( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Sri Lanka

Yangon, 4 Feb-On the occasion of the anniversary of the Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka which falls on 4 February 2001, His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to Her Excellency Madame Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 receives Chinese guests

Yangon, 3 Feb-Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) and Vice-Chairman of the NPC Foreign Affairs Committee Mr Xu Dunxin and party at the guest house of the Ministry of Defence at 4.30 pm today. Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and Ambassador of the People's Republic of China Mr Liang Dong.

Flourishing of national cultural arts manifests strong nationalism, great resolution, cooperation of people

Secretary-1 addresses concluding and opening of Myanmar Music and International Musical Notes Basic Courses

Yangon, 3 Feb-A ceremony to mark conclusion of International Musical Notes and World Music Basic Course No 2/2000 sponsored by Myanmar Music Asiayon in conjunction with the opening ceremony of Course No 3/2001 of the same kind was held at Myanmar Music Asiayon Building in Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township here this afternoon, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

It was also attended by the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials at the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, the chairmen and officials of social organizations, the chairman of MMA and executives and members, members of Course Supervisory Committee, course instructors, trainees who had completed the course and their families. First, medallist senior musicians presented tunes of olden times.

Then, Chairman of MMA Accordion Ohn Kyaw explained the purpose of the course and spoke words of thanks. The Secretary-1 expressed his pleasure for the fact that in addition to participation of musicians led by Myanmar Music Asiayon in the tasks for the preservation and safeguarding of national cultural arts, which are being carried out by the government in all seriousness, basic music courses have been opened one after another to propagate national arts.

He said that he is pleased with and delighted at seeing and hearing the gold medallist mandolin player and seasoned Myanmar guitar and banjo players performing at the beginning of the ceremony. In a bid to ensure the revival of Myanmar musical instruments such as mandolin, Myanmar guitar and banjo which are almost dying out, the government is making arrangements to include the mandolin competition in Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions next year, and seasoned musicians need to cooperate in this task.

To revive and develop traditional cultural arts necessitates the leadership and guidance of the government, participation of seasoned musicians and artistes, organizational work of Myanmar Music Asiayon, Myanmar Artistes Asiayon and Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon, the artistes'  to cherish and preserve traditional cultural arts and the support of the public. Therefore, the flourishing of national cultural arts manifests the strong nationalism, great resolution and cooperation and participation of the State and the people. It also reflects the prosperity of the nation, the high standard of citizens and their enjoying social bliss. In view of the music and arts world of today, it can be seen that the entire nation including urban and rural areas are filled with music; the social status of musicians and artistes are getting high. Musical arts fall into such classes as stereo songs, modern songs, old songs and

Myanmar classical songs, and the people are also encouraging and supporting the classes they are interested in. The development of musical arts shows that the measures taken by the government for the improvement of artistic life, social life and economic life of musicians and artistes thorough Myanmar Music Asiayon have been proved successful and effective. Due to efforts of Myanmar Music Asiayon and support and assistance of the government, the building of Myanmar Music Asiayon and Myananda Music Hall have been constructed successfully in so short a time.

In addition, Myanmar Music Asiayon, organizing those from the music world, has staged entertainment shows at national movements and ceremonies, and also has entertained local people in the rural areas and the Tatmadawmen; these activities have been recorded as fine traditions. The music courses conducted by Myanmar Music Asiayon are Myanma traditional performing arts course at which the basic facts of Maha Gita are taught, and the international musical notation course at which international music notes are taught; it can be said that efforts have been made to keep pace with the development trend of international music and at the same time, to preserve traditional cultural arts. In fact, knowledge about international musical notation is very necessary to make efforts to enable Myanma musical arts to develop in keeping with international musical arts. Only with the knowledge about international musical notation, international music can be studied and with the use of this knowledge, traditional music can be propagated to the world. Moreover, musical notation is necessary to put traditional cultural arts on record and it is very useful when heritage of traditional musical arts is handed over to the youths of new generation; therefore, the study and teaching of international musical notation is to be speeded up.

