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(1) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Maldives
YANGON, 26 July - On the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Maldives, which falls on 26th July 1998, 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 Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President of the Republic of Maldives.
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(2) Secretary-1 lays cornerstone for construction of Drug Abuse control Museum
YANGON, 25 July - A ceremony to lay foundation for the construction of Drug Abuse Control Museum of Ministry of Home Affairs was held at the construction site at the corner of Hanthawady Road and Kyundaw Street this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Present also were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Chairman of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister Brig-Gen Lun Maung, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, deputy ministers, senior Tatmadaw officers, officials of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council, Secretary of CCDAC Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win, directors-general, deputy directors-general of the Ministry of Home Affairs, police officers, official of UNDCP, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and Red Cross Society and guests.
Member of State Calendar Advisory Committee Saya U Kyaw read the stone inscription of the Drug Abuse Control Museum.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt laid the casket studded with nine precious gems on the foundation.
At the auspicious time, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Ministers Col Tin Hlaing, Col Thein Nyunt, Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Brig-Gen Lun Maung and Mayor U Ko Lay laid the cornerstones on the foundation at the respective places.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt planted a stone inscription on the foundation.
The Secretary-1 and party sprinkled scented water on the casket, brick stones, inscription and foundation.
Then, the Secretary-1 and officials showered the confetti to mark the ceremony.
After the ceremony, Chairman of Drug Abuse Control Museum Construction Committee Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung briefed the Secretary-1 on the aim of building the Drug Abuse Control Museum, emergence of the Museum and work programme, Chairman of Yuzana Construction U Htay Myint on architectural design of the museum and arrangements for construction project.
The Secretary-1 looked into the requirements.
Patron of Buddhist Missionary Myitteya Vegetarian Association U Yan Shin Chauk presented US $ 3,000 to Minister Col Tin Hlaing for the museum.
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(3) MIC Chairman returns from Singapore
YANGON, 25 July - Chairman of Myanmar Investment Commission and Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin and Secretary of MIC Minister at the Office of State Peace and Development Council Chairman Brig-Gen Maung Maung arrived back here by air this afternoon from Singapore after attending the Meeting of Heads of Investment Institution of ASEAN Member Countries.
Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin and Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung were welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen Tin Tun, Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, Minister for Transport Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Ambassador of Singapore Brig-Gen Patrick Choy Choong Tow, officials of Government's Office and Myanmar Investment Commission Office and their relatives.
Joint-Secretary of MIC U Maung Maung Yi and PSO to the Deputy Prime Minister Captain Aung San Win also arrived back on the same flight.
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(4) Olympic Tower with modern business, apartment facilities inaugurated
YANGON, 25 July - Olympic Tower, jointly built by the Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development and Olympic Company Limited at the corner of Maha Bandoola Street and Bo Aung Kyaw Street, was inaugurated and handed over to DHSHD today.
The inauguration of the tower was held in conjunction with the opening ceremony of Asia Wealth Bank's Bo Aung Kyaw Branch, the soft opening of Sharp Prime Boss Co Ltd, the soft opening of ICS International Computer Systems and the opening ceremony of Tamaya Management Co Ltd.
Present were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo, member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Transport Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, officials of the companies and special guests.
Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung, Chairman of Olympic Co Ltd Vice-Chairman of Asia Wealth Bank Ltd U Aik Tun, Chairman of Asia Wealth Bank Ltd U Win Maung, Managing Director of Sharp Prime Boss Co Ltd U Aye Thant, Managing Director of Tamaya Management Co Ltd Mr Hon Ah Fah and General Manager of ICS International Computer Systems Mr Richard Au formally opened Olympic Tower, Asia Wealth Bank's Bo Aung Kyaw Branch, Sharp Prime Boss Co Ltd, ICS International Computer Systems and Tamaya Management Co Ltd.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun said efforts are being accelerated in all sectors for emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation, and implementation of housing projects in keeping with the guidance of the Head of State is a crucial task.
He said the DHSHD is implementing housing projects and business structure projects to acquire characteristics of a modern city, and modern housing projects are also being implemented in wards with private investment. He also spoke about Olympic Tower Project.
DHSHD and Olympic Co Ltd entered into the contract to build the 16-storey tower on 0.276 acre plot. It has parking lots at the basement, shops, showrooms, offices, apartments and AWB's branches. The self-contained building is equipped with two lifts, two escalators and power generators.
Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung also spoke about Myanmar's banking and AWB's development.
Afterwards, U Aik Tun presented the related documents to Director-General of DHSHD U Arnt Kyaw.
After the opening ceremony, the Secretary-1, the Secretary-2 and party inspected the showrooms.
