(1) Secretary-1 inspects preparations for building of library and meeting hall of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee

YANGON, 29 June-Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, together with  officials of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council, arrived at Thiri Mingalar Kaba Aye Hill this  morning. They were welcomed there by Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin and officials. The Secretary-1  paid reverence to the Sayadaws led by Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw  Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Silavamsa. The Secretary-1 inspected the site chosen and preparations for construction of a library and a meeting hall. Then, he inspected the building of the convocation hall of the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon). After giving instructions to responsible  personnel, the Secretary-1 left the construction site in the morning.

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(2) Mining sector sees 21.6 percent development in fiscal 2000-2001 Ministry of Mines holds coordination meeting

YANGON, 29 June - The Ministry of Mines held a work coordination meeting at the ministry this morning, and  Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt addressed the meeting. Also present  were ministers, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen. Ohn Myint, the Attorney-General, Deputy Minister for Mines U  Myint Thein, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the secretary of Yangon City  Development Committee, officials of the ministry and guests.

The Secretary-1 said it is known to all that the State Peace and Development Council has laid down national  projects based on national forces and natural resources for progress of the national economy and improvement of  living standards of the people. As the economic strength is vital for building the strong national economic force,  efforts are being made to develop the national economy from the foundation; thus, economic projects have been  meeting with success as targeted and the nation is now on the right track and heading for progress. Concerning  national essence and success of the national projects, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe in his address  delivered at the conclusion of Myanmar and International Affairs Studies Course No 1 of the Union Solidarity and Development Association said 'The short-term economic plans which are being implemented phase by phase will  uplift the status of the nation and the people. Consequently, the economic success will become the nation's  strength.

The strength is the power of the nation which will help it overcome difficulties and hardships.' In accord with the  guidance of the Head of State, arrangements are to be made to reinforce the national strength and to further  strengthen the foundations achieved so far for the future. As the initial stage to build an industrialized nation  covered by the five-year plan beginning fiscal 2001-2002, plans have already been made to give priority to the  extension of agro-based industries and other necessary industries and all-round progress of other sectors including  the energy, agriculture, meat and fish and mining sectors. The annual growth of the mining sector is targeted at  19.7 percent in order to increase the sector's participation in the State's economy from 0.8 percent at the end of fiscal 2001-2002, the basic year of the five-year plan, to 1.2 percent at the end of the final year of the plan. In the  previous five-year plan, the production of the state-owned, cooperative and private enterprises of the mining sector  is increasing annually and the sector saw a 21.6 percent development in fiscal 2000-2001.

The ministry earned K 3,234.14 million in fiscal 2000-2001 or 138 percent of the target amount of K 2,346.41  million. During the fiscal, the expenditure of the ministry was K 2,117.45 million which is only 86 percent of the  target of K 2,462.72 million. Thus, there is 65 percent progress in operating ratio between expenditure and income.  Sustained efforts will have to be made for further progress. Strenuous and systematic efforts are required as the  production value of the mining sector is targeted to increase 14 percent annually in the present five-year plan.  During the previous fiscal, the production value of the private sector was increasing annually and the state sector was decreasing yearly.

Although the higher progress in the private sector is a good prospect, efforts should be made for proportionate  development of the private sector and the state sector. In endeavouring for rapid economic progress, arrangements  should be made for development of the state organizatrions, enterprises of the nationalities and the private sector.  The mining sector is gaining more progress due to the ardent participation of the national entrepreneurs. The huge  marble which had been curved into the 500-ton Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image was found by  the private sector. The private sector has also found the over 3,000-ton gigantic jade boulder and the largest peal weighing 45.06 mimo, 845 carets or 169 grams and measuring 6.2 centimetre in length, 5.3 cm in width and three  cm in height.

Over about a decade, a ruby which can be called the biggest one in the world, a sapphire, a huge rock of marble  which has been carved into the highest and biggest Buddha Image, a gigantic jade rock weighing over 3,000 tons  and the biggest natural pearl have emerged in the Union of Myanmar, and they are the events which bring  auspiciousness and honour to the nation as well as the people. At a time when valuable gems have emerged from  the mining sector, officials concerned are required to work hard for the development of the mining sector which  can contribute to the progress of the nation, the strong national economy and improvement of social life of the  people.

