( 1 )  Message from the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe on the 81st Anniversary of National Day

The following is the translation of the message sent by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe on the occasion of the 81st Anniversary National Day.

All the national people

Today is the 81st Anniversary National Day, which marks a national movement in the history of the independence struggle in Myanmar. As the colonialists forcefully suppressed nationalistic spirit with respect to the race, the religion, the Sasana and education, a national movement which paved the way to the regaining of Myanma independence was launched. The day on which the national movement started has been recorded in the history of Myanma independence struggle. Myanmar people have great historical tradition and high culture. In the course of history, they have never taken lying down any foreign aggression and have repelled it courageously.

Although Myanmar sovereignty was lost following the unjust colonialist annexation, independence was regained due to love of the nation, patriotic spirit and Union Spirit of all the Myanmar national races. History bears witness to this fact. Myanmar people have safeguarded their lineage; entertaining nationalistic spirit throughout successive eras, they have been living in unity and through thick and thin. Due to the divide-and-rule policy of the colonialists, misunderstanding occurred shortly after the regaining of independence. Now that national solidarity has been forged through the cooperation of the government and national people, it can be seen that peace and tranquillity is prevailing all over the nation and development is gaining momentum. Science and technologies are advancing rapidly in the world; information and communication technologies can now be used extensively and effectively for the improvement of socio-economic life.

And today has been regarded and accepted as the knowledge age. The government has been implementing education promotion programmes designed to contribute to the prevalence of peace and tranquillity and development of the nation since 1998. A four-year special national education promotion plan covering the education sector, the medical sector and the science and technology sector was laid down and has been implemented since the financial year 2000-2001. Now a 30-year plan is being implemented to promote the national education continuously.

To provide equal teaching and learning opportunities in urban and rural areas, multimedia teaching centres are being opened in basic education schools with the participation of the people and wellwishers. According to the working programmes of the special four-year national education promotion plan, an electronic data broadcasting system has been put into motion since 1 January 2001 with the aim of providing more learning opportunities by use of information and communication technology and overcoming difficulty with regard to place and time in the education sector. To develop human resources necessary for the nation and respective regions, 142 universities, degree colleges and colleges have been established all over the nation. In 1988, there were 32 universities, degree colleges and colleges; 110 new universities, degree colleges and colleges have now been opened.

Measures are being taken right from the basic education sector to ensure the emergence of human resources which can face and overcome the challenges in socio-economic life resulting from science and technological advances in the 21st Century, and to make sure that the value of national characteristics of a nation  uplift of national prestige and integrity, preservation of cultural heritage and national character and the flourishing and propagation of patriotism  does not decline with the progress of socio-economic life. In the higher education sector, courses including doctorate courses are being conducted to produce highly-qualified human resources, and other courses to fulfil region-wise needs under the arrangements of human resources development centres.

In each human resources development sector, it is aimed at producing the new generation youth who are capable of successfully carrying out the tasks of developing the nation and of perpetuating the independence and sovereignty of the nation not only by improving their education standard but also by inculcating them with the quality of stalwart sons and daughters. I would like to call on all in all seriousness to strive with full national strength for the emergence of a new, peaceful, modern and developed nation in accord with the national education policy which is being put into execution for the emergence of highly-qualified and efficient human resources necessary for the future nation and in accord with the objectives of the 81st Anniversary National Day :

(a) to keep national unity and nationalistic spirit alive and dynamic,

(b) to preserve lineage,

(c) to promote national education and,

(d) to perpetuate the independence and sovereignty of the nation.

up
___________________________

( 2 ) Secretary-1 inspects construction work of Glass Hall, MICT Park, Bagan Teleport

Yangon, 9 Dec- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected construction of the glass hall in which Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image is kept and all-round construction of Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township, Yangon Division, this morning. Accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the Secretary-1 arrived at Mindhamma Hill at 11 am today. The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by the ministers, the deputy ministers, departmental officials, members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees and technicians. First, the Secretary-1 paid obeisance to the Buddha Image.

