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(1) Over K 4.3m donated to fund for Psychiatric Hospital (Yangon)
YANGON, 20 Aug - A total of over K4.3 million was donated towards the funds for Psychiatric Hospital (Yangon) today.
The donation ceremony held in the training hall of the hospital was attended by Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Sein Win, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein and Deputy Minister Dr Mya Oo, Director of Medical Services Brig-Gen Mya Thein Han, Secretary of Yangon City Development Committee Col Myint Aung, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments and hospitals of the Ministry of Health, and wellwishers.
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said the aim for organizing the donation ceremony was accomplished more than expected and noted that there had been only a few making donations for medical care and providing assistance there and that the hospital therefore had to rely on the government's assistance only.
He said that with the leadership of the National Health Committee, a total of over K 6 million had been founded in trust as a fund for the poor patients and that in accord with the arrangement to provide cash assistance to the hospitals, by which priority was paid to the Psychiatric Hospital, the National Health Committee donated K 1 million at today's ceremony.
The donation increased as there were other donors, he said, adding the day's donations of over K4 million will be helpful to the hospital as well as the patients.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented K 1 million donated by the National Health Committee to Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein.
Other donations were K 1 million by YCDC, K 500,000 by Sam San Corp (Korea), K 200,000 by U Tin of San Htoo Co Ltd, K 200,000 by Medical Research Department, K 100,000 by Health Department, K 200,000 by U Pe Hlaing of Silver Shine International Co Ltd, K 200,000 by Khinsho Mataichi Corp, K 150,000 by Credit Industrial Co Ltd, K 100,000 each by Top Rank-Co, Europe Continents, Lion Myanmar Co, Ranbaxy Laboratory Ltd and P T Tirtamas Comexindo (Yangon Branch), K 80,000 by Shwe Yi Win Co Ltd, K 50,000 by staff families of the Psychiatric Hospital (Yangon), K 50,000 by Yangon General Hospital, K50,000 by Central Women's Hospital, K50,000 by Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, K 25,000 by North Okkalapa General Hospital, K 25,000 by Food and Drug Administration and K 10,000 by Myanmar Naing-Ngan Anti-Narcotic Drugs Association.
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and ministers accepted the donations and presented certificates to the donors.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein.
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(2) Studio equipment, historic items donated to Myanma Motion Picture Museum
YANGON, 20 Aug - A ceremony to present studio equipment, Shwe Keinnari statuette and Shwezin statuettes to be displayed at Myanma Motion Picture Museum was held at Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon, Wingaba Street, Bahan Township, this afternoon, attended by Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Also present 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 Industry-2 Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Sein Win, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, chairmen; secretaries and members of Myanmar Motion Picture, Thabin, Music and Artists and Artisans Asiayons, members of the Committee for Organizing Myanma Motion Picture Museum, doyen film artistes, new generation film artistes and well-wishers.
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt accepted Shwe Keinnari statuette presented by A-1 U Tin Maung, who won the Academy Award in "Chit Thet Wai" and two Shwezin statuettes Presented by Daw Irene Tin Hla of Sanda Films, in memory of the late actor Win Oo.
Other donations were the studio equipment used in producing "Thukyunmakhanbyi", cameras, editing machines, projectors and other equipment by Mingala Nyunt Film, Swe Bamar Film, Director Aung Myint Myat, Mya Zaw Film and Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise of the Ministry of Information.
Speaking on the occasion, Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said it is a significant task being undertaken for displaying historic studio equipment with doyen film star and director A-1 U Tin Maung's sponsorship.
He also spoke of the government' s recognition on the film artistes' contribution to national history and noted that the government, the public and artistes are homogeneous and are working together for common interest.
He also spoke about the active participation of motion picture, Thabin and music artistes in the national independence struggle, for safeguarding of the sovereignty and in nation-building tasks and national ceremonies.
He said their nationalist activities and conviction will remain part of national history and their professional equipment will be displayed at the museum for the new generations to study and emulate.
Afterwards, the Secretary-l and ministers toured the museum.
The studio equipment donated by Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise of the Ministry of Information were one Two-Way Moviola editing machine, one ThreeWay Moviola editing machine, one film set, one set of Reeve Sound-Photo Sound Recorder, one set of Reeve Sound MagiCorder and Mixer Control, one Reeve Sound-Magi Dubber, one Armour Magnetic Tape Recorder, film-developing machines and equipment, technical equipment, one Bell and Howell Ecme Camera, projectors and statuettes.