Efforts are to be made to be able to extract 35,000 tons of pure copper annually from the copper deposits such as  Monywa Kyesin Taung and Sabai Taung. Preparations are to be made to upgrade Letpantaung Copper Deposit.  The plan for building Reverb Furnace to refine ores having high-percentage of copper by means of Decopperising  with the use of Blast Furnace is to be implemented successfully. In addition, arrangements are to be made  successfully to build a pilot plant as a result of successful experimental production of Ammonium Para Tungstate  (APT), which is a value-added product, at Thanlyin Refinery. PyinOoLwin Iron and Steel Factory has produced Ferro Chrome and Calcium Carbide successfully, and arrangements are to be made to carry out production work on  a commercial scale. Efforts are to be made to produce Hard Coke with the use of coal ores. Similarly, research on  raising oysters is being done with new technology.

Previously, oysters were raised with Autograft method, and now Homograft method and Surface Long Line method  are being used. In this regard, success has been achieved. Efforts are to be made to meet the target and to  implement the plan of producing 100,000 pearls per year. Myanma Salt Enterprise is required to produce iodized  salt and other kinds of salt to meet the target. Research on production of Magnesia Cement has met with success,  and arrangements are to be made to produce Magnesia Cement on a commercial scale. Measures are to be taken to  find new markets for Myanma jade and gems and to sell them at good prices in the world. Measures are also to be taken to ensure that gems and jade entrepreneurs sell their gems and jade lots at emporiums, to improve the joint-venture business done by the State and private entrepreneurs in mining and selling gems and to produce gems  which exceed the targeted amount to be exported. More and more feasible studies on production of valuable  resources which contribute to earning of foreign exchange and development of the State are to be done.

Ways and means are to be sought to use computerized methods, satellite communication system and information  technology in exploring new mineral deposits. Efforts are also to be made to extract minerals from deposits as  much as possible and to boost production work with the use of modern machinery. The Ministry of Mines needs to  find ways and means to use modern machinery in extracting valuable minerals, to nurture skilled workers and  technicians and to fulfil requirements for promoting productivity.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 called on officials of the Ministry of Mines and entrepreneurs to work in unity and  maintain the already-achieved favourable conditions, to strive for the development of the mining sector with the  aim of strengthening the national economy, developing the nation and improving the living standard of the people,  to boost production in the mining sector with the aim of promoting exports and producing import-substitute goods,  to provide raw minerals which are necessary to produce spare parts for the factory, to strive for the flourishing of  the mining sector, the gem production sector and private and joint-venture business, to strive to earn more foreign exchange systematically from the sale of gems and to make efforts for production of mineral resources and value-added products. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 inspected production of Ferro Chrome Alloy presented by No  3 Mining Enterprise, parts of tractors produced by Agricultural Mechanization Department with the use of iron  and steel from No 1 PyinOoLwin Iron and Steel Factory, Ammonium Paratungstate Production Plant Design of No  2 Mining Enterprise and production of iodized salt.

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(3) Emergence of doctorate degree holders in higher education sector reflects success of government plans

YANGON, 29 June- A ceremony to honour 31 doctorate degree holders of the University of Yangon, the Institute  of Medicine-2 and Yangon Technological University was held at Diamond Jubilee Hall in Kamayut Township at 3  p.m. today. Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council  Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt delivered an address and presented prizes and certificates of honour to the doctorate degree  holders.

Also present were ministers, the Attorney-General, the Auditor-General, the chairman of the Civil Service  Selection and Training Board, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office,  heads of department, rectors from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Science  and Technology, pro-rectors, principals, professors, research supervisors, doctorate degree holders, final-year  students who are doing doctorate degree courses and guests. In his address, the Secretary-1 said that today the  government is making all-out efforts for the turning out of highly-qualified human resources who can strive to  enable the Union of Myanmar to get abreast with other nations. At that time, emergence of doctorate degree holders in the higher education sector reflects the success of the plans of the government for the producing of  highly-qualified human resources.

With the advance in science and technology in the beginning of the 21st century, education plays a crucial role in  the economic, financial, social, cultural and defence sectors. Every nation, adopting the concept that the age of  education has arrived, is making all-out efforts for the upgrading of the education sector. The Union of Myanmar is  also making strenuous efforts by combining the basic education sector and the higher education sector  harmoniously after laying down the national objective "to uplift the standard of the education of the entire national  people." In the higher education sector, firm foundations are being built for the development of science and technology, research and other subjects concerning agriculture, livestock breeding, forestry and industry.  Previously, various subjects could be learnt only at the University of Yangon. Now separate universities and  colleges have been established to offer courses concerning science and technology, medicine, agriculture, livestock  breeding, economics and forestry.

