THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
(Tuesday, 1 June 1999)
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YANGON, 31 May - A seminar on application of John Deere power-tillers and other equipment was held at Sedona Hotel today.
Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin delivered an address.
Present on the occasion were Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn Myint, Deputy Minister for Industry-2 U Thein Tun, Deputy Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Thein Aung, departmental heads, entrepreneurs implementing agriculture projects and guests.
Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin said that in implementing the multiple-cropping projects for boosting production in the agriculture sector, concerted endeavors are being made for mechanization.
He expressed hope that the seminar would help implement these projects.
Mr Richard J Isert, Mr Rex Beach and Mr L K Liew of John Deere Asia Pty Ltd gave presentations on application and effectiveness of the machines.
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(2) Minister for Transport inspects departmental works
YANGON, 31 May - Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, together with Deputy Minister U Pe Than and officials, visited Ahlon Shipyard under Inland Water transport this morning.
Managing Director of the IWT U Tun Aung Myint reported on the background history of the shipyard, Senior Engineer U Zaw Tun on the set-up of the staff and progress of work. Deputy General Manager (Engineer) U Maung Maung Tin on operation of Acetylene Factory at the shipyard, production of acetylene gas and availability of raw materials, and the deputy minister on building of a modern shipyard.
Then, the minister, the deputy minister and party inspected production of acetylene at the factory.
Afterwards, the minister, the deputy minister and party proceeded to the project site for construction of a modern 20-storey building jointly undertaken by Myanma Port Authority and YKK Development (S) Ltd on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road.
Managing Director of MPA U Thein Htay reported on the purpose of the project, U Myint Aung of YKK Development (S) Ltd on making investment with the capital of 38 million US $ for the project, the agreement of the project signed by MPA and YKK Development (S) Ltd and progress of work in implementing the project, and Manager of Mitsui Construction Mr Hitoaki Koga on construction works.
Then, the minister, the deputy minister and party inspected the project.
Next, the minister and party proceeded to the Institute of Marine Technology. Principal of the institute U Win Thein reported on the courses being conducted at the institute and conditions of hostels and the mess hall.
Afterwards, the minister and party inspected courses and the mess hall. Later, the minister and party-went to Myanma Shipyards.
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(3) On-Job Training Course for Township Revenue officers begins
YANGON, 31 May - The On-Job Training Course No 13 for Township Revenue Officers of Internal Revenue Department under the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, began at the department on Pansodan Street, this morning.
It was attended by Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, Governor of Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung, Director-General U Chit Swe of IRD, directors general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry and trainees.
In his address, Minister U Khin Maung Thein said the State had spent a large amount of capital in major projects for national development. Tax and revenues must be collected to obtain the required capital, he added. He spoke of the need to inform and organize the public to be duty-conscious in paying taxes, adding tax collection has to be improved in accord with current economic systems. He urged the revenue officers, to seriously study the subjects at the course and to effectively apply them in the respective fields.
The three-week-course is being attended by 50 revenue officers of various townships in states and divisions.
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(4) World No-Tobacco Day observed
YANGON, 31 May - The World No-Tobacco Day was observed at the Institute of Nursing on Bogyoke Aung San Street today.
Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo and Resident Representative of the WHO Dr Klaus Wagner made speeches.
Also present on the occasion were directors-general, rectors and directors of the department under the ministry officials of the UN agencies and NGOs, and guests.
He said the WHO designated 31 May to be observed as the World No-Tobacco Day and is carrying out campaign to persuade smokers to quit.
He said the slogan of this year' s World No-Tobacco Day is "Leave the Pack Behind" and that of the previous year's was "Growing up without tobacco". He also spoke of the WHO's strategies to eliminate smoking and campaigns through mass media to persuade the youth not to smoke, and noted that despite this, smoking-habit has grown among the youth.
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(5) Minister inspects test wells drilling in Nyaungdon
YANGON, 31 May - Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, accompanied by Deputy Minister U Tin Tun and officials, inspected Nyaungdon Test Well near Wantayoe Village in Nyaungdon Township this morning.
