( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Venezuela

Yangon, 5 July - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Hugo Chavez Frias, President of the Republic of Venezuela, on the occasion of the Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Venezuela which falls on 5 July 2002.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 receives Minister (Acting President) of Nauru

Yangon, 4 July - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received the visiting Minister for Education, Transport, Telecommunications, Economic Development and Environment (Acting President) of the Republic of Nauru Mr Remy G Namaduk at the hall of Zeyathiri Beikman in Konmyinttha here at 4 pm today. Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and Economic Consultant of the Republic of Nauru Mr Ray Chu.

( 3 ) Ambassador U Than Tun presents credentials to President of Sri Lanka

Yangon, 5 July- U Than Tun, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, presented his Credentials to Her Excellency Madame Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, on 25 June 2002, in Colombo.

Ambassador U Wunna Maung Lwin presents credentials to President of European Commission

Yangon, 5 July - Ambassador U Wunna Maung Lwin, Head of the Mission of the Union of Myanmar to the European Union, presented his Credentials to the President of the European Commission His Excellency Mr Romano Prodi on 6 June, in Brussels.

Minister (Acting President) of Nauru and party call on Ministers

Yangon, 4 July - Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung met with Minister (Acting President) for Education, Transport, Telecommunications, Economic Development and Environment of the Republic of Nauru Mr Remy G Namaduk and Minister for Health and Sports Mr Nimrod Botelanga of the Republic of Nauru and party at the ministry at 2 pm today.

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, directors-general of the departments and officials under the ministry were also present at the meeting. Similarly, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein met with Minister for Health and Sports of the Republic of Nauru Mr Nimrod Botelanga at the meeting hall of the ministry on Pyi-daungsu Yeiktha Street in Dagon Township here at 3 pm today.

Also present at the call were Deputy Ministers for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo, Prof Dr Kyaw Myint, and officials and Economic Consultants of the Republic of Nauru Mr Phillip Au. Likewise, Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint met with Minister for Health and Sports of the Republic of Nauru Mr Nimrod Botelanga at Kyauksein Hall at National Stadium 1 (Thuwunna) in Thingangyun Township here at 4 pm today.

Director-General of the Sports and Physical Education Department U Thaung Htaik and officials, and Mr Phillip Au, Economic Consultants of the Republic of Nauru were also present at the meeting. Minister at State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel met with Minister (Acting President) for Education, Transport, Telecommunications, Economic Development and Environment of the Republic of Nauru Mr Remy G Namaduk at his office at 3 pm today. Also present at the call were officials of National AFTA Unit and Foreign Economic Relations Department and Economic Consultants of the Republic of Nauru Mr Ray Chu.

Delegation from Republic of Nauru visits Shwedagon Pagoda, Drug Elimination Museum

Yangon, 4 July - The visiting delegation from the Republic of Nauru headed by Minister for Education, Transport, Telecommunications, Economic Development and Environment (Acting President) of the Republic of Nauru Mr Remy G Namaduk and Minister for Health and Sports Mr Nimrod Botelanga, accompanied by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visited Shwedagon Pagoda this morning.

First, they offered flowers, lights and incerse sticks and paid homage to the Buddha Images. Next, they made cash donations and signed in the visitors' book. Then, they went around the pagoda clockwise. Then, the delegation went to the Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of Kyundaw Road and Hanthawaddy Road here. Deputy Director of the museum Police Lt-Col Hse Maung conducted them round the museum.

( 4 ) Myanmar people have no desire to encroach upon any nation or any people
They will react and respond with all their might to encroachments on their nation and people
Hpa-an supports mass rallies denouncing SURA and KNU insurgents
People of Hpa-an show respect for sovereignty

Yangon, 4 July -The ceremony to support the national people's mass rallies denouncing SURA and KNU insurgents, who are undermining security and peace of border areas, and to show respect for sovereignty of the Union of Myanmar was held at Thiri grounds in Hpa-an Township, Kayin State, on 1 July morning.