In the time of globalization, the preservation of national character and traditional cultural arts are national duties which are playing an increasingly larger role. In addition, with the advance in communication technology, there are instances of penetration of alien culture which is entirely different from traditional cultural traits. At the same time, incitements to spread alien culture among the youths of today for the economic benefits, are increasing in number. Under these circumstances, only when efforts based on patriotism and the spirit of safeguarding one's own lineage are made to safeguard and promote national culture, can national character be preserved intact, and will the nation be able to keep pace with the trend of international development. In the world today, as some nations did not happen to attach importance to uplift of traditional culture, their youths subjected to alien culture became uncontrollable; therefore, they are now attempting to preserve and uplift their traditional culture. It is encouraging to see that as traditional cultural traits and national cultural arts have been preserved constantly, national character is still in pristine condition and national cultural arts are flourishing.

However, as the uplift of traditional culture is a national duty to be performed with national awareness, the government, in collaboration with the entire national people, is carrying out plans designed to uplift national culture including Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions; in this regard, efforts are meeting with success. Myanmar Music Asiayon is actively taking part in this national movement, and the opening of basic music courses for the flourishing of cultural musical arts is a national effort which contributes greatly to national causes. Therefore, it is believed that these basic music courses will evoke in the youths of new generation the spirit of cherishing and going in for traditional cultural arts and the spirit of striving to be able to keep abreast with other nations. Myanma Music Asiayon also needs to organize musicians and artistes and to speed up efforts for the propagation and flourishing of cultural musical arts and the preservation and safeguarding of traditional musical arts.

All the musicians and artistes are to join hands with one another under the flag of Myanmar Music Asiayon as a untied national force and to strive for the flourishing of Myanma musical arts. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged all to work for the interests of the State and the people with their artistry and to strive for the flourishing and propagation of genuine cultural musical arts under the leadership of Myanmar Music Asiayon. The Secretary-1 presented cash prizes to Banjo U Maung Maung, Guitar U Tin, Pianist Maung Maung Tok, Mandolin Htay Aung Lay, Banjo U Wan Pe, Mandolin Mya Than Htaik, Banjo U Swe, Banjo U Tin Hlaing, Violinist U Soe Lwin, vocalists U Thet Swe and Phyu Thant Tun who participated in the gold medalists' entertainment programme.

Then, Chairman of Myanmar Music Asiayon Accordion U Ohn Kyaw presented certificates to trainee Daw Yin Yin Htay who accepted on behalf of all. The Secretary-1 presented first, second and third prizes to Daw Khin Thuza Nyunt, Ma Cho Cho Than Maung and Maung Zay Moe Thu in the Myanma and International Music Basic Course No 2/2000 respectively, special prize for youngest trainee to Ma Hsu Yi Ko Ko, 7, and special prize for playing piano to Ma Hsu Hsu Win Maung, 6. Ministers presented first and second prizes for xylophone, first and second prizes for piano event, first prize for organ event, first, second and third prizes to winners in the advanced Maha Gita singing event and the basic Maha Gita singing event, the Gita event, the international note event and special prizes to the above-60 and the youngest trainees. Then, Myanmar traditional and modern music were presented by the trainees.

Afterwards, Vice-Chairman of MMA Hinthada U Myint Ngwe and executives presented souvenirs to the Secretary-1. Later, the Secretary-1 posed for documentary photo together with instructors and trainees. Today's donations included K 110,000 and two organs by Chairman of Yuzana Co Ltd U Htay Myint and family, K 100,000 by Chairman of Zaykabar Co U Khin Shwe and family, K 110,000 by U Zaw Zaw Naing-Ma Yi Yi Myint of Maykhalar Co, an organ by Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, an organ by Myanma Radio and Television and cash by other wellwishers.

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( 3 )  Secretary-1 attends coordination meeting on promotion of development of Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township

Yangon, 3 Feb-A coordination meeting on promotion of development of Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township was held at Kanaung Hall in the 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 deputy commander, members of the committee for implementation of Dagon Myothit development project, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and guests.

The Secretary-1 said committees at different levels have been formed for promotion of development of Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township. In 1997, the Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development laid down the plan for construction of Dagon Myothit Garden City in cooperation with national private entrepreneurs. But the project was delayed due to financial crisis in Asia, he said.

He said construction work continued after economic recovery in the region. Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township is near downtown Yangon and takes up a strategic position. Transportation between the township and downtown Yangon has become easier after the opening of Maha Bandoola Bridge, he added. He said Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on carrying out the tasks for the development of Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township, providing assistance for the development of Yuzana Garden City and construction of buildings in the future. The tasks have been carried out after formation of the Committee for Promotion of Development of Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township and the layout plan of the township has been drafted. Now a detailed plan is being drawn, he added.

