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

YANGON, 30 May- Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Stipe Mesic, President of the Republic of Croatia, on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Croatia which falls on 30 May 2001.

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(2) Largest number of irrigation facilities built in Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway Divisions to boost paddy,  cotton, beans and pulses and oil crops production

Secretary-1 urges officials, farmers to strive for progress of dry zone

YANGON, 29 May-Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt
together with member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace  and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the ministers, the Chief  of Staff (Air), the deputy ministers, Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col  Zaw Min and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments left Bagan- NyaungU by helicopter on 28 May and arrived at Myoshay Basic Education Middle School in Kyauk- padaung Township at 8.15 am.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone, Brig-Gen Than Tun of  Kyaukpadaung Station, Chairman of Myingyan District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Ye Swe,  Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Kyaw Win, departmental officials, teachers,  students and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association.

Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected multimedia
teaching centre of Myoshay BEMS and gave instructions.

The Secretary-1 presented teaching aids, and stationery for the centre to Headmistress Daw Ni.

The Secretary-1 and party attended a ceremony to mark the 30th anniversary of Maha Aungmye Yadana  Sarthintaik and to share merits for donation of Bodhi Yadana Dhammasalla Dhammayon in
Kyaukpadaung.

The Secretary-1 and party went to Mount Popa and inspected lodgings of Popa mountain resort.

Minister U Aung Phone and officials reported on construction of five units namely, Teak, Padauk,
Pyinkadoe, Yinma and Hnaw and well-furnished rooms of the houses.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected the hall where meetings and conferences can be held and construction  of messes. The Secretary-1 gave instructions.

The Secretary-1 and party went to Tawma Village in Singaing Township, Kyaukse District by helicopter.  They were welcomed by Mayor of Mandalay Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Commander of Central  Command Brig-Gen Nay Win, Chairman of Kyaukse District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col  Aung Kyi Shein and officials.

At the briefing hall, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint reported on selection of land to implement
construction task in the village for development of Kyaukse District.  The Secretary-1 gave instructions  and approved the choice of land. The Secretary-1 inspected development of Tawma Village and dispensary and donated medicines.

The Secretary-1 and party went to Kyaukse People's Hospital where they were welcomed by Head of  Mandalay Division Health Department Dr Than Tun Oo, Head of District Health Department and Medical  Superintendent Dr Maung Maung and specialists. Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint reported on selection  of land for construction of extension of the hospital. The secretary-1 gave instructions and chose the site.  Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs U Kyaw Tin  reported on Kyaukse Urban Development Project to be implemented and the Secretary-1 then gave  necessary instructions.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected the land chosen for construction of an annex to the hospital. The  Secretary-1 and party inspected preparations for nurturing of technicians and intelligentsia and human  resource development. The Secretary-1 and party inspected construction of classrooms for No 3 Basic  Education High School in Kyaukse Township.

The Secretary-1 greeted the school head, teachers and students. The Secretary-1 and party went to
Meiktila by helicopter where they were welcomed by Commander of No 99 LID Brig-Gen Htay Oo, Col  Thura Khin Maung Win, Col Myat Hein and Col Aung Ba Yu of Meiktila Station. The Secretary-1 and  party inspected the land chosen for construction work near Inpetlet Village and Wunzin Ward for  development of Meiktila district. The commander and officials reported on work done for human resource  development.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions on completion of the projects and requirements. The Secretary-1
inspected construction projects. The Secretary-1 and party met industrialists in Meiktila Industrial Zone.  The commander reported on establishment of the zone and undertakings. The industrialists reported on  work and requirements. The Secretary-1 fulfilled the requirements.

In meeting with the industrialists and officials, the Secretary-1 said he came to the zone to provide
assistance to the industrialists. Efforts are to be made for manufacturing machines that can be used for  commodity production instead of producing personal goods, he said. He said Mandalay Industrial Zone  has successfully manufactured soap production equipment, spare parts and other equipment and urged the  industrialists in Meiktila Industrial Zone to try to produce such equipment.

