THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
(Tuesday, 24 August 1998)
*******************************************************************
*******************************************************************
(1) Myanmar, Thailand exchange messages of felicitations on 50th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations
YANGON, 24 Aug - On the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Establishment of the Diplomatic Relations between the Union of Myanmar and the Kingdom of Thailand, the following messages of felicitations were exchanged between the two countries.
From Senior General Than Shwe
From His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar to His Excellency Mr Chuan Leekpai, Prime Minister of Thailand:
Excellency,
I have great pleasure and honour in conveying my best wishes and warm felicitations to Your Excellency on this Auspicious Occasion of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Myanmar and Thailand
As Your Excellency will be fully aware, diplomatic relations between Myanmar and Thailand were established on 24 August 1948 soon after Myanmar regained her Independence and that our two countries had a long historical association which linked our two peoples with strong traditional, cultural and religious ties since ancient times.
The successive leaders of both countries have been consistently endeavouring to maintain good relations between Myanmar and Thailand and there has been significant progress in our bilateral relations over recent years. It is our historic duty to maintain and further enhance the existing bilateral relations based on friendship, goodwill and mutual understanding.
As is well known our relations with other countries, especially with neighbouring countries, are based on sincerity, goodwill and mutual respect. We sincerely and strictly pursue a policy of good neighbourliness and adhere to the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence. I wish to reiterate that Myanmar's relations with Thailand will continue to be guided by those five principles and strong sentiments.
I am also gratified to note that, with our joint efforts and hard work we have been able to establish some useful mechanisms which are instrumental in enhancing fruitful cooperation on our bilateral maters at different levels.
I have no doubt that the existing friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation between our two countries will grow from strength to strength with the passage of time.
May I-also take this opportunity to extend my best wishes for further progress and prosperity of the people of the Kingdom of Thailand and for Your Excellency's personal well-being and success.
Please accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.
From Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai
From His Excellency Mr Chuan Leekpai, Prime Minister of Thailand to His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of. the Union of Myanmar:
Excellency,
On the auspicious occasion of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Thailand and Myanmar, I have the honour to extend, on behalf of the Government and people of Thailand, my sincere best wishes and goodwill to the Government and people of the Union of Myanmar.
This historic milestone underscores the long-standing spirit of neighbourly co-operation that forms the basis for the close and friendly relations between our two countries.
Our centuries-old relationship is rooted both in history and in the mutual recognition that our deepening interdependence will bind our destinies ever closer together as Myanmar is now part of the ASEAN family, there exist numerous possibilities for us to further enhance our interaction and mutual assistance. By earnestly working with our ASEAN partners to tackle the new challenges facing our region at this crucial stage in history, I believe that Thailand and Myanmar together can help usher Southeast Asia into a new era of regional solidarity, peace and prosperity.
Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.
_____________________________________
(2) Secretary-1 inspects construction work
YANGON, 13 Aug - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected all-round renovation of Shwedagon Pagoda, preparations to offer Magaikdaw and Salwedaw to Maha Zeya Atulamarazein Bronze Buddha Image and construction of the Sixth Buddhist Synod Museum at Thirimingalar Kaba Aye, a building in which member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee will reside and Withongama Weikzayanthi Ordination Hall of Maha Hsewungaba Kyaungtaik this afternoon.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by officials of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council, arrived the northern stairway of the Shwedagon Pagoda at 1 pm.
He was welcomed there by Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Chairman of the Leading Committee for All-round Renovation of the Shwedagon Pagoda Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe, Chairman of the Working Committee Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Col Hsan Hsint, department heads, members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees and officials.
Then, the Secretary-1 inspected renovation of the building of the lift at the northern stairway of the pagoda and installation of the lift.
Later, the Secretary-1 inspected progress of work in renovating Shwehsaungdawgyi, the northern stairway of the pagoda.
Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected renovation and repair of religious buildings on the pagoda platform and the prayer hall in which the bell of King Thayawady is kept.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party paid homage to Padamya Myetshin Buddha Image on the upper terrace of the pagoda.
The Secretary-1 also inspected renovation of the southern prayer hall of the pagoda.
Officials reported on renovation work.
Next, the Secretary-1 inspected building of two lion statues at the western stair way of the pagoda.
Then. the Secretary-1 and party visited Maha Zeya Atulamarazein Bronze Buddha Image on Gyadawya Street, Bahan Township.
The Secretary-1 was briefed by officials on preparations to offer Magaikdaw and Salwedaw to Maha Zeya Atulamarazein Bronze Buddha Image.
The Secretary-1 gave instructions.
On arrival at Thirimingalar Kaba Aye, the Secretary-1 was welcomed by Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin and officials.
Later, the Secretary-1 inspected construction of the Sixth Buddhist Synod Museum.
Officials reported on progress of work.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 inspected measures taken for greening of the precinct of Pitakattaik.
Later, the Secretary-1 inspected construction work of a building in which member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee will reside.