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(3) K 900,000 worth suction machines for Ministry of Health
YANGON, 20 Aug - Essential Product Trading presented five suction machines valued at K 900,000 to the Ministry of Health at the post-graduate medical training school in Dagon Township this evening attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo.
Lt-Gen Tin Oo said he had visited hospitals during his tour to States and Divisions, adding the government is doing its best in fulfilling the requirements of hospitals and well-wishers are also contributing assistance with goodwill.
Donation of the equipment will contribute toward successful implementation of the ministry's objective, which is, health and longevity for all, he said.
Managing Director of the company Mr Chan Kuo An presented the equipment to Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.
The minister transferred one of the units to Chairman of Nanyun Township Peace and Development Council Capt Kaung San Oo to be used at the Township People's Hospital. Mr Chan explained the purpose of his donation.
Maj-Gen Ket Sein thanked him.
Magway Division People's Hospital and Gangaw, Thayet and Mindon TPHs will also get the machines.
Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Transport Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Chief of Staff (Navy) Capt Kyi Min, Chief of Staff (Air) Col Myint Swe, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, directors-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office and the ministry, rectors, directors, medical superintendents and other officials were also present.
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(4) Families of Ministry of Transport offer dry rations to Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha
YANGON, 20 Aug - Families of Inland Water Transport and Department of Marine Administration offered dry rations and alms valued at K 75,700 to Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha in Bahan Township this morning.
Present were Minister for Transport Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and heads of department.
Minister for Transport Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe offered dry ration and alms to Sayadaws.
Presiding Sayadaw of Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Agga Maha Pandita Pinnasippa delivered a sermon.
The minister and party shared merits for their good deeds.
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(5) Chairperson Daw Mya Mya Win, member Dr Win Naing of Burmese Association in Japan (BAIJ) meet the Press
YANGON, 20 Aug - Chairperson Daw Mya Mya Win and member Dr Win Naing of the Burmese Association in Japan (BAIJ), which opposed Myanmar in the past, met the Press this morning at Myanma Radio and TV.
They arrived back here yesterday evening.
Deputy Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, Director-General U Khin Maung Htay of MRTV, Managing Director U Tin Kha of News and Periodicals Enterprise, Chief Editor U Kyaw Min of The New Light of Myanmar, Chief Editor U Zaw Min Thein of Myanmar News Agency (Internal), other officials, advisers at NPE U Kyi Nyunt, U Myat Thu and U Maung Maung Nyo, patron of Foreign Correspondent Club U Sein Win, Chairman U Sao Khai Pha, Secretary U Nyunt Tin and member correspondents, Second Secretary of Embassy of Japan Mr Yakabe, Mr Isobe and crew of Bangkok-based NHK TV and guests were present.
Staff Office (Grade-l) of the Office of Strategic Studies Lt-Col Tin Oo emceed it.
Daw Mya Mya Win said, "I have not seen my daughters for over ten years, ever since my passport was revoked in December 1988. At the time of parting, my elder daughter was 8 years old and my younger daughter one and a half years. Since then, not a single day had passed without thoughts about them.
So, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Myanmar Government who made necessary arrangements for me to be reunited with my two daughters at a time when I was yearning with a deep desire to see them once again. The fact that I, who had once been one of the leaders of the government opposition, was nevertheless permitted to return to Myanmar to be reunited with my daughters. This, I believe, is sufficient proof that there has been a positive and constructive change in the Government's position.
"The Burmese Association in Japan (BAIJ) of which, I am Chairman, was first founded in Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture of Japan on 11 September 1988. Our policy then was that, to bring about development and progress in Myanmar, there was no alternative but to pursue the policy of confrontation with the Myanmar Government. Thus from the time of its founding, the Burmese Association in Japan (BAIJ) led 'confrontation campaigns and movements (non-violent)' within Japan.
"The Burmese Association in Japan (BAIJ), now taking into account the changing conditions in the country, has decided that the "course of confrontation as a solution" is no longer feasible and has therefore halted this line of action. The present executive committee, of which I am chairman, has decided that beginning from the year of its tenure, the Burmese Association in Japan (BAIJ) shall devote its activities primarily to the security, education and social welfare of the Myanmar people in Japan. The Burmese Association Japan (BAIJ) is now carrying out only "those activities which will directly benefit the Myanmar national races in Japan."