He said investments should be used more on machines and not much on construction of factory and
buildings. He spoke of the need for the industrialists to produce better equipment in cooperation with the  technicians, Meiktila Industrial Zone Development Supervisory Committee and regional authorities. The  Secretary-1 and party then inspected the products of the Meiktila Industrial Zone, which were, machine  parts, auto parts, auto repair tools, farm machinery, steel and plastic products, textiles, paper, social goods, paddy threshers and cars.

At Seinletwa Garment Factory, the Secretary-1 and party inspected raw materials, finished products and  the production process. This morning, they visited the 20-bed eye ward in Meiktila District People's  Hospital. At the meeting hall, they met division, district and township medical officers and health staff.  Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe, Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo and officials  explained points of the hospital.

Health officials and eye specialists explained conducting tours of the rural areas by medical-expert teams,  diseases control, combat against diseases, clean water supply, building of fly-proof latrines, setting up of  health trust funds and the condition of the common diseases in the region. Commander Maj-Gen Ye  Myint and Deputy Minister Prof Dr Mya Oo gave supplementary reports. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt  looked into their requirements, speaking of the need to systematically and effectively provide health care  services.

He said as the specialist teams are gaining success in conducting health care tours in the rural areas, such  tours should be extended nationwide. He also stressed the need to extend the use of traditional medicine,  to collect correct data on outbreak of diseases and to take preventive measures against tropical diseases.

The Secretary-1 and party then inspected the eye ward and the operation theatre. At Kandawmingala Hall  in Meiktila, the Secretary-1 and party met local authorities of Meiktila District and Meiktila, Mahline,  Wandwin and Thazi Townships, departmental personnel and members of social organizations. Chairman  of Meiktila District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myo Myint reported to the Secretary-1 and  party on the area of the district and the townships, population, rainfall, cultivation and production of  monsoon and summer paddy and edible oil crops, efforts to ensure regional rice sufficiency, regional  economic progress, opening of multi-media teaching centres at basic education schools, communication  requirements and water supply, joined in by the commander.

The Secretary-1 said he and his party came to Meiktila District to provide assistance to the regional
development undertakings including the agricultural, education and health sectors. They have also
rendered assistance to the progress of Bagan-NyaungU, Kyaukpadaung and Kyaukse regions before  arriving in Meiktila District, he said. Located in the central Myanmar, Meiktila District is one of the nation's commercial hubs.

The State is taking necessary measures to supply adequate water for irrigation to extend cultivation of  paddy, cotton and beans and pulses to ensure regional food sufficiency. It is required to seek means to  extend agricultural land and to boost paddy production in accord with the State's objectives.

Officials should provide assistance to farmers to extend cultivation of edible oil crops in the region. Cotton  is required as the raw material for the textile and garment factories and for export. As the nation is  importing cooking oil, edible oil crops are also the import-substitute crops. Efforts should be made to  extend cultivation of beans and pulses which have markets abroad. The largest number of irrigation  facilities have been built in Sagaing, Mandalay and Magway Divisions as cotton, beans and pulses and  edible oil crops can earn much foreign exchange. In April, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe  opened the Thaphanseik Dam in Sagaing Division, which is the largest dam in Myanmar.

As a response to the goodwill of the State which is spending large amounts of money to build irrigation  facilities for socio-economic progress of farmers and the regional people, and for the uplift of the living  standards and regional and national economic development, the farmers should make energetic efforts and  the departments should provide assistance from the respective sectors.

In accord with the guidance of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General  Than Shwe the high level officials and the local authorities are implementing tasks for progress of  agriculture, transport, education, health and social sectors of the districts and major towns located in the  economic centres in the dry zone. Heads of department and the local people should strive to materialize  the goals and the goodwill of the State.

