N980412

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
( Thursday, 23 December 1999)

*******************************************************************

State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Japan
Shwehtidaw hoisted atop Shwedagon Htidaw Pagoda with grand religious ceremony
Secretary-1 chooses land for construction of ordination hall of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University
Deputy Prime Minister receives Specialist of Beverly Hospital in California
Industrialists urged to broaden their industrial knowledge
National Workshop on Priority Issues Affecting Women's Health and Development opens
Leading Work Committee for Third Year National Environment Week meets
Users Workshop on Human Resources Development Indicators opens
National Convention Convening Commission meets
Attorney-General presents prizes to outstanding staff of law offices
Union of Myanmar Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission
295 members resign from Ngaputaw Township NLD
WEATHER

(1) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Japan

YANG6N, 23 Dec - On the occasion of the birthday of His Majesty Akihito, Emperor of Japan, which falls on 23 December 1999, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent messages of felicitations to His Majesty Akihito, Emperor of Japan and His Excellency Mr Keizo Obuchi, Prime Minister of Japan.

(2) Shwehtidaw hoisted atop Shwedagon Htidaw Pagoda with grand religious ceremony
YANGON, 22 Dec - Shwehtidaw was hoisted atop the Shwedagon-Htidaw Pagoda this morning at the Shwedagon Pagoda platform.
Devotees enshrined religious objects to its upper reliquary and offered Shwekyathingan to the pagoda and Sayadaws also consecrated the Pagoda at the ceremony.
At dawn, Chairman of Leading Committee for All-Round Perpetual Renovation; of Shwedagon Pagoda Deputy Minister for Home Affairs and members, members of Pagoda Board of Trustees, religious associations and Buddhists received the Five Precepts from the Shwedagon.
The Leading Committee Chairman and devotees conveyed religious objects which will be enshrined in the pagoda, the seinbudaw, hngetmyatnadaw and the different tiers of Shwehtidaw round the Shwedagon.
Flanked by ceremonial royal and celestial entourage, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party conveyed the religious objects which will be enshrined in the pagoda, the seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and the different tiers of Shwehtidaw to the Sunday comer of the Shwedagon.
The congregation received the Nine Precepts from Vice-Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa.
Members of the Sangha recited Parittas.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt supplicated on religious matters.
After the ceremony to hoist the new Shwehtidaw atop the Shwedagon was successfully held from 4 to 6 April 1999 (4 to 6 waning of Hnaung Tagu 1360, ME), another Htidaw Pagoda was built under the ovada of the Sayadaws to enable the people to pay homage to the old Shwehtidaw hoisted by King Mindon.
The old Shwehtidaw donated by King Mindon 128 years ago was restored to its original style.
Land cleansing, driving in of the stake, foundation laying, enshrinement and central pivot planting ceremonies were held in accord with the ancient Myanmar religious traditions. As the pagoda is completed, the upper enshrinement, shwehtidaw hoisting and consecrations ceremonies are left to be held.
Daw Kyaing Kyaing presented the relics, the Secretary-1 the seinbudaw, followed by members of the State Peace and Development Council, deputy prime ministers, ministers and officials the religious objects to Sayadaws.
Daw Kyaing Kyaing, Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife and party presented offertories to Sayadaws.
Joint Secretary of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Osathabhivamsa delivered a religious sermon.
The congregation shared the merits gained.
Daw Kyaing Kyaing, the Secretary-l and wife and patty sprinkled scented water on seinbudaw, hngetmyatnadaw and the different tiers of shwehtidaw.
The Secretary-1 and party then conveyed the Buddha images and religious objects to the upper reliquary.
The Secretary-1 then enshrined the Buddha images and religious objects in the upper reliquary.
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party then conveyed the seinbudaw, hngetmyatnadaw and the different tiers of shwehtidaw.
The Secretary-1 hoisted the Shwehtidaw atop the pagoda.
Then, the shwekyathingan was offered to the pagoda.
The sayadaws consecrated the pagoda.
After the ceremony, soon was offered to sayadaws.

