( 1 ) Government strictly adhering to Five Principles of Peaceful
Co-existence in promoting friendly ties with neighbours
Only education development can bring progress to all other sectors in knowledge age
Mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty required

Yangon, 31 May - Special Refresher Course No 48 for Basic Education Teachers was opened at the Central Institute of Civil Service in Phaunggyi, Hlegu Township, Yangon Division, at 9 am today, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The Secretary-1 said at present all the nations are making competitive efforts to develop human resources with the aim of getting abreast of others and ensuring their perpetual existence. As the changes and developments in the science and technology sectors have an effect on the socio-economic field, the learning-teaching process, reaching beyond classrooms, has become orientated to practical use in the socio-economic sector. At present, the duty of the education sector is to connect classrooms and social life for the emergence of a constant learning society encompassing not only student youths, but also the entire people. The Union of Myanmar is striving in all the sectors to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world nations.

Thus, the task to lay down good foundations in the education sector, which is the most basic sector, and to develop human resources that can face and solve all the challenges of the future, has become an important national duty. Stage-by-stage reforms have been carried out right down from the basic education sector. As the task is achieving success, the four-year national education promotion plan, which links the basic education sector and the higher education sector, has been implemented. And due to the progress of the four-year special education plan, the 30-year long-term education plan has been laid down and implemented.

At present, the education objectives are being implemented in accord with the aims of the four-year national education promotion plan launching of the programmes to promote the efficiency of basic education schools to produce good citizens possessing well-rounded education; implementing the programmes to provide more access to modern pedagogic methods; as the training programmes to further uplift the qualifications of teaching staff have achieved success to a certain degree, ways and means which enable all the citizens to complete the primary education should be sought, and a constant learning society will have to be created with a view to facing the challenges of the knowledge age so that the education standard of the nation can be on a par with those of the developed nations in south-east Asia region as well as the world nations.

Hence, the 30-year plan has been implemented to maintain for a long time the momentum of success achieved in carrying out reforms in education. The objectives of the 30-year plan are to create human resources which have the ability to build a peaceful, modern and developed nation; to get the nation's education system to become a principal source of the entire Myanmar society and alternatively to use the entire Myanmar society as the source of the nation's education system; to keep developing the highly-qualified human resources needed for the nation and the regions; to create an education environment which is endowed with the developing knowledge and which can apply advances in technology in keeping with the times; to turn the Myanmar community into a constant learning society; to upgrade the nation's education up to international standard; to ensure that there will be no dwindling or vanishing of the spirit of adoring the Union, national interests, the national value and the national norms, though there is progress of globalization.

Successful realization of the noble objectives of the 30-year plan depends much on the practical deeds of teachers. All the teachers are urged to participate in implementing the different stages of the education plans, which are the objective requirement of the Union of Myanmar to be able to stand tall among the world nations. The government is implementing them with anticipation. As it is the knowledge age, only the education development can bring progress to all other sectors. Thus, the education sector plays a vital role in the State's regional development programmes. Keeping the education sector as the base, the teachers will have to actively take part in the regional development programmes from their professional field. The development zones have been set up to pay special attention to progress of each state and division and bring about harmonious progress amoung them. There are now 24 development zones in the nation.

All-round development programmes covering the transport, education, health, socio-economic and human resources sectors are being implemented region-wise. Although development programmes have been implemented in all the states and divisions, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, believing that they are not adequate enough to narrow the gap among the hill regions and the plains, the far-flung areas and the proper regions and the rural areas and the urban areas, has given guidance to carry out the five rural development tasks.

Thus efforts have been made to carry out the tasks to bring progress to all regions. The rural development programmes which have been laid down and implemented in accord with the guidance of the Head of State are significant and profound ones which will practically produce the good results such as alleviation of poverty, education development, health knowledge and economic and regional progress for the people who live in rural areas Thus, teachers who are discharging duties in the villages should take part in the rural development tasks.

