( 1 ) Secretary-1 receives Vice-President of Buddhist Summit
 

up
___________________________

( 2 ) Secretary-1 meets with judges, law officers
All service personnel concerning administration of justice are to uprightly strive for successful implementation of national policy and State's objectives Local authorities have to coordinate with departments concerned for administration of justice to be in line with law
 

Yangon, 9 July- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt met State, Division and District Judges and law officers of State, Division and District and the Attorney-General's Office at the Institute of Nursing on Bogyoke Aung San Street this morning and gave instructions on matters relating to administration of justice.

Also present were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, the ministers, the chief justice, the attorney-general, the auditor-general, the chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Yangon Mayor, the deputy ministers, the deputy chief justices, the deputy attorney-general, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office, departmental heads, Supreme Court judges, State/ Division/ District judges, Attorney-General's Office/ State/ Division/ District law officers, judges and law officers of townships and districts in Yangon Division, and officials of judicial and law enforcement organizations. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an address at the meeting. In his address, he said: anarchistic incidents took place in 1988 and peace and tranquillity did not prevail and the people had to live in anxiety.

The Tatmadaw Government had to restore the rule of law strenuously. The State Peace and Development Council has laid down political, economic and social objectives and been implementing them with a view to enabling the country to stand in dignity as a peaceful, modern and developed nation among the world's nations. In so doing, " Stability of the State, community peace and tranquillity, prevalence of law and order " was laid down as the first political objective and the Government has been implementing it. Now, the nation is leading towards peace, modernization and development. In this circumstance, national stability and the rule of law and order are the basic requirements for the national development.

To ensure stability and the prevalence of law and order, all those engaging in the judicial sector such as judges, law officers, Police Force members and personnel of Bureau of Special Investigation, etc are to uprightly strive with clear-cut national outlook in discharging their respective duties. Regarding the rule of law and order, the judicial sector is the main pillar. The State's judicial aims, attitudes needed for implementing those aims and the code of conduct to be practised by the personnel who are engaged in judicial affairs have been mentioned occasionally. In recounting them, it can be found that the judicial affairs must be carried out in accordance with the seven principles of administration of justice.

The judges are to uprightly administer the justice with good characters, virtues and straightforwardness while avoiding 4 kinds of agati (prejudices) and 3 kinds of bribes. It is incumbent upon them to relentlessly strive for enabling the court to win confidence of the public and see that the laws are not to be neglected by violators. All service personnel concerning administration of justice such as judges, law officers, policemen, law-enforcement bodies, forensic doctors, laboratory technicians, etc are to uprightly strive for successful implementation of the national policy and the State's objectives. To ensure community peace and tranquillity and the prevalence of law and order, they are to discharge duties with correctness, justice and consideration.

The judges are to strive to become good ones possessing virtues, straight-forwardness and wisdom, on whom the people can rely. They are to build themselves up to have high level of outlooks, thoughts, concepts and efficiency in order to contribute towards the building up of a new peaceful, modern and developed nation. The State Peace and Development Council has made necessary reforms to ensure the judicial sector to be in harmony with the developing conditions of the country. With a view to enabling the judicial sector to serve the nation and the people more, the Judicial Law promulgated in 1988 was revoked and the new Judicial Law was enacted in 2000.

Organizational set-up of Supreme Court, State/ Division/ District / Township Courts were extended. Some amendments were made in the existing Civil Procedures Law for speedy disposal of civil cases. The 1988 Attorney-General Law was also revoked and the 2001 Attorney-General Law was promulgated for ensuring the judicial works, administration of justice and the works to provide legal protection to the public. Necessary laws are also promulgated to All service personnel concerning administration

safeguard the rights of the citizens and to ensure successful implementation of political, economic and social objectives of the State. To enforce the laws promulgated by the State, the courts are responsible for administration of justice. The administration of justice must be made with strict-adherence to the prescribed laws, by-laws, procedures, rules, regulations and directives. Apart from enforcing the laws, the courts are also to guarantee justice to the public. hence, they are required to stand as a main pillar on which the public can rely. To administer the cases occurred among the people, in conformity with laws is the proper administration of justice. In either criminal case or civil case, there are two aspects legal and factual affairs. The views on facts may be different from one court to another.

