( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe accepts credentials of Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Yangon, 3 Aug - His Excellency Mr Pham Quang Khon, newly accredited Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam 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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( 2 )  Secretary-1 meets national race leaders, attends opening of multimedia teaching centres in Kutkai

 Yangon, 3 Aug - Chairman of the Working Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt left Lashio for Kaungkha Myothit in Kutkai Township on 31 July morning.

The Secretary-1 was accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, ministers, deputy ministers, Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing of Hsenwi Station, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department.

 On arrival at Kaungkha Myothit at 8 am, the Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by Tactical Operations Commander Col Soe Yee, departmental officials of Shan State (North), departmental officials of Muse District and Kutkai Township, national race leader U Mahtu Naw of Special Region 5 of Shan State (North) and officials. National race leader U Mahtu Naw reported on development tasks of Kaungkha Myothit. The commander gave a supplementary report. The Secretary-1 gave instructions.

 Then, the Secretary-1 and party attended the foundation-laying ceremony for construction of Maha Damayanthi Yanaung Pagoda on Thirimanta Hill in Kaungkha Myothit. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party attended the multimedia teaching centre opening ceremony at Basic Education High School in Kaungkha Myothit. Headmaster U Hauk Shan and Chairman of the School Board of Trustees U Mahtu Naw formally opened the multimedia teaching centre.

 Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt formally unveiled the signboard of the multimedia teaching centre. Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the computer skills room, the computer-aided instruction room, the projected media room, the video system room, the language lab room, the printed media room and the audio lab room and watched the skill demonstration of the students. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected artistic and domestic works of the students.

 The Secretary-1 and party also watched the making of snacks with the use of buckwheat. The students also entertained the Secretary-1 and party in the music hall. Next, a ceremony to mark the opening of the multimedia teaching centre was held in the school hall. Chairman of SBT U Mahtu Naw reported on efforts for the opening of the multimedia teaching centre. Township Education Officer U Than Nyunt spoke words of thanks.

 The Secretary-1 accepted K 2,306,000 donated for the multimedia teaching centre by Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council, K 199,600 by Muse District Peace and Development Council and K 11,187,085 by the School Board of Trustees. The Secretary-1 presented computers and teaching aids to the headmaster.

 Next, the Secretary-1 presented gifts to national race leader U Mahtu Naw and to the government employees who are discharging duty at the border area through Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Chit Wai. On behalf of the government, the Secretary-1 thanked local authorities and officials, national race leaders of Special Region 5 of Shan State (North), well-wishers and people for their contributions to the first opening of the multimedia teaching centre at BEHS in Kaungkha Myothit, Special Region 5.

It is found that the pass rate of the school for the matriculation examination is improving year after year. It can be attributed to the efforts of the teachers and diligence of the students. It is believed that as the multimedia teaching centre has been opened, more and more outstanding students will emerge.

The teachers need to train the students to become outstanding and efficient ones, and the students on their part need to study at the multimedia teaching centre and to work hard at their studies. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party met with national race leaders of Special Regions in Shan State (North) at the guest house in Kaungkha Myothit. National race leaders U Aik Mon of Special Region 7, U Lwe Maung of Special Region 3, U Kan Ywet of Lwekhe region and U Mahtu Naw of Special Region 5 reported on the condition of transport, agricultural and livestock breeding work, other business undertakings and requirements.

The commander gave a supplementary report. Then, the Secretary-1 said that to fulfil the needs of national race organizations and families, agricultural and livestock breeding work and other businesses need to be undertaken. As a result of collapse of national solidarity, stability and peace and tranquillity were lost and the nation lagged behind other nations in development. Today all the national races are to strive to enable the nation to keep abreast with other nations in terms of development. The already-restored peace and stability will not be allowed to be disturbed.

Bearing in mind the evil consequences of lack of peace and tranquillity, all are to be aware of outside instigation designed to rock the boat. The government will fulfil the needs of national brethren as best it can. National race leader U Mahtu Naw presented gifts to the Secretary-1 and party.

