N980412

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
( Monday, 27 December 1999)

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Senior General Than Shwe and Mr K H Abdurrahman Wahid exchange messages of felicitations on Fiftieth Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Myanmar and Indonesia
Secretary-1 attends donation ceremony of Tun Foundation Bank Ltd
Seventh annual general meeting of Myanmar Beans ,Pulses ,and Sesamum Merchants Association held
Secretary-2 attends third donation ceremony of Maha Theindawgyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik
Tatmadaw families, well-wishers donate provisions to monasteries in Mayangon Township
Minister chooses site for 25-ton newsprint mill in Singaing
Minister attends ceremony to welcome year 2000 and to mark birthday of Christ
Prizes presented to winners of Pyinnya Tazaung literary competition
Minister inspects construction of New Psychiatric Hospital
50 members resign from Latpadan Township NLD
WEATHER

(1) Senior General Than Shwe and Mr K H Abdurrahman Wahid exchange messages of felicitations on Fiftieth Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Myanmar and Indonesia
YANGON, 27 Dec - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe and President of the Republic of Indonesia Mr K H Abdurrahman Wahid today exchanged messages of felicitations on Fiftieth Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Myanmar and Indonesia.
Message from His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar to His Excellency Mr K H Abdurrahman Wahid, President of the Republic of Indonesia on the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Union of Myanmar and the Republic of Indonesia as follows:

Excellency,
On this auspicious occasion of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and Indonesia, I have great pleasure to extend, on behalf of the government and people of the Union of Myanmar and on my own, our warmest felicitations and best wishes to Your Excellency, and through you, to the government and people of the Republic of Indonesia.
As Your Excellency is fully aware, the strong bonds of traditional -friendship and understanding between Myanmar and Indonesia are dated back to the time of our struggle against colonialism during its final days in the late 1940s. When we both regained our independence, our friendship and understanding became even stronger as we have closely cooperated in defending our freedom and in leading our countries' independent courses through the Non-aligned Movement, which had originated from the Bandung Conference. We also cherished the five principles of peaceful co-existence as beacon in promoting our friendship and understanding and in maintaining regional peace and security.
We in Myanmar are highly appreciative of the valuable support given by Indonesian brothers in our rejoining of the Non-aligned Movement in 1992 and also in becoming a member of ASEAN in 1997.
Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your personal happiness and well-being and for peace, stability, prosperity and progress of the people of Indonesia.

Message from His Excellency Mr R H Abdurrahman Wahid, President of the Republic of Indonesia to His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar on the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Indonesia and the Union of Myanmar as follows

Excellency,
On this auspicious occasion of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between the Republic of Indonesia and the Union of Myanmar, I have great pleasure and honour to extend my best wishes and warm felicitations to the government and people of the Union of Myanmar, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Indonesia.
Diplomatic Relations between our two countries were established on 27 December 1949 and since that historic milestone, the cordial relationship has been strengthened with each passing decade.
The progressive enhancement of amity with the passage of time is evidence that relations between the two countries have been based on mutual respect, sincerity and goodwill and that successive leaders of both countries have steadfastly maintained and properly nurtured the good relations that were already in existence prior to the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations.
The friendly ties between our two countries have now reached the half-century mark. On such a propitious occasion, I would like to express my firm belief that belonging to the same ASEAN family, the binding bonds of friendship between the Republic of Indonesia and the Union of Myanmar would become even firmer, and that together, our two brotherly countries would be able to usher in the new millennium with peace and prosperity.
May I also take this opportunity to extend my best wishes for further progress and prosperity of the people of the Union of Myanmar and for Your Excellency's personal well-being and success.
Please accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.

