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1) Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation arrives back from 20th ASEAN Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry Conference
YANGON, 23 Sept - Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin arrived back here yesterday after attending the 20th ASEAN Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry Conference held from 17 to 18 September in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The delegation was welcomed back at the Yangon International Airport by Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Deputy Ministers for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung and U Ohn Myint, Mr Raden Suwannakorn of Royal Thai Embassy, Counsellor of Vietnamese Embassy Mr Pham Ngoc Thuan and heads of departments under the Ministry. During their stop-over in Bangkok on 16 September, the minister visited Thalad Thai, the largest fruits and vegetables wholesale market in Thailand.
The minister studied wholesale of fruits and vegetables, mechanical sorting of fruits, wholesale shops in 200 acres of land and arrangements for construction of cold storage. The delegation then flew on Vietnam. Myanmar delegation attended coordination meeting on agendas of the 20th ASEAN Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Conference and dinner. On 17 September, the minister, Ambassador U Khin Soe and members attended the conference at Hanoi Daewoo Hotel in Hanoi.
Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam Mr. Nguyen Manh Cam delivered an address. ASEAN Agriculture Ministers posed for souvenir photo. The ministers then paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Phan Vau Thair.
Production and sufficiency of food in ASEAN region, sale of agriculture, fish and forest products of ASEAN at the world market, socio-economic development based on agriculture in the region were discussed at the meeting.
The delegation discussed exchange of technology and quality strains and cooperation in economic enterprises of agriculture with officials led by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Mr Le Huy Ngo.
On 18 September, Minister Le Huy Ngo presented six news letters published by ASEAN to Minister at the 20th AMAF. A joint communiqué was released and then Press conference was held.
Myanmar delegation, accompanied by Ambassador U Khin Soe, visited Huabin Hydel Power Station built on Dar River, 75 kilometers west of Hanoi where they were briefed on water supply, flood prevention measures and generating of 1,320 megawatts.
On 19 September, Minister Brig-Gen Nyunt Tin met staff at Myanmar Embassy and explained Myanmar's economy and development.
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2) Health Planning Department holds coord meeting
YANGON, 23 Sept - The Health Planning Department held a coordination meeting at its head office on Theinbyu Road this morning.
It was attended by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister Dr Mya Oo, Director-General Dr Kyi Soe of HPD, heads of departments and officials under the ministry and representatives of State Division Health Planning Departments and Health Education Departments.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein spoke of the need for divisional health officers under five departments of the ministry to cooperate in carrying out departmental activities as they are under the same ministry.
The Ministry of Health, in cooperation with UNDP, WHO and UNICEF, is implementing health projects through conducting public health care and school health care activities and encouraging the traditional medicine sector as well, adding that today, most of world nations are promoting the use of traditional medicine with keen interest.
He stressed the importance of collecting correct information, saying only if information, reports and reviews were correct, could health plans be drawn correctly and accurately, and moreover, officials could make correct decisions which are important for achieving success in implementing health plans.
If required, departments under the ministry will have to make effective cooperation and coordination with other departments and ministries so as to promote the health standard, he said.
The minister also noted that departments under the ministry are cooperating with local and international NGOs and the people in conducting public education activities, collecting data and drawing health projects and plans.
The government formed the National Health Committee, which now plays leadership role in carrying out health tasks, and health committees from state division level up to ward village level, he said.
The minister urged representatives of States and Divisions to openly present weaknesses and strengths of health activities being carried out in their regions.
After a recess, the meeting assumed with Maj-Gen Ket Sein as presiding chairman.
Health planning officers and health officers submitted reports on tasks carried out within one year and future tasks.
After the minister, the deputy minister and officials had taken part in discussions on the reports, the first-day session of the meeting came to an end.
It continues on 25 September.
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3) Myanmar-Thailand border trade discussed
YANGON, 23 Sept - A coordination meeting on Myanmar-Thailand border trade was held at Central Maesot Hill Hotel in Maesot, Tak District, Thailand, on 22 September.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister for Commerce Commodore Myo Tint, Myanmar Ambassador to Thailand U Hla Maung, Military Attaché Lt-Col Kyaw Han, Commander of No 44 LID Col Nay Win, Chairman of Kayin State Peace and Development Council Col Saw Khin Soe, Director-General of Border Trade Department Col Min Hla Aung, Managing Director of Myanma Economic Bank Thura U Myint Shwe, Director-General of Customs Department U Tun Chun, Director-General of Internal Revenue Department U Chit Swe, Director-General of Immigration and National Registration Department Col Maung Htay, General Manager of Hotels and Tourism Services U Htay Aung, Chairman of Myawady District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Min Naing,officials of the Union of Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and merchants.