There will be State buildings in Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township according to the future plan and the township will become an important place for the State. The Secretary-1 called on all to coordinate work for the systematic implementation of the project. Deputy Director-General of DHSHD Col Tin Tun reported on matters related to the project site of Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township, Director (Civil) of DHSHD U Win Myint on the urban development project and Deputy Chief Engineer (Architect) of Public Works U Aung Kyee Myint on the layout of State buildings. Chairman of Zaykabar Co U Khin Shwe then reported on the layout plan of Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association building to be constructed in Thuwunna in Thingangyun Township. Deputy Director-General of DHSHD Col Tin Tun reported on the formation of Dagon Seikkan Township Development Co Ltd and construction of apartments. Those present took part in the discussions.

The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the Secretary-1. The Secretary-1 and party went to the site of Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge No-2 linking Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township and Thanlyin Township. They inspected piling work and construction of foundations of pillars. Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe reported on works. The Secretary-1 then gave instructions.

Secretary-1 attends merits-sharing ceremony for two-storey building of Myanmar-Kandy Monastery

vYangon, 3 Feb-The merits-sharing ceremony for two-storey Myanmar-Kandy building and four Buddha images was held at the building in Yuzana Garden City, Dagon Seikkan Township, Yangon Division, this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Present also were Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Aungmyay Bonsan Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panindabhivamsa, Secretary Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara and members Sayadaw, Myanmar-Kandy Monastery Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Sumanasagara and members of the Sangha, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka, heads of department, donor Chairman of Yuzana Construction Group Thirisudhamma Manijotadhara U Htay Myint and members, guests and disciples. Vice-Chairman Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannindabhivamsa administered the Five Precepts. The members of the Sangha recited parittas. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and the ministers presented offertories to the members of the Sangha.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt supplicated on religious affairs. Deputy Director-General of the Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development Col Tin Tun presented related documents of the building to Myanmar-Kandy Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sumanasagara. U Htay Myint, U Win Myint, U Lay Myint and U Kyin Toe offered new building, four Buddha images and alms to Myanmar-Kandy Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sumanansagara. Then, wellwisher U Htay Myint and party presented K 1.5 million to Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin for the trust fund of soon. Master of ceremonies Daw Than Than Win of Myanma Radio and Television supplicated on the donation. Secretary Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt performed the ritual of golden and silver showers to mark the successful conclusion of the ceremony. Afterwards, Myanmar-Kandy Kyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sumanasagara and Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt planted a Bo tree in front of the new two-storey building. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party offered soon to members of the Sangha.

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( 4 ) Myanmar-India cultural exchange agreement signed

Yangon, 3 Feb- Minister for Culture U Win Sein, accompanied by Director-General U Nyunt Han of Archaeology Department, Rector of Yangon University of Culture U Tin Soe and Rector of Mandalay University of Culture U San Win, left here by air on 24 January and arrived at Indira Ghandi International Airport in New Delhi of India at 7.30 pm local time after stopping over in Singapore. Ambassador of India U Tin Latt and Military Attaché Col San Lin and party welcomed the minister and party. On 25 January afternoon, the minister met with Minister of Culture and Tourism Mr Ananth Kumar and party and discussed matters on cultural exchange between the two countries.

At 1 pm, Minister U Win Sein and Minister Mr Ananth Kumar signed an agreement on cultural exchange between Myanmar and India. At 4.30 pm, the minister, together with Ambassador U Tin Latt and Counsellor U Soe Hlaing, met Indian Minister of External Affairs Mr Jaswant Singh at the latter's office.

At 6 pm, Minister U Win Sein, accompanied by Ambassador U Tin Latt and Counsellor U Soe Hlaing, called on Prime Minister Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee at his residence. At the call, the Indian Prime Minister welcomed Minister U Win Sein who thanked the host for giving him the opportunity to pay a courtesy call on him. Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe invited the Indian Prime Minister to pay a goodwill visit to the Union of Myanmar, he added. The host said he would like to visit Myanmar.

On 26 January, Minister U Win Sein and party attended the military parade in commemoration of the 51st Founding Anniversary of the Republic of India. At 3 pm, the Minister for Culture and party visited historic cultural sites. On 27 January, the minister and party visited Taj Mahall in Agra and the Agra Fort. On 28 January morning, the minister and party visited the National Museum in New Delhi. In the afternoon, they left for Aurangabad and put up at International Rama Hotel.

