(1) Secretary-1 attends opening of Conference on Status, Trends and Priorities in Environmental Education and Research

YANGON, 7 June- The Opening Ceremony of the Conference on Status, Trends and Priorities in Environmental  Education and Research, organized by Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar) of the Ministry of  Education, was held at Diamond Jubilee Hall on Pyay Road this morning, with an address by Chairman of  Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were ministers, the chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, deputy  ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads, resident  representatives and officials of UN agencies, Executive Director Prof Dr Nay Dun of University for Peace, San  Jose, Costa Rica, local and foreign resource persons, rectors, pro-rectors of universities and officials. The  Secretary-1 said It gives me great pleasure to address the participants of the Conference on Status, Trends and  Priorities in Environmental Education and Research sponsored by the University of Yangon. We are facing  stunning changes in our environment. Agricultural lands have been degraded around the world by the build-up of
salts and the loss of nutrients.

A great part of the world's wetlands has been lost in the past century; coral reefs are endangered by human activity;  grasslands are suffering from soil degradation; dry lands are in danger of becoming deserts; and ground water is  being depleted everywhere. Our planet's capacity is beginning to diminish, endangering our economic well-being  and ultimately our survival. Ecosystems that temper climate, purify and store water, recycle wastes, produce food  and support all living things are being threatened. In brief, pollution of air and water, deforestation, soil erosion,  desertification, global warming, loss of plants and animal species have become the major concerns of our age. We
in Myanmar are most fortunate. Myanmar is rich in natural resources, diverse forest ecosystem and different types  of flora and fauna. We are making energetic efforts to keep our environment lush and green, sustainable for the  long term through the joint endeavour of the State, the people, environmentalists and scientists.

Myanmar's environment policy aims at achieving harmony and balance between its people, its cultural heritage, its  environment and its natural resources. This will be attained through the integration of environmental  considerations into the development process to enhance the quality of the life of all its citizens. We believe that it is  the responsibility of the state and every citizen to preserve its natural resources in the interest of present and future  generations. To this end, we have enacted new laws that will enhance environmental protection to replace the  outmoded laws. We have worked for the greening of the dry zone and initiated greening of the nine critical  districts in that region. Moreover, systematic management of forest resources and forest plantations are being
carried out with priority on reforestation.

Environmental education is also being disseminated through public education programmes and mass participation  is being encouraged in environmental conservation and protection activities. But we are also keenly aware of the  need to make greater efforts to encourage environmental conservation activities and to promote the teaching of  Environmental Education from the very early years of schooling which will aid in the development of all the  sectors. We are determined to bequeath a safe, healthy, beautiful and unpolluted environment to coming  generations. We believe strongly that the wealth of a nation is its people, its cultural heritage, its environment and  its natural resources.

The 30-Year Long-Term Plan for Education of Myanmar aims for the qualitative as well as quantitative  development of education and transformation of Myanmar into a learning society. Moreover, it aims to promote  and preserve our national identity, cultural heritage, and our fine traditions and values. One of the programmes in  the Plan is concerned with the introduction of new disciplines and the encouragement of research that will be of  direct benefit for the nation. Among the new teaching programmes to be introduced is Environmental Studies. It  will be conducted using a multi-disciplinary approach with participation from relevant disciplines of higher  education institutions. Hence this conference is most timely since the exchange of knowledge will have a great
impact on the methodology, the syllabus design and content of the new programme.

In imparting environmental education, we must make sure to enhance awareness of the interdependence of  environment and development. We must increase the level of knowledge and skills necessary, so that individuals  are able to effectively manage the environment. We must encourage a sense of responsibility towards the  sustainable use of the earth's natural resources. In conclusion, I wish you a very fruitful exchange of views,  experiences and knowledge and hope that you will also take the opportunity to find ways to further promote  collaboration among the participating institutions in the teaching of Environmental Education. I also wish our  foreign participants a very happy and enjoyable stay in Myanmar. Then, Rector of Yangon University Dr Soe Yin  extended greetings and the opening ceremony came to a close. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 cordially met  the resource persons. The Conference will be held till 9 June.

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(2) Secretary-3 inspects development work of Tayokehla Village in Hpa-an Township, Kayin State

YANGON, 7 June- Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Win Myint, accompanied by  ministers, deputy ministers and heads of department, left Yangon by car and arrived at Tayokehla Model Village in  Hpa-an Township, Kayin State yesterday afternoon. They were welcomed there by Deputy Commander of South- East Command Brig-Gen. Myo Hla, Chairman of Kayin State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung  Shein, members of Village Peace and Development Council, the headmistress, members of the Union Solidarity
and Development Association, students and local people.