To effectively work in ventures from which the country and the people will gun direct benefits, necessarily requires the establishment of a sound system of democracy. It is my most fervent hope, both as a private individual and as chairman of the Burmese Association in Japan (BAIJ) that such a system of democracy will soon materialize. However, for the realization of such a system of democracy, "Peace" much prevail in the political, economic, education... sectors. The responsibility of securing such "Peace" devolves not only upon the present Myanmar Government, for I consider this to be the task of each and every citizen of Myanmar, whether at home or abroad. Furthermore, I feel that since I desire "Peace", then I myself have an obligation to demonstrate this clearly. But, if I should cling on to my refugee status granted by the Japanese Government, I shall not be able to show concretely how much I really wish to achieve "Peace" with the present Myanmar Government. Thus my main purpose in relinquishing the political refugee status granted by the Japanese Government, is to show, in good faith, that "Peace" is of prime necessity "for the establishment of a sound democratic system," which is the desire of the people, myself included.
I have no party, nor personal bias. In any choice I make, I place "principle which will benefit the people" above that of "an individual personality." I, Mya Mya Win, who is just an ordinary citizen, have no interest in "party politics." I am only interested in "the kind of politics that will be of direct benefit to the country and the people.' Hence, in accordance with my professed goals, I shall do all I can to participate and assist in "national affairs" that will have a direct impact on the good of the country and the people ... .... (For example, obtaining sufficient medicinal drugs, fulfilling electrical power needs, improving roads and communications, constructing schools for orphans and primary schools, homes for the aged, hospitals for drug rehabilitation, providing aid to the disabled, ...etc.)
These are some of the things that I shall try to do. But in trying to fulfill adequately the needs for food, clothing and shelter, ...... ..., in carrying out these "national tasks" that would do good for the country and the people, I, alone, do not have the capacity to cope, and on my own I would be hopelessly inadequate. I would need aid and assistance from the Myanmar government as well as from international governments and voluntary non-governmental organizations, (NGOs). I also sincerely hope that for the successful achievement of these "national tasks" that I wish to undertake, assistance will be forthcoming from Myanmar organizations both at home and abroad, and - from the Myanmar people themselves, who, I trust will lend whatever help they can.
The "national tasks" that I wish to undertake for the direct welfare of the country and the people, are, I undoubtedly believe, vital tasks for any country and for any system at any period of time.
Dr Win Naing said, "On the cognizance of the United Nations Charter I, was granted refugee status, serial number 198, by the government of Japan on 11 March, 1992. This was indeed the very first time that Japan had granted refugee status to an ordinary Myanmar citizen, such as I, along with his family. But I would like to publicly announce at this point in time, that I have completed all official procedures to legally relinquish my status as a political refugee. This is also the first time in the history of Japan for a person already granted refugee status to voluntarily surrender it.
It is my considered view that the present Myanmar government having made a thorough study and appraisal of the diverse circumstances, has been assiduously making every effort for the future progress of Myanmar despite the fact that it has been beset with many difficulties. "The fact that it made all endeavours to gain entry to the ASEAN, which is an international organization, is in my opinion, proof that there has been a change within the Government, and that it now has the will to change..... " I also understand and accept the fact that though the Government has been directing its efforts towards change, much more needs to be done, and still further improvements to be made for our motherland, Myanmar.
With regard to the Myanmar Government which has begun to initiate change ... in fact, the Myanmar Government that is making great efforts to change, there are two options open.
1) To deplore and criticize it for failing to make adequate changes.
2) To take a constructive
stand and render assistance as far as possible to do hat still needs to be done
to bring about
further changes.
So far as I am concerned, in accordance with the position I have adopted as stated in paragraph 2 of this Declaration, . . . I have chosen the second option to take a constructive stand and give every possible assistance.
There is a saying that the other person is simply a mirror image of one's own self, in much the same way that your reflection in the mirror will smile back only if you smile at it So also, if the opposition factions, in the interest of the future welfare of Myanmar, should pursue a more flexible approach (instead of persisting in confrontation with the Government), I sincerely believe that the Myanmar Government in turn will extend a warm welcome. On the basis of this conviction, I, in the post- 1996 period, requested the opposition groups to act in a more pliable manner. I, who was once a leader of the opposition, have, on my part, "taken action to suit my words" and have given concrete proof of my faith in, and adherence to a flexible policy by relinquishing the political refugee status I had gained from the Japanese government.
I have also resolved to continue to abide by the dictum that "the other person is one's own mirror image" and persevere in my appeal to opposition groups to pursue a more moderate line of action in the future interest of the country and of the people. I shall continue to urge them to give up their uncompromising position, which calls for the government to accede to all their demands.