At the briefing hall, Director of Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (Engineer) U Win reported on progress of 10-inch and 8-inch pipelines laying from Nyaungdon Test Well to Hlinethaya Township, transportation of condensate and testing pressure, Chief Engineer (Drilling) U Saw Hla on progress of drilling Nyaungdon Test Well No 2 and Director (Production) U Tin Win on prospects of Nyaungdon Test Well No 2.
The minister gave instructions on distribution of natural gas from Nyaungdon Test Well No 1 beginning I June and supply of natural gas to Myanma Electric Power Enterprise.
Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi presented K 300,000 to service personnel of MOGE for laving 32.4-mile pipeline from the test to Hlinthaya during 49 days.
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(6) Planning Department of NPED Ministry holds meeting
YANGON, 31 May - Planning Department of the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development held a meeting for 1999-2000 at National Archives Department this morning.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha stressed the need to strive effectively to ensure rapid socio-economic progress, to uplift the work ability and skill of staff and to enhance welfare programmes.
Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Zaw Tun explained the objectives, aims and conviction for the staff of the ministry, speaking of the need to strive to realize the aims.
Heads of state, division and district offices presented work plans sector wise.
Directors of the head office looked into their requirements.
Directors-General of Central Statistical Organization and Directorate of Investment and Company Administration also took part in the discussions.
The deputy minister explained process in GDP calculation at the central level and the procedures in gathering correct data at state and division offices.
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(7) Chinese Envoy calls on Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation
YANGON, 31 May - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin received Ambassador of People's Republic of China to Myanmar Mr Liang Dong at the ministry today.
They cordially discussed cooperation in development of the agriculture sector and exchange of technology and expertise.
Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Immigration U Ohn Myint and departmental heads were also present on the occasion.
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(8) National Convention Convening Commission meets
YANGON, 31 May - National Convention Convening Commission held a meeting at the hall of NCCC Office at 2 pm today.
Present on the occasion were Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Vice-Chairmen Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and commission members.
Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Lwin made a speech at the meeting.
Next, National Convention Convening Work Committee and National Convention Convening Management Committee reported on the National Convention matters.
Members of the National Convention Convening Commission took part in the discussions.
Afterwards, the meeting ended with remarks by Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Lwin.
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(9) Production growth will help reduce production cost, enhance quantity and quality of goods
YANGON, 31 May - Human Resources Development Subcommittee of the Myanma Industrial Development Work Committee, Myanma Industrial Development Committee, sponsored a seminar on enhancing productivity of Hlinethaya Industrial Zone this morning.
Speaking on the occasion Chairman of MIDC Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung said MIDC had sponsored a seminar on enhancing productivity in Yangon and another in Mandalay. Practical ways should be sought at the meeting to uplift the production growth which concerns not only with the industrial sector but also with other sectors such as agriculture, mining, fish and meat, transport and construction for national progress.
MIDC, MIDWC and the respective subcommittees should cooperatively work to ensure production growth and should organize the entrepreneurs, the people and the workers to understand the project.
Asian countries are working for enhancing productivity since 40 years ago. There are now 18 member nations in Asia Productivity Organization which is located in Japan. Myanmar attended the recent APO meeting as a specially invited guest.
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(10) Myanmar film artistes back
YANGON, 3 1 May - Myanmar film artistes who presented entertainment in Myanmar-Japan traditional cultural show at Nihon Kyoiku Kaikan Theatre in Tokyo, Japan, arrived back here by air this evening.
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(11) USDA Management (Multiplier) Courses
YANGON, 31 May - Management (Multiplier) Course No 5/99 for Executives, sponsored by Hline Township Union Solidarity and Development Association of Yangon West District, concluded at the office of the township association on Yangon-Insein Road this morning.
Present on the occasion were members of the Central Executive Committee of USDA U Tin Hlaing and U Thaung, members of the executive committee of Division, District and Township USDAs, members of Hline and Kamaryut Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials, guests, course instructors and trainees.
CEC member U Tin Hlaing made a speech.
Secretary of Hline Township USDA U Hla Htay presented certificates of the course for trainees through trainee U Myint Kyi.
Secretary of Yangon Division USDA U Aye Myint and Secretary of Yangon West District USDA U Tin Win presented prizes to outstanding trainees.