However, there should be no difference regarding legal matters. In connection with factual matters, true facts and evidence are to be exposed correctly in conformity with the respective laws for handing down right judgements. If a judgement is made on a case neglecting or opposing the law, the judge will not be free from four kinds of corruptions, the Secretary-1 warned. To expose a true facts, the judge has to hear the case and examine witnesses and evidences in conformity with prescriptions of the Civil Procedure Law, Criminal Procedure Law and Evident Law. In this way, the judge can make a right decision. To ensure speedy and correct disposal of cases at courts at different levels, the law offices at different levels are to provide assistance.

The law offices are also to make co-ordinations and cooperations to be a bridge between courts and law enforcing bodies such as Myanmar Police Force, Criminal Investigation Department, Special Investigation Department and Bureau of Special Investigation. The law offices are responsible for giving legal advice to prosecuting organizations before they send up cases to courts for trial. The law officers are also to perform duties as prosecutors on behalf of the State. hence, judges, law officers and officers of prosecuting organizations who are responsible for ensuring the uprightness in judicial sector, are to make constant studies of laws, by-laws, rules and regulations, procedures, manuals, directives and precedents. The Supreme Court have given directives to courts at different levels in order to make judgement speedily without delay.

The judges of Supreme Court are to make field trip to the township courts at grassroots levels and to supervise the administration of justice. Especially, in making judgements on criminal cases not only those who commit crime but also security of the State and the people, peace and tranquillity, economic and social sectors are harmed. It is necessary for the judges to safeguard security of the State and the people, peace and tranquillity and suitable punishments should be handed down for those who commit the crime. In civil cases, judgements should be made to enable those who actually suffers the lost to enjoy legal remedies or relieves in full, he said.

In this way, problems being suffered by the people can be solved correctly through proper administration of justice. Then the people will surely come to rely on courts. A glance at today's judicial sector shows that some judges are needed to administer cases in conformity with the seven principles to ensure the uprightness of the judicial pillar. Such weaknesses and short-comings are needed to be remedied.

The Government has laid down the 15-year narcotic drugs eradication project and has been implementing it with might and main. The Committees for Drug Abuse Controls at Central, State/ Division, District and Township levels have been formed and anti-drug activities are being launched on extensive scale. In this context, the courts are to hand down deterrent punishments on those who are convicted with drug cases. However, some courts handed down punishments which were not deterrent and some higher level courts handed down lesser punishments in appeals and revisions. Hence, the judicial pillar is needed to be in harmony with the implementations of the State's objectives and plans. Similarly, those cases which can harm the national character as well as stability, security, economy and culture of the State should be handed down with effective and deterrent punishments.

However, some courts are handing down lesser punishments in such cases. Thus, bold and correct punishments must be handed down in the light of serving the interests of the nation and the people. Those crimes relating to character and moral, such as theft, robbery, etc harm the security of public lives and thus the convicts deserve effective punishments. To hand down effective punishments, only authorised judges are to administer such cases. Proper supervisions should also be made upon courts at different levels as some courts revoked unsuitably. The courts at different levels are to be supervised. There are only a doctor and an assistant doctor for criminal cases in Yangon Division.

There is delay to make judgement at the courts in the whole country due to getting certificate of evidence in time. Necessary arrangements are to be made for reform. Regarding the function of the courts, some judges deviate from prescriptions and procedures without precisely observing the decree and directives of higher courts. As a result, right decision cannot be passed due to lack of proper qualifications. Granting bail to clients according to law, return of evidences and issuing of decrees, judgements and necessary documents cannot be carried out in time. Some Judges are dishonest, violating rules and regulations of service personnel and taking brides. This is why action was taken against them every now and then. The number of those judges are 24 in 1999, 28 in 2000 and 66 in 2001. He spoke of the need for superior organizations to admonish the judges and to try to remove their bas behaviour.

At a time when the State Peace and Development Council is making efforts for emergence of a modern developed nation with momentum, officials and departments concerned are to participate with patriotism in the tasks for harmonious development of judicial, administrative and legislative sectors. He spoke of the need for personnel from prosecuting organizations such as MPF, BSI, Immigration and National Registration Department, Forestry Department, Law Office, chemical technicians and forensic doctors to discharge duties in their respective roles. Nowadays, many cases of smuggling out natural resources are being exposed.