Then, the Secretary-1 heard reports on progress in construction of the glass hall for the Image by Managing Director U Tint Hsan of ACE Construction and gave necessary instructions. Next, the Secretary-1 inspected construction of the glass hall and all-round construction of Mindhamma Hill and necessary instructions to officials. After that, the Secre-tary-1 and party proceeded to construction site of Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Park (MICT Park) in Hline Township where they were welcomed by departmental officials. Later, the Secretary-1 inspected progress in construction of the Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Park (MICT Park) and Bagan Teleport building and gave necessary instructions to officials.

Cash donated for construction of Sasana Sitala Dhamma Beikmandawgyi, cornerstone laid for replica of Shwedagon Pagoda at Meditation Centre

Yangon, 9 Dec- The 22nd donation ceremony for construction of Sasana Sitala Dhamma Beikmandawgyi and the cornerstone-laying cere-mony for construction of a replica of Shwedagon Pagoda on the top floor of the five-storey Sasana Sitala Dhamma Beikmandawgyi of Nyaung-ganaye Meditation Centre under Mahasi Meditation Centre were held at the Meditation Centre of No 6, East Gyogon Ward on Insein Road in Insein Township at 9 am today, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Thayet Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kesara, Maha Dhamma Kahtika Bahujanahitadhara Nyaung-ganaye Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indaka and members of the Sangha, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the chairman and members of Nyaung-ganaye Meditation Centre Weiyawitsa Committee, wellwishers and guests. First, the cornerstone-laying ceremony was held. The Secretary-1 accepted the gem casket presented by well-wisher Daw Hla Wady and put the casket at the centre of the foundation at the auspicious time. Afterwards, Nyaungganaye Sayadaw, the Secretary-1 and the ministers laid cornerstones at the designated places.

Then, Director U Nyunt Maung of the Religious Affairs Department read the Mingala Mawgun. The Secretary-1 put the stone plaque at the centre of the foundation. Next, the Secretary-1 and party sprinkled scented water on the casket, the cornerstones and the stone plaque. Chairman of Myanmar Thabin Asiayon U Sein Aung Min read the Ratu marking the cornerstone-laying ceremony. After beating drums and gongs nine times, the con-gregation recited Buddha Sasanam ‚iram Titthatu three times. Then, the Secretary-1 performed the rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the successful completion of the ceremony. Next, the 22nd donation ceremony for construction of the five-storey Sasana Sitala Dhamma Beikmandaw followed. The Secretary-1 and the congregation took the Eight Precepts from Agga Maha Pandita Thayet Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kesara. Chairman of Nyaung-ganaye Meditation Centre Weiyawitsa Committee U Win Kyi supplicated on completion of the Beikmandaw. Then, the Secretary-1, ministers and wellwishers offered alms to the Sayadaws.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 accepted K 9,190,000 donated by Vietnamese Nun Ma Dhammanandi and family under the patronage of U Agga-sami of Agga Pyinnyayama Dhamma Yeiktha in Canada, K 3 million by Dr Daw Khin Yi and Shine Hope family under the patronage of mother Daw San Yi, K 300,000 for second time by U Kyaw Soe (Dipawati Construction)-Joint-Secretary Daw Hla Wady of MWEA and K 1 million by daughter Daw Khin Su Lwin and grandchildren in memory of late parents. The Secretary-1 then presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. Next, U Win Myint-Dr Cho Cho Thant and family presented K 200,000, Ma Htay Htay Nyo, Ma Tin Tin Win, U Soe Myint and family K 160,000, Daw Lun of Kyauktada Township K 160,000, U Than Khin-Daw Saw Thin and family K 100,500, Professor U Hla Myint Tun-Daw Khin Myo Nyunt and family K 100,000, U Ohn Khaing-Daw Su Su May and family K 100,000, Daw Moe Khin, Maung Tin San, Daw Kyin and family of Budalin Township K 60,000, Daw Hla Than, Daw Tin Win and family K 60,000, U Hla Sein-Daw Yin Yin Htay and family K 60,000, U Han Sein-Daw Nwe Yi and family K 50,000, Ma Khin Cherry Nyein of Sangyoung Township K 50,000, U Zaw Min Aung-Daw Khaing Khaing Aye and family K 50,000, U Tin Tun-Daw Khin Khin Aye and family K 101,500 and U Aung Ko Ko-Daw Myint Myint Win and family K 50,000 to respective ministers. Then, the ministers presented certificates of honour to the donors. Afterwards, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indaka delivered a sermon. The Secretary-1 and party and the wellwishers shared merits gained. Today's donations for construction of the Beikman-daw by the wellwishers amounted to K 19,994,000.

