THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
(Saturday, 12 June 1999)
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(1) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Russian Federation
YANGON, 12 June - 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 Boris N Yeltsin, President of Russian Federation, on the occasion of the National Day of the Russian Federation which falls on 12 June 1999.
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(2) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to the Philippines
YANGON, 12 June - On the occasion of the Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of the Philippines which falls on 12 June 1999, 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 Joseph Ejercito Estrada, President of the Republic of the Philippines.
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(3) Minister for Foreign Affairs sends felicitations to Russian Federation
YANGON, 12 June - U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency, Mr Igor Ivanov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, on the occasion of the National Day of the Russian Federation which falls on 12 June 1999.
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(4) Minister for Foreign Affairs sends felicitations to the Philippines
YANGON, 12 June - On the occasion of the Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of the Philippines which falls on 12 June 1999, U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Domingo L Siazon, Jr, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines.
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(5) Chairman of State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe welcomes back Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt on his return from PRC
YANGON, 11 June - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe welcomed back Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt who arrived back here from People's Republic of China by special flight at 3.45 pm today after visiting PRC at the invitation of State Councillor of the PRC Mr Luo Gan.
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(6) Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation signed between Governments of Union of Myanmar and People's Republic
YANGON, 11 June - Myanmar delegation led by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt left Yangon by special flight on 7 June to pay a goodwill visit to the People's Republic of China at the invitation of State Councillor of PRC Mr Luo Gan.
They arrived at Kunming Airport in Yunnan Province at 9.30 am local time.
They were welcomed by Director-General of Foreign Affairs Department of Yunnan Province and officials, Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, who was there attending Kunming Export Commodities Fair '99 and delegation members, Deputy Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Soe Myint and members, Myanmar entrepreneurs, Myanmar Consul-General U Shwe Moe and staff.
The Secretary-1 and party rested in the special lounge of Kunming Airport. They left Kunming for Beijing and arrived at the Capital International Airport at 2.25 pm.
They were welcomed there by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of PRC, Ambassador of Myanmar to PRC U Ba Htay Chit, Military Attaché Col Sein Gyawt and staff.
They proceeded to Diaoyutai State Guest House where they would be staying. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and State Councillor of the People's Republic of China Mr Luo Gan had discussions at Fangfeiyuan building at 4.30 pm.
Also present together with Mr Luo Gan were Vice-Minister of Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Mr Chen Xinhua, the Vice-Minister of Ministry of Agriculture, Assistant Minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr Wang Yi, officials of Light Industry Bureau, National Tourism Administration, State Power Corporation and State Machine Building Industry Bureau.
During the meeting, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and Mr Luo Gan had a cordial and friendly discussion, in the spirit of Pauk-phaw friendship on the friendship and cooperation between the two countries as well as on regional and international issues.
In reviewing the bilateral relations, the two leaders expressed their great satisfaction that through the efforts of both sides, the friendship and economic cooperation between Myanmar and China had made great strides. Moreover, they agreed that the frequent exchange of visits and the personal rapport existing between the leadership of the two countries had greatly strengthened the ties of amity. Bilateral trade had grown from about US$ 40 million in 1988 to over US$ 600 million in 1998. Moreover, cultural exchanges and frequent contacts between the two peoples also contributed towards the present happy state of affairs.
The two sides therefore to expressed their determination to further expand and deepen the friendship and cooperation in the coming 21st century. The Secretary-1 also conveyed the sincere thanks for China's assistance in Myanmar's development endeavors.
On his part, Mr Lou Gan congratulated the State Peace and Development Council for the success achieved in promoting and consolidating political stability, economic development, foreign relations and efforts for national reconsolidating. He also expressed his confidence that Myanmar will attain further success in political, economic and social spheres in the future as well.
Afterwards, the ceremony to sign the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation Between the Government of the Union of Myanmar and the Government of the People's Republic of China was held at Fangfeiyuan building.
Present on the occasion were Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and delegation members, State Councillor of PRC Mr Luo Gan, deputy ministers, the assistant ministers and departmental officials.
