( 1 ) SRV President Mr Tran Duc Luong and party conclude State Visit to Myanmar

Yangon, 8 May - After paying an official visit to the Union of Myanmar at the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam His Excellency Mr Tran Duc Luong and party left here by Special Aircraft this morning.

Before departure of the guests, Senior General Than Shwe greeted President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong at Seinle Kantha State House at 8 am. The Senior General presented the documentary photo album and video tapes on the official visit to the SRV President. Then, the Senior General and the visiting President exchanged souvenirs.

At 8.15 am, the visiting President and party, together with the Senior General, left Seinle Kantha State House for Yangon International Airport in a motorcade. Along the entrance road to Seinle Kantha State House and University Avenue and the entrance road to Yangon International Airport, teachers, students, nurses and the people totalling over 10,000 greeted the guests waving miniature flags of the Union of Myanmar and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and wishing President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong and Senior General Than Shwe good health and hailing Myanmar-Vietnam friendship.

The visiting President and party and the Senior General arrived at Yangon International Airport at 8.35 am.

At the airport, the visiting SRV President cordially greeted staff families of the Vietnamese Embassy.

Together with the Senior General, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Maj-Gen Soe Win, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Ambassador of Myanmar to Vietnam U Khin Aung, Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department and Vietnamese Ambassador Mr Pham Quang Khon bade farewell to the visiting SRV President and party.

School girls at the airport bade farewell to the guests waving miniature flags of the two countries and wishing for the well-being of the visiting SRV President and the Senior General and for strengthening of friendship between Myanmar and Vietnam.

Next, the Vietnamese President bade farewell to the Senior General and party at the ramp of the Special Aircraft.

The Vietnamese President on board the Special Aircraft cordially bade farewell to the Senior General and party again. The Special Aircraft carrying the Vietnamese goodwill delegation took off at 8.55 am. Senior General Than Shwe and party bade farewell to the guests from the VIP Lounge of Yangon International Airport.

Afterwards, Senior General Than Shwe, General Maung Aye and Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt cordially greeted the Vietnamese Ambassador, staff and families of the Vietnamese Embassy who saw off the Vietnamese President and party, at the archway of the VIP Lounge of the airport.

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( 2 ) Myanmar-Vietnam Joint Statement issued
Myanmar, Vietnam share view international community need to intensify cooperation
to fight against all forms of terrorism, but do not approve use of anti-terrorism
as a pretext by any country to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries,
violating national sovereignty, international laws and the UN Charter

Yangon, 8 May - The following is the Joint Statement, issued today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the occasion of the State Visit of the President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to the Union of Myanmar from 5 to 8 May 2002 at the invitation of the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe.

 JOINT STATEMENT ISSUED ON THE OCCASION OF THE STATE VISIT OF
 THE PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM TO THE UNION OF MYANMAR
 (5 - 8 May 2002)

1. At the invitation of His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, His Excellency Tran Duc Luong, President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam paid a State visit to the Union of Myanmar from 5-8 May 2002.

2. His Excellency Chairman Senior General Than Shwe accorded a warm welcome to His Excellency President Tran Duc Luong which highlighted the significance of the visit for the consolidation of the traditional friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. Chairman Senior General Than Shwe extended to President Tran Duc Luong, and through him, to the Vietnamese people the warmest greetings and the best wishes of the people of Myanmar. The President of Viet Nam expressed his happiness at the opportunity to visit a close and friendly neighbour and conveyed through the Chairman to the people of Myanmar the warm and sincere best wishes of the Government and the people of Viet Nam.

3. On the occasion of the visit, Chairman Senior General Than Shwe and President Tran Duc Luong held bilateral talks. From the Myanmar side, attending the talks were Vice Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council General Maung Aye; Secretary-(1)of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt; Members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Maj-Gen Soe Wi;, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin; Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung; Minister at the Office of the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Abel; Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone; Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha; Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung; Minister-in-Attendance and Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt; Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win; and Myanmar Ambassador to Viet Nam U Khin Aung. From the Vietnamese side, attending the talks were Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Dy Nien; Minister, Chairman of the Office of the State President Nguyen Canh Dinh; Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Huy Ngo; Assistant to State President Pham Quoc Anh; Vietnamese Ambassador to Myanmar Pham Quang Khon; Deputy Minister of Defence Lt-Gen Nguyen Huy Hieu; Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Xuan Thao; Deputy Minister of Trade Phan The Rue and Assistant to President Nguyen Van Thanh.

