( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman, Prime Minister Senior General Than Shwe sends messages of felicitations to Japan

Yangon, 23 Dec- On the occasion of the birthday of His Majesty Akihito, Emperor of Japan, which falls on 23 December 2001, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent messages of felicitations to His Majesty Akihito, Emperor of Japan and His Excellency Mr Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 attends coordination meeting on ensuring food sufficiency for Yangon City

Yangon, 22 Dec-A coordination meeting on ensuring food sufficiency for Yangon City was held at the meeting hall of the office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) this evening, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present were members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office. The Secretary-1 said Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on making arrangements for cultivation of vegetables, growing of flowering plants and production of fish and meat in Yangon and its environs for food sufficiency.

In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, he said, cultivation and livestock breeding works were undertaken in Nyaunghnapin region in Hmawby Township and U-to region in Taikkyi Township under the arrangement of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council and YCDC and the works are being extended gradually. Items such as chicken, pork, eggs, vegetables and flowers are put on sale at tax-free markets in Yangon, he said. He said the meeting was to discuss boosting the production of vegetables and fish and meat for more consumption for residents of Yangon. He spoke of the need for the ministries concerned to provide strains, farm equipment and methods for development of cultivation and feedstuff and techniques. Especially, he said, the ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is to make arrangements for distribution of chicken and pork and fish fry and prawn fry and feedstuff at reasonable prices to all breeders. The government is providing fuel oil and feedstuff at reasonable prices to livestock breeding enterprises.

 He spoke of the need for officials concerned to supervise the work and for YCDC to make arrangements for minimizing wastage of crops, offering fresh food for the people and preservation of the produce. The Secretary-1 said those present were to discuss food sufficiency in Yangon. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, the ministers, the Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command and the Yangon Mayor reported on extended raising of fowls and pigs and breeding fish and prawn, extended cultivation of vegetables, supply of products to the tax-free markets, distribution of strains and saplings, other assistance and arrangements. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions and the meeting came to a close at 6.30 pm.

( 3 ) Secretary-1 attends merit-sharing ceremony for newly constructed Pantintyadana Soonsarkyaung of Shweminwun Sasana Yeiktha in Bago

Yangon, 22 Dec -The merit-sharing ceremony for newly constructed Pantintyadana Soonsarkyaung of the Shweminwun Sasana Yeiktha (Bago) in Sarthange Village, Thayagon Village-tract, Bago Township, Bago Division, was held in conjunction with initiating 108 boys into novicehood and the third cash donation presentation for all-round construction of the Sasana Yeiktha (Bago), at the Yeiktha at 8.30 am today.

 Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and formally unveiled the stone inscription of the Soonsarkyaung. Also present were Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kesara Thayet Sayadaw and member Sayadaws, invited Sayadaws, the Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of the Sasana Yeiktha and members of the Sangha, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, wellwishers, invited guests and lay devotees. Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin and wellwisher of the Soonsarkyaung Daw Khin Tint formally opened the Soonsarkyaung. Then, the Secretary-1 formally unveiled the stone inscription of the Soonsarkyaung.

Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of the Sasana Yeiktha Maha Kammathana Cariya Bhaddanta Sobhana invested the congregation with the Eight Precepts. Members of the Sangha recited the Parittas. The Secretary-1 presented offertories to the Vice-Chairman Sayadaw. The ministers, deputy ministers, departmental heads, and wellwisher family of the Soonsarkyaung presented offertories to members of the Sangha.