 The Secretary-1 and party left Kaungkha Myothit at 1.30 pm and inspected the tea leaf and coffee plantations of Special Region 5 by the sides of Kutkai-Kaungkha motor road at the entrance of Kaungkha Myothit. The Secretary-1 and party left for Kutkai and attended the multimedia teaching centre of the Basic Education High School in Kutkai.

The headmistress of the school, the secretary of the School Board of Trustees and Ma Ohnma Myint who won four distinctions at the 2001 matriculation examination formally opened the multimedia teaching centre. The Secretary-1 formally unveiled the signboard of the multimedia teaching centre. Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the computer skills room, the computer-aided instruction room, the audio-visual room, the projected room, the language lab room and the printed room. The Secretary-1 and party also inspected the domestic science room, and the students presented gifts to the Secretary-1.

 The students also entertained the Secretary-1 and party at the music and aesthetic room. Next, a ceremony to mark the opening ceremony of the multimedia teaching centre was held, and nine standard student Ma Hsai Myat Htwe extended greetings. Member of the School Board of Trustees Daw Yin May and the headmistress reported on efforts for the opening of the multimedia teaching centre. The Secretary-1 accepted donations for the multimedia teaching centre Ñ K 225,000 by Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council, K 1,347,6000 by Muse District Peace and Development Council and K 4,011,800 by the School Board of Trustees.

 After presenting video tapes for the multimedia teaching centre, the Secretary-1 said that when he watched the students learning lessons, he found that their intellectual power is high. After the national education promotion programmes have been implemented for three years, success has been achieved rapidly and it can be attributed to the concerted efforts of parents, wellwishers, members of the school board of trustees and local authorities.

 The Secretary-1 urged the students to make best use of the multimedia teaching centre and to strive to become more and more intellectual. The Secretary-1 and party left Kutkai at 4 pm and inspected corn plantations by the sides of Lashio-Lutkai motor road. The Secretary-1 and party went to Hsenwi, and paid respects to Myole Kyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Arcinna, Sayadaw of Kyaunghsaing Kyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nalinda and members of the Sangha at Kyaunghsaing Kyaung. The Secretary-1 and party offered alms to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha and received the Five Precepts. Next, the Secretary-1 and party paid homage to the Buddha Image being built in the compound of Kyaunghsaing Kyaung.

The Secretary-1 and party also paid respects and offered alms to Mongphone Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nanasamvara there. The Secretary-1 made donations to the fund of the Buddha Image and Gandakutitaik. The Secretary-1 and party left for Lashio and inspected corn plantations of North-East Command in Bonmon. The commander reported on cultivation of corns on 335 acres and arrangements to distribute quality strains of corns to growers.

 The Secretary-1 gave instructions and inspected the samples of corns. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party left for Lashio by car and arrived there at 7 pm. Minister for Immigration and Population U Saw Tun, who accompanied the Secretary-1, together with Director-General Col Maung Htay, inspected the office of the Immigration and National Registration Department in Kutkai Township on 31 July afternoon. The minister attended to requirements and gave instructions on cultivation of seasonal and perennial crops.

 Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein inspected Kutkai Township People's Hospital and gave instructions on welfare and health care. The minister attended to requirements of the laboratory of Namphetka Station Hospital and renovation of Kutkai Township People's Hospital. Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung met with members of Shan State Agricultural Supervisory Committee, those in charge of agricultural work in districts and townships and employees in Lashio on 30 July evening. The deputy minister gave instructions on cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy, tea plants and pepper plants.

( 3 ) Secretary-1 attends Bo trees Planting ceremony at Shwedagon Pagoda

Yangon, 3 Aug-Patron of the Leading Committee for All-round Perpetual Renovation of the Shwedagon Pagoda Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended a Bo tree planting ceremony on the platform (south-west corner) of the Shwedagon Pagoda this morning.

