Myanmar leader Lieutenant-General Thein Sein has said that the successful implementation of the country's political roadmap to democracy depends on the strength of three pillars: the state, the people and the Tatmadaw (armed forces).

Thein Sein, first secretary of the State Peace and Development Council, made the remarks on Sunday at a ceremony to open a new government technical college in Bhamo, northernmost Kachin state, official newspaper New Light of Myanmar reported Monday.

The seven-point roadmap is being implemented to transform the country into a discipline-flourishing democratic one, he added, and warned of warding off "destructive elements who fabricated news and drive wedge between the state and people."

He said states and divisions including the Kachin state are on the right path to development, calling for upholding the slogan --Strength of the nation lies within and attributing such achievements to the harmonious efforts of the state, the people and the Tatmadaw.

"Despite the political pressure, economic sanction and accusations, the government has been making efforts for the development of the state with patriotic spirit and the nation enjoys the fruitful results," he said.

The government has also stressed the acquisition of the three points as prerequisites for the emergence of the democratic system which are to ensure prevalence of peace and stability; to make the people to be higher educated to create an educated nation and to put the national economy on the development track.

The political roadmap, announced in August 2003, was outlined as reconvening the national convention to draft a new constitution,undergoing a national referendum on draft of the constitution, holding a general election to produce parliament representatives and forming a new democratic government.

The national convention was adjourned again on March 31 until it is set to resume by the end of this year.

Source: Xinhua