(1) Secretary-1 inspects construction of Ngamoeyeik Bridge (Thingangyun), renovation of Dagon Myothit MyoU Zedi
YANGON, 5 Oct - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected construction of Ngamoeyeik Bridge (Thingangyun) and all-round renovation of Dagon Myothit MyoU Pagoda this morning.
The Secretary-1, accompanied by Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint and officials of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council, on arrival at the site of Ngamoeyeik Bridge (Thingangyun), was welcomed by Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Col Hsan Hsint and officials of Public Works.
Deputy Superintending Engineer of Public Works U Myint Lwin reported on progress of work. The Secretary-1 gave instructions. He then inspected construction of the bridge.
The Ngamoeyeik Bridge (Thingangyun), 700 feet long and 72 feet wide, will link Thingangyun and Dagon Myothit. Approach road on Thingangyun sector is 1,400 feet long and on Dagon Myothit sector 1,500 feet long. The bridge with two walkways on both sides, each six feet wide, can bear 60 tons.
The Secretary-1 and party went to Dagon Myothit MyoU Zedi where they were welcomed by members of District and Township Peace and Development Councils and members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees.
The Secretary-1 paid obeisance to the Buddha image at Dagon Myothit MyoU Zedi Dhammayon. Next, Deputy Commander Col Hsan Hsint reported on construction of prayer hall, flag masts and posts representing individual planet, laying of slabs on the pagoda platform, construction of wall, Kandaw Mingala and Mingala Park and greening of its environs and future tasks.
The Secretary-1 gave instructions. He visited the pagoda and inspected all-round renovation of the pagoda.
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(2) Secretary-1 attends ceremony to donate new building for Basic Education primary School No 5 in Pazundaung Township
YANGON, 5 Oct - A ceremony to donate a new building for Basic Education Primary School No 5 was held at the school on Wutkyaung Street in Pazundaung Township this morning attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Also present were Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, officials of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council heads of departments, members of District, Township and Ward Peace and Development Councils, officials of Basic Education Department, Township Education Officer, members of the School Welfare Committee, members of Parent-Teacher Association, the Headmaster and teachers, school children, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade members and guests.
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(3) Myanmar youth delegation leaves for the Philippines
YANGON, 5 Oct - A Myanmar youth delegation comprising 31 members of Union Solidarity and Development Association left for the Republic of the Philippines by air this morning to take part in 25th Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programme (SSEAYP) 1998 organized by Youth Affairs Management and Cooperation Agency of the Office of the Prime Minister of Japan.
The delegation was seen off at Yangon International Airport by General Secretary of USDA U Than Aung, member of the Central Executive Committee U Than Shwe and officials of Headquarters and Japanese Embassy.
Altogether 330 youths from nine ASEAN member countries and Japan will take part in the programme, and will visit the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan. Delegate youths of ten nations will visit Myanmar on 28 October.
The Myanmar youth delegation comprises 32 members of executive committees from State/Division and Township USDAs.
Leader of the delegation Secretary of Yangon Division USDA U Aye Myint already left for Japan ahead of the delegation on 27 September.
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(4) 18 tourists from Mexico arrive
YANGON, 5 Oct - Under the arrangement of Myanmar Hotels and Cruises Ltd of United Kingdom, 18 tourists from Mexico arrived at Yangon International Airport this morning.
They will visit famous pagodas in Yangon, places of interest and cultural edifices under the arrangement of Tour Mandalay and Insight Myanmar Companies.
They will also go sightseeing from Mandalay to Bagan-NyaungU region by Road to Mandalay ship.
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(5) Abhidhamma Day observed at famous pagodas in Yangon with meritorious deeds
YANGON, 5 Oct - Today is Abhidhamma Day, the Full-moon Day of Thadingyut, on which the Lord Buddha descended from the Abode of Devas after preaching Abhidhamma to His mother, who became a Deva when death came too soon after giving birth to the Lord Buddha, and other Devas for the purpose of repaying her gratitude.
As the Lord Buddha had completed preaching the Abhidhamma, which is deep in essence, on the Full-moon Day of Thadingyut and returned to the earth, the abode of human beings, the Buddhists welcomed Him offering lights.
The Buddhists of Myanmar today offered lights according to the tradition which they have preserved since the time of Lord Buddha.