It was attended by local nationals in Hpa-an Township, representatives and members of Kayin State, District and Township Union Solidarity and Development Associations, departmental personnel, Red Cross Society, Auxiliary Fire Brigade, War Veterans Organization, Maternal and Child Welfare Association members, and band troupes and the State flag bearing troupes and teachers and students from basic education high schools. Led by the State flag bearing troupes and band troupes, the people of Anawrahta column from the gathering point in front of Thiri Street and Khayay Street junction roundabout, Bayintnaung column from the gathering point in the west of the roundabout, Alaungphaya column from the Police Training School gathering point on Ingon Street and Hsinbyushin column from the gathering point at the junction of Thiri Street and BEHS No 4 Street marched to the mass meeting and took positions in Thiri grounds.

Executive of Kayin State USDA U Saw Chit Tun acted as master of ceremonies. Then, those present saluted the flag of the Union of Myanmar.

Mon national Daw Ni Ni Aye from Kawkareik Township explained the purpose of holding the mass meeting. She said that she would like to explain why the people holding the State flags assembled at the ground, why the State Flag saluting ceremony is held and why the State flags are hoisted in the entire Hpa-an Township.

Since early 2001, the SURA and KNU rebels taking footholds in Yodaya territory have attacked the areas along the border. To denounce internal traitors of SURA and KNU groups, who undermined security and peace of areas along the border with reliance on Yodaya, and launched attacks for hoisting the Yodaya flag in Myanma territory, and to show how much we respect for the sovereignty, we assembled and saluted the State Flag. It can be witnessed the State flags are being hoisted in the entire Hpa-an in Kayin State.

The State Flag represents a symbol of sovereignty and independence of the Union of Myanmar. To be able to hoist the State Flag in Myanmar territory and to enable the entire public as citizens of an independent nation forever, Myanmar Tatmadawmen crushed the SURA insurgents beginning 20 May 2002. About 50 Tatmadaw men sacrificed their lives and over 100 were wounded in the battles. It shows how the Tatmadaw-men are serving the interests of the country by sacrificing lives and limbs. To honour the Tatmadawmen who sacrificed lives, blood and sweat for the country, it is incumbent upon the entire people to safeguard the national sovereignty with Union Spirit forever. Myanmar people have no desire to encroach upon any nation or any people. At the same time, they will react and respond with all their might to the encroachments on their nation and people. I would like to warn that traitorous Ywet Sit group who were bold enough to betray motherland will surely betray the Yodaya. One day Yodaya will certainly have to take the poison that it had compounded.

The Government has been endeavouring for bringing about all-round development of the entire country. In Kayin State, nation-building tasks including the construction of Thanlwin Bridge, Gyaing River Bridge, Donthami Bridge, Zartha-byin Bridge, etc have been built. While the construction of infrastructures which are very beneficial to the people are being carried out, the KNU insurgents could not build even a bamboo bridge in Kayin State. Instead, the KNU insurgents planted mines to explode Yangon-Myainggalay gas pipeline near Kazaing Bridge between the mileposts 130/3 and 130/4 of Yangon-Mottama motor road. It can vividly be seen that the KNU insurgents have been committing destructive acts constantly.

The insurgents extorted money from the local people of Kayin State and they saved the extortion money in Yodaya banks. And the insurgents are prodigally spending the extortion money. Indeed, the KNU insurgents have done nothing beneficial to the local people of Kayin State. The destructive elements should have realized that on which side we the people of Kayin State will stand. The neighbouring country is also keeping those thieves and robbers as followers and attempting to encroaching upon our sovereignty. The entire people of Myanmar are exasperated at this issue. The entire national peoples are to safeguard the national sovereignty at the risk of lives, blood and sweat.

To enable our country to stand prestigiously in the world and to turn our country into a modern and developed one, the entire people are to bravely oppose and crush any destructive elements who are attempting to harm the national sovereignty. By keeping the nationalist spirit alive and dynamic, the entire people are to safeguard the Union from disintegration and further strengthen the national solidarity. With ardent spirit of King Alaungphaya, the entire people are to safeguard the national sovereignty constantly, she urged.

Kayin national U Saw Aye Lwin from Hpa-an Township explained the purpose of holding the mass rally. He explained why the people assembled at the ground holding the State flags, why the State Flag saluting ceremony was held and why the State flags were hoisted in the entire Hpa-an Township.

