( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends message of congratulations to President of the Philippines

Yangon, 20 Jan-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe has sent a congratulatory message to Her Excellency Madame Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Republic of the Philippines, on her assumption of office.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 calls on all teachers to cultivate habit of constantly going on learning modern technologies

Special Refresher Course No 9 for Basic Education Teachers opens at CICS (Upper Myanmar)

Yangon, 20 Jan-The opening of Special Refresher Course No 9 for Basic Education Teachers was held yesterday in Yadana Hall of the Central Institute of Civil Service (Upper Myanmar), PyinOoLwin Township, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present were members of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Soe Win, ministers, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the Chief of Staff (Air), deputy ministers, the Mayor of Mandalay, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, members of Division, District and Township Peace and Development Councils, Rector of CICS (Upper Myanmar) Col Aung Hsan Win, the Pro-rector, department heads, instructors and trainee teachers.

The Secretary-1 said as all of us know the State Peace and Development Council has been making efforts for emergence of a peaceful modern developed nation, in line with the historical trend, objective conditions of the nation and the people, future prospects and changes in international situations, after laying down political, economic and social objectives which accentuate the essence of the Union. Political, economic and social objectives have met with success gradually, and all of us can now enjoy the benefits due to the correct policies that promote national interests practically, he said.

He said that rapid development has also been brought about in border areas where national races are living, as a result of achieving political stability and tranquillity on the basis of national solidarity. In the economic sector, emphasis has been placed on economic progress after laying down economic policies and plans based on national forces. Basic economic foundations have emerged and so has an economic force comprising national entrepreneurs who are rich and efficient, he said.

He noted that the success of Myanmar's economic endeavours have not come up to the expectation, and progress is slow due to some big nations and the expatriate group relying on those nations and committing subversive activities. Wanting to influence Myanmar, they have fabricated propaganda in collaboration with some news agencies, applied pressure and imposed sanctions with the use of much money and power.

He said that the government is exerting continued efforts to promote the interests of the nation and the people by making the best use of already-achieved economic foundations, no matter how much pressure they put on the government and how they are imposing economic sanctions. He added that the government will continuously strive for the promotion of national interests in cooperation with ASEAN member nations, neighbouring countries and friendly nations in the economic sector. He said Myanmar is making concerted efforts for development of electronic and information communication technologies.

Moreover, Myanmar is also  implementing the tasks for strengthening of national internal forces, national awareness, spirit and efficiency in social sector, he added. Education promotion programmes for development of students who are the source of national internal forces in accord with social requirements and promotion of education up to international level are successful. Skill demonstration of the students showed the good results of the education promotion programmes on the recent School Family Day, he added.

The Secretary-1 spoke on introduction of e-Education in Myanmar through computer networks and satellite links, opening of over 200 learning centres nationwide and telecasting of Electronic Data Broadcasting System jointly carried out by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Information.

He spoke of the need to prepare the tasks to deal with advantages and disadvantages of globalization without harming the national interest in the process of international technological development. As the government's educational promotion programmes today cover the tasks beyond the classroom teaching system, all teachers are dutybound to promote the habit of constantly going on learning modern technologies with the aim of using them in the tasks for national development and lead their pupils and all other citizens in this task, he said. After the opening ceremony, the Secretary-1 cordially met with the trainee teachers. Altogether 1,003 teachers of states and divisions are attending the five-week course.

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( 3 ) Secretary-1 inspects regional development tasks in Mandalay, Magway

Yangon, 20 Jan - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected regional development tasks in Mandalay and Magway Divisions yesterday and today. The Secretary-1 and party, accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, attended the opening ceremony of Special Refresher Course No 9 for Basic Education Teachers at the Central Institute of Civil Service (Upper Myanmar) in PyinOoLwin Township, Mandalay Division, yesterday afternoon.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party went to the Central Fire-Fighting Training School of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement in PyinOoLwin, Mandalay Division. They were welcomed there by Director-General of Fire Services Department U Myint Tun, Principal Col Kyi Win and officials. Lecturer of Yangon Technological University U San Kyu reported on construction of the school administration office building and the 110-foot-high reinforced concrete training tower and other construction tasks.