Then, the coordination meeting on construction of the model village was held at the middle school of the village.  Speaking at the meeting, the Secretary-3 said that the purpose of their visit to the model village is to inspect  development tasks of the village and attend to the needs. Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development  Council General Maung Aye and party visited and inspected Tayokehla Village on 31 March and gave instruction  on turning the village into a model one. Departments concerned are making efforts for development in education,  health, agricultural and economic sectors of the village as well as in power supply and religious affairs. The
helicopter carrying Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Tin Oo and party crashed on  19 February in Thanlwin River near the village, the villagers were making relentless efforts to provide assistance to  the State, heads of State, the Tatmadaw-men and service personnel; in response to the matchless assistance of the  villagers, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance on the project to be implemented for the  development of the village and improvement of living conditions of the villagers. The Government has been  making efforts in building dams, roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and dispensaries throughout the nation and
endeavours will also be made for the development of the village; in addition to the development work, matters that  the head of the village and villagers wished to do may be frankly presented, he said.

Then, Chairman of Kayin State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Shein reported on tarring the  roads, progress of road construction and power supply, upgrading middle school and building station hospital,  construction of Win Thuza Store of the Ministry of Industry-1 and other facilities and availability of construction materials. Then, the director of Kayin State Development Affairs Department, the Kayin State Education Officer,  the director of Myanma Industrial Construction Services, the Engineer of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise of  Kayin State and the Deputy General Manager of Myanma Foodstuff Industries reported on situation and location of
Tayokehla Model Village, population, households, water availability, economy, agriculture, wards of the village, power supply, preventing erosion, construction of the extended school building, station hospital and Win Thuza  Shop.

 Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Deputy  Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen. Khin Maung, Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen. Soe Win  Maung, Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Kyaw Myint and Managing Director of MEPE U Yan Naing gave  supplementary reports. Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East  Command Brig-Gen. Myint Swe reported that supervision will be provided for timely completion the roads, the  school, the station hospital, the monastery, the bridge, the Win Thuza Shop, the office of Village Peace and
Development Council, the office of Union Solidarity and Development Association, the library of Tayokehla  Village and minimizing loss and wastage.

He also said that arrangements will be made for obtaining necessary health and education employees. The  commander urged those present to maintain and safeguard the buildings for perpetual existence with unity of  people of the village and efforts are to be made for standing Tayokehla Village as a model one of Kayin State as  well as the nation. Then, the Secretary-3 and party inspected progress in construction of new school building and  gave necessary instructions. The Secretary-3 and ministers signed in the visitors' book of the school. Next, the  Secretary-3 and party headed for the construction site of Tayokehla Model Village Hospital (16-bed).

The Secretary-3 heard reports of officials and gave instructions on work. After that, the Secretary-3 and party paid  homage to Sayadaw U Abhiara and members of the Sangha of the monastery in the village. The Secretary-3  explained points on construction of the new monastery and supplicated on arrangements for development of the  village. Then, the Secretary-3 and party offered "soon" to the Sayadaws. The Secretary-3 and party inspected  allotment of wards, department buildings and the market and gave instructions to officials. At 4.30 p.m., the  Secretary-3 and party left Tayokehla Village for Hpa-an. The Secretary-3 met ministers, deputy ministers,  departmental heads and officials for construction of Tayokehla Model Village at No 22 LID headquarters this
morning and gave instructions on findings in his inspection tour yesterday.

First, the Secretary-3 gave instructions on construction of the entrance road to the village and roads in the village,  planting of trees on both sides of the roads, good ventilation in the school building, fencing of the school, repair of  the ceiling of the hospital, fencing of the hospital, planting of trees in the school and the hospital and construction  of the monastery. Minister U Aung Khin, Minister Col Thein Nyunt, Chairman of Kayin State Peace and  Development Council Lt-Col Maung Shein and officials reported on their respective sectors. Then, the Secretary-3  and party left Hpa-an by car and arrived back here in the evening.

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(3) Secretary-3 coordinates agriculture, livestock breeding tasks of Kayin, Mon States

YANGON, 7 June- Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Win Myint met state, district and township departmental officials in Kayin and Mon States, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations at Zwekabin Hall in Hpa-an, Kayin State, yesterday evening and explained matters related to political, economic and social situations of the State.

Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary-3 said that they come there to coordinate agriculture and livestock breeding tasks of Kayin State and to undertake development work of Tayokehla Model Village in Kayin State. Myanmar was under colonial rule for about 120 years. After regaining independence, the country could not carry out development tasks as a result of internal armed strikes and then, the country lagged behind in development. At a time when we are taking up the duty of the State, the national reconsolidation is being built and efforts are being made for emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation. From 1988 to 1992, the national reconsolidation
is being built.

Then, the second four-year short-term economic plan was laid down and implemented beginning 1992-93 fiscal year; due to cooperation of the people and local authorities under the leadership of the State, GDP exceeded the target in implementing the second short-term five-year plan based on the success of the first five-year plan; per capital income also increased. As a result of undertakings based on the agriculture and all-round development of other sectors, the State economic sector has obviously developed; for development of the social sector, the four-year national education promotion programme is being implemented; and implementation of the national health plan is
also gathering momentum. Arrangements are being made for gaining more success in implementing the third five-year short-term plan which started in 2001-2002 fiscal year than in implementing previous plans; Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on boosting production, promoting exports, substituting imports and the need to be thrift with a view to achieving the target of the economic plans and ensuring rapid development of the State.

Departments and organizations are to observe the guidance of the Head of State. State, district and township authorities at different levels are to organize the people and departments concerned to actively take part in the implementation of the present short-term five-year plan. Then, officials submitted reports on respective sectors. Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen. Khin Maung gave a supplementary report. Afterwards, Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen. Myint Swe said that it is necessary to undertake agriculture and livestock breeding tasks in Kayin and Mon States; service
personnel should carry out tasks assigned by the State and State/Division as a revaluation and a military operation; all personnel are duty-bound to carry out tasks for development of respective regions; state-level officials went on trips right down to the grassroots level; and he urged those present to observe the instructions given by the Secretary-3 in meeting with state, district and township authorities as working norms.

Then, the Secretary-3 stressed the need to precisely carry out reclamation of vacant and virgin lands in Kayin State and Mon State in a three years' time; agricultural service personnel must provide assistance to farmers for using paddy strains appropriate to the seasons; beans and peas must be cultivated on the land where paddy cannot be grown; organization work must be done for implementing the policy laid down for growing seasonal crops between perennial crops.

After cultivation of monsoon paddy, the plan must be drawn for the growing of cold season crops; as the volume of the agriculture sector is the biggest in the State economy, it is a major sector for gaining success of the economic plan. In poultry farming and goat, cow, fish and prawn breeding, the livestock breeding task is to be implemented with added momentum village-wise by the households and individuals in Kayin and Mon States and Taninthayi Division; agriculture and livestock breeding plans are to be drawn and submitted and efforts are to be made for gaining success of the projects. CEC members of Union Solidarity and Development Association Col Thein Nyunt, U Aung Khin and Brig-Gen. Khin Maung met executives of Mon and Kayin States USDAs and trainees of
Computer Training Course sponsored by Kayin State USDA at Kayin State USDA office in Hpa-an on 6 June evening. Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt met officials of Kayin State and Hpa-an Township Development Affairs Department in Hpa-an on 6 June evening.

The minister gave instructions to them to build the Tayokehla Village to become a model village. Minister Col Thein Nyunt inspected development tasks in Hpa-an this morning. Then, the minister met officials of Kayin State and Township Development Affairs Department and gave suggestions. The minister inspected beautifying of Hpa- an Township. Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen. Khin Maung met Managing Director of Myanma Perennial Crops Enterprise U Myint Oo and members of Supervisory Committee of Kayin State and Mon State at the meeting hall of Myanma Agriculture Service Office in Hpa-an this morning.

The deputy minister explained agricultural planning, extension of cultivated acreage, boosting of per-acre yield, utilizing quality strain, distribution of fertilizers, water supply and application of modern technology. Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen. Soe Win Maung met Kayin State Education Officer and Township Education officers and teachers at Kayin State EO office yesterday evening. The deputy minister gave instructions to the officials. Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint arrived at Kayin State People's Hospital (200-bed) yesterday evening. The deputy minister was welcomed by Head of Kayin State Health Department Dr Myo Lwin and Medical Superintendent Dr Kyaw Oo, specialists and staff. The deputy minister met Dr Kyaw Oo and Dr Myo Lwin and specialists, nurses and staff and gave suggestions. The deputy minister inspected in patient wards and gave instructions to officials.

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(4)  Third and fourth day sessions of MWVO Conference held

YANGON, 7 June- The third day session of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Conference (2001) was held at Hsinbyushin Hall of Defence Services Orthopaedic Hospital (500-bed) in Mingaladon Township on 4 June morning.