 Also present were Ovadacariya Sayadaws of the Pagoda Board of Trustees led by member of the State Ovadacariya Joint Sasana-baing of Shwekyin Nikaya Sayadaw of Thiri Manta San-kyaung Agga Maha Pandita Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Rajindabhivamsa, member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, ministers, deputy ministers, chairmen and members of the Leading Committee and Working Committee for All-round Perpetual Renovation of the Pagoda, officials of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council, departmental heads, members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees, religious associations, wellwishers and guests. The member Sayadaw of the State Ovadacariya invested the congregation with the Nine Precepts.

 The Sayadaws recited Metta Sutta. The Secretary-1 presented a Bo tree and offertories to the member Sayadaw of the State Ovadacariya. Next, the commander, the ministers, the deputy ministers and wellwishers presented Bo trees and offertories to member Sayadaws of the Pagoda Board of Trustees. Afterwards, the member Sayadaw of the State Ovadacariya delivered a sermon. The Secretary-1 and party shared merits gained. Later, the Bo tree planting ceremony followed. The Secretary-1 and party took positions at designated places.

The Secretary-1 laid the silver casket and nine kinds of gems in the middle of the place where the Bo tree was to be planted. He then planted the Bo tree and sprinkled scented water on it. The Secretary-1 then planted the Linlun tree on the eastern corner, the commander a Bo tree on the north-west corner, Minister Lt-Gen Min Thein on the western corner, Minister Maj-Gen Kyi Aung on the south-east corner, Minister U Than Aung on the northern corner, Minister U Aung Khin on the north-east corner, Minister Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe on the south-west corner and Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung on the southern corner. They sprinkled scented water on Bo trees. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the success of the ceremony.

Privatization Commission meets

Yangon, 3 Aug - The Privatization Commission held its 3/2001 meeting at the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) of the Ministry of Defence at 3.45 pm today, attended by Chairman of the Commission Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

 Also present at the meeting were Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Win Myint, ministers, the auditor-general, deputy ministers, the deputy attorney-general, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department and officials. The participants approved the minutes of the meeting 2/2001 of the commission. Joint Secretary of the commission Director-General of Projects Appraisal and Progress Reporting Department U Tin Hlaing explained the progress in realizing the resolutions of the previous meeting.

 The Secretary-1, the commission members and officials took part in the discussions. The joint secretary of the commission sough the approval of the meeting concerning the matters submitted to the commission. A general round of discussions then followed. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the Secretary-1.

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( 4 ) Secretary-1 attends offering of 9,000 lights and 9,000 flowers to Shwedagon Pagoda

Yangon, 3 Aug-Over 9,000 students of Basic Education High Schools and Middle Schools under No 3 Basic Education Department (Yangon City) of the Ministry of Education held a ceremony to offer 9,000 lights and 9,000 flowers to the Shwedagon Pagoda in conjunction with reciting Dhammacakka and gold plates and cash presentation for perpetual all-round renovation of the Pagoda on the platform of the pagoda this morning.

Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and accepted the donations. Also present were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, ministers, deputy ministers, members of Working Committee for Perpetual All-round Renovation of the Pagoda, officials of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council, departmental heads, members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees, directors-general, chairmen and deputy directors-general of departments and boards under the ministry, officials, township education officers, school heads, teachers and students totalling over 9,000. Over 9,000 teachers and students of Wut associations of BEHSs and BEMSs under No 3 BED (Yangon City) offered 9,000 lights and 9,000 flowers to the pagoda.

The Secretary-1 and party went round the pagoda clockwise and visited the students who were reciting Dhammacakka Pavuttana Sutta. They then offered flowers and lights and paid reverence to Hsutaungpyi Padamya Myetshin Buddha Image on the Upper Terrace. The third gold plates and cash presentation ceremony of families of departments, boards and basic education schools under No 3 BED and township education staff families for perpetual all-round renovation of the pagoda was held at the old museum Tazaung on the platform.

