( 1 ) Secretary-1 attends dinner to mark Kachin Traditional Inlon-innan New Harvest Festival in Myitkyina, Kachin State

Yangon, 3 Dec- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the dinner to mark the Kachin Traditional Inlon-innan New Harvest Festival hosted by Nyein Foundation on the lawns of Malikha Yeiktha in Myitkyina, Kachin State, at 7 pm yesterday.

Also present on the occasion were ministers, the Chief of Staff (Air), deputy ministers, Myitkyina Airbase Commander Brig-Gen Bo Kyi, Deputy Commander of Northern Command Brig-Gen San Tun and senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, the Ambassador of Japan, the charges d' affaires ai of embassies in Yangon, resident representatives of UN agencies, state, district and township authorities, national race leader U Za Khun Ting Ring of Kachin State Special Region-1 and members, national race leader U La Mon Tu Jaing and members of Kachin State Special Region-2, Chairman of Nyein Foundation Reverend Dr Sabwe Jum and members, priests, officials of the church and national races. Before the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and members and guests were welcomed with a display of fireworks. Daw Zon Hnyaw and Daw Dashi Khawsin, masters of ceremonies, declared the ceremony open. Father Gregory gave blessings for the Traditional New Harvest Festival. Afterwards, Chairman of Nyein Foundation Reverend Dr Sabwe Jum extended greetings. Next, K Jar Nu, Kaw Maing and G Zon Ki sang the song " Perpetual Prevalence of Peace".

 In his address, the Secretary-1 expressed his pleasure for having a chance of participating in Inlon-innan new harvest festival, a lovely traditional festival of Kachin nationals. He said Kachin nationals invite him every year to Inlon-innan new harvest festival and he attends the festival every year as if visiting his brethren.

He said that he understands that Kachin traditional new harvest festival is to pay respects to devas and celestial beings, heads of community and elders and to say prayers for a bountiful supply of food. He expressed his belief that the festival involves paying respects to heads of community, meeting with relatives and makeing a wish for plenty of food.

He added that making a wish for the prosperity of Kachin State and the entire Union at this festival will bring wealth, happiness and all forms of auspiciousness to all the national races of the Union including Kachin nationals. As national races such as the Kachin, the Kayah, the Kayin, the Chin, the Bamar, the Mon, the Rakhine and the Shan have been residing in the Union for thousands of years, they cannot be separated. The term " Kachin national " will be meaningless if such races as the Janephaw, the Maru, the Rawan, the Lisu, the Lacheik and the Azi are excluded from Kachin nationals.

 In the same way, the Union will lose her interests provided that the interests of one of the races  the Kachin, the Kayah, the Kayin, the Chin, the Bamar, the Mon, the Rakhine and the Shan  are lost. Therefore, the solidarity and concerted efforts of all the national races are of paramount importance for the peace and progress of the Union. Based on the spirit of national solidarity and Union Spirit, priority is to be given to the interests of the entire Myanmar people.

 Only when all the national people born in the Union work hard in unity and harmony, will the nation be able to stand tall in the world. The essence of solidarity and living together involves the flourishing of traditions and cultures of national races, and the co-existence of their faiths. The cultures and traditions of national brethren exist in respective regions and the characteristics of their races are different. However, they were born in the Union and have been living together for years. Their cultures and traditions seem different, but they are similar in essence.

Therefore, they have been able to preserve the tradition of peaceful co-existence. In fact, like colourful flowers in full bloom in a big garden, traditions and cultures which have fundamental elements in common, are the things which make the garden called the Union of Myanmar more beautiful and pleasant. Therefore, the government has been safeguarding the cultures and traditions of national brethren which have been flourishing in the course

of history. Freedom of faith has been encouraged as well. Every faith places emphasis on loving-kindness, loyalty, patience and justice. They can make individuals possess pure moral character and strong morale and can help dispense loving-kindness. They also have the power to create a peaceful and fair human society.

In addition, the essence of all the faiths  loving-kindness, loyalty and consideration  is relevant to the character and spirit of Myanmar people. Whatever faith they belong to, all the national races born in Myanmar have typical Myanmar spirit. Due to religious teachings, national unity is flourishing all the more.

 Already recorded in the history of Myanmar are strenuous efforts for the peace and tranquillity of Kachin State of leaders of Christian who hold loving-kindness and forgiveness in high regard. They also indicate existence of freedom of faith in Myanmar. Therefore, at the auspicious time when all the national brethren meet one another, prayers are to be said for the more flourishing of loving-kindness, the spirit of national solidarity and Union Spirit, and the further strengthening of ties among national brethren.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 said " May the entire Union including Kachin State be peaceful and tranquil for ever! May all the national brethren be able to strive for the perpetuation of the Union blanketed with unity and loving-kindness as long as the world exists! May all the national brethren be able to keep the spirit of national solidarity and Union Spirit in perpetuity through cooperation, amity, mutual respects and consideration.

