( 1 ) Tatmadaw must be capable of defending the nation at any time and in any era
Our policy places special emphasis on development of friendly and cordial ties with our neighbouring countries and on cooperation with them for mutual benefit and economic progress
Lessons from history teach us to act with caution forever National independence can be lost again with one ill-considered blunder

Yangon, 27 March- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe delivered an address at the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade in the Resistance Park on U Wisara Road here today.

The following is a translation of the address.

Comrades,

Today is the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, an auspicious day for our nation and the Tatmadaw. Myanmar's independence was regained due to the Resistance launched by our Tatmadaw together with the people. Thus, on such a significant historic day, I will tell you some principal points that have to be told. Comrades,

Just as it had unswervingly discharged the duty of independence struggle, the Tatmadaw, hand in hand with the entire people, has been safeguarding the regained independence and sovereignty not to be lost again since the time of independence in 1948 to date.

There emerged internal armed conflicts in our country as soon as independence was attained. Armed insurrections also occurred due to ideological conflict. Tranquility and rule of law were jeopardized by the splits in the then ruling party. Moreover, an external aggression was also encountered. Despite these dangers, the Tatmadaw has defended the nation, upholding the legacy of its noble traditions.

Comrades,

The Tatmadaw must be capable of defending the nation at any time and in any era. Thus, it is being built up to become a strong, efficient and modern Tatmadaw in accordance with our traditions. Comrades,

Ours is a patriotic Tatmadaw born in the history of independence struggle. Never looking for any privilege, like pay or rations, we defended our country with life and limb. Being a patriotic Tatmadaw, ours is one that never waits for others' goading to safeguard our national identity from devastation.

Thus, for our country to endure, we have always upheld Our Three Main National Causes—Non-disintegration of the Union, Non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty. Glancing back at our history, we find there were frequent threats of disintegration of the Union. To avoid such dangers, there must be unity among nationals. If the Union collapses, independence and sovereignty will be lost. That is why, we have shed so much blood and sweat and sacrificed lives to protect the Union from disintegration. Comrades,

All the nationals had settled down and lived together in our country even before history was recorded. It is a state where all the nationals, after moving to greener pastures, lived together in all regions throughout the country in unity and amity. That is why all our nationals living in every part in every region within the country must avoid sectarianism and act with due regard for others. It is essential to nurture Union Spirit, which is to cherish and value the one and only motherland unitedly with an enduring family spirit to take part together in the development of the State and to collectively defend the country.

When solving problems among us, conflict and confrontation will only worsen matters rather than bring about solutions. Hence, we are practising the principle of harmony as a basis.

Bearing in mind that we live on the same land and have grown up together, I would like to say that we need to collectively work in building our country with amity.

Comrades,

As for international relations, our country, practising an independent and active foreign policy- in accordance with the five principles of peaceful coexistence, enjoys friendly relations with nations of the world. Moreover, our policy places special emphasis on development of friendly and cordial ties with our neighbouring countries and on cooperation with them for mutual benefit and economic progress. As this is the time of nation building in our country, we bear no malice or hostility towards any country and are indeed determined to foster friendly relations with all nations of the world.

Comrades,

Great caution must be taken in discharging national defence duty so that the independence, which has been safeguarded for more than 50 years by the Tatmadaw and the people together, may not be lost. Hence, I wish to say that the " three forevers"

training forever, alert forever and combat ready for ever must always be observed.

Comrades,

The Tatmadaw had to take over duties of the State in 1988 for the benefit of the State and the people. The people were then deprived of security. The security of the State was likewise in a critical situation. The country was on the verge of disintegration. After unavoidably taking over dudes of the State, efforts are being made relentlessly to accomplish the task. The political, economic and social conditions of the State which had deteriorated had to be rebuilt from scratch. The Tatmadaw has been continually consolidating the stability and tranquility of the State attained through its efforts. Although in form the government seems to be military as the Tatmadaw has taken over State duties, in practice it is building a modern, developed and democratic state which the people desire. Countries that have long practiced democracy are found to have become modern, developed, wealthy and industrialized. Their people have high per capita incomes and well-developed human resources and also cooperate for national interest regardless of partisan differences.