(3) Secretary-1 chooses land for construction of ordination hall of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University
YANGON, 22 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by Deputy Commander of Yangon Command and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University on Dhammapala Hill in Mayangon Township at 11.30 am today.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party were welcomed by Director-General of Religious, Affair Department U Arnt Maung and officials.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected the site chosen for the construction of the ordination hall in the university and gave instructions to officials.
Then Secretary-1 and party inspected construction of main building of the university.
Officials of the Public Works conducted the Secretary-l round the construction site.
The Secretary-1 attended to their needs and left there.

(4) Deputy Prime Minister receives Specialist of Beverly Hospital in California
YANGON, 22 Dec - Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen Tin Tun received Specialist Dr Robert A Orlando of Beverly Hospital in California, the United States of America, at his office this afternoon.
Present at the call were officials of the Government's Office.

(5) Industrialists urged to broaden their industrial knowledge
YANGON, 22 Dec - Myanmar Industrial Producers Association held its sixth meeting this afternoon at Kandawgyi Palace Hotel, addressed by Chairman of the committee Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung.
The minister said 18 industrial zones four in Yangon and others in Mandalay, Mawlamyine., Myaungmya, Hinthada, Pathein, Myeik, Monywa, Meiktila, Myingyan, Yenangyoung, Bago, Pakokku, Pyay and Taunggyi have been set up in the nation.
Arrangements are under way to encourage agro-industries, machine industries and export-substitute industries in the area where the national industrialists will be grouped in a single place. Measures such as fixing of the investment period, offering of tax exemption and reduction and reduction of interest rates are being taken for the convenience of industrialists.
The private sector is in the reliable position in the Myanmar's industrial sector.
Nearly 72 per cent of the net value or 96 per cent in number of the industries in the nation is from the private sector.
The association members should strive to broaden their knowledge in industrial policy and principles, to enhance their relations with international industrialists, to improve the quality of their products, to manufacture new types of goods and more industrial machinery and to develop their technologies.
Chairman of MIPA U Htein Win spoke.
Twenty-eight well-wishers presented K 44 million to the association.
Ministers U Aung Thaung and Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Deputy Minister U Thein Tun and officials accepted the donations.
Chairman of MIPA U Htein Win gave the concluding remarks.

(6) National Workshop on Priority Issues Affecting Women's Health and Development opens

YANGON, 22 Dec - National Workshop on the Priority Issues Affecting Women's Health and Development sponsored by National Working Committee for Women's Affairs opened at International Business Centre this afternoon, with an address by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.
Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein said a regional workshop on violence against women and health sector was held from 12 January 1999 to 11 October 1999 in Myanmar and it was attended by delegates and experts from nine nations in the region. It should be taken pride for holding of international level workshop, he added.
The government has paid attention to development of entire women and present workshop is the continuation of the previous one, he said.
He said the government laid down police management machinery and necessary research and working programmes for participation of women in socio-economic development of future State.
Myanmar is implementing Beijing Declaration and Work programmes laid down by the Fourth Women' s Conference held in Beijing in 1995 and she became a member of Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women on 22 July 1997.
In order to systematically carry out the Beijing work programmes, Women's Affairs Committees and Work Committees at different levels were formed, he said.
The government provided assistance to groups on education, health and economy, working group for preventing violence against women and rehabilitation and group of young women, Environment and women and information sectors are to be extended in the year 2000, he added.
Violence against women is a great problem facing the word today. Though it is not a big problem in Myanmar, violence is the hindrance to peace and development of women's life, he said.
He stressed the importance of role of judicial sector, Police Force and social and health care services in reduction of violence against women and spoke of training of personnel from related ministries, preparedness and other assistance.
WHO Resident Representative in Myanmar Dr Agostino Borra made a speech.
The workshop continues till 24 December.

(7) Leading Work Committee for Third Year National Environment Week meets
YANGON, 22 Dec - The first coordination meeting of Leading Work Committee for the Third Year National Environment Week was held at the meeting hall of Medical Research Department on Ziwaka Road in Dagon Township this evening.
Present were Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister, the directors-general of departments under the Ministry, officials from related departments, representatives from Non-Governmental Organisations and States and Divisions and guests.
The Minister said the meeting is to inform work on the Third Year National Environment Week and discuss works under taken in the Second Year National Environment Week and basic tasks for the Third Year National Environment Week .
He spoke on construction of fly-proof latrines in the whole country in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs in accord with the resolution at the 20th meeting of National Health Committee.
He said delegates from Indonesia, Bhutan, China and Vietnam observed Myanmar's achievements in environmental activities. He spoke of the need to keep up the momentum of success.
Next, Director-General of Health Department reported on work done in First and Second Year Environment Week and tasks for the Third Year National Environment Week. Deputy Minister and delegates took part in the discussions.
Director (Public Health) of Health Department reported on matters relating to the Third Year National Environment Week for approval.
The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by the minister.

