this press conference 2/2007.
After taking over State responsibilities, theGovernment has been exerting energetic efforts for democratization speedily as aspired by the people. It isknown to all. To bring about democracy, a Constitution which will properly safeguard democracy practices is essentially required. You might have known that as the 1974 Constitution was based on the singleparty socialist system, it is not appropriate for practisingdemocracy. Thus, the Government has laid down the seven-step Road Map and has been implementing it for proper democratization. Now, as the third step, a new Constitution is being drafted.
The National Convention, the first step of the Road Map was successfully completed on 3rd September 2007. And fundamental principles and detailed basic principles have been unanimously adopted for formulating the Constitution. Actually, the completion of the National Convention was not gained easily. Amidst internal and external obstacles and hindrances, the State and the entire people could achieve success through collective efforts.
It is not necessary to further emphasize that democracy is aspired by the entire people today. Not only the entire Myanmar people, the global nations as well as regional and neighboring countries are desirous of democracy. Similarly, the anti-government groups inside and outside the country consistently engaged in destructive acts are advocating that they too want democracy. The Myanmar Government really desires democracy too. Hence, all are to join hands to make collective efforts for democratization. Foreign nations are also to render helpful hands to our efforts for democratization.
However, the situation is not like that in reality. When the continued efforts are to be made with momentum after the completion of the National Convention, local and foreign anti-government groups are raising the momentum of committing destructive acts.Some countries including a western power are also found to be encouraging them increasingly by providing
cash and kind assistance, advice and schemes. With the aims to jeopardize the National Convention and to hinder and destroy the implementation of the seven-step Road Map, they made collective attacks. By accelerating the momentum of anti-government activities, they mobilize efforts for regime change.
There are reasons behind it. The western power wants to instal a puppet government in power while a political party and anti-government groups within the country haranguing for democracy without exerting any effort for democratization are trying hard to grab power.
Nowadays, with the successful completion of the National Convention, there prevail good conditions for continued implementation of the seven-step Road Map. Inasmuch as there emerge such good conditions, those anti-government
groups have less chance to seize power. So, they accelerate the momentum of their attacks and antagonizing efforts.
To ensure impact on their anti-government activities, the groups inside and outside the country employed three strategies since circa 2006. The first strategy is to jeopardize the National Convention, to prevent the drafting of the Constitution and to dissuade the people from approving the draft Constitution.
(The clarifications of the Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan is reported separately.)
Next, MPF Director-General Brig-Gen Khin Yi explained the matters regarding the protests that occurred in August and September in Myanmar.
(The clarifications of the Director-General Brig-Gen Khin Yi is reported separately.)
Then, Chairman of the committee Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Minister U Aung Kyi and
NAY PYI TAW, 3 Dec—The Information Committee of the State Peace and Development Council held press conference
2/2007 at the Ministry of Information here at 10:30 am today,regarding the protests that occurred in August and September in Myanmar.
It was attended by Chairman of the Information Committee of the SPDC Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, members of the committee Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint, Minister for Labour U Aung Kyi, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Phone Swe, Deputy Minister forForeign Affairs U Maung
Myint and committee members, Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population Brig-Gen Win Sein, members of the
Commission for Drafting State Constitution Deputy Chief Justice U Tun Tun Oo, Deputy Attorneys- General Dr Tun
Press Conference 2/2007 on protests in August and September in Myanmar in progress in Nay Pyi Taw.— MNA
Shin and U Tun Tun, Supreme Court Justice U Tin Aye and Judge Advocate General Maj-Gen Soe Maung, Maj-Gen
Ngwe Thein of the Ministry of Defence, Director- General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi, the ambassadors,
the Charges d’Affaires ai and embassystaff, the military attaches,representatives of UN agencies in Myanmar and officials,
the directors-general and the managing directors of the departments and the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers
of Commerce and Industry,Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Hla Htway, President U Sao Kai Hpa and
members of the MFCC,editorial staff and reporters of the journals and magazines and guests.First, Chairman of the Information Committee Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan briefed on accounts regarding the protests that
occurred in August and September in Myanmar. MPF Director-General Brig-Gen Khin Yi answered the questions raised by those present and the press conference came to an end at 1 pm.
(The questions and answers made at the press conference are reported separately.)
After the ceremony, those present and guests viewed the documentary photos regarding the protests that occurred in August and September in Myanmar displayed at the press conference.
The second strategy is to create disturbances and unrests like those occurred in 1988.The third strategy is to launch sabotage acts including blasting of bombs in the country. The recent incidents in last August and September were the
results of timely conspiracies of a western power and anti-government groups inside and outside the country as well as at
the border.
With a view to assisting these three strategies, some nations including a western power misused UN Security Council, ILO and Human Rights Council to take one-sided action against Myanmar. The anti-government groups inside and outside the country were given training, cash and kind assistance as well as directives and harmonization as regards the plots.
A political party and antigovernment groups within the country instigated in various ways to create instability and unrests so as to ensure regime change for them to grab power.
Before the August-September protests,the anti-government groups sought ways and means for laying the groundwork, movement and instigation based on the three strategies. The external elements also gave them directives and schemes to do so. The antigovernment groups infiltrated the masses of students,workers, service personnel and Tatmadawmen, implanted
hard-cores and instigated.Similarly, they infiltrated the mass of monks, implanted hard-cores and made instigation.
While the destructive elements were seeking a chance to materialize their plot, the Government had to unavoidably
