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 Friday,  27 October  2000
 ONLINE  EDITION
  1. State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior  General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Turkmenistan
  2. The opening ceremony of the Eighth Myanma Traditional  Cultural Performing Arts Competitions
  3. Secretary-1 and wife attend Mahothada Drama Competition
  4. Secretary-1 receives representative of Latin America  and Asia Region of ICRC
  5. Yangon University confers Doctor of Letters on Rector  Sayadaw of Int'l Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, Sayagyi U Thukha
  6. Eighth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts  Competitions begin
  7. Secretary-2 inspects Uto Agriculture and Resort Station  in Taikkyi
  8. News in Brief
  9. 93 members of KNU armed group exchange arms for peace  in Taninthayi Division
  10. 33 Minbu(Sagu) Township NLD members resign of own accord
(1) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Turkmenistan

YANGON, 27 Oct-Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Saparmurad A Niyazov, President of the Republic of Turkmenistan, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Turkmenistan which falls on 27 October 2000.

(2) The opening ceremony of the Eighth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions

YANGON, 26 Oct - The opening ceremony of the Eighth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions was held at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street at 7 am today, with an address by Patron of Organizing the Eighth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The six objectives of the Eighth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions are - to vitalize patriotism and nationalism in all citizens; to preserve and safeguard cultural heritage; to perpetuate genuine Myanma music, dance and traditional fine arts; to preserve Myanmar national character; to nurture spiritual development of the youth; and to prevent influencing of alien cultures.

Also present on the occasion were Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, wife of Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo and wife Daw Khin Than Nwe, members of the Panel of Patrons of Eighth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions, deputy ministers, members of the National Convention Convening Work Committee, members of the Leading Committee, the chairmen and members of the Work Committee for Organizing the Eighth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions and subcommittees, diplomats and military attaches of foreign missions in Yangon, representatives and officials of UN agencies in Myanmar, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, local and foreign journalists, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, officials of social organizations, judges, supervisors, contestants and students of University of Culture.

The masters of ceremonies Daw Tin Tin Mya, U Hla Win and Daw Thida Swe of Myanma Radio and TV read the agenda.

Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than explained the preparations being made for the competitions, saying it will be held from 26 October to 11 November in accord with the six objectives.

Minister for Culture U Win Sein formally opened the competitions. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered the address.

He said: I send my greetings to all ministers, deputy ministers, heads of departments, special guests, diplomats, all judges and competitors with wishes for all to be ones that uplift national culture while promoting national pride and integrity. Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions are being held on a grand scale every year so as to bring out most intricate and high-standard Myanmar culture and fine arts while getting the new generation to cherish and value traditional culture and have more patriotic spirit and patriotic pride that safeguard and promote interests of one's own nationality.

For a nationality to stand firm in the community of world nations, it needs to have sense of unity of its citizens and national economic development and additionally it also needs to have its own national culture. It is inevitably natural for every nationality with a high historical tradition to have its own ancestral heritage of national culture. It is evident right up to this day that the national essence, namely traditional culture and customs, own beliefs and national norms that spring from teachings of Theravada Buddhism, and national cultural fine and performing arts that bring out these national norms and thoughts, has been growing all along in the long history of the Union of Myanmar and Myanmar nationality for thousands of years, as distinct specific national characteristics of Myanmar nationality. In truth, only when we could preserve the national character born of national culture would we be able to keep national outlook and spirit always alive and promote national integrity grandly amidst the community of world nations. Accordingly I would like to say that Cherishing one's own national culture, safeguarding and promoting it, are national responsibilities which are as important as life, for the Union of Myanmar to stand grandly amidst the community of world nations.

A look at the world today will show that, with unprecedented advancement in communications technology, globalization is overwhelming each and every nation. It was thought that this globalization would bring greater opportunities of co-operation among nations for peace and development in the world but it is later seen that things have not turned out as hoped for among developing nations because some big nations who have the upper hand in technology and economy are misusing the global processes and imposing political, economic and social domination on developing nations.