Next, the Secretary-1 inspected cultivation of crops and vegetables in the compound of the training school by car. The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to National Kandawgyi Park in PyinOoLwin., They were welcomed by Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone, Commandant of PyinOoLwin Station and Defence Services Academy Brig-Gen Tin Oo, senior military officers, Chairman of Woodland Co U Win Aung and officials. Chairman of Woodland Co U Win Aung reported on arrangements to upgrade National Kandawgyi Park, reconstruction of streets in the park, construction of a fountain, Rainbow Viewing Deck, the growing of flowers on an island in Lake-1, construction of wooden railings and a wooden bridge at the entrance of Phayalaykyun and View Plaza, the building of the approach road to Visitor Centre, construction of archways, the growing of bamboo trees around the lake, the setting up of nurseries and Workshop outside the park, the growing of flower beds,the raising of birds and construction of Timber Jungle Walkway in the swamp area.

Secretary-1 inspects regional development The Secretary-1 gave instructions on the work. In the briefing hall, Minister U Aung Phone reported on tasks for upgrading National Kandawgyi Park, Chairman U Win Aung on implementation of the project phase I for upgrading the park from 1-9-2000 to 7-1-2000 and arrangements for the project phase II. Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung reported on measures to be taken for the conservation of the lake, and Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave an additional report. The Secretary-1 gave instructions.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party went to the construction project of Medical Research Department (Upper Myanmar) under the Ministry of Health in PyinOoLwin. They were welcomed by Director-General of Medical Research Department (Upper Myanmar) Dr Myint Lwin, Managing Director of Myanma Industrial Construction Services U Ye Tun and officials. Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein reported on progress of implementation of the project, the location of the project, areas, the condition of the staff and research on traditional medicines.

Director-General Dr Myint Lwin also reported on matters related to doing research, and Managing Director U Ye Tun on matters related to staff quarters, water and power supply and construction of the administration office building and the research building. Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave an additional report.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions on the work. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected construction of Medical Research Department (Upper Myanmar) and the growing of herbal plants.

In the evening, Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe attended the dinner hosted by the Chairman of the Committee for Organizing the 47th Myanmar Medical Conference of Myanmar Medical Association at the Novotel Hotel at the foot of Mandalay Hill. Also present were Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Win Myint, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and wife Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint, ministers, the chairman of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the Chief of Staff (Air), the Mayor of Mandalay, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, division and district authorities, rectors, professors, Chairman of MMA (Central) Professor U Myo Myint and executives, Chairman of Myanmar Medical Association (Mandalay) Professor U Ko Lay and executives, Myanmar doctors abroad and members of the association.

The Secretary-1 and party stopped for the night in Mandalay. The Secretary-1 and party, together with Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, attended the opening and merit-sharing ceremony of the new building of PhaungdawU Parahita Monastic Education School at Dawnabwa Ward, Aungmyaythazan Township, Mandalay, this morning. Then, they left Mandalay by Tatmadaw aircraft and arrived at Magway at 9.50 am. They were welcomed at Magway Airport by Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, military officers and civilian officials and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association.

The Secretary-1 and party visited Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway) Project on the bank of Magway. In the briefing hall, Deputy Chief Engineer (Project) of Public Works U Han Zaw reported on progress of work, and Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe gave additional reports.

Then, the Secretary-1 inspected the project site and gave instructions. Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway) links Mingalar Road, Magway, on the east bank of the Ayeyawady, and Phaya Koehsu Kon, Htaukshabin Village, Minbu, on the west bank. The main structure of the bridge is 6,969 feet long, and the approach structure 2,020 feet long. The lower structure of the bridge is built of reinforced concrete, and the upper structure of steel frames. The bridge with a 28-foot-wide motor way can support 60-ton loads.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party went to the site chosen for construction of a new airport near Hsataingkan Village, Magway Township. They were welcomed by Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and officials. In the briefing hall, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint reported on the layout plan of the new airport, and Brig-Gen Thein Zaw on supply of water from the Ayeyawady and Yin Creek for the surrounding areas of Magway. The Secretary-1 gave instructions on the work. The Secretary-1 and party left Magway by Tatmadaw aircraft and arrived back here in the afternoon.

