( 1 ) The Union of Myanmar
The State Peace and Development Council
The Fertilizer Law
(The State Peace and Development Council Law No. 7/2002)
The 10th Waning Day of Tawthalin 1364 M.E.
(1st October, 2002)

up
___________________________

( 2 ) Older persons have been living with their offspring in family for ever according to traditions and customs of Myanmar
International Day of Older Persons marked

Yangon, 1 Oct - The International Day of Older Persons was held at International Business Centre on Pyay Road here this morning and Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt made a speech on the occasion and presented gifts, donations and medicines to the older persons.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt said that it was the fourth time Myanmar had observed the International Day of Older Persons which falls on 1 October annually as designated by United Nations since 1999. The ceremony was held with the aim of promoting the fine traditions of Myanmar to take care of the older persons and to enable them to live longer with peace of mind and to highlight the spirit of Myanmar in paying serious attention to taking care of the older persons in accord with Mangalar sutta, he added. The deeply rooted tradition of Myanmar family system in which the grand-parents, the parents and the children living together in amity has been flourished since yore. The children also take pride in taking care of parents and grand-parents and fulfilling their needs and regard the task as a noble deed.

Likewise, the older persons also feel pleasured to safeguard the economic and social affairs of their offspring as much as they can while living together in a family. Hence, the older persons have been living together with their offspring in a family for ever in Myanmar society without any serious problem or difficulty. It was a great pleasure for Myanmar youths, who have a tradition of taking care of the older persons regarding them as their parents, to create the peaceful and pleasant environment for the older persons and it was regarded as a noble task. It was auspicious for Myanmar youths to hold the International Day of Older Persons annually in accord with the fine and lovable traditions of Myanmar and make known the traditions to the international community, creating the pleasures of the older persons by taking care and respecting of them. The State Peace and Development Council has been making systematic efforts in accord with Mingalar Sutta to enable the Union to stand shoulder to shoulder with the nations of the world and to enable the entire national people to enjoy the higher living standard and all social pleasures.

Special priority has been given to all citizens, old or young to fully enjoy the good results of national development in any place and to create a pleasant atmosphere for all people. A ministry has laid down objectives and plans for emergence of development foundations suitable for children, youths and older persons according to age group in social development sector and is implementing them systematically. The government has separately formed the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and assigned duties to carry out the social development tasks for those who are in need of social assistance for various reasons including the children and older persons and those who require basic social needs. The ministry has been carrying out social development tasks from national level to grassroots level in cooperation with other departments and social organizations. In doing so, priority is given to nursing and care service for the elderly people and child care service and woman care service.

In Myanmar, there have been better foundations for majority of the elderly people who can live happily with the families of their sons and daughters. It is not strange for Myanmar people to create a pleasant atmosphere and to build better foundations for the elderly people who need special care. It is accepted as a meritorious deed for Myanmar people. Moreover, it is very noble to nurse and care the elderly people with respect according to the polite, gentle, religious teachings, culture and customs and social ethics of Myanmar people. Myanmar elderly people only want to meditate according to their faith. If they have opportunity to meditate with peace of mind, they think that their life is perfect. Therefore, in Myanmar society the matter concerning the elderly people is not a social problem to solve. It is a noble and meritorious deed. In accord with Myanma tradition, pagodas, monasteries and zayats have been the places for the elderly people who can meditate. In the past, homes for the aged have been established since 1898 with the contribution of generous persons, religious associations and social organizations in various parts of the country.

The homes for the aged are over 100 years old. It is a tradition to donate homes for the aged by not only social organizations but also successful national entrepreneurs. with the assistance of the government. It is also a significant condition for them. Now, there are 45 homes for the aged established by social organizations and religious associations in the whole country. The government provided rice, cash and cost for uniforms and salaries of staff to 37 homes for the aged, spending K 10.7 million in 2001-2002 fiscal year. Myanmar has been carrying out the elderly people care service in accord with religion, culture, customs and social development tasks with the participation of the entire people. Efforts to create a pleasant atmosphere for the elderly people under the sponsorship of the UN is appropriate for Myanmar. That is why Myanmar is actively participating in these tasks. Every year Myanmar observes the International Day of the Older Persons which has been designated in accord with the instructions of the UN.

