THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
(Thursday,   23 July 1998)
 
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  1. Secretary-1 points out subversives trying to hinder progress of tourism industry in Myanmar
  2. More encouragement, assistance needed for development of industrial zones
  3. Minister for CPT visits satellite ground station
  4. Opium, paraphernalia seized in Kutkai Township
  5. Minister for Foreign Affairs leaves to attend the 31st ASEAN Ministers Meeting (AMM)
  6. Electric signal light system launched at Toegyaunggalay Station
  7. Thai delegation arrives to attend 16th Meeting of Myanmar-Thai Border Committee
  8. Minister for Culture tours Sagaing
  9. Minister for Commerce receives foreign businessmen

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(1)   Secretary-1 points out subversives trying to hinder progress of tourism industry in Myanmar

YANGON, 22 July - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt yesterday morning 1eft here by Tatmadaw flight for Mandalay and arrived there at 9 am.

He was accompanied by Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board U Maung Maung Gyi, Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe, Myanmar Ambassadors U Aye and U Hla Myint Oo, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein, heads of department and officials.

They were welcomed in Mandalay by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for Culture U Win Sein, military and civilian officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and families.

Accompanied by Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the Secretary-1 visited the worksite of the advanced Police Training Institute at Zeebingyi Village in PyinOoLwin Township. They were greeted by Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Yan Thein, department heads, Division, District and Township Peace and Development Council personnel and departmental personnel.

First, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint briefed the Secretary-1 and party on construction project of the advanced Police Training Institute, that of Upper Myanmar Central Institute of Civil Service and that of Central Fire Services Training School.

Minister Col Tin Hlaing then reported on progress in construction of buildings for the Police Training Institute, the number of staff, the number of trainees to he attended, academic matters and water supply. U Maung Maung Gyi and Rector of Central Institute of Civil Service U Tin Tun also explained the layout of the Upper Myanmar CICS, buildings under construction and administrative and academic matters. Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone also briefed the Secretary-1 and party on the layout of the buildings of the Central Fire Services Training School and the buildings to be constructed, road construction and water supply.

Director U Thein Lwin of Irrigation Department and Deputy Chief Engineer (Water and Sanitation) U Ba Shwe of Public Works dealt with construction of Hsetha Dam in PyinOoLwin Township which will supply 300,000 gallons of water daily for training schools and water supply programme.

Managing Director of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise U Yan Naing and Deputy Chief Engineer (Electrical) U Win Htain reported on power generation and supply. Managing Director of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications Col Maung Maung Tin briefed them on installation of telephones. The Secretary-1 then gave counsel to them.

Mandalay

The Secretary-1 and party arrived back in Mandalay later in the morning.

In the afternoon, they went on an inspection tour of development projects in Mandalay. Accompanied by Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, they visited the construction site of the 300-bed Teaching Hospital, arrangements for the opening of the new hospital, teaching and treatment programmes, projects for the opening of the Institute of Dental Medicine (Mandalay), Central Women's Hospital (Mandalay), Children's Hospital (Mandalay) and Psychiatric Hospital (Mandalay).

The Secretary-1 gave counsel.  The Secretary-1 then inspected progress in construction of the Mandalay 300-bed Teaching Hospital.

The Secretary-1 and party went to the Children's Hospital (temporary) in the compound of the Mandalay General Hospital where they were greeted by Medical Superintendent Dr Han Saw, medical specialists, doctors and nurses.

Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein and the Medical Superintendent reported on the plan to use the Nurses Training School as the Mandalay Children's Hospital (temporary).

The Secretary-1 gave counsel and then inspected renovation of the building.

The Secretary-1 also oversaw renovation of the intensive care unit at the surgical ward 3 and buildings of the Mandalay General Hospital.

The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to new Mandalay Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital where they were welcomed by Medical Superintendent Dr Chit Ko Ko, doctors and nurses.

The Secretary-1 then looked into possible renovation of the old building of the hospital. He later
inspected giving medical treatment and eye operation theatre of the hospital.  The Secretary-1 and party got to the Nan Myo Guest House.

