Senior General Than Shwe sends message of felicitations to South African President

YANGON, 27 April— Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Thabo M Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, on the occasion of the Freedom Day of the Republic of South Africa which falls on 27 April 2005.

Source: "The New Light Of Myanmar", www.myanmar.com/nlm/
 

Senior General Than Shwe felicitates President of Serbia and Montenegro

YANGON, 27 April— Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Svetozar Marovic, President of Serbia and Montenegro, on the occasion of the National Day of Serbia and Montenegro, which falls on 27 April 2005.

Source: "The New Light Of Myanmar", www.myanmar.com/nlm/
 

In the world, small nations are now facing many difficulties. So,it is important for Asian and African nations to cooperate more Senior General Than Shwe calls on Indonesian President

YANGON, 26 April—Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe paid a courtesy call on President of the Republic of Indonesia Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at Jakarta Convention Centre in Jakarta on 23 April morning.

Also present on the occasion were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Military Assistant to the Chairman of the SPDC Maj-Gen Nay Win, Myanmar Ambassador to Indonesia U Kyaw Myint, Director-General of the Protocol Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thura U Aung Htet, Director-General of the Political Department U Thaung Tun, Coordination Minister of Politics, Law and Security Adm (Rtd) Widodo, AS, Minister of State Secretary Prof Dr Yusril Ihza Manhendra, and Cabinet Secretary Lt-Gen (Rtd) Sudhi Silalahi.

The Indonesian President in his speech expressed his pleasure, saying that the bilateral ties and cooperation have come into existence since the times of the independence struggles of the two nations.

The two nations also cooperated in the first Bandung Conference held in 1955. At that time, Myanmar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India held discussions on development and cooperation of Asia and Africa and laid down Bandung principles.

The Indonesian President expressed his belief that the friendship and cooperation between the two counties will therefore continue to flourish. Indonesia will make continued efforts to adhere to its belief.

Senior General Than Shwe said that he thanked the Indonesian President for his invitation to the Summit and he was glad to have an opportunity to meet the latter. He said he would like to praise Indonesia for its ability to host such an important Summit. The arrangements for the meeting were specially fine. He expressed his belief that the Bandung spirit will continue to flourish and the two continents will cooperate as in the past.

It is heartening to witness the Indonesia’s leading role to organize the historic Summit and its active participation in the interests of Asian nations. He said he believed that the Indonesian President will brilliantly lead the nation for its further development. In the world, small nations are now facing many difficulties. So, it is important for Asian and African nations to cooperate more.

He said he would like to give an account of Myanmar. The nation has regained her independence for more than 50 years. However, she lagged behind in development due to the internal armed insurgency. She has to strive for development up to now.

In the process, some nations understand her efforts, while some misunderstand hers. He also explained points about the development of Myanmar.

Next, the Indonesian President expressed his thanks for the Myanmar side’s opinions of the Asian-African Summit and briefings about the development of Myanmar. Indonesia is a true friend of Myanmar. He and the Myanmar Prime Minister held discussions at the meetings held recently in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Indonesia.

Such constant holding of meetings of the two nations contributes towards further cementing of bilateral relations, and enables State leaders of the two nations to cordially exchange views. He said he understands well that the national security is important. And he said he supports Myanmar’s activities for democracy in the nation. Similar activities are being carried out in Indonesia.

Indonesia and Myanmar need to make their activities for democratic reforms known to the international community. In the past, Indonesia had to face difficulties like Myanmar. He said that when leaders of other nations asked him about the drive for democratic reform in Myanmar, he replied that it was needed to support the work programmes being implemented in Myanmar, and to deal with the nation.

All nations need to understand the situation of Myanmar. Myanmar, Indonesia and the ASEAN have common interests. Indonesia and Myanmar need to continue to deal with each other and to make efforts to be able to catch up with other global nations.

It is unwise for a nation to interfere in other’s internal affairs. Indonesia to will never interfere in the internal affairs of Myanmar. In conclusion, he expressed his belief that the two nations will continue to cooperate cordially and closely.

Source: "The New Light Of Myanmar", www.myanmar.com/nlm/
 

 Myanmar supports China’s ratification of Anti-secession Law

Senior General Than Shwe

PRC Government urging Chinese companies to make more investments in Myanmar

President Mr Hu Jintao

Senior General Than Shwe and President Mr Hu Jintao holds talks

YANGON, 26 April — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe held talks with President Mr Hu Jintao of the People’s Republic of China in Ballroom 3 of Hotel Mulia in Jakarta on 23 April.

President Mr Hu Jintao said that since ancient times the two countries have extended fraternal relationships. Exchange of views between the leaders is a task important for both nations.