The Secretary-1 accepted a three-tical gold plate donated by the Ministry of Education; K 284,006 by education staff families of Dawbon, Kyauktada, Dalla, Kawhmu, Kayan, Hlegu and Shwepyitha Townships; K 265,550 by education staff families of Mingala Taungnyunt, Lanmadaw, Dagon, Dagon Myothit (North), Botahtaung, Latha and Dagon Myothit Seikkan Townships; a three-tical gold plate each by the Education Planning and Training Department, No 1 BED, No 3 BED and Myanmar Board of Examination and K 50,000 by Myanmar Education Research Bureau.

 Master of ceremonies Staff Officer of Yangon Division Religious Affairs Department U San Thin Hlaing announced that nine three-tical gold plates were donated to the pagoda by Dagon Township No 1 BEHS; 15 three-tical gold plates by Latha Township No 2 BEHS; three threetical gold plates each by Kamayut Township No 2 BEHS and Sangyoung Township No 2 BEHS; two three-tical gold plates by BEMS of Yankin Education Training College; K 310,250 by Thakayta Township education staff families; K 240,635 by Tamway Township education staff families; K 230,000 by Hline Township education staff families; a three-tical gold plate by education staff families of Kyauktan, South Okkalapa, Hlaingthaya and Thanlyin Townships; K 150,000 each by education staff families of Mingaladon and Insein Township; K 129,475 by education staff families of Ahlon Township; K 123,800 by education staff families of Bahan Township; K 110,000 by education staff families of Dagon Myothit (East) Township; K 119,061 by education staff families of Mayangon Township; K 113,800 by education staff families of Sangyoung Township; K 105,000 by education staff families of Thingangyun Township; K 101,733 by education staff families of Kyimyindine Township; K 100,380 by education staff families of Taikkyi Township; K 100,000 each by education staff families of Dagon Myothit (South), North Okkalapa, Yankin and Thonghwa Townships; K 60,000 by education staff families of Pazundaung Township; a three-tical gold plate each by Yankin Township No 2 BEHS, Tamway Township No 4 BEMS, Botahtaung Township No 6 BEHS, Latha Township No 1 BEHS, Botahtaung Township No 5 BEHS, Dagon Township No 2 BEHS, Tamway Township No 3 BEHS, Dawbon Township No 1 BEHS, Dagon Township No 1 BEMS, Mingala Taungnyunt Township No 3 BEHS, Botahtaung Township Nos 2, 3 and 4 BEHSs; K 150,000 by Ahlon Township No 4 BEHS and K 62,000 by Kamayut Township No 1 BEHS. Then, the ceremony came to a close. Today's donations were K 3,255,690 and 54 three-tical gold plates valued at K 11,340,000.

( 5 ) Leaders of Myanmar and Thailand working with mutual understanding, friendship in view of bilateral cordial relations
 Problem of seven Thai employees who were taken by Wa national race group after entering Tachilek from Maesai solved in time
 Officials hand them over to Thailand after making peaceful and cordial coordinations

Yangon, 3 August - A Press conference on the formal handing over of seven Thai citizens who entered Tachilek from Maesai on 27 July and were taken by the Wa national race group, was held at the Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road here at 9 am today. Deputy Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies Deputy Director of the Directorate of Defence Services Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win explained matters concerning the formal handing over of the seven employees (Thai citizens) who were taken away by the Wa national race group after entering Tachilek from Maesai without making formal coordination with the Myanmar side in advance, and only with an ordinary immigration entry form stating " seven employees ". He said that he had already handed over the seven Thai employees to General Vichit Yatit and party of Thailand at about 7 pm yesterday; and they returned to Bangkok by Thai military aircraft.