( 3 ) National Immunization Days campaign registering 95% and above annually over the last six years Seventh National Immunization Days set into motion

Yangon, 9 Dec- A ceremony to put the Seventh National Immunization Days into motion was held at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road this morning with an address by Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present were the ministers, the deputy ministers, members of the National Health Committee, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, ambassadors of ASEAN nations, resident representatives and officials of UN agencies, heads of departments under the Ministry of Health and officials, medical superintendents, members of Division, District and Township Peace and Development Councils, representatives of local and foreign NGOs, those from organizations which have provided assistance for the effort to eliminate polio in Myanmar and guests.

The Secretary-1 said that it is the seventh time the National Immunization Days campaign has been launched with the participation of the entire national people as a national movement covering the whole country including the rural areas. The active and harmonious participation of the entire national people in launching the National Immunization Days indicates the cooperation of the government and the people in striving to implement the national objective concerning uplift of health and fitness of the entire nation. It is encouraging to see that the success of the National Immunization Days campaign, in which the entire national people have taken part with the aim of uplifting the health and fitness of the new generation of the future nation, registered 95% and above annually over the last six years.

The success achieved in launching the national movement for six successive years reflects the strength and firm determination of the entire national people. In addition, it indicates the conscientious participation of the Union of Myanmar, a member of the world family, in the international effort to wipe polio off the face of the earth. Therefore, to achieve the global goal of ridding polio of the world by the end of 2003, Myanmar will launch the Seventh National Immunization Days campaign in cooperation with neighbouring nations such as Nepal, India, Butan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Thailand and Yunnan Province of China this year. As Myanmar is launching the campaign in synchronization with the neighbouring nations, it is sure that polio can soon be wiped off the face of the South-East Asian region. According to the reports concerning polio, there were 60 people infected with polio in 1988, but there is no one infected with polio in 2001. So, it can be said that there is no polio disease in  Myanmar.

The goal of eradicating polio by the end of 2003 is within reach, and sustained efforts are to be made to achieve the goal. The State Peace and Development Council is building a peaceful, modern and developed nation, and, at the same time, striving for the improvement of the social, education and health sectors for all the citizens. In the health sector, the governmental organizations, in cooperation with NGOs and the national people, are implementing the national health plans designed to improve preliminary health care with the aim of providing preliminary health care right down to rural and far-flung areas. As the National Immunization Days campaign will be launched in all parts of the nation including remote areas at the same time, it can be regarded as a national movement which requires the active cooperation of the government, the people and NGOs. During the first National Immunization Days campaign, 5.4 million children of under five have been twice fed polio vaccine; 5.5 million children in the second year; 5.6 million children in the third year; 5.7 million children in the four year; over 5.8 million children in the fifth year; over 6 million children in the sixth year.