It was attended by members of MWVO Central Organizing Committee and de-legates from States and Divisions WVOs. At the conference on 4 June, the COC member Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe presided over the conference together with Chairman Maj Z R Ki (Retd) of Organizing Committee of Falam Township WVO in Chin State and Chairman Lt-Col Tin Soe of Supervisory Committee of Pakokku District WVO in Magway Division. WO-I Min Min Soe of Yangon Division WVO acted as master of ceremonies, and Sgt Shwe Sin Win was co-master of ceremonies. The master of ceremonies announced the conference valid as 431 delegates out of 437 or 98.63 per
cent attended the conference.

Chairman Maj Soe Win Kyaw (Retd) of Organizing Committee of Kyaukme Township WVO in Shan State (North) reported on national politics sector, Chairman Lt-Col Aung Soe of Supervisory Committee of Shan State (East) WVO on national defence and security sector, Secretary Maj Hlaing Win (Retd) of Supervisory Committee of Yangon Division WVO on economic sector, Chairman Maj Tin Ko (Retd) of Organizing Committee of Pakokku Township WVO in Magway Division on social welfare sector and Maj Soe Lwin (Retd) of Organizing Committee of Myeik Township WVO in Taninthayi Division on public welfare sector. (Excerpts from finds of group
discussions are reported separately). Vice-Chairman of MWVOCOC Maj-Gen Saw Tun gave clarifications on the national political sector, saying the sector means serving the national interests or the interests of the State and the people. Thus, it is a task that cannot be implemented by the war veterans alone . It must be implemented by the entire people. The aims of the sector is to train the war veterans who have experiences in serving national interests for their broader participation in the sector.

The MWVO should organize the people and the national political reserve forces. Roughly, a war veteran has the duty to organize 60 people as there are 99,127 war veterans in the country which has a population of over 50 million. Thus, every member of the Organization has the duty to organize the people to take part in the national political sector. Safeguarding of the national reconsolidation for its perpetual existence is the national political requirement. Till now the colonialists made attempts to sow mistrust among the national races in order to exploit the nation's rice natural resources. The 17 armed groups of the national races who realized such wicked attempts are taking part in the nation-building tasks at present, which is the result of the national reconsolidation. The
leaders of the national races groups have made firm pledges to build their regions with the cooperation of the people. Thus, the aims of the national reconsolidation tasks should be fully realized. Concerning the border incidents, it is the most important sector of the national reconsolidation task to open political, economic, social, organizational and military fronts to gain upper hand. The attacks of the enemy on every front must be seen in implementing the national reconsolidation task. Only then, the nation can launch retaliatory attacks under multiple
strategy.

In connection with the findings of the group session on the national defence and security sector, member of the central organizing committee of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Col Tin Hlaing said that Myanmar takes up a strategic position in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, Myanmar is bounded by big nations which possess strategic weapons and have a large population, by the nation which does not have a definite foreign policy and is changing its political relations to the liking of its mentor, by a small nation which is faced with population explosion and by the nations where political, religious and race conflicts are breaking out. In addition, some big powers are interfering in the affairs of other countries in the world by employing the neo-colonialist method.

As a consequence, the neighbouring nations are building up their military power, carrying out military manoeuvres and promoting their military capabilities. Myanmar has adopted five principles of peaceful co-existence in the international relations. However, some neighbouring nations are stoking fire of internal problem of Myanmar to the liking of their mentor, making preposterous accusations and attempting to create battles at border areas. In view of the above-mentioned facts, the national defence and security plan has been formulated for the practice of the future militia strategies after the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has been sought. He quoted the report of the group session-2 as saying that during the Vietnam war which broke out in 1964 and 1972,
there were instances in which Vietnamese women caught aggressive colonialists behind the fighting line. As is known to all, Myanmar women took part in the independence struggle and anti-fascist activities.

Therefore, Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs and Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association are to be recognized as reserve forces of the nation. In connection with the suggestion of the delegate of the national defence and security group session, he said that war veterans organizations are formed systematically and have rich military experience. Therefore, those who are qualified are required to lead Myanmar Police Force, Myanmar Fire Services, Red Cross Brigade, people's militia units, the anti-insurgent group and national race organizations under the supervision of respective commands. Active members are required to discharge duty with the Tatmadaw, and non-active members of the war veterans organization need to discharge the
support duty and other duties related to ration, arms and ammunition and supplies. When Myanmar Police Force discharges the duty regarding Front Line Replacement, Fire Services and Red Cross Brigades are required to take the place of the police force in maintaining law and order.