In such a situation, in order that developing countries like the Union of Myanmar do not fall under the influence of some neo-colonialist big nations, it becomes more important to keep intact national characteristics and national norms, and there has emerged a national responsibility that is in keeping with that of safeguarding sovereignty of the nation. That is why the State is striving emphatically to bring out and uplift the essence of national culture with aims at ensuring everlasting brilliance of good qualities and national norms of Myanmar and its people. I would like to say that, in endeavours to bring out and uplift essence of national culture like that, the Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions are one of the national movements of the highest order involving participation of the entire nation. That is why we have been seeing much better performance in the competitions from year to year, with united participation of maestroes, artistes, amateurs, new-generation artistes and the people.

Now, thanks to these competitions, spiritual development of the new-generation youths has got onto the right track of cherishing and promoting national culture, it can be seen. Among the public too, Myanmar-way classical songs and Maha Gita classical songs have become in vogue again and the previously-nearly extinct marionette theatre and the drama have become genres of high calibre again.

Especially in the drama competition, in addition to prizes for the actor, actress and orchestra as in previous years, it has been arranged to give prizes for the minthagyi, the villain, the child performer and also for screenplay as well this year. The art of the minthagyi is one replete with its own styles compatible with the posture in the drama and it is one uniquely developed. One who plays the minthagyi has to be skilled all round and has to be able to take out what is needed for the given occasion, and so it is called one's own subsistence. Similarly, what is called the Gon figure, the villain, is a must in the drama and occupies a place of importance. It is also seen that in Myanmar drama this character is used effectively to show man's nature, right and wrong as portrayed in the drama.

In conclusion, I would like to urge all artistes to use their artistry - to raise the standard of national culture with aims at having Myanmar to stand firm in the community of world nations

- to strive to raise Myanmar's own culture, own arts and own national characteristics that has prospered for aeons countable by thousand years

- and to strive to fill new generation youths with national spirit to fight the danger of alien cultural infiltration. Judges of the competitions, doyen artistes and personnel of the Department of Fine Arts sang the opening song composed by Gita Lulin U Ko Ko. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party watched the events of professional level women's dance.

(3) Secretary-1 and wife attend Mahothada Drama Competition

YANGON, 26 Oct- The Mahothada Drama Competition of the Eighth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions was held at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street at 7 p.m. today, attended by Patron of Organizing Committee for the Eighth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe.

Magway Division Mahawthada drama troupe took part in the competition. Present also were Chairman of Leading Committee for the Eighth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and wife, members of panel of patron for leading committee, the ministers and their wives, members of leading committee, work committee and sub-committee and people. At 7 p.m. tomorrow, Sagaing Division Mahawthada drama troupe will take part in the competition at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street.

(4) Secretary-1 receives representative of Latin America and Asia Region of ICRC

YANGON, 26 Oct-Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received representative of Latin America and Asia Region of International Committee of Red Cross Mr Jean Michael Monod and party at the guest house of Ministry of Defence at 4 p.m. today.

Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Chief Justice U Aung Toe, Attorney General U Tha Tun, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet.

(5)Yangon University confers Dotor of Letters on Rector Sayadaw of Int'l Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, Sayagyi U Thukha

YANGON, 26 Oct - The Yangon University Education Committee today conferred the Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) on two Rector Sayadaw of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Silanandabhivamsa and Alinka Kyawswa Maha Saddhamma Jotika Sayagyi U Thukha at a special convocation a1t the Yangon University Convocation Hall this afternoon.

Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, ministers, the Chief Justice, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, Rector of YU Dr Soe Yin and members of YU Education Committee, faculty of other universities and colleges, and guests.

First, Rector Dr Soe Yin conferred the Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) on Rector Sayadaw of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Silanandabhivamsa, who received it in absentia.

Next, he conferred the Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) on Sayagyi U Thukha.