4. At the talks, the two sides informed each other of the economic and political situation of their respective countries and exchanged views on the consolidation and enhancement of the traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries, and on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The talks were held in an atmosphere of friendship, mutual understanding and trust.

5. Chairman Senior General Than Shwe expressed his deep admiration for and high appreciation of the important achievements recorded by the people of Viet Nam in the course of renewal and socio-economic development, which help raised the country position and role in the region and the world. Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sincerely wished the Vietnamese people greater accomplishments in the course of building a prosperous country and a just, democratic and civilized society, developing Viet Nam into an industrialized country by 2020, making positive contribution Myanmar-Vietnam Joint (from page 1) to peace stability and development in the region and the world at large.

6. President Tran Duc Luong commended the successful efforts made by the Government and people of Myanmar, under the leadership of Chairman Senior General Than Shwe, to maintain political stability, to develop the economy, safeguard territorial integrity and national unity. President Tran Duc Luong wholeheartedly wished the people of Myanmar greater and continued achievement in safeguarding and building a peaceful, modern and developed Myanmar, thus contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.

7. Chairman Senior General Than Shwe and President Tran Duc Luong expressed satisfaction with the increasing extension of cooperation between the two countries in the political, economic, trade, investment, science and technology, agriculture and cultural sectors. The two leaders also expressed the desire to further develop the existing relations on the basis of the vast potential of the two countries. The two sides affirmed their resolve to redouble efforts in uplifting bilateral cooperation to new heights in the future.

8. Chairman Senior General Than Shwe and President Tran Duc Luong noted with satisfaction the results of the fourth Meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation between Myanmar and Vietnam held in Yangon from 4-5 May 2002. The two leaders were confident that the success of this meeting would help raise the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture and forestry, energy, industry, trade, investment and tourism. Both sides agreed to encourage and facilitate the expended cooperation between the business communities of the two countries. The two sides welcomed the signing of the Agreed Minutes of the Fourth Meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation between Myanmar and Vietnam and the Memorandum of Understanding of the Joint Committee on Trade Cooperation. The two sides expressed their belief that these documents would serve as a good basis for relevant Ministries and Agencies as well as business circles of both countries to give substance to their cooperation in concrete areas.

9. The two sides agreed upon the need to strengthen cooperation between Myanmar and Vietnam in the ASEAN framework as well as with other regions with a view to consolidating peace, security and prosperity in the region and in the world. The two sides highly valued the important role of ASEAN in promoting peace, security and development in the region and the world, and were of the view that the ASEAN countries needed to strengthen the unity and cooperation to surmount current challenges.

10. The two sides were of the view that the international community needed to intensify cooperation to fight against all forms of terrorism, but did not approve the use of anti-terrorism as a pretext by any country to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, violating national sovereignty, international laws and the UN Charter. The two sides were also of the view that in order to completely eliminate terrorism countries needed to redouble their efforts in reducing poverty and narrowing the development gap. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in information sharing and dealing effectively against those involved in terrorist activities.

11. During the visit President Tran Duc Luong had a meeting with Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar.

12. The President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam also visited historical and cultural sites in Mandalay and Bagan.

13. The two sides believed that the State visit of President Tran Duc Luong constituted a new landmark in the relations between the two countries, making an important contribution to furthering the bilateral traditional friendship and cooperation. In this sprit, the two sides agreed to maintain high-level contacts and exchange delegations between Ministries and agencies of the two countries with a view to enhancing mutual understanding and trust and cooperation.

14. President Tran Duc Luong expressed his appreciation to Chairman Senior General Than Shwe and the Government and people of Myanmar for the warm and friendly reception accorded to him and the members of his delegation. President Tran Duc Luong invited Chairman Senior General Than Shwe and Madam to pay a State visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at a convenient time. Chairman Senior General Than Shwe accepted the invitation with pleasure.

( 3 ) Myanmar now has opportunities to catch up with the advancing IT Government giving serious attention to development and flourishing of IT in nation Secretary-1 attends ceremony to report progress of tasks of e-National Task Force

Yangon, 8 May - A ceremony to report the progress of tasks of e-National Task Force was held at Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Park (MICT Park) in Hline Township at 3 pm today, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Computer Science Development Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The Secretary-1 said the State is making efforts for the nation to keep abreast of the ASEAN nations in the information and communication technological sector. Due to the assistance and encouragement given by the State and the cooperation of the computer entrepreneurs, technicians and enthusiasts, the grand ICT Park has been set up.