raise the fuel prices. By taking advantage of the rise of fuel prices, the antigovernment groups made all kinds of instigation to
create unrests by using planted cells. In reality, they had already had the pre-arranged plot to create unrest. They timely
staged the August-September protests by shouting loud the fuel price hikes as immediate cause.
In line with the tactics of BCP (Burma Communist Party) as well as Gene Sharp, the destructive elements implanted
hardcore cells and decoys in the masses of students, workers, service personnel, Tatmadawmen to instigate as if the uprisings were taken part by the public. But they did not get success. The students, workers, service personnel and Tatmadawmen realized their simister scheme and understood the actual conditions of the country very well. Thus they could not be enticed or persuaded.
However, some monks who were not in touch with worldly affairs as they were involved with religious affairs did not understand the true facts. So, these monks believed the fabrications of anti-government groups and were wavered by the instigation which led to the monks’ protests.
Aftermath of the protests, it is found with sound evidence that exconvicted bogus monks joined anti-government groups inside and outside the country and launched the pre-empted scheme.Members of All-Myanmar Young Monks Union and All-Myanmar United Sangha Forces which were primarily leading bodies of the monks’ protests are not reverends but young wardens and lecturers who had violated laws, committed crimes and had been organized and trained as hard-cores. As
these monk wardens and lecturers wielded much influence on their pupils, the young monks were organized to take part in the protests.
In addition, it is found that the anti-government groups also enticed music and film artistes as well as writers and literati. Only few artistes and men of let-ters who are lacking patriotism followed them with the hope that the protests would gain success. Almost all the remaining film and music artistes as well as literati firmly stood by the nation and the people with
ardent patriotism. Never weretheless, it is known to all that the Government with broad-mindedness pardoned those artistes and literati.The entire incident revealed that it was not the protest of public and the majority of monks based on dissatis faction with the Government but the plotted scheme of a western power and antigovernment groups inside and outside the country and expatriates by misusing pessimist ex-convict bogus monks. Hence, I would like to reaffirm that neither public nor majority of monks participated in those protests. Actually, the August/ September protests were trivial for the whole country and in comparison to other events in other countries. However,the international media neglected the true facts made exaggerations as aspired by the anti-government groups. In reality,the strikes of few thousand of protesters were exaggerated to the extent that the entire country took part in the protests. Due to one-sided broadcasts of some news
media, the image of our country was harmed very much. Based on that incident, a western power and internal and external antigovernment groups put various pressures on Myanmar by misusing some international organizations including UN Security
Council.
Such unrests were disliked by the majority of monks who avoid the “Buddha Patikutta” works loathed by Lord Buddha and who keep religious affairs in the fore. The majority of monks were much displeased for those incidents which were not concerned with monks and which tarnished the Sasana. Similarly, the majority of the people absolutely do not want the
life in which their daily lives are destroyed and all are to live in anxiety as the education, health and social conditions are not
in normalcy. Due to unrests, bus lines were stopped, stores and shops closed and no one dared to go outside. Transportation
and businesses broke down and the basic people such as vendors, trishaw-men, taxi drivers,labourers, etc had to suffer
troubles by having no income. Therefore, the entire people denounced the unrests and violence all over the country.
Moreover, citing those unrests, USA, EU and Australia imposed added sanctions. Due to these sanctions, the State as well as the public from the basic people to big business firms suffered. It is known to all. Therefore, I would like to ascertain that those unrests and violence are absolutely disliked by the majority of the people as well as the majority of the monks.
Those unrests and violence not participated by the majority of the people and the majority of monks have been put under
control all over the country by authorities for ensuring the prevalence of peace and stability as well as the rule of law with the
assistance of the monks and laity. With a view tocarrying on the democratization process as aspired by the people as well as
the international community, the 54-member Constitution Drafting Commission has been formed for implementing the third
step of the Road Map. To-day, 3rd December 2007, the Commission commences its process of drafting the constitution.
As known to all, the Constitution Drafting Commission comprises sufficient number of legal experts and the law graduates of national races from various States and Divisions. By studying the 1947 Constitution and the 1974 Constitution and thoroughly reviewing international constitutions, the constitution will be drafted with the adopted fundamental principles and detailed basic principles of the National Convention. The fundamental principles and detailedbasic principles adopted by the National Convention are the best to suit the prevailing conditions of the country. With these principles to formulate and comprising sufficient legal experts and law graduate national peoples, no assistance or advice from other persons is required.
Moreover, I would like to say that the suggestions to review
adopted principles extensively by forming necessary bodies, and to coordinate the principles with the aspirations of anti-government groups which did not participate in the National Convention are no longer appropriate to the present situation. It
is known to all that the principles were adopted through thorough discussions by eight del-egate groups comprising
more than 1000 delegates of the National Convention. In the discussions, the respective groups submitted their views, ideas and demands. Thorough discussions were made to get a consensus from those views, ideas and demands. Based on Union
Spirit and patriotism and in the light of national interest, discussions and co-ordinations were made to obtain the most suitable solution for the nation and the people.
It is not reasonable or fair to review and amend those principles adopted by the delegates representing the entire people. Otherwise, the eight delegate groups of the National Convention would again make demands they like. So, it will be never ending and the process will get further complicated. We were to start from the first step. Actually, the adopted principles
include rights of the national races as well as rights of the citizens. Therefore, the majority of the people support the principles. Thus it is in no way to review the adopted principles. We have now commenced the drafting of a constitution
as the third step of the Road Map.
Further details and findings on the August/ September protests will be clarified by the Director-General of the Myanmar Police Force.Thank you.