In his speech, Rector Dr Soe Yin said the Yangon University had the tradition of conferring honorary degrees after it had come into being in 1920, and among the recipients there were three Myanmar nationals. Ledi Sayadaw was the first to receive the Doctor of Letters in 1921, Sasanapaing Sayadaw U Visuddha the second in 1932 and Sayagyi U Lin the third in 1953.

In conferring the Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa), the Yangon University considered the significant and outstanding ability and achievement in nation-building, popularity and high command in educative literature, eminence in social activities including education and culture and in the tasks for promotion of character and domestic sciences for youths, ability in revitalizing, preservation and dissemination of Myanma history, archaeology and fine arts, among others.

The two recipients of the Doctor of Letters for the Year 2000 are imbued with the abilities destined for the degree, he said. Speaking of the recipient Rector Sayadaw's impressive qualifications, he said the Sayadaw brilliantly passed the Sasanadhaja Siripavara Dhammacariya Examination, the Pariyatti Sasanahita Dhammacariya Examination, and the London General Certificate of Education Examination (with distinctions in Pali and Sanskrit). He is the recipient of Agga Maha Pandita Title (1993), and Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Title (1999).

He also dealt with the Sayadaw's prominent activities in the religious and educational fields, and noted that he has written and published 12 famous treatises in Myanmar and five in English, which are used as reference books for those studying Theravada Buddhist literature and religious researches at home and abroad. He acted as the Presiding Sayadaw of Maha Vijjodaya-gyaung Kyaungtaik in 1960, as the Vice-Presiding Sayadaw of Mandalay Abhayarama Kyaungtaik in 1969, where he is the Presiding Sayadaw today.

The Sayadaw is also a member of the Working Committee of the Sangha of All Myanmar Gana, and the Ovadacariya Sayadaw of Yangon Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha. In foreign missionary tasks, the Sayadaw established the Theravada Buddhist Association in the United States, and started Dhammananda Vihara in San Francisco in 1981 and is acting as the Presiding Sayadaw of that Kyaungtaik till today. He is also the Ovadacariya of Dhammacakka Kammathana Yeiktha, Tathagatak Kammathana Yeiktha, Bodhi Dhamma Yeiktha, Mexico Theravadacariya Buddhist Association, and Jameca Theravada Buddhist Association. Because of his outstanding achievements, the Yangon University Education Committee nominated him and conferred on him the Doctor of Letters.

Speaking about Sayagyi U Thukha, the YU Rector said Sayagyi U Thukha is a prominent writer, movie director and Myanmar nationalist, and he is a genius as he can work in the interest of both the material and religious worlds by means of his career in literature and motion picture.

Throughout his career, Sayagyi has written over 400 pieces in the line of modern short stories, novels, articles and religious literature. As his works are best-sellers appreciated well and praised highly by eminent Sayadaws, several editions have to be printed. His career as a movie director saw 34 films and five teleplays, and he gained six Academy Awards for six films. His films are life-like, realistically portraying the themes on human nature, love and attachment reflecting the humane ideals in community. He is a successful playwright too, and his teleplays such as " Rahan sar-ya-thaw soon-tanat ", " Tabar thila" and " Rahan ma-sar-ya-thaw soon-tanat are so successful. Sayagyi organized talks on the unraveling compassion and loving kindness" of mothers more than 200 times in 20 years.

Because of his organization, the Fullmoon Day of Pyatho has been observed as Mothers" Day since 1997. Sayagyi U Thukha obtained Alinka Kyawswa Title in 1958, Maha Saddhamma Jotika Title in 1994, and the Medal for Outstanding Performance in Social Field (First Grade) in 1994. He studied motion picture industry in German Democratic Republic in 1969, and in Soviet Union and Korea Democratic Republic. He attended the Film Festival in Manila, the Philippines and received the ASEAN Information Award and cash award at the Jakata ASEAN Culture Award and Information Award Presentation Ceremony on 7 August 1997. He wished the two recipient of the Doctor of Letters good health and ability to continue their tasks in the interest of the Sasana, the State and the people. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party took a documentary photo together with Sayagyi U Thukha.