He said that by raising the KNU and SURA insurgents, Yodaya encroached upon the sovereignty of Myanmar. Consequently, the people in various regions of Myanmar got angry and held mass rallies to denounce the destructive elements. In Hpa-an Township of Kayin State, the people hoisted State Flags at every houses and buildings to show that they would not accept any encroachment upon the sovereignty. Since early 2001, the SURA insurgents taking footholds in Yodaya, attacked Otaunggon, Panmongsun, Nyaungbingon, Pangangaw, Yanpaingsun and other outposts and camps along the border by using heavy weapons. The KNU insurgents too launched destructive acts by relying on Yodaya. During the Thingyan Festival of 2002, a mine exploded near Friendship Bridge at ward-1 in Myawady. Five people were killed and 31 persons were wounded severely. That destructive act was committed especially on Akyat day of Thingyan Festival by the KNU group to horrify the public.

The KNU group sent its members to plant a mine in Myawady from Maesok of Yodaya. Similarly, the KNU insurgents attacked and robbed Minletpan village of Myawady Township. They also attempted to explode Maekanair bridge. In this context, I would like to stress that Yodaya has been raising various insurgent groups by providing food, clothing and shelter with a view to using them in destroying Myanmar and in exploiting Myanmar's natural resources including teak, fish and meat. It is like commanding one to break own house and steal family properties. In addition, Yodaya sold arms and ammunition at exorbitant prices to the insurgents. It is the Yodaya's triple-harvesting scheme. When these insurgents will become no use for Yodaya, they will be slaughtered like pigs. Though the absconder insurgents have not come to realize the true picture, the neighbouring countries of Yodaya and Myanmar people know it well. I would like to warn those traitorous insurgents that they will one day meet with great troubles certainly as they are ingratiating themselves with the stepfather while neglecting the own father.

The KNU god army members were killed cruelly by Yodaya commandos on the Rajburi district hospital of Yodaya. I would like to wish the insurgents that they will not meet similar incident again.

In the course of history of Myanmar, ancient kings such as Anawrahta, Bayintnaung, Alaungphaya and Hsinbyushin totally crushed the enemies who encroached upon the nation. Likewise, the national people of Myanmar with united strength had successfully crushed powerful colonialists. We love motherland and we fully respect the national sovereignty and territorial integrity. To safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Tatmadawmen combated at the border sacrificing lives, blood and sweat. Now the Tatmadaw has reoccupied all the outposts and camps that were lost to the insurgents. While the Tatmadawmen are fighting in forward areas, the entire people in unity are encouraging them and taking pride on them. The Myanmar people will not let the enemies occupy even an inch of Myanmar territory.

United force of the national peoples and the Tatmadaw will continue to crush all the dangers posed against the nation and the people. In conclusion, he urged the entire people to strive for not losing the benefits of stability, security, peaceful condition and developments. With nationalist spirit, the entire national peoples must crush all those who encroach upon the sovereignty.

Afterwards, the rally chanted the slogans "Non-disintegration of the Union - our cause, our cause", "Non-disintegration of the national solidarity - our cause, our cause", "Perpetuation of sovereignty - our cause, our cause", which brought the rally to a close. On that day morning, the State flags were hoisted at the houses, buildings, offices, departments, and markets of Hpa-an Township as well as around Thiri ground to show respect for sovereignty of the Union of Myanmar.

( 5 ) Maj-Gen Ye Myint attends ceremony to hoist tiers atop Gandakutitaik of the Maha Muni Image

Yangon, 4 July -A ceremony to hoist the first, second and third tiers of the Shwehtidaw atop the Gandakuti Pyatthad Kyaungdawgyi where Maha Muni Buddha Image is kept was held in the Gandakutitaik in Mandalay at 7 am today. Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence hoisted the three tiers of the Htidaw atop the Gandakuti Pyatthad.

