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(1) Senior General Than Shwe sends greetings to the grand ceremonial inauguration of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University
YANGON, 9 Dec - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe sent a message of greetings to the grand inauguration ceremony of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University held in Maha Pasana Cave at Kaba Aye here this morning, 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 Sann.
Also present were member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee headed by Chairman Sayadaw of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and Chancellor Sayadaw of the ITBMU Abhidhaja Maha Katha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Sobhita, lexicographer Sayadaws, instructor Sayadaws of the cultural course, State Vinayadhara Sayadaws, Tipitaka Ovadacariya Sayadaws, Theravada Ovadacariya Sayadaws, the Rector Sayadaw of ITBMU and lecturer Sayadaws, Chief Patron Sayadaw of the State Pariyatti Sasana Tekkatho (Yangon) and lecturer Sayadaws, Sayadaws of Sarthintaiks in Yangon Division, Sayadaws from abroad, members of the Sangha in the country and from abroad who would be studying at the ITBMU as well as Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and wife, members of the State Peace and Development Council and their wives, ministers and their wives, the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, the Auditor-General, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board and the Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee and the Mayor and their wives, members of the Multiparty General Election Commission, the directors-general, the managing directors, members of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, ambassadors and military attaches of foreign embassies in Yangon the heads of religious affairs departments of foreign nations, members of the ITBMU Inauguration Ceremony Organizing Work Committee, members of the organizational set-up and curriculum drafting committee, lecturer Sayadaws, Sasana Nuggaha tide recipients, local and foreign journalists, members of the Board of Trustees, personnel of the religious associations, students inside and from abroad who would be studying at the ITBMU and guests.
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(2) Teaching of Theravada Buddhism to be shared with peoples of the world
YANGON, 9 Dec - The following is the message from Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council on the auspicious inauguration ceremony of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University today.
The Ven Ovadacariya Mahatheras of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University headed by the most Ven Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, specially invited Mahatheras and specially invited guests from home and abroad,
First of all, may I sincerely express that it is a great honour and pleasure to me to send this message to this auspicious inauguration ceremony of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University.
The International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University will provide the teaching of the genuine Theravada Pitaka Pali canons together with Atthakatha (commentaries) and Tika (sub-commentaries) which were successively approved by the six Buddhist Synods. We hope as a result of this peoples all over the world will be able to comprehend, enjoy and practice the essence of the true Theravada Buddhism.
At present, in the Union of Myanmar, there are altogether over 1000 monastic institutions (colleges) providing higher studies in the Dhamma, and also there are two State Pariyatti Sasana Universities, one in Yangon and another in Mandalay providing higher studies leading to Maha Dhammacariya degree. However, the medium of instruction of those Universities is in Myanmar language, and so it is not effective as we expected in sharing Theravada Buddhism with peoples throughout the world, and in making them understand and believe in Theravada Buddhism.
And now, in order to overcome language barriers, the medium of instruction of this newly-established University will be in English. The objectives of the University are to share with peoples of the world:
(1) the successive teaching of Theravada Buddhism as practiced by our forefathers for more than 2000 years;
(2) the concepts and rulings of Vinaya, Suttanta and Abhidhamma treatises of Pitaka Canon; and
(3) the Theravada method of Vipassana meditation.
In conclusion, may I solemnly wish that the essence of the Buddha's teaching thrive and remain firmly in the hearts of peoples throughout the world.
May all beings be healthy and wealthy and be able to practice and enjoy the fruits of the Buddha's teaching.
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(2) Golden bowl and golden bells for Shwedagon Pagoda
YANGON, 9 Dec - A ceremony to present golden bowl and golden bells donated by Chinese Buddhist lay disciples led by Sayadaw Shi Fazhao of Buddhist Golden Temple from Singapore for the Shwedagon Pagoda was held at Ancient Buddha Images Tazaung on the platform of the pagoda at 8 pm today, attended by Patron of Leading Committee for All-round Renovation of the Shwedagon Pagoda Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
The ceremony was also attended by Shwedagon Pagoda Ovadacariya Sayadaw Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Pinninda Bhivamsa, Sayadaw Shi Fazhao and members of the Sangha, Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, Chairman of Work Committee for All-round Renovation of the Shwedagon Pagoda Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Col Hsan Hsint and committee members, member of the Board of Trustees, Chinese Buddhist lay disciples and well-wishers.
Secretary of the Work Committee for All-round Renovation of the Shwedagon Pagoda Lt-Col Myint Oo explained about the renovation of the Sasanika buildings of the pagoda.
Sayadaw Shi Fazhao of Buddhist Golden Temple from Singapore explained the reason for donation of golden bowl and golden bells.
Then, Sayadaw Shi Fazhao and Chinese Buddhist lay disciples presented golden bowl, 132-golden bells and cash for Shwedagon Pagoda through Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Member of the Board of Trustees U Thant Zin spoke on the occasion.
Bhaddanta Panninda Bhivamsa then delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits for their good deeds.
The golden bowl weighs 36 ticals and 1 32-golden bells each weighing over 2 ticals.
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(3) Secretary-l, Secretary-2 attend dinner to mark successful conclusion of First Myanmar Women's Conference
YANGON, 9 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo attended the dinner at Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel, hosted by Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, in commemoration of the successful conclusion of Myanmar Women's Conference sponsored by Myanmar National Working Committee for Women Affairs this evening.