(6) Eighth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions begin

YANGON, 26 Oct- The Eighth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions, held in accordance with Six Objectives, commenced at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street here this morning. The song competition was held at the National Museum on Pyay Road in Dagon Township, dance competition at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street, song composing competition at Kanbawza Theatre on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Bahan Township and music competition at Padonma Theatre on Bagaya Road in Sangyoung Township.

Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and wife,  member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and wife, ministers, deputy ministers, heads of department, officials of the Work Committee and Sub-committees and people who love fine arts enjoyed events of the song competition, the dance competition, song composing competition and music competition at the respective venues.

In today's events, the 16 competitors took part in the basic education level (aged 10-15) of the girls' song competition with the song "Paramidaw " and those in the basic education level (aged 15-20) of the men's song competition with the song "Meinyathi ".

Basic education level (aged 10-15) girls' classical song competition and higher education level men's Dhamma Puja song competition will be held on 27 October morning. Nine competitors took part in the first day events of professional level women's dance competition at the National Theatre in the morning and the fifteen competitors in basic education level (aged 10-15) men's dance competition in the afternoon.

Basic education level (aged 15-20) men's and basic education level (aged 5-10) girls dance competitions will be held on 27 October. At the Kanbawza Theatre of the Fine Arts Department, six competitors took part in basic education level (aged 5-10) composing competition with the melody of the song " Doeyihmamchet " and ten competitors in basic education level (aged 15-20) composing competition with the melody of the song " Myanma Armam " under the supervision of Bogalay Tint Aung and party. Amateur level and basic education level composing competitions will be held at the same venue on 27 October.

In the music competition at the Padonma Theatre in Sangyoung Township, five competitors took part in basic education level (aged 15-20) men's harp competition and seven competitors in basic education level (aged 5-10) girls' harp competition in the morning. In the afternoon, the eighth competitors took part in amateur level men's harp competition. On 27 October morning, there will be hsaing events of men's professional level and (aged 15-20) men's basic education level.

(7) Secretary-2 inspects Uto Agriculture and Resort Station in Taikkyi

YANGON, 26 Oct - Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo inspected Uto Agriculture and Resort Station of Yangon City Development Committee in Taikkyi Township today. He was accompanied by Vice-Chairman of YCDC Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office. The Secretary-2 and party were welcomed there by Chairman of YCDC Mayor U Ko Lay and officials. They inspected the successful paddy fields of YCDC, canals and roads through the fields, and ponds of fish and prawn fry. The Secretary-2 gave instructions on expediting work in fish and prawn breeding. They later toured the mechanical workshop undertaking the repairs of the station's machines, and cultivation of vegetables and other crops under shelter on the vacant lands of Uto plantations. Afterwards, the Secretary-2 and party inspected the 25-ton rice mill, the paddy-drying machine capable of drying 150 baskets of paddy an hour, and breeding of 12,000 ducks!
.

(8) News in Brief

Mindhamma Hill packed with devotees

YANGON, 26 Oct-The Mindhamma Hill on Mindhamma Street, Insein Township, where Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image is kept was packed with members of the Sangha, nuns, devotees and tourists today. The physical and intellectual staff of Public Works are building Gandakutitaik, southern and northern stairways and retaining wall to the southern stairways. Stone sculptor U Taw Taw and sons are carving the Image daily. The wut associations took turns to recite religious verses from 7 am to 10 p.m. The Ministry of Religious Affairs, News and Periodicals Enterprise of Ministry of Information and Sarpay Beikman open book shops daily. Donations received for the fund of the Image from 5 August to date totalled K 85,682,680.

Project Management Committee meets

YANGON, 26 Oct - The Project Management Committee meeting was held at Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel this morning to coordinate organize of the ASEAN Photo Competition and Exhibition in member nations. Present were a representative each from Myanmar, Brunei and Laos, Director-General of Information and Public Relations Department U Chit Naing and experts from Myanmar. Chairman of Myanmar National ASEAN Cultural and Information Committee U Myint Thein Swe, Chairman of Information Subcommittee U Khin Maung Htay and Mr Jerry M Reyes of the ASEAN Secretariat gave speeches.