(2) Secretary-1 attends donation ceremony of Tun Foundation Bank Ltd
YANGON, 26 Dec - The fourth donation ceremony of Tun Foundation Bank Ltd. was held at the Strand Hotel on Seikantha Street, here, at 4 pm today, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein said that TFB is a successful private bank, adding that the bank donates its annual net profits to religious, educational, health and social organizations every year; it is a significant characteristic; today, it is holding the fourth donation ceremony.
The Government has given encouragement to the private sector with a view to ensuring more private participation in the economic sector; as to the financial sector, not only the State-owned part but also the private one are making progress, he noted. He stressed TFB is joining hands with Myanmar Banks Association and implementing tasks in accord with the objectives of the association, urging the officials to make concerted efforts for the State and the people while improving the banking services in accordance with the objectives of the State.
Afterwards, Chairman U Thein Tun spoke words of thanks. This was followed by the donation ceremony.
The donations included K 4.04 million for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, K 210,000 for the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, K 1.3 million for the Ministry of Health, K 120,000 for the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, K 180,000 for the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, K 1.31million for the Ministry of Education, K 156,000 for the Ministry of Information, K 1.103 million for the Ministry of Sports and K 3.9022 million for 29 social organizations.
The officials of respective ministries and the chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association accepted the donations.
TFB donates annual net profits every year; K 3.6 million was donated in 1995 for the first time, K 6.5 million in 1996 for the second time and K 15.4 million in 1997 for the third time.
For the fourth time today, it donated K 131 million.

(3) Seventh annual general meeting of Myanmar Beans, Pulses, and Sesamum Merchants Association held
YANGON, 26 Dec - The seventh annual general meeting of Myanmar Beans ,Pulses ,and Sesamum Merchants Association held at the Yuzana Hotel on Shwegondine Road this evening, was attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo.
Chairman of the association U Thein Shwe made a speech.
The Secretary-2 spoke of the need to promote the interest of the State and the people while working for perpetuation of the association.
He said the government is carrying out the tasks hand in hand with the people and the Tatmadaw for emergence of a modern developed nation after laying down policies and work programmes.
Lone-term and short-term Plans are being implemented for development of agricultural, industrial and trade sectors in accordance with economic objectives laid down, he added.
The Secretary-2 said the associations are to make efforts for their progress in accordance with the economic objectives while enjoying self interest and common good equally.
Next. Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint spoke on practising of market-oriented economic system after laying down the 12 political, economic and social objectives and spoke of the need to work in accord with rules and regulations.
Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and the President of Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry also made speeches.
The report and financial statement of the Myanmar Beans ,Pulses, and Sesamum Merchants Association were then approved.
Dinner was served to those present.

(4) Secretary-2 attends third donation ceremony of Maha Theindawgyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik
YANGON, 26 Dec - The third donation ceremony for the construction of nine-storey Soonsar Kyaunghsaung of Maha Theindawgyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Pabedan Township, Yangon West District, was held at the Sarthintaik this morning, attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin 00.
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and party received the Five Precepts from Presiding Sayadaw of Maha Theindawgyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik Registrar Sayadaw of State Pariyatti Sasana Tekkatho (Yangon) Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Kumara.
Then, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein and Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Kyi Min presented offertories to the Sangha.
Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries presented K 200,000 for construction of nine-storey Soonsar Kyaunghsaung of Maha Theindawgyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik, Annawa Holdings Co Ltd K 2.12 million, Chairman of Yuzana Construction Group U Htay Myint K 2 million, Ministry of Industry-l K 600,000, Yangon City Development Committee K 500,000, families of Bogyoke Market K 800,000 families of Sein Brother K 50,000 and owner of Kabakyaw Confectionery Daw Tin and family K 450,000.
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo accepted donations and presented certificates of honour to them.
Then, families of Theingyizay A shed and B shed presented K 350,000, families of new Bogyoke Market K 300,000, Asia Express (Yangon) K 200,000, families of Tetkham Entertainment City K 120,000, KN Co U Tin Win-Daw San Win K 100,000, Myanmar Edible Oil Dealers and Merchant Association K 100,000, Samsung Co Ltd K 100,000 and families of Theingyizay Market C shed K 100,000.
Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to donors.
FMI Centre families presented K 100,000, U Hton (goldsmith) family K 100,000, U Thein Maung - Daw Pa Pa K 50,050, Pabedan Township K 2.5 million, Latha Township K 2.5 million, Kyauktada Township K 2.5 million and well-wishers K 13.26 million.
Officials accepted the donations and presented the certificates of honour. Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein supplicated on construction of nine-storey Soonsar Kyaunghsaung.
Chairman of Theindawgyi Board of Trustees U Han supplicated on financial matters for the construction of nine storey Soonsar Kyaunghsaung.
Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein supplicated on construction of the building, arrangement for installation of lift and progress of work.
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo gave instructions to officials.
Afterwards, Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Kumara delivered a sermon.
After the ceremony, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and party inspected construction of nine-storey Soonsar Kyaunghsaung.

