THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

(Saturday, 17 January 1998)

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  1. State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe accepts credentials of Ambassador of Czech Republic
  2. Deputy Premier receives Director of Sumitomo Corporation
  3. Completion of Kinchaung Bridge, Yangon-Sittway Highway will add to further development of Rakhine State
  4. Scholars, entrepreneurs urged to properly analyze, assess current economic situation in Myanmar
  5. Colonialists' cohorts using Western countries' human rights slogans as political platform to mislead Myanmar women
  6. Minister for CPT receives Israeli, Japanese businessmen
  7. Minister for Education meets HED officials
  8. Administration in Nursing Service Workshop commences
  9. Coord meeting on conducting collection of baseline data on drug addicts in Yangon Division
  10. Farmers sell over 5,190 baskets of paddy in Kadok
  11. 105 tourists arrive on cruise liner ms Sea Goddess

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(1) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe accepts credentials of Ambassador of Czech Republic

YANGON, 16 Jan - Dr Jan Becka, newly accredited Ambassador of Czech Republic to the Union of Myanmar, presented his credentials to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, at Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence, at 10 am today.

Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw and Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet were also present.

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(2) Deputy Premier receives Director of Sumitomo Corporation

YANGON, 16 Jan - Deputy Prime Minister Chairman of Myanmar Investment Commission Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin received Director of Sumitomo Corporation of Japan Mr Tadahiko Mizukami and party at his office at 10.30 am today.

Present were officials of Government Office and Office of Myanmar Investment Commission.

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(3) Completion of Kinchaung Bridge, Yangon-Sittway Highway will add to further development of Rakhine State

YANGON, 16 Jan - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye and Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo inspected development of Ponnagyun and Sittway townships in Rakhine State, yesterday and today.

Accompanied by members of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Nyunt Thein and Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Kyaw Than, Minister for Military Affairs Lt-Gen Tin Hla, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Transport Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Minister for Immigration and Population U Saw Tun, Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Director of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare Col Khin Aung Myint and officials, General Maung Aye and party left here for Sittway by Tatmadaw aircraft at 1.15 pm yesterday.

On arrival at Sittway Airport, the General and party were welcomed by Chairman of Rakhine: State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Commander of Danyawady Naval Region Command Capt Myat Swe, officials, Tatmadawmen and families and members of Union Solidarity and Development Association.

They then helicoptered to Kinchaung Creek Bridge Project in Ponnagyun, which is being implemented by Public Works.

Chief Engineer (Road/Bridge) of PW U Thant Zin briefed them on progress of work, joined in by Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun and Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe.

General Maung Aye urged them to strive for timely completion of the bridge and to meet the required standard as the facility will help much for regional progress.

The General and party supervised work at the project.

Located on Yangon-Sittway Road, it will become a 440-feet steel-frame bailey bridge when completed. The one-way road on it will be about 12.10 feet wide.

Completion of the bridge will make Sittway accessible by Yangon-Sittway Road from Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw and MraukU townships within a short time. People of the three townships of the northern sector have to rely mainly on waterways.

The General and party looked into the requirements in laying of tar in Ponnagyun section of the road.

Tatmadaw

They cordially conversed with Tatmadawmen taking part in the project.

General Maung Aye presented cash to the Tatmadawmen through their commanders.

Rock laying has been completed up to over 45 miles of the 51-mile Sittway-Kyauktaw Road which is a section of Yangon-Sittway Road. Tarring has begun on some parts of the 1 2-feet wide road. Bridges large and small are being built on the road.

Back in Sittway, they inspected building of Lawkananda Pagoda.

The commander and deputy commander briefed them on progress of work.

Professor of Architect Department U Hla Than of Yangon Institute of Technology reported on architectural designs.

The General looked into their requirements.

The General and party accepted donations amounting to nearly K 22.54 million to the pagoda.