In the evening, they visited the Myanansankyaw Shwenandaw Palace where they were greeted by Minister for Culture U Win Sein and officials.

They viewed the documentary photos of the palace, various wings and the palace museum.

They later visited Mandalay Hill and paid homage at the Hsutaungpyay Pagoda there.

The Secretary-1 donated cash towards the funds for restoration of Mandalay Hill. They got back to the Mandalay Nanmyo Guest House.

In the evening, they paid homage to Maha Muni Buddha Image.  They also paid obeisance to Yaydaw Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannavamsa.

The Secretary-1 donated cash towards the funds of the Maha Muni Buddha Image.  They returned to the Guest House and spent the night there.

This morning, the Secretary-1 and party, accompanied by Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, flew to Bagan and arrived at Bagan-NyaungU Airport at 8.40 am.

They were greeted at the airport by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Commander of No 88 LID Brig-Gen Aye Kyway, Commander of No 101 LID Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Thein Zaw, military and civilian officers and USDA members.

They went to NyaungU People's Hospital where they were greeted by Medical Superintendent Dr Hsan Htut, doctors and nurses.

Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein and officials reported on the layout of the new building under construction for upgrading the present hospital into a new 100-bed one, progress of the construction project, medical treatment given and repair and renovation of the hospital.

The Secretary-1 called for greening the environs of the hospital and conducting field trips for people's health care including school health.

Subversives

He pointed out that subversives bent on destroying the nation are constantly attempting to create political confusion and economic slowdown in the country.

He said the government on its part has been striving for peace and stability of the nation, progress of national entrepreneurs, improvement in the standard of living of the people and safeguarding of cultural traditions.

On the other hand, he said, destructive elements are always causing instability in the country and poverty to the people and disrupting government efforts.

The Secretary-1 called on the proprietors to cooperate the government in the fight against the danger of subversives who are hampering their progress.

After the meeting, the Secretary-1 and party went to Lacquerware Institute where Minister U Aung San and officials briefed them on construction of the conference hall.

The Secretary-1 then visited the Lacquerware Museum and observed different stages of Lacquerware production. He also inspected construction of the conference hall.

The Secretary-l and party next paid homage at Thitsashin Pagoda built in the time of King Pyinbya (AD 846-878).

They proceeded to the Bagan Archaeological Museum and studied 25 bronze lotus pieces of Bagan period unearthed from the compound of U Mya Lwin's house in Thagya Village north-west of Shwezigon Pagoda.

They also visited the souvenir shop at the museum and then toured the paintings, murals, Buddhology and Buddha images sections in the museum.

They later visited Dhammarajaka Pagoda built in the time of King Narapatisithu.

They next proceeded to the Bagan-NyaungU Airport and flew back to Yangon.

Minister for Home Affairs accompanying the Secretary-1 met division level departmental personnel at Nanmyo Guest House yesterday evening.

Similarly, Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone visited Myoma Fire Station in Mandalay, Fire Station and Yaytagon Taung Central Fire Service Training School in Patheingyi Township.

Likewise, USDA Secretary-General U Than Aung had talks with District and Township USDA executives in Mandalay District.

Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe also met Superintending Engineer of Mandalay Division and engineers at the Division Superintending Engineer's Office in Mandalay yesterday evening.

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(2)   More encouragement, assistance needed for development of industrial zones

YANGON, 22 July - Myanma Industrial Development Committee held meeting No 1/98 at the Ministry .of Industry-2 this afternoon with an address by Patron of MIDC Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo.

He stressed the need to assess the previous meeting's resolutions, which are, to reform the MIDC, the work committee and subcommittees, to make amendments on MIDC's five-year project if necessary and to approve and implement it, to accept the four basic principles concerning transformation of Myanmar to become an industrial nation as work guidelines and to effectively implement them, and to strive for Myanma Industrial Development Bank to operate as projected and to work with care to deter financial losses, to see how much progress has been made in accord with the guidelines laid down at the MIDC meeting last December.

