( 1 ) Secretary-1 attends cornerstone-laying ceremony for building MRTV New Studio Complex

Yangon, 3 April -A cere-mony to lay cornerstone for construction of Myanma Radio and Television New Studio Complex was held at the chosen site of the project on Kyundaw Street, Sangyoung Township, this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The first session of the ceremony commenced with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Then, adviser to the State Calendar Committee U Kyaw read out the stone plaque of the complex. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 laid the golden casket with nine different gems at the centre of the foundation. The Secretary-1 and party placed the cornerstones at the designated places. Then, the Secretary-1 laid the stone plaque at the centre of the foundation and sprinkled scented water on it. After the first session, the Secretary-1 performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the success of the cornerstone-laying ceremony. Later, the second session followed at the briefing hall at the same venue.

Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung and Director-General of MRTV U Khin Maung Htay reported on matters related to construction of the complex and Chairman of the Olympic Construction Co Ltd U Aik Tun and an official on plans to be implemented for construction of the complex. Then, the Secretary-1 gave instructions on implementing the project phase by phase. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 inspected the equipment to be installed at MRTV.

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( 2 ) Deputy Minister signs book of condolences for Late Queen Mother of UK

Yangon, 3 April - Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, signed the book of condolences at the Embassy of Her Britannic Majesty at 3.00 pm in memory of the Late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother of the United Kingdom.

( 3 ) Profits from legal businesses invested in opium-substitute crop project of Wa regions Foreign diplomats witness developments and opium-substitute undertakings of Wa regions in eastern and northern Shan State

Yangon, 3 April - Foreign diplomats including Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of Laos Mr Ly Bounkham and heads of foreign missions visited Wa regions in eastern and northern Shan State from 1 to 3 April and studied their developments and opium-substitute undertakings.

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Led by Chairman of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control of Myanmar Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing and Vice-Chairman Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, the diplomats left Yangon for Kengtung at 7.30 am on 1 April. On arrival at Kengtung Airport in eastern Shan State at 10 am, they were welcomed by Deputy Commander of Triangle Region Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe and officials. At Mongyawn in Monghsat Township, they heard a report on development of the Wa regions, success in conducting opium-substitute cropping, profits of livestock breeding businesses, and education, health and other matters presented by commander of 417 Brigade of Monyawn region U Hway Hsaik Htan. They were then conducted round the Mon-gyawn Hydel Power Project and milling of rice.

At Wanhon Farm of Lwehsansaw Region Opium-Substitute Crops Cultivation Project, leader of southern Wa region U Pauk Yu Yi met them. U Pauk Yu Yi said due to the success achieved in cultivating opium-substitute crops and the assistance provided by the government, a firm determination has been made to totally free the Wa regions from narcotic drugs by the year 2005. As the government is rendering assistance for regional progress, up to 60 percent of the task to eradicate the narcotic drugs in Wa region has been accomplished to this date. Regrettably, some nations are making false allegations against the Wa people, saying that they were producing narcotic drugs. But the Wa people are going to prove their efforts with practical deeds.

In giving answers to questions raised by the diplomats, he said financial capital is needed in cultivating opium-substitute crops. The timber production and mineral mining permits were granted to the Wa group after it made peace with the government in 1989. National people numbering in the thousand are working at Mongshu gems land. The gems mining business is making profits in millions of US dollars.

The government granted the Phakant gems land at the lowest price. As there are hundreds of mining blocks, the business is making a large amount of profits. Thus, a large amount of money can be invested in launching the opium-substitute crop cultivation project. The Wa group has been permitted to undertake about 30 percent of mining business at Phakant and Mongshu gems lands. The Wa people fully understand that poppy cultivation must be entirely stopped to root out the narcotic drugs. Rather than words, the group will eradicate the drugs by setting farms and other businesses with greater financial power and manpower.