Devotees thronged famous pagodas in Yangon such as Shwedagon, Sule, Botahtaung, Kyaikkasan, Kaba Aye, Tooth Relic Pagoda, Meilamu, Shwephonepwint, Ngahtatgyi, Chaukhtatgyi, Koehtatgyi and Maha Autla Marazein Bronze Buddha Image, offering lights, flowers, water and incense, taking precepts and practicing meditation.
Shwedagon
The ceremony to receive the Five Precepts from the Ovadacariya Sayadaws of the Shwedagon Pagoda was held at the ancient Buddha images Tazaung on the platform of the pagoda this morning.
Chairman of the Central Committee for organizing the ceremony to receive the precepts during the Lent member of the Board of; Trustees U Pe Than Lay read the letter on holding of the ceremony.
State Ovadacariya of the Shwedagon pagoda Bahan Township Thirimanta Sankyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Rajindabhivamsa invested the congregation with the Nine Precepts.
The ceremony concluded with sharing of merits.
Shwephonepwint
The Pavarana Ceremony for 50 members of the Sangha who retreated for the Lent at the monasteries around Shwephonepwint Pagoda was held at the Dhammayon of the pagoda this afternoon.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees U Ko Ko Gyi supplicated on the purpose of holding the ceremony.
The congregation later received the Nine Precepts from Shwephonepwint Shwebontha Taikkyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vayama, followed by reciting of parittas and sharing of merits.
Botahtaung Pagoda
Members of the Adhithan Parami Association and Buddhist devotees offered fruits, flowers and lights at the pagoda at dawn on the Full-moon Day.
Patron of Bahan Maha Visuddhayon Kyaung Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa (Yaw Sayadaw) and Joint Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Meiktila Pahtamagyaw Dhammacariya Taikthit Presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Candima delivered sermons at the Port Workers Dhammayon.
Lights were offered on the pagoda platform at night.
Kaba Aye
Abhidhamma Day was observed in the altar room of the Board of Trustees this afternoon.
Member of the Board of Trustees U Tin Oo supplicated on holding of the ceremony.
Kyaikkasan
The Board of Trustees has organized the lights offering ceremony from the 14th Waxing Day of Thadingyut to the 1st Waning Day of Thadingyut.
Today devotees offered 1,000 lights and 1,000 flowers and recited Abhidhamma.
At Dhamma Beikmandawgyi, Ovadacariya of the Pagoda Shwekyin Taikhaung Sayadaw
Bhaddanta Sumana administered the precepts.
Similar ceremonies. also took place at Thingangyun Historic Shwenapan Pagoda, Kyaikdayyon (Yangon) Ananda Pagoda and Sutaungpyi Yanmyoaung Pagoda.
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(6) Attitude of the nationalities peace groups
There have been reports that the majority of the public is worried about the danger of deteriorating peace and of regional stability and peace being undermined after spreading of news that the four groups which had made peace with the government supported the National League for Democracy's call for convening of the Hluttaw. Hence, declarations of the peace groups will be made public to be able to vividly learn the situation between the peace groups and National League for Democracy and the true attitude of the peace groups.
Today, a translation of the declaration of the Shan State Nationalities People's Liberation Organization (SSNPLO) issued on 30-9-98 is stated as follows:
1. The Shan State Nationalities People's Liberation Organization (SSNPLO) invited the people in the region to a mass meeting and sought their opinion in February 1994.
2. At the meeting, the people expressed their desire-"to secure genuine internal peace". In accordance with the wish of the people, it ceased fire with the government on 9 October 1994 and reached agreement with the government to work together with it for regional development.
3. Accordingly, it has cooperated with the government and achieved success to a certain extent. It continues to cooperate with the government.
4. However, the National League for Democracy (NLD) is trying to convene a Hluttaw which it has no right to do so but only the government can convene it. This attempt can pose a grave danger to stability, community peace and the rule of law. It will be harmful to the public and cause sufferings to them.
5. Hence, the Shan State Nationalities People's Liberation Organization
(SSNPLO) hereby declares that it will not (not) support the dangerous act of the
National League for Democracy (NLD) to call a Hluttaw.
Sd. Takleh
Chairman
Shan State Nationalities
People's Liberation Organization (SSNPLO) (Central)
The declarations of other peace groups will also be made public.