The entire Union will enjoy cent-per-cent progress at a time when all the rural development tasks, development zones, the tasks to develop the border areas and national races are gaining success in relation to each other. Thus, the teachers while discharging the duties of the education sector which is heading towards bringing harmonious to all the Union and the national people should play a key role in implementing the three projects. They will also have to actively take part in regional development programmes. In nurturing students, they should give priority to spiritual development including vitalization of the national spirit. All the teachers especially those who are discharging duties in the remote border areas are required to understand the State's efforts to wipe out the narcotic drugs.

They will have to education and organize their pupils to know the danger and evil consequences of the drugs and to avoid the drugs as a loathsome thing. It is specially required for the teachers to educate their pupils to be firmly endowed with patriotism, the spirit of national solidarity and Union Spirit. To enable the Union to stand tall as a sovereign nation among the international community, the government has maintained its cordial relations with all the nations around the world in accord with its independent and active foreign policy based on equality, justice, peace and progress. In extending relations with the neighbouring nations, the government has been strictly adhering to the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence Ñ mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity; non-aggression; non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual interests; and peaceful co-existence to always maintain its good neighbourly practices.

If all the Myanmar's neighbours will respond with the same conviction and attitude, peace will prevail in the entire regional. On the other hand, absence of such conviction and attitude and practice of one-sided efforts for self interests will harm the regional peace and prosperity. It is obvious that the majority of Myanmar's neighbours are strictly adhering to the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence and that the mutual friendship and cooperation are flourishing among them. The entire region will enjoy peace and progress only if all the neighbours are cooperating each other with mutual understanding, sympathy and love and harmonious attitude. Thus, it is required for all the nations to adhere to the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence with the good neighbourly spirit.

Especially, the mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty is required. It is natural that if a nation intrudes the territorial integrity and sovereignty of another, it will lead to disturbing the peace and stability of the entire region. Thus, teachers should always organize their pupils to be imbued with the spirit to love the nation and the race and the spirit to defend and protect the nation at the risk of their lives. At present, all the citizens of Myanmar including the students should nurture themselves to have the spirit to respect the territory integrity and sovereignty of others as they are civilized people. At the same time, they should have the unyielding spirit to ward off all the threats to the territory integrity and sovereignty of Myanmar. Thanks to the forefathers who had safeguarded and protected the nation with daring spirit regarding the chest as a banker throughout the history countable by years in thousands, the Union of Myanmar can stand tall as a sovereign nation at present.

 Hence, it is the future task for all to safeguard and the Union and to maintain its unity. It is also the duty of the present-day people to hand over the Union as the heritage to the future generation. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged them to strive for successful implementation of the current national education programmes with the aim of producing human resources which enable the Union of Myanmar to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world nations; to take part in the regional development projects being implemented for harmonious development of the entire Union and the national races; to organize and lead the entire national people including the students to be always vitalized with the spirit to love the nation and the race, the national spirit and Union Spirit for the Union to stand tall among the world nations.

The five-week course is being attended by 1501 teachers from states and divisions.

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( 2 ) Health Minister receives Korean Ambassador

Yangon, 31 May - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein received Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Myanmar Mr Lee Kyung-Woo at the ministry this afternoon.

Minister receives Japanese Ambassador

Yangon, 31 May - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin received Japanese Ambassador Mr Shigeru Tsumori, who had completed his tour of duty in Myanmar, at the ministry this morning.

Minister receives Malaysian Ambassador

Yangon, 31 May - Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received Ambassador of Malaysia to Myanmar Mr Dato' Cheah Sam Kip at his office on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road at 2 pm today.

Minister receives Korean Ambassador

Yangon, 31 May - Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein received Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Myanmar Mr Lee Kyung-Woo at his office this morning.

Chairman of MIC receives Japanese guests

Yangon, 31 May - Chairman of Myanma Investment Commission Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung and member Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi received a 14-member delegation led by Vice-President of Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Japan, and Patron of Economic Mission Mr Teruo Hotta at the commission office this afternoon. Also present were officials of MIC office.

