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

YANGON, 21 May - A coordination meeting on accelerating the development of Dagon Myothit Seikkan  Township was held at Kanaung Hall in Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of  the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt.

Also present were ministers, the Mayor of Yangon, deputy ministers, members of the committee for  developing  Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of  department and guests.

At the meeting, the Secretary-1 said that plans and projects for construction of State buildings are being   implemented with the aim of turning Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township into a highly-developed region of the  future State.

Previously, only Yuzana Garden City Project was implemented, and now the region is being built into a  highly- developed one. Accordingly, arrangements are being made to improve infrastructures such as  construction of  eight-lane roads, six-lane roads and drainage system and the growing of trees.

In conclusion, the Secretary-l urged the officials to make concerted efforts to complete all the tasks being carried  out, as scheduled.

Next, Mayor of Yangon U Ko Lay reported on arrangements for drainage system in Dagon Myothit  Seikkan  Township.

Head of Urban Planning and Land Management Department of Yangon City Development Committee U Tun Than  Tun reported on arrangements to upgrade roads, progress of work in building drains, greening work and water  supply, and Director of the Department for Human Settlement and Housing Development U Win Myint on the  planned lay-out of Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township.

Deputy Chief Engineer of Public Works U Aung Kyee Myint reported on the designs of State buildings to be  constructed in the township and plans to grow flowering plants and trees around these buildings.

Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun, Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe, Deputy Minister for  Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn Myint and officials gave supplementary reports. Later, the Secretary-l and party  inspected the layout plan of the township.

Deputy Director-General of DHSHD Col Tin Tun reported on completion of housing estate projects undertaken by  Dagon Myothit Township Development Company Ltd.

Then, Chairman of Zaykaba Construction Group U Khin Shwe reported on construction of hotels of  international  standard.

Then, a general round of discussions followed.

Afterwards, the Secretary-l spoke of the need for the officials to make necessary arrangements to construct State  buildings which are compatible with the highly-developed region.

He also called on the officials to carry out the tasks through coordination and cooperation.

After the meeting, the Secretary-l and party went to the construction site of Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge 2  linking  Dagon Myothit Township and Thanlyin Township.

In the briefing hall, Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe and Superintending Engineer U  Myint Lwin  reported on construction of the approach road and the main bridge and progress of work.

After that, the Secretary-1 inspected the construction work.

There are 12 piles for the approach bridge on the bank of Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township. Concrete-laying work  has been completed for 10 piles; there are 15 piles for the approach bridge on the bank of Thanlyin, and concrete-laying work has been done for eight piles.

Secretary-1 attends cornerstone-laying ceremony for high-class hotel in Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township

YANGON, 21 May-Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt  attended the ceremony of cornerstone-laying and main pile driving ceremony for a high-class hotel at the site chosen for construction of the hotel in Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township at 6.45 am today.

Also present on the occasion were ministers, the mayor, deputy ministers and officials from the State Peace and  Development Council Office, departmental heads, Chairman of Zaykaba Construction Group U Khin Shwe and  directors and invited guests.

First, the officials from ADPP Architects Group explained the design of the hotel.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party took position at designated places and the ceremony was opened with the three-time recitation of Namo Tassa.

Member of Myanmar Calendar Advisory Committee Sayagyi U Kyaw read out stone inscriptions.

Afterwards, the Secretary-l laid the casket containing nine gems. Then, the Secretary-l and the  ministers laid the  cornerstones.

The Secretary-1 sprinkled scented water on the casket and the stone plaque.

Afterwards, the Secretary-l and party took position at designated places to erect the main pile.

The Secretary-l pulled the lever to erect the main pile and sprinkled scented water on it.

The ceremony came to a close with the three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu.

Later, the Secretary-l performed the ritual of golden and silver showers to mark the successful completion of the ceremony.

Chairman U Khin Shwe reported to the Secretary-l and party on preparations for construction work. Deputy  Minister for Construction U Tint Swe and officials gave supplementary reports.

The Secretary-l gave necessary instructions and inspected the site chosen for the hotel.

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(2) Ambassadors, military attaches and local and foreign Journalists visit Mongyun and Kengtung

YANGON, 21 May - A 47-member study group left here by special aircraft for Mongyun region of Wa peace  group of eastern Shan State yesterday.

The study group comprised ambassadors of Cambodia, Malaysia and Japan headed by Dean of Diplomatic Corps  Ambassador of Laos, charge d' affairs ai of the US and Singapore embassies, 13  military attaches, the  representative of Drug Enforcement Agency of the US, the embassy liaison  officer of Australia Police Force, five  representatives of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club, two  reporters of Time magazine, six representatives of  foreign companies in Myanmar, two representatives of International Red Cross Society and four representatives of  the local media.

Deputy Chief of ROSS Deputy Director of Defense Services Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win saw the study group  off at the airport.

The study group was welcomed at Monghsat airport by Brig-Gen. Tun Tun of Monghsat Station, the  chairman of  Monghsat District Peace and Development Council and officials.

Then, the study group proceeded to Mongyun region of Wa Special Region 2 by helicopter. The study group was  welcomed by Wa national leader U Pauk Yu Ri, U Wai Saik Htan and Wa nationals.