U Kyaw Shin-Daw Ein Thin and family of No 30, Circular Road, PyinOoLwin, donated K 45 million for construction of Lopyae Ayechantha Pagoda to be built in Shweminwun Sasana Yeiktha (Bago); Daw Shauk Kyu and family of Aung Myint Brokerage House on Maha Bandoola Street, Latha Township, K 9 million for the pagoda; U Min Aung-(Daw Po Po) and family of Thirimon Housing Estate in Hline Township K 6 million for construction of Yogi Kyaungsaungs; U Kyi Myo-Daw Kyi Kyi Lwin and family of Anawrahta Street in Lanmadaw Township K 4 million for Kyaungsaungs; and U Maung Tin-Daw Nyo and family and U Thein Aung-Daw Tin Ei and family of U Wisara Housing Estate in Dagon Township K 3 million for the pagoda. The Secretary-1 accepted the donations. Afterwards, U Lin Kyi-Daw Mya Mya Thin and family (USA) presented K 2.5 million for construction of Yogi Kyaungsaungs; Maj Than Win Htut-Daw Su Su Tint and family of Shwe Hninzi Lane 5, Mayangon Township, U Tint Lwin-Daw Pwint Mar Khaing and family of Thanlwin Street in Kamayut Township, and U Min Lwin and family of 50th Street in Pazundaung Township K 2 million each; Daw Shu Thin of Latha Township, U Yu Hsay-Daw Kyin Aye (Family Brokerage House) and family of Yaytamabin Street, Bayintnaung, Daw Kyin Myint and family of 18st Street, Latha Township, U Tin Soe-Daw Khin Tint and family of Pinlon Yeikmon, Thingangyun Township, Daw Kyin Nu and family of Lanmadaw Street, and U Thein Myint-Daw Aye Yee and family of Wingabar Street in Bahan Township K 1.6 million each; U Tin Nyunt (Htoo Brokerage House)-Daw Kyin Ho and family of Bayintnaung Brokerage House K 1,542,540; U Thein Han-Daw Khin Nyunt and family of Kandawkalay, Mingala Taungnyunt Township, Capt U Nyi Nyi-Daw San San and family of Maha Bodhi Street in Kyaukgon, U Myint Thein-Daw San Aye and family of Ye, U Tun Shwe-Daw San Yu Maw and family of Asin Village, Ye, and U Thein Aung-Daw Aye Aye Moe and family of Thudatthana Street, Kyaukmyaung, Tamway Township, K 1 million each; U Zeya Pwint-Daw Mu Mu Maung and family of Hledan Road, Lanmadaw Township, K 300,000 for the trust fund, and U Than Htut-Daw Myint Myint Khin and family of Botahtaung Township K 235,000 for reinforced steel work and water pipes; U Tin Oo-Daw Than Nwe and family of Htidan Street, Kyimyindine Township, Dr Zaw Min-Daw Thuzar Kyaw and family, Daw Khin Hnin and family of Golden Coin + 777 Plastic String Workshop in Hline Township, and U Tin Tun-Daw Aye Myint and family of 5th Street, Lanmadaw Township, K 200,000 for sodium lamp posts to the ministers.

Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Thayettaw Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kesara delivered a sermon. The Secretary-1 and party, donors and those present shared merits gained. The Secretary-1 performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the completion of the ceremony. The one-storey Pantint Yadana Soonsarkyaung was built at a cost of K 27 million by late Major Pan Kyaing and wife Daw Khin Tint and late son lieutenant Myint Tin of 29th Street in Pabedan Township. The Secretary-1 inspected scale model of Lopyae Ayechantha Pagoda and the site for construction of the pagoda and Dhammayon under construction.

( 4 ) Secretary-1 inspects construction of Mindhamma Hill, Bagan Cybertech Teleport Centre, MICT Park

Yangon, 22 Dec- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at Mindhamma Hill where Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image is kept, in Insein Township, this morning.

 The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by ministers, deputy ministers, officials, scholars and members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees. First, the Secretary-1 paid obeisance to the Buddha Image. Then, the Secretary-1 inspected completion of the glass hall in which the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image is kept. The officials reported on completion of the hall. The Secretary-1 then inspected the Seinbudaw to be fixed at Thanlyin Padagyi Pagoda and the golden Seinbudaw and Hngetmyat-nadaw to be fixed at Bago Kyaikpadaing Shwedagonlay Pagoda. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 inspected all-round construction of Mindhamma Hill and religious edifices and gave necessary instructions.

The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the construction site of Yadana White Elephant's Garden near the hill. Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge and Deputy Chief Engineer (Architect) U Aung Kyee Myint of Public Works reported on arrangements for construction of the white elephant house with the aid of charts. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. Next, the Secretary-1 viewed the Yadana White Elephant. Then, the Secretary-1 accepted K 3,650,000 to be used for the food of the Yadana White Elephant for 2002 donated by Chairman of Shwe Thanlwin Co U Kyaw Win and wife Daw Nang Mauk Laung Hsai. The Secretary-1 inspected progress of construction of the white elephant house and the garden, and left necessary instructions.

