( 1 ) Secretary-1 accepts jade Buddha image, five Arhat statuettes

Yangon, 28 Jan- A ceremony to donate a Buddha image and five Arhat statuettes made of jade to Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt by jade entrepreneur Daw Pale of Phakant region, Kachin State, was held at the prayer hall on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township this morning. The Buddha image and Arhat statuettes were donated for public obeisance at Gandakuti Taik of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image.

Present on the occasion were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, members of Mindhamma Hill All-round Construction Committee, scholars, members of the Hill Board of Trustees and wellwisher Daw Pale and family. On behalf of wellwisher Daw Pale, U Han Shein reported on the purpose of the donation. Then, wellwisher Daw Pale and family presented the Jade Buddha Image and five Arhat statuettes to the Secretary-1.

Then, the Secretary-1 expressed words of thanks. He said that the marble stone which is being carved into Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image emerged from Sakyin Hill at which ruby, sapphire and other precious stones were mined in the past; the marble stone is of good quality and there are colours suffused with sapphire and ruby in some parts of it. He also praised that it was a meritorious deed that Daw Pale and family donated the Buddha image and Arhat statuettes made of their jade stone mined from the world-renown Phakant region. He wished wellwisher Daw Pale and family good health, wealth, happiness and prosperity.

The jade Buddha image in Dhamma ‚akka Mudra, is 8.5 inches high. Each of the five Arhat statuettes is five inches high. Then, the Secretary-1 paid reverence to Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image. He also inspected the carving of the Image, progress of the Mindhamma Hill all-round construction tasks and gave necessary instructions.

Secretary -1 attends opening of Myanmar Automobile Group Co Ltd

Yangon, 28 Jan-A ceremony to open Myanmar Automobile Group Co Ltd was held at No 38, Bayint Naung Road, Mayangon Township this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present were ministers, deputy ministers, the vice-mayor, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental officials, Chairman U Kyaw Win of Myanmar Automobile Group Co Ltd and members of the Board of Directors, entrepreneurs and guests. First, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw and Chairman U Kyaw Win of Myanmar Automobile Group Co Ltd formally opened the Myanmar Automobile Group Co Ltd.

Then, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt formally unveiled the sign- board of the company. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party viewed various kinds of tyres and alloy wheels exhibited at the showroom. Later, a ceremony to explain the activities and business of Myanmar Automobile Group Co Ltd and set-up of Myanma Automobile and Spare Parts Entrepreneurs Association was held at the building of Myanmar Automobile Group Co Ltd.

First, Chairman U Kyaw Win of Myanmar Automobile Group Co Ltd gave an account of the establishment and structure of the company, functions, main aim, the role of automobile and spare parts and work, tasks being implemented and future tasks of the company. Then, U Moe Kyaw elaborated on matters related to the set-up of Myanma Automobile and Spare Parts Entrepreneurs Association work implemented, aims and the main tasks of the association.

The Secretary-1 called for systematic establishment of the association, promotion of the efficiency of the association aiming at building a developed industrial nation, letting those who focus on national benefit, have experience and innovation in the association.

Later, the Secretary-1 accepted 100 tyres worth K 1 million donated by Chairman U Kyaw Win, 25 tyres worth K 650,000 donated by Vice-Chairman U Khin Sein. Then, the ceremony came to a close. Various kinds of tyres and alloy wheels are on sale at the company from 9.30 am to 5 pm daily, except Sunday and gazetted holidays. The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the construction site of Chantethtan Vegetarian Chinese Buddhist Missionary Temple at No 451, Pyay Road. They were welcomed there by Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Secretary of Board of Trustees of the temple U Hla Aung and officials. The Secretary-1 went round the temple.

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( 2 )  Secretary-2 inspects poultry farms in Insein, Mingaladon Townships

Yangon, 28 Jan-Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo inspected RIR poultry farms here this morning. The Secretary-2 met officials of Meat and Fish Extended Production Committee at Livestock and Veterinary Department in Insein Township.