There are many cases of smuggling out forest products, minerals, gems, oil and petroleum products, fish & meat as well as other natural resources. There are also many cases of attempts to smuggle out men and women deceitfully and cases of smuggling in motor vehicles and various kinds of commodities as well as drug related cases. It was found that there were many loopholes and weaknesses in filing up cases. Some service personnel involving in investigations and prosecutions of cases are also found to be carrying works not in conformity with respective laws and procedures in arresting violators and confiscating evidences. Some failed to collect sound evidences and to expose important witnesses and real violators and sent up near-by persons as culprits for trial.

Moreover, some cases which deserved to be handed down with severe punishments were sent up to trial with some sections on which small or nominal punishments can be handed down. In obtaining legal advice from law offices, necessary sound evidences and documents were not attached. In some cases, legal advice were not asked during the stipulated period. In some cases, legal advice were asked only when the remand period was almost up for the arrested persons. There were many instances which were not in conformity with the prescribed laws and procedures. Personnel concerned are required to make co-ordinations and collaborations for minimizing and wiping out those loopholes and weaknesses.

The law offices which are to provide assistance for ensuring speedy and correct disposal of cases, are required to ask the prosecuting bodies for sound evidences and witnesses. There are also some law officers who were not dutiful in performing duties as prosecutors. To minimize and wipe out those loopholes and weaknesses, it is needed for the Attorney-General's Office to provide constant supervision to respective prosecutors and to take appropriate actions. In addition, the management bodies have to take measures to ensure that orders of the court issued in accordance with the law are abided by all and have to refrain from bias. We must be aware that if the decisions handed down by the court in accordance with the law are interfered with, people will have no trust in the judicial machinery of the State. It has been warned before that the local authorities have to coordinate with the departments concerned for the administration of justice to be in line with the law and they should avoid the abuse of power.

However, the abuse of power still exists and therefore the acts detrimental to free and speedy administration of justice should be avoided, he warned. He continued to say that lawyers should also mend themselves. The lawyers play a key role in maintaining the judicial pillar. As the lawyers are law officers who have to render assistance to the courts in disclosing the truth, they have the duty to help the administration of justice with their knowledge of law. He said that the lawyers have to put forward their arguments in accord with the law and also have to follow their codes of conducts.

They should avoid contemptuous acts, words and expressions toward the courts, asking the questions that are prohibited by the law, seeking an unreasonably high consultancy fees and advising the witnesses to make untrue statements and defendants to stay away. It is obvious that the lawyers are engaging in unscrupulous acts such as making real estate bonds without mentioning the true value, taking unfair advantages of service personnel by bribing them, serving as a consultant for the defendant and as a representative of the plaintiff at the same time, he noted. Therefore, the Secretary-1 urged the lawyers to shoulder the duties according to law and honour their code of conducts. Only when the administration of justice is true and fair, will all the citizens believe in it and trust the Government and the service personnel.

The service personnel who are related to the administration of justice are to be imbued with good morals and ethics and free from corruption and to abide by the existing law, rules and regulations. Malpractice of some corrupt service personnel can tarnish the public image of the Government and its efforts for national development. With regard to the Control of Money Laundering Law promulgated on 17 June 2002, the Secretary-1 explained that the 20th UN General Assembly held in 1998 urged all member nations to introduce the law before 2003 and most of the member nations have promulgated the law of their own.

Five ASEAN nations promulgated this law before Myanmar. The main objective of the law is to carry out measures in conformity with the international conventions that Myanmar has acceded in implementing control of money and property obtained by illegal means and to cooperate with international organizations, regional organizations and neighbouring countries. He said the prosecuting bodies are to understand the Money Laundering Offences well. He also spoke of the need to understand Section 5. He also went into details in connection with taking of action against offenders. He noted that workshops would have to be held for the responsible personnel charged with prosecuting bodies so that they would fully understand the law. He spoke of the need for the personnel concerned to understand the objectives and essence of the law.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 called on the judges at different levels to keep themselves free from practices bribery and corruption and administer justice correctly and fairly, to try to contribute towards success of the political, economic and social objectives through correct administration of justice, to ensure community peace and the rule of law, and see that the public do not suffer due to malpractices of all those engaged in the administration of justice, to abide by Head of State Senior General Than Shwe's guidance on do's don'ts meant for all the State service personnel including those in the judicial sector, and discharge their respective duties upholding the noble character.

