National Defence and Security Council of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Holds 2/2024 Meeting

The National Defence and Security Council of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar held a meeting 2/2024 at the meeting hall of the State Administration Council (SAC) Chairman’s Office in Nay Pyi Taw in the morning of 31 July.

As Pro Tem President U Myint Swe is receiving medical treatment on medical leave due to his current health conditions, the responsibilities of the Pro Tem President were transferred to the Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services in order to carry out measures of the National Defence and Security Council. So, the meeting was attended by Pro Tem President (Duty) Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Speaker of Pyithu Hluttaw U T Khun Myat, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Union Minister for Defence Admiral Tin Aung San, Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung, specially invited SAC Secretary Lt-Gen Aung Lin Dwe and Joint-Secretary Lt-Gen Ye Win Oo.

During the meeting, the Pro Tem President (Duty) Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services made clarifications on undertakings in the six months. The State Administration Council extended its term for carrying out State responsibilities and needs for further tasks. He said transferring the duties and functions of the Pro Tem President would be explained at first. Starting from early 2023, Pro Tem President U Myint Swe has been receiving medical treatment provided by a medical team comprising specialists as he is suffering from psychomotor retardation. Moreover, he underwent an eye surgical operation for both eyes with cataracts, which improved his eyesight. But he still suffers from psychomotor retardation. At a time when a medical check-up was performed on him, his health condition did not improve, and as he was incapable of doing all daily routine moves, including eating food, his duties and functions were transferred at 11:30 am on 22 July 2024 for carrying out the national defence and security council measures.

If the declaration of a state of emergency is analyzed according to Section 417 and Section 412 of the Constitution, although some persons involved in the National Defence and Security Council are absent during the period when the state of emergency has not been completed, the remaining persons have to serve the duties mandated by the Constitution without fail. If the Pro Tem President cannot attend the National Defence and Security Council meeting in his condition or the Pro Tem President is absent for various reasons, the definition of Section 412 (b) and Section 418 (b) of the Constitution indicates that the Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services has to lead the meeting to decide all measures of the State primarily. Section 419 of the Constitution stipulates that the executive power of the State is being exercised by the SAC Chairman Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services on behalf of the President. Hence, the executive power of the State was transferred to the SAC Chairman Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, in accordance with Section 419 of the Constitution, as he is exercising the executive power on behalf of the President.

The State Administration Council will implement the five-point roadmap and nine objectives steadfastly. Since its assumption of the State’s responsibilities, the SAC checked voter lists for voting fraud in detail in the townships where the election was held. Responsible persons who committed voting fraud did not admit their acts, but their voting fraud obviously emerged when witnesses were investigated. Findings of voting fraud were released, and action was taken against those responsible persons under the law. The government has adopted the five-point roadmap and nine objectives. Upon completion of the two-year term of the emergency period set at first, the election was to be held. As there was no condition to hold the election, the state of emergency was declared again after the two-year term. The five-point roadmap was amended in conformity with time and conditions. The last point of the amended roadmap is to hold the election. Holding the election is a government’s vision which never changes. Hence, preparations are ongoing to hold an election. The Senior General reaffirmed that he will implement the vision to achieve success.

Security sector concerning the prosperity of the State

After assuming State responsibilities in accord with the Constitution, the State Administration Council has been restoring the peace and stability of the country and cementing the multiparty democratic system under the law. However, NUG, CRPH and PDF terrorists have been committing terror acts with lawlessness to raise panic among the people. From 1 February 2021 to 27 July 2024, terror attacks killed 84 members of the Sangha and 7,284 innocent people and State service personnel nationwide. They also destroyed a total of 10,930 buildings from the education and health sectors and public residential houses, as well as infrastructures for the development of the State. Moreover, some Ethnic Armed Organizations not wishing to forge peace continue armed insurgency so as to undermine the peace and stability of the State by all means. The Senior General recounted that when he met EAOs, they pledged that they agreed to Our Three Main National Causes. At present, some EAOs violate Our Three Main National Causes. All citizens are responsible for defending the State and especially safeguarding Our Three Main National Causes. He continued that he put the People’s Military Service Law enacted for years into force and is restoring security, peace and stability of the State as quickly as possible.

