*********************************************************************
________________________________
(1) Hsinhaing-5 pusher-tug launched
YANGON, 3 Jan - Hailing the Golden Jubilee Independence Day, the medium-sized Hsinhaing-5 pusher-tug built by Dalla Shipyard under contract between Inland Water Transport and Yunnan Machinery Import and Export Corporation of the People's Republic of China was launched at the shipyard this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Present also were Minister for Transport Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Minister for Labour Vice-Admiral Tin Aye, Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, officials of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council, heads of departments, directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises, principal and advisers officials of PRC Embassy and YMC and students of No 1 Basic Education High School in Dalla.
Minister Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe said the ministry is making efforts for equitable development as other sectors and IWT imported modern new boats as well as local shipyard built new boats.
He lauded the success made by workers and engineers of the shipyard. The minister spoke at length on upgrading of the shipyard under contract between IWT and YMC.
Ten cargo barges out of 28 and three boats out of seven has been built in the shipyard under the contract and the shipyard earned a total of US $ 375,000.
The minister said hard work with good ideas for national development will contribute toward secure and smooth transport and regular flow of commodities. The Secretary-1, the ministers, the . deputy ministers and guests boarded the boat and they were conducted round by Managing Director U Tun Aung Myint of IWT.
The Secretary-1 formally launched the boat.
The Hsinhaing-5 pusher-tug, valued at US S 836,600, is 28 metres long, 7.5 metres wide and 2.2 metres high with the drought of 1.4 metres. It can push or tow four 250-ton cargo boats. The Dalla Shipyard earned US $ 50,000 for the tug.
___________________________________
YANGON, 4 Jan - The State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar issued today, the Independence Day, Notification Nos 2/98, 3/98, 4/98, 5/ 98, 6/98, 7/98, 8/98 and 9/98.
Under Notification No 2/98, religious titles have been conferred on Sayadaws, nuns and laity. Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Titles have been conferred on three Sayadaws. Agga Maha Pandita Titles have been conferred on 18 Sayadaws, 17 from Myanmar and one from abroad. Agga Maha Gantavacaka Pandita Titles have been conferred on 10 Sayadaws and one nun. Maha Gantavacaka Pandita Titles have been conferred on 18 Sayadaws and four nuns. Cula Gandavacaka Pandita Titles have been conferred on 12 Sayadaws and two nuns. Agga Maha Kammathanacariya Titles have been conferred on eight Sayadaws, Maha Kammathanacariya, Titles on six Sayadaws, Dhammakathika Bahujanahitadhara Titles on two Sayadaws, Abhidaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Titles on three Sayadaws, Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Titles on 14 Sayadaws from Myanmar and three from abroad, Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Titles on 18 Sayadaws, one nun and three laity, Saddhammajotikadhaja Titles on three Sayadaws and four lay disciples, Siri Sudhamma Manijotadhara Titles on three of laity, Siha Sudhamma Manijotadhara Titles on two of laity, Sudhamma Manijotadhara Titles on three of laity, Siri Sudhammasingi Titles on one of laity, Sudhammasingi Titles on three of laity, totalling 118 Sayadaws, eight nuns and 17 of laity.
Under Notification No 3/98, (3allantry Medals arc presented to 14 Tatmadaw personnel, Medals on Excellent Performance in Agricultural Field (Second Class) to one person, Medals on Excellent Performance in Agricultural Field (Third Class) to one person, Medals on Excellent Performance in Industrial Field of Economy (First Class) to two persons, Medals on Excellent Performance in Industrial Field of Economy (Second Class) to 19 persons, Medals on Excellent Performance in Industrial Field of Economy (Third Class) to 75 persons, Medals on Excellent Performance in Administrative Field (First Class) to 22 persons, Medals on Excellent Performance in Administrative Field (Second Class) to 26 persons, Medals on Excellent Performance in Administrative Field (Third Class) to 47 persons, Medals on Excellent Performance in Social Field (First Class) to 31 persons, Medals on Excellent Performance in Social Field (Second Class) to 42 persons, Medals on Excellent Performance in Social Field (Third Class) to 1 70 persons and Yebala Medal is presented to four persons, totally 454 persons.