He gave instructions on production of meat and fish according to the objectives of the project, RIR poultry farming, extension of poultry farming, organization and education on prevention of diseases for chicken in rural areas and distribution of feedstuff & veterinary medicines. Chairman of Meat and Fish Extended Production Committee Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe and Vice-Chairman Minister for Livestock & Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein reported on inspection tours of states and divisions and progress of works.

The Secretary-2 then gave necessary instructions. The Secretary-2 and party went to Aung Hlaing Moe chicken sale centre of U Myint Shein-Daw Than Than Myint in Ywama West Ward in Insein Township.

U Myint Shein reported on breeding and distribution of RIR chicken and hatcheries. Chairman of chicken breeding and distribution sub-committee Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan reported on arrangements for providing feedstuff and reducing prices of pedigree chicken.

The Secretary-2 then gave instructions. At 11 am, the Secretary-2 and party went to Maung Maung Than poultry farm on Phanset Street in Ywama West Ward in Insein Township and inspected it. U Maung Maung Than reported on distribution of RIR chickens and arrangements for reducing prices. The Secretary-2 then gave instructions. Thence, the Secretary-2 and party proceeded to poultry farm of Livestock, Feedstuff and Dairy Product Enterprise in Pyinmabin, Mingaladon Township.

The Secretary-2 inspected breeding of foreign species of chicken. Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein reported on establishment of the farm and research works. General Manager of LFDPE U Than Shwe reported on tasks on breeding of RIR chicken. New species of chicken suitable for Myanma soil and climate are being raised on experimental scale at the Pyinmabin farm.

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( 3 ) Newly-found fossilized remains of Pondaungia Primates provide more significant evidence
Myanmar, French scholars, palaeontologists, geologists carry out exploration, research on new finds

Yangon, 28 Jan -A team of French palaeontologists, and the scholars and geologists of the Office of Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education discovered more highly significant fossilized remains of the anthropoid primates during their expedition and exploration in the vicinity of Bahin Village and Magyeegan Village in Myaing Township, Magway Division, and Mogaung Village, Pale Township, Sagaing Division, from 5 to 24 January 2001.

The fresh finds include a full-fledged right lower jaw of the Pondaungia bearing one canine, three front molars and three rear molars, and one piece of the left arm-bone measured at 8-9 centimetres in length of the Pondaungia Primate in the vicinity of Bahin Village, one molar of the lower jaw of the Pondaungia Primate in the vicinity of Mogaung Village.

One right lower jaw bone of the Pondaungia Primate was found near Mogaung Village in 1998. Though both the formerly-and newly-found right lower jaw bones are equal in size, the new one is found to be slightly more solid with more teeth. The molar also unearthed in the vicinity of Mogaung Village is found to be that of a younger primate with more significant evidence than the earlier finds of the same category, providing more clues for better classification.

In addition to the fossilized remains of the Pondaungia Primates, the combined team of scholars and palaeontologists also unearthed the jaws of the anthracotheriidae, a pair of left and right lower jaws of the brontotheriidae and rhinocerotidae, the jaw of the tragulid, molars of the carnivore, the jaw and teeth of the rodent, the jaw and teeth of the lizard, a pair of left and right lower jaws of the turtle, and the jaw and teeth of the crocodile. The new finds provide better evidences than the former ones.

Professor Dr Jean Jacques Jaeger of Montpellier University led the team comprising Dr Bernard Marandat, Dr Yaowalak Chaimanee, Mr Gregoire Metais and Mr Rodolphe Tabuce of France arrived in Yangon on 4 January this year on a mission to explore fossilized remains in the vicinity of Bahin and Magyeegan Villages, Myaing Township, Magway Division, and Mogaung Village, Pale Township, Sagaing Division. They got down to the task together with the scholars and geologists of the Office of Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Defence, and the geologists of the Ministry of Education from 5 to 24 January.

The Office of Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Defence has started exploration and study of the fossils of the Pondaungia Primates as early as March in 1997 together with the geologists of the Ministry of Education. The scholars and geologists unearthed the fossilized remains of the Primates in Pondaung area and have found evidences as to the existence of the Anthropoid Primates, the origin of human beings, in Pondaung area. Myanmar scholars and geologists cooperated with French palaeontologists in 1998, and the combined teams toured and explored the area, and carried out research on the finds. The team of French palaeontologists, and the scholars carried out research at the National Museum till today. They are returning home tomorrow.

