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

YANGON, 14 July- 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 Jacques Chirac, President  of the French Republic, on the occasion of the National Day of the French Republic which falls on 14 July  2001.

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(2) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe accepts credentials of  Ambassador of Federal Republic of Nigeria

YANGON, 13 July - His Highness Prince Ademola Olugbade Aderele, newly accredited Ambassador of the  Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Union of Myanmar, presented his credentials to Senior General Than  Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, at Dagon Yeiktha  of the Ministry of Defence at 10 am today. Also present on the occasion were State Peace and Development  Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and Director-General  Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department.

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(3) Secretary-1 inspects Shwedagon Pagoda All-round Renovation Project

YANGON, 13 July - Patron of the Shwedagon Pagoda All-round Renovation Leading Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt attended the meeting of the  Leading Committee at the Old Museum Tazaung on the pagoda platform this evening. Also present were  Chairman of the Leading Committee Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen. Thura Myint Maung,  Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen. Thura Aung Ko, Chairman of the Shwedagon Pagoda All-Round Renovation Work Committee Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen. Hsan  Hsint, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, members of the Leading Committee and the  Work Committee and members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees.

Deputy Commander Brig-Gen. Hsan Hsint reported to the Secretary-1 on progress in renovating the  circling cetis of the upper terrace, circling cetis on the Hsimigon, Naungdawgyi Pagoda, the western  stairway, religious buildings, sale of books on Shwedagon Pagoda history and future programmes. The  Secretary-1 spoke of the need to implement the Shwedagon Pagoda All-round Renovation task phase by  phase in accord with the project. He then inspected renovation of the cetis of the upper terrace. The  Secretary-1 and party paid homage to the Padamya Myetshin Buddha Image on the upper terrace.  Afterwards, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt looked into the requirements in renovating the religious  buildings and the western stairway. He also inspected construction of a car park near the foot of the  northern stairway and shops.

Secretary-1 inspects finishing touches to Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image

YANGON, 13 July-State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, accompanied  by officials of the State Peace and Development Council chairman's Office, arrived at Mindhamma Hll  where Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image is being kept in Insein Township at 6 p.m. today. The  Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen. Thura Myint  Maung, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen. Thura Aung Ko, Deputy Minister for Science and  Technology U Nyi Hla Nge and officials, experts and members of the pagoda Board of Trustees.

First, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt paid obeisance to the Image. Then, he inspected the finishing touches put to the Image and heard the reports presented by officials and Stone Sculptor Siri Sudhamma  Manijotadhara Sayagyi U Taw Taw. Next, officials reported to the Secretary-1 on construction of stone  plaques, southern and northern stairways, and the building where Buddha footprint is to be kept. Stone  Sculptor Siri Sudhamma Manijotadhara Sayagyi U Taw Taw reported to the Secretary-1 on creation of the  Buddha footprint on marvel plaque in accord with the approval of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka  Committee. The Secretary-1 then gave necessary instructions. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 inspected  construction of retaining wall, progress of construction of the Southern Stairway and installation of  Myanmar handicrafts, digging of Mingalar Lake with the use of heavy machinery and gave instructions and  left the site in the evening.
 
Chief Justice meets Nigerian Ambassador

YANGON, 13 July-Chief Justice U Aung Toe met Nigerian Ambassador to Myanmar Prince Adenola  Olugabade Aderele based in Thailand at his office this afternoon. Also present was Director-General U Tin  Aye of the Supreme Court.

UMFCCI President meets Chinese guests

YANGON, 13 July-President of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U  Win Myint, General-Secretary U Zaw Min Win, Joint General Secretary Dr Maung Maung Lay and CEC  members met with Vice-Chairman Mr Chen Yingcheng of China Association of International Engineering  Consultants of the People's Republic of China and party at UMFCCI office on Merchant Street at 1 p.m.  today. They discussed matters concerning bilateral cooperation, bridges, building designs, engineering,  imports and exports, investment and electric power generation.

Minister receives Chinese guests

YANGON, 13 July-Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung met Chairman Mr Zaho Jidong of Myanmar  China Huanyu Thama Group Co. Ltd and party of People's Republic of China at his office this morning.  Also present were Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen. Kyaw Win, directors-general and managing  directors of departments and industries.