Minister receives foreign guests

Yangon, 31 May - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung received Vice- President Mr Liu Ji Min of China New Era Group Corporation and party at 10 am and Assistant General Manager Mr Masayuki Sato and party of Mitsubishi Corporation (Head Office), Tokyo, Japan, at 3.30 pm at the ministry today.

( 3 ) Annual Meeting of Myanmar-Japan Friendship Association held

Yangon, 31 May - The Annual General Meeting of Myanmar-Japan Friendship Association was held at the Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel at 11 am today. It was attended by Chairman of Myanmar-Japan Friendship Association Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, vice-chairmen, CEC members and others. Joint-Secretary U Maung Win acted as master of ceremonies at the meeting.

Chairman Col Tin Hlaing delivered an opening address. General Secretary U Ye Htut presented report of the central executive committee, which was seconded by member Daw Khin Thwe Myint. Then, those present at the meeting took part in the discussions. Joint-Secretary-2 U Kyi Lwin proposed an amendment to the rules and regulations of the association. Next, the chairman sought the approval from the meeting and made concluding remarks.

Member of Myanmar-Japan Friendship Association U San Tin Aung (Shwebo) presented K 300,000 to the fund of the association and the chairman accepted the donation. Afterwards, the meeting came to a close.

Myanmar-Korea Commercial Meeting held

Yangon, 31 May - A Myanmar-Korea Commercial Meeting organized by the Commercial Department of the Korean Embassy to Myanmar took place at the Sedona Hotel here this morning.

Ambassador of Korea to Myanmar Mr Lee Kyung Woo, Commercial Attaché Mr Kim Jae-Chan and officials attended the meeting. At the meeting, 39 companies from Myanmar and 9 companies from Busan Korea Trade Mission of Korea discussed matters related to trade and bilateral cooperation.

( 4 ) Minister inspects hospital

Yangon, 31 May - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, accompanied by Deputy Minister Prof Dr Kyaw Myint and officials, inspected Yangon Western General Hospital in Kyimyindine Township this afternoon. The minister viewed the plot for the construction of a four-storey pediatric ward and its scale models. Afterwards, he inspected the hospital and met with the medical superintendent, specialists and staff at the teaching hall of the hospital.

Minister inspects construction tasks in Rakhine State

Yangon, 31 May - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials of Public Works, inspected Padan Section and Padan-An Section of Pathein-Monywa Road on 29 May. At the briefing hall of the project, the Chief Engineer and the Minbu District Engineer reported on progress of work and future tasks to the minister who gave instructions on proper drainage, timely renovation of wooden bridges, meeting the set standard in building the road.

On arrival at the road section (1) of An-Sittway road, the minister and party heard a report presented by the Chief Engineer on work being carried out. The minister then gave necessary instructions. Next, the minister proceed to Dalat Creek Bridge and Yaw Creek Bridge and gave instructions to officials. On 30 May, the minister and party arrived at Ramony Suspension Bridge in Minbya and inspected the bridge. The minister left instructions on monthly inspection of the bridge and repair and maintenance of the facility to officials. At the Yaw Creek and Myaungbwe Section of An-Sittway Road, the Engineer in charge reported on progress of work and work to be carried out. Then, the minister inspected the section and gave instructions. Afterwards, the minister inspected construction of Paungtok Bridge and gave necessary instructions to officials. Next, the minister and party inspected An-Sittway Road, Kissapatnadi Bridge and Min Creek Bridge.

The minister gave instructions to officials and engineers. Accompanied by Western Command Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo, the minister arrived at Nayikan Bridge where the engineer reported on progress of work and future tasks. The minister then gave instructions and attended to the needs. Then, they arrived at the Sittway University construction project site where Senior Engineer U Sai Than Kywe reported on progress of work and future tasks.

After giving instructions on timely completion, meeting the set standard and minizing loss and wastage, the minister inspected the project.