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(5) Renovation of ancient pagodas in Myaydu inspected
YANGON, 25 July - Minister for Culture U Win Sein and Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, accompanied by Deputy Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Myint, Chairman of Shwebo District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Than Han and Police Lt-Col Kyaw Soe Lwin of District Myanmar Police Force toured ancient city site in the district on 24 July.
They arrived at Myaydu ancient town, one of the 400 forts of the 43 city sites built by King Alaungphaya, in Kanbalu Township.
Historian U Than Tun explained to them the salient points about the fort town and Shwebo District Deputy Commissioner briefed them on preservation of 29 ancient pagodas.
Later, the ministers and party inspected preservation of Shweguni Pagoda, Shweguphyu Pagoda, Myole Shwegu Pagoda and Thettawya Datpaung Zedi and visited Shwegumyin Pagoda.
Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa handed K 500,000 donated by the Ministry of
Religious Affairs for renovation of ancient pagodas in Myaydu to Lt-Col Than
Han.
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(6) Yangon International Airport inspected
YANGON, 25 July - Minister for Transport Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe and officials arrived at Yangon International Airport this afternoon.
The minister was welcomed by Director-General of Department of Civil Aviation U Win Maung, Managing Director of Myanma Airways U Tin Hlaing Hmi and officials.
Director-General U Win Maung and Managing Director U Tin Hlaing Hmi reported on arrangements on greening of airport environs and ground facilities. The minister then gave instructions.
Next, Chief Engineer U Yan Pyay of MA reported on condition of aircraft and the minister gave instructions on supply of spare parts and security.
The minister and party inspected arrival and departure lounges, passenger lounges, shops, handling of equipment and arrivals.
The minister also inspected repair of helicopters and aircraft in the hangar, storage of spare parts, security and sanitation and functions of the ground station.
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(7) Hotong gets TV retransmission station
YANGON, 25 July - A TV retransmission station was built in Hotong, Mongyong, Shan State, with the funds of Department for Development of Border Areas and National Races under the programme for development of border areas and national races.
Construction of the TV retransmission station was completed on 14 July.
It is retransmitting MRTV programmes beginning 15 July evening.
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(8) Minister for F & R meets departmental officials, USDA members in Shan State
YANGON, 25 July - Member of the Secretariat of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, together with officials, met departmental officials and service personnel and executives and members of Shan State and Pinlaung Township Union Solidarity and Development Associations in Pinlaung Hall, Pinlaung, Shan State (South), on 24 July morning.
He elaborated on political, economic and social conditions of the country and urged all to strive for the development of the state.
In the afternoon, the minister and party, together with Brig-Gen Kyaw Win of Pekhon Station, met departmental officials and executives and members of Shan State and Pekhon Township USDAs in the hall of Pekhon Township Peace and Development Council.
He elaborated on efforts of the Government for the economic development of the State and urged all to be self-reliant and strive for the all-round development of the State and realization of the objectives and tasks of the association.
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(9) Tatmadaw families, well-wishers present dry rations Sarthintaiks in Seikkan and Kyimyindine Township
YANGON, 25 July - Tatmadaw families and well-wishers presented dry rations to Sarthintaiks in Seikkan and Kyimyindine Townships this morning, attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Bureau of Special Operations and Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo.
A ceremony to present dry rations to Mon Pariyatti Sarthintaik of Botahtaung Kyaikdai-at Pagoda was held at the Sarthintaik this morning.
The congregation received the Five Precepts from Presiding Sayadaw Dhammacariya Dutiya Akyaw Bhaddanta Kesara.
Afterwards, the Secretary-2, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister Brig-Gen Lun Maung, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs BrigGen Thura Myint Maung and Deputy Minister for Labour U Kyaw Aye presented offertories to Sayadaws.
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(10) 298 drug-related cases exposed in June
YANGON, 25 July - The Tatmadaw, the Myanmar Police Force and Customs Department exposed 298 drug-related cases in June.
The authorities seized 2,033.223 kilos of opium in 45 cases, 42.9857 kilos of heroin in 98 cases, 7.4112 kilos of marijuana in 29 cases, 46.83 litres of phensedyl in five cases, 1.9897 kilos of low-grade opium in 16 cases, 5.897 kilos of opium oil in eight cases, 4.85 kilos of brown opium, 3 kilos of opium powder in one case, 1,497,678 stimulant tablets in 17 cases, 292 gallons of acetic anhydride in one case, 357.83 gallons of Iysol, 676 gallons of ether in two cases, 136 gallons of nitric acid in one case, eight gallons of acetic acid in one case, 170 gallons of sulphuric acid, 8.8 gallons of hydrochloric acid in one case, nine kilos of ephedrine, 0.0044 kilo of one stimulant in one case, 11.7 kilos of -ethyl, 156 kilos of sodium carbonate, 65 kilos of ammonium chloride, 146 kilos of charcoal, 13.19 gallons of acetone, 0.24 litre of cough syrup in one case, 65 cases for failure to register and other six cases.