Minister for Mines receives guest

YANGON, 13 July-Minister for Mines Brig-Gen. Ohn Myint met Vice-Chairman Mr Tojiro Tasaki of  Tasaki Shingyuu Co., Japan, at his office this afternoon. The latter gave an account of progress of joint  venture work of pearl culture being carried out at Domei Island. Also present were officials of the ministry.
 
Minister receives Nigerian Ambassador

YANGON, 13 July-Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone received Nigerian Ambassador to Myanmar Prince Adenola Olugabade Aderele at former's office this afternoon. Also present were Deputy  Minister Brig-Gen. Kyaw Hsan, Director-General U Nyunt Aye of Directorate of Trade, Director-General  U Nay Win of Border Trade Department, Managing Director U Min Hla Aung of Myanma Agricultural  Produce Trading and officials.

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(4) Minister inspects construction of Hanthawady Airport

YANGON, 13 July-Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, together with Deputy Minister Brig-Gen.  Myint Thein and officials of Public Works, arrived at the construction project of the Hanthawady  International Airport this morning. They were welcomed there by Engineer In-charge for Construction of  the airport Deputy Chief Engineer (Airfield) U San Lwin, Bago Division Superintending Engineer U Kyaw  Lwin and officials. At the briefing hall, Deputy Chief Engineer U San Lwin reported on targets for  construction of the airport and progress of work. The minister inspected the arrival and of heavy machinery  and progress of work. Later, the minister stressed the need for close supervision to meet the targets and  urged the officials to make concerted efforts for timely completion of the project, and then inspected the  worksite.

Ministry of SWRR holds four-monthly meeting

YANGON, 13 July - The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement held its first four-monthly  coordination meeting for 2001 in Thida Hall of the Fire Services Department in Mayangon Township here  this morning. Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa delivered an  address at the meeting. Also present were Deputy Minister U Hlaing Win, directors-general of the FSD, the  Social Welfare Department and the Relief and Resettlement Department and officials. Speaking on the  occasion, the minister said the Social Welfare Department is achieving success in implementing its eight  main tasks including rendering of assistance and extending help to those who are in need.

The task of the department is to give protection and assistance to people of all ages; thus it is discharging a  noble humanitarian duty. The department should give supervision to the bodies at different levels of the  natural disaster preparedness, relief and resettlement committee whose duty is to minimize the loss of life  and property due to natural disasters. Its task does not concern with the relief and resettlement only, but also  with taking preventive measures. In this context, courses should be conducted in states and divisions to  enhance the staff's performance. The nation has systematically formed fire brigades since the beginning of  the Bagan era. Arrangements should be made to prevent loss of property due to fires. Up to now there are  over 200,000 Auxiliary Fire Brigade members in the nation.

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(5) Minister inspects factories

YANGON, 13 July-Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen.  Kyaw Win and officials inspected the bicycle spare parts, chairs and beds at the Bicycle Factory of Myanma  General and Maintenance Industries, Sethsan Ward, Mingalar Taung Nyunt township this morning. Then,  the minister and party proceeded to the Biscuit Factory of Myanma Foodstuff Industries, No 72  Thingangyun Road, Tamway Lay Ward, Tamway Township. The minister inspected production process  there. He also inspected Sweet Factory in the compound and left instructions.

Officials discuss 30-Year Health Plan

YANGON, 13 July - The Leading Committee to Draw the 30-Year Plan of the Ministry of Health held a  meeting at the ministry this afternoon, with an address delivered by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.  The minister said in accord with the Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, the ministry has assigned  duties to the respective bodies to draw the 30-year plan to enable the future generations to take part in the  national development projects with greater momentum. Director-General of the Health Planning  Department Dr Kyi Soe explained points of the plan. Other participants including Deputy Ministers for  Health Prof. Dr Mya Oo and Prof. Dr Kyaw Myint, Chairman of Myanmar Academy of Medical Science Dr  Ko Ko and officials also gave suggestions.