The State Administration Council strives to implement a genuine, disciplined multiparty democratic system. But terrorists are solving the problems through armed terrorism ways for political reasons. They are concentrating more on region-wise power grabbing, than taking part in the march to multiparty democracy together with the Union. Myanmar history saw forced demands underpinned by terrorism, but they cannot achieve success. It can be seen such a way cannot bring benefit to anyone.

MNDAA and TNLA violated the temporary ceasefire agreement agreed upon by both sides to ensure peace and stability in the region in Shan State (North) and launched attacks. MNDAA attacked regional security posts around Lashio and fired rockets at Lashio daily. At present, they infiltrate Lashio and are destroying life and property of people. Their allied group, TNLA also joined hands with PDF terrorists and attacked local security posts in Nawnghkio, Kyaukme, Hsipaw and Mogok regions and urban areas. Their terror attacks cause instability in the region, leading to the loss of lives and property of locals, ethnics, and national people. People very abhor those terrorists due to their daily threats on the life and property of people under various pretexts and for various reasons. Tatmadaw was born of the people, and it is a people’s Tatmadaw, which is a part of the State. Tatmadaw makes utmost efforts to defend the life and property of the people and the State. Upholding the interests of the people and the State is launching a just war. So, he said he was proud of patriotic youths, organizations, war veterans, and ethnic and national people who supported Tatmadaw in serving in a just war. I want to urge all to collectively defend the State against insurgents and saboteurs, who intentionally attack the State, with a united national spirit and Myanmar spirit. Tatmadaw decided to continuously forge peace and stability in Lashio, Nawnghkio, Kyaukme, Hsipaw and Mogok regions. Border region management measures are under the arrangement of both countries. Likewise, border trade must be done by government departments of both countries. As weak management can be seen in some border regions, it is necessary to carry out all measures into normalcy.

The government is holding talks with political parties and EAOs to restore perpetual peace for the Union. The remarks from the talks were recorded as the Union Accords. Moreover, further talks will be held. Some foreign countries encourage armed insurgents and terrorist groups and political dissenters with monetary assistance, food, medicines, arms and ammunition, technologies and logistic opportunities in order to shape Myanmar as expected for prolonging armed conflicts. They also help malicious media to conduct psychological warfare.

Economic sector

In striving for a booming State economy, only when the State carries out the development of manufacturing will the State GDP improve. So, efforts are underway to develop the agriculture, industrial, and service sectors. It is impossible to increase GDP without basic manufacturing. Since its assumption, the government has experienced a severe outbreak of COVID-19 as well as downtrends in the economy. The GDP growth in 2020-2021 plunged into -5.9 per cent. Due to making utmost efforts for the development of agriculture and livestock breeding sectors, the country could secure +2.4 per cent of GDP in the six months of 2021-22 FY, with an 8.3 per cent increase. In the 2022-23 financial year, the country won 3.4 per cent of GDP and in the 2023-24 FY, 3.5 per cent of GDP. At present, the government is pouring out its efforts to secure 3.8 per cent of GDP growth in the current 2024-25 FY. If the state economy declines, it will have other negative impacts. So, it can be seen that some countries impose economic sanctions against Myanmar, applying more sanctions against banks not running banking services, blocking border trade in various ways and means, and encouraging EAOs from border regions in various ways in order to seek profits and manipulate these areas. Hence, encouragements are being made for all to increase production in agriculture and livestock farms. It is necessary to support MSME businesses. Hence, the Senior General thanked all farmers from agriculture and livestock farms for their endeavours.

In April, unscrupulous businesspersons threw monetary value into disorder. So, prices of gold and currency changed unprecedentedly without the ordinary process. They also blocked economic processes, caused bankruptcy, and caused monetary affairs to go into disorder. As such, verification was conducted over them under necessary disciplines and law. As it is essential to ensure firmness of currency rather than inflation, a plan is underway to ensure firmness of currency.