The aims of the Day to enable the people to notice the condition of the aged persons in accord with the motto "Towards a society for all ages"; to promote the priority tasks and programmes for the older persons; and for the NGOs, the media, the private organizations and the youths to enhance their participation in aged care task. The youths are required to create and invigorate good environs for the aged and to look after the older persons while trying to obtain the invaluable experiences and knowledge from them. Because of the advancement in the health and social care services the people are enjoying longer life expectancy world wide. Myanmar has the situation to create a better and pleasant life for the aged as its social foundations are developing more and more. It is believed that Myanmar can clear of all the social problems the aged in other countries are facing by preserving and promoting its tradition of looking after the elder persons. Priority is to be given to flourishing of the better environs for the older persons.

With their utmost efforts, all the national people will have to harmoniously take part in the successful implementation of the social objectives to perpetuate the better and pleasant life condition for the older persons. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged the entire people to strive to fulfill the basic requirements including boosting of their health and spiritual conditions and enabling them to practice meditation and vipassana in a peace of mind; to enable the aged to enjoy the fruits of the national peace and prosperity and good health in equal terms with all the citizens; to perpetuate the flourishing of the good traditions in the Myanmar society giving respects to and looking after the older persons in accord with the teachings of the Theravada Buddhism and social practices.

Then, the Secretary-1 presented gifts, various kinds of medicine and K 50,000 each to U Ko Lay (Zeyar Maung), Daw Saw Yin (Kyee Kyee Saw), U Thaw Zin (Thiha Bala U Thaw Zin), U Wun (Min Thuwun), U Thein Maung (U Thu Kha), U Shwe Daung Nyo (Thabin), U Pyay Han (Musician), U Pe Khin (Panglong Pe Khin), U On Pe (Tet Toe), Daw Nu Yin (Nu Yin), Daw Thein Hsai (Ma Myat Lay), Academy U Tin Yu (Movies), U Than Htut (Taik Toe), U Phone Kyaw (Natmauk Phone Kyaw), Daw Kyan (Ma Kyan), Artist U Thu Kha, Diving Tin Hla (Movies), Daw May Nwe (Movies), U Sein Aung Min (Thabin), Wunna Kyawhtin U Sein Mya Maung (Musician), Sculptor U Lwin, U Ohn Pe (Pakokku U Ohn Pe), U Ba Ka Lay (Cartoon-U Ba Ka Lay), U Htun Nyein (SPED), Daw Yin Yin (Saw Mon Nyin), Col Saw Myint (Retd) (Hmoo Thamein), U Tin Nyunt (Movies), Goldsmith U Hmi, Brig-Gen Khin Ohn (Retd) (Yamanya Ko Ko Naing), U Kyaw San (Thu Khi Aung), Thakhin Hla Kun (Moe Nyo), U Sein Win (Guardian U Sein Win), U Htein Lin (Ko Ko Tun), U Tint Aung (Bogalay Tint Aung) and U Hla Kyaing (Paragu) who attended the ceremony and the meeting adjourned. Similarly, Daw Ahmar (Ludu Daw Ahmar), U Htin Gyi (Tekkatho Htin Gyi) and Daw May Shin in absentia will be presented the gifts, various kinds of medicine and K 50,000 each through Social Welfare Department.

For providing K 1,000 each for older persons of Homes for the Aged in Yangon Division respectively, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa offered K 217,000 for 217 elderly people of Hninzigon Home for the Aged, K 88,000 for 88 elderly people of Shwe Than Lwin Home for the Aged, K 154,000 for 154 elderly people of Little Sisters Home for the Aged, K 22,000 for 22 elderly person of Kayan Home for the Aged, K 46,000 for 46 elderly persons of Muslim Home for the Aged, K 44,000 for 44 elderly women of Muslim Aphwar Thukha Yeiktha to officials of the respective management boards. Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win presented K 30,000 each for 37 homes for the aged in states and divisions and K 20,000 for 28 old rest persons in states and divisions to Director-General of Social Welfare Department U Sit Myaing.

The deputy minister presented gifts to composer Hinthada Myint Ngwe who composed a song for the 2002 International Day of Older Persons and vocalist Yadanar Oo. On behalf of the elderly persons honoured, member of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association U Ko Lay (Sayagyi Zeyar Maung), 89, and U Kyaw Thoung, 82, of Hninzigon Home for the Aged, on behalf of the elderly persons of each home for the aged, expressed their words of thanks.

The 2002 International Day of Older Persons ceremony then came to a close. Today's donations for the older persons to mark the 2002 International Day of the Older Persons amounted to K 6,522,090 and offertories worth K 1,665,935, totaling K 8,188,025.