In addition to building adequate number of irrigation facilities in the regions which once were dry, the
rain has also come to the every of the regions; thus, a modern and developed nation will emerge soon if  the farmers should take this opportunity and work with perseverance and the departmental personnel  should render assistance with zeal. All the national people should be thrifty at a time when the nation is  being developed on all fronts. The departmental personnel should also apply thrifty methods and reduce  wastage in implementing nation-building projects. The Secretary-1 and party arrived back Yangon by air  in the afternoon.

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(3)  Dry zone greening tasks being implemented to arrest desertification, deforestation, watershed area  depletion

Secretary-1 meets Forestry Ministry staff

YANGON, 29 May- The Ministry of Forestry held a coordination meeting to implement work plans in  2001-2002 fiscal year at the Myanma Timber Trade Centre on Shwetaunggya Road in Bahan Township  this evening, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin  Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and
Development Council Office, heads of departments and enterprises under the Ministry of Forestry,
directors of offices of State and Division Forest Departments and Dry Zone Greening Department, deputy  general managers of State and Division Myanma Timber Enterprise and officials.

Director-General Dr Kyaw Tint of Forest Department reported on setting up of forest plantations, boosting  production, regeneration of forests in watershed areas of dams, conducting of teak tissue culture, timber  certification and future tasks.

Director-General U Tun Tun of DZGD reported on four main functions of the department establishment  of fuel wood plantations, use of wood-substitute fuel, implementation of water, greening of mountain  slopes and future tasks.

Then, Director-General U Maung Maung Tin of Survey Department reported on efforts being made for  utilization of Universal Transverse Mercator Projection System-UTM, drawing of modern digital maps,  tasks being undertaken till May 2001 and future tasks.

Managing Director U Win Tun of Myanma Timber Enterprise reported on  production of teak and
hardwood and foreign exchange revenues in 2000-2001 financial year, timber distribution for local use  and plans to be implemented.

Managing Director U Sein Win of Forestry Products Joint Venture Corporation Ltd reported on forming  of the Forestry Products Joint Venture Corporation Ltd, tasks being carried out, export and local  distribution, sales of woods as industrial raw materials, financial matters, extended plans and future tasks.

Then, Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone reported on GDP of 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 financial years,  matters concerning income targets, supervision of the ministry in implementing tasks of departments,  enterprises and the joint venture corporation in cooperation with other ministries.

After hearing reports, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said success has been achieved in striving for all- round development of the nation, as the national objectives and projects have been laid down and  implemented systematically, with the firm determination to meet the progress limit within the time  schedule, for harmonious progress of the national forces, which are, the nation's natural resources, the productivity and human resources.

Throughout the successive eras, priority has been given to ensuring systematic management and
production in the forestry sector which can give much support to the nation's economic life as the nation's  forests are thriving with various kinds of valuable trees including Myanmar teak. As the forestry sector  has been playing an important role since ancient Myanmar kings, all the officials should strive for the  sector to maintain its status.

Due to the systematic efforts, the nation's forestry management system is still modern and also the forest  sector one can stand as the important sector for national economic progress and as the reliable one for  earning foreign exchange. The duties of today's forestry sector are not merely for timber extraction.

It is important for the sector to develop the forestry technology and knowledge in combination with the  tasks to prevent forest depletion, to increase forest cover in the entire nation, to conserve the environment,  to control climate changes, to balance the natural environmental situation and to restore biodiversity for  progress of the nation's natural environmental conditions. While implementing the environmental  conservation and ensuring favourable climate, the forestry sector should strive to fulfil the food, clothing,  shelter and social needs including progress of the agriculture, thriving of edible and fruit plants and fuel- wood trees and clean water supply.