The donations included K 15 million by salt exporters, K 900,000, Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, Daw Khin Hnin Wai and family, K 900,000 by Western Command, K 900,000 by Thandwe District Peace and Development Council, K 500,000 by Sittway District Peace and Development Council, K 300,000 by Kyaukpyu District Peace and Development Council, K 300,000 by Maungdaw District Peace and Development Council, K 200,000 by Buthidaung District Peace and Development Council, K 360,000 by Danyawady Naval Regional Command, K 1 million by U Sai Maung Myint of Yangon, K 500,000 by U Aung Ko Win of Taunggyi, K 100,000 by U Win Myint of Taunggyi, K 150,000 by U Nyo Hla Pru and U Maung Kyaw Thein, K 126,000 by Maramazei Men and Women's Organization, K 100,000 by Daw Oo May (a) Daw San Tha Oo, K 100,000 by U Chit Sein, K 100,00 by U Kyaw Thein and Daw Kyi Kyi Thein, K 100,000 by U Tin Shwe, K 100,000 by U Tun Thein and K 100,000 by U Oo Maung.

The Secretary-2 and ministers met local authorities, departmental personnel, members of USDA, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade and towns-elders.

Lt-Gen Tin Oo said that their visit is aimed at looking into the requirements in developing Rakhine State, saying Yangon-Sittway Highway is being built for the progress of the state.

Rakhine State, which is relying mainly on water transport, will have direct link with Yangon soon, he noted.

He said that Tatmadawmen are taking part in building the road, urging local people to render assistance for transport development.

Transport development will lead to progress of economic and social conditions, he said, speaking of the need to make ways and give encouragement for the advancement of the local-owned enterprises.

Service personnel assigned duties at border areas should give priority to possessing patriotism and the spirit to safeguard the race as it is the basic responsibility of all citizens, he pointed out.

The Five-Year National Economic Plan must be successfully implemented region-wise, he said, urging all to make all-round efforts with endurance, zeal and goodwill for promotion of the production sector at the time neighbouring countries are facing financial and economic difficulties.

Ministers also explained regional development project being implemented sector-wise.

General Maung Aye met Tatmadawmen and families at the Western Command this morning, explaining the need to work with greater momentum and with new outlook and fresh idea and the need for the Tatmadawmen and the people to joined hands in striving for the emergence of peaceful, modern and developed nation in accord with the 12 objectives, keeping in the fore Our Three Main National Causes.

Tatmadawmen and families should take part in whatever role they may play in developing the nation, he stated, stressing the need to make collective efforts for progress of the production sector including agriculture and welfare programmes.

He cordially greeted them.

The General and party attended ceremony to presented dry rations to Sarthintaiks in Sittway by Tatmadawmen (Army, Navy, Air) and families at Atulamarazein Pyilonchantha Pagoda.

Chairman of Rakhine State Sangha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Canda administered the Five Precepts.

General Maung Aye, on behalf of the Tatmadawmen and families, presented offertories to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Canda.

He also presented rice to nunneries.

The Secretary-2 and party then presented offertories to Sayadaws.

Later, entrepreneurs donated salt.

Sayadaw Bhaddanta Canda delivered a sermon and the congregation shared the merits gained.

The General and party inspected progress of Sittway and Kanna Road.

They looked into the requirements in developing Sittway Station.

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(4) Scholars, entrepreneurs urged to properly analyze, assess current economic situation in Myanmar

YANGON, 16 Jan - The Seminar on "An Analysis and Assessment of the Current Economic Situation in Myanmar" co-sponsored by the Office of Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Defence and the Tun Foundation Bank commenced at the Defence Services Guest House on Inya Road today with the opening address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, ministers, deputy ministers, the Deputy Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies and officials, departmental heads, entrepreneurs and experts and guests.

Chairman of First Private Bank Dr Sein Maung, Rector of the Institute of Economics U Maw Than, Retired Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Finance U Nyunt Maung, Retired Ambassador U Thet Tun, Retired Senior Officer of the UN Dr Maung Myint, Win Trade Company Ltd Managing Director U Hla Myint Thein and Director-General of Cottage Industries Department Dr Than Htaik presented papers on analysis and assessment of the current economic situation in Myanmar.

The seminar will continue on 19 till 21 January.

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(5) Colonialists' cohorts using Western countries' human rights slogans as political platform to mislead Myanmar women

YANGON, 16 Jan - The National Working Committee for Women's Affairs held its Work Coordination Meeting 1/98 at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement this afternoon, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Secretary-1 points out women's duty to safeguard race, adhere to code of conduct while enjoying full rights

Also present at the meeting were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Chief Justice U Aung Toe, Attorney-General U Tha Tun, Deputy Minister for Labour U Kyaw Aye, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, members of the NWCWA, advisers and guests.