Altogether 125 universities, degree colleges and colleges have been opened. The universities, degree colleges and  colleges are being equipped with language labs, science labs and resource centres facilitated with modern  electronic equipment. New Century Resource Centres have been opened to enable the people to learn Information  Technology and electronic technology. Libraries in the universities are being upgraded into electronic ones so that  learning, teaching, research and data collection can be done extensively. The communication system with regional  and international education organizations, international universities and education organizations and contact with international community in the education and research sector are being established. Similarly, curriculum and  subject combination plans at universities and colleges are begin extended, arrangements are being made to upgrade  the university education up to the international level.

Centres for Human Resource Development have been opened at universities and colleges, and opportunities for  selecting subjects which are popular in the world and other technical subjects are being created for those who have  passed the matriculation examination and graduates. Measures are being taken to establish Open Education System  to enable everybody regardless of age and time to pursue higher education. While these opportunities are being  created, Myanma society will become Constant Learning Society, and human resources who can strive for the  development of the nation will emerge continuously for ever. Therefore, at a time when the government is making
arrangements to turn out highly-qualified human resources in the higher education sector, the efforts of the  government have resulted in the emergence of doctorate degree holders produced by universities in Myanmar.

In the universities in Myanmar, doctorate degree courses are being offered, and over 530 students are doing 16  doctorate degree courses at the University of Yangon, 11 doctorate degree courses at the University of Mandalay  and three doctorate degree courses at the Yangon Institute of Economics. Altogether 108 students are doing 14  doctorate degree courses at the institutes of medicine. And arrangements are being made to open 19 special  doctorate degree courses as of 2001-2002 academic year. The Secretary-1 said a total of 208 students are attending the 16 doctorate courses on the different fields at Yangon Technological University. Plans are under way to open PhD courses beginning 2001-2002 academic year. Myanmar universities' conferring of PhD degrees on students is  a milestone in the national education history.

Plans have already made to render monetary assistance to doctorate candidates who find financial difficulties to  continue their studies. These plans are being made to give encouragement to qualified human resources. The  Myanmar universities have already produced 40 PhD holders and the State has already honoured nine of them.  Today 31, doctorate holders are honoured at this second ceremony. The doctors should effectively use their skills in  the interests of the State and the people. They should also use their invaluable experiences and education to help  bring out qualified human resources in the respective fields. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged them to strive  with their qualifications for rapid progress of the nation while firmly standing as excellent scholars; and to serve the State's and the national interests as the honourable scholars of the State. He then presented gifts and certificates of honour to the doctors.

Lecturer Dr Aung Myint Oo of Myanmar Language Department, Yangon University, on behalf of the doctors,  spoke words of thanks. He said conducting of doctorate courses is an effort to produce brilliant human resources at  a time when endeavours are being made for all-round national development. The mother country is producing  doctors in various science fields which are changing and developing rapidly in the world. On the other hand,  doctors who will help preserve traditions and culture and national integrity and promote national spirit have emerged in the arts filed. The assessment reports of the foreign experts who had examined and assessed the courses indicate that the doctorate courses meet international standard. The goodwill of the State is obvious as it had  rendered all-round assistance for the courses. Understanding the goodwill of the State, they are going to take part  in the national development tasks from the respective sectors with their utmost efforts.
 

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(4) F & R Minister meets guests

YANGON, 29 June- Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein met Vice-Chairman of Pertamina  Co. of Indonesia Mr Effendi Situmorang and party at his office this morning. Also present at the call was Adviser  at the Ministry of Finance and Revenue U Kyi Shein.

Home Affairs Minister meets Ambassador

YANGON, 29 June- Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing met Australian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr  Trevor David Wilson at his office at the corner of Saya San Road and No 1 Industry Road at 4 p.m. today. Also  present were Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen. Thura Myint Maung, Director-General of Myanmar  Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win and Head of the Office U Thet Tun.

Minister Brig-Gen. Lun Thi meets Indian Ambassador

YANGON, 29 June- Minister for Energy Brig-Gen. Lun Thi met Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Shyam  Saran who had completed his tour of duty in Myanmar at the former's office at 4 p.m. today. They cordially  discussed matters related to the energy sector. Also present were Deputy Minister for Energy U Tin Tun and  officials of enterprises and department under the ministry.