On the other hand, the conditions are favourable for the Ministry of Forestry which is conducting
environmental and biodiversity protection and the development of eco-tourism in conjunction with the  preservation of natural resources such as the nature and wildlife. All the ministry staff should strive with  the firm conviction that their task can effectively assist the State in implementing its nation-building tasks  in strengthening the nation's socio-economic life and social development objectives. In the third short- term five-year plan beginning 2000-2001, the objectives  regular production of forest products especially  teak, prevention of forest depletion and environmental conservation  have been laid down.

In designating six percent rise in the Gross Domestic Product, the progress of the forestry sector is
projected at 2.1 percent. The targeted rise in the annual average value of the forest products and finished  wood products is 5.4 percent. Thus, the Forest Department needs to strive to extend forest plantations,  while conducting systematic forest management in order to maintain the Annual Allowable Cut.

The FD should use quality seeds and effective methods to extend 20,000 acres of special plantations  annually. Systematic management is required to extend teak plantations, to launch value-added projects,  to expand forest reserved areas and to curb illegal logging in order to maintain AAC.

Effectiveness is needed in implementing the sustainable forest management to acquire timber certification  which is a requirement in international timber markets. Long-term projects should be laid down to  disseminate forestry science, to acquire new forest management techniques, to apply e-forestry science and  to produce new generation experts and skilled workers. Priority should be given to studying harmonious  extension of forest plantations to protect watershed areas.

As both the FD and Dry Zone Greening Department are responsible for setting up forest plantations in  watershed areas, they should implement the task in coordination and harmony. The dry zone greening  tasks is being implemented with long-term objectives to arrest desertification, deforestation and depletion  of watershed areas in accord with the farsighted guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe.

The Senior General has also given guidance on applying five methods to develop the rural areas, home to  over 60 percent of the population. Thus DZGD should also strive to ensure clean water supply to rural  areas of the other regions in addition to its normal task. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on tasks to be carried out by the Ministry of Forestry for greening of the regions.

He spoke on planting of trees in Anya regions to control climate and maintain soil and to prevent soil
erosion. The Secretary-1 said tasks on digging of lakes, setting up catchment areas, planting trees,
greening of the regions and conservation of environment are to be carried out for bringing about economic  enterprises including availability of water and cultivation in accord with the guidance of the Head of State.  He spoke of the need for Myanma Timber Enterprise, foreign exchange earner, to perform its functions in  conformity with the objectives of the State at a time when forest conservation is being undertaken.

He said it is necessary for MTE to seek ways to increase income, to cooperate in maintenance of AAC, to  earn foreign exchange from other hardwood besides teak and to sell value-added finished products after  conducting market research. The government assigned duties to earn foreign exchange and to fulfil local  consumption and arrangements are to be made for timber extraction and local and foreign sales to be harmonious, he added. He said the government has gained benefits from transfer of forest products  factories, wood-based factories, joint venture with the private sector and profit-sharing system in timber  extraction.

Efforts are to be made for progress of work, he said. The Secretary-1 expressed his satisfaction for
performance of Forest Products Joint Venture Corporation, the most successful enterprise in joint venture  with the Ministry of Forestry. He urged members of the board of directors of FPJVC to hold coordination  on management, book-keeping and assignment of duties in accord with rules and regulations.

The Secretary-1 spoke at length on change of practice of Universal Transverse Mercator Projection
System (UTM) from Lambert Projection system at Survey Department since August 2000, establishment  of links for International WGS-84 Network and target for drawing of 1,112 digital maps in six years. He  said drawing of modern maps that can link international community is an important task not only for  economic and social development of the country but also for security and defence of the State.

He said systematic arrangements are to be made for border demarcation and maintenance of boundary  pillars with the use of high technology and modern equipment. Production of internationally-recognized  maps will effectively bring about safeguarding and promotion of national interest, he added. He urged the Ministry of Forestry to use modern equipment and techniques, to make endeavours to achieve its  objectives and to realize national economic objectives, to carry out the tasks for forest conservation and  extended cultivation of trees and to organize the people and to participate in greening of the region,  environment and conservation of forest in coordination with other ministries and social organizations.