Many incidents happened in which unscrupulous businesspersons spread rumours about cooking oil and fuel to raise panic among the people in the country during the period when the government served its duties. Hence, the government adopted correct measures and precise policies to ease the tension of the people. With regard to rice, as a possible situation that might occur with the prices of rice being in disorder, the necessary investigation was conducted to ensure the stability of rice prices. In order to ensure convenience for people in the food supply sector, the volume of rice that each family will need is being sold nationwide. Accepting the concept that politics is economy, the government sets visions to improve the living standards of the people by meeting the basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter and to develop the whole nation.

Social sector

Education is crucial for the long-term sustainability of a country and its development. Hence, arrangements are underway for all school-age children to learn education and to pursue the KG+9 educational scheme as a compulsory measure. Upon completion of KG+9, if students continue learning agriculture, livestock breeding and industrial subjects for three years from KG+10 to KG+12, they will have basic job opportunities. If they are qualified, they will have to continue learning to obtain the necessary diplomas and degrees. If so, the country will have skillful human resources in manufacturing. According to the new academic system, if students reach KG+12, they may turn 17 or 18 years old. If they turn 18, they will be the age of voting. If the country is democratic, everybody needs to understand legal affairs. Hence, it is necessary to discuss legal affairs so that those youths have a broader scope of legal knowledge.

This academic year, some 70 per cent of basic education schools were reopened across the nation. As more than 92 per cent of students out of registered ones attended the basic education schools, officials need to continuously strive to ensure a cent per cent attendance of students and reopening schools. According to the age-wise population of the country, it is necessary to increase the attendance of students. Priority must be given to school-age children to attend schools and reach the path of learning in all regions where schools are opened.

Since 2023, the education conference has been held. This year, the education conference was held last month. Findings from conferences must be emphasized in the enhancement of Myanmar’s education sector. The future of the State depends on education, so students, parents, administrative bodies, and educational staff have to cooperate in the promotion of the education sector. In line with the motto: “School is the birthplace of national character”, it is necessary to teach students to be responsible citizens by following school disciplines and then laws, rules and regulations.

With regard to the enhancement of the health sector, the State Administration Council has a plan to upgrade township hospitals and higher-grade hospitals this financial year in order to ensure better healthcare services. Arrangements are ongoing to fill these hospitals with necessary hospital equipment. To do so, US$22 million and K116.8 billion from the separate fund will be spent on providing hospital devices to hospitals and carrying out extended construction.

The government has adopted a policy that “every hospital must have medical doctors” in order to appoint health staff to vacant posts entirely. As emphasis has been placed on substituting the posts of health staff who left duties from workplaces due to indoctrination, so far, a total of 68,258 health staff are giving healthcare services to the people at 7,278 clinics and 757 hospitals nationwide. Efforts will be exerted constantly so that all citizens can be entitled to fundamental health rights. In order to support the point from the Social Economic Objectives: “To elevate the health and sports sectors crucial for all the people, thus improving the nation’s life expectancy and health”, a plan is underway to hold the Fifth National Sports Festival in the coming December.

Myanmar has been a flood-prone country during rainy season every year. This year, rainfalls from the early monsoons are more extensive than in other years. Flooding happens from Myitkyina in upper Myanmar to other regions. At present, floods occur in many parts of lower Myanmar. Tatmadaw, Myanmar Police Force, Fire Brigade and duty-conscious social organizations are serving relief measures for the public interests actively in natural disasters.