In the briefing hall, U Khin Maung Myint of Wa peace group explained the background history of Mongyun  region, development tasks and future tasks.

He also said that Siamese news agencies are writing and spreading unfounded accusations that in Mongyun region,  narcotic drugs are being produced. High-ranking Siamese army officers alleged  that some buildings in Mongyun  region were narcotic drug refineries, referring to the satellite photos. Everybody can visit places they like to find  out whether these news reports are true or not. Those  who said so irresponsibly are invited to visit Mongyun  region. Wa peace group is doing its best to eradicate narcotic drugs by the year 20uS.

The study group observed the hydro-electric power station, the rice mill and rice/paddy warehouses which Siamese  news agencies alleged as drug refineries, lychee trees which have been cultivated as  an opium substitute crop and  summer paddy fields.

Wa peace group hosted a dinner in honour of the members of the study group.

Then, they went back to the briefing hall, and asked questions.

U Khin Maung Myint of Wa peace group replied to their questions.

In the evening, the study group helicoptered to Kengtung and visited Mongzin Livestock Breeding Farm of  Hongpan Livestock Breeding Development Ltd of Wa peace group.

U Law Win Chin in  charge of the pig farm reported on the work of Mongzin Livestock Breeding Farm and replied  to queries raised by the members of the study group.

Afterwards, the study group observed the pig farm, and went back to Kengtung.

They spent the night at the Kengtung Hotel.

They arrived back here this afternoon.

The study group was led by Director-General of Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thura U  Aung Htet, department heads of the Office of Strategic Studies and staff officers.

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(3) Industry-1 Minister meets PRC guests

YANGON, 21 May-Minister for Industry-l U Aung Thaung met Chief Executive Officer of Tianjin  Machinery  Import & Export Corporation (Group) of the People's Republic of China Mr. Ding Jianxin and party at his office at  9 am and Representatives of the President of China World Best Group Co  Ltd Mr. Jiang Chengxun and party at 4  p.m. today.

Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Thein Tun and directors-general and managing directors  of departments and Industries under the ministry.

Minister for Commerce meets officials of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of ROK

YANGON, 21 May-Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone met Deputy Director-General of Ministry of  Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea Mr. Kim Joong Keun and party at his  office this afternoon.

Present were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Kyaw Hsan, Director-General of Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye, Director-General of Border Trade Department U Nay Win, Managing Director of Myanma  Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and departmental officials.

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(4) National Convention Convening Commission meets

YANGON, 21 May-The National Convention Convening Commission held a meeting at the meeting hall of  NCCC Office at 2 p.m. today. Present on the occasion were Chairman of NCCC Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Vice  chairmen Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone and commission members.

Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Lwin made a speech at the meeting. National Convention Convening Work Committee  and National Convention Convening Management Committee reported on matters relating to National  Convention.

Members of National Convention Convening Commission took part in the discussions.

Afterwards, the meeting ended with concluding remarks by the Chairman.

Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida title recipient Sayadaw Bhaddanta Gandhamala Lankara honoured

YANGON, 21 MAY-A ceremony to honour Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida title recipient Sayadaw  Bhaddanta  Gandhamala Lankara and 23 outstanding Typeface Sayadaws was held at Typeface Kyaungdaw on Sagawa Road  in Dagon Township this afternoon.

Sayadaw Bhaddanta Gandhamala Lankara emerged as the fourth Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida title recipient  Sayadaw from Typeface Nikaya Missionary Upahtaka Board formed by Mingun Typeface Sayadawgyi.

Present were Ovadacariya Sayadaws led by Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Ovadacariya  Sayadaw of Typeface Nikaya Missionary Upahtaka Board Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru  Abhidhaja Agga Maha  Saddhammajotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife Daw  San Yon, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, heads of department, Chairman of Typeface Nikaya Missionary  Upahtaka Board (Main) Retired Ambassador U Aye Pe and executives and wellwishers.

The congregation received the Five Precepts from Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Member of Upahtaka Board U  Myo Nwe Swe read the brief biography of Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida title recipient Sayadaw Bhaddanta Gandhi  Lankara and Retired Ambassador U Aye Pe supplicated on religious  matters.

Honorary Patrons of Upahtaka Board, executives and wellwishers presented offertories to the Sayadaws.

Head of Pariyatti Department of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Agga Maha Pandita  Palithiroma Nivatamsaka (B.A) Bhaddanta Kumara Bhivamsa delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits.
 
Cash presented to medals and Good Public Service medals recipient employees of the Ministry of Construction

YANGON, 21 May-A ceremony to present cash to personnel of the Ministry of Construction who received  medals and Good Public Service medals were held at Public Works (Head Office) this afternoon.

Present were Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Deputy Ministers U Tint Swe and Brig-Gen. Myint  Thein, Managing Director of Public Works U Nay Soe Naing, Director of  Construction Inspection Department U  Soe Tint, Acting Director-General of Department of Human Settlement and  Housing Development Col Tin Tun,  superintending engineers of states and divisions, deputy superintending engineers and senior engineers.

