YANGON, Nov. 25 (Xinhuanet) -- Myanmar top leader Senior-General Than Shwe stressed on Friday the need for his country people to strengthen nationalistic spirit and ensure uplift of national prestige and integrity.

    Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council,made the remarks in his message on the occasion of the 85th anniversary of the country's National Day which falls on Friday.

    Than Shwe also emphasized perpetuity of independence and sovereignty of the state.

    "In this age of advancing science and technology, the neo-colonialists, instead of using much-obvious colonization and coercion resorting to force, are trying to encroach and dominate others through the media with social, economic, human rights and narcotic drug excuses," he warned, stressing the need to guard thenation against their perpetration with national awareness that originated in patriotism and union spirit.

    He also called for promotion of education in line with the essence of the national day which was designated 85 years ago when then students launched a national movement in a bid to establish anew national education system to replace the British colonial one.

    The movement partly led to the successful regaining of the country's independence in 1948.

    In his message , Than Shwe also called for efforts to achieve success for the realization of the government's current seven-point political roadmap to democracy, under which the first step of reconvening the national convention to draw up a new state constitution is underway. Enditem