Thus, measures are being taken for increase.in per capita income and development of national economy, for national solidarity to be strong and politics to be stable, for elimination of internal insurgency so that rule of law and tranquility prevail, and for developing highly qualified human resources in our country as preparatory groundwork for the emergence of a developed and peaceful democratic state.

Comrades,

In the world today, you will see a number of developing countries facing all kinds of trouble and misery for having tried to make too hasty a transition to the processes of democracy without first building the necessary foundations. In our country, too, we experienced chaos and instability when the multiparty democratic system was put

into practice right after gaining independence before the nation had a chance to become strong. Lessons from history teach us to act with caution forever. National independence can be lost again with one ill-considered blunder.

Comrades,

Today we have adopted a market-oriented economic system, in accordance with the wishes of the people. In the economic sector, a knowledge of economics, an economic outlook and business competence are necessary for the transition from the centralized to the free market economy. If we need preparations even for an economic reform, a political transition will naturally require a higher degree. of sound preparations. The reason is that without political stability, the economy cannot achieve significant growth.

Comrades,

While measures are being taken to enhance familiarity with the fundamentals of the market economic system, the State is building the economic infrastructure as rapidly as possible. Dams, reservoirs, bridges. roads, and factories have emerged all over the country. These are the undeniable milestones of history that evince the development of the nation. No one can blindly naysay them given their sheer magnitude and the benefits realized. These infrastructure developments are a legacy of the nation that generations to come will utilize for national unity and region-wise economic development.

Comrades,

In our country, a new society that offers better living conditions is being built in - accordance - with social objectives. In the new century, educational and health opportunities are being provided with great momentum, keeping abreast with international standards.

The building of good foundations for a new democratic nation is tantamount to initiating a revolution for the transition

from an old system to a new one. If the implementation is smooth, completion and success will come sooner. However, in practice, difficulties, obstacles and hindrances stand in the way and have to be overcome. We need to go forth and build with revolutionary alertness, revolutionary perseverance, revolutionary courage and unyielding diligence. Only then can we achieve a peaceful, prosperous, modern and new nation that all of us desire, making our country a democratic nation where development, stability and tranquility prevail.

Comrades,

The Tatmadaw is discharging national defence duty and national construction duty together with the entire people. In carrying out national defence duty, the Myanmar Police Force, the Myanmar Fire Brigade and the Myanmar Red Cross Society are well-organized and trained comrades. These organizations of good traditions, with belief in national causes and unity, are precious sons the country can depend on.

Moreover, the Myanmar War Veterans Association has been reorganized. As Myanmar war veterans, comprised of all nationals, have experiences of sacrifice and straightforward and honest character, they are already strongly imbued with Union Spirit based on comradeship. This prestigious organization firmly

democratic nation where development, stability and tranquility prevail.

Comrades,

The Tatmadaw is discharging national defence duty and national construction duty together with the entire people. In carrying out national defence duty, the Myanmar Police Force, the Myanmar Fire Brigade and the Myanmar Red Cross Society are well-organized and trained comrades. These organizations of good traditions, with belief in national causes and unity, are precious sons the country can depend on.

Moreover, the Myanmar War Veterans Association has been reorganized. As Myanmar war veterans, comprised of all nationals, have experiences of sacrifice and straightforward and honest character, they are already strongly imbued with Union Spirit based on comradeship. This prestigious organization firmly established with these veterans of vast military experience and zealous Union Spirit, will ardently strive for the benefit of the country.

Comrades,

The Union Solidarity and Development Association formed with more than 16 million~of the new generation is the national association which always puts the interests of the people in the fore. A mass meeting was held in Bagan on 1 January 2000, and Six Resolutions were laid down. All Tatmadawmen must implement these Six Resolutions as they have been laid down with firm and accurate aim in the interest of each and every citizen.

Comrades,

In conclusion, I would like to say that it is the spirit to sacrifice for the defence of the nation that has brought us together in the Tatmadaw. As we have pledged to sacrifice even our lives for the nation and the people, the Tatmadaw has been able to overcome all hardships and difficulties with perseverance, diligence and zeal. We gladly take for granted that it is only natural to come by hardships and take risks in our work. Being imbued with esprit de corps, encompassing amity, attachment and loyalty that Tatmadawmen have for one another, we are organized and united. That is why our Tatmadaw stands today as an efficient Tatmadaw which has been able to uphold Our Three Main National Causes at the risk of our lives.