Food security

As the world's population increases, the demand for food will proportionately be rising. Since our country's climate and geographical conditions are conducive to the growth of various crops, fruits, and livestock, it is necessary to utilize these resources effectively. For the fiscal year of 2024-2025, over 15 million acres of monsoon paddy have been planned to be cultivated. For the time being, nearly 70 percent of the plan has already cultivated. For other crops, over 4.6 million acres of oil crops like groundnut, sesame, and sunflower have been planned to be cultivated and more than 81 percent have been cultivated. Over 3 million acres of varieties of common beans have been planned, and about 70 percent have been cultivated. Efforts are being made to increase the yield per acre by making specialized planting practices for major crops. In terms of livestock sector, systematic breeding and increase in supply for livestock products can ensure for not only self-sufficiency of fish and meat but also import substitution. It can also become a major export sector.

In Myanmar, 15 million acres of monsoon paddy and 2 million acres of summer paddy are cultivated. With approximately 15 million acres of paddy fields, if the target yield of 100 baskets per acre is achieved, it will ensure food security for 100 million people. If double cropping is implemented, food security for 200 million people can be ensured. Therefore, cultivation of paddy itself can result in a significant surplus of rice, leading to substantial foreign income. If the targets for other crops like cotton, varieties of common beans, and oil crops are also met, a large surplus can be achieved without expanding the cultivated area. Therefore, it is required to work diligently and to create opportunities too.

As of the 2019 interim census, 41.2 percent of the employed population aged 15 and above are working in agriculture, forestry, and fishery sectors. It is essential to nurture the labor force in these sectors as valuable human resources. Agriculture and livestock farming is the key in economy of our country. In the livestock sector, if indigenous animals are bred systematically and fed with by-products from agriculture such as rice bran, broken rice, maize, groundnut expeller-cake, sesame oil-cake and straw, it can be economically beneficial. Arrangements are being made to study and adopt modern agricultural and livestock farming techniques from successful countries which are developed in agriculture and livestock production.

Those with financial resources are invited to invest in the agriculture and livestock sectors. Such investments will lead to the advancement of the country's agriculture and livestock industries and increase production. Agriculture and livestock farming are vital for the nation’s economy, and efforts must be made to achieve the target yields.

Building a Union based on democracy and federal system

It has been observed that many characteristics of the 2008 Constitution align with the Union (federal) system. Firstly, federal principles such as having a legislature and government at the Union and State/Region levels, giving a guarantee of the existence of States/ Regions by the Constitution, and the existence of six self-administered areas with detailed powers and authorities outlined in the Constitution. Additionally, budget allocation between the Union and State/ Region levels are explicitly defined in the Constitution. Efforts are needed for the development of the region, using the rights provided by the Constitution effectively. Necessary amendments to the Constitution will also be carried out in accordance with regulations.

The State Administration Council is working in a momentum for strengthening genuine, disciplined multi-party democratic system and building the Union based on democracy and federalism. In order to facilitate this process, 46 districts have been expanded and established in the regions and states including Nay Pyi Taw, and a total of 121 districts have been established since 2022 to bring about effective administration. Under the leadership of the districts, all townships/areas must be improved. They must work hard to implement the development of their region, using the authority they have received by region, state and district. In doing so, the regions and states are required to be able to hold elections as much as possible to meet the specified percentage according to the respective regions and states so that the governments will be formed through elections in their regions. From now on, necessary security procedures are being implemented by regions and states.

When moving towards a multiparty democratic system, difference of opinions with each other is understandable and acceptable. However, no country and society will accept the demand by making violence and taking up arms. They must make their demand in accordance with the laws. While the law has not yet been promulgated before the Parliament, the Union will issue decrees and directives that are in effect as law and will be implemented for the regions and states. Building a Union based on democracy and federal system must only be demanded in accordance with the law and must only be implemented in accordance with the procedures.

Making multiparty democratic system strengthened

The ultimate goal of the State Administration Council is to hold a free and fair multi-party democratic general election. For that, it is necessary to obtain valid basic voters list. Due to the mistakes of voters list in the 2020 general election, which was a very bad stigma in the history of the country, the voters list must be corrected as much as possible to prevent it from happening again. Necessary preparations are being made to ensure the correctness of the voters list, and the population and household census will be conducted in October. Preparations are being made in advance to be able to successfully collect and solve the difficulties that may be encountered in the collection.