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(7) Secretary-l attends Ramayana Drama Contest
YANGON, 5 Oct - Patron of the Sixth Myanma Traditional Performing Arts Competitions Organizing Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Khin Win Shwe attended Ramayana Drama Contest of the Sixth Myanma Traditional Performing Arts Competitions at the National Theatre on Myomakyaung Street this evening.
Thaharadana Nandwin Ramayana Drama troupe representing Yangon Division participated in the competition.
Present also were member of Panel of Patrons of the Sixth Myanma Traditional Performing Arts Competitions Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Chairman of Leading Committee for Organizing Competitions Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and wife, Vice-Chairman Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt and members, Chairman of Work Committees and members, officials, contestants and enthusiasts.
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(8) Abhidhamma Day observed at Kaba Aye
YANGON, 5 Oct - Abhidhamma Day was observed at Maha Pasana Cave, Kaba Aye, this morning with the sponsorship of Basic Buddhist Culture Course Lecturer Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannasami (Magadhi Thazi) and 500 trainees.
Also present were Minister for Religious Affairs Gen Sein Htwa, Director-General of Department of Religious Affairs U Arnt Maung, Director-General of Department for Promotion and Propagation of Sasana U Sann Lwin, and officials of the two departments.
Trainee Ma Yin Yin Htay was master of ceremonies.
The trainees paid respects to the Five Infinities (Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha, Parents and Teachers) and offered water, flowers and lights to the Buddha.
Afterwards, the trainees paid respects to the course lecturer Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannasami (Magadhi Thazi).
Trainee Ma Thanda Myo Nyunt asked Abhidhamma questions which were answered by all other trainees led by Ma Lwin Mi Oo and Ma Zin Mar Oo.
Afterwards, all the trainees recited Abhidhamma Pali verses.
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(9) Minister for Cooperatives tours Mon State
YANGON, 5 Oct - Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San, together with officials, inspected undertakings of cooperative societies in Mon State yesterday.
The minister and party arrived at Theinseik Village, Thaton Township, Mon State, and met members of the executive committees of agricultural production cooperative societies and members farmers in the office of Theinseik Village Peace and Development Council.
Executive committee members and farmers reported on increasing disbursement of loans from the Cooperative Farmers Bank for agricultural undertakings, purchase of fertilizer and farming machinery and collective sale of paddy.
Deputy Director-General of Cooperative Department U Than Aung and Deputy Director of Mon State Cooperative Department U Sein Teik explained their reports submitted.
Then, the minister called on all to strive for the emergence of the cooperative societies which are in line with market-oriented economic system, which contribute to the development of the State and which are self-reliant and to avoid burdening of the State.
He also explained about selling of fertilizer and extending bank loans.
Then, the minister and party proceeded to Thaton, and met staff officers of township cooperative societies, executive committee members of agricultural production cooperative societies and members from Thaton, Bilin, Kyaikhto and Paung Townships in Thaton District in the meeting hall of Thaton District Union Solidarity and Development Association.
The minister called on them to strive for emergence of cooperative societies which are appropriate to the changing time and systems, which serve the interest of the State and which win the love of the people, and for the success of health care cooperative societies.
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(10) Stipends presented to children of staff of MIT
YANGON, 5 Oct - Mandalay Institute of Technology under Higher Science and Technology Department of the Ministry of Science and Technology presented stipends to children of the staff pursuing education from primary school to university level for 1998-99 academic year in the assembly hall of Mandalay University on 25 September Rector of Mandalay Institute of Technology Chairman of Staff Welfare Society U Thein Tan attended the ceremony and presented stipends.
Present also were heads of departments, faculty members and employees.
Rector U Thein Tan and officials presented K 240,000 to 151 children of the staff and six retirees.
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(11) Myanmar delegation arrives back from the Philippines
YANGON, 5 Oct - Myanmar delegation led by member of National Convention Convening Commission Attorney-General U Tha Tun arrived back from the Republic of the Philippines by air this afternoon after studying legislative affairs from 27 September to 4 October.
They were welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by Chairman of National Convention Convening Commission Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Chairman of National Convention Convening Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe, Deputy Attorney General, officials of the Offices of Chief Justice, Attorney-General and Pyithu Hluttaw, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines Mrs Sonia Cataumber Brady and families.
Delegation members member of NCCWC U Aung Myin, Joint-Secretary 2 of NCCC U Aung Nyunt, Deputy Director of the Office of NCCWC U San Tun and Deputy Director U Than Aung arrived back on the same flight.