In implementing national defence and national construction duties, I urge you, Comrades,

(1) to participate with might and main'

(2) to defend the country with your lives,

(3) to uphold Our Three Main National Causes at the cost of your lives, and

(4) to abide by the Twelve Traditions of the Tatmadaw with "The Brave never die" morale.

Excerpts from the Address of Senior General Than Shwe

- Being a patriotic Tatmadaw, ours is one that never waits for others' goading to safeguard our national identity from devastation.

- Glancing back at our history, we find there were frequent threats of disintegration of the Union.

- When solving problems among us, conflict and confrontation will only worsen matters rather than bring about solutions. Hence, we are practising the principle of harmony as a basis.

- As this is the time of nation building in our country, we bear no malice or hostility towards any country and are indeed determined to foster friendly relations with all nations of the world.

- I wish to say that the "three forevers"—training forever, alert forever and combat ready forever—must always be observed.

- Although in form the government seems to be military as the Tatmadaw has taken over State duties, in practice it is building a modern, developed and democratic state which the people desire.

- Without political stability, the economy cannot achieve significant growth.

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( 2 ) Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe addresses 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade

Yangon, 27 March- The 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade was held at the Resistance Park on U Wisara Road today with an address by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe.

The 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade was held in accord. with the objectives?to forge national solidarity with Union Spirit; to strive together with the people for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation; to crush together with the people all dangers threatening the State and to build a modern Tatmadaw of high calibre- to be able to safeguard Our Three Main National Causes.

Present on the occasion were Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, Secretary-l of State Peace and Development Council Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies and Director of Defence Services Intelligence Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Chairman of Leading Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Ceremony Secretary~3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Kyaw Than, Deputy Prime Ministers Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin and Lt-Gen Tin Tun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs and Quartermaster-General.Lt-Gen Tin Hla, Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Soe Thein, Chief of Staff (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Military Appointment-General Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, Judge Advocate-General Maj-Gen Thein Soe, Defence Services Inspector General Maj-Gen Lun Maung, Chairman of Work Committee for the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, the ministers, the deputy ministers, Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) senior officers of the Ministry of Defence, advisers at the State Peace and Development Council Office, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, ministries, Supreme Court, Attorney-General's Office, Auditor-General's Office, Office of Civil Service Selection and Training Board and Yangon City Development Committee, members of National Convention Convening Commission, members of Information Committee of the State Peace and Development Council, delegates of Myanmar War Veteran Organization Headquarters, military attaches, members of Japan Minamikan and Chairman Mr Shigemoto Okuda of Japan-Myanmar Economic Cooperation Co Ltd and members, Chairman Mr Yasuhiro Izumiya of Japan-Myanmar History and Cultural Development Association and members, senior officers of regiments and units under Yangon Command, media persons of News and Periodicals Enterprise, local and foreign newsmen, correspondents of NHK TV, Fuji TV, Asahi TV and news agencies, members of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, officers of Myanmar Police Force, officials of Fire Services Department and Myanmar Red Cross Society, delegates of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Myanmar Medical Association, Myanmar Dental Association, Myanmar Nurses Association, Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association, Myanmar Music Asiayon, Myanmar Motion Pictures Asiayon, Myanmar Thabin Asiayon, Myanmar Traditional Artistes and Artisans Asiayon, Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs, Myanmar Women Sports Federation, Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Association, the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, invited Mawgun award winners, delegates of Union Solidarity and Development Association and trainees and winners of competitions in commemoration of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day. Tatmadawmen, members of MPF, Myanmar Fire  Brigade and Myanmar Red Cross  Brigade who will be taking part in the marching columns of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade assembled at Myoma Sports Grounds at 5 am.

At 5.45 am, Parade Adjutant Cmdr Moe Yu (Navy) presented to Parade Commander Brig-Gen Saw Hla Min nine columns that would march to the Resistance Park.

Altogether 6,539 members of the Tatmadaw, MPF, Red Cross and Fire .Brigades participated in the marching columns. A total of 308 Tatmadawmen led by Lt-Col Hla Myint of Directorate of Signals attended thc parade.