Minister for Sports meets foreign visitors

YANGON, 29 June- Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen. Thura Aye Myint  met Secretary of World Body Building Federation and Vice-Chairman of Asian Body Building Federation Mr Paul  Chua at the minister's office at 1.30 p.m. today. Also present were Director-General U Thaung Htaik of Sports and  Physical Education Department and officials of Myanmar Body Building Federation. They cordially discussed  matters related to the 55th World Body Building Tournament to be held in Yangon in November 2001.

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(5)  Cash assistance presented to war veterans and their children in Yangon Division

YANGON, 29 June- The Myanmar War Veterans Organization presented cash assistance to war veterans aged 75  and above, disabled war veterans and their children who are outstanding in education in Yangon Division, at  Sinbyushin Hall of Defence Services Orthopaedic Hospital (500-bed) in Mingaladon Township this morning.  Patron of Yangon Division War Veterans Organization member of the State Peace and Development Council  Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than made a speech on the occasion.

Also present were member of the Central Organizing Committee of MWVO Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin  Hlaing and committee members, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint,  members of the Supervisory Committee of Division WVO, chairmen and members of District WVO Supervisory  Committees in the Division, Secretary of Division Union Solidarity and Development Association U Aye Myint,  representatives of NGOs, chairmen and executives of WVOs in 44 townships in the division and guests. The  patron of Yangon Division WVO said that members of WVO are required to be loyal to the State and to work for the interests of the State. Everybody needs to cooperate in carrying out the five tasks laid down in the five sectors.

Unity is to be built up together with the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Myanmar Police Force,  the Auxiliary Fire Brigade, the Red Cross Brigade, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Working Committee  for Women's Affairs and other non-governmental organizations. Organizational work is to be done to make the  organization more and more efficient and dynamic. (See page 2) Then, MWVO Central Organizing Committee  members and the chairmen of Supervisory Committee of Yangon Division WVO presented cash assistance by  MWVO to the chairmen of township WVOs. Member of the Central Organizing Committee Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Theik Tun presented cash assistance to chairmen of Insein, Mingaladon, Shwepyitha, Hlinethaya and  Dagon Myothit (South) township WVOs; member of the Central Organizing Committee Vice-Chairman of  Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, chairmen of Dagon Myothit (North), Dagon  Myothit (East), Dagon Myothit (Seikkan), North Okkalapa and South Okkalapa township WVOs; member of the  Central Organizing Committee Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win, chairmen of  Yankin, Tamway, Thingangyun, Mingalar Taungnyunt and Thakayta township WVOs; member of the Central  Organizing Committee Commander of MPF Battalions Control Command Police Brig-Gen. Aung Nwe, chairmen  of Dawbon, Pazundaung, Botahtaung, Seikkyi Khanaungto and Dalla township WVOs; Chairman Supervisory  Committee of Yangon Division WVO (Inter Municipal Areas) Col Tin Soe, chairmen of Dagon, Kyimyindine,  Sangyoung, Bahan, Kyauktada, Pabedan, Lanmadaw, Latha and Ahlon township WVOs and Chairman of  Supervisory Committee of Yangon Division WVO (Outer Municipal Areas) Lt-Col Ye Tint (Retd), Kyauktan,  Kawhmu, Kungyangon, Kayan, Twantay, Thongwa, Thanlyin, Hline, Taikkyi, Htantabin and Hmawby township WVOs. On behalf of those who were presented cash assistance, Chairman of Htantabin Township WVO Maj. Hla Aung (Retd) spoke words of thanks. The ceremony came to a close with concluding remarks by the commander. Over K 80 million was presented to war veterans aged 75 and above, disabled war veterans and outstanding child students of war veterans totalling 1,523.
 
Commander inspects Special Vegetable and Poultry Farming Zones

YANGON, 29 June- Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace  and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected work being  carried out at Yangon Division Special Vegetable and Poultry Farming Zones near Nyaunghnapin Village,  Hmawby Township,   Yangon North District this afternoon. First, Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than  inspected Taingmyankyaw Layer Farm in Yangon Division Special Vegetables and Poultry Farming Zone-1 and  gave necessary instructions to officials.