(8) Users Workshop on Human Resources Development Indicators opens
YANGON, 22 Dec - Users' Workshop on Human Resources Development Indicators jointly sponsored by Labour Department and UN Fund for Population Activities opened at Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road this morning.
Present were Minister for Labour Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Auditor-General for nation, Deputy Minister for Labour, departmental officials, Director General of Labour Department and officials, resident representatives from UN Agencies; officials from NGOs and other organizations, participants and guests.
Minister Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe said:
"This Users' Workshop on Human Resources Development Indicators is indeed an outcome of the collaborative efforts of all responsible organisations concerned. It is to be recalled that the Ministry of Labour implemented the Project, titled "the Use of Human Resources Development Indicators for Population and Planning Process" with the technical assistance of UNFPA and ILO in 1995."
The duration of the Project lasted for 24-months. Upon completion of the Project, a total of 55-Core Indicators have been determined for the first time along with the Manual and the Handbook on HRD Indicators.
The accomplishments of this Project haw formally been submitted to the higher authorities concerned. Consequently, guidelines have been laid down for reference of these indicators by the governmental organisations in a uniform manner and for the sustainability of these Indicators. A Core Working Group has accordingly been formed by the Ministry of Labour comprising the representatives from (7) Ministries and (5) Non-Governmental Organisations with a view to carrying out the guidelines. The core Working group has steadfastly been endeavouring the HRD - Indicators every year and followed by a Users' Workshop of this kind subsequently.
It is very much encouraging that our concerted effort has been in progress receiving recognition by the authorities concerned and on the other hand there has been continued support by UNFPA taking this pursuit as a follow-up activity of the accomplished project.
As you are aware, we have been striving for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation and systemic plans have been laid down towards that end. In these days, peace and stability prevails throughout the country and substantial process has been made both in economic and social spheres. The success and achievement in these regards can be appraised with the aid of these HRD-Indicators. These Indicators can effectively be used in monitoring the development process and can also be applied as an important tool in making interregional or intra-regional comparisons.
One of the advantages of these Indicators is that the level of achievement in any can be represented by a single numerical data. Furthermore, these Indicators are not only useful for planners but they can also be used by private entrepreneurs and social workers of NGOs in an attempt to carry out their missions or goals.
In view of this, we have been exerting our efforts to update these Indicators year after year. And subsequent Workshop has been held every year to enhance public awareness and to observe the utility of these Indicators in practical application.
It is to be mentioned here that the efforts of the Core Working Group, the continued support of the UNPPA and the technical expertise of the Envipro (Myanmar) Co Ltd play their vital roles in our drive for the sustainability of the HRD Indicators.
Private entrepreneurs and representatives from NGOs are participating in this Workshop together with representatives from various Government Ministries and departments. It is expected that indepth discussions and effective sharing of experiences can be made among these experienced government officials, successful businessmen and those who are acitve in the field of social services.
Before concluding, I would like to express my appreciation and thanks to the National Resource Persons, Core Working Group, UNFPA and Envipro (Myanmar) Co-Ltd for their contributions made towards the success of this Workshop.
Country Director of UNFPA Dr Sheih Macrae extended greetings.

(9) National Convention Convening Commission meets
YANGON, 22 Dec - The National Convention Convening Commission held its meeting at the meeting hall of NCCC this afternoon.
Present on the occasion were Chairman of NCCC Minister Maj-Gen Saw Lwin and commission members.
Then, members of National Convention Convening Work Committee, National Convention Convening Management Committee reported to the meeting on matters pertaining to convention.
Those present on the occasion took part in the discussions .
The meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by the Maj-Gen Saw Lwin.