Deputy Minister for Culture gives lecture

YANGON, 13 July-Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt (Htilar Sitthu) gave a lecture on lifelong  experiences as a journalist at the University of Culture this morning. Present on the occasion were Rector U  Tin Soe of the University of Culture (Yangon), Pro-rectors Daw Khin Hla Htay and U Myat Thura,  professors, heads of departments, teachers and students. The deputy minister also gave lectures on  experiences as a soldier, poet and writer at the same venue on 4 and 15 June and 4 July.
 
Deputy Minister signs book of condolences for Parliament Speaker of Bangladesh

YANGON, 13 July-Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win signed the book of condolences at Bangladesh Embassy, No 11 B, Than Lwin Road, Kamayut Town- ship at 2.30 p.m. today  for late Speaker of the National Parliament of Bangladesh Mr Humayun Rasheed Chowdhury.

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(6) Milk powder tins donated

YANGON, 13 July-The Nestle Trading Ltd donated milk powder tins to the hospitals under the Ministry of  Health at the Children's Hospital on Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Dagon Township, here, this morning.  Present on the occasion were Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Ministers Professor Dr Mya  Oo and Prof. Dr Kyaw Myint, directors-general, deputy directors-general and directors under the ministry,  respective medical superintendents, professors and specialists, officials and wellwishers.

Business Development Manager of Myanmar Representative Office of Nestle Trading Ltd Khun Suravath  Pinsunwanbutr explained the purpose of the donation, and then presented 600 tins of milk powder valued at  K 1.7 million to the minister who presented a certificate of honour to him. Medical Superintendent of the  Hospital Dr Mya Thein spoke words of thanks. The milk powder tins for feeding of children from six  months to three years will go to Yangon Children Hospital, North Okkalapa General Hospital, People's  Hospital (East Yangon), People's Hospital (West Yangon), Insein General Hospital, South Okkalapa  Women's & Children's Hospital and Thin-gangyun Sanpya General Hospital.

Fifty Myanmar key boards donated

YANGON, 13 July- World Peace IT Group & KMD Centre donated 50 key boards worth K 400,000 to the  Ministry of Education at the New Century Human Resources Development Department on Botahtaung  Pagoda Road this afternoon. The ceremony was attended by Minister for Education U Than Aung, Deputy  Minister U Myo Nyunt and directors-general and chairmen of departments and commissions under the  ministry. Daw Wa Wa Tun explained the purpose of the donation. On behalf of the World Peace IT Group  & KMD Centre, Managing Director U Thaung Tin of KMD Co. donated the key boards. The minister  presented a certificate of honour to the donors.

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(7) Gifts for MMCWA

YANGON, 13 July-Nestle Trading Ltd (Thailand) donated Lactogen-2 milk powder cans to Myanmar  Maternal and Child Welfare Association at the corner of Thanthuma and Parami Roads in South Okkalapa  Township this afternoon. The donation ceremony was attended by Chairperson of MMCWA Professor Daw  Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and executives and well-wishers. Business  Development Manager Khun Suravath Pinsunwanbutr of Nestle Trading Limited Myanmar Representative  Office presented 100 cans of Lactogen-2 milk powder worth K 850,000 to MMCWA Vice Chairperson Dr  Daw Khin Win Shwe who presented a certificate of honour to the wellwisher. Afterwards, MMCWA  Chairperson Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe spoke words of thanks.

MIDWC meets

YANGON, 13 July - Myanma Industrial Development Work Committee and the subcommittees held a  meeting at the Ministry of Industry-2 this morning. Also present were Chairman of MIDWC Minister for  Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Deputy Minister for Labour Brig-Gen. Win Sein, Deputy Minister for  Industry-2 Brig-Gen. Aung Thein Lin, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology Dr Chan Nyein,  chairmen of the subcommittees and guests. Minister Maj-Gen Saw Lwin delivered an address. Secretary of  MIDWC presented work done by the body. Members of the subcommittees then took part in the  discussions. The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by the minister.