Issuance of laws and orders alone is not enough to wipe out the drugs. Efforts are being made to create job opportunities for the opium farmers to earn their living. Although the Wa people earned their living by cultivating poppy, they have now understood the evil consequences of the drugs. Thus, the group dare to assure the world that the Wa region will become an opium free zone by the year 2005. He then said that he would like to explain the actual facts about the battle occurred on 25 March near Kyu Sam Kut camp near the Myanmar-Thai border. He said information was given about the presence of about 60 members of Ywet Sit's opium trafficking group near the Kyu San Kut camp where Wa troops were stationed.

ing on information, three members of the Wa militia were sent to scout the intruders. The Ywet Sit grouped started the fire. Two members of the Wa militia fell on the spot, and the other one was wounded. When the sound of the gun fire was heard, 30 members of the militia arrived there, and an armed clash broke out between the two groups. The Wa militia men saw about 20 Thai soldiers in camouflage uniforms together with the members of the Ywet Sit group. At about 13.30 hours, the combined force of the members of the Ywet Sit group and Thai soldiers retreated into Thai territory from Myanmar territory.

When the Wa militia men combed the area where the clash occurred, they found one M-16, five magazines, 98 bullets, one icon walkie talkie, one compass and one hand grenade. It was known that a Thai soldier fell and another wounded in the clash. He said he can show the diplomats that the place of engagement is well inside the Myanmar territory. The team then visited Mongzin Pig Farm of Honpan Farming and Development Co Lt near Mongzin village in Kengtung Township. In-charge of the farm U Lo Win Chin explained the aims of the farm, and answered to queries made by the visitors.

He said the farm was set up with the aim of generating job opportunities, acquiring farming techniques and conducting opium-substitute businesses. The farm has made profits since 2000-2001. It is hoped that amount of investment can be offset with the income in ten years. The success of the farm contributes to the drug eradication task. Business courses have been conducted for the Wa people. The objective of the Wa group is to find an income source for opium-substitute undertakings and to help develop the region. They arrived back at New Kengtung Hotel at 5 pm.

( 4 ) Commander attends opening of rural road, inspects factories

Yangon, 3 April - Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Naing attended the ceremony to open Legyi-Ywama-Pyidawtha Ywathit-gyi rural road held at the archway of the road in Sagaing Township, Sagaing Division on 1 April morning.

Then, the district chairman and the district secretary formally opened the road and the commander formally unveiled the archway of the road. Then, the commander, the minister and those present inspected the gravel road which is 6 miles and two furlongs long and 12 feet wide built at a cost of K 5 million.

Afterwards, the commander visited No. 1 Flour Factory of Myanma Foodstuff Industries, the Ministry of Industry-1 where Assistant Factory Manager U Maung Maung Kyaw briefed him on functions of the factory and production of instant noodles. The commander gave instructions and inspected the factory. Then, he arrived at Sagaing Garment Factory where Factory Manager U Aung Htay conducted him round it. The minister attended to the needs and left.

Commander attends tree planting ceremony in Hmawby Station

Yangon, 3 April - Under the leadership of Yangon Command, the tree planting ceremony of Hmawby Station was held at No 1 Tatmadaw Agriculture Training School in Hmawby at 2 pm today, attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe.

Speaking on the occasion, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe said that the tree planting ceremonies are being held with the aims of growing trees extensively, organizing the ceremonies as mass activities, systematically using the forest facilities and replanting substituted ones and preserving forest resources for fine weather and it is necessary to observe guidance related to the tree planting given by the Head of State.

Hmawby Station Commander Lt-Col Aung Than Tun reported on collection of seeds and planting the saplings and Director of Yangon Division Forest Department U Ko Ko on planting the saplings and tasks to be carried out in the coming rainy season. Head of Hmawby Township Forest Department U Khin Zaw demonstrated process planting of Thithseint saplings (belleric myrobalan) and manufacturing of Thithseint oil. Then, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint and party planted Thithseint saplings.

Next, those present planted neem and tamarind. In Hmawby Station, 20,400 tamarind, 1,580 neem, 130 toddy palm trees, 20,775 Thithseint, 205 trees, other 7,580 perennial trees, 3,390 shade trees and 3,707 flowery plants, totalling 96,567 are to be planted this year. Next, the commander proceeded to No 2 Poultry Farm of Yangon Command in Hmawby Township.