At the work-site, the Secretary-1 was briefed by officials of the Public Works on construction work.
The Secretary-1 then gave instructions.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Maha Hsewungaba Kyaungtaik in Insein Township.
They were welcomed there by Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay and officials.
Next, the Secretary-1 inspected construction of Withongama Weikzayanthi Ordination Hall of Maha Hsewungaba Kyaungtaik.
Mayor U Ko Lay and officials reported on construction work.
Then, the Secretary-1 and party paid respects to Sayadaw of Maha Hsewungaba Kyaungtaik Bhaddanta Aggadhamma.
They also paid respects to ancient Buddha images and Hsutaungpyi Mahasandawshin Emerald Buddha Image.
___________________________________________
(3) Dry rations offered to Sarthintaiks, Home for the Aged of Little Sisters of the Poor
YANGON, 23 Aug - Families of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and well-wishers donated dry rations to Sarthintaiks and Home for the Aged of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Mingalar Taungnyunt Township at respective venues this morning.
Present were Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) 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, Ministers at the Office of the Prime Minister Brig-Gen Lun Maung and Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Deputy Minister for Rail Transportation Thura U Thaung Lwin, Deputy Minister for Labour U Kyaw Aye, Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, Deputy Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Col Hsan Hsint, Officer on Special Duty at the Office of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Than Tint. departmental officials and well-wishers.
A ceremony to donate dry rations to Damikayon Pali Tekkatho Dewathagara Theingon Kyaungtaiks Aungmyebeikman Sarthintaik and Hinthada Thonhtatkyaungtaik was held at Damikayon Pali Tekkatho Dewathagara Theingon Kyaungtaik at 8:30 am.
Presiding Sayadaw of Damikayon Pali Tekkatho Dewathagara Theingon Kyaungtaik Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Eindaka administered the Five Precepts.
Then, the ministers and the deputy ministers offered alms to the Sayadaws.
Chief of Staff (Navy) Captain Kyi Min, Chief of Staff (Air) Col Myint Swe and Vice-Adjutant General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo offered rice donated by families of the Tatmadaw to the Presiding Sayadaw of Damikayon Pali Tekkatho Dewathagara Theingon Kyaungtaik for three Kyaungtaiks.
Next, rice, edible oil, salt, medicine and alms were offered to Sayadaws.
Officials and well-wishers donated over K 280,500 through the ministers.
Chief of Staff (Air) Col Myint Swe and Director-General of Religious Affairs Department U Arnt Maung supplicated on the purpose of donation and religious affairs.
Similarly. a ceremony to donate dry rations to Hsutaungpyi Kyaungtaik, Ashin Ardatesa Kyaungtaik and Dhamma Zeya Kyaungtaik in Mingalar Taungnyunt Township was held at Hsutaungpyi Kyaungtaik.
Chairman of Sangha Nayaka Committee (Thudama) Presiding Sayadaw of Hnitkyaikshithsukyaung Bhaddanta Eindakathami administered the Five Precepts.
The ministers and the deputy ministers offered alms to Sayadaws.
Then, rice, edible oil, salt, gram and medicine donated by the families of the Tatmadaw, associations and well-wishers were presented to the Presiding Sayadaws of three Sarthintaiks.
Cash donations included K 720.000 by Shwehsan Engineering Ltd, K 504,000
by Captain U Khin Aye-Daw Aye Aye Myint and family of Kyaukkon, Yankin,. for
construction of a building of Hsutaungpyi Kyaungtaik, K 300,000 by U Saw Tun-Daw
Tin Lin Kyin and family and K 100,000 each by Dr Khin Nyunt-Dr Tin Tin Hla, Daw
Khin Aye Myaing and family and U Myint Thein, U Kyaw Htaik, brothers and
sisters.
Presiding Sayadaw of Hsutaungpyi Kyaungtaik Maha Gandawasaka Pandita Bhaddanta Thumanananda delivered a sermon.
Similarly, a ceremony to donate dry rations to Home for the Aged of the Little Sisters of the Poor was held at the Home on ,Theinbyu Road, Mingalar Taungnyunt Township.
Dry rations donated by families of the Tatmadaw and well-wishers and cash donations including K 17,500 by wellwishers, K 55,555 by MMM Construction and K 25,090 by Sandi traditional medicine family were presented to Mother Louisa of the Home.
Brig-Gen Lun Maung explained about the purpose of the donation.
Sister Susan thanked the donors.
Archbishop Gabriel blessed the gathering and brought the event to a close.
After the ceremony, the Secretary-2 cordially conversed with the aged.
________________________________________
(4) Thai traditional dance troupe arrives
YANGON, 23 Aug - A 15-member Thai traditional dance troupe arrived here this morning.
They were welcomed at the airport by Director-General of Fine Arts Department U Tin Htoo, Ambassador of Thailand and officials.
The troupe will entertain the public at the National Theatre from 24 to 26 August to mark the 50th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Union of Myanmar and the Royal Kingdom of Thailand.