Also present on Thailand side were Commander-in-Charge of Royal Thai Army General Chetta Thanajaro, Secretary of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Royal Thai Army General Champong Tharasit, Commanding General of 3rd Army Area Lt-General Sommai Wichaworn, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Commerce of Thailand Mr Photipong Lamsam, senior officials, officials of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, merchants.
They discussed border trade, tourism and investment. They then exchanged gifts.
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4) Construction projects gaining momentum in Mandalay
YANGON, 23 Sept - Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj.-Gen Ye Myint inspected Dokhtawady River Bridge Project on 21 September. Accompanied by Deputy Commander Col Nay Win,
Tactical Operation Commander Col Tun Kyi and officials, the commander supervised installation of steel beams and preparations to lay concrete floor. He stressed the need to ensure worksite safety.
At Mandalay International Airport Project, he inspected construction of an approach road which is located between Dokhtawady and Sagaing bridges. An engineer briefed him on progress in ground levelling and rock availability. He gave suggestions.
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5) Minister receives Ambassador of Sri Lanka
YANGON, 23 Sept - Minister at the Office of the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Abel received Ambassador of Sri Lanka Mr KB Fernando, who has completed his tour of duty, at his office at 10 am today.
They discussed friendly relations between Myanmar and Sri Lanka as well as prospects for mutual cooperation.
Present were officials of the departments conceded.
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6) Attitude of the nationalities peace groups
There have been report that the majority of the public is worried about the danger of deteriorating peace and of regional stability and peace being undermined after spreading of news that the four groups which had made peace with the government supported the National League for Democracy's call for convening of the Hluttaw. Hence, declarations of the peace groups will be made public to be able to vividly learn the situation between the peace groups and National League for Democracy and the true attitude of the peace groups. Today, a translation of the declaration of the Eastern Shan State Special Region (4) is stated as follows and the declarations of other peace groups will also be made public.
Eastern Shan State Special Region (4) Headquarters, Mongla
Date: 19
September 1998
Declaration on the attitude of the Eastern Shan State Special Region (4) in connection with the acts of the National League for Democracy
Rumours about the political situation are spreading in the country. We are worried about them. We are particularly worried about the news that Hluttaw will be called replacing the drafting of the constitution through the Government's National Convention. Hence, the declaration on the attitude of the Eastern Shan State Special Region (4) is as follows:
1. National solidarity disintegrated in our country in the past due to armed conflicts among the national races. Considering that disintegration of national solidarity could harm national independence and sovereignty, successive governments tried to secure national reconsolidation employing all possible means. However, they did not realize the objective for various reasons. Now only, national solidarity has been established due to the Tatmadaw Government's efforts. Peace has also been restored. As much as peace has been restored progress is made in economy, transport and communications and education in the border areas where different national races reside. Their standard of living has also improved. The Tatmadaw government and we, the national races, have not made peace easily. We have achieved it only after confronting hitches and overcoming numerous difficulties.
2. The National League for Democracy is reported to be organizing to convene the Hluttaw. This act can create misunderstanding between the Tatmadaw Government and nationalities groups and undermine the peace which they have achieved out of much difficulty. Moreover, it can destabilize the nation and then cause disintegration of the Union. Our organization will not support in any way the acts of that party.
3. Our organization believes that the Tatmadaw Government has already
established national solidarity and at present it is heading for the
discipline-flourishing democracy. We also believe that in so doing it is
following the correct path. So, our organization declares that it will
continue to cooperate only with the Tatmadaw Government.
Sai Lin
Military Local Administration Committee
Eastern Shan State Special Region (4)
Union of Myanmar
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7) Functions of Chief Accountant's office of MPI inspected
YANGON, 23 Sept - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin inspected functions of Chief Accountant's Office of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications on Bo Sun Pat Street this morning.
Managing Director of MPT, the Chief Accountant and officials reported on functions of various sections.
The- minister gave instructions on ways of checking foreign currency and automation.