The task of giving polio vaccine to all the children of under five all over the nation is a mammoth one. Organizing and management work has been carried out to see to it that about 38,000 polio vaccine feeding group comprising about 185,000 members give over 6.1 million children of under five polio vaccine twice this year. Arrangements have been made to carry polio vaccines and to feed children polio vaccine at the right time. Arrangements have also been made to mount the campaign in border areas, far-flung areas and small villages at the same time, and after the ceremony, children all over the nation will be fed polio vaccine. Parents also need to take their children to the nearest venues to have their children fed polio vaccine. The people are also required to provide assistance for the polio vaccine feeding groups by contacting health employees from wards and villages. Educational and organizing work has been done through mass media to inform individual people and families of facts about National Immunization Days and the efficacious value of polio vaccine. So, it is believed that the entire national people will participate in the campaign with conscientiousness.

The Secretary-1 said the first round of the Seventh Year National Immunization Days campaign was successfully launched today and he urged officials concerned and the entire people to participate in the second round of the Seventh National Immunization Days campaign to be launched nationwide on 13 January 2002. He expressed thanks the governments of Japan and Australia and UN agencies, namely, World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for their technological, material and financial assistance after recognition of Myanmar Government's united endeavours hand in hand with the people and social associations such as Rotary International, JICA, Japan Vaccines for the World's Children (JCV) and CDC (Atlanta). He also expressed thanks 180,000 people including members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Myanmar Women's Affairs Committee, Myanmar Medical Association, Myanmar Nurses Association, Myanmar Health Assistant Association, Myanmar Red Cross Society, Auxiliary Fire Brigade and social associations who will continue to participate in the Seventh Year National Immunization Days campaign and those who took part in the respective roles with spirit of community welfare and patriotism.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged all to make efforts in harmony in accord with good traditions after realizing that the success of the tasks of the National Immunization Days was the lofty national objectives that would bring about the health and fitness of new generation youths and to make endeavours to become Myanmar and the world free of polio forever. The Secretary-1 and party and guests observed the booth to mark the Seventh Year National Immunization Days. The Secretary-1 and party and guests gave oral polio vaccine to children under five to mark the Seventh Year National Immunization Days.

Secretary-1 attends coordination meeting on construction of white elephant house

Yangon, 9 Dec- A work coordination meeting on building the house for Yaza Gaha Thiri Pissaya Gaza Yaza white elephant south of Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township, Yangon, was held at the briefing hall of the construction site at 10 am today. State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the meeting and gave necessary instructions. Also present at the meeting were ministers, deputy ministers, departmental heads and responsible officials of respective subcommittees.

At the meeting, the officials reported on arrangements for construction of the white elephant house, a garden, the task of taking care of the white elephant and the growing of plants to feed the white elephant. After hearing the reports, the Secretary-1 attended to the requirements. Then, the Secretary-1 viewed the white elephant and inspected the construction of the white elephant house and the garden. Later, the Secretary-1 left necessary instructions.

( 4 ) Oral polio vaccines given to children in three townships

Yangon, 9 Dec- The oral polio vaccine giving team led by Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, wife of Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by Chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Daw Yin Yin Myint, wife of the Minister for Health, Vice-Chairperson of Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs Dr Daw May May Yi, Director-General Dr Paing Soe of the Medical Research Department (Lower Myan-mar) and wife, officials of the Ministry of Health and executive U Min Thein of Yangon Division Union Solidarity and Development Association, arrived at No 4 Basic Education High School in Kamayut Township this morning. They were welcomed by officials of Kamayut Township Peace and Development Council, the head and staff of Township Health Department, officials of social associations and students.

Head of Township Health Department Daw Myint Myint Nwe reported on oral polio vaccines. The team led by Daw Khin Win Shwe gave oral polio vaccine to children under five and toys to them. They went to Social Welfare Training School where they were welcomed by Mayangon Township Peace and Development Council, Head of Township Health Department, health staff, officials of social associations and students. Head of Township Health Department Dr Khin Khin Kyu reported on oral polio vaccines. Daw Khin Win Shwe and party gave oral polio vaccines to 132 children under five and toys to them. Similarly, they gave OPV to 100 children at the Institute of Medicine-2 in North Okkalapa Township. Altogether 38,555 children were given oral polio vaccines at 107 venues in Dagon Myothit ( South) Township toady.