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(4) 30th anniversary ceremony of Maha Aungmye Yadana Sarthintaik, merits sharing of Bawdi Yadana Dhammasala Dhammayon, opening of Sasana Beikmandaw held in Kyaukpadaung

YANGON, 29 May- A ceremony to mark the 30th anniversary of Maha Aungmye Yadana Sarthintaik  and to share merits for Bodhi Yadana Dhammasalla Dhammayon was held at the Dhammayon  in  Kyaukpadaung Township, Myingyan District, Mandalay Division, yesterday morning, attended by  Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja  Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara,  Presiding Nayaka of Maha Aungmye Yadana Sarthintaik Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Alodawpyi  Sayadaw Bhad-danta Ariyavamsa and 45 members of the Sangha, member of the State Peace and  Development Council Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of  Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the ministers, the Chief of Staff (Air), the deputy ministers,  Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min, heads of the State Peace  and Development Council Office and departments concerned, departmental officials of Myingyan District  and Kyaukpadaung Township, wellwishers, disciples and local people.

The Secretary-1 and party and the congregation took the Five Precepts from Secretary Sayadaw
Bhaddanta Kumara.

On behalf of the Secretary-1, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko supplicated  on religious affairs. Then, members of the Sangha recited parittas. The Secretary-1 offered alms and  offertories to the Secretary Sayadaw. Afterwards, wellwishers of the Dhammayon U Aung Myaing-Daw  Khin Pyone Lwin donated provisions to members of the Sangha.

Disciples of the Alodawpyi Sayadaw donated cash towards the funds for Alodawpyi Dhammaçariya  University being built in Yangon. The Secretary-1 accepted K 1 million donated by wellwishers . The  Secretary Sayadaw delivered a sermon. Then, the Secretary-1 and party and the wellwishers shared merits  gained. Next, the Secretary-1 performed the rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the successful  completion of the ceremony.

After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party attended the opening ceremony of Kyaukpadaung Township  Dhamma Beikmandawgyi. Officials formally opened the Beikmandawgyi.  The Secretary-1 unveiled the  signboard of the Beikmandawgyi. Then, the Secretary-1 and party paid homage to the Secretary Sayadaw  and members of the Sangha and donated provisions to the Sayadaws.

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(5) Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt receives President of Keidanren Association and Marubeni Corporation

YANGON, 29 May-Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt
received President of Keidanren Association and Marubeni Corporation, Japan, Mr Iwao Toriumi who was currently here and party at the Guest House of Ministry of Defence at 3 p.m. today.

Also present at the call were Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Office Brig-Gen Abel, minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and Ambassador of Japan Mr Shigeru Tsumori.

Secretary-3 attends concluding ceremony of Basic Course on Cement Production

YANGON, 29 May-A ceremony to conclude Basic Course on Cement Production organized by Myanma Ceramic Industries, Ministry of Industry-1 was held at the guest hall of High Grade Firebrick Factory on Lower Mingaladon Road, Danyingon, Insein Township at 7 am today, attended by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Win Myint.

Also present were Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun,
directors-general and managing directors of departments and industries under the ministry, officials of
Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited and Myanmar Economic Corporation, course instructors and
trainees.

First, the Secretary-3 made a speech. Then, Managing Director U Than Shwe of Myanma Ceramic
Industries presented prizes to outstanding trainees and certificates to trainees. A total of 50 trainees 40 of UMEHL, two of MEC and ten of Cement Project of Myanma Ceramic Industries in Kyaukse attended the three-week course.

Afterwards, the Secretary-3 and party inspected high grade firebricks, low grade firebricks, firebricks manufactured for Kyangin and Thayet cement plants and firebricks for other industries displayed at the training hall.

Later, the Secretary-3 and party inspected production of high grade firebrick at Furnace Department and Forming Department.