He quoted the Senior General's guidance at a four-monthly meeting of the State Peace and Development Council and State/Division Peace and Development Councils as saying, "Industrial zones are being set up for progress of the industrial sector. It is required to use the industrial talent of the private sector for national development.

"As these private industrialists- lack adequate capital and technology, the State should organize them and gave encouragement for the emergence of import-substitute industries at the least.

"If their gradual development could be assured, the nation will have industrial forces benefiting her to a certain degree."

The four-monthly meeting was held in May 1998.

In accord with this guidance, MIDC was formed with ministers as members to cooperatively strive for development in the industrial sector, he noted, indicating the need to effectively implement the five-year project.

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(3)   Minister for CPT visits satellite ground station

YANGON, 22 July - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin inspected Toekyaunggalay Satellite Ground Station this morning.

The Chief Engineer for Overseas Call briefed the minister on installation of VSAT at sub-stations and arrangements to be continued for installation.

The minister gave instructions on the installed lines in Mandalay and Bagan.

He then oversaw installation of the antenna for ThaiCom-3 Satellite and gave instructions to install weather resisting equipment for the antenna and to plant trees and flowers so as to keep the environs of the antenna green.
 

Afterwards, the minister inspected HF Radio Communication Station and gave instructions to renovate the building, to systematically use the equipment and to auction equipment which are not in use.

Next, the minister chose a site for construction of a building with tower for installation of CDMA system in the compound of the ground station.

He then proceeded to International Satellite Ground Station in Pyindaungkyaung, Thanlyin, where he inspected arrangements for carrying out livestock breeding and agricultural undertakings and gave instructions to plant shade trees and flowers in the compound of communication stations during the present monsoon.

Later, the minister inspected Thanlyin Auto Exchange and Microwave Station and instructed officials and employees to effectively and correctly use the equipment.

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(4)   Opium, paraphernalia seized in Kutkai Township

YANGON, 22 July - A team comprising members of Defence Services Intelligence Unit, Special Anti-Drug, Squad, Myanmar Police\Force and departmental personnel, acting on a tip-off, stopped a non-numbered trawler jeep, driving from Kyeinyein Village to Honkham Village, near Phonghsai checkpoint in Kyeinyang Village, Kyukok (Pangsang) Township, on 4 July morning.

The driver escaped. The team seized three drums of diesel 120 gallons and nine drums of acetic anhydride 331 gallons aboard his trawler jeep.

Similarly, members of Defence Services Intelligence Unit, Special Anti-Drug Squad and Myanmar Police Force, acting on a tip-off, searched a Dyna SKa/9678 at the junction of Kaungkha Road, Kutkai Township, Shan State (north), on 12 July evening.

They seized two bottles of opium oil weighing 0.3 kilos from passenger Kwam Lint Yon, son of U Kwam Yint Hsai, of Ward 4, Kutkai Township, and seven packets of opium weighing 12.5 kilos from plastic bag hidden in a basket.

The team also nabbed opium carriers driver Win Soe, 22, son of U Bi, of Ward 2, Kutkai Township, and helper Kyauk Yin Khai, 20, son of U Kyauk Ru Tint, Tamoenye Village, Kutkai Township.

Action is taken against the culprits, trawler-jeep, opium and paraphernalia under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

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(5)   Minister for Foreign Affairs leaves to attend the 31st ASEAN Ministers Meeting (AMM)
 

YANGON, 22 July - At the invitation of the Chairman of the 31st ASEAN Standing Committee and Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines Mr Domingo L Saizon Jr, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw left here by air this morning for Manila to attend the 31st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM), 5th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) to be held from 24 to 29 July in Manila, the Philippines.

Minister U Ohn Gyaw was seen off at the airport by Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung and Minister for Labour Vice-Admiral Tin Aye, Deputy Ministers for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe and U Khin Maung Win, Ambassadors and diplomats of Laos, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, Thailand and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Director General of the ASEAN Affairs Department U Aye Lwin, Director General of the Political Department U Nyunt Maung Shein, Ambassador of Myanmar to Indonesia U Nyi Nyi Than, Ambassador of Myanmar to Philippines U San Thein, Ambassador of Myanmar to Singapore U Myo Myint, Minister Counsellor U Than Tun, Deputy Director of ASEAN Affairs Department U Min Lwin and PSO to the Minister U Zaw Myint Oo will also be attending the meetings.