___________________________

Secretary-1 presents best police member awards to winners at 38th Anniversary of MPF Day Ceremony

Yangon, 1 Oct - The ceremony to mark the 38th anniversary of Myanmar Police Force Day of the Ministry of Home Affairs which falls on 1 October 2002 was held at the assembly hall of the Ministry of Home Affairs this morning, attended by Chairman of the Committee for Reforming Management System of Myanmar Police Force Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.

At the ceremony, the General presented best police member awards to Sub-Police Inspector Tin Shwe of the Police Battalion Control Commander's Office at the SIP level; Police Sergeant Myo Min of Central Investigation Department at the Police WO and Sgt level; and Police constable Myo Thant of Ayeyawady Division Police Force at the Police constable level.

Large number of diverse flora, fauna including endangered birds, animals, butterflies still in existence in Myanmar

Yangon, 1 Oct - The Tourism Development Management Committee held its Meeting No 3/2002 at the meeting hall of Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha here at 4 pm today, with an address by Chairman of the Tourism Development Management Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.

At the ceremony, the General delivered an address. He said: Prospects are bright for progress of tourism services between Myanmar and the People's Republic of China as closer cooperation has been launched to promote the business. Cross-border tourism business between the two countries is making progress, as there has been an air link between Mandalay in Myanmar and Kunming in China. In reality Myanmar has a large array of tourist destinations including unspoiled snow-capped mountains, natural forests and lakes and wide and flat sea beaches.

Moreover, Myanmar have a large number of ancient cultural edifices in Bagan region alone. More-over, tourists will find that the different traditions, costumes and handicrafts of the national races are interesting. A large number of diverse flora and fauna including rare birds, animals and butterflies that are listed as endangered species are still in existence in Myanmar as its natural environment including the lakes, forests and mountains are still pristine. Thus, the prospects are bright to develop the eco-tourism. In addition to the good foundations, the government is also giving encouragement for the progress of the tourism business. Thus, the respective ministry, departments and entrepreneurs are required to make constant efforts with strong resolution for development of the business.

Progress of the tourism business contributes to development of hotel, transport and other services, thus helping develop the nation. For advancement of the tourism services in Myanmar, continuous business dealings should be made with the nations, international air carriers and international tourist agencies whose business relations with Myanmar are enjoying progress and assistance will have to be rendered between each other in solving the problems. All the departments and organizations concerned will have to make harmonious efforts at a time when the conditions are ripe for progress of the business.

Then, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw reported on plans being implemented for more traveling of tourists to Myanmar from other countries in accord with the policies laid down by the Tourism Development Management Committee. The minister then reported on arrival of tourists and earning of foreign exchange, hotel projects, publication of pamphlets on development of tourism industry, broadcasting of news and data on tourism service, arrival of tourists by chartered planes and by cruise liners, participation of Myanmar in international tourism exhibitions and in tourism industries of ASEAN countries, undertakings of human resource development in hotels and tourism services, future tasks for improvement of the tourism industry, implementation of Myanmar-China Tourism Promotion Programme, arrangement being made for forming the Hoteliers Association, plans for development of motels and inns and assistance to be provided to private tourism entrepreneurs.

Next, member of the Hotel, Motel and Inn Development Sub-committee Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu reported on future tasks to be carried out for meeting set standard of hotels, motels and inns. Afterwards, Chairman of Transport Sub-committee Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe reported on numbers of tourists who arrived here by foreign airlines, by chartered planes and by cruise liners and smooth transportation for the tourists carried out by plane, by boat and by train.

Chairman of Information Sub-committee Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan reported on broadcasting and issuing of news from programmes of the TV Myanma and the Radio Myanmar and newspapers with a view to ensuring more arrival of tourists and tasks to be undertaken.

Chairman of Security Sub-committee Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing reported on arrangements for security measures taken for the tourists.

Chairman of City Pleasant Sub-committee Yangon City Mayor U Ko Lay reported on uplift of Yangon City being undertaken in accord with the city characters.

Chairman of Ancient Cultural Affairs Sub-committee Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt reported on construction of Kanbawzathadi Palace in Bago and progress of works.

Then, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung reported on arrival of tourists in ancient cultural regions in the country and maintenance of ancient cultural buildings for its durability.

Chairman of Eco-tourism Sub-committee Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone reported on arrangements being made for eco-tourism service.

