Myanmar marks 70 years of independence

Myanmar will raise flags to mark 70 years of independence from British rule.

Myanmar is marking 70 years of regaining independence from British rule with ceremonies in the commercial hub, Yangon, and the capital, Naypyitaw.

A flag-hoisting ceremony was scheduled to take place at 4.20am local time on Thursday, the astrologically auspicious time chosen for British rule to officially end at Yangon's Secretariat building on January 4, 1948.

A flag saluting ceremony was scheduled for later in the capital Naypyidaw, state media reported on Wednesday.

The commander in chief of Myanmar's armed forces, Min Aung Hlaing, said in his New Year's statement released on Monday that in 70 years of independence, Myanmar's people had ensured the peace, stability, development and unity of the country.