The seizures by the Tatmadaw were 8,165 kilos of opium, 2.70 kilos of heroin, 0.5 litre of phensedyl, 45 gallons of Iysol, 626 gallons of ether, 136 gallons of nitric acid, eight gallons of acetic acid, 170 gallons of sulphuric acid, 156 kilos of sodium carbonate, 65 kilos of ammonium chloride and 146 kilos of charcoal.
MPF seized 2,032.4065 kilos of opium in 45 cases, 40.2857 kilos of heroin in 98 cases, 7.4112 kilos of marijuana in 29 cases, 46.33 litres of Phensedyl in five cases, 1.9897 kilos of low-grade opium in 16 cases, 5.897 kilos of opium oil in eight cases, 4.85 kilos of brown opium, 3 kilos of opium powder in one case, 1,497,678 stimulant tablets in 17 cases, 0.0044 kilo of stimulant in one case, 292 gallons of acetic anhydride in one case, 312.83 gallons of Iysol, 50 gallons of ether in two cases, one nitric acid case, one acetic acid case, 8.8 gallons of hydrochloric acid in one case, nine kilos of ephedrine, 11.7 kilos of ethyl, 13.19 gallons of acetone, 0.24 litre of cough syrup in one case, 65 cases for failure to register and other six cases.
MPF combined with the Tatmadaw seized 33.8353 kilos of heroin in 11 cases, 1,880.38 kilos of opium in nine cases, 1,496,832 stimulant tablets in six cases, 3.05 kilos of opium oil, one kilo of low-grade opium, 4.85 kilos of brown opium and 140 gallons of Lysol. Action was taken against 411 persons-351 men and 60 women-in 298 cases.
The battalions and units of the Tatmadaw, while discharging security duty, destroyed one heroin refinery at map reference P-343629 and P-336620 in Muse Township on 2 June and seized chemicals and other precursor substances.
Three significant cases took place in June.
Kengtung anti-drug squad and regional intelligence unit searched 3 kha/ 1763 on 6 June and seized 10,060,000 stimulant tablets, two pistols, three magazines and 24 rounds of ammunition from Aik Kin, Sai Tin Aung and Aik Ket and action has been taken against them.
On 14 June, Loilem Township Police Force and regional intelligence unit, acting on a tip-off, searched Ba/3559 and seized 0.0245 kilo of heroin and 59.0304 kilos of raw opium from Tin Aung Myint and Maung Maung (a) Ar Hwa.
On 27 June, Tatmadaw column, regional intelligence unit, Lashio anti-drug squad and Township Police Force arrived at the map reference 0-049167 and searched the houses of U Wan Kwal Shin and U Khun Htauk La Che (a) Zone Yein.
They arrested six members of KDA armed group and three other members in plain clothes together with nine assorted arms, 27.35 kilos of heroin, 1,839.40 kilos of raw opium, 4.85 kilos of brown opium, K 9,254,400, 128 gallons of acetic anhydride, light truck Toyota Hilux 7 Ka/5702 and precursor substances.
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(11) Minister for Culture inspects project to rebuild King Alaungphaya's Shwebon Yadana Mingala Palace
YANGON, 25 July - Minister for Culture U Win Sein inspected the project to rebuild King Alaungphaya's Shwebon Yadana Mingala Palace in accord with the ancient cultural style in Shwebo yesterday.
King Alaungphaya built the palace at the ancient town called Yadana Theinga in 1115 ME.
U Win Sein was welcomed at the project site by Chairman of Shwebo District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Than Han and officials.
After hearing reports on progress of work at the project, the minister left instructions on work requirements.
He later toured the Pyatthat in which the ash urn of King Alaungphaya was buried and gave instructions on casting of a bronze statue of the king and place together with it the stone inscription on reconstruction of the Third Myanmar Empire.
He also visited the site near Pyi Shwebo Guest House where the tombstones for the fallen British soldiers are kept.
Principal of Shwebo Youth Training School Historian U Than Tun explained to the minister that one month after the colonialist British had captured Mandalay Palace, a troop commanded by Brig-Gen Norman was sent to fight Shwebo and many of the British soldiers were killed as Myanmars led by two brothers Hteiktin Hmat and Hteiktin Thein, sons of Prince Kanaung, fought valiantly.
The place was a burial ground of the fallen British army officers and soldiers.