The Bagan Cybertech and Bagan Teleport was also set up to ensure wider use of the IT. Assistance has been given not only to computer entrepreneurs, technicians and enthusiasts, but also to other entrepreneurs and institutions of higher learning to enable them to get access to the IT including the Internet.

Thus, it can be said that Myanmar now has opportunities to catch up with the advancing IT. As there is the assistance of the government and the greater opportunities, the energetic efforts of the computer entrepreneurs, technicians and enthusiasts to develop the IT will benefit themselves, the nation's IT sector and the State.

Effective use of the ICT Park and Bagan Cybertech and Teleport will lead to increasing the number of IT scientists, generating more job opportunities and enabling the nation to get on well with the international IT sector.

Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance on the use of IT in nurturing and producing highly qualified technicians of the field.

The Head of State felt much satisfied to see the emergence of the ICT Park in Yangon. So, he has given guidance on the establishment of another ICT Park in upper Myanmar.

The government is giving serious attention to development and flourishing of the IT. In addition, there are favourable conditions and better opportunities in the IT sector, qualified IT technicians, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts in the nation. Thus, all should effectively use the situation to zealously strive for progress of the IT.

IT technicians are required to find means for development of the ICT Park.

Then, e-National Task Force Chairman Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw reported to the Secretary-1 on work being carried out, collective efforts for rapid progress of six working committees under the e-National Task Force and condition of cooperation with international IT organizations and progress already achieved.

Superintending Engineer (Overseas) U Tint Lwin of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications of the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs reported to the Secretary-1 on formation and objectives of Initiative ASEAN Integration (IAI) and tasks undertaken, Vice-President of Myanmar Computer Federation U Thein Oo on IT master plan (draft).

Afterwards, members of e-National Task Force Col Thein Swe of the Ministry of Defence, Director-General of the Office of the Attorney-General Dr Tun Shin, Director-General of No 1 Basic Education Department U Tin Nyo, Central Executive Committee member of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Thaung Tin, Vice-President of Myanmar Computer Federation U Thein Oo, General Secretary U Tin Win Aung, Director-General of Consular, International Law and Treaties and Research Department U Thein Myint and Joint-Secretary-1 U Pyone Maung Maung reported to the Secretary-1 on matters related to the pilot project to be jointly cooperated with the Multimedia Development Corporation of Malaysia.

Member of Board of Directors of MICT DC U Aung Zaw Myint reported to the Secretary-1 on the second to phase construction tasks of MICT Park.

The ministers and the attorney-general took part in the discussions.

The Secretary-1 said according to the discussions, information technology in Myanmar is gaining momentum and development can be witnessed.

After Myanmar had become a signatory to e-ASEAN Agreement, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on exerting efforts to keep abreast with ASEAN countries in information technology, he said.

In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, Bagan Cybertech, ICT Park and Bagan Teleport, basic foundations for wide use of information technology, were established. Therefore, progress of information technology is gaining momentum.

He said efforts are to be made for keeping abreast with ASEAN countries in information technology in coordination with the respective sector.

( 4 ) Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than tours Ayeyawady Division

Yangon, 8 May - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence and party attended the ceremony to lay cornerstone for construction of the 750-ton cold storage and Pathein Branch of the Yuzana Co Ltd on Strand Road, Yankin Taung Ward, Pathein, yesterday morning.

Chairman U Htay Myint explained the purpose of construction and matters related to the factory. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than elaborated on construction of the 750-ton cold storage required for marine products of local fishery entrepreneurs, extended breeding of fish and prawn, and systematic fish breeding and production.

Then, the commander said that he was glad to learn that the 750-ton cold storage was being constructed with the aim to store marine products of fishery entrepreneurs in Ayeyawady Division.

He thanked Yuzana Co for fulfilling this requirement of fishery entrepreneurs. Chairman U Htay Myint and party presented K 3 million for the funds of the Division through the commander.

Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected the scale model of the 750-ton cold storage, the 200-ton feedstuff factory and the Pathein branch.

Afterwards, the cornerstone laying ceremony for construction of the cold storage was held.

Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Tint Swe and officials took positions at the designated places. The silver casket with nine different kinds of gems was then laid.

Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, the commander, the deputy commander and the officials laid the foundation simultaneously. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than laid the stone plaque and sprinkled scented water on it.

After the ceremony, rituals of golden and silver showers were performed to mark the successful completion of the ceremony. Later, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected the cold storage, the factory and breeding of fish and gave necessary instructions to the officials.

Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party attended the merit-sharing ceremony for novitiation of 200 boys sponsored by Ayeya Mye Co at the Sasana Beikmandaw in Pathein at 9.15 am. They presented offertories to members of the Sangha. At the office of Kyonthwut Village Peace and Development Council in Myaungmya, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party met with members of Myaungmya District and Township Peace and Development Councils, the chairman and members of the Village Peace and Development Council and farmers, and discussed matters relating to agriculture. Village Peace and Development Council Chairman U Han Win and Kangyidaunt Agricultural Manager U Sai Gya Ohn reported on cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy and black pulse, and pilot cultivation of CP corn; Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo and Myanma Agriculture Service General Manager Dr Min Aung on proper agricultural methods for cultivation of monsoon paddy, summer paddy and black pulse, and pilot cultivation of CP corn. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions.

After that, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party met with chairmen of Myaungmya District and Labutta Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials, entrepreneurs and officials of social organizations at the office of Township Peace and Development Council and gave instructions on township development tasks. Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Kyaw Hsan reported on tasks being carried out for agriculture, livestock breeding and regional development. Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo gave instructions on economic, agricultural and meat and fish sectors and commodity production in the township.

Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than elaborated on tasks being carried out by the State for peace and development of the state; projects being implemented for regional development in the Division; collaboration of local authorities and departmental officials to exceed the targets of production and service sectors in the townships in the Division; means to be sought for boosting double cropping and per acre yield and for carrying out livestock breeding tasks without damaging farm lands; emphasis to be placed on implementing the five rural development tasks; and active cooperation of local authorities, departments and social organizations with the conception that carrying out regional development tasks contribute towards the development of the State.

Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected beautifying and development of Labutta by car.

They proceeded to Thitseint saplings (Terminalia Belerica) nursery garden in Kyaukphyalay Village, Myaungmya Township. Myaungmya District Forest Department Assistant Director U Win Myint reported on nurturing of 30,000 Thitseint saplings to be planted in local battalions and units in the Division. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than viewed nurturing of the saplings and gave necessary instructions and left the garden.

Two hundred boys novitiated in Pathein

Yangon, 8 May - Two hundred boys were novitiated at a ceremony held at Sasana Beikmandaw in Pathein, Ayeyawdy Division, yesterday morning.

The novitiation ceremony was held under the organization of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council and sponsored by Ayeya Mye Company. Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence attended the ceremony and presented offertories to Sayadaws.

Present were State Ovadacariya Sayadaws, chairmen and secretary Sayadaws of the Division and Township Sangha Nayaka Committees and members of the Sangha, Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Htay Oo, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Tint Swe, local authorities, military and civil officials, members of NGOs and families of the company.

Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Sangha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Vilasa of Kontha Monastery administered the Five Precepts. Sayadaws recited parittas. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Brig-Gen Htay Oo, Brig-Gen Tint Swe, Chairman of the company U Thet Oo and donors presented offertories to the Sayadaws. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vilasa delivered a sermon. The congregation shared the merits gained. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, the commander, officials and donors offered "soon" to Sayadaws.

Maj-Gen Maung Bo inspects construction of road, bridge

Yangon, 8 May - Member of the State Peace and Development t Council Maj-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun and officials arrived at Shwe Kanbawza Oil Palm Co in Yebyu Township on 6 May.

At the briefing hall, Division Superintending Engineer U Chit Pan reported on construction of Taninthayi-Bokepyin road section and future tasks. Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on paving of the road, completion of the project in time and full use of machinery.

Maj-Gen Maung Bo, the minister and party inspected construction of 90 feet Chaunglamu bailey bridge on Taninthayi-Point 1020 in Yebyu Township.

In the afternoon, Maj-Gen Maung Bo and the minister went to the construction site of Laynya-Mandaing Bridge. Project Engineer U Hla Min reported on construction and requirements. Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on worksite safety and construction of the bridge in accord with the set standards. He fulfilled the requirements.

Maj-Gen Maung Bo inspected construction of Laynya-Bokepyin road section. Laynya-Mandaing reinforced concrete Bridge, 860 feet long and 30 feet wide, has three feet walkway each. 