Then, the commander inspected work being carried out at Myomyintkyaw Layer Farm and attended to the needs of  officials. On arrival at Hmawby Hsan Hall in the Special Zone-1, the commander was welcomed by Secretary of  Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint and division-level departmental officials. At  the briefing hall, In- charge of the Special Zone-1 Manager of Yangon Division Myanma Agriculture Service U  San Maung reported on earth work and progress of work in the Special Zone-1, In-charge of the Special Zone-2  Deputy Commissioner of Yangon North District General Administration Department U Saw Hla Myint on progress of work for farming in the Special Zone-2 and In-charge of the Special Zone-3 Head of Yangon Division  Settlements & Land Records Department U Naing Win on work being carried out for farming and digging fish  ponds to the commander. In response to the reports, the commander urged officials to grow 3,000 acres of  vegetables in monsoon season, to provide close supervision, to pay attention to proper drainage and to grow shade  trees and flowers street-wise in the Special Zones and left there. Altogether 1020 acres of land have been put under  vegetables, and 300 acres of fish ponds have been dug in monsoon season in the Special Zones, which have already reared 40,000 broilers and layers.

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(6) Ministry of CPT holds coord meeting

YANGON, 29 June- A coordination meeting of Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs for fiscal years  from 2000-2001 to 2001-2002 was held at the Communications and Postal Training Centre this afternoon. Present  were Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen. Thein Zaw, the Managing Director of  Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, the director-general of Directorate of Telecommunications, the general  managers, the directors, heads of department, state/division managers. Minister Brig-Gen. Thein Zaw delivered a  speech. Then, the state/division managers presented reports on their respective work, progress of work and work to  be done for 2001-2002 fiscal year. Then, the Managing Director of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications and  heads of department presented the supplementary reports. The Director-General of Directorate of  Telecommunications reported to the minister on work. Minister Brig-Gen. Thein Zaw attended to the needs. The  meeting ended with the concluding remarks by the minister.

Seminar on prawn breeding technology held

YANGON, 29 June- A seminar on prawn breeding technology jointly sponsored by AQUA (Yangon) and Asia Lab  Co. was held at Summit Parkview Hotel this afternoon. Present were Chairman of Extended Production Committee  for Fish and Meat Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Lt-Gen. Tin Ngwe, Vice-Chairman Minister for  Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung Thein. Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Ngwe made a speech.

Minister meets industrialists in South Dagon

YANGON, 29 June- Chairman of the Working Committee for Development of Industries Minister for Industry-1 U  Aung Thaung accompanied by officials inspected the prototype of jeeps manufactured by industrial entrepreneurs  for Myingyan Industrial Zone in the compound of the ministry this morning. Ministry of Industry-2 has inspected  standards of the vehicle for mass production. The jeep would be manufactured on a commercial scale soon.

Then, the minister met with chairmen and members of the industrial zone management committees and industrial  entrepreneurs at the meeting hall of Management Office of No 1 Industrial Zone in South Dagon. Speaking on the  occasion the minister pointed out that only if industries develop our country will become a modern developed one.  For this reason, the government has established industrial zones for the development of industries after organizing  the scattered industries. He urged the entrepreneurs to make efforts for the development of industries. And he  encouraged them to openly discuss difficulties and the needs. Afterwards, Chairmen of No 1, No 2 and No 3 Industrial Zone Management Committees U Soe Tint, U Hla Tun and U Aung Myint and entrepreneurs reported to  the minister on work and the needs. Then, the minister fulfilled the needs and gave necessary instructions. Later,  the minister inspected transformers ranging from 50 KVA to 500 KVA manufactured by Soe Electric and  Machinery Co. Ltd and production processes there in No 1 Industrial Zone. Afterwards, the minister proceeded to  Earth Industrial (Myanmar ) Co. Ltd. At the meeting hall, Director of the factory U Nyein Chan Soe Win reported  to the minister that the company was owned by Myanmar nationals. And it exported transformers and printed circuit boards (PCB). Then, he explained with the use of slides production of high-class electrical appliances. The minister fulfilled the needs. Then, the minister inspected winding section and coring section of transformer  production and production of printed circuit boards at PCB Assembly.
 
Fisheries Department holds coord meeting

YANGON, 29 June- A coordination meeting of Fisheries Department under the Ministry of Livestock and  Fisheries was held at the meeting hall of Fisheries Department this morning, attended by Minister for Livestock  and Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung Thein. Minister Brig-Gen. Maung Maung Thein made a speech. Officials  presented on their progress work have done and future tasks. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the  minister.