Also present were State Ovadacariya Agga Maha Saddammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Asabha of Bhama Min Kyaung Khinmakantaik Sayadaw, Chairman of Mandalay Division Sangha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Sasanabhivamsa of Myantaungtaik Shwe Wa Win Kyaung Sayadaw and members of the Sangha, Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint and wife Daw Mya Ngwe, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge, Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, Tatical Operations Commander Col Thein Hlaing, Secretary of the division Lt-Col Tin Ohn, and division/district/township level departmental officials and wellwishers, members of social organizations, teachers, members of school wut associations in Mandalay and pilgrims. The ceremony was opened by reciting Namo Tassa three times.

Then, the congregation received the Five Precepts from Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Asaba. The members of the Sangha recited parittas. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the commander, the deputy ministers, the mayor, and the deputy commander presented the three tiers of the golden Htidawgyi to the Sayadaws. Then, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party presented robes and offertories to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha. Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddammajotikadhaja Baddanta Sasanabhivamsa then delivered a sermon. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party and wellwishers shared the merits gained.

Next, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and the commander conveyed the first tier; Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and Brig-Gen Yan Thein, the second tier; and U Nyi Hla Nge and Brig-Gen Nay Win, the third tier; and they went round the Image clockwise. Departmental heads and wellwishers also conveyed the first, second and third tiers and circled the Image clockwise.

Similarly, USDA members and wellwishers also did the same thing. Then, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and the commander sprinkled scented water on the tiers. At the arrival of auspicious time, the three tiers were hoisted atop the Gandhagutitaik. Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the commander, the deputy ministers and the mayor fixed the tiers and sprinkled scented water on them. After performing rituals of the golden and silver showers, the ceremony came to an end.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint attends donation ceremony of hospital equipment, inspects construction of Chindwin River (Monywa) Bridge, extension of runway of Monywa airport

Yangon, 4 July -Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments, attended the ceremony to donate hospital equipment to Monywa General Hospital to hail Myanmar Women's Day, which falls on 3 July, at the 200-bed hospital in Monywa yesterday morning.

Also present were Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Naing, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Soe Myint, Secretary Lt-Col Ye Htut, Chairman of District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Win Naung, departmental heads, Head of Division Health Department Dr Kyaw Shein, Medical Superintendent Dr Daw Lay Khaing and staff, wellwishers, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, War Veterans Organizations, Committee for Women's Affairs, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross Society and Auxiliary Fire Brigade. Maj-Gen Ye Myint delivered a speech at the ceremony. He said that the State Peace and Development Council has been making all-out efforts to enable the State to keep abreast with the world's nations and to enable the citizens to enjoy fruits of the national development with peace of mind.

It is basically required for all the citizens to have fitness mentally and physically for participating in the nation-building endeavours together with the Government as well as for enjoying fruits of developments in their respective regions, he pointed out. Thus, the Government has laid down the objective to uplift health and fitness of the citizens. Accordingly, national health plans has been drawn up and implemented to promote health care services in all parts of the country. It can now vividly be seen that the health standard of the citizens has improved. While the Government is making endeavours, public participation is also important in this regard. Myanmar people are fond of making charity and they rejoice at their meritorious deeds.

The collective donations of hospital equipment to the 200-bed hospital of Monywa are very noble. Among the patients, some are affluent but some are poor. The donation of beddings for in-patients of the hospital is indeed noble. In fact, enthusiastic participation of well-wishers, NGOs and departments concerned are required for enabling the entire people to be healthy and keep fit. In addition to the beddings, one refrigerator, 4 water tanks with capacity of storing 800 gallons of water and K 1.5 million for annex of child ward were donated today.

The total value of today's donations amounted to K 2,954,875. Next, Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Chairman North-West Command Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing made a speech. Then, Monywa District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Win Naung explained matters relating to the donations of hospital equipment. Then, the donations were accepted by Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing and Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Soe Myint. Medical Superintendent of the Monywa General Hospital Dr Daw Lay Khaing spoke words of thanks. Hailing the Myanmar Women's Day, altogether K 3,019,785 worth of 311 mats, 253 pillows, 60 mattresses, 335 bed-sheets, 30 mosquito-nets, one refrigerator, 10 beds, 4 water tanks and cash were donated under the aegis of the Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council.

