50 years of independence

Burma's military rulers warned against "neo-colonialism"as the country celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence from Britain yesterday.

In an Independence Day message, the chairman of the ruling military council, General Than Shwe, called on people to defend national sovereignty. "We must be vigilant against various wily schemes of some neo-colonialists," said the message, which was read out at a flag-raising ceremony at Rangoon's People's Park. - AP, Rangoon