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(6)   Electric signal light system launched at Toegyaunggalay Station

YANGON, 22 July - Electric signal light system was launched at Toegyaunggalay Station Main Cabin this morning.

Present were Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, Deputy Minister Thura U Thaung twin, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Mr Kyong Bo Choi, Managing Director Mr T C Shin of Daewoo Corporation and members, Executive Director Mr J T Yu of LG Co, Managing Director of Myanma Railways U Kyaw San, officials and guests.

Managing Director U Kyaw San said electric signal light system at Toegyaunggalay Station and automatic signal light system on Mahlwagon-Ywathagyi section and Insein-Hlawga section were installed at a cost of US $ 1.93 million by technicians of LG Co of ROK and MR with the arrangement of Daewoo Corporation under the second phase of OPEC loan of US $ 10 million.

He said the automatic signal light system was first launched at Insein Station and on Kyimyindine-Insein section and Mahlwagon-Paywetseikkon section in 1994 and it contributed toward the usefulness of circular passenger. transport service.

He spoke of increase of population and higher fares of bus lines compared to those of rail service, repair of locomotives and building of new coaches, construction of railroads nationwide and arrangements for construction of new Toegyaunggalay-Hlawga circular railroad.

Deputy General Manager U Zaw Win of MR reported on installation of signal lights.

Next, Mr T C Shin also spoke.

Minister U Pan Aung, Deputy Minister Thura U Thaung Lwin and officials them presented gifts to assistant engineer and five skilled employees. The minister and guests formally launched the electric signal light system at Toegyaunggalay Station and inspected the control cabin.

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(7)   Thai delegation arrives to attend 16th Meeting of Myanmar-Thai Border Committee

YANGON, 22 July - A Thai delegation led by Lt-Gen Sommai Wichaworn, Commanding General of the Third Army Region, Royal Thai Armed Forces, arrived at Yangon Airport this morning by special aircraft to attend the 16th Meeting of Myanmar-Thai Border Committee to be held in Kawthoung.

Lt-Gen Sommai Wicha worn and party were welcomed at the airport by leader of Myanmar delegation Commander of Triangle Region Command Maj-Gen Thein Sein, members of Border Committee from Myanmar side, senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, officials of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador of Thailand Mr Pensak Chalarak and staff of Royal Thai Embassy.

After a brief stop-over at Yangon Airport, the Thai delegation left for Kawthoung by Myanma Air Force special flight.

The Thai delegation will hold discussions with Myanmar delegation led by Maj-Gen Thein Sein at Tha Htay Gyun, Kawthoung.

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(8)   Minister for Culture tours Sagaing

YANGON, 22 July - Minister for Culture U Win Sein and officials visited ancient Maha Sasana Htupayon Kaba Nyeinchanyay Pagoda built by King Narapati in Innwa period in Sagaing on 21 July.

The minister inspected maintenance of the pagoda by Archaeology Department, 70 stone inscriptions under Bagan, Innwa and Konbaung periods and Buddha images, wall paintings and Dhammayon where ancient relics discovered in Shweminwun Myothit in 1997 are kept.

The minister also inspected iron foundry built in 1870 near Ayeyawady River under modernization plan of Prince Kanaung.

Director U Tin Soe of Archaeology Department reported on its background. The minister spoke of maintenance of the foundry.

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(9)   Minister for Commerce receives foreign businessmen

YANGON, 22 July - Minister for Commerce Maj-Gen Kyaw Than received Mr Hideo Tokuhara and party of HH Brown Company based in Japan at his office at 2 pm today.

They discussed promotion for economic cooperation between the two countries.

Present were Deputy Minister Col Kyaw Shwe, advisers, deputy director-general of Directorate of Trade and officials.
 

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