_________________________________
(1) Libraries crucial for uplift of intellectual standard, advancement of modern science and technology Myanmar Library Association urged to work in leadership role for development of modern libraries
YANGON, 27 June - The first conference of Myanmar Library Association was held at the Yangon University Diamond Jubilee Hall today, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Also present were Minister for Commerce Maj-Gen Kyaw Than, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe, Deputy Ministers for Education Dr Than Nyunt and Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein, departmental heads, rectors, Chairman of the Committee for Organizing Myanmar Library Association U Khin Maung Tin and members, and retired and in-service librarians, among others.
_________________________________
(2) Secretary-l checks renovation of Shwedagon Pagoda northern stairway
YANGON, 27 June - Patron of the Committee for General Renovation of the Shwedagon Pagoda Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected renovation of the pagoda this morning.
Accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council, the Secretary-1 arrived at the northern stairway and was welcomed by Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Chairman of the Leading Committee for General Renovation of the Shwedagon Pagoda Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung and members, members of the Work Committee, members of the Board of Trustees and officials.
The Secretary-1 inspected the renovation and progress of work of the northern stairway.
He also inspected renovation and maintenance of religious structures on the platform of the pagoda.
Next, the Secretary-1 paid obeisance to ancient Buddha images at Pyataikhaung Tazaung and inspected paintings on Buddhology to be displayed at the eastern stairway.
Afterwards, the Secretary-l inspected renovation of Southern Prayer Hall and reliquary and construction of two lion statues at the western arch.
_________________________________
(3) Secretary-1 inspects construction of modern Mingala Market and Yuzana Plaza
YANGON, 27 June - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt this morning inspected construction of new modern Mingala Market and Yuzana Plaza in Mingala Taungnyunt Township and gave instructions.
Accompanied by Minister for Commerce Maj-Gen Kyaw Than, Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, officials of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt arrived at construction site of modern Mingala Market at the corner of Setyon Street and Banyadala Street in Mingala Taungnyunt at 10:45 am today.
They were welcomed there by heads of department of YCDC, Chairman of Yuzana Construction Co Ltd U Htay Myint and officials.
_________________________________
(4) Commander inspects monsoon paddy cultivation in Thanlyin, Kyauktan Townships
YANGON, 27 June - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected paddy cultivation and planting of shade trees in Thanlyin and Kyaiktan Townships today.
He was accompanied by No.1 Tactical Operations Commander Col Tin Soe, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint, Chairman of Yangon South District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Sein and officials.
This morning, the commander met township authorities and farmers of the two townships after inspecting paddy cultivation and planting shade trees on both sides of the motor road in the townships and gave instructions.
The commander inspected planting 1,000 teak trees on both sides of Thanlyin-Thongwa Road near Tawa Village in Thanlyin Township and then observed a collective paddy cultivation in the fields of farmer U Tin Win in Sitpinkwin Village and gave instructions on completion of ploughing before July, boosting of production and systematic distribution of fertilizer.
It is scheduled to put 1,135,000 acres under monsoon paddy cultivation in Yangon Division this year.
He met authorities of Kyauktan Township and gave instructions on Kyauktan-Wegyi-Thongya Motor Road being built on self-reliance.
Roads and bridges are under construction on self-reliance in the township. On completion, local people can travel conveniently from one place to another in the region where transport is difficult due to creeks and tide.
The commander met township authorities, Township USDA executives, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade members at the office of Township General Administration Department and gave instructions on completion of monsoon paddy cultivation before July, boosting of production, extension of acreage and timely arrival of fertilizer to farmers.
He also urged personnel concerned to practise thrift.
_________________________________
(5) Olympic Day commemorative activities
YANGON, 27 June - As an International Olympic Day commemorative movement, Olympic Day Run was held here this morning.
Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Sein Win took part in it.
Olympic Day Run started in front of Aung San Stadium and finished at the same venue after circling the Zoological Gardens.
A total of 2,000 sports enthusiasts including members of MOC, officials of SPED, presidents and officials of sports federations, trainees of Sports and Education Combined Training Course and athletes of national sports teams participated in it.
Similarly, Olympic Day commemorative swimming competitions took place at the National Swimming Pool.
Over 100 swimmers took part in the competitions.
_________________________________
(6) Tharkayta Township USDA gets new office
YANGON, 27 June - A new office of Township Union Solidarity and Development Association opened on Zingama Street in No.2 North Ward in Tharkayta Township this morning. Present were CEC member of USDA Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San, Chairmen of Tharkayta and Dawbon Township Peace and Development Councils and members, Acting Secretary of Yangon Division USDA U Tin Maung Win, Secretary of Yangon East District USDA U Tin Hlaing and EC members, township departmental officials and Secretary of Township USDA U Aung Win and EC members.
U Aung San formally opened the office and explained the objectives and future tasks of the association. Proprietor of Win Tun Motors Ltd presented K 10,000, Myakantha Restaurant K 3,000, Organizer U Khin Maung Win of Industrial Ward K 10,000, EC member U Shwe Lun K 10,000, U Min Nyunt K 5,000, Sculptor U Mya Thein a lion statue worth K 10,000, Township Officer Daw Thin Thin Nyunt K 3,000 and other well-wishers cash to the CEC member and officials.
_________________________________
(7) Timber extraction in Shan and Kayah States
YANGON, 27 June - Deputy Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Soe Myint met officials of Eastern Command, departmental officials and producers of sleepers at the office of Shan State Deputy General Manager on 23 June.
The deputy minister went to Namhsan raft jetty in Loilem timber extraction area and inspected transport of export quality teak in monsoon and saw mills.
On 24 June, the deputy minister discussed timber extraction with the commander of Eastern Command.
The deputy minister and party gave instructions on exceeding the 1998-99 target, priority on production, minimizing wastage and loss and arrangements for staff welfare on 25 June.
The deputy minister inspected raft jetties in Loikaw timber extraction area in Phruhso and Phsaung Townships. He also discussed supply of sleepers to Myanma Railways with officials at the office of Kayah State Peace and Development Council.
The deputy minister inspected timber extraction areas in Pinlaung and Taungoo.
_________________________________
(8) Radio Myanmar, TV Myanmar to broadcast UDE lectures
YANGON, 27 June - Radio Myanmar and TV Myanmar will broadcast the lectures of University of Distance Education for 1998-99 academic year starting 1 July (Wednesday).
After nationalities programmes, the Radio Myanmar will broadcast the lectures on 63.49 metres short wave from 8 to 10 pm every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and from 8:30 to 10:30 pm every Wednesday and Friday.
But, the Radio Myanmar will transmit the .lectures from 8 to 10 pm on 1 July (Wednesday) and 3 July (Friday), and the rest will be according to the above-mentioned programme.
TV Myanmar will broadcast lectures from 6:00 to 6:40 pm every Wednesday and Friday