( 3 ) Commerce Minister receives foreign guests

Yangon, 9 July - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received General Manager of Soafrimex Co of Belgium Mr Kassim Tajideen and party at his office on Strand Road here at 4 pm today. Also present were U Nyunt Aye, Director-General of the Directorate of Trade, U Nay Win, Director-General of the Border Trade Department and officials.

___________________________

H & T Minister receives Chinese delegation

Yangon, 9 July - Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received the visiting Chinese goodwill delegation headed by Chairman of the Chefs Association, the People's Republic of China, Mr Zhang Shiyao at his office here this morning.

Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt, Managing Director of Myanma Hotels and Tourism U Kyi Tun and officials and Chairman of Myamar Chefs Association Mr Oliver E Soe Thet were also present at the call.

( 4 ) CEC of MWJA holds second special meeting

Yangon, 9 July - The Central Executive Committee of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association held its second special meeting at noon today at the meeting hall of the Sarpay Beikman Building on Merchant Street, attended by Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung. It was also attended by Deputy Ministers U Thein Sein and Brig-Gen Aung Thein, MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) and CEC members. U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay), MWJA Secretary, acted as master of ceremonies and read out the meeting agenda.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that it is necessary for the central executive committee of MWJA to organize the men of letters in the State, to produce writings that will help the people to have correct thought in national affairs and further the nationalistic spirit, patriotic spirit and Union Spirit, and to respond with literary might the interference in the national affairs by internal and external elements. The central executive committee, he said, is to remain consolidated and strong without losing track in shouldering not only the literary responsibility but also the national duty. Afterwards, the meeting came to an end with concluding remarks by the chairman of MWJA U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung).

__________________________

Secretariat Member, CEC members tour Shan (South), Kayah States

Yangon, 9 July - Secretariat Member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein and CEC members Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Than Shwe met executives and members of Shan State (South) and Taunggyi Township USDA at Taunggyi Township USDA Office on 8 July. Shan State (South) USDA Secretary U Nyan Lin reported on tasks of the association being carried out.

The Secretariat Member gave instructions on organizational tasks and training course conducted to the members for enabling them to become highly-qualified members. Then, the CEC members explained organizational matters. Next, the Secretariat Member presented stationery to be used at the training courses to U Nyan Lin. Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, accompanied by Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung and departmental heads, met with service personnel under the ministry at the Myanma Economic Bank in Taunggyi. Officials reported on progress of work. The minister gave necessary instructions.

The ministers proceeded to Loikaw in Kayah State. Accompanied by officials, they met with executives and members of Kayah State and Township USDAs at Loikaw Township USDA Office. Then, Minister U Khin Maung Thein presented stationery to Kayah State USDA Executive U Lu Yei.

Next, CEC member U Than Shwe accepted 1,200 membership applications. Afterwards, they attended the donation ceremony for construction of new school building at Htaythama Basic Education Primary School in Chike village, Loikaw Township. Minister U Khin Maung Thein gave a speech. At the ceremony, officials accepted K 1.5 million donated by wellwishers. Next, Secretariat Member U Khin Maung Thein accepted 2,613 membership applications of local people in Chike village. Accompanied by Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung and departmental heads, Minister U Khin Maung Thein met with personnel of departments under the ministry. After hearing reports of the personnel, the minister gave necessary instructions.

( 5 ) Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than tours Hinthada, Ingapu, Kyangin and Myanaung Townships in Ayeyawady Division

Yangon, 9 July - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence and party, accompanied by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Htay Oo and officials, arrived at Ledi Kyaungtaik in Thonbinkwin Ward, Hinthada, yesterday. They were welcomed there by the chairman and members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party paid reverence and presented offertories to Presiding Nayaka of the Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Khamavudha.