__________________________________________
(5) Director (News) of NPE, Chief Editor of Myanma Alin arrive back
YANGON, 23 Aug - Director (News) U Hla Tun of News and Periodicals Enterprise and Chief Editor U Soe Myint of Myanma Alin Press arrived back this evening after attending the Conference on Education and Training of Journalists in ASEAN Countries jointly organized by the Asian Institute for Development Communication and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Germany, from 20 to 22 August in Malaysia.
They were welcomed back at the airport by Managing Director of NPE U Tin Kha, officials and families.
____________________________________________
(6) Construction of Anawrahta Bridge (Chauk) inspected
YANGON, 23 Aug - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun and departmental officials inspected construction of Anawrahta Bridge (Chauk) across Ayeyawady River on 9 August.
Senior Engineer U Soe Han reported on progress of work and tasks to be undertaken.
The minister gave instructions on completion of the bridge in time and inspected piers, approach bridges and installation of reinforced concrete trusses at the site. He then fulfilled the requirements. The bridge is nearly complete.
The minister and party inspected Pakokku-Seikphyu section of Pathein-Monywa road. At Kantwin Village, the minister was briefed on Htilin-Gangaw Road and Seikphyu-Saw Road by officials.
The minister inspected the by pass road of Pakokku-Seikphyu section on Pathein-Monywa Road and gave instructions.
_______________________________________
(7) Myanmar delegation to attend 19th ASEAN Parliamentary Work Committee and General Meeting in Malaysia
YANGON, 23 Aug - A delegation led by Chairman of National Convention Convening Work Committee U Aung Toe left here to attend the 19th ASEAN Parliamentary Work Committee and General Meeting to be held in Kuala Lumpur from 24 to 28 August.
The delegation was seen off at the airport by Chairman of National Convention Convening Commission Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, member Attorney-General U Tha Tun, officials of Offices of Chief Justice and the Pyithu Hluttaw, and Malaysian Embassy and families.
Members of the delegation are Joint Secretary of National Convention Convening Work Committee U Thaung Nyunt, Secretary of Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission U Aye Maung, Director-General of the Pyithu Hluttaw Office U Myo Nyunt, Director-General of Cottage Industries Department Dr Than Htaik and Assistant Director of ASEAN Affairs Department U Tun On.
_______________________________________
(8) Minister for SWRR tours Kawhmu
YANGON, 23 Aug - Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Pyi Sone inspected Hngetawsan Youth Training School in Kawhmu Township today.
He was welcomed there by Commanding Officer of the Regional Battalion Lt-Col Khin Maung Win, township authorities, Principal of the School U Khin Maung Lat and officials.
The Principal briefed the Minister on the salient points about the school.
Later, the Minister visited the teachers and the youth and gave necessary instructions.
He presented K 50,000 for the school to the Principal.
He later inspected Township Fire Station and met departmental personnel, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade.
He spoke of the current political, economic and social situation.
_____________________________________________
(9) Myanmar cultural troupe arrives back from Thailand
YANGON, 23 Aug - The 20-member Myanmar cultural troupe led by Rector of University of Culture Lt-Col Zaw Than arrived back here this morning after taking part in the workshop on Thai-Myanmar Music and Arts Presentation and entertainment show held in Thailand from 16 to 23 August.
They were welcomed back at the airport by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Director-General of Fine Arts Department U Tin Htoo, officials of Ministry of Culture, Fine Arts Department and University of Culture, Ambassador of Thailand and families.
________________________________________
(10) Basic Accountancy Course No 1 of Kayah State USDA concludes
YANGON, 23 Aug - Basic Accountancy Course No 1 of Kayah State Union Solidarity and Development Association concluded at State USDA office in Loikaw on 22 August.
Present were member of the Secretariat of USDA Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, Brig-Gen Kyaw Win of Phekhon Station, Patron of Kayah State USDA Chairman of Kayah State Peace and Development Council Col Hla Thaung Myint, Governor of Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung, Director-General of Internal Revenue Department U Chit Swe, departmental officials, EC members of State, District and Township USDAs, course instructors and trainees.
U Khin Maung Thein spoke of conducting advanced accountancy courses,
implementing the Twelve Objectives and warding off external and internal
destructive elements in accord with the four-point People's Desire.
Col Hla Thaung Myint also spoke. Next, U Khin Maung Thein presented certificates to trainees and gifts to course instructors. U Phay Rai submitted 1,857 USDA membership applications from Mahtawkhu Village Tract to U Khin Maung Thein.
On 22 August, U Khm Maung Thein discussed functions of the association with EC members of Township USDA in Pinlaung and he donated cash to Township USDA.
Minister U Khin Maung Thein inspected Myanma Economic Bank in Pinlaung. The CEC member met EC members of Phekhon Township USDA.
The minister and party inspected Internal Revenue Department, Customs
Department and MEB in Loikaw today.
_____________________________________________
To view with photos, please browse at - http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/