After that, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the construction site of Bagan Cybertech Teleport Centre in Hline Township. First, Chairman of Myanmar Computer Science Development Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt heard reports on completion of buildings for Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Park (MICT Park) and efforts being made for opening of the park in time by Managing Director U Tin Win Aung of MCC Co, Managing Director U Aung Zaw Myint of Winner Co and Managing Director U Thein Oo of Ace Data System and arrangements for opening ceremony of the MICT Park building by Managing Director U Thaung Tin of KMD Co.

 Lt-Col Tin Oo of the Ministry of Defence also reported on completion of Bagan Cybertech Teleport Centre, arrival of machines to be installed at the centre and test running of it and preparation for opening of the centre. The ministers and the deputy ministers briefed the Secretary-1 on matters related to their sectors. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 attended to their needs and urged departments concerned and technicians to make efforts and study in development of information and communication technologies continuously.

Then, the Secretary-1 inspected progress in construction of Bagan Cybertech Teleport Centre, arrival of machines for the centre, completion of installation tasks and test running. The Secretary-1 also inspected completion of MICT Park and beautifying of its environs and gave necessary instructions to officials. After that, the Secretary-1 proceeded to Buddhist Missionary Chan Tet Thang Vegetarian Ngapathila Temple on Pyay Road in Kamayut Township and inspected construction tasks at the temple.

( 5 )  Pre-Christmas Worship and Fellowship Dinner of Myanmar Council of Churches held

Yangon, 22 Dec- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the Pre-Christmas Worship and Fellowship Dinner of Myanmar Christian Council of Churches on the lawns of Office of Archbishop of Myanmar Christian Council of Churches on Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road in Dagon Township at 6.30 pm today and extended Christmas greetings.

Also present were the ministers, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, the deputy ministers, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, Chairman of Myanmar Christian Council of Churches General Secretary of Myanmar Bible Society Rev Saw Mar Gay Gyi, the chairman and members, members of the board, Archbishop of Yangon Catholic Church Gabriel T Mahn Gaby, officials of religious organizations, guests and Christians.

 First, Methodist Church (Upper Myanmar) Rev Daw Moe Moe Ei asked for blessings. Then, General Secretary of Myanmar Christian Council of Churches Rev U Smith Ngul Za Tawn gave an introductory speech. Next, Chairman of Myanmar Christian Council of Churches General Secretary of Myanmar Bible Society Rev Saw Mar Gay Gyi extended Christmas greetings. Next, Patron of Public Relations Committee of Myanmar Christian Council of Churches Chairman of Myanmar Baptist Council Rev U Tha Din asked for blessings.

 Then, the Secretary-1 delivered an address. He said he enjoyed peace full of Mingala and metta (loving- kindness) in the Union of Myanmar together with the national races who are Christians at the ceremony to mark the Pre-Christmas Worship in reverence of Jesus Christ who brought loving-kindness and peace to the world.

He said he believed that strengthening of solidarity among the national races in peaceful and pleasant Myanmar and harmonious cooperation for national development are the noble teachings of the respective religions including Christian. Every religion teaches the people to have loving-kindness, compassion, forgiveness and unity that will bring about the interests of the society and it gives noble power that can uplift the moral of individuals, purity of mind and nobility throughout one's lives, he said.  The State Peace and Development Council is making efforts for emergence of a peaceful, modern, developed nation in unity, he said. In efforts to possess qualifications of the citizens and to strengthen solidarity among the national races, understanding and people have restored among the national people, he added.

This is why, he said, in the Union of Myanmar, Christian, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism have been flourishing in the course of long Myanma history. By law, all national races respect the freedom of religion of others socially or culturally and understand the preservation of one's culture and customs with high esteem. It is the significant fact of the Union, he said. Therefore, he said, the government is preserving that significant fact and today all religions have flourished in the Union. All the national races can now practically enjoy solidarity with loving kindness and peace with equality among them. In the course of the long history of Myanmar, national races have been living together through thick and thin and with mutual understanding and amity. This is the essence of the Union. So all the national races are required to continue maintaining the tradition of keeping this essence in perpetuity.

The efforts of Christian leaders to ensure peace and suspiciousness and to perpetuate stability, peace and unity in the Union have been recorded in the history of the Union. Not only do these efforts contribute to the peace of the Union and interests of the entire national people, but they also amounts to following the religious teachings. In fact, only when the Union where national brethren have been living in amity and unity for a long time is peaceful, pleasant and rich, will peace, prosperity and unity flourish among the national races born in the Union. Therefore, the government is working for the development of all the national races and the Union.

