N980412

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
( Sunday, 26 March 2000)

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Balanced and equitable development further strengthens bond of the Union Pantanaw Bridge commissioned into service in Ayeyawady Division
Secretary-1 attends opening of multimedia teaching centre in BEHS in Pantanaw
Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control reviews anti-narcotic measures
Representatives of ASEAN, Dialogue Partners leave
Roads and bridges open in Lashio
Minister meets President of Choon Tae
Minister for Information meets IPRD staff from border areas
U Phone Myiint accredited to Portugal
4.12 kilos of heroin seized in Lashio
8 Singaing Township NLD members resigned of own accord
WEATHER

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(1) Balanced and equitable development further strengthens bond of the Union Pantanaw Bridge commissioned into service in Ayeyawady Division
YANGON, 25 March - Pantanaw Bridge was commissioned into service in Pantanaw Township, Maubin District, Ayeyawady Division, today with an address by Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Then, the Secretary- 1 attended the ceremony to commission into service Pantanaw Bridge which links Pantanaw and Kazinngu Village-tract in Pantanaw Township.
Also present were Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, the ministers, the deputy ministers, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, department heads, members of Division, District and Township Peace and Development Councils, division, district and township level departmental officials, entrepreneurs, members of social organizations, teachers and students and local people exceeding 21,000.
The Secretary-l said that Ngwehsaung Beach Resort was opened early March, and Pantanaw Bridge which will make for development of Ayeyawady Division, would be opened. They are fruits which have been brought forth out of goodwill born by the Government towards the people of Ayeyawady Division.
As known to all, the State Peace and Development Council is making all about efforts in political,
economic and social sectors to 5 enable the nation to keep abreast of other nations, to I uplift the
prestige and integrity of the nation and to perpetuate sovereignty of the nation.
Prosperity of economic life and improvement of social conditions of all the citizens are very important for development of the Union of Myanmar, and so is balanced and equitable progress of all parts of the Union.
So, the State Peace and Development Council is systematically implementing road and bridge projects with a view to ensuring se- cure and smooth transport, the fundamental requirement for balanced and equitable progress of all states and divisions of the nation. Road and bridge projects which are of strategic importance, are being implemented with the aim of contributing towards prosperity of economic- life and improvement of social conditions of local people. In all the states and divisions, roads and bridges linking towns and cities, are being built, and highways and big bridges connecting states and divisions are also being constructed. As regards construction of a network of roads which provides easy and smooth transport in the entire Union, big bridges are now being built across the rivers and creeks. Previously, it was difficult to build bridges on account of construction cost.
For instance, in Rakhine State, roads and bridges have been constructed to link cities and towns, and Gwa Ngathaingctaung Road, Taungup-Pyay Road and An -Minbu Road also built as exits of Rakhine State. Ayeyawady River Crossing Nawade Bridge has been constructed and Ayeyawady River Crossing Bridge (Magway) is under construction.
Similarly, for the development of the regions on the western bank of Ayeyawady River, Pathein-
Monywa road has been built, and Hsinphyushin Bridge and Anawrahta Bridge linking the eastern part and the western part of Ayeyawady, has been and is being constructed.
In upper Myanmar, for the development of villages on the eastern bank of Ayeyawady River,
Mandalay-Thabeikkyin-Tagaung -KathaBhamo Road is being built, and Bala Minhtin Bridge across
Ayeyawady River near Myitkyina has been built.
Likewise, for the development of the eastern part of Thanlwin River in Shan State, Tahsan Bridge and Tar-kawek Bridge have been constructed.
With the aim of linking Mon State, Kayin State and Taninthayi Division, Hpa-an Bridge across Thanlwin River, Zathabyin Bridge across Gyaing River and Kawkareik Bridge across Gyaing River have been built and the road stretching from Taninthayi Division to Mawlamyine in Mon State, has been upgraded. In addition, the hitherto longest bridge linking Mawlamyine and Mottama is in the course of construction.
In Ayeyawady Division which is teeming with rivers and creeks, roads and bridges have been built to ensure easy access to other states and divisions, and in Ayeyawady Division, there are altogether 29
bridges including Bo Myat Tun Bridge across Ayeyawady River .
Include in these 29 bridges are Maubin Bridge across Ayeyawady River, Nagawun River Bridge in Yekyi Township and Myaungmya River Bridge which are over 1,000 feet long.
Gonnyindan River Bridge on Kyaiklat-Pyapon Road and Ayeyawady River ( Dedaye) Bridge on
Kungyangon-Dedaye -Pyapon Road, which are under construction, will contribute much towards
development of Ayeyawady Division.
Pantanaw Bridge to be opened today, linking Pathein-Yangon Highway and Pantanaw, will help develop Pantanaw in parallel with development of Ayeyawady Division.
As Pantanaw Bridge has been constructed, travelling can be made from Pantanaw to Pathein and
Yangon either by day or by night, and administration and economic and social affairs will become
smooth. Pantanaw Bridge will surely make for the development of Pantanaw Township.
Local people are to use Pantanaw Bridge in a beneficial way with the aim of developing Pantanaw
Township.
Then, Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann said that in accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, roads and bridges are being built in the State. In Ayeyawady Division, new tarred roads stretching 400 miles in all , new gravel roads stretching 600 miles in all and new earthen roads stretching 300 miles in all have been constructed.
He added that there are 92,259 acres of wetlands in Pantanaw Township, and 10 entrepreneurs are
engaged in reclaiming 65,752 acres of these wetlands. He stated that due to construction of roads and bridges, travelling can be made easily and smoothly from Pantanaw to Pathein through Kyaunggon, from Pantanaw to Einme-Dhaka-Pathein, from Pantanaw to Labutta through Einme-Myaungmya, from Pantanaw to Shwelaung and Wakhema, from Pantanaw to Mingaru and Danubyu and from Pantanaw to Nyaungdon and Maubin.
Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun said it is an auspicious day for opening of Pantanaw Bridge hailing the 55th Anniversary Armed Forces Day.
The reinforced concrete bridge built across Pantanaw River lies at 51 st mile post on Yangon-Pathein Road and links Bayintnaung Road in downtown Pantanaw. People can now travel from Pantanaw to Yangon and Pathein any time and economic and social development will be made and regional products can be transported easily, he said.
The minister said construction of roads and bridges is for equitable development in states and divisions including border areas and national solidarity. He called for boosting production of agricultural, livestock breeding and marine products.
Next, member of Pantanaw Township Union Solidarity and Development Association Daw Cho Cho Myint spoke words of thanks. Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun presented gifts to the Secretary-l and Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann. The Secretary-l presented gift to Deputy Superintending Engineer of Pantanaw Bridge Project U Htay Myint. Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun formally opened the bridge. Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun formally unveiled the stone plaque. Next, the Secretary-l, the commander, the ministers, the deputy ministers and guests inspected the bridge.
The Pantanaw bridge, 420 foot long and 24 feet wide, was built from 51 st mile post on Yangon-Pathein Road to Bayintnaung Road in downtown Pantanaw and it has six-foot walkways on both sides. Clearance of the bridge is 46 feet wide and 19 feet high and it can bear 60 ton-loads. Construction began on 1 April 1999 and was completed on 19 March 2000.

