N980412

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
( Wednesday, 29 December 1999)
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Myanmar women urged to preserve rights in accord with Myanmar’s history, religious teachings, traditions and culture
Secretary l attends Myanmar National Olympic Council meeting
Dhamma Sakka Sutta recitation ceremonies held at Shwedagon Pagoda, Maha Pasana Cave
Victory of football and volleyball teams show Myanmar Tatmadaw’s high calibre
Minister inspects No 1 Shoe Factory, Leather Factory
Minister inspects construction of University of Culture (Mandalay)
Minister inspects production of factories
Myanmar surgeons successfully perform kidney transplant
Minister for SWRR meets Myanmar delegation
Mister for Health meets Director of Japanese Clelf Palate Foundation
Minister for Hotels and Tourism meets Chairman of Brooker Group Ltd
52 members resign from Taze Township NLD
WEATHER

(1) Myanmar women urged to preserve rights in accord with Myanmar’s history, religious teachings, traditions and culture

YANGON, 28 Dec - Myanmar National Working Committee for Women’s Affairs of Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement held a coordination meeting No 2/99 at the meeting hall of the ministry at 2 pm today, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said that taking the lessons from the countries that were dominated by neo-colonialists, all should defend the nation from falling into servitude again. Due to the unrelenting efforts, national consolidation has been restored and peace is prevailing in almost all parts of the nation; the government is able to undertake nation-building tasks and border area development tasks in the entire nation.
In Myanmar, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross Society, Myanmar Medical Association, Myanmar Nurses Association, Myanmar National Committee for Women’s Affairs and Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Association are striving to realize their aims. The 3rd of July, the day on which MNWCWA was formed has been designated as Myanmar Women’s Day.
Throughout the successive eras, Myanmar women have enjoyed equal rights with men; they have taken part in tasks benefiting the race, religion and nation together with men; thus, Myanmar women are endowed with brilliant intellectual ability, good experiences and the spirit of self-reliance.
The government has acknowledged and is uplifting the strength of women in nation-building tasks. It is encouraging to see the significant progress in the all-round ability of women.
Myanmar National Committee for Women’s Affairs has six separate bodies under it in undertaking tasks to develop the women in all sectors.
The committee is conducting health education talks for young women, workshops on health for women, basic on-job courses, basic accountancy courses and domestic science courses to enable the women to earn extra income. It is also disbursing loans to women, undertaking research on women’s life and: explaining the committee’s functions to other welfare organizations.
The Working Group for Preventing Violence Against Women is rendering free counselling services for women victims of violence, giving encouragement and protection and conducting workshops and seminars on preventing violence against women. Especially, it is striving to let young Myanmar women understand the value of metta and cetena, and to enable them to love and preserve the traditions and culture.
In international relations, the committee is working in accord with the Declaration of the Fourth Women’s Conference (Beijing), sending women delegates abroad to attend meetings, seminars or workshops, contributing articles on Myanmar women’s sector to international magazines and holding workshops in coordination with the UN.
As Myanmar women have already enjoyed their rights, efforts are being made for further progress of their rights. It should be made known to the world that Myanmar women will preserve their rights in accord with the Myanmar’s history, teachings of the religion and traditions, and culture.
As those who are against the Myanmar’s interests are trying to spread false information and data on Myanmar, women should take part in getting the world know Myanmar’s true conditions and facts.
Thus the committee should make efforts for further progress of the women’s rights, their socio-economic life, to uplift the ability of women in upholding and safe guarding the lineage, traditions and culture, dignity and moral conducts and for the emergence of the women force on which the nation can rely.
In conclusion, the Secretary-l urged the committee to strive from their sector for the emergence of a peaceful, pleasant, developed and modern nation; to strive in harmony with other social associations such as MMCWA, MRCS and Myanmar Auxiliary Fire Brigade for progress of education, health, social sectors of the nation and to give the straight forward and correct leadership to the brilliant women force of the nation.
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt then presented K 100,000 donated by NHC to MNWCWA.
Chairman of the committee Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa also gave a speech.
A general round of discussions followed.
The meeting ended with concluding remarks by Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa.