We will collect the lists on the ground nationwide as a priority, and the records on the ground should be used as much as possible until the closest match is found in the areas where it is difficult to conduct field surveys. The towns and villages that are available to collect data for voters list will be done first, and the tasks will be continued in related townships after making necessary security measures in the areas. The election will be held in accordance with the 2008 Constitution and election laws. Depending on the regional security condition, the elections will be held first in the areas that are available to be held. In the areas where it is not available to be held due to the recent security condition, security measures will be stepped up hold the general elections. Only if stability and peace can be restored will we be able to work for making multiparty democratic system strengthened and implementing correct reform process. Therefore, we will continue to step up what should be done in terms of security.

The Union Election Commission has approved the registration of 50 political parties out of the 67 political parties that applied for re-registration and newly established registration. Two political parties have been cancelled in accordance with the law, so there are 48 existing political parties at present.

In order to make voting convenient and transparent for voters, the Union Election Commission has made clarifications and practical demonstration of trial voting for 107,299 local residents in a total of 121 townships in five regions/states, including Nay Pyi Taw, regarding the Myanmar Electronic Voting Machine.

The State Administration Council has already guaranteed that it will continue to walk on the path of multi-party democratic system and strengthen the multi-party democratic system. At present, the NUG and PDF terrorist groups are intensifying their terrorist attacks through receiving support from countries that do not want the Myanmar’s interests. It is obvious that some armed groups who do not want peace and democratic culture are also intensifying illegal actions and territorial expansion activities. Therefore, it is necessary to continue the efforts for restoring peace and security conditions across the entire country. It is also required: to continue the ongoing national development activities in momentum; to successfully implement the preparatory activities and additional electoral works required for holding a multi-party democratic general election. Accordingly, in order to carry out the work to be done as stated above, the State Administration Council is required to extend the term of office for another six months in accordance with Section 425 of the Constitution.

After that, the members of the National Defence and Security Council discussed the presentations of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw U T Khun Myat, said that he would like to discuss a little about the population and household contents census that will be conducted soon. The population and household census is an important task that must be carried out for our country. The accurate and correct voters list, the main requirement for the successful holding of the multi-party democratic general election to be held in the future, must be based on national census data. Census work and basic voter registration work are related activities. The population and household census will be conducted nationwide from October 1 to 15. According to the nature of the work, the census taking process has to be carried out step by step. Since it will take a certain amount of time to implement such a step-by-step process, he supports the extension of the period of the state of emergency declared for the entire country by another six months starting from 1st of August 2024, he discussed.

Then, the Vice-Senior General joined the discussions, saying first of all, he supported assumption of pro tem president’s duties by the Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services in accordance with Sections 412, 417, 419 and 425 of the Constitution due to health reasons of Pro Tem President U Myint Swe. Second, he said security measures of the State have not been currently accomplished yet, and conducting a population census is an important task. Therefore, he discussed that he supports the extension of the state of emergency in the entire country for another six months to continue to carry out the tasks.

Then, Union Minister for Defence Admiral Tin Aung San said the SAC government has placed emphasis on stability of the State during the extended period of the state of emergency. Terrorists have been trying to undermine stability and rule of law, attacking not only security outposts but also towns and villages resided by the general public in Shan State (North), Mandalay Region and Rakhine State with rockets and drones since early July 2024. The Tatmadaw has to assume the duties of the State inevitably. It is making its efforts to hold a free and fair multi-party democracy general election certainly after stability and security of the State have been restored and to systematically transfer the State power to the government that will emerge in the future. It is necessary to extend the state of emergency to continue to carry out tasks to restore security and stability of the State to enable the public to cast their votes independently and freely in the multi-party general election. He said, therefore, he supported extension of the state of emergency in the entire country for another six months.