Senior General Than Shwe expressed wish to perpetuate and further strengthen the existing fraternal relationship. He said, Myanmar was glad to see China’s rapid economic development which has been achieved since adoption of the open-door economic policy in 1978. As the people of China and the people of Myanmar have witnessed China’s developments under her own leadership with great pleasure. He said, Myanmar was proud of China’s success as China has become one of the top nations of the world, thanking China for her support for Myanmar in international affairs. Myanmar will continue to accept the One China Policy. Myanmar supports China’s ratification of the Anti-secession Law. Both nations have the tradition of always paying attention to the exchange of goodwill visits between the Sino-Myanmar leaders and further strengthening the existing cordial ties. The Senior General said that he always remembered and thanked the warm welcome accorded to him by Chinese leaders during his visit to the country in 2003, inviting Mr Hu, who had visited Myanmar in 2000, to visit Myanmar again. Sino-Myanmar relations have reached the 55th anniversary. The Senior General thanks China for her technological and other assistance to Myanmar, expressing belief that China will continue to help Myanmar in her all-round development drive. Concerning the seven-point Road Map, he said Myanmar has resumed the National Convention to draft a new constitution. The holding of the National Convention is the first and most important step of the Road Map. Of the over 1,000 delegates to the National Convention, 60 per cent represent national races. Moreover, nationalities of the 17 armed groups that have returned to the legal fold have also been attending the National Convention. It is important that the constitution should be the one all the nationalities can accept. The holding of the National Convention is a profound and delicate task. The most important thing for the nation is to ensure equality between the interest of the national races and that of the entire nation. Thanks to the Government’s relentless efforts, it is winning the understanding and cooperation of the nationalities. The results of the National Convention are satisfactory. The majority’s wish to strive for successful materializing of the future policy programme has become obvious.

Concerning the economy, the Senior General said, Myanmar has been making many changes in her transition from centralized economy to market oriented economy. Myanmar now is in the process of implementing the five-year economic plan from 2001-2002 to 2005-2006. Myanmar enjoyed trade surplus for two consecutive years during the first three years of the plan. A large number of nations are making investments and doing business in Myanmar. Myanmar is now striving for progress of the agricultural and industrial sectors. He said, at the same time it has been giving priority to the development of the trade, energy and electricity sectors, inviting cooperation in the sectors. The nation is also paying attention to improvement of the social, health and education standard of the people to face and address the challenges of the 21st Century.

Mr Hu in his discussions expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to exchange visits and views between leaders of both nations, and to extend bilateral political and economic cooperation in the international and regional fields. China thanks Myanmar for her adherence to One China Policy and her support for the Anti-secession Law. Sino-Myanmar friendly relations are important for China and must be further extended. He expressed satisfaction at witnessing developing Sino-Myanmar cooperation in various fields. The PRC Government is urging Chinese companies to make more investments in Myanmar. Constant meetings should be held to promote bilateral cooperation. The PRC is making arrangements to build an international conference centre in Myanmar. Agreed documents for the matter should be exchanged. China will promote its assistance to Myanmar to the best of its ability. The Chinese Government and people support Myanmar’s drive to restore internal peace. China accepts that Myanmar has the right to choose and practise the most suitable system. He said all must respect Myanmar sovereignty, adding that China opposes outside interference in Myanmar’s internal affairs. China will never change her stand concerning Myanmar. He expresses belief that Myanmar Government and people will overcome the difficulties. China sees UN reforms are important and need coordination from all angles. There is a Chinese proverb, which goes, “Haste will face difficulties in marching to a goal.

He thanked the Senior General for inviting him to visit Myanmar. The goodwill visit to Myanmar is an unforgettable one for him, he said. He said he accepts the invitation with pleasure and will visit Myanmar at an opportune time.

Also present were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Military Assistant to the State Peace and Development Council Chairman Maj-Gen Nay Win, Myanmar Ambassador to Indonesia U Kyaw Myint, Director-General of State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein, Director-General of Prime Minister’s Office U Soe Tint, Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet, Brig-Gen Kyaw Kyaw of the Ministry of Defence, and Director-General of Political Department U Thaung Tun.

Member of the Secretariat of the Central Communist Party Mr Wang Gang, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Li Zhaoxing, Minister of Finance Mr Jin Renqing, Minister of Economics Mr Bo Xilai, Head of President’s Office Mr Chen Shi Ju, Director-General of Asian Division of the Foreign Affairs Ministry Mr Cui Kan and high level officials were also present.

Source: "The New Light Of Myanmar", www.myanmar.com/nlm/
 

Senior General Than Shwe meets UN Secretary-General Mr Kofi Annan

YANGON, 26 April — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe met Secretary-General of the United Nations Mr Kofi A Annan at Room 4 of Jakarta Convention Centre, in Jakarta at 12.10 pm on 23 April.