Afterwards, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party viewed round the hospital and gave necessary instructions. Thence, they proceeded to Chindwin River (Monywa) Bridge construction project site. At the briefing hall there, superintending engineer of the project U San Nyein reported work progress and requirements. Public Works (Upper Myanmar) Chief Engineer U Maung Maung made a supplementary report. Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave necessary instructions and fulfilled requirements. He urged officials concerned to expedite the work to complete the bridge construction in time meeting the standard norms.

Next, person in-charge of the Monywa-Yargyi-Kalaywa road project Col Soe Thein reported on work progress of the road construction. Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave necessary instructions. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party proceeded to Letkhokpin village on Kalaywa bank by Z-craft and inspected the construction of approach structure of the bridge and underpass of the Chindwin River (Monywa) Bridge. On completion of the bridge, the 115-mile Monywa-Ahlon-Yargyi-Myoma-Kalaywa road will be used.

It is 45 miles shorter than the old road of Monywa-YeU-Taze-Thekkekyin. Of the 115-mile Monywa-Ahlon-Yargyi-Myoma-Kalaywa road, 52 miles 6 furlongs have been tarred, 9 miles gravelled and 51 miles 1 furlong completed as earthen road. The road and the bridge will link Chin State and Sagaing Division and will be very beneficial to the local people. In accordance with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, works are being expedited for speedy completion.

Next, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party went to Monywa airport and inspected the extension of the runway. Officials reported on progress of work and Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave necessary instructions. Later, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party went to Bodhitahtaung monastery at Khattakan-south village of Monywa and paid homage to Bodhitahtaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Narada. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party then left for Mandalay.

Yangon, 4 July - Chairman of Yangon city Committee Mayor of Yangon City U Ko Lay received the Japanese delegation comprising nine mayors headed by Mr Toshiro Kawano, Mayor of Kawane City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, at the meeting hall 4 of YCDC this morning.

Also present were Vice- Mayor Col Maung Pa and officials. First Mayor U Ko Lay and Mr Toshiro Kawano briefed the hosts on the development works of the cities.

Then, U Ko Lay and officials replied to the queries raised by the mayors of the cities in Shizuoka Prefecture about the development works being undertaken by YUDC.

Mayor U Ko Lay presented souvenirs to Japanese mayors and the meeting came to end end.

The Japanese delegation comprises Mayor of Kawane City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Mr Toshiro Kawano. Mayor of Haibara City Mr Masatoshi Maeda, Mayor of Honkawane City Mr Toshio Suzuki, Mayor of Somr City Mr Yoshio Mastushita, Mayor of Yoshida City Mr Yoshiki Nakamura, Mayor of Omaezaki City Mr Gonzaimo Yoshi-mura, Mayor of Kanaya City  Mr Yoshiaki Oishi,  Mayor of Nakakawane Mr Yoshihide Sugiyama and Mayor of Oikawa Mr Kaoru Ikegaya.

Yangon, 4 July - A ceremony to donate exercise books to students by the staff of the Ministry of Information from schools under the Ministry of Defence and other basic education schools was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Information on Bo Aung Kyaw Road this morning.

It was attended by Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry, general manager, officials, Staff Officer (Grade 1) of Office of the Director of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare Lt-Col Than Oo, on behalf of the Adjutant-General's Office of the Ministry of Defence, and Staff Officer (Grade 2) (Education) Maj Myint Aung. On behalf of the Minister for Information, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein explained the purpose of the donation and presented 40,000 80-page exercise books for the students of the schools under the Ministry of Defence to Lt-Col Than Oo, who later spoke words of thanks.

Every year, staff of the Ministry of Information donate exercise books to students of schools under the Ministry of Defence and other basic education schools. A total of 37,000 exercise books were donated in the 1999-2000 academic year; 51,000 in 2000-2001; 50,000 in 2001-2002; and 40,000 in 2002-2003. Later, Brig-Gen Aung Thein also presented exercise books to heads of the departments under the ministry, including the Ministry of Information Office. Director-General of Myanma Radio and Television U Khin Maung Htay, Director-General of the 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 and Head of Office U Soe Aung accepted the donations.