Myanma Ceramic Industries, Ministry of Industry-1 has been manufacturing 900 tons of high grade
firebricks for industries yearly after construction of firebrick factory on the plot of four acre land on Lower Mingaladon Road, Tanyingon, Insein township.

Extension project of the factory is being implemented in cooperation with Diamaru Kogyo Ltd, Japan. The factory will be able to produce 1,800 tons of high grade firebrick. That will meet the need of industries. Moreover, high grade firebrick factory projects are being implemented in Kyaukse and Myinsaing Myohaung, Mandalay Division.

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(6)   SEAR Technical Consultative Group (TCG) Meeting on Polio Eradication launched

YANGON, 29 May- A ceremony to open the SEAR Technical Consultative Group (TCG) Meeting on Polio Eradication was held at the Traders Hotel at the corner of Sule Pagoda Road and Bogyoke Aung San Street at 2.30 p.m. today. Present on the occasion were Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint, Director of Medical Services of the Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Mya Thein Han, directors-general and deputy directors-general of departments under the Ministry of Health, officials of WHO Headquarters and SEA Regional Director's Office, UN agencies, local and foreign NGOs, representatives of international donor organizations and guests.

First, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein delivered an address. He said this meeting starting today is one of the important meetings hosted by Myanmar, which will serve as the forum for regional and global collaborative efforts working towards the common goal of polio eradication. Myanmar is striving towards the development of peaceful and developed modern nation. The State has laid down twelve objectives, political, economic and social.

One of the four social objectives is to uplift health, fitness and education standards of the entire nation. The State has endeavoured continuously to develop the health status of the people. Under the leadership and guidance of the National Health Committee, the Ministry of Health is trying to improve the health of the citizens in close cooperation and collaboration with related ministries, departments, UN agencies, national and international agencies and partners. During the 1970s and 1980s, People Health Plans were formulated and successfully implemented and basic health staff and community health volunteers had  delivered primary health care services.

One remarkable achievement was the universal child immunization programme for six childhood
diseases. Immunization services are one of the basic functions of rural and basic health infrastructure.
Smallpox was eradicated in Myanmar in 1970, seven years ahead of global eradication. As you all are aware, National Health Development activities are gaining momentum. In this context we are constructing new roads and bridges for facilitating better transport and communications. Better communication will enhance better access to less developed and developing regions especially the border areas. As peace and tranquillity prevails all over the country basic primary health care services, including immunization can now be delivered to the previously un-reached area and the under served population.

As communication to the border areas have become easier, more dispensaries and rural health centres have been opened. Areas previously covered only by crash immunization or by outreach services are now provided with regular and routine immunization services.

We initiated the Expanded Programme on Immunization in 1978 and since its implementation, it has
resulted in dramatic reduction of deaths due to vaccine preventable diseases. In line with the regional and global goals and targets, Myanmar is putting strong effort towards the goals of eradication of
poliomyelitis, elimination of neonatal tetanus, control of measles and maintenance of high level of
immunization coverage.

The State Peace and Development Council has given the highest political commitment, leadership and support to make the National Immunization Days a success. Due to the close collaborative efforts with United Nations Agencies such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF, the Government of Japan, Rotary International, CDC (Atlanta) and other NGOs, National Immunization Days have been highly successful for the past six years.

Voluntary work provided by members of the local NGOs contributed greatly towards the high level of coverage of NIDs all over the country. Surveillance system of acute flaccid paralysis has been well established by the year 2000, meeting the international standards. Our surveillance system was able to  detect wild polio-virus in northern Rakhine State which shares a common border with Bangladesh.

In this connection a series of cross border coordination meetings were held with neighbouring countries, that is, the People's Republic of China and Bangladesh to collaborate polio eradication activities in border areas in a synchronized manner. Now, mopping up campaigns are being conducted in other high-risk areas of the country. In this operation, the volunteers, who are local and indigenous people are actively involved, resulting in wider coverage of previously un-reached children. In Myanmar, the last case of wild virus isolated poliomyelitis case was detected in February 2000.