(10) Attorney-General presents prizes to outstanding staff of law offices
YANGON, 22 Dec - A ceremony to present prizes to outstanding staff who are serving in law offices of Attorney-General's Office was held this morning.
Present on the occasion were Attorney-General U Tha Tun, Deputy Attorney-General, Director-General Dr Tun Shin, Deputy Director-General and directors, law officers of States and Divisions, advisers, heads of office and staff.
Attorney-General U Tha Tun made a speech.
Attorney-General U Tha Tun, Deputy Attorney-General, Director-General presented prizes to 29 outstanding staff.

(11) Union of Myanmar Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission
Announcement No 1488 Fullmoon Day of Nadaw 1361 ME (22 December 1999)
Subject:- Permission given to U Maung Maung Myint to resign as Pyithu- Hluttaw representative-elect from Mahline Township Constituency-2 in Mandalay Division.
1. U Maung Maung Myint of the National League for Democracy, Pyithu Hluttaw representative elected at the Multiparty Democracy General Election from Mahline Township Constituency-2 in Mandalay Division, submitted of his own volition to this Commission that he be permitted to resign because he had no wish to participate in party politics and wanted to do own business.
2. Upon the above-mentioned submission, this Com- mission hereby announces that U Maung Maung Myint has been permitted to resign from being Hluttaw representative-elect of Mahline Township Constituency-2 effective today under Section 11(e) of the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law.
by order, Sd Aye Maung Secretary

(12) 295 members resign from Ngaputaw Township NLD
YANGON, 22 Dec - A ceremony to present resignation letters of two-hundred and ninety-five members of National League for Democracy in Ngaputaw Township, Ayeyawady Division, was held at Sanchaung Sin Owebo Village, Ngaputaw Township, on 28 July 1999.
Two-hundred and ninety-five members of NLD from Sanchaung Sin Owebo Village Tract in Ngaputaw Township, of their own volition, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Sanchaung Sin Owebo Village Tract Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-committee Office and the party concerned on 28 July 1999 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.
NLD member U Mahn San Thein from Sanchaung Sin Owebo Village explained the resignation from NLD and presented resignation letters Chairman of Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission U Win Myint.

(13)WEATHER
Maximum temperature on Dec 21 was 29.5 C (85F)
Minimum temperature on Dec 22 was 14.5 C(58F)
---------------------------------------------

The New Light of Myanmar (Thursday, December 23, 1999)
-------------------------------------------------------
(1) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Japan
(2) Shwehtidaw hoisted atop Shwedagon Htidaw Pagoda with grand religious ceremony
(3) Secretary-1 chooses land for construction of ordination hall of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University
(4) Deputy Prime Minister receives Specialist of Beverly Hospital in California
(5) Industrialists urged to broaden their industrial knowledge
(6) National Workshop on Priority Issues Affecting Women's Health and Development opens
(7) Leading Work Committee for Third Year National Environment Week meets
(8) Users Workshop on Human Resources Development Indicators opens
(9) National Convention Convening Commission meets
(10) Attorney-General presents prizes to outstanding staff of law offices
(11) Union of Myanmar Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission
(12) 295 members resign from Ngaputaw Township NLD
_______________________
(1) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Japan