Next, they proceeded to Mogaung Pariyatti Sarthin-taik at Targalay Ward of Hinthada and presented offertories to Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Agga Maha Panditta Bhaddanta Sudhammasara. They went to Atwin Padamyar Pariyatti Sarthin-taik at Letthama Ward of Hinthada and presented offertories to Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Agga Maha Panditta Bhaddanta Ariya-vamsa. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party also inspected the construction of three-storey Mani Okshaung building in the monastery compound. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party proceeded to Pyilonkatkyaw Pagoda and offered flowers, lights and water to it.

 He also provided cash donations for all-round renovation of the pagoda. Later, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party went to the Government Computer College under the Advanced Science and Technology Department of the Ministry of Science & Technology. Principal of the College Daw Nyein Nyein Lwin and faculty members reported on location of the college, subjects taught, strength of faculty members and others.

Afterwards, they went to Myokwin Bridge linking Myokwin Village of Hinthada Township and Sonkon Village of Ingapu Township and inspected laying of 3 feet square concrete blocks at the bottom of the bridge for protecting it from erosion. At the briefing hall, officials concerned reported on work progress and Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave necessary instructions. Later, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party went on by car and inspected the 424-acre cashew plantation and the 300-acre maize plantation of the Shwe Ayaya Co at Padatkon Village, Peinnekwin Village-tract, Ingapu Township, Hinthada District. They also viewed the thriving plantations from the view tower.

At the briefing hall there, Major Than Aung of the company reported on work progress. Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo and MAS General Manager Dr Min Aung made supplementary reports. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave necessary instructions. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected the 25-acre maize plantation of local battalions and units at Kwinkauk Village of Ingapu Township. Next, they proceeded to Kunchaung-2 dam construction project site near Tatkon Village of Kyangin Township. At the briefing hall there, officials concerned reported on work progress and Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave necessary instructions.

Later, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party went to Kyangin Cement Plant of Myanma Ceramics Industries. At the briefing hall there, plant manager U Kyi Maung reported matters on production, welfare activities and undertaking of agriculture and livestock breeding works. MCI Managing Director Col Soe Yi made a supplementary report. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave necessary instructions.

Then, they inspected production process at Kyangin Cement Plant. Next, they saw over development of Kyangin by car. Afterwards, they arrived at Aungzeya Hall in Myanaung Township where they were welcomed by authorities of Kyangin and Myanaung Townships and departmental officials.

Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than met with local authorities, social organizations and townselders and gave instructions on regional development tasks. Chairmen of Kyangin and Myanaung Township U Myint Thein and U Tin Maung Win reported on progress of economic, social, health, education, transport and rural development tasks in their respective townships. The Commander gave instructions on future tasks on agriculture, livestock breeding and other production work.

 Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on implementation of plans for development of agriculture and livestock breeding sectors by the State, efforts to be made for achieving success in the region-wise economic plans, extension of farmlands for development of the agricultural sector, cultivation of double and multiple croppings and boosting of per-acre yield, use of suitable crops for the regions and climatic condition, extended cultivation of pulses and beans and maize in Kyangin and Myanaung townships, extended breeding of fish and prawn at the places where cultivation tasks cannot be undertaken, supervision for undertaking the reclamation of breeding farms and fish ponds without reducing the farmlands, sanitation tasks to be carried out in Kyangin and Myanaung townships in accord with the town characters, emphasis to be put on prevalence of law and order and regional peace and tranquillity and organizational tasks to be performed for undertaking poultry farming tasks and growing kitchen crops. He then urged the officials to go right down to field trips at grassroots level in achieving success of five rural development tasks laid down by the State with a view to ensuring improvement of economic, social, health and education of the rural people. Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected development of Myanaung by car.

Next, they inspected crude oil production at Well No 130 in Myanaung Oil Field . At the briefing hall, General Manager U Min Than Htaik of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise reported on monthly production of crude oil in Myanaung oil field, production of oil and gas per a day in Shwepyitha oil field and future tasks. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than met with workers of the two oil fields and gave instructions on rules and regulations for the personnel and welfare tasks. The Commander urged workers of the two oil fields to carry out tasks for development of the State and the ceremony came to an end.

