Entire national people to remain vigilant at all times against dangers posed by neo-colonialists
Pursuing national goal is, in fact, laying substantial foundations for a prosperous future of the nation

The following is a translation of the message sent on the occasion of the 62nd Anniversary Independence Day by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe.

It is an honour for me to extend my warmest greetings to all national people of the Union on the 62nd Anniversary Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar, an auspicious day.

Myanmar, where various national races make their home in unity and amity, has stood tall as a sovereign nation with own monarchs in the international community since time immemorial.

In late 19th century, Myanmar fell under the yoke of colonial rule and lost sovereignty and independence. Inspired by a strong sense of patriotism, Union Spirit and the fervour of making sacrifices in the interest of the nation and the people, national brethren bravely fought back the colonialists. As a result, the Union of Myanmar regained independence and sovereignty. Today, Independence Day enters 62nd anniversary.

The people of various national races always uphold the bounden duty or historic lessons such as non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity, and perpetuation of sovereignty.

Therefore, Myanmar again stands tall as a sovereign nation.

It is required of the entire national people to remain vigilant at all times against dangers posed by neo-colonialists, and to make sustained efforts, putting the national policy in the fore and exerting patriotism for ensuring perpetuity of the motherland. Now, many projects are ongoing simultaneously for ensuring equitable development of all parts of the Union, and improving the living conditions of the people. Pursuing the national goal of building a peaceful, modern and developed nation with might and main is, in fact, laying substantial foundations for a prosperous future of the nation.

While nation-building tasks were in full swing, the nation was hit hard by Cyclone “Nargis”. However, rescue, rehabilitation, reconstruction and regional development tasks could be launched promptly and effectively in the storm-hit areas. Now, the living standard of the survivors is far better than that previously, thus reflecting the consolidated unity and brilliant performances of the government, the people and the Tatmadaw.

The State’s seven-step Road Map designed for emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation is the sole process for transition to democracy. The programme is in the process of being implemented step by step. Now, the new State constitution has been approved with massive support of the people. Plans are under way to hold elections in a systematic way this year. In that regard, the entire people have to make correct choices, then.

On the occasion of the Independence Day, I would like to exhort the entire people of various national races, with firm determination that the ultimate goal of the public-to build a peaceful, modern and developed nation-must come to fruition, to harmoniously see to the four objectives of the 62nd Anniversary Independence Day (2010):

(1) All the national people to constantly join hands for ensuring the perpetuity of independence and sovereignty of the State,

(2) All the national people to collectively strive for non-disintegration of the Union and non-disintegration of national solidarity,

(3) All the national people to harmoniously make allout efforts to build up a modern, developed discipline- flourishing democratic nation in accordance with the new State Constitution that has been approved by the votes of the great majority of the people,

(4) All the national people to cooperate in realizing the State’s seven-step Road Map with Union Spirit and patriotic spirit.