Then, Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Yar Pyae said assorted weapons, ammunition and mines have been seized in regions and states in 2024. To restore security, the rule of law and local tranquillity in certain townships of regions and states more effectively, measures are being taken by imposing martial law as well as Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Saying that armed violence erupted in 2024 and the situation of security, stability and community tranquillity has not returned to normality, he supported the extension of the state of emergency in the entire country for another six months in accordance with Section 425 of the Constitution.

Afterward, Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung said it can be seen that the SAC was able to implement tasks for security, the rule of law, prosperity and security of food, water and basic needs of the State during the previous six-month period of extension of the state of emergency to a certain extent. However, there are tasks to be carried out including tasks for security, stability and conducting population census to hold a free and fair multi-party general election successfully, one of the objectives of the Five-point Road Map to build a Union based on democracy and federal system and to strengthen the multi-party democratic system and it can be seen that it will take a certain period of time to continue to carry out such tasks. He, therefore, said he supported the proposal of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services to allow the SAC to assume its duties of the State for another six months in accordance with Section 425 of the constitution.

Then, the Senior General made additional remarks, saying conducting a population and household census is not a process that can be accomplished within a short time. Under the current circumstances, it is necessary to carry out tasks and verification phase by phase. Voters list must be compiled based on the resulting population census as comprehensively as possible. As there are security weaknesses in some regions and states, measures must be taken to improve security to conduct the population census. In connection with the election, measures must be taken by setting priorities for respective areas based on the security situation. Efforts will be made for the emergence of respective Hluttaws and the governments. It is important for the country to continue to take the correct democracy path successfully.

Then, in talking about the reports, the Senior General said he would like to express his thanks to members of the National Defence and Security Council who attended the NDSC meeting today as they discussed current developments of the State in respective sectors including defence, security, economic, social and other general affairs comprehensively.

As it is required to continue to take the democracy path aspired by the people without failure, a free and fair multiparty democracy general election must be certainly held successfully. In holding the general election, it is necessary to compile correct and valid voters list so as not to repeat voting irregularities during the 2020 general election. Therefore, all must make concerted efforts to successfully conduct the population and household census in the coming October. Only when elections can be held in respective regions and states in the entire country comprehensively, will the Union Government, the Pyithu Hluttaw, the Amyotha Hluttaw and state and regional Hluttaws and governments emerge. To enable them to emerge, measures must be taken to improve stability, the rule of law and security matters to ensure stability to hold elections. He agrees with the proposals of members of the NDSC council to take sufficient time to be able to do so, he said.

As the members of the NDSC have made a decision to extend the state of emergency for another six months based on current political developments in the country, he said, I hereby declare the extension of the state of emergency in the entire country for another six months starting from 1st of August 2024 in accordance with Section 425 of the Constitution.

Source: MWD (1-8-2024)