NGOs formed with women are required to crush enemies from the rear line. In connection with the second fact  the military organizing work and exercise to be carried out once a year Ñ according to the arrangements of the chairmen of State/Division Peace and Development Councils, military organizing activities are to be carried out by respective commands at least once a year. The delegates of the group -2 called for rooting out SURA opium robbers and KNU insurgents. Therefore, it is regarded as an objective of the War Veterans Organization. In accord with
the guidance of the Head of State "the strength of the nation lies within", the War Veterans Organization are required to lead and organize the entire people with Union Spirit in the national defence and security sector. War veterans have been to towns and villages while discharging duties in the Tatmadaw. In addition, they lived together with national races and people of all faiths and had long experience of fighting battles for the nation and the people.

Therefore, war veterans are free from narrow racial outlook and strong attachment to a particular region. They are imbued with esprit de corps, nationalistic spirit and Union Spirit. They are responsible for inculcating nationalistic spirit and Union Spirit in the people. The sense of taking up political, military and organization duties shows that members of the War Veterans Organization has the spirit of national defence and security. If the entire people are free from party politics and come to realize this concept with nationalistic spirit, they do not need to care for any aggressors. In conclusion, he said that efforts are to be made to safeguard the sovereignty of the State for ever, to
achieve the qualitative and quantitative improvement of the War Veterans Organization and to enlist the participation of the entire national people in the military organizing work. Member of MWVOCOC U Aung Thaung clarified matters relating to the economic sector.

He said there are gaps between the economies of the MWVO bodies of states and divisions. Some township bodies cannot even start their business. Such townships need 100, 200 or 300 acres at least to conduct agriculture and farming business. Coastal areas should conduct prawn breeding and many areas including the delta region should conduct fish breeding. The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries will render necessary assistance to the bodies to launch farming businesses. They should strive to cultivate crops that grow well in their respective regions. The virgin lands should be tamed with the cooperation of the private enterprises. Zeal, perseverance and hard work are required to overcome difficulties in setting up business. They should understand the economics as it is controlling
the entire social life. Better economy is required in carrying out the national political, defence, security and public welfare tasks. The economic conditions of the respective bodies are not in a stable position at present. In accord with the situation, efforts should be made for progress of the agriculture and farming business. The revenues from the business should be invested in setting industrial and trade enterprises. Only then they can set up stable and reliable business enterprises.

The MWVO is moving towards becoming an organization possessing reputation. All should strive for the MWVO to become a reliable force for the nation and a reserve force for national defence and security. The war veterans must be active and endowed with knowledge and qualification; they should become models in bringing success to any task. Hard work is the main requirement for long-term existence of the Organization. As the nation is implementing the four economic objectives, the war veterans should strive to become a reliable force for the nation giving valuable support to the national economy. Regarding the social welfare sector, member of MWVOCOC Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone said the majority of the war veterans are aged persons depending on the pension. Giving
priority to the welfare of these persons will lead to promoting the MWVO's organizational task. Thus, businesses which are suitable to the aged persons must be found and arrangements should be made for the convenience of these persons in drawing their pension. Projects should be laid down to enhance their opportunity to get access to vocational education and health care services and to get jobs. There should be amity among the war veterans and suitable jobs must be created for the war veterans to earn their living.

Assistance will be also provided for development of their children. Welfare task plays a vital role in consolidating the different levels of the Organization, enhancing its activities and uplifting the spirit of the members. Thus the welfare task is included in the seven future tasks of the Organization. Depending on the income from businesses, the 17 state/division bodies are conducting welfare services of the members and their families to the most possible extent. From September 1999 to date, K 52.6 million was provided to the war veterans, K 325.2 million to aged war veterans and the disabled and 5.3 million to their children who are outstanding in their studies. Concerning
the public welfare sector, Col Thein Nyunt said the war veterans are discharging tasks which directly or indirectly benefit the people.

Endeavours such as social welfare, religious, cultural and regional greening tasks are directly benefiting the people. The war veterans are also taking part together with other social organizations in the task to help implement the nation-building projects in time or earlier than the projected period and the five rural development tasks. Moreover, the war veterans are also giving humanitarian assistance to victims of natural disasters. Young war veterans should join hands with the Tatmadaw in crushing internal and external destructive elements and the aged must take the public security task. The MWVO Conference (2001) was held as the fourth and last day at the same venue on 5 June. Vice-Chairman of COC Maj-Gen Saw Tun presided over the afternoon session together with
Chairman Capt. Myo Nyein (Retd) of Taunggyi Township WVO in Shan State (South) and Chairman Lt-Col Thein Kyaing of Sittway Township WVO in Rakhine State. WO-I Mi Mi Maung Htwe of Yangon Division WVO acted as master of ceremonies, and Sgt Sanda Soe Win as joint-master. According to the approval of the delegates, the chairman announced that the conference passed two resolutions, make one approval and put five matters on record. Then, Chairman of COC Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Win Myint gave concluding remarks. The conference successfully concluded with chanting slogans by those present at 12.40 p.m.