___________________________

Commander inspects all-round renovation of Chaukhtatgyi Reclining
Buddha Image in Bahan Township

Yangon, 9 July - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe paid homage to Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha Image in Bahan Township this morning and inspected progress of all-round renovation tasks. At 6.45 am, the Commander arrived at the Buddha Image where he was welcomed by No 3 Military Region Commander Col Yan Naing Oo, Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein and officials. The Commander paid homage to the Image and offered gold foils to the Image. Then, Chairman of the All-Round Renovation Committee District Chairman Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein reported on progress of renovation tasks and the Commander gave necessary instructions.

Afterwards, the Commander attended the opening ceremony of new Bawzana Thukha Soonsarhsaung at Yehsanthit PhaungdawU Pagoda Kyaungtaik in Bahan Township and the merit-sharing ceremony. The Commander unveiled the signboard of the building and supplicated on religious affairs to the Sayadaws. Also present on the occasion were members of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and members of the Sangha, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, No 4 Military Region Commander Brig-Gen Myo Myint, Director-General Dr Myo Myint of the Religious Affairs Department, guests and wellwishers. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, District Chairman Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein and wellwisher Dr Aye Kyaw formally opened the Soonsarhsaung.

Then, the Commander unveiled the signboard of the building and the ceremony ended with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam ‚iram Titthatu. Next, the merit-sharing ceremony followed. Joint Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Kalewa Sayadaw Bhaddanta Jagara-bhivamsa administered the Five Precepts. Then, members of the Sangha recited Metta Sutta. Afterwards, the Commander supplicated on religious affairs to the Sayadaws. Then, the Commander, the Deputy Minister and officials donated provisions to the Sayadaws. Later, the Joint Secretary Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits.

( 6 ) Ministry of Energy offers " Soon " to Sayadaws

Yangon, 9 July - The staff of the Ministry of Energy offered " soon " to the Rector and members of the Sangha of State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon) on Kaba Aye Hill this morning. Present were Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi and wife Daw Khin Mar Aye, Deputy Ministers U Tin Tun and Brig-Gen Thein Aung, departmental heads and officials. Rector Sayadaw Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Vunnita administered the Eight Precepts. Then, the minister and wife donated provisions to the Sayadaws. Next, the minister presented K 100,000 for "soon" for a day to officials. Afterwards, "soon" were offered to members of the Sangha at Sein Brother Refectory.

___________________________

Ensuring promotion of USDA organizational capability coordinated in Bahan Township

Yangon, 9 July - Bahan Township Union Solidarity and Development Association held a work co-ordination meeting for promotion of its organizational capability at the meeting hall of the association on Bo Sein Hman Street in Bahan Township this afternoon, with an address by USDA Central Executive Committee Member Col Tin Hlaing.

Also present were USDA CEC members, local authorities, executives of Yangon West District USDA, Secretary of Bahan Township USDA U Ye Kyaw Thu Shwe, USDA ward organizers and members, members of Township Working Committee for Women's Affairs, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Myanmar Anti-Narcotics Association, War Veterans Organization, Red Cross Society and Auxiliary Fire Brigade.

In his speech, Col Tin Hlaing said that the USDA is participating in carrying out tasks for community welfare with other social organizations at a time when the government is striving for the emergence of a modern developed nation; in doing so, efforts are to be made for organizing the entire public to ensure participating in community welfare tasks hand in hand with township Peace and Development Councils, which are local administration bodies. The State's sovereignty must be safeguarded and preserved, he added. He continued that USDA members are giving priority to becoming forces equipped with mental fitness, to ensure strong and constant leadership at different levels, to be equipped with Union Spirit and nationalistic spirit, and to be members risking their lives for the State and people.

 In conclusion, he urged the USDA members to organize and to join hands with local administrative organizations, other social organizations and the people to ensure regular running of the State's administrative machinery and to take part in development projects being implemented by the State. Then, U Tun Hla Aung reported on work being done by Bahan Township Peace and Development Council; and U Ye Kyaw Thu Shwe on township USDA's activities on organization matters being carried out in the township, followed by a general round of discussions. Afterwards, the ceremony came to an end with concluding remarks by CEC Member Col Tin Haling.