Minister Brig-Gen Abel and Vice-Minister Mr Chen Xin Hua signed the agreement and exchanged documents. State Councillor of PRC Mr Luo Gan hosted dinner in honour of the Secretary-1 and delegation.
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt called on Mr Li Ruihuan, Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, in Xinjiang Room of Great Hall of the People in Beijing at 8 am local standard time on 8 June.
With the Secretary-1 were Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen Tin Hla, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister for Commerce Maj-Gen Kyaw Than, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Minister for Foreign Affair U Win Aung, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Myanmar Ambassador to the People's Republic of China U Ba Htay Chit, Director-General Lt-Col Pe Nyein of the State Peace and Development Council Office, Director-General U Soe Tint of Government Office and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department.
With Mr Li Ruihuan were Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of PRC Mr Yang Wen Chang and officials of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.
The two leaders had a warm and friendly discussion on matters of mutual interest. Chairman Li Ruihuan expressed his satisfaction at the similarity of views held by China and Myanmar on many important international issues and thanked Myanmar for the support provided in the international fora. On his part, the Secretary-1 reiterated Myanmar's full support to the One China Policy of China and categorically stated Myanmar considered Taiwan as an integral part of China. He also said that Myanmar greatly welcomed the return of Macao to China in coming December and that the event clearly demonstrated the success of One Country Two Systems principle of China.
Afterwards, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt paid a courtesy call on Premier Zhu Rongji of the People's Republic of China at his office at 10 am local time. With the Secretary-1 were Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen Tin Hla, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister U Aung Thaung, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister Maj-Gen Kyaw Than, Minister Brig-Gen Abel, Minister U Win Aung, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, Myanmar Ambassador to the People's Republic of China U Ba Htay Chit, Director-General Lt-Col Pe Nyein, Director-General U Soe Tint and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet. With Premier Mr Zhu Rongji were Secretary to the Premier Mr Li Wei and senior officials.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and Premier Zhu Rongii had an extensive and cordial exchange of views on bilateral relations, economic cooperation matters and international situation. In the course of the discussion, the Secretary-1 stated that the Myanmar Delegation had come to China with three objectives, namely to strengthen the existing friendship, to further promote the mutually beneficial economic cooperation and to study at first hand the advances made by China in national development endeavors. It is incumbent upon the new generation to consolidate the ties of friendship nurtured by the leaders and Myanmar would be faithfully implementing this goal. There existed no problem in the relations between the countries. Indeed, the economic cooperation and assistance provided by China had greatly contributed towards Myanmar's progress and development. Myanmar therefore looked forward to continue and enhance the mutually beneficial cooperation. At the same time, he expressed his conviction that trade between the two nations, both normal and border trade, would be further enhanced in the years ahead. On his part, Premier Zhu Rongji stated that he was very happy to learn of the successes achieved by Myanmar in the economic field and expressed his belief that Myanmar would make great strides in economic development and that the socio-economic standards of the people would be raised significantly under the leadership of the Myanmar Government. He also stated that China stood ready to assist Myanmar as much as possible.
Then, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt called on Vice-Premier Mr Wu Bangguo of the People's Republic of China at Yangyuanzhai State Guest House at 11.45 am local time.
With the Secretary-1 were Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen Tin Hla, the ministers, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Ambassador of Myanmar to PRC With Vice-Premier Mr Wu Bangguo were Minister of Transport Mr Huang Zhen Dong, Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Mr Chan Xin Hua, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Wang Yi and senior officials.
At the meeting, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and Vice-Premier Wu Bangguo exchanged views on experiences in nation building, bilateral economic cooperation matters and the international situation in the spirit of friendship, understanding and sincere desire to assist each other. Vice-Premier Mr Wun Bangguo hosted lunch in, honour our of Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and delegation at Yangyuanzhai Building. At 3 pm local time, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt met with State Councillor and National Defence Minister M Chi Haotian at his office.
During the meeting, matters relating to enhancement of relations between the two nations and the two Armed Forces, on opposing hegemonism and on regional peace and stability were discussed a cordial and friendly manner. The Chinese side also ex pressed its deep appreciation to Myanmar's efforts for national reconsolidating and suppression of narcotic drugs.