Along the route from Myoma Ground to the Resistance Park, the marching columns were accorded rousil4 welcome by the families of military units, battalions, 'directorates and commands, members of USDA, the families of MPF and Fire Brigade, the families of No 11 L1D, Camp Commandant Office of Yangon Command, Phugyi Station, Directorate of Supply and Transport, Ayeyawady Naval Region Command, members. of MPF and Red Cross Brigade and nurses, Students of basic education ,schools who waved the miniature flags, presented; lowers and garlands to the Tatmadawmen.

Singing marching songs, the parade columns entered the Resistance Park through No 1 Gate and took position in the park at 7 am.

The Senior General, accompanied by Chairman of Leading Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, arrived at the park at 7.20 am.

The Senior General was welcomed and ushered to reviewing stand by General Maung Aye, Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Kyaw Than, Deputy Prime Ministers Vice-Admilal Maung Maung Khin, Lt-Gen Tin Tun and Lt-Gen Tin Hla After the Senior General had taken position on the reviewing stand, the columns saluted him.

Next, Parade Commander Brig-Gen Saw Hla Min presented the columns to the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services.

The Senior General then inspected the columns. The Central Military Band played the National Anthem while those present saluted the Flag of the Union of Myanmar.

After paying tribute to the fallen leaders and members of the Tatmadaw, the columns made up of the Tatmadawmen, members of MPF, Red Cross and Fire Brigades took the Four Oaths.

Then, the Senior General delivered an address.

The columns led by Parade Commander Brig-Gen Saw Hla Min marched past the Senior General, exited the park through No 1 gate of the Resistance Park and left for Myoma Grounds.

Then, the Senior General left there and the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade ended at 8.40 am. Various kinds of flowers are in full bloom in the Resistance Park, venue of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade. There are archways and banners along the route. The ten signboards, 30 feet long and 12 feet wide each, described "56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, 27 March 2001" in hailing the Armed Forces Day, were erected on the corner of Dagon Park, near the Myoma School in the Myoma Sports Grounds, on the side of U Wisara Road, in the Myoma Sports Grounds, at the corner of Military Hospital, a¢ the corner of Pyay Road and Shin Sawpu Road, at the corner of Pyat Road and Bagaya Road near Yadanabon Cinema, Hanthawady Roundabout near Sarpay Beikman, at the corner of U Wisara Road and Dhammazedi Road ahead Olympic Building, at the corner of Bahan Sports Grounds and Bahan Roundabout near Motor Transport Battalion.

Similarly, various signboards with mottos of the Tatmadaw in commemoration of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day were erected at the road corners, parks, gardens, roundabouts along the route. The Resistance Park was illuminated in the evening.

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( 3 ) Chairman of State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing host Armed Forces Day reception and dinner

Yangon, 27 March- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of' Myanmar Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing hosted the reception and dinner in commemoration of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha of Yangon Command Headquarters this evening.

Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Commander-in Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing arrived at the reception and dinner at 6.45 pm.

Afterwards, Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw,Kyaing Kyaing cordially rnet Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chie of Defence Services Commander - in Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies Director of Defence Services Intelligence Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Secretary-3 Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Ceremony Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Kyaw Than, Chairman of the Management Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Ceremony Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Deputy Prime Ministers Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin and Lt-Gen Tin Tun, Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Military Affairs and Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla and Dean of Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Ly Bounkham and ambassadors and their wives Charge d' Affaires ai of the embassies and Military Attaches and their wives member of Japan Minamikan and Chairman of Japan

Myanmar Economic Cooperation Co Ltd Mr Shigemoto Okuda and,members, Chairman of Japan-Myanmar History and Cultural Development Association Mr Yasuhiro Izumiya and members, national entrepreneurs, delegates of Union Solidarity and Development Association from states/divisions.

Also present at the reception and dinner were the ministers, the chief justice, the attorney-general, the auditor-general, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the Yangon Mayor, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence and their wives, senior military officers of Yangon Command; the parade commander and column commanders, officials of Myanmar Police Force, Fire Services Department and Myanmar Red Cross Society, local and foreign journalists, departmental heads, members of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Observance Committee, Work Committee and guests.

Before the reception and dinner, variety songs were presented to the audience by Myanma Athan modern music troupe. During and after the dinner, the Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture entertained the guests with dances.