Explaining the incident, he said the seven Thai staff entered Tachilek from Maesai at about 10 am on 27 July abroad a Toyota Land Cruiser without mentioning their names in the list of the immigration VIP family list. Only when the Thai officials informed the Myanmar side about the seven missing persons together with the list of their name, did the Myanmar side know that they were, Col Dueng Kamol (a) Ms Kalaya Sithiwong, Director of Armed Forces Security Centre, Major Dom Sax Khamsgrgaai of TBC, Captain Sanit Banthao of Third Army Task Force, Sergeant Satit Sithiprasert of TBC, Mr Senee Waiwattana of ONCB, Mr Sura Sak Nanthawong of ONCB and driver Mr Thanu Rangbee of ONCB.

As soon as the information was received, the matter was investigated by the members of the regional Intelligence Unit and who learnt that they were taken by the Wa national race group. As soon as the information was received, a team led by a senior officer of the Directorate of Defence Services Intelligence was dispatched from Yangon to Wa region.

When the team members made discussions with the personnel concerned to know whether or not they were taken away by the Wa group, the personnel concerned acknowledged that they had taken them, and then handed over the seven Thai staff to the team.

 When the team asked the Wa group members the reason of taking the Thai staff, they said that Wan Li was summoned by the commissioner of Mongpha; that when he went to the town he was murdered in the compound of the commissioner's office; that afterwards, 10,000 stimulant pills and an M-22 automatic rifle was placed beside his body; that a documentary photo of his body lying together with the pills and the weapon was taken; that due to the slanderous scheme, the Wa people were feeling much disappointed; and that for this reason the they had taken the seven Thai citizens.

 The team after asking the Wa leaders to restrain from doing such acts in view of maintaining the friendly relations between the two countries took them back to Yangon. Through General Vichit, the Myanmar officials had asked the Thai side to stay away from launching slanderous accusations against the Wa people concerning the narcotic drugs.

 The queries raised by the journalised were replied. Staff Officer (Grade-1) of OSS Lt-Col Tin Oo acted as master of ceremonies. Present were Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Tin Win, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, heads of OSS departments, officials of the News and Periodicals Enterprise of the Ministry of Information, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, U Sein Win of Kyodo news agency, President of Myanmar Foreign Correspondent Club U Sao Kai Pha, journalists and officials. The journalists viewed the maps and documentaries.

( 6 ) Minister for H&T receives guest

Yangon, 3 Aug- Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received Managing Director Ms Maria Fong Lee of Emerald Rose Garden Limited at his office this afternoon. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt, Managing Director of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services U Kyi Tun and officials.

National Convention Convening Commission meets

 Yangon, 3 Aug- National Convention Convening Commission held a meeting at the meeting hall of its office at 2 pm today. Present on the occasion were Chairman of NCCC Maj-Gen Saw Lwin and commission members. Chairman of NCCC Maj-Gen Saw Lwin presided over the meeting. National Convention Convening Work Committee and National Convention Convening Management Committee reported on matters relating to the National Convention. Members of National Convention Convening Commission took part in the discussions. Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Lwin gave concluding remarks and the meeting came to a close in the evening.

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( 7 ) Competition of play on breast feeding held

Yangon, 3 Aug-Competition of educative one-act play on breast feeding organized by Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association as World Breast Feeding Week activities was held at the multi-purpose hall of MMCWA building at the corner of Parami Road and Thanthuma Road in South Okkalapa Township this afternoon.

 It was attended by members of the panel of judges Chairperson of MMCWA Professor Dr Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, President of Myanmar Red Cross Society Dr Kyaw Win, Director Dr Khin Than Oo of Central Health Education Unit of Health Planning Department, Dr Tin Min of Breast Feeding Project of HPD, guests and member participants of Township MMCWAs in Yangon Division to the competition.

At the competition, Sangyoung Township won the first prize, North Okkalapa Township the second and South Okkalapa the third. Consolation prizes went to Bahan Township and Dagon Myothit (North). Prizes will be presented to the prize winning townships at the ceremony to mark World Breast Feeding Week to be held on 5 August.