The Nyein Foundation served the Secretary-1 and party, national race leaders and guests with Kachin traditional food Magunlit. Afterwards, Rev U Laing Maw Gam gave blessings at the dinner. Then, the Secretary-1 and party, national race leaders and guests enjoyed the meals of the festival together with national races. During the dinner, the cultural troupe members presented Kachin traditional songs. After the dinner, the Secretary-1 presented a flower basket to the cultural troupe. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 cordially met with Kachin national races and guests.

( 2 ) Secretary-1 inspects regional development, human resources development tasks in Bhamo, Myitkyina

Yangon, 3 Dec- Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by the ministers, the Chief of Staff (Air), the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads and officials, left here by Tatmadaw aircraft yesterday morning and arrived at Bhamo, Kachin State, at 10.30 am.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed at Bhamo Airport by Deputy Commander of Northern Command Brig-Gen San Tun and military officers, district and township authorities, departmental officials and members of Union Solidarity and Development Association. In the hall of the airport, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe and officials reported to the Secretary-1 on extension and renovation of the runway of the airport, width of the runway and its condition and target of the extension work. Chairman of Shwe Thanlwin Co U Kyaw Win also reported on data of the runway extension project of Bhamo Airport and arrangements to extend the runway to be 8,000 feet long and 100 feet wide one by phases.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions on the runway to be built in accord with the proposed designed and set standard. Then, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the construction site of Bhamo Degree College in Namhphakyungon Village, Bhamo Township. Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt reported on academic and management matters of the degree college and arrangements for the opening and teaching tasks. Managing Director U Chit Khaing of Aden Groups Co Ltd also reported on matters related to the degree college construction project and progress of the construction tasks.

 Afterwards, the Secretary-1 inspected the plots for buildings of the degree college from the observation tower and gave necessary instructions. Next, the Secretary-1 met chairmen of District and Township Peace and Development Councils and members, departmental officials and USDA members at Teingyar Minkhaung Hall. Chairman of Bhamo District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myo Swe and chairmen of Township Peace and Development Councils reported on power supply, telephone communication, education, health, roads and bridges, target and cultivation of monsoon paddy, rice sufficiency in the district, cultivation of edible oil crops, livestock breeding tasks and requirements. The Secretary-1 said that the purpose of his visit is to fulfil requirements for the regional progress and human resources development in Bhamo District.

 According to the reports of local authorities, agricultural tasks in Bhamo District are successful. Agricultural tasks need to be extended to ensure sufficiency of rice in townships. It is also necessary to extend sown acreage and cultivate good strains of paddy in the regions where there are only limited acres of cultivable lands.

 With regard to cultivation of oil crops, such perennial crops as Thitseint trees are to be grown. Ministries concerned are required to render assistance for agricultural tasks and regional economy. Departmental personnel are required to carry out organizing work and provide necessary assistance for the extension of agricultural tasks such as growing of pepper which can augment family income. Departments are to provide assistance to ensure that manageable scale livestock breeding work develops into commercial scale livestock breeding work. Only when poultry farming and fish breeding work can be extended in the region, will the living standard of local people improve.

 In Bhamo region where border trade is thriving, production work is to be carried out extensively with the aim of promoting export. Local authorities are to promote cooperation with those from the neighbouring nation, and to take necessary measures which can contribute to the economic development of the State, at the regional level. The government is endeavouring to promote the development of the nation and to improve national economy, and local authorities are required to carry out coordination work at the regional level.

The government has built roads and bridges to better the condition of transport along the route from Bhamo to Myitkyina. At the open season, the ministries concerned are to repair them, and local authorities are to render assistance as best they can. Now the government is making arrangements to open Bhamo Degree College, Bhamo Government Technological College and a government computer college with the aim of developing human resources in Bhamo region. To complete these tasks as soon as possible, local authorities and departmental personnel are required to render assistance.

When regional development tasks and human resources development tasks being undertaken by the government become successful, all the regions of the State will develop and the spirit of national solidarity and Union Spirit will flourish all the more. Therefore, local authorities and departmental personnel are to carry out coordination work to make sure that the plans of the government for the regional development tasks and human resources development materialize.

 Then, the Secretary-1 and party went to Bhamo People's Hospital. They were welcomed there by the Head of District Health Department and Medical Superintendent Dr Thein Hla and specialists and medical staff. Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo and Medical Superintendent Dr Thein Hla reported on construction of Bhamo People's Hospital and matters related to medical treatment.