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( 4 )  Prizes presented to best companies, columns in Armed Forces Day Parade

Yangon, 27 March- A ceremony to present prizes to best companies and best columns in the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade was held at Myoma Grounds on U Wisara Road this morning, attened by Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Ceremony Adjutant General Lt-Gen Win Myint.

Also present on the occasion were Chairman of the Parade Work Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Ceremony Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Director of Military Training Brig-Gen Aung Kyi, Chairman of Security Work Committee Deputy Commander of Yangon Command' Brig-Gen Hsan' Hsint, Deputy Adjutant General Col Khin Soe and members of the Parade Work Committee and senior military officers.

The Chairman of the Leading Committee took the salute of the Tatmadawmen, members of Myanmar Police Force, Auxiliary Fire Brigade and Red Cross Brigade of respective columns led by Parade Commander Brig-Gen Saw Hla Min. Then, the Chairman of the Leading Committee presented prizes to nine military bands of nine columns, Bag-pipe Troupe and Central Military Band.

Afterwards, the Chairman of the Leading Committee presented the third prize to the military band of Hsinbyushin Column, the second to the military band of Anawrahta Column, the first to the military band of Nawade Column; the third prize for marching song to No 3 Company representing Eastern Command, the second for marching song to the company representing No 99 LID and the first for marching song to the company representing Directorate of Ordnance; the third prize for military discipline to the company representing Directorate of Supply & Transport, the second for military discipline to the company representing Yangon Command and the third for military discipline to the company representing Directorate of Artillery & Armour, the third prize for parade to the company representing Directorate of Medical Services, the second for parade to the company representing Commander-in-Chief (Air)'s Office and the first for parade to the company representing No 11 LID; the third model prize to the company representing No 77 LID, the second model prize to the armour company representing Directorate of Artillery & Armour and the first model prize to the company representing Commander-in-Chief ( Navy)'s Office and the best column award to Anawrahta Column. Respective leaders, company commanders and the column commander accepted the prizes. Next, the AdjUtant General presented model third prize, model second prize and model first prize to leaders of No 1 Company representing Myanmar Red Cross Brigade, No 1 Company representing Auxiliary Fire Brigade and No 1 Company representing MPF which participated in the Aung San Column respectively.

Later, the Chairman Adjutant-General took the salute of Parade Commander Brig-Gen Saw Hla Min, Tatmadawmen, members of MPF, Auxiliary Fire Brigade and Red Cross Brigade, and the ceremony came to a close.

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( 5 ) Prizes presented to winners in military code of conduct, extempore talks competitions

Yangon, 27 March- A ceremony to present prizes to winners in the Military Code of Conduct and Extempore Talks Competitions (Central Level) to mark the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day was held at the new hall of the Ministry of Defence this morning, attended by.Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Ceremony Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint.

Also present on the occasion were senior military officers of Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) of the Ministry of Defence, winners in the Military Code of Conduct and Extempore Talks Competitions (Central Level) and competitors.

At the ceremony, Leading Committee Chairman, Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint delivered an address.

Then, the Adjutant-General presented the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief's certificate of honour to BC/ 29420 Lt Kyaw Min Htaik of North-West Command, the first prize winner at the officer level military code of conduct competition, the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief's certificate of honour to Ta/ 121639 Under-Officer Tin Aung Win of No 11 LID, the first prize winner at the WO level, the Defence Services. Commander-in-Chief's certificate of honour and the promotion order to Navy 23122 PO Thein Han of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the first prize winner to the Lt Cpl to Sgt level, the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief's certificate of honour and the promotion order to Ta/ 20609 Pvt Phyo Maung Hla of the Office of Yangon Command, the first prize winner at the Pvt level; the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief's certificate of honour to BC/ 29158 Lt Hla Phone of No 33 LID, the first prize winner at the officer level extempore talks competition, the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief's honorary certificate and the promotion order to No 519802 WOI Win Myint of Western Command, the first prize winner at the WO level, the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief's honorary certificate and the promotion order to Air/ 24534 Cpl Zaw Moe of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Air), the first prize winner at the L/Cpl to Sgt level, the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief's honorary certificate and the promotion order to Ta/ 36270 Pvt Ohn Thaung of No 11 LID, the first prize winner at the Pvt I PVP1 Chief of Staff (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe presented first, second and third prizes to Navy/ 23122 PO Thein Han of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), Air/ 21045 Sgt Kyaw Zaw of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Air) and Navy 28421 CPO Naing Win of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) at the level from L/ Cpl to Sgt military code of conduct competition respectively; first, second and third prizes to Ta/ 20609 Pvt Phyo Maung Hla of Yangon Command, Navy/ 26664 LS Aung Naing of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) and Air/ 26369 Pvt Naing Oo of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Air) at the pvt level respectively.

