( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe's message on the occasion of 55th Anniversary Union Day, 2002

Yangon, 12 Feb - The following is a translation of the message sent by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe on the occasion of the 55th Anniversary Union Day, 2002. To esteemed Union-born national brethren, On the auspicious occasion of the 55th Anniversary Union Day of the Union of Myanmar, I would like to extend my greetings to you all and wish you all the greatest blessings. Myanmar is a Union where national brethren have been dwelling amicably and cordially since time immemorial by " keeping the nest and eggs intact."

 Myanmar national races have been residing on the same soil and drinking water from the same source. They have remained united throughout the course of history. In accord with the saying " In times of emergency, blood inspires unity," they have joined hands in warding off all forms of danger which befell the State. Our national brethren Ñ the Kachin, the Kayah, the Kayin, the Chin, the Bamar, the Mon, the Rakhine and the Shan have passed on and maintained culture of high standard, national pride and integrity from generation to generation and safeguarded the sovereignty of the State with Union Spirit. Among Myanmar nationals, the string of attachment to the race is inextricably intertwined with the string of attachment to the region, and Union Spirit has been flourishing on the basis of patriotism, love of the country and nationalistic spirit which inspire people to safeguard and promote the interests of their own race.

 The history of the Union of Myanmar is that of national races. In times of national solidarity, the nation was strong, and commanded a great deal of respect of neighbouring nations. At the time when Union Spirit was ebbing away and national solidarity was on the wane, not only did the political, economic and social status of the Union fall into decline, but the security and sovereignty of the nation were encroached upon as well. Therefore, the flourishing of national unity and Union Spirit is of vital importance for the existence and perpetuation of the Union. A study of the reasons why the nation fell into servitude shows that it was due to lack of unity and want of modernization and development.

It can be obviously seen in history that the colonialist system generated suspicion among Union-born national races and undermined unity in order to prolong the rule over Myanmar. However, at the Panglong Conference on 12 February 1947, national solidarity was built up again with Union Spirit. As a result, Myanmar regained her independence and sovereignty in 1948. Although independence was regained, the nation was not in a stable condition. It was because of the after-effects of colonialism. As the nation was not in a position to enjoy stability and peace and tranquillity, priority could not be paid to development of the nation. Consequently, the nation lagged behind in development. Therefore, in the time of our government, national policy  non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty  has been laid down, and a comprehensive organization work is being carried out to ensure further flourishing of Union Spirit among national people. Once, prejudiced by colonialism, national race armed groups resorted to an armed struggle and opposed the nation.

Therefore, efforts have been exerted patiently and resolutely to get them to enter the legal fold. Success has been achieved to a greater extent, and national reconsolidation has been successfully built up again. As national reconsolidation has been achieved and peace and tranquillity reigns throughout the nation, development tasks concerning betterment of transport condition, water supply, economy, health and education have been undertaken in rural areas and remote border areas which fell behind in development. In this way, efforts have been made to bridge the gap of development between rural and urban areas, to maintain and safeguard national solidarity and to ensure non-disintegration of the Union. It is incumbent upon all the citizens to maintain and safeguard unprecedented national solidarity with Union Spirit in order that the Union of Myanmar can stand tall in the world for ever.

 In the same vein, the national force formed with the government, the Tatmadaw and the national people is to continue to work harder for the successful realization of economic plans which have been laid down by the State with the aim of enabling the nation to stand shoulder to shoulder with others in terms of development. Hence, the entire national people are urged to work in unity for the further flourishing of Union Spirit and modernization and development of State, and at the same time, to implement the following objectives of the 55th Anniversary Union Day 2002

- For all the nationals to safeguard the national policy  non- disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty;

- Perpetual flourishing of Union Spirit among the entire national people;

- For the nationals to strive in harmony for the emergence of an enduring State Constitution that will pave the way for the emergence of a new discipline-flourishing nation; and

- To ward off, with the national solidarity, the danger of destructionists from inside and outside the nation who are disturbing the State stability, peace and modernization and development.

( 3 ) Union Flag arrives in Dagon Myothit (South) from Hlegu

Yangon, 11 Feb - A ceremony to convey the Union Flag, which rested for one night at the People's Sports Ground in Hlegu Township, Yangon North District, to Dagon Myothit (South) Township, Yangon East District, was held at the Sports Ground in Hlegu Township this morning. Present were Secretary of the Sub-committee for Conveying the Union Flag and Putting up the Billboards Head of Engineering Department (Building) of Yangon City Development Committee U Zaw Win, Joint-Secretary Deputy Head of Engineering Department (Building) U Khin Nyein and sub-committee members, district and township authorities, members of non-governmental organizations and the public.

Those present at the ceremony saluted the Flag with the Guard of Honour of No 11 LID while the military band of No 11 LID was playing the National Anthem. Chairman of Yangon North District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col San Matu took out the Flag from the silver bowl and carried it to the archway of the sports ground at 6 am, flanked by four officers of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and Myanmar Police Force and Union nationals.