YANG6N, 23 Dec - On the occasion of the birthday of His Majesty Akihito, Emperor of Japan, which falls on 23 December 1999, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent messages of felicitations to His Majesty Akihito, Emperor of Japan and His Excellency Mr Keizo Obuchi, Prime Minister of Japan.
_____________________________
(2) Shwehtidaw hoisted atop Shwedagon Htidaw Pagoda with grand religious ceremony
YANGON, 22 Dec - Shwehtidaw was hoisted atop the Shwedagon-Htidaw Pagoda this morning at the Shwedagon Pagoda platform.
Devotees enshrined religious objects to its upper reliquary and offered Shwekyathingan to the pagoda and Sayadaws also consecrated the Pagoda at the ceremony.
At dawn, Chairman of Leading Committee for All-Round Perpetual Renovation; of Shwedagon Pagoda Deputy Minister for Home Affairs and members, members of Pagoda Board of Trustees, religious associations and Buddhists received the Five Precepts from the Shwedagon.
The Leading Committee Chairman and devotees conveyed religious objects which will be enshrined in the pagoda, the seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and the different tiers of Shwehtidaw round the Shwedagon.
Flanked by ceremonial royal and celestial entourage, Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party conveyed the religious objects which will be enshrined in the pagoda, the seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and the different tiers of Shwehtidaw to the Sunday comer of the Shwedagon.
The congregation received the Nine Precepts from Vice-Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa.
Members of the Sangha recited Parittas.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt supplicated on religious matters.
After the ceremony to hoist the new Shwehtidaw atop the Shwedagon was successfully held from 4 to 6 April 1999 (4 to 6 waning of Hnaung Tagu 1360, ME), another Htidaw Pagoda was built under the ovada of the Sayadaws to enable the people to pay homage to the old Shwehtidaw hoisted by King Mindon.
The old Shwehtidaw donated by King Mindon 128 years ago was restored to its original style.
Land cleansing, driving in of the stake, foundation laying, enshrinement and central pivot planting ceremonies were held in accord with the ancient Myanmar religious traditions. As the pagoda is completed, the upper enshrinement, Shwehtidaw hoisting and consecrations ceremonies are left to be held.
Daw Kyaing Kyaing presented the relics, the Secretary-1 the seinbudaw, followed by members of the State Peace and Development Council, deputy prime ministers, ministers and officials the religious objects to Sayadaws.
Daw Kyaing Kyaing, Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife and party presented offertories to Sayadaws.
Joint Secretary of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Osathabhivamsa delivered a religious sermon.
The congregation shared the merits gained.
Daw Kyaing Kyaing, the Secretary-l and wife and patty sprinkled scented water on seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and the different tiers of Shwehtidaw.
The Secretary-l and party then conveyed the Buddha images and religious objects to the upper reliquary.
The Secretary-l then enshrined the Buddha images and religious objects in the upper reliquary.
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party then conveyed the seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and the different tiers of Shwehtidaw.
The Secretary-l hoisted the Shwehtidaw atop the pagoda.
Then, the Shwekyathingan was offered to the pagoda.
The Sayadaws consecrated the pagoda.
After the ceremony, soon was offered to Sayadaws.
__________________________
(3) Secretary-1 chooses land for construction of ordination hall of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University
YANGON, 22 Dec - Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by Deputy Commander of Yangon Command and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University on Dhammapala Hill in Mayangon Township at 11.30 am today.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party were welcomed by Director-General of Religious, Affair Department U Arnt Maung and officials.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected the site chosen for the construction of the ordination hall in the university and gave instructions to officials.
Then Secretary-1 and party inspected construction of main building of the university.
Officials of the Public Works conducted the Secretary-l round the construction site.
The Secretary-l attended to their needs and left there.
________________________
(4) Deputy Prime Minister receives Specialist of Beverly Hospital in California
YANGON, 22 Dec - Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen Tin Tun received Specialist Dr Robert A Orlando of Beverly Hospital in California, the United States of America, at his office this afternoon.
Present at the call were officials of the Government's Office.
_________________________
(5) Industrialists urged to broaden their industrial knowledge
YANGON, 22 Dec - Myanmar Industrial Producers Association held its sixth meeting this afternoon at Kandawgyi Palace Hotel, addressed by Chairman of the committee Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung.
The minister said 18 industrial zones four in Yangon and others in Mandalay, Mawlamyine., Myaungmya, Hinthada, Pathein, Myeik, Monywa, Meiktila, Myingyan, Yenangyoung, Bago, Pakokku, Pyay and Taunggyi have been set up in the nation.
Arrangements are under way to encourage agro-industries, machine industries and export-substitute industries in the area where the national industrialists will be grouped in a single place. Measures such as fixing of the investment period, offering of tax exemption and reduction and reduction of interest rates are being taken for the convenience of industrialists.
The private sector is in the reliable position in the Myanmar's industrial sector.
Nearly 72 per cent of the net value or 96 per cent in number of the industries in the nation is from the private sector.
The association members should strive to broaden their knowledge in industrial policy and principles, to enhance their relations with international industrialists, to improve the quality of their products, to manufacture new types of goods and more industrial machinery and to develop their technologies.
Chairman of MIPA U Htein Win spoke.
Twenty-eight well-wishers presented K 44 million to the association.
Ministers U Aung Thaung and Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Deputy Minister U Thein Tun and officials accepted the donations.
Chairman of MIPA U Htein Win gave the concluding remarks.
____________________
(6) National Workshop on Priority Issues Affecting Women's Health and Development opens