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( 4 ) MEC Chairman attends opening ceremony of PhaungdawU Parahita Monastic Education High School in Mandalay

Yangon, 20 Jan-The opening and merit-sharing ceremony of PhaungdawU Parahita Monastic Education High School on Dawnabwa Ward in Aungmyay Thazan Township, Mandalay, was held in front of the school 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 Vice-Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Masoeyein Taikthit Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa and member Sayadaws, chairmen Sayadaws of Division and Township Sangha Nayaka Committees, Headmaster of PhaungdawU Parahita Monastic Education High School Bhaddanta Nayaka (BSc, Chem), member of Patron Sayadaws, member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, ministers, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the Chief of Staff (Air), deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, department heads, members of Division, District and Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, teachers, students and guests.

Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for Education U Than Aung and Deputy Chief of Mission of Japanese Embassy Mr Yoshihiko Kamo formally opened Japan-Myanmar friendship school.

Then, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt pressed the button to unveil the signboard of the school. Later, merits sharing ceremony of PhaungdawU Parahita Monastic Education High School was held at the second floor of the school. Vice-Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Masoeyein Taikthit Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa administered the Five Precepts.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and ministers presented offertories to members of the Sangha. Chairman of Mandalay Division Sangha Nayaka Committee Myataungtaik Shwewawin Kyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sasanabhivamsa delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits. The three-storey school building, is 100 feet in length, 33 feet in width and 34 feet in height. It was built with the donation of US $ 80,000 under the Grassroots Grant Assistance Scheme, US $ 4,200 by UNWA and K 10 million by Myanmar.

Secretary-1 inspects construction tasks at Mindhamma Hill

Yangon, 20 Jan - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected tasks for the emergence of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township at 7.00 pm today. On arrival at Mindham-ma Hill, the Secretary-1 was welcomed by Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council Office U Arnt Maung, Joint Secretary of the Committee for All-round Construction of Mindhamma Hill Cmdr Khin Maung Oo (Navy), committee members, scholars, officials and members of Mindhamma Hill Board of Trustees. The Secretary-1, together with Maha Gandhavacaka Pandita Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Agga Maha Saddhama Jotikadhaja Alodawpyi Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ariyavamsa, paid homage to Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image. Then, the Secretary-1 inspected progress of work in carving the Image and other construction tasks.

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( 5 ) Political, economic, social progress being achieved mainly due to national consolidation

Secretary-2 attends review meeting on 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Military Band Competition

Yangon, 20 Jan - A review meeting on the 2001 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Tenth Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Competition was held in Pyidaungsu Hall on Kyaikkasan Grounds this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of the Leading Committee for Organizing the Tenth Military Band Competition Chief of the Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo.

Also present at the meeting were Chairman of the Management Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Patron of the Committee for Organizing the Tenth Military Band Competition Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Patron of the Organizing Committee Chief of the Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Soe Thein, Chairman of the Committee for Organizing the Tenth Military Band Competition Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Vice-Quartermaster-General Brig-Gen Kyaw Win,  directors of the Ministry of Defence Services Directorates, members of the Board of Judges for the Tenth Military Band Competition, departmental heads, managers and leaders of the competing military bands, and members of the bands.

Lt-Gen Tin Oo said it was the day of honour as the Tenth Military Band Competition had been successfully held and awards presented to the deserving bands.

He said the competition started in 1992 with five competing bands and in the tenth competition, the number of competing bands had reached 51. He noted that as the bands had improved skills, the tenth competition had to be divided into four classes, and spoke of the need for the other training units and schools to be prepared to send their bands in the next year's competition. Every independent, sovereign State has its State Military Band as the honour, and the State Military Band plays the National Anthem. In exchange of visits by the State leaders, the State Military Band, with the Guard of Honour, has to play the national anthems, and thus, the State Military Bands can play the tunes of the national anthems of various world's nations.

Usually, all the State guests and foreign nations' leaders see and hear the standard of the State Military Band as soon as they arrive a country, and thus, every nation forms the State Military Band and trains it to be always talented and skilful. Myanmar with many friendly nations in the world is seeing more and more visits by State Leaders and Heads of State year after year, and the State Military Band is formed to be modern, and new generation members of the bands are being trained. Whoever hears the military band playing, he feels encouraged and determined to safeguard the nation and religion, as the tune revitalize his military might and valour and in him, it is stimulated the spirit to shoulder the national defence duty.