A computer demonstration of Intergraph Co was also held.

Sales manager U Zaw Naing and technology supply manager U Win Ko Ko explained selection of axis and site for  construction of bridge and observation with the aid of satellite photos.

Next, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun spoke on the occasion.

The minister presented cash to superintending engineers of states and divisions for 90 service  personnel who  received honorary medals and Good Public Service medals.
 
Minister inspects Myitnge Carriage Shed

YANGON, 21 May-Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung inspected Myitnge Carriage  Shed and Myitnge  Bridge on 18 May.

The minister discussed curricula prescribed at Meiktila Training Centre with Managing Director of Myanma  Railways Col Min Swe, Principal U Win Aung, the general manager (Civil) of Myanma Railways, the general  manager (Mechanical), the general manager (Transport), lecturers and assistant lectures of Central Institute of  Transport and Communications and officials.

Myanmar to take part in Kunming Expo 2001

YANGON, 21 May-Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone attended the coordination meeting for Myanmar  to take part in Kunming Expo 2001 held at the ministry on Strand Road this morning.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Kyaw Hsan, Director-General of Directorate of  Trade U Nyunt Aye, Director-General of Border Trade Department U Nay Win, Managing Director of Myanma  Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung, directors- general and  managing directors from the ministries.

The minister urged the associations, which are allowed to take part in the exposition, to promote foreign   investment in Myanmar, to seek markets for Myanmar products, to cooperate for the promotion of friendship  between the two countries and to strictly abide by the rules and regulations of the host nation.

Director-General U Nyunt Aye explained facts about the exposition and the officials replied to the queries raised by  the entrepreneurs.

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(5) Vietnamese radio delegation concludes visit

YANGON, 21 May-The visiting delegation from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam led by Deputy Director Mr Le  Dinh Canh of Radio the Voice of Vietnam left Yangon for home this morning after  conclusion of the goodwill  visit.

Members of the delegation were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Di rector (BroadcastingX U Ko Ko  Htwe of Myanma Radio and Television, Deputy Director (Admin) U Maung Pe and departmental officials.

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(6) Ayeyawady Division Industrial Zone Supervisory Committee meets

YANGON, 21 May- Ayeyawady Division Industrial Zone Supervisory Committee held its coordination meeting  at the office of Division Peace and Development Council on 16 May.

Present at the meeting were Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development council Chairman South-West  Command Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and members, local authorities,  Head of Ayeyawady Division  Industrial Coordination and Inspection Department U Aye and chairmen of industrial zones, members of Industrial  Supervisory Committee, entrepreneurs and guests.

The commander gave a speech on the occasion.

The commander also attended the coordination meeting of Division Development Affairs Department at the same  venue. Director of Division Development Affairs Department U Ohn Nyunt and officials reported on the work  being carried out and future tasks.

Later, the commander urged the officials to make concerted efforts in implementing road and bridge  construction  projects, and fulfilled requirements.

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(7) Taunggyi erects billboard hailing MWVO Conference

YANGON, 21 May-A ceremony to erect a billboard hailing the Myanmar War Veterans Organization  Conference 2001 was held in front of Bogyoke Aung San Park on Bogyoke Aung San  Street, Thittaw Ward in  Taunggyi, Shan State this morning.

It was attended by member of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Shan State  Police  Command Police Col Thura Tin Hla and officials, district/ township level departmental officials, members of the  Union Solidarity and Development Association, WVO, Working Committee for Women's Affairs, MCWA, Fire  Brigade and local people totalling over 900.

Chairman of District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Ye Tun Sein, Chairman of township Peace and  Development Council U Bo Tu and member of township WVO U Myo Myint formally opened the bill-board.

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(8) 163 e-English Summer Courses launched in entire nation 

YANGON, 21 May-The ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Information has been  creating new learning environment with the use of electronic data broadcasting system at e-Education Learning  Centres all over the country.

Under the national education promotion programme, the e-English Summer Course was launched  at e-Education  Learning Centres in High Schools and Education Colleges today. The courses were broadcast from the main studio  of Myanmar Education Research Bureau from 9 am to noon except Sunday. It will continue till 31 May.

Interested students were attending the course at 163 learning centres all over the country-nine in Kachin State,  three in Kayin State, four in Chin State, 13 in Sagaing Division, six in Taninthayi Division, ten in Bago Division  (East), 11 in Bago Division (West), 12 in Magway Division, 21 in Mandalay Division, nine in Mon State, five in  Rakhine State, 32 in Yangon Division, six in Shan State (South), one  in Shan State (East), four in Shan State  (North) and 17 in Ayeyawady Division.

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(9) 3,000 kilos of Caffeine seized

YANGON, 21 May- Members of local intelligence unit and Tachilek Special Anti-Drug Squad found  unclaimed  120 packets each containing about 25 kilos of Caffeine, which bear Thai and English letters, in the bushes near the  plantation of U Jo Hsaung of Pahlyan-2 Village in Hongleik Village tract in Tachilek Township on 28 January.

Tachilek Police Station has taken action against the seizure under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances  Law.

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