CEC member U Tin Hlaing presented all-round outstanding award to trainee Ma Kay Thi San.
Similarly, Management (Multiplier) Course No 1/99 for Executives of Mayangon Township USDA concluded with an address by CEC member of USDA U Tin Hlaing at No 5 Basic Education Middle School on Kyaikwaing Pagoda Road in Mayangon Town ship this morning.
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(12) Deputy Minister meets Chinese writers delegation
YANGON, 31 May - Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein met four-member writers delegation led by members of the Panel of Patrons of Writers Association of People's Republic of China Mr Shu Peide who called at the Minister's Office at 10 am today.
The delegation visited People's Square, People's Park and the National Museum in the morning and Defence Services Museum in the afternoon.
Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein hosted dinner in honour of visiting writers delegation at the Royal Yangon City Hotel in the evening.
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(13) Final rites of State Ovadasariya Sayadaw held in Kyauktan
YANGON, 31 May - The final rites Ceremony of State Ovadacariya Padana Nayaka of Kyauktan Athawkarama Pariyatti Sarthintaik Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Pannavamsa (Sasanadhaja Siripavara Dhammacariya) was held at Sasana Vepulla Dhammayon of the Sarthintaik yesterday afternoon.
Bhaddanta Arcindabhivamsa administered the Five Precepts.
Joint-Secretary Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Labhasami read the message presented by the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee.
Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa read the message of condolences presented by RAD.
Bhaddanta Kusala read biography of the late Sayadaw.
Vocalist U Tun Shwe sang Mahathera Gunapujaniya Katha Ratu composed by U Saw Khaing of RAD.
Afterwards, Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and officials donated provisions and alms to the Sayadaws who attended the ceremony.
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(14) Marijuana, heroin seized in Dagon Myothit (North) Mingala Taungnyunt
YANGON, 31 May - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force, acting on information, searched the house of Aung Khaing Zaw.30 son of U Sein Maung of No 85, Duya Street, Ward 49, Dagon Myothit (North) Township, on 14 May.
The authorities nabbed him with marijuana weighing 6.52 kilos.
The combined team, acting on information, arrested Khun Kyaw Than, 38, son of U Htet Hsan of 24, Myopat Street, MingalaU Ward, Taunggyi, with 3,000 stimulant tablets at the Sweet Season Restaurant in Lu-o-yon Street in Mingala Taungnyunt Township and Khun Aung Thein, 27, son of U Aung Zeya of 648, Taungmyitkan Street, Yaydwinbyu Sakhan Ward, Taunggyi, with heroin weighing 44.222 grams al No 45/2, Ward 14/1 of South Okkalapa Township on 22 May.
Action is taken against these them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.
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(15) Over 31,000 eligible voters of Singaing submit declarations expressing no confidence in NLD representative-elect Dr Soe Myint
YANGON, 31 May - Over 31,000 eligible voters of Singaing Township Constituency 1 of Kyaukse District, Mandalay Division, submitted signed declarations expressing no confidence in Dr Soe Myint who was elected as Pyithu Hluttaw Representative of National League for Democracy in the 1990 Multiparty Democracy General Election from Singaing Township Constituency-1 and no support for him at the rallies held in Beilin region and Basic Education High School in Singaing on 5 May morning.
A total of 11,205 local people of nine village-tracts rallied at Beilin region. Voter U Aung Kyaw Soe of Kanthit Village, on behalf of the voters, expressed no confidence in Dr Soe Myint of National League for Democracy and no support for him. Afterwards, he presented declarations expressing no confidence in Dr Soe Myint and no support for him signed by 11,447 eligible voters to Secretary of Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission U Htin Kyaw.
Similarly, 19,897 local people of 18 wards and village-tracts attended the rally at Basic Education High School in Singaing.
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(16) 62 members resign from Singaing Township NLD
YANGON, 31 May - Sixty-two members resigned from the National League for Democracy of Singaing Township, Mandalay Division.
Fifty-five members of Singaing Township NLD, Mandalay Division, of their own
volition, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Singaing Township
Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission Office and the party concerned
on 23 April 1999 and seven members followed suit on 25 April 1999 as they no
longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.
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