YANGON, 22 Dec - National Workshop on the Priority Issues Affecting Women's Health and Development sponsored by National Working Committee for Women's Affairs opened at International Business Centre this afternoon, with an address by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.
Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein said a regional workshop on violence against women and health sector was held from 12 January 1999 to 11 October 1999 in Myanmar and it was attended by delegates and experts from nine nations in the region. It should be taken pride for holding of international level workshop, he added.
The government has paid attention to development of entire women and present workshop is the continuation of the previous one, he said.
He said the government laid down police management machinery and necessary research and working programmes for participation of women in socio-economic development of future State.
Myanmar is implementing Beijing Declaration and Work programmes laid down by the Fourth Women' s Conference held in Beijing in 1995 and she became a member of Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women on 22 July 1997.
In order to systematically carry out the Beijing work programmes, Women's Affairs Committees and Work Committees at different levels were formed, he said.
The government provided assistance to groups on education, health and economy, working group for preventing violence against women and rehabilitation and group of young women, Environment and women and information sectors are to be extended in the year 2000, he added.
Violence against women is a great problem facing the word today. Though it is not a big problem in Myanmar, violence is the hindrance to peace and development of women's life, he said.
He stressed the importance of role of judicial sector, Police Force and social and health care services in reduction of violence against women and spoke of training of personnel from related ministries, preparedness and other assistance.
WHO Resident Representative in Myanmar Dr Agostino Borra made a speech.
The workshop continues till 24 December.
_________________________________
(7) Leading Work Committee for Third Year National Environment Week meets
YANGON, 22 Dec - The first coordination meeting of Leading Work Committee for the Third Year National Environment Week was held at the meeting hall of Medical Research Department on Ziwaka Road in Dagon Township this evening.
Present were Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister, the directors-general of departments under the Ministry, officials from related departments, representatives from Non-Governmental Organisations and States and Divisions and guests.
The Minister said the meeting is to inform work on the Third Year National Environment Week and discuss works under taken in the Second Year National Environment Week and basic tasks for the Third Year National Environment Week .
He spoke on construction of fly-proof latrines in the whole country in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs in accord with the resolution at the 20th meeting of National Health Committee.
He said delegates from Indonesia, Bhutan, China and Vietnam observed Myanmar's achievements in environmental activities. He spoke of the need to keep up the momentum of success.
Next, Director-General of Health Department reported on work done in First and Second Year Environment Week and tasks for the Third Year National Environment Week. Deputy Minister and delegates took part in the discussions.
Director (Public Health) of Health Department reported on matters relating to the Third Year National Environment Week for approval.
The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by the minister.
________________________
(8) Users Workshop on Human Resources Development Indicators opens
YANGON, 22 Dec - Users' Workshop on Human Resources Development Indicators jointly sponsored by Labour Department and UN Fund for Population Activities opened at Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road this morning.
Present were Minister for Labour Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Auditor-General for nation, Deputy Minister for Labour, departmental officials, Director General of Labour Department and officials, resident representatives from UN Agencies; officials from NGOs and other organizations, participants and guests.
Minister Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe said:
This Users' Workshop on Human Resources Development Indicators is indeed an outcome of the collaborative efforts of all responsible organisations concerned. It is to be recalled that the Ministry of Labour implemented the Project, titled "the Use of Human Resources Development Indicators for Population and Planning Process" with the technical assistance of UNFPA and ILO in 1995.
The duration of the Project lasted for 24-months. Upon completion of the Project, a total of 55-Core Indicators have been determined for the first time along with the Manual and the Handbook on HRD Indicators.
The accomplishments of this Project haw formally been submitted to the higher authorities concerned. Consequently, guidelines have been laid down for reference of these indicators by the governmental organisations in a uniform manner and for the sustainability of these Indicators. A Core Working Group has accordingly been formed by the Ministry of Labour comprising the representatives from (7) Ministries and (5) Non-Governmental Organisations with a view to carrying out the guidelines. The core Working group has steadfastly been endeavouring the HRD - Indicators every year and followed by a Users' Workshop of this kind subsequently.