 At the archway, he handed over the Flag to Chairman of Yangon East District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Pyay. Lt-Col Aung Pyay conveyed the Flag onto the Union Boat and planted it in the silver bowl at 7 am. Then, the Union Boat carrying the Union Flag flanked by four officers of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and MPF and Union nationals left for Dagon Myothit (East) Township through Mandalay-Yangon Highway, Pyay-Yangon Road, Khayaybin Road, through Hlegu and Mingaladon Townships and Mingaladon Station. The Union Flag was accorded a rousing welcome by Tatmadawmen, the public and students.

 Then, the Union Flag was conveyed through Khayaybin Road and No 3 Highway in Mingaladon Township At Dagon Myothit Bridge, the Flag was accorded welcome by thousands of people. Then, the Flag was carried through Thudhamma Road, North Okkalapa Roundabout, Sethmu Road and Dagon Myothit Bridge, Bohmu Ba Htoo Road, Pyidaungsu Road in Dagon Myothit (North) Township. The Flag was accorded a rousing welcome by local authorities, USDA members, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigades, Myanmar Police Force, teachers, students, departmental personnel and local people.

 At the junction of Dagon Myothit (North) and (South) Townships, Lt-Col Aung Pyay took out the Flag from the silver bowl on the Union Boat and carried it, flanked by four officers of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and MPF and Union nationals. He handed over the Flag to Chairman of Dagon Myothit (South) Township Peace and Development Council U Aung Kyaw Soe. Then, the Flag was conveyed by relay teams of township peace and development councils, district and township USDAs, departments and other associations respectively. The relay team led by Secretary of Yangon East District USDA U Tin Aung handed over the Flag to Chairman of Yangon East District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Pyay.

 At 9.35 am, Lt-Col Aung Pyay, flanked by four officers of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and MPF, conveyed the Flag and planted it in the silver bowl on the stage in the sports ground in Dagon Myothit (South) Township. The people and the Guard of Honour of Yangon Command Headquarters saluted the Flag to the strains of the National Anthem played by the military band of Yangon Command Headquarters. The sports ground was packed with people who came to salute the Flag. In the evening, No 4 Public Relations Unit and modern music troupes gave a performance. On 12 February, Shwe Myintmo Anyeint troupe and the Documentary Film will present the entertainment to the people at the township sports ground.

( 4 ) Minister receives Korean Ambassador

Yangon, 11 Feb - Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein received Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Myanmar Mr Chung Jung-gum, who had completed his tour of duty in Myanmar, at his office this morning. Present at the call was Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung.

German business delegation calls on Minister

Yangon, 11 Feb - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung received a business delegation led by Chairman of Indo-German Chamber of Commerce of Germany Mr Atul Bhangwati at his office at 11 am today. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun, directors-general of the departments and managing directors of the enterprises under the ministry.

Minister receives guests

Yangon, 11 Feb - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Chairman of Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, India, Mr Atul Bhangwati and party at his office at 1 pm today. Also present at the call were Director-General of Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye, Director-General of Border Trade Department U Nay Win and Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and officials.

H&T Minister receives guest

Yangon, 11 Feb - Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received South East Asia Liveboards Co Ltd Director Mr Graham S Frost at his office at 10:30 am today.

Also present on the occasion 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.

( 5 ) Minister inspects factories

Yangon, 11 Feb - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, together with Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun, arrived at the extension of the fire brick factory of Myanma Ceramics Industries at Danyingon, Insein Township, this morning. They then inspected the hopper, the quality of fire bricks and completion of a new 900-ton fire brick factory and attended to the needs. Then, the minister and party inspected the machines imported by Daimaru Kogyo Co Ltd and Mino Kogyo Co from Japan for the new factory and gave instructions on timely completion of the main building and related buildings and installation of machines. Next, the minister met with the officials concerned and gave instructions to them to report the organizational set-up of the fire brick factories in Kyaukse and Danyingon.

The minister proceeded to the chemical factory of Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries in Kamayut Township, and inspected the production of " T " batteries and lead plates. The minister then inspected the production of "Thettha" detergent liquid and powder and purification of Sodium Sulphate. Then, factory manager U Khin Maung Win and General Manager of MPCI U Thein Win reported on the distribution of ÒThetthaÓ detergent powder and availability of raw materials. The minister gave instructions on boosting production of detergent powder and distribution of products to Win Thuza shops and collecting raw materials.

Minister inspects development tasks in Bago Division

 Yangon, 11 Feb- Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, accompanied by officials of Myanma Railways, inspected railroad section from Yangon Railways Station to Toungoo Station on 9 February. Accompanied by Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Aung Min, the minister attended a ceremony to set up a trust-fund for Zeyar Thiri Orphanage for the Girls in Toungoo.

At the ceremony, Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min and wife Dr Wai Wa Tha and family donated K 100,000; USDA CEC U Pa Aung and wife Daw Nyunt Nyunt Lwin and family, clothes for 70 girls; and wellwishers, cash to the Orphanage. The girls paid respects to the commander and the CEC member. Then, the commander and the minister inspected the vegetable patches of Toungoo District USDA. Then, they attended the ceremony to hand over a new school building of Thayettaw Village Basic Education Primary School in Doethoung Village-tract, Toungoo Township. The commander and the CEC member formally opened the new building. Then, the CEC member gave a speech. Next, the Secretary of Toungoo District USDA reported on efforts for construction of the building and handed over documents related to the building to the officials.