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(2) Secretary-1 attends opening of multimedia teaching centre in BEHS in Pantanaw
YANGON, 25 March- Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt--Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, ministers, deputy ministers, senior military officers the Ministry of Defence and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at Basic Education High School in Pantanaw Township this morning.
The Secretary- I and party were welcomed by the headmistress, teachers, members e of the School
Board of Trustees and students. Headmistress Daw Mya Kyi and Chairman-of the School Board of
Trustees U Soe Thein formally opened the multimedia teaching centre of BEHS in Pantanaw. The
Secretary-l then formally unveiled the signboard of the centre.
The Secretary-1 inspected the computer application and E-mail room, the computerized instruction room, the language lab, the electronic media room, the visual presenter room, the printed media room (reading corner), the domestic science room, the painting room and the music room, and observed the skill demonstration of the students.
Headmistress Daw Mya Kyi and Chairman of the School Board of Trustees U Soe Thein reported on efforts for the opening of the centre.
On behalf of well-wishers where U Mahn Maung Maung Nyan and U Kyin Nyein presented K 2 million donated by 40 well-wishers to Deputy Director-General of No 1 Basic Education Department U C Thang Za Tuan. The Secretary-1 presented video tapes to Headmistress Daw Mya Kyi.
The Secretary-l said it was a significant day for the opening of multimedia teaching centre and it was
held in conjunction with the inauguration of Pantanaw Bridge. Achievements have been made in
implementation of education promotion programmes laid down by the State due to the concerted efforts of regional authorities, members of school board of trustees, town elders and teachers, he said.
He said Pantanaw was a town that produced outstanding and brilliant persons and urged officials
including people, members of the school board of trustees and teachers to make efforts for turning out brilliant persons who would serve the interest of the country in accord with the good traditions.
The Secretary- 1 had photo taken together with the teachers, members of the school board of trustees and students.
The Secretary-l and party went to construction site of Bodi sluice gate in Pantanaw. Commander Maj- Gen Thura Shwe Mann reported on construction of the sluice gate for wetlands in Ayeyawady Division and Director (Construction-6) of Irrigation Department U Khin Zaw on construction of Bodi sluice gate.
The Secretary- 1 then gave instructions. Bodi-sluice gate was constructed with the aim of boosting
production of summer and monsoon paddy. in rainy season, Bodi: sluice gate prevents flowing water from the river and it serves as an outlet at the end of the rainy season. The Secretary-l and party arrived back here by helicopter this afternoon.