The Secretary-1 said that Bhamo People's Hospital has been upgraded from a 150-bed one to a 200-bed one, and more physicians are to be appointed, and more medical equipment provided. Later, the Secretary-1 inspected arrangements for construction of a new hospital.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the construction site of the government technological college by the side of Bhamo-Moemauk Motor Road in the north-east of Bhamo. Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge and Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt reported on academic and administrative matters of the government technological college in Bhamo, arrangements for the opening of the college, and Chairman of Shwethanlwin Company U Kyaw Win and officials on construction of the building.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions. Later, the Secretary-1 and party went to the training school for the development of national youths from border areas in Bhamo. They were welcomed by Deputy Director of the Department for the Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Maj Shwe Thaung, Headmaster U Kyaw Thu and trainees.

The Secretary-1 inspected the library, the hostel and the kitchen and presented clothes and other necessary things to 58 trainees. Then, the Secretary-1 presented 200 dozens of exercise books for the trainees to the headmaster. The Secretary-1 and party arrived at the site for construction of Bhamo Government Computer College beside Bhamo-Momauk-Myitkyina Road near Wetkon Village in Bhamo. Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge reported on measures being undertaken for construction of Bhamo Government Computer College. The Secretary-1 then gave instructions.

 The Secretary-1 and party went to Myitkyina where they were welcomed by Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Commander of Myitkyina Air Base Brig-Gen Bo Kyi, military and civilian officials, peace negotiators, national race leader of special region-1 U Za Khun Tin Ring and members, national race leader of special region-2 La Mong Tu Gyaing and members, members of the USDA, members of Red Cross and Fire Brigade and local people. The Secretary-1 and party went to Border Areas National Races Development Training School for youths. They were welcomed by Deputy Director of Border Areas and National Races Development Affairs Department Major Soe Tint and Principal U Khin Maung. Major Soe Tint reported on the training school.

 The Secretary-1 said the development youth training school that looks after the youths was established with the aim of humanitarian spirit, promoting of their life, turning out good sons and daughters who will serve the interests of the nation, national unity and serving the interests of the region when they became educated.

He called for implementation of the objectives. The Secretary-1 and party presented clothing and other materials for 60 trainees. The Secretary-1 inspected hostel and mess hall. The Secretary-1 and party arrived at the guest house of Northern Command. In the evening, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 presented 300 dozens of exercise books for students of special region-2 to U La Mong Tu Gyaing at the hall of Northern Command.

( 3 ) Regular press conference held

Yangon, 3 Dec-A regular press conference was held at Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road, here this morning. It was attended by Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, senior military officers, heads of departments, officials of Ministry of Information, correspondent of Kyodo News Agency U Sein Win, President of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Sao Kai Hpa and member correspondents and guests.

At the conference, Minister U Tin Winn, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and officials replied to the queries raised by local and foreign correspondents. Giving clarification to a question, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win categorically said the news being broadcast by some foreign broadcasting stations that two nuclear scientists from Pakistan are being granted political asylum in Myanmar is totally groundless and untrue. Then, Minister for Labour U Tin Winn who attended the 56th General Assembly of the UN gave detail clarifications about questions concerning the resolution on Myanmar in 2001 adopted by the General Assembly of the UN and the resolutions passed by the Governing Body of ILO. Later, the press conference came to a close.

Thai cultural group leaves

Yangon, 3 Dec - Thai Cultural Group led by Deputy Minister of Education of Thailand Dr Sirikorn Maneerin left here by air yesterday evening. They were seen off by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar Mr Oum Maolanon, heads of department under the ministry and officials at Yangon International Airport. During their stay in Yangon, Thai cultural group visited the Yangon University of Culture and the National Museum.

( 4 )  Minister receives Malaysian guests

Yangon, 3 Dec - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin received an eight-member delegation led by Managing Director Mr Shukor Lee Mun Yew of A Tepat Teknik Sdn Bhd, Director Yoong Nim Chee of MMC Engineering Group Bhd and Dr Johnathen M Body of Minadira Group of Company at his office this morning. Also present at the call together with the minister were officials of departments concerned.

Chief of Armed Forces Training meets Indian counterpart

 Yangon, 3 Dec-Director-General of Armed Forces Training, India Maj-Gen Ashok Vasudeva and party arrived here by air on a study visit yesterday evening. They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Deputy Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint and Brig-Gen Aung Kyi, senior military officers, Ambassador of India to Myanmar Mr Vivek Katju, Military Attach' Col Shakti Gurung and officials. Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Kyaw Win received Director-General of Armed Forces Training, India Maj-Gen Ashok Vasudeva and party at Dagon Yeiktha of Ministry of Defence at 9 am today.