Yangon Division to put 1,180,000 acres under monsoon paddy

YANGON, 13 July - 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  monsoon crop cultivation and regional development undertakings in Hmawby and Taikkyi townships today.  He also attended to the needs of the local farmers during the visit to the two townships in Yangon North  District. Accompanied by Brig-Gen. Saw Hla Min of Phugyi Station, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace  and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint and officials, the commander observed the collective  ploughing of paddy and paddy transplantation at a 15-acre plot at Shwemyaya village in Hmawby Township  in the morning.

During the visit to an agricultural exhibition, the officials conducted the commander and party around the  booths of the Myanma Agriculture Service and agricultural enterprises, displaying chemical fertilizers,  pesticides and quality paddy strains. Yangon Division Manager of MAS U San Maung reported to the  commander on cultivation of high-yield paddy in the division and cultivation of pedigree paddy strains at  model plots. Yangon Division has cultivated paddy on 73,626 acres at the model plots this monsoon season.  At the briefing hall, the commander met with local farmers and discussed matters relation to cultivation of  paddy as targeted, cultivation of quality paddy in accord with the advice of MAS, utilization of fertilizers  and growing of saplings for regional greening and for fuel wood.

He also suggested means to ensure public security, bring down the crime rate and maintain regional peace  and stability. Farmers presented the requirements in putting land under monsoon and summer paddy. The  commander and officials attended to their needs. In Taikkyi Township, the commander and party observed  collective cultivation of paddy at Kungyangon Agricultural Education Centre. U San Maung reported to the  commander on progress in paddy cultivation in the division. The commander then visited an agricultural  exhibition where quality seeds and chemical fertilizers were displayed.

During the meeting with local farmers, the commander discussed matters relating to monsoon crops cultivation and looked into their needs. At Taikkyi Township Peace and Development Council Office, the  commander met with township level officials, speaking of the need to strive to complete monsoon paddy  cultivation in the first week of August and plant trees in the rainy season to help green the region.

He also coordinated ways and means to improve transport, health, education, clean water supply and  irrigation sectors of the region. Chairman of Taikkyi Township Peace and Development Council U Myint  Than explained matters on crop cultivation in the township and regional development projects. The  participants presented requirements in carrying out the regional development and agricultural tasks. At the  office, power-tillers and pumps manufactured by the Ministry of Industry-2 are being sold to farmers under  a two-year grace period to be paid in five instalments. The commander coordinated with officials to seek  ways and means to offer more convenience to the buyers. Arrangements are being made to give high  priority to cultivating quality paddy than high-yield strains in Yangon Division. The respective bodies are  disseminating knowledge on the wider and systematic use of chemical and natural fertilizers. A total of  825,066 acres of land has already been put under monsoon paddy in Yangon Division against the target of  1,180,000 acres. The division has also targeted to cultivate 276,500 acres of summer paddy, 322,128 acres of beans and pulses and 126,500 acres of edible oil crops this season. Hmawby Township has already put  14,254 acres of land under monsoon paddy to date and Taikkyi Township, 26,033 acres of monsoon paddy.

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(8)  Commander inspects Tuberculosis Hospital in Mandalay

YANGON, 13 July-Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of  Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, accompanied by departmental officials and officials of the Myanma  Agriculture Service, inspected harvesting and threshing of summer paddy, Manawthukha paddy, quality of  paddy, weighing and ploughing of the field paddy at the farmland of Farmer U Win in Yehtwat Village in  Patheingyi Township on 11 July. Then, the commander and party inspected the nursery of Manawthukha  paddy, earth work for ploughing of land with the use of power-tillers at the farmland of Farmer U Tin Oo in  Yankin Taung Village-tract, Patheingyi Township. Mandalay Division Myanma Agriculture Service  Manager and officials reported on output of summer paddy in the township, for growing monsoon paddy,  nurseries, and water supply to the commander who gave instructions. Next, the commander and party  inspected Tuberculosis Hospital (200-bed) in Mandalay. At the meeting hall of the hospital, Acting Medical  Superintendent Dr U Ye Myint reported to the commander on progress of construction of buildings and  dispensary, buildings under construction and medical treatment. The commander gave instructions on  greening and beautifying the environs and inspected greening work and building of gravel roads.

