Myanmar leader urges efforts to build modern nation

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(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-01-04 11:01

YANGON -- Myanmar top leader Senior-General Than Shwe Sunday called on the people to strive for building up a modern, developed and discipline-flourishing democratic nation in accordance with the new state constitution produced in May last year.

Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, made the call in his message on the occasion of the 61st Anniversary Independence Day which falls on Sunday.

Than Shwe said in the message that "Today, neo-colonialists are practicing various forms of neocolonialism such as interfering in the internal affairs of other countries, putting pressure on and coercing other countries to serve as their minions, and resorting to all possible ways of forcing a government to serve as a puppet one that will dance to their tune with the intention of harming the sovereignty of their targeted countries".

"Moreover, they are using some international organizations to gain support for their schemes, and driving a wedge among national people and inciting riots to undermine national unity, peace and stability of a nation," he charged.

He urged the entire people to be duty-bound to safeguard the sovereignty of the country through unity if such circumstances arise.

On Sunday morning, a flag hoisting and saluting ceremony for the Independence Day was held in the new capital of Nay Pyi Taw to where the government administration was moved three years ago.

Also on Sunday, the government conferred many religious titles to hundreds of religious figures including venerable monks and nuns, as well as medals of commendation to thousands of person who have made excellent performances in their respective sectors.

Myanmar regained independence from the British colonialists on January 4, 1948.