Chairman of Sub-committee for Easy Travelling of Tourists Minister for Immigration and Population Maj-Gen Sein Htwa reported on tasks being carried out for easy travelling of tourists.

Chairman of Souvenir Distribution Sub-committee Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe reported on production and sales of souvenirs to tourists and receiving of income.

Next, Chairman of Mandalay Region Development Sub-committee Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein reported on traveling of tourists in Mandalay, earning of foreign exchange and keeping Mandalay City pleasant and beauty.

Then, those present took part in the discussions on development of tourism industry. Later, the Secretary-1 attended to their needs and gave the concluding remarks.

( 3 ) Mayor receives US Charge d' Affaires ai

Yangon, 1 Oct - Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay received Charge d' Affaires ai Ms Carmen Maria Martinez of the US Embassy to Myanmar at his office at 10.30 today.

Myanmar-India second volleyball friendly match

Yangon, 1 Oct - The second match of Myanmar-India volleyball friendly, under Myanmar-India friendly programme, took place at the station gymnasium of the South-West Command in Pathein, Ayeyawady Division, on 30 September morning.

Among the spectators were Deputy Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Tint Swe, senior military officers, Indian Military Attache Col Shakit Gurung, leader of the Indian Defence Services volleyball team Brigadier GRC Nair and members, Secretary of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Sein Maung, departmental officials, and officers and other ranks of battalions and units. Before the second match, the deputy commander and officials shook hands with players of both teams. Then, the teams exchanged pennants and souvenirs to mark the friendly match.

In the match, Myanmar Defence Services team beat Indian Defence Services team 3-0. After the match, the deputy commander presented the shield to mark the friendly match to the Indian team, and the award of K 50,000 to Myanmar team. He then posed for a documentary photo with members of the teams.

( 4 ) Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspects systematic consumption of electricity at ministries, departments

Yangon, 1 Oct - Chairman of Supervisory Committee for Consumption of Electricity and Fuel Oil Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win,  arrived at the Ministers' Office on Theinbyu Street at 9.20 pm on 29 September.

Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspected use of electricity at the offices of the ministries and gave instructions on systematic and economical use of electricity. Then, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and party inspected Yangon Railway Station, Ahlon Power Plant, the Power Control Office and the Office of Auditor-General and stressed the need to switch off the lights when unnecessary and connect fluorescent lamps with respective switchboards for the systematic use of electricity. At 8 pm on 30 September, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, accompanied by officials, went to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He inspected power use and meter boxes and gave necessary instructions to officials.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and party saw over offices and departments under the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and the Ministry of Cooperatives. Then, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win gave instructions on systematic use of electricity with record books.

Minister inspects cultural tasks in Upper Myanmar

Yangon, 1 Oct - Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung today inspected maintenance tasks being carried out at Kyat-daunt-kan ancient lake, one of four lakes dug by King Bodaw near Kyat-daunt-kan Village, east of Minwun range in Sagaing Township and gave instructions on repair of the lake without damaging its original style.

The minister also inspected the maintenance tasks of the Hilokaguru Cave and the Lokahmankin Cave, which are being repaired by the Department of Archaeology. Then, he went to Old Inwa city, where he inspected the progress on constructing the Inwa ancient research museum. Senior engineers of Public Works and officials conducted the minister round the site. The minister gave instructions on maintenance tasks to be carried out. Next, he visited Htihlaingshin Pagoda in Old Inwa City, where he paid homage to the Mehti Sayadaw and also made offerings.

The minister also visited the Gugyithonlon Pagoda, which is being repaired by the Department of Archaeology, in Old Pinya City and inspected it. On 29 September in Old Bagan City, the minister inspected the renovation work of Mahathe brick monastery carried out with the cash donation of Yangon City Development Committee and gave instructions on maintenance work to keep the monastery in its original design. The minister also inspected Hsinphyushin monastery and its compound. On arrival at Bagan Archaeological Museum, the minister met with staff of Bagan Archaeological Department at the meeting hall and gave instructions on tasks for sanitation, security and display of items at the museum.

Afterwards, the minister arrived at Pyathadgyi Pagoda, where he inspected the Kiln No 7, the latest found in Bagan, and wall paintings of Nagayon Pagoda.

Export and import procedure course concludes

Yangon, 1 Oct - The opening of HS Code course No 2 and concluding of export and import procedure course No 22, organized by the Ministry of Commerce, were held at the ministry this morning. Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen pyi Sone attended and addressed on the occasion.