International and social organizations honoured

Yangon, 9 Dec- A ceremony to honour international organizations and social organizations, that gave assistance for the seventh year National Immunization Days of the Ministry of Health was held at the meeting hall of the ministry on Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road in Dagon Township at 2 pm today. Present were Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, directors-general of the departments under the Ministry of Health, Resident Representative of WHO Dr Agostino Borra, Representative of UNICEF Ms Pirkko Heinonen, Representative of Japanese International Cooperation Agency Mr Toshimichi Aoki, Representative of Japan Committee Vaccines for the World's Children Ms Kaoru Fujii and wellwishers and officials of international organizations and social organizations. First, Dr Agostino Borra, Ms Pirkko Heinonen, Mr Toshimichi Aoki and Ms Kaoru Fujii made speeches. Then, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers and spoke words of thanks.

( 5 ) Oral polio vaccines given to children in Yangon Division

Yangon, 9 Dec- Oral polio vaccine was given to children under five on the first day of the Seventh Year National Immunisation Days at respective venues today. Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Director-General Dr Wan Maung and wife, Rector Dr Tha Hla Shwe of Institute of Medicine-2, Rector Dr Paing Soe of Institute of Dental Medicine, resident representative of WHO Dr Agostino Borra, polio specialist Dr Duping, President of Myanmar Red Cross Society Dr Kyaw Win, Chairman of Myanma Music Asiyon U Ohn Kyaw, directors and officials of Ministry of Health, Yangon Division Health Department Dr Tin Maung Win and officials gave oral polio vaccine to children under five in Bahan, Thingangyun and Dagon Myothit (South) townships.

First, the minister and party arrived at No 1 Pre-primary School of Social Welfare Department in Kan-bawza Street, Shwe Taung Gya Ward-1 at 9 am today and gave oral polio vaccine to 60 children and presented toys to them. Altogether 6,003 children were given oral polio vaccine by 19 groups in Bahan Township today. Then, the minister and party gave oral polio vaccine to 100 children at Thingangyun and Thuwunna Day Care Schools and presented toys to them. A total of 14,324 children were given oral polio vaccine by 119 groups in Thingangyun Township today. Then, the minister and party gave oral polio vaccine to 125 children at Aung Zeya Hall in Ward, 26 Dagon Myothit ( South). Altogether 28,781 children were given OPV by 95 groups in Dagon Myothit ( South) Township today.

( 6 )  Minister inspects new Thonze Dam, Okkan Sugar Mill

Yangon, 9 Dec- Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, accompanied by Chairman of Bago Division (West) Peace and Development Council Col Soe Nwe, district and township authorities and departmental officials, inspected construction of the diversion weir of new Thonze Dam being implemented by Irrigation Department Construction Group-6 near Hlelanku Village in Thayawady Township this morning. Deputy Director U Kyaw Myint Hlaing reported on progress in construction of the diversion weir and digging of left and right feeder canals.

The minister gave necessary instructions and attended to their needs. At the main dam, officials reported on completion of work. Director-General of Irrigation Department U Kyaw San Win gave a supplementary report. The minister gave instructions on construction of nine sluice gates for the irrigated area of Thonze Dam and the flood-prone area of Myitmakha River in rainy season and feasibility for construction of the sluice gates and the dams in the creeks between Bago Division (West) and Yangon Division. Then, the minister inspected water storage, construction of the embankment, the sluice gate and the main feeder canal. In the afternoon, the minister and party arrived at No 13 Sugar Mill (Okkan) in Okkan, Taikkyi Township. Managing Director U Myo Myint of Myanma Sugar-cane Enterprise and the mill manager conducted the minister round the mill. The minister and party inspected renovation of the dryer at the sugar mill. At the briefing hall, the minister met staff of the mill and members of Yangon Division Agriculture Coordination Committee and gave instructions on growing of sugar-cane to meet the target, boosting per-acre yield, water availability and timely cultivation of crops.