Wednesday, 27 March 2013 12:45 Mizzima News
Addressing more than 6,300 soldiers on Wednesday morning, Myanmar's Commander-in-Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said that the military will continue to play a political role as the country transforms itself into a democracy, according to a report by Associated Press (AP).
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| Myanmar’s commander-in-chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing at during Myanmar’s 68th anniversary celebrations of Armed Forces Day in Naypyidaw, on Wednesday, March 27, 2013. (PHOTO: Ye Htut / Facebook) |
Speaking in Naypyitaw on the anniversary of the country’s Armed Forces Day, Min Aung Hlaing is reported saying that the military must strengthen its capabilities and regional alliances to build a "well-disciplined democratic nation."
"While the country is moving toward modern democracy, our military plays a leading role in national politics," he said.
"We will keep on marching to strengthen the democratic administrative path wished by the entire people."
Myanmar’s Armed Forces Day commemorates the date of a national uprising against Japanese occupation forces in 1945.
But even as communal violence spreads close to the capital, this year’s event was “a show of vast and precise power”, said AP, noting that: “Helicopters buzzed over the hills. Fighter planes let off flares. Dozens of mud-green tanks, armored personnel carriers and small artillery guns rolled by.”
Seated in the front row, opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi was in attendance at the event for the first time.
Myanmar’s Commander-in-Chief spoke of the importance of maintaining national unity and sovereignty, and said his troops will abide by international humanitarian law, AP reported.
In addition, he called for modern weaponry and training, and closer alliances with neighboring countries, particularly member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
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