Military Appointments General Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe presented first, second and third prizes t o BC/ 29158 Lt Hla Phone of No 33 LID, BC/ 31978 2nd-Lt Than Zaw Soe of Kawkareik Station; and N-634 Lt Moe Thida Aung of South-West Command at the officer level extempore talks competition respectively; first, second and third prizes to No/ 519802 WOI Win Myint of Western Command, Ta/ 121630 Under-Officer Chit Ko Ko' Win of No 11 LID and Air/ 22519 Navigator-2 Moe Oo Tun of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Air) at the WO level respectively.

Judge Advocate-General Maj-Gen Thein Soe presented first, second and third prizes to Air/ 24534 Cpl Zaw Moe of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Air), No/ 905254 Sgt/Clerk Sein Than Kyaw of the Camp Commandant's Office of the Ministry of Defence and Navy/ 25569 PO Kyaw San Htwe of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) at the level from L/Cpl to Sgt extempore talks competition respectively; and first, second and third prizes to Ta/ 46270 Pvt Ohn Thaung of No 11 LID, No/ 658184 Pvt Ye Naung of Yangon Command and No/ 816729 Pvt Tin Tun of South-West Command at the Pvt level respectively.

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( 6 )  Prizes presented to winners of Armed Forces Day Literary and Art Competition

Yangon, March 27- A ceremony to present prizes to winners of 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Literary and Art Competition was held at Myanyilar Hall of No 2 Basic Education High School, Latha Township this atternoon, attended by Chairman of Management Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than.

Also present were members of Management Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, members of Literary and Art Competition Organizing Committee, members of Work Committee for Holding Literary and Art Competitions, members of Work Committee for Holding Poem and Art Competitions, members of Work Committee for Holding Literary and Art Competitions for universities, colleges, institutes and basic education high schools, members of Prize Scrutinizing and Finance Committee, prize winners and guests.

Prizes were presented to Special Prize winners of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Literary and Art Competition in Yangon Command. Winners in Art Competition were ten in preprimary division, ten in primary school (junior) division, ten in primary school (senior) division, nine in middle school division, eight in high school division, four in open division and 51 special prize winners. Winners in Essay Competition were five in university, college, institute division, one in high school division and six special prize winners.- Winners in Poem Competition were two in university, colleges institute division, one in middle school division, two in long poem division-1, one in short poem division-1, three in in long poem division-2- and nine special prize winners. Winners in Sculpture Competition were five in open division (plaster), five in open division (wood) and ten special prize winners.

Winners in story Competition were 5 in novel (amateur) division, 5 in short story (amateur) division and six special prize winners. Winners in Article Competition were nine special prize winners.

-Winners in Colour Photo Competition were two in Nation Building Endeavours (professional) division, seven 0 in Nation Building Endeavours (amateur) division, seven in adorable cultural art (amateur) and 16 special prize winners. Winners in Marching Song Competition were five special prize winners and nine in military songs.

Chairman of Management Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than presented cash awards and certificates of honour to the winners. Then ceremony came to an end.

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( 7 ) Military attaches pay tribute to the Fallen Heroes

Yangon, 27 March - The military attaches of foreign embassies in Myanmar, who attended the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade, paid tribute to fallen comrades at the Memorial to Fallen Heroes after the parade at 9 am today. They were welcomed by Chairman of Maintenance Committee for the Memorial, Commandant of Defence Services Records Office, Commander of No 4 Military Region Brig-Gen Myo Myint and officers at the Memorial.

The military attaches led by Dean of Military Attaches of Lao People''s Democratic Republic Col Phanh Sonephachanh paid tribute to the fallen comrades, laid a flower basket and signed in the visitors book.They posed for documentary photos.

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( 8 ) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of LPDR to visit Myanmar

Yangon, 28 March- At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Tin Hla, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Lt-Gen Choummaly Sayasone will pay an official visit to the Union of Myanmar in the near future.

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