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Yangon, 27 March - Commander-in-Chief of Defence
Services Senior General Than Shwe delivered an address at the 58th
Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade in the Resistance Park on U Wisara
Road Yangon. The following is a translation of the address-
Comrades,
Today is the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, a day of special historic
significance. It commemorates the day when our Tatmadaw transcended its
origin under servitude and came into its own with courage and
determination as a national Tatmadaw. On this auspicious and historic day
for our Country and Tatmadaw, I would like to inform you about important
matters that you should be aware of.
Comrades,
The people of the Union of Myanmar are principled people who have had
their own unique standpoint and perspective, which is none other than
nationalism. When we lost our independence and sovereignty, regaining of
independence became a national cause.
Starting from about 1920, there was the awakening of nationalistic spirit
in the country and all kinds of organizations used diverse ways to foster
and strengthen patriotism. However, they came to realize that independence
could not be achieved without armed revolution and therefore they strived
in the face of difficulties for the emergence of the national Tatmadaw.
Thus, our Tatmadaw is a patriotic Tatmadaw that arose out of national
politics.
During the time of anti-fascist movement, our Tatmadaw hand in hand with
the entire people, practised the people's war strategy. The Tatmadaw and
the entire people became one and indivisible. Anyone capable of serving
military duty, joined the Tatmadaw. Regardless of race, religion or
gender, the entire people, including monks and young children, took part
in the people's war by providing information, serving as couriers, and
giving protection to the Tatmadaw members who had to conceal themselves by
merging into the population.
During the revolution period, many people were tortured or lost their
lives. Therefore, the endeavours, sacrifices and achievements of the
people during the struggle for independence should be indelibly etched in
our country's history.
Comrades,
The anti-facist revolution highlighted the courage and prowess of our
people that surprised even the colonialists and won their admiration. They
began to respect and hold our people in high esteem. Our Tatmadaw has
proved capable of adequately dealing with any crisis due to its good
discipline, loyalty, unity, capability, willingness to make sacrifices,
willingness to give priority to national interests over individual
interests, high morale, courage in the face of difficulties, endurance and
perseverance.
As these points constituted the noble traditions of the Tatmadaw, it is
incumbent on all of us to maintain these characteristics forever. Because
of the patriotism and courage shown by the people and the Tatmadaw during
the anti-fascist movement, the colonialists were compelled to restore
independence to our country although they were reluctant to do so.
Comrades,
Due to the divide-and-rule policy practised during the colonial era that
lasted over a hundred years, armed insurrections emerged as a colonial
legacy together with independence. Since the ruling party of that time was
unable to solve those problems, the government's administrative power was
limited to the immediate vicinity of Yangon and almost led to the loss of
our independence and sovereignty.
In order to safeguard the lives, security and well-being of the people,
the Tatmadaw had to remove the various threats posed by internal
insurgency.
Today, during the time when the Tatmadaw has assumed the state
responsibilities, the various armed groups, that appreciate the true
cetana of the Tatmadaw, have come back to legal fold and joined hands with
us in working for the development of their regions. It is very obvious, as
a Myanmar saying goes, it is like an elephant in a field, that only some
groups, not free of foreign influences, are still turning a blind eye to
the cetana of the Tatmadaw and are holding negative views. One's
perception depends to a large extent on where one stands. As for the
Tatmadaw, it will always stand for the interests of the nation and the
people and will maintain with a firm and unswerving conviction the
national political perspective-"Our Three Main National Causes"
Comrades,
Due to the presence of armed insurgencies, our country became weak in many
aspects. The standard of living of the national races in remote areas
which were beyond the writ of the government was especially low. That is
why, the Tatmadaw Government set up the Central Committee for the
Development of Border Areas and National Races almost immediately after it
assumed the state responsibilities and is working with might and main to
promote the economic and social well-being of our national races. At the
same time, eradication of narcotic drugs was also implemented without
hesitation and with great momentum. Nowadays, as peace has returned to
these border areas, these region have achieved dramatic progress and
development in a very brief period of time.
Comrades,
At the time of the assumption of state responsibilities by the Tatmadaw
Government, the nation was in a state of all-round deterioration caused by
unrest and violent disturbances. Moreover, it continues to face all kinds
of harassment and obstacles as it carries out the responsibilities of the
State. Nevertheless, the Tatmadaw and the people have been able to work
hand-in hand in constructing economic and social infrastructures in any
direction you look all over the country. With the aim of constructing a
comprehensive network of development that would cover the entire country,
24 Special Development Regions have been set up to promote the economic,
education and health conditions and the advancement of the
highly-qualified human resources. In addition, to ensure that there are no
gaps in this development network, five rural development tasks are being
vigorously implemented. As a result of these endeavours, economic and
social indicators for the Union of Myanmar today show that the designated
targets have been greatly surpassed.
Just as the Government has been striving for material development of the
country, it is also striving for the uplift of the mental and spiritual
aspect of the people. Of utmost importance in the country today is the
strengthening of the Union Spirit.
The Union of Myanmar is composed of 14 states and divisions where all
national races live together through thick and thin. Only when all the
national races cherish and love their motherland will they be able to live
together with unity and solidarity. If sectarian views continue to exist,
they could cause the collapse of national unity. They could also lead to
disintegration of the Union and our country may once again lose its
sovereignty.
Thus, I would like to say earnestly that all the national races should
regard with sincerity and conviction the Three Main National Causes as
their national duty.
Comrades,
The Tatmadaw, which was born out of nationalism, will work hand in hand
with the people to combat and annihilate all kinds of threats and dangers
that could harm Our Three Main National Causes which is also our national
policy. The Tatmadaw has been striving hard to carry out its duties for
the nation and the people with true cetana. Today, the Tatmadaw is working
together with the people in building up of the nation so that the people
will be able to go about their daily lives freely and safely as well as to
advance their socio-economic lives. Moreover, our Tatmadaw is also
safeguarding the peace and stability of the country and security of the
public. It has also been making all-round efforts to lay down firm and
sound foundations for the future of the state. In order to resist internal
and external foes, the Tatmadaw, which is always loyal to the nation and
the people, is being transformed into a strong, efficient and modern
Tatmadaw.
Comrades,
In conclusion, I would like to exhort you in accordance with the 58th
Anniversary Armed Forces Day Objectives-
- to strive hand in hand with the people for the successful realization of
the State's 12 Objectives while upholding Our Three Main National Causes;
- to consolidate national unity, while striving to promote and propagate
Union Spirit;
- to strive together with the people to implement the five rural
development tasks;
- to make efforts with the participation of the people to encourage
thrifty practices, minimize waste and boost commodity production for
national development; and
- to make endeavours toward building an efficient and modern Tatmadaw
capable of safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the
State.
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