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(6) Minister for CPT receives Israeli, Japanese businessmen

YANGON, 16 Jan - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin received vice-president of Koortrade Mr Carmel Dahan of Telrad Telecommunication & Electronic Industries Ltd of Israel at his office at 11.30 am today.

Likewise, the minister received Director and General Manager Mr Tadahiko Mizukami of Sumitomo Corporation Telecommunication Project Department of Japan at his office at 1 pm today. Present were officials o Myanma Posts and Telecommunications.

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(7) Minister for Education meets HED officials

YANGON, 16 Jan - Minister for Education U Than Aung met departmental officials at Myanmar Education Research Bureau this morning.

Minister U Than Aung delivered an address. Those present took part in discussion.

Minister U Than Aung accepted 10,000 ball-point pens donated by Director Mr Aldhiko Sato of Intas Co Ltd in the afternoon.

Next, Managing Director of Capital Mac Centre (CMC) U Dennis Win Thein donated Code Warrior Special Academic Version 97 Software valued at S 15,000 and 100 books of Macintosh User Guide valued at K 50,000 to the minister who thanked him.

Then, the minister also met Director-General of Higher Education Department U Myo Nyunt and officials and rectors at Higher Education Department at 3 pm.

The minister delivered an address.

Department heads reported on their activities.

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(8) Administration in Nursing Service Workshop commences

YANGON, 16 Jan - Administration in Nursing Service Workshop co-sponsored by WHO and Myanmar Nurses Association commenced at the training school for nurses in the compound of Yangon General Hospital this morning

Present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, Director of Medical Services of Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Mya Thein Han, WHO Resident Representative Dr Klaus Wagner, the director-general of Health Department, rectors, medical superintendents, officials of MNA and guests.

Deputy Minister Dr Mya Oo spoke on the occasion.

Afterwards, Dr Klaus Wagner and MNA Chairperson Daw Eileen Barbaro explained about the workshop.

Matrons, senior nurses and nursing cadets are participating in the workshop which will continue till 18 January.

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(9) Coord meeting on conducting collection of baseline data on drug addicts in Yangon Division

YANGON, 16 Jan - A coordination meeting on conducting collection of baseline data on drug addicts in Yangon Division was held at the office of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council this morning.

It was attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Committee for Drug Abuse Control Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Chairman of Yangon Division Committee for Conducting Collection of Baseline Data on Drug Addicts Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col San Ma Tu, Police Col Ngwe Soe Tun, Dr Ba Thaung, Yangon Division Commissioner of General Administration Department U Kan Myint, chairmen of District/Township Peace and Development Councils and officials of departments concerned and NGOs.

Speaking at the meeting, Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than said the Government is combating narcotic drugs in cooperation with the people, and only if an approximate figure on drug addicts is obtained, will there be an effective implementation of a project in taking prevention, treatment and elimination measures.

Collecting baseline data on drug addicts is to help drug addicts and not to take action against them, he added.

He also said collection of data on drug addicts would be conducted in the form of mass activity and spoke of the need to cooperate with members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red Cross and Fire Auxiliary Brigade for achieving success in the project.

It has been designated to implement the project throughout the country in February, he added.

A general round of discussions then followed.

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(10) Farmers sell over 5,190 baskets of paddy in Kadok

YANGON, 16 Jan - Farmers of 10 village-tracts collectively sold over 5,100 baskets of paddy at Kadok Paddy Purchase Centre 2 in DaikU Township yesterday.

Chairman of Bago District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tun Aye, township authorities, officials of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading, Myanma Agriculture Service and Irrigation Department visited the paddy purchase centre and fulfilled the requirements of the farmers.

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(11) 105 tourists arrive on cruise liner ms Sea Goddess

YANGON, 16 Jan - Under the arrangement by Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services of Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and Myanmar Voyages, Co Ltd, cruise liner ms Sea Goddess II with 105 tourists arrived at Nanthidar Jetty of Yangon at 4.15 pm today.

They were welcomed by General Manager U Htay Aung of Myanmar Hotels and Tourism Services and service personnel, Chief Executive Officer U Maung Maung Toe, Managing Director U Thet Lwin Toe and personnel of Myanmar Voyages Co Ltd.

In the evening, the tourists went sightseeing in Yangon and visited the Shwedagon Pagoda.

They were entertained to variety dances on broad the cruise liner by Myanma Hotels and Tourism Service at night.

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