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(7) USDA Management Multiplier Course opens

YANGON,29 June- The opening ceremony of Multiplier Management Course No 1/2001 for USDA Executives  was held at the Office of Information and Public Relations Department in Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township this  morning. Present were member of Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Sports Brig-Gen.  Thura Aye Myint, the Secretary of Yangon East District USDA, the Chairman of Township Peace and  Development Council, officials and trainees. Minister Brig-Gen. Thura Aye Myint made a speech. Then,  wellwishers presented cash to Secretary of Township USDA U Than Lwin for Township USDA. Altogether 85  trainees are attending the course.

Four- monthly meeting of Ministry of Mines held

YANGON, 20 June- The first four- monthly meeting of the Ministry of Mines was held at the ministry this  morning. Present were Minister for Mines Brig-Gen. Ohn Myint, Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein, the  managers and officials. Minister Brig-Gen. Ohn Myint made a speech on the occasion. The deputy minister, the  directors-general, the managing directors and the factory managers explained their work. Then, the Minister, the  Deputy Minister and officials looked into the requirements.

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(8)  Mayor inspects agricultural and livestock breeding work

YANGON, 29 June- Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, accompanied by  officials, inspected cultivation of monsoon paddy in Kya-in region, Taikkyi Township this morning. Then, Mayor  U Ko Lay also inspected breeding of duck in Kyontamyin, production of briquette at briquette factory, production  of edible oil at Oil Mill of YCDC, test running of sugar mill, drying of summer paddy and running of rice mill and  gave instructions to officials. Mayor U Ko Lay also inspected kitchen crop plantation near the rice mill and gave suggestions.
 
Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image Construction Committee meets

YANGON, 29 June- The Committee for Construction of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image this  afternoon held its meeting at the briefing hall on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township, where the Image is kept.  Present at the meeting were Chairman of the committee Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen. Thura  Aung Ko, Joint-Secretary Cmdr Khin Maung Oo (Navy) and members, departmental officials, experts, members of  the Pagoda Board of Trustees and guests. Cmdr Khin Maung Oo (Navy) acted as master of ceremonies. The  chairman spoke of promoting of construction and greening work for timely completion. Those present, engineers  and guest experts reported on construction of retaining wall for the first phase, reclamation of land, water and electric power supply, construction of Hmankyaung-saung and Gandakuti Kyaungdawgyi, decoration of Gandakuti  Kyaungdawgyi and stairways and building of the Htidaw. The meeting came to an end with the concluding  remarks by the deputy minister.

Drug Elimination Museum packed with visitors

YANGON, 29 June- Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of Hanthawady and Kyundaw roads was crowded  with students, teachers, visitors and members of the Sangha totalling 4,785 today.

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(9)  17 members of armed groups exchange arms for peace

YANGON, 29 June- The State Peace and Development Council, upholding Our Three Main National Causes, is  striving for the national reconsolidation with might and main to ensure the emergence of a new, modern and  developed nation with genuine goodwill. Remaining armed groups realized that their destructive acts did not  benefit the nation at all for a long time and their acts retarded development of their regions, and they understood  the genuine goodwill and correct endeavours of the government. The remaining armed groups have been  exchanging arms for peace individually or in groups.

Company Commander Soe Lwin (a) Saw Kapaw of No 6 Brigade of KNU armed group, Chairman of Village  Wards Maung Htein (a) Gali of No 2 DO Battalion together with one hand grenade, two detonators and one  walkie-talkie in the South-East Command area; Privates Zakye-oh and Htaung Hlan of CNA armed group in the  North-West Command area; 2nd Lt Saw Tha Dwe, Privates Saw Se Htoo, Tha Bo, Win Kyaw of No 10 Battalion,  Private Saw Di Hto (a) Saw Tha Htoo of No 11 Battalion, Private Than Zaw of No 12 Battalion together with one carbine and its magazine, 20 rounds of ammunition, two M-16 automatic rifles and their two magazines, 18 rounds  of ammunition, one short-barrelled gun and its two rounds, one grenade and Private Aung Lwin (a) Aung Lwin  Saw and Private Aung Kyaw (a) Aung Aung Kyaw of ABSDF armed group, Privates Than Htwe, Aye Lwin, Aye  Win (a) Kamar Ludin, Myint Htwe and Tun Shein of BCP together with one long-barrelled gun in the Coastal  Region Command area, swapped arms for peace at the respective military camps and units from 1 to 31 May.  Officials concerned warmly welcomed the 17 persons who exchanged arms for peace and attended to their needs. More persons of armed groups are going to swap arms for peace.

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