Excerpts from Message Sent by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing to Ceremony Marking 49th Anniversary of Rakhine State Day

Ministry of Defense/ Nay Pyi Taw / December 19, 2023

The Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) Prime Minister Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing sent a message to the ceremony marking the 49^th Anniversary of Rakhine State Day which falls on 15 December.

The excerpts from the message sent by the SAC Chairman Prime Minister are as follows:

· The SAC organized “the Central Committee for Rakhine State Peace, Stability and Development Implementation” and has been implementing sector-wise socio-economic development undertakings including agriculture and livestock, education, health, communication and electricity sectors for Rakhine State development.

· Severe cyclonic storm “Mocha” in May 2023 caused loss and damage in Rakhine and Chin. With the leadership of the State, close supervision of Tatmadaw and relevant government bodies, local and foreign donations and cooperation of the national people, relief and rehabilitation activities could be carried out with greater momentum and the situation could be restored in a short time.

· Rakhine State had faced difficulties in transport and other sectors for many years. As Tatmadaw government has been emphasizing the development of Rakhine State, all state conditions have been changed with development undertakings.

· Rakhine State sees the deterioration of peace and stability due to acts of the Ethnic Armed Organization (EAO) and interference of external elements in internal affairs, and ethnic people are suffering meaningless disturbances and conflicts.

· Whenever peace and stability cannot be restored, the entire people will miss chances to enjoy socioeconomic development, individual rights and opportunities.

· Only when the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement-NCA is implemented to forge peace in the Union will the entire people be able to build a peaceful, prosperous State as they aspire.

· In restoring peace without foreign interference and conspiracy at home, seeking the solution among national brethren in political means based on the Union spirit will achieve success.

The message was sent in honour of celebrating the 49^th Anniversary of Rakhine State Day, wishing residents of Rakhine State being able to serve the interests of the residents, the state and the Union based upon the Union spirit and patriotism and enjoying perpetual peace and happiness.

Source: Myawady Daily Newspaper (15-12-2023)