Bakdep – With heavy security presence, the Federal Republic celebrates its 54th year of military rule with a ceremonial parade at the capital Bakdep this morning. In uniform, about 10,000 troops (including the army, navy and air force) marched around Vong Tron Road 54 times before assembling at Assembly Square, where the ceremony began.
Kuehong has been under military rule since the 1967 coup. After a decade of political instability in the new union of Northern Cinasia and western Kuehong, the military seized power and established the stratocracy that remains in power. All 12 members of the National Security and Stability Council (NSSC), including Chairman Vu Yen Luc and Vice-Chairman Le Van Kiet, are present. The NSSC members are accompanied by various commanding officers and delegates from Kuehong’s allies such as the Bai Empire.
Vice-Chairman Le, who is set to replace General Vu in September, gave a speech calling for unity and stability in the country. While reiterating that the July elections were fair and free, he has criticised the international community of interfering in its affairs.
“The results of the July elections are fair and free. It reflects the view of the people, who desire a safe and prosperous country for all to live in. Whether you disagree with the results, we must remain united for the sake of our nation’s security, stability and progress. Otherwise, we will see chaos, destruction and death,” said Le in his speech.
“Other nations love to criticise on how we do things, while not looking at their own problems. We must remain vigilant against foreign interference and protect our way of life. I am glad our friends and allies are here to give support to us, to ensure the peace and prosperity of Kuehong and the region.”
Unlike previous parades, there was no showcase of missiles and new tanks. Observers commented that, despite the rise in tensions over its missile programme recently, it reflected Kuehong’s commitment to keep the security and peace in the region, as it has promised.
The parade commenced smoothly, with only a small group of protestors nearby at Diep Duy Tam Square. The National Anthem, Song of our Homeland, was played along with the national flag fly-past. A 21-gun salute was fired as Chairman Vu, accompanied by Le, inspected the parade.
As the parade ended about an hour later, several fighter jets flew in formation across the country as a show of the nation’s “collective strength”. Similar celebrations were held in the other state capitals and major population centres in the afternoon.