Minister inspects cooperative tasks in Ayeyawady Division

 Yangon, 11 Feb - Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, together with Director of Cottage Industries Department U Win Myint and Deputy Director of the Cooperative Department U Kyaw Hlaing, inspected Khine Thazin Rice Mill and Ice Factory at Hsamalauk Village, Nyaungdon Township, on 9 February. Then, the minister and party went to Yadana Land Agricultural Educative Camp of Shweyaungwin Agricultural Production Cooperative Ltd on Hsamalauk-Maubin motor road. The minister gave instructions and inspected fields of corn and green gram, and then fish breeding work of Shwemyone Cooperative Syndicate. The minister and party met with officials of Kyaunggon Township Cooperative Department at the briefing hall near Kyaunggon Bridge at 11 am and gave instructions on development of rural areas.

Later, the minister met with officials of Township Cooperative Departments in the division, chairmen of cooperative societies and employees. The minister and party also viewed the functions of Shwetharaphu Coconut Fibre Rope Production Cooperative Ltd, process of Pathein parasol production and finished wood products on display at Division Cooperative Training School. The minister proceeded to AyeyaOo Hotel and General Trading Cooperative Ltd.

The head of the division cooperative department and the chairman of the cooperative Ltd reported on respective tasks. Afterwards, the minister and party went to Ayeyaswanar Engine Factory of South-West Command in Pathein Township Industrial Zone. Yesterday morning, the minister and party arrived at the agricultural educative camp at Kwinya East Village in Kangyidaunt Township. After hearing reports by officials, the minister gave instructions on development of rural areas, and inspected the 400 acres of green gram fields. At Daka Village, the minister and party inspected water supply for summer paddy fields of Ayeya Shwewa Company. The minister also inspected Ngwelawin Vermicelli Factory. At ShwekyiOo Yeiktha in Yekyi, the minister inspected cane and bamboo products displayed by cooperative.

( 6 )  Minister inspects Kengtung District IPRD, re-transmission station

Yangon, 11 Feb- Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, accompanied by officials, arrived at Kengting District Information and Public Relations Department, Shan State (East), on 9 February afternoon. The minister was welcomed there by Head of District IPRD U Han Nyunt and officials. First, the minister inspected the District IPRD Office and met with personnel of District and Township IPRDs. He gave instructions on efforts to be made for opening the 55th Anniversary Union Day Commemorative Photo Show, the Wall Magazine and the Book Fair in accord with the objectives of the Union Day.

Then, the minister went to the sub-printing house at which the newspapers will be printed and published by Printing and Publishing Enterprise. He inspected receiving of pages of newspapers through Data Broadcasting System and installation of machines. On 10 Feb, the minister proceeded to Lwemwe TV re-transmission station in Kengtung District. Senior Engineer U Tin Win and head of the station U Nyunt Hlaing welcomed the minister and reported on re-transmission matters. The minister inspected the station and the microwave station of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications. At 3 pm, the minister met officials and news agents at Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Office and gave instructions on distribution of the dailies.

Medicines, cash donated to MMCWA

Yangon, 11 Feb- Wellwishers donated medicines and cash to Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association at the Multi-purpose Building of the association at the corner of Parami and Thanthuma Roads in South Okkalapa Township this morning. It was attended by Chairperson Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, CEC members and the well-wishers. Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe accepted 1 million tablets of folic acid, 1 million tablets of ferrous sulphate and 1,040 yards of textile donated by Madam Geeta Katju, wife of the Ambassador of India and K 500,000 by Daw Kham Hsint of Khamhsint Jewellery and Handicraft General Business through elder brother U Kan Nyunt and niece Ma Thanda Hlaing, and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. Then, Chairperson Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe spoke words of thanks.

Minister inspects power plants in Magway, Ayeyawady Divisions

Yangon, 11 Feb- Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, accompanied by Deputy Director-General U Saw Win of Electric Power Department and Director U Aung Koe Shwe of Hydel Power Department, arrived at Mone Creek Hydel Power Project being implemented in Magway Division on 9 February. At the briefing hall, Director U Aung Koe Shwe of Hydel Power Department, Deputy Director U Thein Tin, Director U Myint Than of Irrigation Department and officials reported on their respective sectors. The minister gave instructions on cooperation among departments, supply of worksite equipment, tasks to be carried out with might and main, minimizing loss and wastage, thrifty and fulfilling of heavy machinery and equipment. Then, the minister and party inspected construction of the power plant, the spillway and the main reservoir.

The minister gave instructions on meeting of set standard, systematically driving of vehicles and heavy machinery, worksite safety and measures for fire prevention. Yesterday, the minister and party proceeded to Myanaung Power Station in Ayeyawady Division. The minister together with the Station Manager and officials inspected the generator and the power control room. He left instructions on power supply and production at full capacity. Later, the minister inspected the poultry farm and the fish breeding pond.