At the briefing hall there, farm in-charge Major Myat Nyein reported on raising of layers, eggs production and distribution of chickens and eggs to tax-free markets in Yangon and other markets. The commander gave necessary instructions and attended to their needs. Afterwards, the commander inspected raising of the layers in the battery cage system at the farm. The commander gave instructions on cleanliness of the farm, prevention of diseases at the layers and distribution of fresh products and left the farm.

Commander inspects road construction

Yangon, 3 April - Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, accompanied by Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee Mayaor of Mandalay Brig-Gen Yan Thein and officials, arrived at the junction of 22nd street and Strand Road, Auaungmyaythazan Township and inspected the construction of ring road of Mandalay, progress of earth works Nyaungkwe-Obo-Shwekyin road section and Shwetachaungmyaung sluice gate on 1 April evening and attended to the needs.

( 5 ) Construction Minister tours Mandalay and Sagaing divisions

Yangon, 3 April - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials of Public Works, yesterday visited the worksite of Chindwin River Bridge (Monywa) Construction Project in Monywa Township, Sagaing Division.

Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Naing and the minister inspected progress of construction of the bridge. At the briefing hall, Superintending Engineer (Project) U San Nyein reported on progress of work and future tasks. The minister fulfilled the requirements and called on those in charge to supervise tasks for ensuring worksite safety.

The 4,730-foot bridge will link Monywa and Kalay. The approach bridges are built of reinforced concrete and the main bridge, of steel beams. It has a 28-foot motorway and two six-foot pedestrian lanes. Its clearance is 305 feet wide and 40 feet high. It can withstand 60-ton loads. Then, the minister and party proceeded to the Ayeyawady River Bridge (Mandalay) Construction Project worksite. At the briefing hall, Deputy Superintending Engineer U Htay Myint reported on progress of work on Mandalay side and work being carried out on Sagaing side. The minister attended to the needs. The 5,614-foot bridge has a 49-foot motorway and two five-foot pedestrian lanes. Its clearance is 700 feet wide and 40 feet high and it can withstand 60-ton loads.

Health Minister inspects IM-1, Thalyin General Hospital

Yangon, 3 April - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, accompanied by Deputy Minister Prof Dr Mya Oo and officials, inspected the site for construction of teaching theatre of Institute of Medicine-1 on Pyay Road in Dagon township here this morning.

Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein and party were briefed by Director-General of the Medical Science Department Prof Dr Maung Maung Wint and rector of the Institute of Medicine-1 Prof Dr Myo Myint on the project with the help of charts. Then, the minister and party inspected the plantation site behind the annex to the Institute of Nursing, renovation of Lanmadaw lecture theatre on Lan-madaw Road, chosen site for construction of lecture theatre for third year medical students and gave instructions on early construction of the theatre.

Then, the minister, accompanied by the deputy minister and Director-General of Health Planning Department Dr Wan Maung, inspected Thanlyin General Hospital in the afternoon. The minister inspected children ward and OG ward. Head of the District Health Planning Department Dr Myint Han and officials conducted them round the hospital. The minister gave necessary instructions and fulfilled the requirements. Later, the minister and party proceeded to Thanlyin and inspected the midwifery training school. Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein met with principal of the school Daw Khin Htay Yi and trainees and gave necessary instructions.

Next, he inspected the operation theatre and medical stores at the Thanlyin District Hospital. At the briefing hall of the hospital, the minister met with the staff. Officials concerned reported on matters relating to the hospital and the minister gave necessary instructions. Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo also gave instructions at the meeting. Then, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein and party inspected the x-ray room and dental clinic and fulfilled the requirements.

Minister inspects tin smelting plant in Thanlyin

Yangon, 3 April- Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint inspected Tin Smelting Plant in Thanlyin yesterday evening. The minister discussed experiment on the use of fuel substitute gas kiln, stockpile of materials for tin smelting, full operation of machinery and safety of workers. The minister inspected vegetable patch in the compound and discussed boosting production and cleanliness. The minister also inspected salt mill of Myanma Salt and Marine Chemical Enterprise in Thakayta Township and gave instructions.

( 6 ) Myanmar ASEAN WFA members visit Yangon, Bago