**********************************************************************
__________________
(1) Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Islamic Republic of Iran
YANGON, 11 Feb - 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 Seyyed Mohammad Khatami, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the occasion of the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran which falls on 11 February 1998.
__________________
(2) The State Peace and Development Council Law No 2/98
The State Peace and Development Council
The Law Amending the Embankment Act
(The
State Peace and Development Council Law No 2/98)
The 14th Waxing Day of
Tabodwe, 1359 ME
(lOth February, 1998)
The State Peace and Development Council hereby enacts the following Law:-
1. This Law shall be called the Law Amending the Embankment Act.
2. In section 8 of the Embankment Act, the expression "fifty kyats" shall be substituted by the expression "two thousand kyats" and the expression "one month" shall be substituted by the expression "six months".
3. In sub-section (1) of section 9, sub-section (1) of section 9 A, sub-section (1) of section 10 and sub-section (2) of section. 13 of the Embankment Act, the expression "six months" shall be substituted by the expression "one year" and the expression "two hundred kyats" shall be substituted by the expression "five thousand kyats".
Sd Than Shwe
Senior General
Chairman
The State Peace
and Development Council
__________________
YANGON, 10 Feb - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe graced the inauguration of the Maubin Bridge in Maubin, Ayeyawady Division, at 9.30 am today.
Senior General Than Shwe first wished the mass of people present good health. He said construction of Maubin Bridge began in 1994 and was now complete. He said he believed the people of the area and those in the surrounding areas would be delighted to witness the occasion.
The Senior General said secure and smooth transport is one of the important requirements for national progress today. It is vital for national progress like politics and economy. He noted that Ayeyawady Division had lagged behind in transport and communications since it has to rely mainly on waterways. Hence, he said, arrangements were made to build roads and bridges in the Division and accordingly Maubin, Myaungmya and Pinlelay Bridges were built simultaneously.
Ayeyawady Division, he said, is most economically dependable division and most populous in the country. Other neighbouring States and Divisions would have access to Ayeyawady Division if the latter develops and, he said, the remaining States and Divisions will also develop. That is why bridges are being built in Ayeyawady Division in succession, he said. Nyaungdon Bridge will soon be completed, he said, noting the newly completed Maubin Bridge will be the gate of 30 per cent of the goods and Nyaungdon Bridge 70 per cent of the goods flowing out of the division. Coastal areas in the lower country will also develop, he said. Previously, he said, the trip between Yangon and Maubin took five hours by boat but at present it will take only one and a half hours by car after the completion of the Maubin Bridge.
He said the government is building Nyaungdon Bridge spending millions of kyats. It is doing so for the well-being of generations to come in the division thanks to the major bridges. He then urged the people to reciprocate by helping maintain the Maubin Bridge for its durability.
Present were Chairman of the Central supervisory Body for Ensuring Secure and Smooth Transport Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo, member of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Kyaw Than, Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Thura Shwe Man, Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Transport Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister Brig-Gen Lun Maung, Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun, senior officers of the Ministry of Defence, heads of departments, members.
Excerpts from Senior General's address
People of Maubin area and those in the surrounding areas will be delighted to witness the inauguration of Maubin Bridge.
Secure and smooth transport is one of the important requirements for national progress today.
Ayeyawady Division had lagged behind in transport and communications since it has to rely mainly on waterways.
Arrangements were made to build roads and bridges in the Division.
Ayeyawady Division is most economically dependable division and most populous in the country.
Maubin Bridge will be the gate of 30 per cent of the goods and Nyaungdon Bridge 70 per cent of the goods flowing out of the division.
Previously the trip between Yangon and Maubin took five hours by boat but at present it will take only one and a half hours by car after the completion of the Maubin Bridge.
The government is building bridges for the well-being of generations to come in Ayeyawady Division thanks to the major bridges.
__________________
(4) Shwe Htidaw hoisted atop Htilominlo Pagoda in Bagan
YANGON, 10 Feb - Shwe Htidaw hoisting and consecration ceremony of Htilominlo Pagoda in Bagan cultural zone, NyaungU Township, NyaungU District, Mandalay Division, was held this morning at the pagoda, attended by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San.
The General and wife took part in hoisting the Shwe Htidaw, Hngetmyatna and Seinbudaw of the pagoda, which was renovated with the funds collectively donated by personnel and families of the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Cooperatives.
Present together with them to pay obeisance to the pagoda and Sayadaws led by Secretary of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara were Daw Khin Than Nwe, wife of Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint and wife Daw Khin Cho Oo, members of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Nyunt Thein, and Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for Military Affairs Lt-Gen Tin Hla, Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San, Minister for Culture U Win Sein, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Thein Zaw and their wives, heads of departments, personnel and families of Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Cooperatives, other officials, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association and local people.
At 5.45 am before the start of the ceremony, Minister U Aung San and officials received the Five Precepts from member of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kavindacara, of Lashio Myole Kyaungtaik.
U Aung San enshrined the relics in the pagoda and offered the first tier of the Shwe Htidaw.
Later, 36 Sayadaws consecrated the pagoda.
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara administered the Five Precepts to the General and party.
Sayadaws recited parittas.
General Maung Aye, Daw Mya Mya San and daughter Ma Nanda Aye presented offertories to Bhaddanta Kumara.
Members of the General's entourage also presented offertories to Sayadaws.
Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Tipitakadhara Yaw Sayadaw Bhaddanta Srindabhivamsa of Withukdayontaikthit, Bahan, Yangon Division, delivered a sermon.
The congregation shared the merits gained.
At the auspicious time, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister U Aung San and Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa hoisted the first tier of the Shwe Htidaw.