(5) Tatmadaw families, well-wishers donate provisions to monasteries in Mayangon Township
YANGON, 26 Dec - Families of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and well-wishers donated rice to Waikzawtayon, Bawana Nuyawgarama and Minkyaung monasteries in Mayangon Township at Dhamma Theingi Ordination Hall of Waikzawtayon Monastery this morning, attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo.
The congregation received the Five Precepts from Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Waikzawtayon Monastery Agga MB Pandita Bhaddanta Vijjota.
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and party donated provisions to Sayadaws.
Then, Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Commodore Kyi Min and General Staff Officer Grade-1 (Air) Lt-Col Ye Chit Pe presented rice donated by Tatmadaw families and well-wishers to the Sayadaws.
Afterwards, service personnel and well-wishers donated 149 bags of rice, 50 viss of edible oil, four bags of gram, 400 viss of iodized salt, 40 bottles of fine grain salt, 1,445 bottles of indigenous medicines and robes to Presiding Nayaka Sayadaws and K 274,000 for the funds of respective monasteries to Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Deputy Minister U Tint Swe and officials.
Director of Resettlements Col Aung Thein supplicated on the purpose of the donations.
Later, Bhaddanta Vijjota delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits.

(6) Minister chooses site for 25-ton newsprint mill in Singaing
YANGON, 26 Dec - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by officials, yesterday afternoon arrived at the place where 25-ton newsprint mill will be built near Paleik Textile and Finishing Plant in Singaing Township, Mandalay Division, .
The minister chose the site for the plant. Managing Director U Ngwe Thaw of Myanma Paper and Chemicals Industries reported on matters relating to the construction of the plant.
Then, the minister and party inspected electrical spare parts, power control station, production of the bandage and warehouses.
He also inspected water pumping project from Myitnge River to the plant.
In the evening, the minister met the factory manager and officials, and gave necessary instructions.

(7) Minister attends ceremony to welcome year 2000 and to mark birthday of Christ
Y ANGON, 26 Dec - A ceremony to welcome the year 2000 and to mark the birthday of Christ of Young Men's Christian Association (Yangon) was held at the Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hote1 at 6.30 pm today.
Present were Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, heads of department, officials of the social and religious associations and guests.
Bishop Andrei U Mya Han extended greetings.
The staff of YMCA (Yangon) presented programmes.
Then, Minister U Aung Khin extended greetings. Col Aung Din (Retired) gave the blessing for the State.
The audience sang the blessing song. Reverend U Smith Nguza Htaung gave the blessing.

(8) Prizes presented to winners of Pyinnya Tazaung l iterary competition
YANGON, 26 Dec - Prize distribution ceremony of Pyinnya Tazaung literary competition for 1999 was held at Yankin Education College this morning.
Present on the occasion were Minister for Education U Than Aung, Deputy Ministers for Education and the directors-general of Basic Education Department, the chairman of Myanmar Education Research Bureau, retired directors-general, Chairman of Pyinnya Tazaung Management Board U Than Oo and guests.
Minister U Than Aung and officials presented prizes to winners of literary competition.

(9) Minister inspects construction of New Psychiatric Hospital
YANGON, 26 Dec - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein inspected construction of New Psychiatric Hospital in Dagon Myothit (East) Township this morning.
Director-General of Department of Health Dr Wan Maung, Deputy Superintending Engineer of Special Construction Group under the Ministry of Construction U Htwe Aung and officials reported on progress of work.
The minister gave instructions on construction works and the opening of the hospital during the period from Year 2000 to 2001.
The minister then inspected apartments of December Garden City for employees.
Afterwards, the minister went to the central midwifery training school in Toegyaunggalay .
Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Science Dr Maung Maung Win and Head of the training school Daw Khin Thein reported on matters related to the training school and requirements.
The minister left the training school at 1.00 pm.

(10) 50 members resign from Latpadan Township NLD
YANGON, 26 Dec - Fifty members resigned from the National League for Democracy of Latpadan Township, Bago Division.
Fifty members of Latpadan Township NLD, Bago Division, of their own volition, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission and the party concerned on 21 October 1999 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.

(11) WEATHER
Maximum temperature on Dec 25 was 26.5 C (80F)
Minimum temperature on Dec 26 was 10.5 C(51F)

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