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( 4 ) Chinese delegation arrives

Yangon, 28 Jan- An 11-member delegation of the National People's Congress (NPC) of the People's Republic of China led by member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) and Vice-Chairman of the NPC Foreign Affairs Committee Mr Xu Dunxin arrived here by air this morning. The delegation was welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Chinese Ambassador Mr Liang Dong and staff of the Chinese Embassy and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Xu Dunxin was accompanied by member of NPC Education, Science, Culture and Public Health Committee and Vice-Chairman of the Beijing Municipal People's Congress Mr Tao Xiping, Vice-Chairman of the Ninxia People's Congress Mr Ma Changyi, Vice-Chairman of the Qinhai Provincial People's Congress Mr Gesang Duojie, Vice-Chairman of the Hangzhou Municipal People's Congress Mr Jiang Fudi and officials from the NPC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.

The Chinese delegation called on Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win at his office at 2 pm and discussed matters of mutual interest. At 3 pm, it called on Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win hosted dinner at Kandawgyi Karaweik Palace in honour of the visiting delegation.

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( 5 ) Ovada sought for all-round renovation, Shwehtidaw hoisting of Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda

Yangon, 28 Jan-Ovadacariya Kyaikhti-hsaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhammajoticadhaja Bhaddanta Panadipa gave counsel on all-round renovation of Hsandawshin Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda and hoisting of Htidaw at his Zotethoke Village monastery in Bilin Township yesterday. Present on the occasion were Chairman of the Work Committee for all-round renovation of Hsandawshin Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda and hoisting of Htidaw Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Vice-Chairman Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge, Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Khin Shwe, Chairman of Bilin Township Peace and Development Council U Khin Zaw and officials.

Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko said committees at different levels were formed to carry out works for all-round renovation of Hsandawshin Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda and hoisting of Htidaw.

He spoke on arrangements to hoist Htidaw of the pagoda during the month of Tabaung and to keep jewels donated at the pagoda by the people in Kyaikhtoyo Museum in Kyaikhto Township. Deputy Minister U Nyi Hla Nge reported on hoisting of the Htidaw, offering Shwethingan and laying of floor on the pagoda platform. Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw then gave counsel. Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Khin Shwe-Daw San San Kywe and family presented five viss of gold, Thiha Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Thein Win and wife Thiha Thudhamma Theingi Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Ni of Shwe Thanlwin Co one viss of gold and U Ohn Myint-Daw San Myint one viss of gold.

The deputy ministers accepted the gold. The deputy ministers and party and Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw visited Kyaikhtihsaung Pagoda, Kyaikdaiyon Pagoda, Varuna Nagaraza Htupa Pagoda, Kaylatha Pagoda and Myathabeik Pagoda. They inspected renovation of the pagodas and wellwishers donated cash to the Sayadaw.

The deputy ministers and regional authorities discussed works for all-round renovation of Hsandawshin Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda and hoisting of Htidaw. With the counsel of State Ovadacariya Sayadaws, the Myanma Gems Enterprise has refined the old gold plates and gold leaves of the pagoda to be offered again as the Shwthingan.

The pagoda trustees have kept 64 bullion's weighing 19.4518 viss obtained by refining gold leaves in wax-sealed and locked boxes. The boxes are being kept in the large iron boxes which have been locked and wax-sealed. These large boxes are temporarily kept in the fire-proof vault of MGE. Refined gold and today's gold donations will be used in the Shwethingan offering of Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda in the month of Tabaung. The deputy ministers inspected arrangements to replace flooring and preparations for hoisting of Htidaw and offering Shwethingan.

Minister inspects all-round renovation of Pawdawmu (Shinphyu) Buddha Image in Padaung

Yangon, 28 Jan-Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing together with officials inspected construction of all-round renovation of Pawdawmu (Shinphyu) Buddha Image in Padaung, Pyay District, Bago Division (West), on 26 January. The minister heard reports on completion of building the archway of the Image, lion statue and Gandakutitaik by Engineer of Tawwin Construction Co U Soe Thein. Then, member of the Board of Trustees U Mya Khaing reported on financial statement and the minister fulfilled the requirements. The historic marble Image is 5 feet 1 inch in height and it was carved in the time of King Alaungsithu. All-round renovation of religious edifices is under way.