(3) Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control reviews anti-narcotic measures
YANGON, 25 March-The Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control held meeting NO 1/2000 at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Home Affairs this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of CCDAC Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing.
Also present on the occasion were member of CCDAC Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen Lun Maung, Chairman of the Monitoring Committee for Working Groups of CCDAC Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, deputy ministers who are also chairmen of working groups, Deputy Chief of Office of Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Defence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, officials of the Supreme Court and the Attorney-General's Office, Secretary of CCDAC Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win, the Joint-Secretary and members, officials of CCDAC Office and Myanmar Anti-Narcotics Association (Central) and guests.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Col Tin Hlaing said working groups of CCDAC are to report on implementation of the previous meeting's decisions. The meeting was to review accomplishment
achieved during the first-five year project covered by the 15 year narcotic drugs eradication programme.
He added drugs prevention groups were to co-operate with teachers of respective schools in
eradication of stimulant tablets. He stressed the need to keep students away from the danger of
stimulants. Regarding demand reduction, the short story, article, song, poem, cartoon, painting, poster and sculpture competitions and the State-level narcotic drugs educative exhibitions are annually held to march the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking which falls on 26 June.
In conclusion, the Minister urged them to review their performance in the tasks and take remedial
measures. Secretary of CCDAC Police Maj-Gen Soe Win and officials reported on implementation of the previous meeting's resolutions and tasks being carried out. Minister Brig-Gen Lun Maung and those present gave suggestions. The meeting ended with the remarks by Minister Col Tin Hlaing.

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(4) Representatives of ASEAN, Dialogue Partners leave
YANGON, 25 March - Two representatives led by Director Mr Robert R Teh Jr of the ASEAN
Secretariat, two representatives led by Deputy Chief of Executive Officer of the Trade Development Board of Singapore Mr David Chin Soon Siong, five representatives led by Deputy Director-General Mr Park Yong-kuk of the Regional Trade Bureau of the Ministry of External Affairs and Trade of Republic of Korea and two representatives of the Japanese International Trade and Industry and Economic Co-operation Department left here by air this morning and this evening after attending the preparatory meeting of ASEAN Trade Ministers and Economic Ministers held in Hotel Equatorial on 24 March.
They were seen off at Yangon International Airport by officials of Ministry of National Planning and
Economic Development and National AFTA Unit.
Director-General of the Japanese International Trade and Industry and Economic Co-operation
Department Mr Norio Terada and Director Mr Yoshihiro Otsuji left here by air yesterday evening.

(5)Roads and bridges open in Lashio
YANGON, 2S March-As a gesture hailing the 55th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, a ceremony to put back Nguwa Road into service was held in No 5 Ward, Lashio.
It was attended by Deputy Commander of North-East Command Brig-Gen San Thein Secretary of Shan State Peace and Development Council' Lt-Col Win Han and members, commanding officers of regiments and units and towns people. The deputy commander, the deputy director of State Development Affairs Department and a member of the road construction committee formally opened the road. Then, they inspected the road.
Afterwards, the deputy commander and party attended the ceremony of commission into service Nyein Chan Ye Bridge held at Awayya Road, No 12 Ward. The deputy commander and members of Bridge Constructing Committee cut ribbon to open the bridge.
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(6) Minister meets President of Choon Tae
YANGON, 25 March-Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin met President of Choon Tae Ven Wonn Duk and party from Republic of Korea at his office this morning. Present also were Director general of Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint, Director of Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana Daw Khin Nwe Han Kyi and Head of Office U Maung Maung Myint.
Then, Ven Wonn Duk computers to Minister U Aung Khin for State Pariyatti Sasana Tekkathos
(Yangon and Mandalay). Minister U Aung Khin accepted the donations and presented certificate of
honour to the donor.

(7) Minister for Information meets IPRD staff from border areas
YANGON, 25 March- Seven staff of Putao, Machambaw and Nagmon Offices of Information and Public Relations Department in Putao District, Kachin State, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung at Myanma Radio and Television this evening.
They are here on an excursion tour at the invitation of the minister. Present on the occasion were
Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director General of MRTV U Khin Maung Htay, Director-
General of IPRD U Chit Naing and officials.
On the occasion, the minister acknowledged the role of IPRD staff in regional development tasks. He discussed staff welfare, disseminating of knowledge gained from the excursion tour to local people, and taping and recording programmes for national races at MRTV He also gave instructions on the reports on those works presented by officials concerned. The minister together with the staff had photos taken.

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(8) U Phone Myiint accredited to Portugal
YANGON, 26 March? The Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar has appointed U Phone Myiint, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Republic of Italy, concurrently as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union, of Myanmar to the Republic of Portugal.

(9) 4.12 kilos of heroin seized in Lashio
YANGON, 25 March A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force, acting on information, waiting near the house, No 1 Region, No 5 Ward, Lashio, Northern Shan State, seized Ma Bauk Gya, daughter of U Shan Kham, Lwetauk Village, Hsenwi Township and Ma Mar Ywe, daughter of U Yin Chan, Shwesein Street, No 3 Region, No 7 Ward, Lashio, together with 4.12 kilos of heroin on 17 March.
Action is being taken against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

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(10) 8 Singaing Township NLD members resigned of own accord
YANGON, 25 March-Eight members resigned from the National League for Democracy of Singaing Township, Mandalay Division. Eight members of Singaing Township NLD, Mandalay Division, of their own accord, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Singaing Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission Office and the party concerned on 1 December 1999 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.

(11)WEATHER
Maximum temperature on 24-3-2000 was 37.0°C (99°F)
Minimum temperature on 25-3-2000 was 23.0 °C (73°F)

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