In the evening, families of Myanmar Embassy in Beijing hosted dinner in honour of Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and delegation at the Myanmar Embassy. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and delegation arrived at the embassy at 6.30 pm local time. They were welcomed there by Ambassador U Ba Htay Chit and wife, Military Attaché Col Sein Gyawt and embassy staff and their families.
In his meeting with staff and families of Myanmar Embassy, the Secretary-1 explained the close, firm and cordial bilateral relations between China and Myanmar, which has flourished since yore; their visit which is to further strengthen the bilateral relations and economic cooperation; the agreements reached between the two nations to further promote cooperation in the respective sectors including the economic field; flourishing of a strong economic cooperation between the two nations due to the strengthening of mutual cordial relations; gaining of good national economic foundations due to all-round endeavors made on all fronts; development of unity among the national races due to progressing of the regions of the national brethren with high momentum resulting from endeavors to ensure progress in the entire nation inducing border areas; maintenance of stability in Myanmar; destructive acts made by internal axe-handles who are relying of the West bloc; and efforts to boost the agro-production sector with the participation of national entrepreneurs and with the introduction of modem farming methods. Diplomats should strive to further promote the economic cooperation between the two nations to strengthen bilateral relations, he added.
Minister U Win Aung also gave a speech.
U Ba Htay Chit pledged that he and his staff will dutifully discharge duties assigned.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented gifts to staff and families of the embassy. Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen Tin Hla who accompanied Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Vice-President Mr Bai Jiliang of Sainty International group, Jiansu Machinery Imp & Exp Corporation Ltd and party at Villa 14 at 10.30 am local time on 8 June.
They discussed matters relating to the 4000-ton cement factory which is to be built in Myanmar.
At 4.30 pm, Lt-Gen Tin Hla received Vice-President Mr Jin Yi of First Automobile Group at the same venue.
They discussed sale of cars at FAW Showroom in Yangon and prospects of cooperation between Myanmar Economic Corporation and FAW.
Similarly, President Mr Jiang Cheng Xun of China National Constructional and Agricultural Machinery Import & Export Corporation called on Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin at Villa 14. They discussed mutual interest in agriculture.
At 5 pm, Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin received President Mr Jiang Kangwei of Sinochem International Co Ltd at the same venue. They discussed use of fertilizer and other agricultural chemicals for development of the agriculture sector, cooperation in fertilizer and pesticide production on mutual basis and trade.
Similarly, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung and Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel received President Mr Li Jianmin of China North Industrial Co and party at the Villa 14 at 5.30 pm.
They discussed prospects of establishing glass factory, textile and garment factories, pharmaceutical factories and light industries in Myanmar.
Minister U Aung Thaung received President Mr Lian Jisan of China National Building Materials Equipment Corporation and President Mr Zhang Sheng Can of China Hainan Jiayi Machine Imports and exports Co Ltd at Villa 14 at 11 am.
They had discussions on establishing cement, textile and garment and glass and ceramic factories in Myanmar.
Minister U Aung Thaung also received President Sun Jianrong of Tianjin Machinery Import and Export Group and party at Villa 14 at 1.30 pm. They discussed establishing heavy and medium industries in Myanmar. At 2.30 pm, he received
President Li Changli of China National General Machinery engineering Corporation and party at the same venue.
The minister discussed with them establishing cement, paper, glass and umbrella factories in Myanmar.
Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received President Mr Wang Yongan of China Machine Building International Corporation and party at Villa 14 at 2 pm. They discussed project for manufacturing multi-purpose diesel engine.
Minister Maj-Gen Saw Lwin also received Vice-President Mr Zou Baozhong of China National Complete Plant Import and Export Corporation (Group) at Villa 14 at 3 pm and discussed matters relating to importing machinery from China.
Minister for Commerce Maj-Gen Kyaw Than and Minister Brig-Gen Abel received Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Mr Chen Xinhua and party at the Villa 12 at 10 am local time.
They discussed bilateral trade and promotion of implementation of projects.
President Mr Qin Xiao of China International Trust and Investment Corporation (CITIC) and party called on Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut at Villa 14 at 10.30 am. They discussed promotion of tourism industry.