National defence duty, he said, has already been instilled in the mind of all citizens, and the military band is able to stimulate and revitalize it. Lt-Gen Tin Oo also spoke of the discovery of the high primate fossils belonging to the time dating 40 million years back, high standard of ancient culture, causes of falling under the colonial rule and efforts for reconsolidation of national unity after independence had been regained.

He noted that today's political, economic and social developments of Myanmar are the results that have accrued from national consolidation, and he expressed belief that Myanmar can be one of the top countries of the world if efforts are to be made with oneness of mind and same conviction. He said the Tatmadaw must be constantly strong and brilliant to be able to safeguard the nation being built to be peaceful, modern and developed, and a modern Tatmadaw must always keep on undergoing training and be vigilant and battle-ready.

Myanmar, he said, is not only participating in the international tasks on equal terms with other members of the United Nations but also actively taking part in the ASEAN tasks as a member upholding the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence. He noted that if the nation should face a danger owing to the new challenges, the Tatmadaw will necessarily confront it together with the entire people.

The duty of defending the nation is an inherent duty of the entire national people. All the national people are imbued with national pride and national spirit. It is the duty of military band troupes to evoke national pride in the national people. It is encouraging to see that there are 140 band troupes of basic education high schools in Myanmar today. As the Ministry of Education is holding band troupe competitions, the quality of the band troupes of basic education school students is improving.

This year, the number of military band competitions has increased, and the band troupe competition for basic education schools has been held with the participation of ten band troupes. Arrangements are to be made to enable the school band troupes to undergo training as Tatmadaw band troupes do. It is necessary for Myanmar Police Force and Fire Services Department to form one more band troupe each.

If the band troupes of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air), Myanmar Police Force, Fire Services Department and students of basic education school play together, the sound of the collected band troupe can surely evoke the spirit of defending the nation in the entire national people. In conclusion, the Secretary-2 urged all to strive to uplift the spirit of defending the nation with military band troupes, to try to reach the international level and to widen the scope of knowledge of the military band.

Then, Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint and Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo reported on matters related to the competition. Military band expert Maj Khin Maung Hla (Retd) gave suggestions on the competition.

Secretary-2 and wife visit Myanmar Traditional Snack Competition

Yangon, 20 Jan- Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo and wife Daw Khin Than Nwe visited Myanmar Traditional Snack Competition at International Business Centre on Pyay Road this morning. Accompanied by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Soe Thein and officials, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and wife Daw Khin Than Nwe arrived at the competition at 11 am. Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and wife Daw Khin Than Nwe viewed Myanmar Traditional snack shops at the competition and gave suggestions.

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( 6 ) Chief of Staff (Army) attends prize presentation ceremony of Tenth Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Competition

Yangon,20 Jan- The prize presentation ceremony of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Tenth Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Competition was held at the People's Square this morning, attended by Chairman of Leading Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Patron of Organizing Committee for Tenth Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Competition Chief of Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo.

Also present on the occasion were Daw Khin Than Nwe, wife of Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Chairman of Management Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Patron of Organizing Committee for Tenth Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Competition Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than,Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint,Judge Advocate-General Maj-Gen Thein Soe, Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Soe Thein, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Military Band Competition Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, senior Tatmadaw officers, Military attaches of foreign embassies, officials of various sub-committees, Tatmadawmen and their families and students and guests.

Chief of Staff (Army) Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo presented best prize to leaders of military band of No 15 Operations Control Command team at division D level, first, second and third prizes to winning leaders of military bands of Defence Services Institute of Medicine, Defence Services (Army) Officers Training School and Defence Service Combat Training School at division C level, first, second and third prizes to winning leaders of military bands of Chief of Staff (Army) attends prize presentation North-East Command, Northern Command and North-West Command in division B level, and best prize to winning leader of military band of Commander-in-Chief of (Navy) in division A level. Officials presented best and first, second and third prizes to winning leaders of military bands of No 6 Training Depot, Defence Services Combat Training School, Defence Services Institute of Medicine, No 6 Operations Control Command, Eastern Command, Coastal Region Command, North-East Command and Commander-in-Chief (Navy).