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( 5 ) Minister for Industry-1 inspects marble tile factory in Mawlamyine

Yangon, 3 Feb-Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Deputy Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Myo Hla and officials yesterday inspected marble tile factory of Myanma Ceramics Industries in Mupon Ward in Mawlamyine. The minister met officials and gave instructions on production and distribution of high quality marble tile and arrangements for mass production of decoration marble. Deputy Director of Industrial Coordination and Inspection Department in Mon State U Soe Myint reported on registration of industries and inspection. The minister discussed efforts for development of Mawlamyine industrial zone and inspection.

The minister inspected production of electricity-resistant materials for 11 KV and 33 KV generators at the ceramics factory in Mupon Ward. The factory produces various kinds of ceramic materials used in industries. The minister inspected No 4 Distillery of Myanma Foodstuff Industries in Mawlamyine. He discussed policies of the ministry and efforts for exceeding the targets of the distillery. The minister inspected Winthuza Shop at Myaing Yadana Department Store.

Minister inspects Asia Plaza Hotel

Yangon, 3 Feb-Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu and officials inspected Asia Plaza Hotel at the corner of Bogyoke Aung San Street and 38th Street yesterday evening. The ministry is making efforts to improve quality and standard of hotels and tourism. They were welcomed there and conducted round the hotel by Chairman of Asia Express (Yangon) Co Ltd U Maung Maung, Managing Director Dr Maung Maung Oo and officials. The Minister gave instructions on good catering and rendering good services in accord with the standard of the hotel and doing hotel business in accord with rules and regulations.

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( 6 ) Contract signed for distribution of pencils, colour pencils

Yangon, 3 Feb-A ceremony to enter into contract for distribution of pencils and colour pencils for students of basic education schools was held at the meeting hall of Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar) on Thaton Street here this morning. It was attended by Minister for Education U Than Aung, Deputy Minister U Myo Nyunt, the directors-general and the chairmen of departments and boards under the Ministry of Education, the deputy directors-general and the directors, Chairman of Myanmar Tokiwa Corporation Ltd Mr Naoyuki Soga and officials. Director-General of Education Planning and Training Department U Bo Win and Managing Director of Myanmar Tokiwa Corporation Ltd Mr Fumiyoshi Sakurai signed the contract. Chairman Mr Naoyuki Soga extended greetings. Myanmar Tokiwa Corporation in cooperation with the Ministry of Education is making investment on a mutually beneficial basis with Myanma Timber Enterprise of the Ministry of Forestry and it will distribute the quality stationery for 2001-2002 academic year.

Minister attends inauguration ceremonies of roads in Taunggyi

Yangon, 3 Feb- Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt attended the opening ceremony of tarred roads built on self-reliance basis by Taunggyi Township Development Affairs Department and the public, in Taunggyi this morning. First, Minister Col Thein Nyunt attended the opening ceremonies of Okpho Street on Myoma Ward,Taunggyi and four streets on Thittaw Ward this morning. Secretary of Shan State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Win Maung and Director of Shan State (South) DAD U Hla Myint formally opened the Okpho Street. Member of Shan State Peace and Development Council Shan State Commissioner U Ye Naing Aung and Chairman of District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Ye Tun Sein formally opened the new streets. Then, the minister inspected Myakantha lake, Myakantha nursery and Htithein lake and gave instructions. Minister Col Thein Nyunt also attended the opening ceremony of Kyaunghto Ketku (Mwedaw) village street. Present also were PaO national leader U Aung Kham Hti and departmental officials and local residents. The minister and U Aung Khan Hti inspected the street and paid homage to Ketku (Mwedaw) Pagoda.

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( 7 ) Minister inspects construction of Meza Bridge on Shwebo-Myintkyina Road

Yangon, 3 Feb-Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials inspected construction of Meza Bridge on Shwebo-Myitkyina Road on 1 February. At the briefing hall, Deputy Superintending Engineer U San Win of Special Bridge Construction Group-14 and Meza Bridge Construction In-charge Senior Engineer U Chit Ko Ko reported on progress of work and future tasks. The minister gave necessary instructions and further provided machinery that are required by the project. The minister and party inspected Shwebo-Myitkyina Road. At the mile-post 36/2, Sagaing Division Superintending Engineer U Kyaw Tint reported on progress of by pass road of Kyepin. At Dam in Kanbalu Township. The minister gave instructions on meeting the set standard to officials.

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