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(5)  Findings of group discussions at MWVO conference presented

Most fundamental requirement in establishing national politics is the participation of the people

YANGON, 7 June - Myanmar War Veterans Organization's Conference (2001) continued for the third day on 4 June and the delegates presented the findings of their respective group discussions. Maj Soe Win Kyaw (Retd), Chairman of the Organizing Committee of Kyaukme Township WVO of Kyaukme District, Shan State (North), in his report on national political sector, said that national politics means working for the interests of the entire national people, safeguarding the national sovereignty and building the consolidated unity of the nationals. The most fundamental requirement in establishing national politics is the participation of the people and being one with the people. Only then will the national political establishment become a united national force.

The goal of the State is to build a peaceful, modern and developed nation. In building such a nation, Our Three Main National Causes-non-disintegration of the Union, non- disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of national sovereignty Ñ are the national duties of the entire people. It is also known to all that twelve national objectives have been laid down and are being implemented with a view to realizing the goal of the State. This reflects the fact that the Tatmadaw government is building the nation in accord with the objectives demanded by time and circumstances. The national development tasks in all respects are now meeting with success. To be able to build a political force, the Union Spirit and national solidarity must be formed first.

Only then will we be able to counter the dangers of direct interferences by foreign countries or by traitors under their sway. In warding off these dangers, the four- point people's desire must be firmly upheld. National unity is the most essential requirement of the State. If the national unity can be further consolidated, the Union will never collapse. Maj Soe Win Kyaw also quoted Senior General Than Shwe's address at the passing-out parade of the first intake of Defence Services Institute of Medicine on 17 December, 1999. Senior General Than Shwe said that Union Spirit is the spirit that bind us all citizens in unity no matter in which section, which region they may reside. Union Spirit is built on the spirit of nationalism that engenders nationals to love, cherish and value a single
motherland, our mother nation, and work for its prosperity. In a way, Union Spirit is that of oneness and unity of nationals who have descended from kin who have lived together with affection, in weal and woe on the same land, drinking the same water for a very long time.

Maj Soe Win Kyaw (Retd) continued that so long as the national people are united and the Union is strong, the national sovereignty and territorial integrity will be safe and secure. True to its motto" "The Tatmadaw shall never betray national causes," the Tatmadaw is an organization with fine traditions which is always loyal to the people and the State. The war veterans, he added, must lend themselves to the task of translating Our Three Main National Causes into reality in cooperation with the Tatmadaw. He that it is necessary for the war veterans as well as for the entire people to be convinced of national political ideology and to accept and practise it. In implementing Our Three Main National Causes, he said, it is essential that the people and the war veterans should co-operate
with 16 million members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, 176,000 members of Fire Brigade and Auxiliary Fire Brigade, 160,000 members of Red Cross Society, 830,000 members of Maternal and Child Welfare Association, people from all walks of life and other social organizations.
 
MWVO presents K 52.69m to social welfare sector

YANGON, 7 June - The third day session of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Conference (2001) was held on 4 June and the findings of the group discussions were presented by the delegates. Concerning the social welfare sector, Chairman of Pakokku Township War Veterans Organization Organizing Committee of Magway Division Maj Tin Ko (Retired) presented a report, saying Myanmar War Veterans Organization Central Organizing Committee is providing welfare assistance to all the war veterans and their families to enable all the MWVO bodies at different levels to stand as consolidated forces. It has also designated the five tasks, which are, the national political task, the national defence and security task, the economic task, the public welfare task and the
social welfare task and also formed 17 State/Division War Veterans Organizations.

The social welfare task is also included in the seven future programmes of MWVO. While placing in the fore Our Three Main National Causes, which are, non-disintegration of the Union; non-disintegration of national solidarity; and perpetuation of sovereignty, MWVO should strive to become a reserve force of the nation reliable for national defence and security. Programmes are to be laid down to fulfil the welfare needs of the Organization members and families in accord with the law. Thus, the Organization should be able to set up long-term businesses to stand on its own feet. The disabled war veterans should be organized and give encouragement to have confidence in
themselves, manageable-scale businesses should be set up for them, assistance should be rendered to their families and trust funds should be set up for them.