The bridge on Myeik-Taninthayi-Bokpyin-Kawthoung Road is being built across the Laynya River. On completion of the bridge. vehicles can cross it in a short time. The Myeik-Taninthayi-Bokpyin is 143 miles and three furlongs. Fifty miles from Myeik to Taninthayi are tarred. and 61 miles and three furlongs from Taninthayi from Mandaing are paved with gravel. There are 12 miles tarred road and 20 miles gravel road from Laynya to Bokepyin. Vehicles can go from Myeik to Bokepyin anytime.

( 5 ) Minister receives Israeli Ambassador

Yangon, 8 May - Minister for Cooperatives Lt- Gen Tin Ngwe received Ambassador of Israel to Myanmar Mr Yaacov Avrahamy at his office on Bog yoke Aung San Street here at 10am today. Also present were Director-General of Cooperatives Department U Soe Win, Director- General of Cottage Industries Department U Sein Than, Managing Director of Cooperatives Exports and Imports Enterprise Daw Khin Swe Soe and officials.

Information Minister receives Israeli Ambassador

Yangon, 8 May - Minister for Information Maj- Gen Kyi Aung received Israeli Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Yaacov Avrahamy at the parlour of Myanma Radio and Television at 1 pm today.

Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director-General of MRTV U Khin Maung Htay, Director-General of Information and Public Relations Department U Chit Naing, Managing Director of Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Myint Thein, Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, Managing Director of Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise U Bo Kyi, Adviser U Kyaw Min and head of office of the ministry Capt Soe Aung.

Minister inspects bridge construction

Yangon, 8 May - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by officials of Public Works, arrived in Myeik on 4 May and inspected construction of Kyweku-Kyaukphya Bridge.

At the briefing hall there, Superintending Engineer U Ba Wan reported to the minister on progress of work and tasks to be undertaken. The minister said that construction materials will be supplied to the bridge construction site in time. Respective Superintending Engineers should supervise the tasks for timely completion and for meeting the set standards of the bridge, and emphasis is to be laid on welfare, education and health matters.

Then, the minister and party saw over completion of construction on Kyweku (Myeik) bank and Kyaukphya (Dawei) bank.

Meeting on opening of MMU held

Yangon, 8 May - The meeting on opening of the Myanmar Maritime University was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Trasport on Merchant Street here this morning, with an address by Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe.

Also present were Deputy Ministers for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and U Pe Than, Rector of the MMU U Thein Tun, heads of departments under the ministry, the pricipal of the university and officials. First, Deputy Minister U Pe Than elaborated on the opening of the university. Then, Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and those present took part in the discussions. After hearing the reports, the minister gave instructions and the meeting came to an end.

( 6 ) Goodwill delegation leaves for China

Yangon, 8 May - Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, at the invitation of vice-Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China Mr Wang Yi, left here by air for China on a goodwill visit this afternoon.

The delegation led by the deputy minister was seen off at Yangon International Airport by directors-general of the ministry and officials, Charge d' Affaires ai of the Chinese Embassy here Mr Tang Ying and embassy staff. The deputy minister was accompanied by Deputy Director-General U Win Aung of the Consular, International Law and Treaties and Research Department, Director U Kyi Tun of the International Organizations and Economic Department and Director Daw Yin Yin Myint of the East Asia and the Pacific Department.

World Red Cross Day observed

Yangon, 8 May - The 2002 World Red Cross Day was observed in accord with this year's motto "The Power of Humanity" at the assembly hall of the Institute of Nursing on Bogyoke Aung San Street here at 9 am today. It was attended by Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo, officials, MRCS Central Council members, the MRCS president and executives, diplomats, UN officials, Head of delegation of International Committee of Red Cross Mr Michel Ducraux, Resident Representative Mr Yutaka Oiwa of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, outstanding Red Cross youths, guests and others. First, Deputy Minister Prof Dr Mya Oo read out the message of Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein. Next, Resident Representative Mr Yutaka Oiwa read out the message sent by the presidents of ICRC and IFRC & RCS. Then, MRCS President Dr Kyaw Win gave an address. Afterwards, the deputy minister and officials presented prizes to the executives of MRCS and members of Red Cross Brigade who got the titles presented by the State, three Red Cross members who sacrificed their lives while discharging duties, voluntary staff executives of MRCS and the Red Cross brigades who have served duties for more than 15 years and prizes winners of the skill contest.