The leader of Myanmar's ruling junta said on Saturday the military will protect the people and strive for democracy, as protesters called for a huge show of defiance against last month's coup despite chilling warnings they risked being shot.
After presiding over a military parade in the capital, Naypyitaw, to mark Armed Forces Day, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing reiterated a promise to hold elections, without giving any timeframe.
"The army seeks to join hands with the entire nation to safeguard democracy," the general said in a live broadcast on state television, adding that authorities also sought to protect the people and restore peace across the country.