Some of my old comrades in the Government opposition movement have often asked me the question " We believe that the results of the 1990 general elections should be adhered to and implemented,...... What Win Naing is your stand on this matter? My view is that, ....if unyielding attempts to enforce the results of the elections should lead to adverse effects on the future of the country and the people in the long term, then we should cease such action. I believe that top priority should be given to doing everything possible to fulfil conditions, necessary for the material and spiritual well being of the individual citizen and for the progress and advancement of the Myanmar nation.
I, Win Naing, who is merely an ordinary man, have a deep respect for "human rights" and acknowledge their importance. But viewed either from the perspective of one man or from the collective perspective of the country's more than 45 million people, to live and to exist, "human rights" is not necessarily the sole important factor. To fulfil the food, clothing and shelter needs for each human being, ...... for each citizen," "The economy", I believe, is also a matter of great importance. On the basis of this belief, I have resolved to do my level best to help in any way I can to increase "sound and honest economic investments" for the "future prosperity and progress of Myanmar and its people."
The responsibility for the future progress and well being of a country lies not in the hands of the Government alone. It is my firm conviction that each citizen also has a share of responsibility. So my fervent wish at present, is to share in this responsibility in the spirit of at least "carrying a single brick or even a single grain of sand" on building up my Motherland, Myanmar, into a prosperous and developed nation. I would further like to declare and reaffirm to all here and now, that I shall, to the best of my ability, resolutely do my duty for the future welfare of my country.
In answering questions of correspondents and the Second Secretary of Japanese Embassy, they said as they have no responsibility or involvement in the parcel-bomb which exploded in the house of Lt-Gen Tin Oo in April previous year as the BAIJ chairperson or at any personal intention. BAIJ never committed terrorist acts since it was established in 1988.
Although they heard that Dr Sein Win came to Japan, they never met him and could not confirm his visit, they said. They did not Know the personal acts of Thein Ngwe and Gon Aung, adding they did not know who was the bomb expert and who did it among the over 1,000 members. They said the government of Japan is trying to expose this matter and that they expected that the Japanese officials could expose the culprits one day.
What they would like to tell NLD was that they had given up their refugee status in Japan which was a rare opportunity to show their desire for peace. They said they want perpetual prevalence of peace in Myanmar, adding that 45 million Myanmars are hopping for it. They urged NLD to hold a dialogue for peace and development of Myanmar.
They had tried to give up refugee status since last November and that some technical problems had delayed their return to Myanmar, they said, adding due to certain reasons they could come back to Myanmar only at this time.
The Press conference 8 ended at 11:15 am.
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(6) 22 members of armed groups exchange arms for peace
YANGON, 20 Aug - Twenty-two members of various armed groups exchanged arms for peace at the respective Tatmadaw camps from 1 to 18 July.
They are among the members of the various armed groups returning to the legal fold realizing that their armed struggle never benefits the nation and the people.
The State Peace and Development Council is striving with sincerity and goodwill for emergence of a modern and developed nation implementing the 12 political, economic and social objectives.
In the South-East Command area, Sgt Hla Aye, l/Cpl Zagana, Pha Tha, Pvt Saw Tin Nyunt, Thaung Myaing and Thaung Aye of battalion 101, Brigade 5, KNU armed group, Saw Aung Ba of the Central and Sgt Myint Aye of D0 Battalion 2, Brigade 1, bringing along with them two Ak47s, one M-16 and one M-22, and Pvt Kyaw Maw and wife Ma Win Win Soe of Company 2, Battalion 204, ABSDF armed group, exchanged arms for peace.
Pvt Maung Soe of Company 3, Battalion 7, KNU armed group, and Phado Saw Oo of Company 2, bBttalion 9, together with on hand grenade exchanged arms for peace in Southern Command area.
In Coastal Region Command area, Pvt Saw Kho Lay of Company 2, Battalion 10, KNU armed group, Pvt Saw Parinti of Brigade 4, Pvt Saw Pa El, wife Naw Saw Mu Ah, son Saw Ba Aye Maw and daughter Naw Lema Paw of Kahtaulcni region, WO-2 Kyaw Saw Hlaing and wife Ma Ohama Done of Battalion 12 and Pvt Phyu Sone of Battalion 11 bringing along with them one Ak-47 exchanged arms for peace.
Officials warmly welcomed them at the respective camps and are providing required assistance.