Present on the occasion were Dr Khin Win Shwe, wife of the Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Daw Khin Than Nwe, wife of the Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Daw Khin Cho Oo, wife of the Secretary 3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen win Myint. member of the Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, wives of the members of the State Peace and Development Council, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Sein Win, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Minister for Labour Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, Minister at the Office of Prime Minister Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Chief Justice U Aung Toe, Attorney-General U Tha Tun, Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board U Maung Maung Gyi, Mayor U Ko Lay, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, heads of departments, members of Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs, advisers to the six work groups of the Women's Affairs, the secretary and members of Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs, representatives of the States and Divisions, personnel of non-governmental organization and guests.
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(4) Call for efforts to promote well-being of Myanmar women and to step up their participation in building the nation
YANGON, 9 Dec - First Myanmar Women s Conference sponsored by Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs, went into the final day today.
Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo attended it and Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Chairman of MNCWA Brig-Gen Pyi Sone delivered the closing address.
It was also attended by Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, members of Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs, delegates of State/Division Working Committee the heads of department officials.
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(5) Mongyaung Township NLD dissolved
YANGON, 9 Dec - The Executive Committee members and all members of Mongyaung Township National League for Democracy, Shan State (East), tendered their resignations and dissolved the Township NLD on their own volition on 30 November 1998.
Mongyaung Township NLD was first formed on 27 May 1989 with 12 EC members. Out of 12 EC members, seven were left. The remaining EC members of the Township NLD resigned from the party membership on their own volition since they no longer wished to continue to take part in NLD's political activities. They notified the office of Mongyaung Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission and the chairman of the party concerned.
On 30 November, personnel of the township NLD dissolved it by handing over the seals and documents to the Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission.
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YANGON, 9 Dec - Fifty-seven members resigned from the National League for Democracy of Minhla Township, Magway Division.
Fifteen members of Minhla Township NLD Magway Division, on their own volition, tendered their resignations by sending letters of resignation to Minhla Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission Office and the party concerned on 25 October and 42 members followed suit on 26 November as they no longer wished to participate in political activities of NLD, totaling 57, sent their letters of resignation to Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission Office and the party concerned on 26 November.
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(7) Deputy Minister for Commerce inspects bran oil and rice mills
YANGON, 9 Dec - Deputy Minister for Commerce Col Kyaw Hsan, accompanied by Managing Director U Saw Aung of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading, arrived at 360-ton Rice mill in Ahlon Township at 11.30 am yesterday.
General Manager U Moe Paw of MAPT and Factory Manager U Tin Aung welcomed and conducted them round the mill.
The deputy minister inspected stages of production.
The deputy minister proceeded to Hteedan Freight Handling Section in Ahlon Township. Manager U Tin Ohn briefed the deputy minister on the situation of the section.
At 1.45 pm, the deputy minister went to No 01 Bran Oil Mill in Hline Township. Deputy General Manager U Maung Maung reported to the deputy minister on the mill. The deputy minister gave necessary instructions.
At No 04 Neikban Rice Mill in Kyimyindine Township, Mill Manager U Zaw Lin Oo and officials welcomed and briefed them on situation of the mill.
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(8) Housing & Building Exhibition '98 to be held
YANGON, 9 Dec - With the aim of fostering the development of housing and construction work in Myanmar in keeping with the times, 2nd Exhibition Housing & Building '98 sponsored by TTF (Yangon) Co Ltd with the permission of the Ministry of Commerce will be held at Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road from 10 to 13 December.
To be displayed at the exhibition are construction materials, housing projects, housing decorative materials, furniture and electrical appliances.
Admission is free.
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(9) Minister visits electric and electronic appliances factory
YANGON, 9 Dec - Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, together with officials, visited the electric and electronic appliances factory of Myanmar Machine Tool and Electrical Industries on Inya Lake Road in Mayangon Township on 7 December.
They were welcomed there by General Manager U Aye Thin and employees.
Director (Planning) of MMTEI U Win Tint reported on the background and set-up of the factory and products and electronic services.
Managing Director of MMTEI Col Kyaw Win gave a supplementary report.
Then, the minister toured the factory and inspected the staff welfare shop.
He also inspected production of spare parts of automobiles at the spare parts workshop, and gave instructions.
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BANGKOK, 9 Dec - Weight-lifting results of the 1998 Asian Games Wednesday.
Women's 58 kg clean and jerk
1. Ri Song-hui 125.0 kg (world record)
2. Chen Vanging (China) 122.5
3. Khassarapom Suta (Thailand) 120.0
4. Khin Moe Nwe (Myanmar) 115.0
Soccer
North Korea 1
Turkmenistan 1
Halftime: 0-0
Uzbekistan 2
India 0
Halftime: 1-0
South Korea 2
United Arab Emirates 1
Halftime: 1-0
Japan 2
Kuwait 1
Halftime: 0-0
Women's 58 kg total lift
1. Chen Yanging (China) 220.0
2. Ri Song-hui 217.5
3. Khassarapom
Suta
(Thailand) 210.0
4. Khin Moe Nwe
(Myanmar) 205.0
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(11) National Convention Convening Commission meets
YANGON, 9 Dec - The National Convention Convening Commission held its coordination meeting at the meeting hall of NCCC at 2 pm today.
Present were Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Vice-Chairman Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and commission members.
Secretary of National Convention Convening Commission briefed the meeting on tasks of National Convention Convening Work Committee and National Convention Convening Management Committee.
Members of the National Convention Convening Commission took part in the discussions.
Later, the meeting ended with remarks by Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Lwin.