It is very much encouraging that our concerted effort has been in progress receiving recognition by the authorities concerned and on the other hand there has been continued support by UNFPA taking this pursuit as a follow-up activity of the accomplished project.
As you are aware, we have been striving for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation and systemic plans have been laid down towards that end. In these days, peace and stability prevails throughout the country and substantial process has been made both in economic and social spheres. The success and achievement in these regards can be appraised with the aid of these HRD-Indicators. These Indicators can effectively be used in monitoring the development process and can also be applied as an important tool in making interregional or intra-regional comparisons.
One of the advantages of these Indicators is that
the level of achievement in any can be represented
by a single numerical data. Furthermore, these Indicators are not only useful for planners but they can also be used by private entrepreneurs and social workers of NGOs in an attempt to carry out their missions or goals.
In view of this, we have been exerting our efforts to update these Indicators year after year. And subsequent Workshop has been held every year to enhance public awareness and to observe the utility of these Indicators in practical application.
It is to be mentioned here that the efforts of the Core Working Group, the continued support of the UNPPA and the technical expertise of the Envipro (Myanmar) Co Ltd play their vital roles in our drive for the sustainability of the HRD Indicators.
Private entrepreneurs and representatives from NGOs are participating in this Workshop together with representatives from various Government Ministries and departments. It is expected that indepth discussions and effective sharing of experiences can be made among these experienced government officials, successful businessmen and those who are acitve in the field of social services.
Before concluding, I would like to express my appreciation and thanks to the National Resource Persons, Core Working Group, UNFPA and Envipro (Myanmar) Co-Ltd for their contributions made towards the success of this Workshop.
Country Director of UNFPA Dr Sheih Macrae extended greetings.
_______________________
(9) National Convention Convening Commission meets
YANGON, 22 Dec - The National Convention Convening Commission held its meeting at the meeting hall of NCCC this afternoon.
Present on the occasion were Chairman of NCCC Minister Maj-Gen Saw Lwin and commission members.
Then, members of National Convention Convening Work Committee, National Convention Convening Management Committee reported to the meeting on matters pertaining to convention.
Those present on the occasion took part in the discussions .
The meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by the Maj-Gen Saw Lwin.
___________________________
(10) Attorney-General presents prizes to outstanding staff of law offices
YANGON, 22 Dec - A ceremony to present prizes to outstanding staff who are serving in law offices of Attorney-General's Office was held this morning.
Present on the occasion were Attorney-General U Tha Tun, Deputy Attorney-General, Director-General Dr Tun Shin, Deputy Director-General and directors, law officers of States and Divisions, advisers, heads of office and staff.
Attorney-General U Tha Tun made a speech.
Attorney-General U Tha Tun, Deputy Attorney-General, Director-General presented prizes to 29 outstanding staff.
___________________________
(11) Union of Myanmar Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission
Announcement No 1488 Fullmoon Day of Nadaw 1361 ME (22 December 1999)
Subject:- Permission given to U Maung Maung Myint to resign as Pyithu- Hluttaw representative-elect from Mahline Township Constituency-2 in Mandalay Division.
1. U Maung Maung Myint of the National League for Democracy, Pyithu Hluttaw representative elected at the Multiparty Democracy General Election from Mahline Township Constituency-2 in Mandalay Division, submitted of his own volition to this Commission that he be permitted to resign because he had no wish to participate in party politics and wanted to do own business.
2. Upon the above-mentioned submission, this Com- mission hereby announces that U Maung Maung Myint has been permitted to resign from being Hluttaw representative-elect of Mahline Township Constituency-2 effective today under Section 11(e) of the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law.
by order, Sd Aye Maung Secretary
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(12) 295 members resign from Ngaputaw Township NLD
YANGON, 22 Dec - A ceremony to present resignation letters of two-hundred and ninety-five members of National League for Democracy in Ngaputaw Township, Ayeyawady Division, was held at Sanchaung Sin Owebo Village, Ngaputaw Township, on 28 July 1999.
Two-hundred and ninety-five members of NLD from Sanchaung Sin Owebo Village Tract in Ngaputaw Township, of their own volition, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Sanchaung Sin Owebo Village Tract Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-committee Office and the party concerned on 28 July 1999 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.
NLD member U Mahn San Thein from Sanchaung Sin Owebo Village explained the resignation from NLD and presented resignation letters Chairman of Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission U Win Myint.
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(13)WEATHER
Maximum temperature on Dec 21 was 29.5 C (85F)
Minimum temperature on Dec 22 was 14.5 C(58F)
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