Winners of 11th National Motto, Literary and Photo Contest announced

YANGON, 26 Oct-Winners of 11th National Motto, Literary and Photo Contest was announced today. In the short story contest, Maung Yin Hlaing (Pyinmabin)'s " Chauk Sa Htaung Hleyin Kyot Hnint Ayeik Kh Le " wins the first prize, Su Latt Tun's " Myitta Ei Athwa Apyan Khayee " the second and Khin Thitsar's " Ashayh Myauk Ayat Hma Taik Khat La Thaw Lay " the third prize. Shwete Naung Htut's " Myanma Byaw Than" and Chan Mya Aung's " Moe Kha Ye " win consolation prizes. In the article contest, Win Min's " Luhmuye Oo Te Htainthein Karkwe Sauntshauk Me" wins the first, Cherry Myay Maung Tin Tun's " Pyidaung Su Ei Panpwint Mya" the second and Ma Hla Thein's Layyat " Mandai Khai Khai Mat Pa Hma" the third. Tin Aye Hlaing's " Lu Swan Ah Ayin Amyit Htaik Tan Taw Lunayhmu Sanit " and Man Chaint Pha Lay's " Tamyotha Lon Pyinnya Ye Hmyint Ma Yay" win consolation prizes. In the poem contest, Min Su Yin's Myanma Ahla Myanma Seithta Myanma Ah" wins the first, San Oo Lwin (Khayamyaing)'s " Thits a Saka Nayna Chohnat Thapyaykhet " the second and Ma Saw Eindra Thet Maung's " Ahman Sonnyi Myanmarpyi" the third. Maung Latt (Khanyodan)'s Myanmar Myohman Zartiman Phint" and Naychi (Pagan)'s " Myanmar Do Thway Nga Do Thway Ko Thway Hnaw Makhan Thandaithtan" win consolation prizes. The first, second and the third prize winners will be awarded on 26 November, Sarsodaw Day, in Yangon and prizes for the consolation prizes winners will be sent separately. The prize winners are to inform personally to Secretary of the Committee for Holding the Contest U Ko Ko Htway, Myanma Radio and Television, during the office hours not later than 23 November.

Minister for Construction inspects roads and bridges in Sagaing, Mandalay and Magway Divisions

YANGON, 26 Oct-Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by officials, inspected the repair of Tagaung-Thabeikkyin road section on Tagaung-Thabeikkyin -Katha-Bhamo Road and gave instructions to the officials on 24 October. Then the Minister and party inspected Tagaung-Twinnge road section, construction of Twinnge-Momeik Road and Shwe Thanlwin Home for the aged in Kyaukse Township, extension of Zawgyi Bridge and renovation of Laymyethna Pagoda in Kyaukse and fulfilled the requirements. Today, the Minister inspected the Meiktila-Kyaukpadaung-Bagan-NyaungU Road and arrived at the construction site of Anawrahta Bridge (Chauk) where Superintending Engineer U Soe Han reported on work done and tasks to be carried out to the Minister who then inspected the worksite. Anawrahta Bridge (Chauk) links Chauk and Seikphyu across the Ayeyawady. The main bridge is 4191 feet long and motorway is 26 feet in width and the walkways on both sides are 6 feet in width. The bridge can withstand 60 tons.

Minister for Industry-1 inspects factories

YANGON, 26 Oct- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Thein Tun and officials, met officials of the factory of Myanma Textile Industries and Myanmar Euroworld International Ltd in Ywama, Insein Township, yesterday morning. Factory Manager U Khin Maung Win explained facts about the factory with the help of charts to the minister. The minister gave suggestions and inspected the factory. The minister and party went to Blanket Factory No 20 of MTI and inspected products of the factory and repair of machines at the factory. Minister U Aung Thaung also inspected Enamelware Factory No 1 of Myanma General and Maintenance Industries on Thamaing Railway Station Road in Mayangon Township at 9.30 am. At the briefing hall of the factory, the minister met with officials and gave instructions to them.