Present on the occasion were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Military Assistant to the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Nay Win, Myanmar Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia U Kyaw Myint, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein, Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office U Soe Tint, Director-General of Political Department U Thaung Tun, Special Envoy of UN Secretary-General Mr Brahimi, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Myanmar Mr Razali Ismail and senior officials. At the meeting Mr Kofi A Annan said he was pleased to meet Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe. He cordially extended greetings and invited open discussions.

Senior General Than Shwe said he was glad to see the UN Secretary-General as if he had met a close relative. He would like to clarify the developments of Myanmar. He said Myanmar is making democratic reforms and it laid down seven-point Road Map for democratic transition on 30 August 2003.

He said the National Convention is being held for drafting the State Constitution. Based on basic principles agreed at the National Convention the draft of the State Constitution would be drawn up. The referendum will be held for the approval of the draft. Free and fair elections would also be held and a government would be formed, he said.

The first session of the National Convention was held from 17 May to 9 July 2004 and it was attended by over 1,000 delegates. Seventy per cent or the majority of the population in Myanmar are Bamar. However, only 40 per cent of the delegates to the National Convention are Bamar and the rest or 60 per cent are national races. Moreover, the delegates of 17 armed groups that made peace with the government are attending the National Convention.

Apart from seven states and seven divisions, there will be six self-administered areas for national races. At the first session of the National Convention legislature was discussed in detail. The delegates agreed to the legislative programmes in the central, state, division and self-administered areas and the delegates continued to discuss executive and judicial sectors. The second session of the National Convention was held from 17 February to 31 March 2005 and the third session will be held in the open season. As the majority of the population of Myanmar are farmers the National Convention is held at the break of their work.

He said he believed that basic principles for sharing of the executive and judicial powers would be laid down. There is still much to be done, he added.

The Senior General said he would like to explain the brief history of Myanmar. Armed opposition occurred three months after she regained independence and it lasted for 50 years.

The government laid emphasis on peace and unity among the national races. He said he would like to state the development works being carried. The government is endeavouring for development of political, economic, education and health sectors. Three projects are being implemented for equal development of the entire State.

The first project is a rural development project that aims at improving education, health, transport sectors in rural areas, supplying pure water and water for agriculture and improving rural economy.

The second project is the 24 special region development project based on experiences and lessons through which Myanmar passed. It is being undertaken for equality and development of the State.

In education sector, there were only 32 universities and colleges and now there are 156. Only when the people gain knowledge and technology will democratic practices be successful.

The third project is border area development project that aims at developing border areas that lagged behind development in the past. These three projects are being implemented for equal development in hilly and plain regions and border and rural areas.

He said he would like other peoples to come and see efforts for development of border areas and national races in Myanmar. The Senior General said he was not saying about these efforts in words. He said he was not a hard-liner.

He said SPDC is rebuilding a nation that lagged behind in development. In doing so, there are some difficulties because of the pressures. The Senior General invited the UN Secretary-General to visit Myanmar at an opportune time.

In his discussions, Mr Kofi A Annan said he thanked the Senior General for full clarifications about developments in Myanmar. He was glad that it is obvious that the government is making concerted efforts for development of rural areas , 24 special regions and border areas.

He said he understood and was glad to learn the efforts to draft the State Constitution by holding the National Convention in political aspect. He said he believed that the government is exerting utmost efforts for all the citizens of Myanmar and national races and the UN praised the efforts.

There are comments and misunderstanding because of some foreign nations and news agencies.

According to the statements, some assumed that the UN is the enemy of Myanmar. In fact, the UN is not an enemy of Myanmar but a friend. International communities should provide assistance for development of Myanmar, he said.

He thanked Senior General Than Shwe for inviting him to visit Myanmar and he hoped that he would visit Myanmar one day.

Source: "The New Light Of Myanmar", www.myanmar.com/nlm/
 

Prime Minister sends felicitations to Serbia and Montenegro

YANGON, 27 April — Lt-Gen Soe Win, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Svetozar Marovic, President of Serbia and Montenegro, on the occasion of the National Day of Serbia and Montenegro, which falls on 27 April 2005.

Source: "The New Light Of Myanmar", www.myanmar.com/nlm/
 

FM sends felicitations to Serbia and Montenegro

YANGON, 27 April– U Nyan Win, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Vuk Draskovic, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia and Montenegro, on the occasion of the National Day of Serbia and Montenegro, which falls on 27 April 2005.

Source: "The New Light Of Myanmar", www.myanmar.com/nlm/

------ End of Message ------