The September demonstrations and their aftermath haven’t disturbed the busy schedule of Burma’s junta leader Snr-Gen Than Shwe. Despite the international attention and condemnation attracted by his regime’s brutal suppression of the demonstrations, Than Shwe is continuing with a round of ceremonies invariably involving high praise for the soldiers who carried out its shoot-to-kill orders.

He told cadets the Tatmadaw had been formed “to protect the nation and the people. National interests have to be protected, with our life if necessary.” He said the Tatmadaw needed to be built into a strong, capable and modern patriotic army.

Than Shwe presented a Best Cadet Award to cadet Min Thu and an award for excellence in training to cadet Soe Win Naing. He presented literary awards to trainees Htoo Wai Yan Phyo and Soe Thu.

The same day, Than Shwe attended the opening of the Yadanabon Teleport and visited a flower festival in Maymyo township, Mandalay division.

On December 12, he inspected the site chosen for the construction of Pwegauk Dam in Maymyo, viewed the completion of Hsinlan Dam and visited Maymyo General Hospital.

He was accompanied by Gen Thura Shwe Mahn and Lt-Gen Ye Myint