Htidaw hoisting ceremony of Shwezigon Pagoda in Thaton held

Yangon, 28 Jan-A ceremony to hoist the Seinphudaw, Htidaw and Hnatmyatngadaw atop the Atula Shwezigon Pagoda in Thaton, Mon State was held this morning, attended by Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, local authorities, invited guests and people. The congregation received the Nine Precepts from member of the State Sangha Mahanayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita. The Minister together with the public conveyed the Seinphudaw (diamond orb), Htidaw (sacred umbrella) and Hnatmyatngadaw around the pagoda clockwise. At the auspicious time, Teingya Htidaw Hoisting Association conveyed the Seinphudaw, Htidaw and Hnatmyatngadaw atop the pagoda. The members of the Sangha consecrated the pagoda, followed by sharing of merits gained and the ceremony to an end. The Minister and party offer  " soon " to the members of the Sangha.

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( 6 ) Minister inspects factories in Thanlyin

Yangon, 28 Jan- For boosting production and exceeding the target of factories of the Ministry of Industry-1 in 2000-2001 fiscal year, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win and departmental officials, inspected factories in Thanlyin Township today.

The minister arrived at Glass Factory in Thanlyin this morning and inspected storage of diesel and white and black sand, the Sodium Silicate Factory and the site chosen for construction of Bottle Factory. The minister gave necessary instructions. Then, the minister inspected production process of the factory. Officials reported on measures for fire prevention and placement of machines. Afterwards, the minister went to Plastics Packaging Factory of Myanma General and Maintenance Industries on Thilawa Road and inspected the factory.

At the Corrugated Iron Sheet Factory, the minister inspected production process. At 10.30 am, the minister proceeded to No 2 Shoe Factory and met officials at the briefing hall. At noon, the minister inspected Paper Packaging Factory and left necessary instructions. At 1 pm, the minister inspected No 19 Garment Factory of Myanma Textile Industries.

H& T Minister inspects hotels in Tachilek

Yangon, 28 Jan-Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin together with officials inspected Allure Resort Hotel Project being developed with cent per cent investment by Myanmar Allure Co Ltd in Tachilek yesterday. The minister gave instructions to the officials. Then, the minister met with departmental personnel, hoteliers and entrepreneurs of tourism services at the meeting hall of Golden Triangle Hotel in Tachilek, and left necessary instructions. The minister also inspected Strand Hotel, Golden Lake Hotel and Elephant Hotel there.

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( 7 ) Khittaya Association holds annual meeting

Yangon, 28 Jan- The respect-paying ceremony, the ceremony to honour literary award winners and the annual meeting of Khittaya Association was held at its Dhammayon, east of Shwedagon Pagoda this morning. Honorary Patron of the association Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing paid homage to aged persons and presented certificates of honour to those who won National Literary Award and Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award. Minister Col Tin Hlaing gave a speech and presented gifts for all aged persons to Division Commissioner (Retd) U Sein Chaw. Then, Col Tin Hlaing presented certificates of honour and gifts to National Literary Award winner U Than Oo and Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award winner U Ba Tint. Afterwards, Minister Col Tin Hlaing-Daw Khin Hla Hla and family and President of Myanmar Rice Millers Association U Win Myint presented K 100,000 each to the officials. Next, the prize presentation ceremony for the outstanding students was held.

Manipur cultural entertainment

Yangon, 28 Jan-Under the cultural exchange programme between Myanmar and India, Manipur cultural troupe from India, presented entertainment for the final day at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street, here this evening sponsored by Embassy of India in commemoration of the 52nd Founding Anniversary of the Republic of India. It was attended by the director-general of Fine Arts Department and departmental officials, Indian Ambassador Mr Shayam Saran and embassy staff, the Ambassadors and Charge d' Affaires ai in Yangon, distinguished guests and people. The troupe will present entertainment programme at the National Theatre in Mandalay tomorrow.

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