Then, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo spoke on the occasion. The band troupes of No 2 Basic Education High School in Latha, No 1 BEHS in Hmawby Township and Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Office, North-East, Defence Services Institute of Medicine and Guard of Honour and bag pipe of military band demonstrated their skill. Then, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo presented souvenir gifts to Defence Attache of Japanese Embassy Col Hirofumi Yusa, on behalf of the military attaches of foreign embassies.

Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than presented prizes to leaders of No 2 BEHS Latha, Guard of Honour and Military band Troupe. Wellwishers U Aung Naing presented K 334,000, U Khin Maung Htoo 15 ochestra music stand worth K 450,000 and U Maung Maung Kyi-Daw Tin Tin Cho 2000 record books worth K 250,000 to Chief of Staff (Army) Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo for prize winning leaders and band troupes. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than presented prizes to winning leaders of band troupes. Afterwards, Chief of Staff (Army) Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo presented prize to military band expert Maj (Retired) Khin Maung Hla.

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( 7 ) Secretary-3 inspects gem mining camps in Mogok Township, pays obeisance to Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda in Kanbalu Township, gives counsel to officials

Yangon, 20 Jan-Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments left here by the Tatmadaw flight yesterday and arrived at Mandalay International Airport at 9.30 am.

The Secretary-3 and party were welcomed at the airport 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, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, military officers, Mayor of Mandalay Brig-Gen Yan Thein, departmental officials, members of District and Township Peace and Development Councils and officials of Division, District and Township Union Solidarity and Development Associations.

The Secretary-3 and party, together with Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win    went to Kyaukpyatthat Sanpya Village in Mogok Township by helicopter. The Secretary-3 and party were welcomed by Tactical Operations Commander Col Than Hlaing, directors of the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd, members of Township Peace and Development Council, members of USDA, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigades, teachers and students. The Secretary-3 and party went to Kaday Kadar gem mining site of UMEHL in Kyaukpyatthat Sanpya Village in Mogok Township. U Hoke Kyi reported on mining of gems, geological conditions, future tasks, prospects and machinery and U Saw Void Tun of Thureintaung gem mining camp on gems blocks and earth work.

The Secretary-3 then gave instructions. The Secretary-3 observed raw gems and inspected mineral dressing plant and gem sorting. The Secretary-3 and party went to Mogok Township where they were welcomed by commanding officer of regional battalion Lt-Col Sein Win, military officers, departmental officials, members of Township Peace and Development Council, USDA members and national entrepreneurs. The Secretary-3 and party proceeded to guest house of Panshow-nga-yant-in gem mining camp in Mogok Township. Director of UMEHL Lt-Col Sein Than reported on gem mining in cooperation with UMEHL and national entrepreneurs, gem production for fiscal years and high-quality gems, machinery and strength of staff and profits.

The Secretary-3 gave instructions to the national entrepreneurs. The Secretary-3 and party inspected washing of gems at the Panshow-nga-yant-in gem mining camp. They went to Mandalay by helicopter and spent the night there. The Secretary-3 and party together with Commander Maj-Gen Soe Win, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone left Mandalay by helicopter for the site of Shweli Bridge (Nga-O) in Katha Township. They were welcomed by Brig-Gen Kyaw Oo Lwin of Bhamo Station, departmental officials, USDA members and students. Assistant Engineer U Kyaw Lin reported on the project .

The Secretary-3 gave instructions on completion of the project as scheduled. The Secretary-3 and party went to Kanbalu Township where they were welcomed by Tactical Operations Commander Col Min Swe and officials. The Secretary-3 and party paid obeisance to Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda. Chairman of Shwebo District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Than Han reported on construction of the pagoda and religious structures, preparations for holding of hoisting of Htidaw. Commander Maj-Gen Soe Win gave a supplementary report. The Secretary-3 gave instructions to officials and members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees. He paid obeisance to Buddha images in the precincts of the pagoda and inspected religious buildings. The Secretary-3 and party arrived back here in the evening.

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