Gold Award for Quality handed over

Yangon, 31 May - A ceremony to hand over Gold Award for Quality presented to Myanma Foodstuff Industries of the Ministry of Industry-1 at the Meridien Etoile Hotel in Paris, France, by Spain-based Trade Leaders' Club, was held at the meeting hall of the ministry this afternoon.

It was attended by Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, directors-general, managing directors, directors and general managers of departments and enterprises under the ministry, and General Manager Daw Htay Htay Oo of MFI, who, on behalf of the ministry, accepted the award in Paris, France, on 27 May 2002. First, Managing Director U Kyaw Myint of MFI explained the acceptance of the award in Paris. Then, the managing director and the general manager handed over the award to the minister. It has been 30 years since the Spain-based Trade Leaders' Club have scrutinized the goods and presented quality awards to the manufacturing and services companies.

It presented awards to 171 excellent companies of 73 countries for this year. Myanma Foodstuff Industries, a state-own industry under the Ministry of Industry-1, was chosen for the award for manufacturing high quality noddles, biscuits, candies, vermicellis, soya bean milk, glucose and soft drinks.

Pre-primary Teachership Course concludes

Yangon, 31 May - Minister for Education U Than Aung attended the conclusion of Pre-primary Teachership Course No 1 organized by Myanmar Education Research Bureau held at the hall of the MERB yesterday afternoon.  Chairman of Myanmar Academy of Arts and Science U Than Oo delivered a speech.

Chairman of MERB U Myint Han presented certificates to the trainees individually. The minister presented cash awards to the model pre-primary school through the chairman, who made concluding remarks.

( 5 ) World No Tobacco Day commemorative ceremonies held

Yangon, 31 May - The 2002 World No Tobacco Day commemorative ceremony was held at Yankin Education College this afternoon, attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

Secretary of Yangon Division Red Cross Society Supervisory Committee Dr Zaw Htay acted as master of ceremonies. First, the commander made a speech. He said cigarette and tobacco leaf have gradually posed a threat to mankind. Every year over four million people die due to smoking. Seventy percent of them are from developing countries. Therefore, ten resolutions were laid down at the 26th Meeting of the National Health Committee for prevention of the danger of cheroots and cigarette. Some of these resolutions are to ban smoking by putting up signboards at public places; to designate smoking areas out of public places; to ban smoking on vehicles for public transport and to ban the opening of tobacco shops and the erecting of signboards advertising cigarette in the surrounding areas of hospitals and schools.

He urged local authorities to take measures according to the resolutions to ban tobacco shops and signboads advertising cigarette in the surrounding areas of hospitals and schools, government offices, theatres and factories. Later, Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Daw Khin Thet Htay presented prizes to winners of the World No Tobacco Day commemorative quiz contest and the ceremony came to a close. A similar ceremony jointly organized by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Sports was held at National Stadium-1, Thuwunna in Thingangyun township this morning, attended by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.

The athletes who bring honour to the State conveyed the scale model of Southeast Asia Anti-Tobacco Flame up to the stage, and lit it. The Minister for Health said smoking of tobacco products cigarette, cheroots, cigars and pipes, eating tobacco leaf as an ingredient in betel quids, keeping tobacco in the mouth make the user die young after suffering from heart disease, stroke, lung and respiratory track diseases. Infertility cases are found in men and reproductive organ diseases in women due to smoking. Premature menopause, osteoporosis as well as uterus cancer cases are more common in smokers than non-smokers. Smoking during pregnancy can cause abortion, miscarriage, premature delivery and birth of low weight babies.

The children of smoking mothers have low growth rate, are thin and stunted and have slow intelligence quotient growth. They have difficulty in pursuing education. Passive smoking children may have asthma, lungs problems and other diseases. In addition to these diseases, cases of sudden death can be found in these children. A passive smoker can suffer from heart diseases, tuberculosis and cancers. Danger of smoking in public places is tremendous because it can cause diseases. Regarding prevention of danger of smoking as a national task, the State Peace and Development Council formed a national committee for control of smoking on 13 March, 2002.