Minister inspects worksites in Bago Division

YANGON, 26 Oct-Central Executive Committee member of Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, accompanied by Managing Director of Myanmar Railways Col Min Swe and officials, met with Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Maj-Gen Tin Aye and discussed matters on construction of industrial zone in Bago, at Bago Division USDA office yesterday morning.

Then, the minister attended to the needs of the Bago Division USDA. The minister also met with division officials of Transport Planning Department, Road Transport Administration Department, Myanma Railways and Road Transport, in Bago and left instructions. He inspected construction of Nyaunglebin Township USDA office and fulfilled the requirements. Afterwards, he met executives of Nyaunglebin USDA and the staff of Myanma Railways at Nyaunglebin Station and attended to their requirements. In the afternoon, the minister inspected railways, bridges and running of trains along the route through Pyondaza Station by EMC, and gave necessary instructions to division level officers of Myanma Railways in Bago Division.

(9) 93 members of KNU armed group exchange arms for peace in Taninthayi Division

YANGON, 26 Oct-The State Peace and Development Council, upholding Our Three Main National Causes, is striving for emergence of peaceful, modern and developed nation and national reconsolidation with might and main. Armed groups have realized that their destructive acts did not benefit the nation at all and retarded their regional development, and they understood the goodwill and correct endeavour of the government.

After abandoning their armed struggle line remaining armed groups, wishing to join hands with the people and the Tatmadaw for undertaking regional development tasks, have been exchanging arms for peace individually or in groups. Twenty-seven members led by Saw Keekok of No 2 Company, No 11 Battalion under No 4 Brigade of KNU armed group in Taninthayi Division, 28 members led by Shwe Ni of No 3 Company, 12 members led by Phado Saw Jalay Oo, one member led by Saw Mogyo altogether 68 members and 25 family members, totalling 93 together with 28 assorted arms, four hand grenades, and 255 rounds of ammunition, arms for peace at Tatmadaw Columns in Taninthayi Division from 1 September to 20 October. A ceremony to exchange arms for peace by the armed groups was held at BEHS, Nyaungbingwin Village in Taninthayi Division on 24 October morning. Acting Tactical Operations Commander of Coastal Region Command Lt. Col Saw Naing, Chairman of Myeik District Peace and Development Council Lt.-Col Khin Maung Kywe, chairman of Taninthayi Township and officials, members of USDA and MMCWA and town elders and local people exceeding 2,000 attended the ceremony. The attendance warmly welcomed those who exchanged arms for peace. Acting Tactical Operations Commander Lt.-Col Saw Naing extended greeting and accepted the arms. Then, officials presented monetary assistance, rice and gifts to them.

On behalf of the members of armed groups who exchanged arms for peace, Saw Nu Kale of No 11 Battalion, No 4 Brigade spoke words of thanks. On behalf of local people, U Tun Shi of Nyaungbingwin Village words of welcoming to the group and the ceremony came to an end. There are altogether 161 members of armed groups and 153 family members who exchanged arms for peace at Coastal Region Command from the beginning of the year to 20 October. More persons of armed groups are going to exchange arms for peace.

(10) 33 Minbu(Sagu) Township NLD members resign of own accord

YANGON, 26 Oct- Thirty-three members resigned from the National League for Democracy of Minbu (Sagu) Township, Magway Division. Thirty-three members of Minbu (Sagu) Township NLD, Magway Division, of their own accord, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Minbu (Sagu) Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission and the party concerned on 11 May 2000 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.

WEATHER REPORT
TODAY

Forecast for Yangon and neighbouring area for 27th October 2000: Intermittent rain which may be heavy at time. Degree of certainty is 70%
 

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