Also present were Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Commodore Soe Thein, Deputy Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint and Brig-Gen Aung Kyi, Acting Colonel General Staff (Air) Lt-Col Zin Yaw and senior military officers and Military Attachˇ Col Shakti Gurung of Indian Embassy.

( 5 )  MMCWA observes World AIDS Day

ngon, 3 Dec - Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association observed the World AIDS Day at the multipurpose building of the association at the corner of Parami Road and Thanthuma Road in South Okkalapa Township this morning. Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein addressed the ceremony.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, directors-general, deputy directors-general and directors of departments under the Ministry of Health, Chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, members of the executive committee, honorary patrons, members of the Central Committee for Prevention and Combating AIDS, President of Myanmar Medical Association Professor Dr Myo Myint, President of Myanma Red Cross Society Dr Kyaw Win, Chairperson of Myanmar Nurses Association Daw E Berbaro, Chairman of Myanmar Anti-Narcotics Association Dr U Nay Win, officials of the UN agencies, prize-winning teams of Dohbat competition and guests.

 The minister said that the purpose of observing the World AIDS Day is to raise the public awareness of AIDS which is posing a menace to all mankind. Since 1994, MMCWA (Central) and UNICEF has been carrying out jointly the task of preventing AIDS in 27 townships. Courses on Life Skills for Housewives were conducted in townships and villages, and in 1997, these courses were opened in 69 townships. HIV/AIDS prevention tasks are being carried out in cooperation with UNDP, UNAIDS, such international NGOs as Care and Medicins du Monde (MDM) in 81 projected townships and 215 non-projected townships.

Myanmar is actively cooperating with the nations inside and outside the region in combating AIDS. It is encouraging to see that local organizations, ministries, UN agencies and foreign organizations are cooperating in carrying out AIDS prevention tasks. In conclusion, the minister called on all the young and old men and women to preserve national prestige and character and cultural heritage and to fight against AIDS conscientiously. Then, prizes were presented to the winning teams of the Dohbat competition organized by MMCWA in commemoration of the World AIDS Day. After the ceremony, the minister and the guests viewed documentary photos of AIDS prevention activities.

CPT Minister inspects communications stations in Sagaing Division, Kachin State

Yangon, 3 Dec- Member of the Central Executive Committee of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Brig-Gen Thein Zaw met with executives and members of State, District and Township-level Union Solidarity and Deve-lopment Associations at the offices in Mohnyin on 1 December and Myitkyina in Kachin State on 2 December.

 Minister for Communications, Posts and Tele-graphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, on 30 November, arrived at Sagaing, Shwebo, KhinU and Kanbalu and inspected auto-exchange and micro-wave stations. The minister gave instructions to officials on trunk call communications improvement and extension of telephone lines to the villages.

On 1 and 2 December, the minister also inspected auto-telephone exchange, micro-wave stations, manual telephone exchange, posts and telegraphs offices in Kawlin, Indaw, Naba, Katha, Mawlu, Nantsiaung, Mawhan, Mohnyin, Hopin, Mogaung and Myitkyina. The minister gave instructions on extension of tele-phone lines inside the towns, trunk call communications improvement and extension of telephone lines to nearby villages.

 Yangon, 3 Dec - The opening ceremony of the Electrical Skill Training Course 2/2001 organized by Regional Industrial Coordination and Inspection Department, Ministry of Industry-1 was held at the training hall of the department on Kyaikwaing Pagoda in Mayangon Township at 7.30 am today. It was attended by Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun, director-general and managing directors of the ministry and trainees.

 In his opening speech, the minister said the State is implementing the industrial development task based on the agriculture sector to achieve all-round development. Therefore, the Ministry of Industry-1, with the aim to achieve technology and human resource development, has opened the basic training courses and multiplier courses on electric and boiler skill. Then, the minister urged the trainees to pay careful attention to the course and apply the technical know-how effectively at the worksites. Altogether 75 trainees, including the staff of the ministry, are attending the five- week course.

Certificate Course in Basic Diplomatic Skills opens

Yangon, 3 Dec- A ceremony to open the Certificate Course in Basic Diplomatic Skills (BDS-5/2001-2) conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was held at the Wunzin Minyazar Hall of the ministry at 9 am today, with an address by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, departmental heads, Myanmar Ambassadors, senior diplomats, rectors and professors of the universities and trainees. The thirteen-week course comprises subjects of the Protocol, the International Conferencing, the International Etiquette, the International Correspondence, the International Law, the Negotiation Techniques and others.