Over K 52.69 million of the Organization's revenues have been provided to its members at various sectors. MWVO should strengthen its economic power to boost provisions to its welfare programmes. The bodies whose economies are strong should render assistance to the bodies whose businesses are weak. As systematic plans should be laid down in implementing the tasks, necessary measures should be taken for gaining success. In conclusion, he said due to the rendering of assistance among the bodies with the spirit of comradeship, the trust and reliance of the
members on the Organization can be further enhanced. The MWVO is gaining further strength as township bodies are providing more assistance to organizations at basic levels. The forces of the Organization are ever ready to serve the interests of nation and people from all walks of life.

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(6) MWVO with long political and military experience required to lead and organize entire national people with patriotism and Union Spirit

YANGON, 7 June - The Myanmar War Veterans Organization Conference was held on 4 June for the third day, and delegates to the conference reported on the findings of their group session. In his report on the national defence and security sector, Chairman of Shan State (East) War Veterans Organization Lt-Col Aung Soe said that Myanmar had been standing with her own monarchs for many years countable by the thousand, and due to aggressive wars of the colonialists in 1885, Myanmar lost her sovereignty. Since Myanmar lost her independence and sovereignty, all Myanmar nationals had put up fights with unity and undaunted spirit, sacrificing a lot of life, blood and sweat.

It was only in 1948 that Myanmar became an independent and sovereign state again. It is found that according to the geopolitical situation, Myanmar takes up a strategic position for the world war affairs and politics. Myanmar has been adopting militia strategies so that she can wage a fair war in time of emergency. Myanmar has adopted five principles of peaceful co-existence in the international relations. However, some neighbouring countries, putting themselves under the influence of neo-colonialists, has been stoking the fire of internal problems of Myanmar to the liking of their mentor, attempting to destroy the interests of Myanmar in various guises, making preposterous accusations and creating battles at border areas.

Whenever the State is faced with external aggression or internal danger, all the war veterans are required to take up national defence and security duties with the spirit of sacrifice. On 10 May, Lwehsan Saw Village in Mongyun, a Wa region, in eastern Shan State, and Wawlay Thaybawbo Kyaukkhet region in Kayin State were attacked with missiles, and it is tantamount to infringing the sovereignty of Myanmar. Not only war veterans but also the entire national people clenched their fists as soon as they heard that news. On 12 October 1999, 20 SURA insurgents fired at Nangyun Village in Mongton Township, Shan State, and three innocent people were killed and two injured. And the houses were also burnt. In February 1993, about 300 SURA insurgents attacked an outpost of the Tatmadaw stationed at Pantawi Village in southern Shan State.

Altogether 60 innocent people were killed and 30 injured. One-hundred and fifty houses were burnt to the ground. In November 2000, Mongkhoak Camp where 20 members of the anti-insurgent group of Monghsat Township were stationed, was attacked by about 30 SURA insurgents. Therefore, four members of that group were killed and one injured. There were many heart-rending events in which the people were bullied. If the nefarious acts of wicked and ruthless race-destroying terrorists and traitors were pointed out, the destructive acts of KNU insurgents cannot be left out. A passenger bus was mined by KNU insurgents in Myawady Township, Kayin State, in June 1999. An innocent monk and seven civilians were killed, and a lot of passengers were injured.

On 27 December 2000, about 40 KNU insurgents mined a passenger up-train leaving Mawlamyine for Yay between Mile Posts 231 and 232 on 27 December 2000. Two innocent people were killed and six injured. Moreover, the passengers were robbed of their jewels. Enlisting the strength of the people, war veterans are required to crush SURA opium robbers and KNU insurgent murderers who are committing all kinds of ruthless crimes. At the clashes which happened at O-Seven Hill and Pachee Outpost, war veterans and militia units in Tachilek District and Monghsat District of eastern Shan State were getting ready to defend their motherland waiting for the orders of the command. The War Veterans Organization, formed with national races and having long political and military experience, is required to lead and organize the entire national people with patriotism and Union Spirit. In conclusion, he said that members of the War Veterans Organization, upholding Our Three
Main National Causes and building the organization into a national defence reserve force, are getting ready to defend the nation.
 
MWVO sets up business enterprises to stand on own strength and dignity

YANGON, 7 June - The third day session of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Conference (2001) was held on 4 June and the finding of the group discussions were presented by the delegates. In his report on the economic sector, Secretary of Yangon Division War Veterans Organization Maj Hlaing Win (Retired) said the new MWVO Central Organizing Committee and its subordinate bodies at different levels were formed under the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe.