Under Notification No 4/98, Military Good Service Medal is presented to 2,448 persons-34 retired personnel and 2,414 personnel.
Under Notification No 5/98, Good Public Service Medal is presented to 7,570 persons- 988 retired personnel and 6,582 personnel.
Under notification No 6/ 98, Good MPF Service Medal is presented to 121 persons four retired personnel and 117 personnel.
Under Notification No 7/98 MPF Service Medal is presented to 275 persons three retired personnel and 272 personnel.
Under Notification No 8/98, Public Service Medal is presented to 15,183 persons - 594 retired personnel and 14,589 personnel and Law and Order and Rule of Law Medal is presented to 23,993 persons - 605 retired personnel and 23,388 personnel.
Under Notification No 9/98, MPF Joint Service Medal is presented to 382 persons - 15 retired personnel and 367 personnel.
_________________________________
YANGON, 3 Jan - The Gallantry Certificates conferred by the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services for outstanding performance in discharging national defence duties were presented to 17 military service personnel, 12 anti-armed group members and five civilians.
The Certificates of Honour conferred by the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services for outstanding performance in discharging national defence duties were presented to 25 military service personnel.
__________________________________
(4) Golden Jubilee Independence Day Exhibition highlights history, current projects
YANGON, 3 Jan - The opening ceremony of Golden Jubilee Independence Day Exhibition was held in front of the Tatmadaw Hall on U Wistaria Road this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Present also were Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Win Myint, Minister for Transport Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Minister for Labour Vice-Admiral Tin Aye, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San, Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, Chief-Justice U Aung Toe, Attorney-General U Tha Tun, Chairman of Civil Services Selection and Training Board U Maung Maung Gyi, Acting Auditor General Brig-Gen Tin Aye, Chairman of Sub-committee for the Exhibition Deputy Minister for Information U Thein Sein, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Director-General of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Pe Nyein, heads of departments, Sub-committee members, chairmen and EC members of Myanmar Thabin, Music and Motion Picture Asiayones, staff of the Ministry of Information and guests.
Then, Deputy Minister U Thein Sein formally opened the exhibition.
Later, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint, ministers and deputy ministers and guests viewed the exhibition and shops.
______________________________
(5) Secretary-l visits 50th Tipitakadhara Selection Examination at Maha Pasana Cave
YANGON, 3 Jan - Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by Director-General of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Pe Nyein and officials, arrived at Swechanthamyaing Kayin Dhammayon on Arzarni Street, Dagon Township at 11 am today.
They were welcomed there by Chairman of Leading Committee for all round renovation of the Shwedagon Pagoda Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, leading committee members, members of Board of Trustees and officials.
The Secretary-1 inspected finishing touches to the Swechanthamyaing Kayin Dhammayon and arrangements for its opening ceremony.
The Secretary-l also inspected renovation and construction of Northern Stairway of the Shwedagon Pagoda and Fifth Mayor's Cup Horticulture Show at Bahan Sports Ground in Bahan Township.
The Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt visited the 50th Tipitakadhara Selection Examination at Maha Pasana Cave on Kaba Aye Hill which began on 28 December 1997 and he was welcomed by Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Director-General of Religious Affairs Department and Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana and officials.
Next, he paid homage to Tipitaka Ovadacariya Sayadaws and members of the Sangha who are taking the examination.
The Secretary-1 and party then inspected arrangement for construction of a building to accommodate about 50 members of the Sangha.
Officials of Public Works briefed the Secretary-1 on architectural design and arrangements for construction of the building.
The Secretary-1 looked into the requirements and arrived at Pitakataik on Kaba Aye Hill.
He gave instructions to officials on cleaning of precincts of the Pitakataik and maintenance of Parabaik hall, research library and training hall in the Pitakataik.
The Secretary-1 and party inspected arrangement for construction of archives and the statues of eminent Sayadaws to be placed near the Maha Pasana Cave and left.