( 8 )  Ministry of Hotels and Tourism held  waso robe offering ceremony

Yangon, 3 Aug- Ministry of Hotels and Tourism held its first waso robe offering ceremony at the Dhammayon of the ministry in Bahan Township this morning. It was attended by members of the Sangha led by the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Vice-Chairman Maha Aungmye-bonsan Sayadaw, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Minister for Culture U Win Sein, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Minister for Labour Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for Labour Brig-Gen Win Sein, Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, officials and guests. The ministers, deputy ministers and heads of department offered waso robes and offertories to the members of the Sangha. The Vice-Chairman Sayadaw of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee delivered a sermon followed by sharing of merits gained. After the ceremony, soon was offered to the Sayadaws.

Auto-exchange stations inspected

 Yangon, 3 Aug- Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw inspected arrival of machines at central store of Myanma Post and Telecommunications this morning. The machines will be used in extending 54,000 lines in Yangon, Mandalay, Pyay, Minhla and Toungoo auto-exchange stations. Accompanied by officials, the minister inspected the warehouses at the central store. The minister also inspected exchange stations in Bahan, and Togyaunggale.

Rules and Procedures for Win Thuza Shops and Management Course concludes

Yangon, 3 Aug - Rules and Procedures for Win Thuza Shops and Management Course No 1/2001 under the Ministry of Industry-1 concluded at the ministry with an address by Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung. The minister presented certificates to the trainees. Also present were Deputy Ministers for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, directors-general, managing directors and general managers of departments and enterprises, course instructors and trainees. The three-week course was attended by 66 trainees. The minister, together with the deputy ministers, went to Thuwunna Toiletries Factory under Myanma Pharmaceutical Factory in Thingangyun Township at 8.30 am today. The minister gave instructions on the work, and inspected the factory. The minister also visited the rubber factory under Myanma General Industries in Thingangyun Township. .

( 9 ) Minister inspects rice warehouses

 Yangon, 3 Aug - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, together with Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and officials, inspected Warehouse No 11 of MAPT in Ahlon Township this morning. The minister also gave instructions on storage of rice, cleanliness and security. The minister then inspected warehouses in the compound of No 02 60-ton Rice Mill in Pazundaung Township and in the compound of No 05 100-ton Rice Mill. Afterwards, the minister went to warehouses in the compound of the office of the manager of MAPT in Dawbon and gave instructions on systematic storage of rice. Rice kept in these warehouses will soon be distributed to consumers at tax-free markets.

Minister inspects Medical Depot

Yangon, 3 Aug- Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, accompanied by Deputy Ministers Professor Dr Mya Oo and Professor Dr Kyaw Myint and officials, inspected Central Medical Depot on Sagawa Street in Dagon Township this afternoon. The minister and party inspected the keeping of vehicles, machine parts and medical equipment and arrival of equipment. Director-General Dr Wan Maung and officials explained about the work and the minister attended to their needs. Afterwards, the minister and party inspected Kunah Purified Water Factory of the ministry. In-charge of the factory reported on production and monthly sale of purified water to the minister who gave instructions on production and distribution.

ISO certificates presented

Yangon, 3 Aug - A ceremony to present International Standard Organization (ISO) 14001 certificates at the International Business Centre this afternoon. Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint delivered an address. Also present were deputy ministers, officials of the National Commission for Environmental Conservation, rectors of universities and heads of department of the Ministry of Mines.

Agricultural farms in Uto-Kya-in inspected

Yangon, 3 Aug - Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, together with officials, inspected agricultural and livestock breeding work in Uto-Kya-in region, Taikkyi Township, this morning. Then, the Mayor proceeded to the agricultural farm in Zeegon region and inspected the milling of monsoon paddy and pulses and beans. Next, the Mayor went to Indwingyi Agricultural Camp and inspected the cultivation of monsoon paddy. Afterwards, the Mayor went to Kya-in Agricultural Farm and inspected quality of summer paddy and cultivation of monsoon paddy. The Mayor also visited the paddy husk briquette factory and the 25-ton rice mill.