• As Pro Tem President U Myint Swe is suffering from psychomotor retardation, he was incapable of doing all daily routine moves. Therefore, his duties and functions were transferred at 11:30 am on 22 July 2024 for carrying out the national defence and security council measures.
• If the Pro Tem President is absent for various reasons, the definition of Section 412 (b) and Section 418 (b) of the Constitution indicates that the Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services has to lead the meeting to decide all measures of the State primarily.
• The executive power of the State was transferred to the SAC Chairman Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, in accord with Section 419 of the Constitution, as he is exercising the executive power on behalf of the President.
• Holding the election is a government’s vision which never changes. Hence, preparations are ongoing to hold an election. The Senior General reaffirmed that he will implement the vision to achieve success.
• At the time when the State Administration Council has been restoring the peace and stability of the country and cementing the multiparty democratic system under the law, NUG, CRPH and PDF terrorists have been committing terror acts with lawlessness to raise panic among the people.
• From 1 February 2021 to 27 July 2024, terror attacks killed 84 members of the Sangha and 7,284 innocent people and State service personnel nationwide. They also destroyed a total of 10,930 buildings from the education and health sectors and public residential houses, as well as infrastructures for the development of the State.
• The Senior General recounted that when he met EAOs, they pledged that they agreed to Our Three Main National Causes. At present, some EAOs violate Our Three Main National Causes.
• Terrorists are concentrating more on region-wise power grabbing, than taking part in the march to multiparty democracy together with the Union. But they are also solving the problems through armed terrorism ways for political reasons.
• MNDAA and TNLA violated the temporary ceasefire agreement agreed upon by both sides to ensure peace and stability in the region in Shan State (North) and launched attacks.
• MNDAA attacked regional security posts around Lashio and fired rockets at Lashio daily. At present, they infiltrate Lashio and are destroying life and property of people.
• Their allied group, TNLA also joined hands with PDF terrorists and attacked local security posts in Nawnghkio, Kyaukme, Hsipaw and Mogok regions and urban areas.
• Such terror attacks cause instability in the region, leading to the loss of lives and property of locals, ethnics, and national people. People very abhor those terrorists due to their daily threats on the life and property of people under various pretexts and for various reasons.
• Tatmadaw was born of the people, and it is a people’s Tatmadaw, which is a part of the State. Tatmadaw makes utmost efforts to defend the life and property of the people and the State.
• The Senior General said that he was proud of patriotic youths, organizations, war veterans, and ethnic and national people who supported Tatmadaw in serving in a just war.
• Tatmadaw decided to continuously forge peace and stability in Lashio, Nawnghkio, Kyaukme, Hsipaw and Mogok regions.
• Some foreign countries encourage armed insurgents and terrorist groups and political dissenters with monetary assistance, food, medicines, arms and ammunition, technologies and logistic opportunities in order to shape Myanmar. They also help malicious media to conduct psychological warfare.
• It can be seen that some countries impose economic sanctions against Myanmar, applying more sanctions against banks not running banking services, blocking border trade in various ways and means, and encouraging EAOs from border regions in various ways in order to seek profits and manipulate these areas.
• Many incidents happened in which unscrupulous businesspersons spread rumours about cooking oil and fuel to raise panic among the people in the country. Hence, the government adopted correct measures and precise policies to ease the tension of the people.
• This academic year, some 70 per cent of basic education schools were reopened across the nation. As more than 92 per cent of students out of registered ones attended the basic education schools, officials need to continuously strive to ensure a cent per cent attendance of students and reopening schools.
• Regarding the enhancement of the health sector, US$22 million and K116.8 billion from the separate fund will be spent this financial year on providing hospital devices to hospitals and carrying out extended construction.
• As emphasis has been placed on substituting the posts of health staff who left duties from workplaces due to indoctrination, so far, a total of 68,258 health staff are giving healthcare services to the people at 7,278 clinics and 757 hospitals nationwide.

• In order to support the point from the Social Economic Objectives: “To elevate the health and sports sectors crucial for all the people, thus improving the nation’s life expectancy and health”, a plan is underway to hold the Fifth National Sports Festival in the coming December.
• When moving towards a multiparty democratic system, difference of opinions with each other is understandable and acceptable. However, no country and society will accept the demand by making violence and taking up arms. They must make their demand in accordance with the laws.
• The ultimate goal of the State Administration Council is to hold a free and fair multi-party democratic general election. For that, it is necessary to obtain valid basic voters list.
• Necessary preparations are being made to ensure the correctness of the voters list, and the population and household census will be conducted in October.
• The election will be held in accordance with the 2008 Constitution and election laws. Depending on the regional security condition, the elections will be held first in the areas that are available to be held.
• The Union Election Commission has approved the registration of 50 political parties out of the 67 political parties that applied for re-registration and newly established registration. Two political parties have been cancelled in accordance with the law, so there are 48 existing political parties at present.
• At present, the NUG and PDF terrorist groups are intensifying their terrorist attacks through receiving support from countries that do not want the Myanmar’s interests.
• It is obvious that some armed groups who do not want peace and democratic culture are also intensifying illegal actions and territorial expansion activities.
• It is required to extend the duration of state of emergency in order to continue the efforts for restoring peace and security conditions across the entire country that needs for free and fair voting in multi-party democratic general election.