Regional development tasks in Saw and Salin townships inspected

YANGON, 13 July-Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min, accompanied by officials inspected regional development work in Saw and Salin townships from 5 to 7  July. On 5 July, the chairman visited Laung Shay village in Saw Township and heard reports on agriculture  and regional development work. On 6 July, he inspected cultivation of crops in Saw township and left  necessary instructions. On 7 July, he met with local authorities at the meeting hall of Saw Township Peace  and Development Council Office and fulfilled the needs. Later, he inspected Saw-Kanpetlet, Saw-Kyauk  Htu and Saw-Seikphyu roads. Afterwards, he inspected Salin Dam project near Shwedwintu village in Salin  Township. Then, he inspected maintenance work of banks and sluice gates at Ngamyethna Dam in Salin  township and fulfilled the needs.
 
Development work in Maubin District inspected

YANGON, 13 July-Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Chairman South-West Command  Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, accompanied by departmental officials, met with township level  departmental officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Auxiliary Fire  Brigade, Red Cross and Maternal and Child Welfare Association at the office of Danubyu Township USDA  on 11 July. The commander discussed rendering assistance for regional development, health and education,  and presented cash assistance donated by Division Peace and Development Council for education, health  and social organizations through the officials concerned. He then inspected preventive measures against  bank erosion and natural disasters along the bank from Danubyu Township to Maubin Township by boat  and fulfilled the requirements. In the afternoon, he inspected maintenance of the embankment, village  development work and preparations for opening of multimedia teaching centre of Basic Education High  School at Dauntgyi Village, Yaybawgyi Village-tract, Pan-tanaw Township. The commander attended to the needs, and also presented cash assistance donated by Division Peace and Development Council to the  officials. Later, the commander inspected maintenance of the embankment of Chaunggyi Village-tract,  Nyaungdon Township, left instructions and attended to the requirements.

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(9) Cash assistance presented to war veterans and their children

YANGON, 13 July-A ceremony to present cash assistance by the Central Organizing Committee of  Myanmar War Veterans Organization to members of WVOs aged 75 and above, disabled war veterans and  their children who are outstanding in their education in Bago Division (West) was held at the Town Hall in  Pyay this morning, with an address by Patron of Bago Division WVO Chairman of Bago Division Peace  and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Maj-Gen Tin Aye. Also present were  member of MWVO Central Organizing Committee Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen. Soe Win  Maung, Col Win Myint of Pyay Station, Chairman of Bago Division (West) WVO Supervisory Committee  Secretary of Bago Division (West) Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Ye Myint and members  members of Division, District and Township USDAs, Women's Affairs Committee, Maternal and Child  Welfare Association, Auxiliary Fire Brigade, Red Cross, WVOs in Bago Division (West), war veterans  aged 75 and above and their children who are outstanding in their education. The commander presided over  the ceremony, and Pyay Township USDA executive Daw Pwint Oo Han and Daw Saw Sandar Win acted as masters of ceremonies. The commander spoke on the occasion. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Soe Win Maung  and Secretary Lt-Col Ye Myint presented cash assistance to the war veterans and their children who are  outstanding in their education. The cash assistance to the war veterans and their children totalled K 17.35  million.

Tatmadaw Karatedo Tourney ends

YANGON, 13 July-A ceremony to present prizes to winners of Year 2001 Defence Services Commander- in-chiefs Shield Tenth Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Karatedo Tournament was held at the National  Indoor Stadium-1 in Thuwunna this morning. Present at the ceremony were Chief of Staff (Navy)  Commodore Soe Thein, Chief of Staff (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen. Maung  Nyo, Provost Marshal Brig-Gen. Saw Hla, General Staff Officer (Air) Col Khin Maung Tin, Officiating  General Staff Officer (Mechanical) Lt-Col Ye Chit Pe, Commander of Mingaladon Air Base Headquarters  Brig-Gen. Thein Myint, Commander of Maintenance Air Base Col Khin Maung Aye, Commander of  Hmawby Air Base Headquarters Col Min Khaing, officers and other ranks and family members and  spectators. The high-ranking officers presented prizes to the winners and winning teams; the Chief of Staff  (Air), championship shield to Yangon Command team.

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