Accompanied by entourage of celestials and royal entourage of the Ministry of Culture, General Maung Aye conveyed the Seinbudaw, Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint conveyed the Hngetmyatna and other members conveyed religious objects, various tiers of the Shwe Htidaw and htidaws of cetis circling the pagoda.
Meanwhile, Mingala Drum troupe sang and played dhamma songs melodiously.
The General and party hoisted the Shwe Htidaw, Hngetmyatna and Seinbudaw on top the pagoda with the decorated carriage.
Officials hoisted the htidaws of cetis around the pagoda.
The General and party offered 'soon' to Sayadaws.
They then paid obeisance to the pagoda.
__________________
(5) Secretary-1 inspects preparations for Union Day dinner, dress rehearsal of cultural troupes
YANGON, 10 Feb - Chairman of the Central Committee for Observance of 51st Anniversary Union Day Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected preparations for holding Union Day dinner and dress rehearsal of cultural troupes this evening.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt arrived at the compound of the President's Residence on Ahlon Road at 5.20 pm.
He was welcomed there by members of the Central Committee for Observance of 51st Anniversary Union Day Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs U Kyaw Tin, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice Mayor Col Maung Pa, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Vice-Quartermaster-General Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, members of the management committee and departmental officials.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt gave instructions on preparations for Union Day dinner.
The Secretary-1 then viewed full dress rehearsal of the cultural troupes from States and Divisions.
Later, he cordially conversed with members of the cultural troupes.
__________________
(6) Cultural troupe members visit Hlinethaya Industrial zone
YANGON, 10 Feb - The cultural troupe members of States and Divisions who will attend the 51st Anniversary Union Day Flag Hoisting and Union Day reception and dinner, under the leadership of Secretary of 51st Anniversary Union Day Observance Accommodation Sub-committee Commandant of No 1 Transit Camp Lt-Col Tin Kyaing, today visited Hlinethaya Industrial Zone.
They were welcomed there by Project Manager U Tun Myint of Department for Human Settlement and Housing Development who briefed them on the industrial zone.
The delegation then proceeded to plastic bag factory, slipper factory and garment factory and observed the Badethabin City in the zone.
__________________
YANGON, 10 Feb - Production sharing contract for pearl culture and production in Taninthayi Division between Myanma Pearl Enterprise and Atlantic Ltd of Australia was signed at Thiri Yadana Hall of the Ministry of Mines this morning.
Present were Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Deputy Minister U Myint Thein, directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises, Chairman of Atlantic Ltd Mr Giuseppe Rotondella, officials and guests.
Minister Brig-Gen Ohn Myint spoke on the occasion.
Next, Managing Director of MPE U Win Maung and Mr Giuseppe Rotondella signed the contract.
The minister then presented permit to Mr Giuseppe Rotondella.
__________________
(8) Three armed group members, 14 family members exchange arms for peace
YANGON, 10 Feb - The State Peace and Development Council is striving for national reconsolidation, upholding Our Three Main National Causes, and is implementing the 12 political, economic and social objectives for emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation.
After realizing the good will and endeavours of the Government, armed group members are exchanging arms for peace, abandoning their destructive acts which do not benefit the nation.
Pvts Ba Yi and three members and 14 members of families of No 3 Company, No 7 Battalion, No 3 Brigade of KNU armed group together with two AK-47s, one .30 carbine, 66 rounds of ammunition, three magazines and one American made grenade, exchanged arms for peace at Donzayit military camp on 30 January morning.
The officials of the camp warmly welcomed them and fulfilled their requirements.
__________________
(9) Myanmar cultural troupe arrives back
YANGON, 10 Feb - A 40-member Myanma cultural troupe, which charmed audience with Myanma cultural dances including Kyaukhse elephant dances in Chingay Parade 1998 held in Singapore from 5 to 10 February, arrived back here by air this afternoon.
The troupe led by Director-General U Tin Htoo of Fine Arts Department was welcomed back by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, officials of Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts Department and relatives.
__________________
(10) SID's Sagawa Nursery opens
YANGON, 10 Feb - Hailing the 51st Anniversary Union Day, Sagawa nursery for Maternal and Child Welfare Association fund of Special Investigation Department of Myanmar Police Force opened at Aungthabye Yeiktha on Kyaikwaing Pagoda Road in Mayangon Township this morning.
Present were Chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association (Central) Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Khin Win Shwe and CEC members Commander of SID Col Ba Hein, Patron of Yangon Division MCWA Supervisory Committee Daw Marlar Tint and EC members, wife of director-general of MPF Daw Khin Khin Ohn, chairman of Mayangon Township Peace and Development Council, Secretary of Township Union Solidarity and Development Association, EC members of Township MCWA, Chairperson of SID MCWA and members and guests.
Daw Kyu Kyu Swe and Dr Khin Win Shwe formally opened the nursery. They then inspected feeding of nourishment to children.
Dr Tin Tun Oo and CEC of MMCWA Dr Khin Win Kyu lectured on AIDS and birth spacing.
Perennial fruits and flower plantings are available at the nursery in front of Social Welfare Training School in Mayangon Township.
__________________
(11) Amendment of 1998 BEHS exam timetable
YANGON, 10 Feb - Myanmar Examinations Board announced the amendment of 1998 Basic Education High School Examination to be held in March. It is as follows:
Date
3-3-98 (Tuesday) 9 am to 12.00 Myanmarsar
4-3-98\ (Wednesday) 9 am to 12.00 English
5-3-98 (Thursday) 9 am to 12.00 Mathematics
7-3-98 (Saturday) 9 am to 12.00 Science
9-3-98 (Monday) 9 am to 12.00 Social Science
________________________________________