It is learnt that the South East Asia Region, in the year 2001, only very few cases of wild virus
poliomyelitis cases were detected. Therefore, we are approaching the goal of polio eradication. As we are approaching the goal we must put the greatest effort in our final assault on polio eradication. I hope this meeting will be fruitful and useful for developing future plan of actions and collaboration in our global efforts towards the eradication of poliomyelitis. In conclusion, the minister stressed need to share own experiences of participants and learn from the experiences of other member countries. Director Dr Palitha Abeykoon of WHO Director's Office read out the message of SEAR Director.

Then, Resident Representative of UNICEF Mr Bertrant Mendis and Acting Resident Representative of  WHO Dr Anton Fric gave speeches. Chairman of SEAR Technical Consultative Group Dr Prayura  Kunasol spoke words of thanks. Afterwards, ministers and guests viewed the exhibition in the hall. Technicians of WHO Headquarters and SEAR Director's Office and ASEAN member nations are attending the meeting which will last up to 31 May.

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(7) Commerce Minister meets Japanese guests

YANGON, 29 May-Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone met President Mr Msumikawa of 3 C Car Complex Co Ltd, Japan and party at his office at 4.30 p.m. today. The guests presented three sets of Nexterm computers to the minister who accepted the donation and spoke words of thanks. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, departmental heads and officials.

Minister receives Japanese guests

YANGON, 29 May- Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein received Chairman of
Keidanren Group Mr Iwao Toriumi and party of Japan at his office this afternoon. Also present at the call was Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung.

Minister inspects jetties and airport in Kawthoung

YANGON, 29 May-Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe accompanied by Deputy Minister U Pe Than and officials of Myanma Port Authority inspected Myoma Jetty and Taw Win Jetty in Kawthoung this afternoon and gave necessary instructions. Afterwards, the minister and party inspected Kawthoung Airport and left necessary instructions.

Minister welcomes delegates to MWVO Conference

YANGON, 29 May-Member of Central Organizing Committee of Myanmar War Veteran Organization Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, together with members of Sub- committees, MWVO, USDA, Myanmar Red Cross Society and Auxiliary Fire Brigade, welcomed the delegates from Rakhine State to Myanmar War Veteran Organization Conference at the airport this afternoon and took them to the hostels.

Minister for Industry-1 inspects Win Thuza Shops

YANGON, 29 May- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun and officials, arrived at 8th mile Win Thuza Shop in Mayangon Township at 8.45 am today and inspected the sale of garments, medicines, goods and foodstuff produced by Ministry of Industry-1. He arrived at Win Thuza Shop in Kyauktada Township at 9.30 am and inspected the sale of the products of Ministry of Industry-1 and warehouse of the shop. The minister gave instructions on systematic storage and distribution of goods, sales of goods with fair price and dealing with customers politely.
 
Myanma Insurance holds coord meeting

YANGON, 29 May-The coordination meeting for fiscal year 2001-2002 of township/district/division offices of Myanma Insurance was held at the meeting hall of Myanma Insurance (Central), with an address by Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun, Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung, Managing Director of Myanma Insurance Col Than Lwin, departmental heads and invited guests attended the meeting. The minister made an address at the meeting. The officials from township/district/division offices reported on task. The meeting continues tomorrow.

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(8) Coord meeting on display of Drugs Elimination Museum held

YANGON, 29 May- A coordination meeting on display of Drugs Elimination Museum was held at the museum in Kamayut Township this evening. Present were Secretary of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win, officials of  departments and NGOs and guests. The Secretary of CCDAC Director-General of MPF gave a speech. Director Police Col Sit Aye clarified on instructions of the Secetary-1 who inspected the museum on 22 May. Then, officials reported on their respective sectors. Later, the Secretary of CCDAC gave concluding remarks.