 All the national races need to live with a sense of mutual understanding and forgiveness and in unity by following their respective religious teachings. As a result, the Union blanketed with loving-kindness, loyalty and four cardinal virtues will be able to stand tall in the world. The Secretary-1 requested the gathering to wish the Union being filled with blessings, peace and prosperity, loving-kindness and forgiveness. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 said, "May you all be able to enter the threshold of the New Year with new strengths! May all the Union-born national races be able to work hard with firm Union Spirit in maintaining the already-achieved stability, peace and tranquillity, unity and loving-kindness in the Union of Myanmar. Then, the Myanmar Churches Council presented religious songs. Later, Rev Saw Mergeygyi presented gifts to the Secretary-1.

Yangon, 22 Dec- The 11th ASEAN Senior Police Officers Coordination Course concluded at the Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of Hanthawady and Kyundaw Roads in Kamayut Township this afternoon. Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win gave a speech and presented certificates to the trainee senior police officers. Also present were police brigadier-generals, senior police officers, officials of the Supreme Court, the Attorney-General's Office, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Immigration and Population, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance and Revenue, Myanma Computer Co and Myanmar Anti-Narcotics Association and instructors.

A total of 22 trainees  16 police lieutenant-colonels including police brigadier-general of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand and six police colonels of Myanmar  attended the course opened at the Central Police Training School of MPF in PyinOoLwin on 12 December. The instructors gave lectures on subjects about ASEAN to the trainees. This morning, ASEAN police officers visited the Shwedagon Pagoda, the Drug Elimination Museum and the Criminal Investigation Department. In the evening, the director-general of MPF hosted a dinner in their honour. ASEAN police officers will leave for their respective countries tomorrow.

Official arrives back from Thailand

Yangon, 22 Dec - Director-General of the Information and Public Relations Department under the Ministry of Information U Chit Naing, who had attended the workshop on drug elimination in worksite of Asia region held in Bangkok, Thailand, arrived back here by air this evening.

The director-general was welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by Deputy Minster for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director-General of Myanma Radio and Television U Khin Maung Htay, Managing Director of the News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, Managing Director of the Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Myint Thein, Managing Director of the Motion Picture Enterprise U Bo Kyi, Deputy Director-General of IPRD U Aung Hsan, and departmental officials.

Military attaches tour regions of North-West and Central Commands

Yangon, 22 Dec-Military attach's and their families, led by Head of Department of the Office of the Chief of Military Intelligence Col Thein Swe and Dean of Military Attach's Military Attache of Lao People's Democratic Republic Col Phanh Sonephachanh and accompanied by senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, arrived at Bagan-NyaungU Airport by special Tatmadaw aircraft on 20 December morning. They were welcomed there by Tactical Operations Commander Col Thein Hlaing and wife, senior military officers and departmental officials. They visited Arnanda Pagoda, the Archaeological Museum and the Lacquerware Institute. In the afternoon, they proceeded to the Popa Park and Popa flat-topped hill. In the evening, they viewed lacquerwares of U Ba Nyein Lacquerware Industry in Bagan-NyaungU.

On 21 December morning, they left Bagan-NyaungU by special Tatmadaw aircraft for Mandalay, where they were welcomed by wife of Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence Dr Daw Tin Lay Myint, wives of senior military officers and departmental officials. Then, they proceeded to Maha Muni Pagoda in Mandalay and paid obeisance to the pagoda and made cash donations. Afterwards, they proceeded to Hsutaungpyi Pagoda on Mandalay Hill and paid obeisance to the pagoda and made cash donations. They enjoyed view of the scenery of Mandalay from the Mandalay Hill. They then looked round the gold embroidery workshop of U Sein Myint and Myanan Sankyaw Golden Palace.

The military attaches played a goodwill golf tournament together with Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win and senior military officers at Mandalay Yedagun-taung Golf Course. In the evening, the Central Command hosted a dinner at Tatmadaw Guest House in the compound of Mandalay Palace. Next, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win and Col Phanh Sonephachanh exchanged gifts. Then, they headed for Sagaing in the area of North-West Command, where they were welcomed by Deputy Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Myint and wife, senior military officers and departmental officials this morning. They were conducted round SoonU Ponnyashin Pagoda, Yaza-manisula Kaunghmu-daw Pagoda and U Ba Hmin Family's silverware industry. They left Mandalay for Yangon by special Tatmadaw aircraft and arrived back here in the evening. They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and senior military officers.