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(7) Myanmar delegation arrives back from China
YANGON, 11 June - Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin arrived back here by air at 7 pm today after studying communications services in China at the invitation of Minister of Information and Electronic Industry of People's Republic of China Mr Wu Ji Chuan.
The minister and party visited the Iridium satellite camp on 1 June in Thailand.
The Minister left there the next day. The minister and party, accompanied by Ambassador of Myanmar to China U Ba Htay Chit, met Minister of Information and Electronic Industry Mr Wu Ji Chuan on 3 June.
Also present at the call were President of Shanghai Bell Company Mr Li Da Lai.
They discussed matters pertaining to the development of communications.
Then, the delegation attended the dinner hosted by Minister Mr Wu Ji Chuan.
On 4 June morning, the minister visited the Research and Development Centre of Da Tang Telecom.
Minister Brig-Gen Win Tin paid a courtesy called on Deputy Prime Minister Mr Wu Bang Guo of People's Republic of China in the evening.
The minister and party also visited Research and Development Centre of ZTE Zhongxing Telecom Ltd and Telephone factory in Shanghai City, communication system of SKY Link Co in Hong Kong on 9 June.
Myanmar delegation left Hong Kong by air yesterday.
The delegation was welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Sein Win, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, heads of department of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, Directorate of Telecommunications and Meteorology & Hydrology Department and families.
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(8) Secretary-2 urges Development Committees to assess work with political, economic, administrative, social outlooks
YANGON, 11 June - Development Committees of the Development Affairs Department of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs held annual work coordination meeting this morning at National Theater, addressed by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo.
The Secretary-2 said straightforward discussions are required in appraising the accomplishments of the development committees in 1998 to present requirements which must be fulfilled by the central level and to lay down future work programmes.
Municipalities were formed around 1874 to implement town development undertakings. District councils were organized in 1921 in carrying out rural development tasks. In 1974, municipalities and district councils were merged into Township Development Committees under the new administrative system.
Development committees were under the Ministry of Home Affairs till they were transferred to the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs in 30 January 1994. The Development Affairs Department was also formed separately. DAD, is now over five years old. The number of development committees at present is 284 up from 243 before 1988. Sixteen State/Division Development Committees were formed in 20 February 1996 to closely supervise the Township Development Committees.
Development committees are local organizations laying down and implementing the regional development plans on their own strength; as they are relying on their own income, they should have strong financial power to effectively' implement their tasks; and taxes should be systematically collected and budget should be effective used.
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(9) Myanmar unfairly attacked by politically motivated and unfounded allegations made by anti-govt elements and those with ill will, not based on reality Efforts for peace, stability & development kept up for enjoyment of rights Myanmar people hospitable, friendly and tolerant
YANGON, 11 June - The following is the Statement delivered by Minister for Labour Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe at the 87th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
Mr. President,
I would like to congratulate you on behalf of my Government and of my own for your election to this high office which you deserve so well. I am also confident that the 87th Session of the International Labour Conference under your able guidance will successfully fulfil the tasks entrusted to us at this very last ILC to be held in this millennium. May I also express our appreciation to the outgoing Director General Mr. Michel Hansenne for his important contributions to the Organisation. Our congratulations go to the new Director General Mr. Juan Somavia. We wish him every success.
Mr. President,
Myanmar has been a member of this Organization since 1948 when the number of members was barely 50. Throughout these years, Myanmar has contributed in her own way to the progressive development of the Organisation. On the national level we have been endeavouring to promote economic development and social progress of our people including the promotion of labour rights in Myanmar.
Mr. President,
Let me make some observations on the Report of the Director General which we found to be far-sighted and comprehensive. At this conference, we would be making a second discussion regarding the possible adoption of the Child Labour Convention. At the 13th ASEAN Labour Ministerial Meeting held in Yangon in May 1999, the Labour Ministers of the ASEAN had a thorough discussion and in principle welcomed the proposed Convention and a Recommendation on Child Labour. The Ministers reiterated their position that ASEAN does not condone Child Labour and at the same time emphasised that condemning Child Labour in any particular country or instituting sanction-based measures would only aggravate the situation. It is our firm belief that rights should be promoted and issues should be resolved in a spirit of co-operation.