USDA CEC member attends opening of Management Multiplier Course

YANGON, 29 May-Member of Central Executive Committee of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San attended the opening of Management Multiplier Course No 1/2001 for USDA executives, organized by Falam District and township UDSAs in Chin State, held at the hall of the district USDA office on 26 may.

Also present on the occasion were the chairmen and members of district/township Peace and Development Councils, secretaries and executives of district/township USDAs, members of social organizations and trainees.

Secretary U Lal Thin Man of district USDA presented 4,572 membership applications to the CEC
member.

Then, USDA Central Executive Committee member U Aung San made a speech on objectives of opening the courses for member youths to be equipped with skills and ability to enable them to take part in  building a modern developed nation, participate in regional development and discharge respective duties precisely.

Altogether 40 trainees are attending the two-week course. After the ceremony, Minister U Aung San inspected the shop of Sanpya General Trading Cooperatives in Balai Ward and the shops of Falam General Trading Cooperatives in Fatauk Ward and gave instructions.
 
Fourth ISD Under-13 Soccer Tournament ends

YANGON, 29 May- The final match and the prize presentation ceremony of the Fourth Inter-
State/Division Under-13 Soccer Tournament, organized by Sports and Physical Education Department, were held at Youth Training Centre in Thuwunna this evening.

Present on the occasion were Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Vice-Chairman Director of Medical Services Brig-Gen Mya Thein Han, member of Leading Patron of the Myanmar Women’s Sports Federation Daw Aye Aye, Director-General of SPED U Thaung Htaik and officials. In the final match, Ayeyawady Division beat Kayah State 2-0. Then, the minister presneted prizes to the respective teams and winners.

Commander-in-Chief's (Air) Cup Football Championship opened

YANGON, 29 May-The opening ceremony of the Commander-in-Chief's (Air) Cup Football
Championship 2001 was held at the Sports Ground of Ground Training Base, Meiktila yesterday
afternoon. Commander Col Thura Khin Maung Win, on the Commander-in-Chief's (Air) behalf,
delivered a speech and opened the championship. Commander of Flying Training Base Col Myat Hein, senior officers from the Commander-in-Chief's Office, officials from Meiktila Station and Meiktila District Peace and Development Council, officials from Flying Training Base and Ground Training Base, officers and other ranks and players attended the ceremony. Altogether eight teams are taking part in the championship and Mingaladon Air Base played against Hmawby Air Base as an opening match.

Medical Seminar held in Mandalay

YANGON, 29 May-The Medical Seminar organized by the East Asiatic Co Ltd (Dumex) was held at Amarapura hall of the Sedona Hotel in Mandalay at 9 am on 27 May. Resident Manager U Peter Moe Kyaw of the company extended greetings and presented K 50,000 each to Myanmar Medical Association (Mandalay) and Mandalay Division Maternal and Child Welfare Association. Then, Consultant OG Dr Kenneth Kwek of Singapore discussed titles on Poisoning in Pregnancy, Professor Ong Lai Choo of Malaysia on Prevention and Treatment of Epilepsy Fit of Children, Ms Ho Fong of Singapore on Brain  Development of Children. Afterwards, the queries of the attendance were replied.

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(9)  Contraband monosodium glutamate, soft drinks destroyed

YANGON, 29 May- Security members searched Hsan Thit Kyaw and Tun Yadana motor boats anchored at Htidan Jetty in Kyimyindine Township on 7 March 2001.

The security members seized 250 bags containing Thailand-made spoon brand 100 one-pound contraband monosodium glutamate packets, 179 bags containing 50 one-pound red leaf brand contraband  monosodium glutamate packets and one bag containing 42 one-pound monosodium glutamate packets, totalling 33,992, and 10 cartons of red bull soft drinks each containing 96 cans totalling 960 from the motor boats. The contraband monosodium glutamate packets and soft drinks were destroyed in the  warehouse of Customs Department on 29 March and 23 May.

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