Cooperation with ICRC and IFRC should not be centered on acquiring financial assistance
Assessment to be made in order not to tarnish national prestige and character

YANGON, 29 Jan—The opening of the 8th Conference of the Myanmar Red Cross Society took place at the Institute of Nursing on Bogyoke Aung San Street here this morning, with an address by Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein.

Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Yangon Division PDC Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, the ministers, the Yangon mayor, officials, departmental heads, members of the MRCS Central Council and executives, resident representatives of UN agencies and local and foreign NGOs, leader of delegation of the International Committee of Red Cross Mr Patrick Vial and members, leader of delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Society Mr Joanna Maclean and members, presidents of state/division RC Supervisory Committees and members, and distinguished guests.

The Secretary-1 in his address said that the MRCS established in 1920 has a fine tradition, and it is heartening to learn that the association standing as a social organization has been constantly shouldering humanitarian tasks in successive eras in the interests of the nation and the people.

That is why the government is providing encouragement and assistance in various sectors for enabling the association to stand as a national force and to play an active role in the national development drive. Furthermore, after designating the association as a reserve force that contributes towards restoration of peace and stability, the government again has assigned lofty duties to it in building and upgrading the nation, he added.

The Red Cross services were introduced first in the western nations, but at that time humanitarian tasks and community welfare services had already been in existence in Myanmar. Now, the Red Cross activities have gathered momentum and flourished in the nation, standing as voluntary services.

The government is implementing the political, economic and social objectives for transforming the nation into a peaceful, modern and developed one under the correct leadership of the government and with the participation of the departments, national people and social organizations.

The government, while building a new nation on self-reliant basis, has been rendering necessary assistance constantly for all the social organizations born of the national people to enable them to gain development momentum on the correct national trend. It is heartening to see that the association is participating actively in the community welfare concerns the length and breadth of the nation, he noted.

In an attempt to implement the national health plans based on the national health policy, through which priority is given to primary health care services for the people, the government is enlisting social organizations like the MRCS and the private sector, he said.

Similarly, the government is helping local and foreign organizations, UN agencies and NGOs take part in precautionary measures against possible natural disasters. The government is also carrying out health promotion tasks such as AIDS control, promoting the consumption of iodized salt, and caring of children and elder persons, with the help of the social organizations and the UN agencies, he said.

The council was formed with high-ranking officials and departmental officials and concerted efforts are being made to carry out functions of Myanmar Red Cross Society in line with the projects and work programmes of the State and for the nation to be able to provide assistance to the society.

Accordingly, high-ranking officials, departmental officials and representatives from the states and divisions are making integrated and well-coordinated efforts in the council in the interest of the State and the people and for development of the society with the national outlook. Hence, it is sure that the activities of Red Cross in all parts of the nation will make progress with added momentum.

Therefore, in electing the representatives from the states and divisions, it is imperative to elect those who are capable of serving the interest of the State and the people. Cooperation with the ICRC and the IFRC, should not be centred on acquiring financial assistance and assessment is to be made in order not to tarnish the national prestige and character.

At a time when the Red Cross representatives all over the country are meeting, plans and future work programmes that will contribute much to successful realization of the national objectives and development of the Red Cross activities are to be embodied.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 stressed the need for Red Cross members to be in oneness under the leadership of the Central Council members and CEC members who are assigned duties and to make earnest efforts with the nationalistic spirit and the humanitarian spirit.

Next, Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint announced the list of the ten Central Council members for the term of the Eighth All Myanmar Red Cross Conference.

After the opening ceremony, Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein cordially greeted those present on the occasion.