The committee comprises departmental heads and chairmen of NGOs. The committee is taking measures for reduction of smoking. Myanmar has been observing No Tobacco Day Ceremonies which falls on 31 May since 1989, he added. Later, Brig-Gen Maung Nyo made a speech. Acting resident representative of WHO Mr Stephen Jost read out the message sent by the director of the Southeast Asian Regional Office of WHO. Afterwards, outstanding athletes demonstrated skills.

Trainees of Myanma Music Asiayon and athletes sang a Song by Accordion Ohn Kyaw in honour of the ceremony. Then, the ceremony came to a close.

Course instructors and trainees of National Culture and Moral Character Course honoured

Yangon, 31 May - The ceremony to honour the course instructors and the trainees of the National Culture and Moral Character Course, organized by Yangon Division Union Solidarity and Development Association was held at National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street here this afternoon, attended by Yangon Division Union Solidarity and Development Association Patron Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

USDA CEC member Yangon Division USDA In-charge Col Tin Hlaing made an opening speech. Then, Yangon Division USDA Patron Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe presented gifts and certificates of honour to course instructors. Afterwards, Col Tin Hlaing and Yangon Division USDA Secretary U Aye Myint presented prizes to outstanding trainees.

Trainee Ma Yuwady of Ahlon Township, on behalf of trainees, spoke of the benefits gained by attending the course and Trainee U Ye Aung of Thingangyun Township spoke words of thanks. Then the ceremony came to a close.

Commander visits tax-free markets

Yangon, 31 May - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe visited tax-free markets and inspected the sales there this morning.

The commander arrived at the Hanthawady tax-free market at the corner of Hanthawady and Kyundaw Roads, where he was welcomed by Commander of No 3 Military Region Col Yan Naing Oo, Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein and officials.

The commander inspected the sales of vegetable shops of ministries, departments, growers, and battalions and regiments under Yangon Command; meat, fish and egg shops of departments, companies and entrepreneurs; the sales of edible oil by Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd; rice sales of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council and Myanmar Rice Dealers Association; and sales of consumer products by the Ministry of Industry-1 and gave instructions to officials. Then, the commander and party went to the tax-free market near the Ministry of Industry-2 on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Yankin Township, where they were welcomed by Commander of No 2 Military Region Col Tin Oo Lwin and officials.

The commander inspected the sales of vegetable shops of departments, growers, and battalions and regiments under Yangon Command; meat, fish and egg shops of departments, companies and entrepreneurs; the sales of edible oil by Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd; rice sales of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council and Myanmar Rice Dealers Association; and sales of consumer products by the Ministry of Industry-1 and gave instructions to officials.

Next, the commander and party proceeded to the Nawade tax-free market on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Mayangon Township, where they were welcomed by Commander of No 1 Military Region Col Khin Maung Soe and officials. The commander also inspected the sales of vegetable shops of growers, meat, fish and egg shops and sales of edible oil by UMEHL. After giving instructions to officials, the commander left there.

( 6 ) Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win leaves for Singapore

Yangon, 31 May - The Myanmar delegation led by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win left here by air to attend the Asia Security Conference organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, London, and to be held in Singapore, this morning.

The delegation was seen off at Yangon International Airport by directors-general of the ministry and officials, Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore Mr Simon Tensing de Cruz and family members. The deputy minister was accompanied by Lt-Col Hla Min of the Ministry of Defence.

World No Tobacco Day commemorative billboard unveiled

Yangon, 31 May - Designating the compound of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association as the Tobacco Free Zone in order to commemorate the World No Tobacco Day 2002, a ceremony to open the "Tobacco Free Zone" billboard was held in front of the association building at the corner of Parami Road and Thanthuma Raod in South Okkalapa Township here this afternoon.

Chairperson of MMCWA Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe and Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe attended the ceremony and unveiled the billboard. Also present were officials from the health department, CEC members of MMCWA, township authorities, chairperson and members of township MCWA and departmental officials.