Govt grants amnesty for 8,552 prisoners including 33 foreigners to mark commencement of functions of Commission for Drafting the State Constitution,-

NAY PYI TAW, 3 Dec — The State Peace and Development Council is making systematic arrangements
for building a peaceful modern developed discipline-flourishing democratic nation, ensuring
community peace and tranquillity, prevalenace of law and order upholding Our Three Main National Causes
and successful implementation of the seven-step Road Map.
The government granted amnesty for 8,585 prisoners between 16 November and 3 December to mark
the successful holding of the National Convention in September 2007, the commencement of the functions
of the Commission for Drafting the State Constitution, the third stage of the seven-step Road Map, forging
the national solidarity in the country and cooperation with international communities including the UN. Those
released on 30 November included 33 Thai prisoners.—MNA

Strive for success of 87th Anniversary National Day objectives

The 10th Waning of Tazaungmon (today)is the 87th Anniversary National Day of the Union of Myanmar.

The National Day is the day on which the national education activities werelaunched. The mass movements to oppose the education system of colonialists were launched on that day.Therefore, the National Day is a day of significance and is something to be proud of.

As the national activities took place at a time when the nation was under the rule of colonialists it paved the way for the independence struggle.

Myanmars were found to be strongly equipped with patriotism and nationalistic fervour in successive eras. They were united in times of emergency. With such patriotic spirit they were able to drive the colonialists out of the nation. As national education activities have resulted in the regaining of the independence they went down in the annals of Myanmar history.

At present, the government is striving together with the people for the emergence of a peaceful, modern, developed and disciplineflourishing democratic nation. With this end in view, it has laid down and is implementing the seven-step Road Map.

The National Convention attended by delegates from all walks of life laid down fundamental principles and detailed basic principles for the writing of the State constitution. And work is well under way to draw the State constitution.
All in all, the entire people are to dotheir bit in discharging the national duties in accordance with the 87th Anniversary NationalDay’s objectives—to uplift dynamism of patriotic spirit and national prestige and integrity; to promote national education; to ensure perpetuation of independence and sovereignty; and to realize the State’s seven-step Road Map.

Realization of 87th Anniversary National Day objectives

The National Day emerged when Myanmar was under the rule of the colonialists who waged three aggressive wars against the country.All Myanmar nationals were oppressed politically,economically and socially. At that time patriotism of all national races was awake.
The colonialists established the Yangon University with the aim of producing educated persons who would assist their administrative machinery.
In 1906 Young Men’s Buddhist Association (YMBA), a national political force waging anticolonialist movement, came into existence. In 1920, General Council of Burmese Associations (GCBA) was formed and it launched anticolonialist and independence struggle.
The colonialists enacted the Rangoon University Act in 1920 designed to contribute towards the colonial administra- tive system. The Act restricted the rights of national youths topursue higher education. That was why the university students with strong nationalist spirit launched a movement demanding a new university education system while protesting against colonial education system that would prolong the alien rule in the country. It was the 10th Waning day of Tazaungmon, 1282 ME that rekindled nationalistic spirit and patriotism.Later, the day was designated as the National Day.
Nowadays, the government has laid down longterm and short-term plans for national education promotion progra- mme and has been implementing them. Opportunities to learn basic education are available even in rural areas as basic education schools have been opened in the entire nation. Youths can pursue higher education in states and divisions and special development zones.
All the national people are to make continued and concerted efforts for realization of national objectives and serving the national interests in accord with the 87th Anniversary National Dayobjectives.