Based on the past experiences, efforts should be made to enable the MWVO to stand on its own qualification and dignity. Economic enterprises such as production and trade businesses and services enterprises have been set up to raise funds for undertaking social welfare, organizational and training and education tasks. The Organization places in the fore the people's interests and emergence of a new modern and developed nation. After studying the market potentials of the neighbouring countries, it will produce goods which are in high demand in the countries at the appropriate places. The Organization should extend the tasks which will benefit the nation and the people.

In assessing the businesses of State/Division Organizations, he said they are conducting business on a manageable scale at appropriate times based on the amount of their funds. But there are no connections among the businesses of townships, districts of the states and divisions. The earnings of the businesses are being used in providing assistance to the members and families. In conclusion, he made an assessment of the Organization's functions, speaking of the need to pave the way for the MWVO bodies at different levels to set up businesses linking each other and to extend conducting of technical courses to promote businesses enterprises.

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(7) MWVO to enhance public welfare task

YANGON, 7 June -  The third day session of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Conference (2001) was held on 4 June and the findings of the group discussions were presented by the delegates. In the public welfare task sector, Chairman of Myeik Township War Veterans Organization Organizing Committee of Taninthayi Division Maj Soe Lwin (Retired) presented a report, saying the public welfare task is enormous.

As Myanmars are ardent in serving the religion, war veterans are partaking in the religious sector. The war veterans are taking part in renovation of ancient religious edifices. The Organization members are also participating in regional greening task, planting trees in the compounds of pagodas and hospitals and in towns and villages. They are also taking part in the tree planting ceremonies of the 13 dry regions greening project. In the agricultural sector, the war veterans are helping farmers in the work, cultivating seasonal and perennial crops to sell them at tax-free markets and actively rendering assistance for the success of the nation's agricultural and farming sectors. Rendering of effective assistance to the people will promote public reliance on the Organization and help develop other sectors. The public welfare task should be launched with greater momentum in the coming
years.
 
MWVO Conference passes two resolutions, approves one matter and places five matters on record

YANGON, 7 June- Myanmar War Veterans Organization Conference (2001) held at Defence Services Orthopaedic Hospital (500-bed) in Mingaladon Township from 1 to 5 June passed two resolutions, approved one matter and placed five matters on record. The two resolutions were to accept and regard the guidance given by Patron of MWVO Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe on 5 June as working guidelines, to approve the motion submitted to the conference and to regard seven future tasks included in the report of the
central organizing committee of MWVO as the future tasks of the organization.

The one matter approved by the conference was the report of MWVO submitted to the conference. The five matters placed on record were the guidelines given by Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee of MWVO Lt-Gen. Win Myint on 2 June, the activities which were carried out by State/Division WVOs in a year's time and which were submitted to the conference on 2 June, the findings got through group discussions on the national political sector, the national defence and security sector, the economic sector, the social welfare sector, the community welfare sector on 4 June, the activities of social organizations and the Union Solidarity and Development Association hailing Myanmar War Veterans Organization Conference (2001) on 5 June and the donations of
wellwishers hailing Myanmar War Veterans Organization Conference (2001) on 5 June.

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(8)  Minister meets UNICEF Official

YANGON, 7 June- Minister for Education U Than Aung met Resident Representative of UNICEF Office to Myanmar Mr J Bertrand Mendis at his office this afternoon. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister U Myo Nyunt and officials of the ministry. They discussed matters related to educational tasks jointly implemented by Myanmar and UNICEF.

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(9) Dekkhinasaka Maha Bodhi Sapling arrives at Mindhamma Hill

YANGON, 7 June- A ceremony to convey Dekkhina-saka Maha Bodhi Sapling from Yangon International Airport to Mindhamma Hill was held at the airport this morning. The Sacred Bodhi Sapling will be planted on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township where Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image is kept. Present were Secretary of the Committee for All-round Construction of Mindhamma Hill Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen. Thura Aung Ko, Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council U Arnt Maung, Director-General of the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Sann Lwin, Director-General of the Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint, Pro-Rector (Admin) of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Dr Hla Pe and Ambassador of Sri Lanka Mr Ubhayasekara Mapa and officials. The plane conveying the Maha Bodhi Sapling from Sri Lanka arrived at the airport this morning. Mr Neranjan Wijeratne and party conveyed the Maha Bodhi Sapling from the plane. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Thura Aung Ko and party welcomed the Maha Bodhi Sapling. Then, the deputy minister, the Ambassador and party conveyed the Maha Bodhi Sapling from the airport to the Mindhamma Hill with a decorated coach.

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