_____________________________
(6) Pazundaung Basic Education Middle School No 3 gets new building
YANGON, 3 Jan - Hailing the Golden Jubilee Independence Day, the ceremony to hand over new building of No 3 Basic Education Middle School in Pazundaung Township was held at the school on Nyaungtan Street, in the Township this morning, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Construction of the new school building was jointly sponsored by Department for Human Settlement and Housing Development and Yuzana Construction Group.
Present also were Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries U Aung Thein Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, officials of the office of the State Peace and Development Council, heads of departments, members of District, Township and Ward Peace and Development Councils, Director-General of Basic Education Department and officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Township Education Officer headmistress and teachers, members of Parent-Teacher Association, school children, wards-elders, members of Auxiliary Fire Brigade and Red Cross Society, those of Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Chairman of Yuzana Construction Group and officials and guests.
First, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Director-General of DHSHD U Arnt Kyaw and Chairman of Yuzana Construction Group U Htay Myint formally opened the new building.
Then, the Secretary-1 and party showered confetti to mark opening of the new building and inspected it.
Then, cash donation and new building handing over ceremony was held at the school.
Director-General U Arnt Kyaw delivered an address.
U Htay Myint explained about the donation of new school building.
Next, U Arnt Kyaw and U Htay Myint presented related documents for the new building to Director-General U Bo Win.
Then, U Htay Myint presented K 2 million received for the old school building to Director (Finance) U Sein Han of Basic Education Department.
U Htay Myint also donated school uniforms and stationery to Headmistress for 400 school children.
Headmistress Daw Than Hla Yi thanked the donors.
After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 met teachers and members of the Parent-Teacher Association.
He said the government has implemented renovation of Basic Primary Schools for the school children in cooperation with construction entrepreneurs.
The programme contributed to uplift of education standard, development of the children including intellectual, he said.
Yuzana Construction Group has constructed the Basic Education Middle School No 3 in Pazundaung Township at a cost of over K 40 million, he said.
The Secretary-1 urged teachers and parents to maintain new school building for durability, to nurture their pupils to become outstanding students.
Then, Secretary-1 signed in the visitor's book.
The four-storey new building of BEMS No 3, 135 feet long and 37 feet wide. PA system has been installed reaching all the 23 rooms.
Yuzana Construction Group donated furniture, four computers, a printer, typewriter, an air-conditioner, PA system and new building all worth K 46,424, 500.
________________________________
(7) Labutta (Pinlelay River) Bridge in Myaungmya Township will expedite transport in delta area
YANGON, 3 Jan - Chairman of the Central Supervisory Committee for Bringing About Secure and Smooth Transport Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo formally opened Labutta Bridge across Pinlelay River in Myaungmya Township, Ayeyawady Division, this morning, as a gesture commemorating the Golden Jubilee Independence Day.
Accompanied by Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister Brig-Gen Lun Maung, Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun, officials of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council and departments concerned and local and foreign journalists, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo left by helicopter for Maubin Bridge Project being implemented in Maubin Township at 7.15 am.
The Secretary-2 and party were welcomed there by officials.
______________________________
(8) Bagan Railway Office and Station inspected
YANGON, 3 Jan - Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, Deputy Minister Thura U Thaung Lwin and officials inspected Bagan Railway Office and Station in Bagan-NyaungU Township on 2 January
He spoke of taking care of the convenience of traveling public in meeting with service personnel.
The minister inspected the station and railway line and construction of playground and water supply for model primary school in Anauk Phwasaw Village.
______________________________
(9) West Yangon General Hospital inspected
YANGON, 3 Jan - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein inspected West Yangon General Hospital this afternoon.
The minister was welcomed by Deputy Minister Dr Mya Oo Director-General of Health Department Dr Hla Myint and Medical Superintendent Dr Shwe Oh and specialists.
Dr Shwe Oh reported on the hospital and work done.
The minister spoke of the need to make the Ministry to become one on which the people can rely and to treat patients with metta and cetena.
The minister inspected the paying-ward intensive care ward, X-ray department, operation theatre, drug shops and others.
The minister went to the Children s Hospital where he was welcomed by Medical Superintendent Dr Mya Thein. professors and staff.
Dr Mya Thein reported on salient points of the hospital and functions. The minister then inspected various wards.
----------------------------------------------