Mr. President,
Allow me to touch briefly on the proposed "Revision of the Maternity Protection Convention (Revised), 1952 (No. 103) and Recommendation, 1952 (No. 95)" which will be discussed at this ILC for the first time. Women workers in Myanmar are far from being disadvantaged both in life and at work. Their welfare, their job security and their health are all covered by the prevailing laws, directives and Social Security Schemes. As such, Myanmar has no difficulty with the proposed revision of Convention No. 103.
Mr. President,
We appreciate the role of ILO in technical co-operation. These activities by promoting employment, alleviating poverty can facilitate application of international labour standards and establish appropriate social and economic foundation at the national level. Therefore, at the 13th ASEAN Labour Ministerial Meeting held in Yangon last May, the Ministers called for intensifying technical co-operation and assistance to the ILO Member States.
Mr. President,
For some years now Myanmar has been unfairly attacked by certain quarters based on politically motivated and unfounded allegations emanating from anti-government elements and those who bear ill-will against us. These allegations are not based on reality or has little to do with the promotion of labour standards. These were made despite the unprecedented record of our government in bringing peace, stability and progressive economic development to the country – conditions necessary for enjoyment of all rights including labour rights. Each country has its own special characteristics. History, culture and national ethos are important factors in understanding the country and its people. Those who really know Myanmar can attest to the fact that the people of Myanmar are hospitable, friendly and tolerant.
Based on these national characteristics, we are determined to build a peaceful, developed and modern nation as a responsible member of the international community and of the ILO.
Thank you.
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(10) Myanma Economic Bank holds second six monthly meeting
YANGON, 11 June - Myanma Economic Bank of the Ministry of Finance and Revenue held second six-monthly meeting for 1998-99 financial year at Myanma Economic Bank branch No 1 on Pansodan Street this morning, with an address by Minister U Khin Maung Thein.
Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun, Managing Director Thura U Myint Shwe of Myanma Economic Bank, directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises, state and division managers of MEB and officials.
Minister U Khin Maung Thein gave an opening speech.
Then, participants took part in the discussions.
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(11) Commander attends ceremony to clarify Meeting of State Peace and Development Council, State/Division Councils
YANGON, 11 June - A ceremony to clarify the First Four-monthly Meeting of the State Peace and Development Council and State and Division Peace and Development Councils and assign duties for 1999-2000 was held at the office of the Yangon Division Peace and Development Council this morning attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than.
Also present were Vice-Chairman Deputy-Commander Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint and members, chairmen of District and Township Peace and Development Councils and members and division, district and township level officials.
Giving a speech on the occasion, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than explained the political and economic situation of the country and said Yangon is one of the six states and divisions which the nation mainly relies on.
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(12) Livestock, Feedstuff and Dairy Products Enterprise meets
YANGON, 11 June - A coordination meeting on second six-monthly meeting and future tasks of Livestock, Feedstuff and Dairy Products Enterprise of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries was held at the head office of LFDPE on Station Road in Insein Township this morning, with an opening address by Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein. Director-General U Kyaw Lwin of Directorate of Livestock and Fisheries explained works to be done.
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(13) Japanese scholar donates wood carving to National Museum
YANGON, 11 June - Ms Yuri Takashi (Daw Yu Yu Lwin), a post-graduate student of Sydney University, Australia, today donated a wood carving featuring mother's loving kindness to National Museum.
The wood carving of a mother other water buffalo and its calf is 4'4" long and 3'4" high. Director-General U Myint Thein Swe of the Department of Cultural Institute accepted the donation.
The donor presented a paper at the Centenary Memorial of Writer Theikpan Maung Wa this is week.
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(14) 57 members resign from Monghpyak Township NLD
YANGON, 11 June - Fifty-seven members resigned from the National League for Democracy of Monghpyak Township, Shan State (East).
Fifty-seven members of Monghpyak Township NLD, Shan State (East), of their
own volition, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Monghpyak Township
Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission Office and the party concerned
on 9 February 1999 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of
NLD.
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