Computer in-charge reported on requirements of computer system used ;11 collection telephone bills.
The minister inspected computer section and compiling of telephone directory and gave instructions on renovation of the Chief Accountant's Office.
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8) Cooperative factories inspected
YANGON, 23 Sept - Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San inspected cooperative factories in Yangon this afternoon.
Together with officials, he visited Circus Foodstuff Cooperative Ltd at 108, Insein Road, Kamayut Township. Officials briefed him on productions of biscuits and wafers, packaging and storage.
Managing Director Daw Khin Than Lin explained production, distribution, financial matters.
The cooperative should strive to boost production of import substitute quantity foods, the minister said.
Formed in 1995, the cooperative is producing over 50,000 pounds of biscuits and 20,000 pounds wafers monthly.
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9) Refresher Course 1/98 for GAD Deputy Commissioners begins
YANGON, 23 Sept - Refresher Course 1/98 for Deputy Commissioners of General Administration Department was opened at the GAD training school on Sayasan Road this afternoon.
Present on the occasion were Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, GAD Director-General U Aung Thein and Deputy Director-General U Maung Win, directors and deputy commissioners.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Col Tin Hlaing spoke about improvement of efficiency of deputy commissioners, cooperation with other departments, providing supervision and disseminating knowledge on State policies to personnel at different levels and the people.
He called on them to behave in accordance with the mottos of the ministry, to be free from colonial practices, to safeguard interests of the nation and the people and to make efforts in carrying out tasks of the State Peace and Development Council.
Afterwards, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung explained prevailing world situation, Myanma political history, progress of the nation and matters on personnel affairs.
A total of 38 deputy commissioners are attending the course which will end on 25 September.
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10) Consecration ceremony for Tilawka Muni Buddha Image held
YANGON, 23 Sept - The consecration ceremony of Tilawka Muni Buddha Image to be kept in Saw Gwan Sa Buddha Temple in Republic of Korea was held at Shweyinaye Dhamma Beikmandaw on Gyadawya Street in Bahan Township this morning.
It was attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Sangha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kawthanla, Secretary Sayadaw Bhaddanta Wimala, Bahan Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nandiya and Sayadaws, Ambassador of ROK Mr Kyong Bo Choy, members of Carrying Committee for the Image, officials of Central Myanmar Therawada Missionary and Myanmar Buddha Missionary at Hill Regions and Myanmar citizens in Korea.
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kawthanla administered the Five Precepts. The congregation donated offertories to the Sayadaws.
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11) Myanmar delegation leaves for China
YANGON, 23 Sept - A Myanmar delegation led by Deputy General Manager U Soe Thein of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism left here by yesterday morning to attend Beijing International Culture Tourism Festival '98 in Beijing, at the invitation of Beijing Tourism Administration of the People's Republic of China.
The delegation includes 14 entrepreneurs of private hotels and tours enterprises and five-member traditional dance troupe.
They were seen off at Yangon Intentional Airport by Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Managing Director U Kyi Tun of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services, officials and families.
Tourism promotion, photo contest, stage shows and various restaurants will be included in the festival. Heads of tourism~services, worldwide, entrepreneurs and traditional dance troupes will attend it.
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12) 34 Myanmars leave for Buddha Gaya
YANGON, 23 Sept - Thirty-four Myanmar pilgrims left here by air for Buddha Gaya to begin their religious visit. They were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Director-General of Religious Affairs Department U Arnt Maung, Director-General of Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Sann Lwin, Head of Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs U Maung Maung Myint, Deputy Director of Religious Affairs Department U Ba Sein, patron of Myanmar Buddha Gaya Missionary Thiha Thudhamma Manizawtadhara Thaddama-zawtikadhaja Shwe Myintin U Nyo and executives.
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13) Deputy Minister inspects functions of Department of Archaeology
YANGON, 23 Sept - Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt yesterday visited the Department of Archaeology on Pyay Road here.
He was greeted by Director-General of the department U Han Tin, Deputy Directors-General U Min Swe and U Kyaw Win and senior officials.
U Soe Nyunt inspected the museum of the Antiques Section and gave instructions on keeping of the items in proper order and production of replicas of the five Pyu Period bronze statues for sale to tourists.
He proceeded to the library and called for purchasing more books and preservation of palm leaves and books.
He later had discussions with the officials.