Yangon, Jan 4

 Myanmar President U Thein Sein Saturday called on people of all nationalities to work together for long-lasting peace in the country on the occasion of the 66th Independence Day.

"The history of the armed conflict between national races on various causes is over, all races of the country are making efforts to achieve real and long-lasting peace, and a national consultative arrangement is also made to sign a ceasefire agreement soon," Xinhua quoted Sein as saying in his message, adding that the present situation is the best time for peace and development in Myanmar.

Sein added that the government is effecting reforms in the political, economic and social spheres and in the government and private development to fulfil two aspirations of the people - becoming a peaceful country under the rule of law and all-round socio-economic development.

Through economic reforms, great importance is attached to the socio-economic improvement of the rural people, the poorest population of the country, while foreign investors are invited to provide capital and technologies to revitalise the country's economy, he said.

To mark the Independence Day, Sein has recently signed a sentence reduction and amnesty order.

About 7,000 prisoners have been released since Friday, official sources said.

Myanmar regained independence from the British Jan 4, 1948.

By:IANS