(2) Secretary 1 attends Myanmar National Olympic Council meeting
YANGON, 28 Dec - A Coordination meeting of Myanmar National Olympic Council was held at National Indoor Stadium-l in Thuwunna, Thingangyun Township, this evening, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar National Olympic Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
The Secretary-l said after taking up duties of State, the government laid down the lofty objectives of "Myanmar Sports the World to Conquer". The government and the people gave encouragement to sports and businessmen also provided assistance to it. However, he said success was not achieved as expected.
He spoke on making arrangements to achieve success in all sporting events including football, track and field, volleyball, shooting, weightlifting and boxing in which Myanmar had noble traditions in SEA Games, selection and training of athletes and reforms. He also spoke, of the need to select qualified athletes widely.
Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe has laid down guidance for uplift of sports stands, he added.
The Secretary-1 said body and mind of outstanding athletes are to be trained.
He spoke on Tatmadaw football and volleyball teams’ winning of gold in recent ASEAN Tatmadaw football and volleyball tournaments and winning of gold medals in the First SEA Canoe Championship held in Yangon and said they brought honour to the Tatmadaw and the nation.
He called for cooperation in unison for greater progress of Myanmar Sports.
Next, Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint reported on review of the XX SEA Games, selection and training of brilliant athletes, arrangements for success and the first Upper and Lower Myanmar Track and Field Tournament.
The Secretary-3 also took part in the discussions.
The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the Secretary-1.
Before the meeting, Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint presented the Olympic Door of the Year 2000, a figurine in commemoration of Olympics sent by International Olympic Committee, to the Secretary-1.

(3) Dhamma Sakka Sutta recitation ceremonies held at Shwedagon Pagoda, Maha Pasana Cave
YANGON, 28, Dec - The Dhamma Sakka Sutta recitation ceremonies of No 3 Basic Education Department (Yangon City) held to mark 1999-2000 academic year School Family Day on the terrace of Shwedagon Pagoda at 5 pm and Maha Pasana Cave on Thirimingala Kaba Aye Hill at 6 pm today wasattended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
First, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party attended the Dhamma Cakka wut recitation ceremony to mark 1999-2000 academic year School Family Day at the north-west corner of Shwedagon Pagoda at 5 pm today.
A total of 70 wut associations comprising 500 teachers and 2,100 students of basic education schools from Pabedan, Tamway, Thakayta, Pazundaung, Mingala Taungnyunt, Botahtaung, Dawbon, Kamayut, Sang-young, Kyimyindine, Ahlon, Lanmadaw, Latha, Kyauktada and Dagon townships received the Five Precepts at Shwedagon Pagoda.
They then offered 2,100 flowers, water and oil lights to the pagoda and invited celestial beings. Afterwards, they recited Buddha Guna, Dhamma Guna, Sangha Guna and Dhamma ,Cakka Sutta. Next, the wut associations dispensed metta and shared merits gained.
Then, Secretary-l paid obeisance to Padamya Myatshin Buddha Image on the upper terrace of the pagoda.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party attended the Dhamma ,Cakka Sutta recitation ceremony to mark 1999-2000 academic year School Family Day in Maha Pasana Cave on Thirimingala Kaba Aye Hill.
Altogether 70 wut associations comprising 500 teachers and 2,100 students of basic education schools from North Okkalapa, South Okkalapa, Yankin, Mayangon, Hline, Insein, Mingaladon and Bahan townships took part in the ceremony.
Then, they shared merits gained and recited Buddha Sasanam Ciran Titthatu three times and the ceremony came to a close.

(4) Victory of football and volleyball teams show Myanmar Tatmadaw’s high calibre
YANGON, 28 Dec - Myanma Tatmadaw football and volleyball teams that won in ASEAN Armed Forces Soccer and Volleyball Tournaments in commemoration of the 55th anniversary Vietnamese Armed Forces Day were honoured at Thiri Yadana Golf Club at Konmyinttha of Yangon Command this evening, with an address by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Defence Services Sports and Physical Education Management Board Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint.
Secretary-3 said Myanmar Tatmadaw sports teams had taken part in goodwill games with other ASEAN nations. Myanmar Tatmadaw soccer team won the championship trophy by beating the host Vietnamese Armed Forces team in the final and Myanmar Tatmadaw volley-ball team the Armed Forces team of Thailand in the final; The victory of both teams demonstrate the high calibre of Myanmar Tatmadaw.
The Tatmadaw will make all-out efforts for the progress of Myanmar sports. The victorious athletes of the winning teams should strive to achieve more in future games. In addition to the perseverance of the athletes, skill, training and good management are required to win victories. Officials of the Defence Services Sports and Physical Education Committee should render all-round assistance to the athletes.
Principal of Defence Services Self-Defence and Sports Institute Col Sein Tin Win and Deputy Commandant of Defence Services Records Office Lt-Col Tin Ko Ko presented trophies to the Secretary-3.
Col Sein Tin Win and Lt-Col Tin Ko Ko recounted their experiences.
The Secretary-3 presented K 2.3 million for football team and K 15 million for volleyball team to Col Sein Tin Win and Lt-Col Tin Ko Ko.
Director U Aung Than of Edible Oil Ltd also presented K 3.8 million for the football and volleyball teams and K 1.2 million for the funds of the teams to Col Sein Tin Win and Lt-Col Tin Ko Ko.
Deputy Adjutant-General Col Ye Tun presented promotion orders to players of football and volleyball teams.
A dinner was served to the guests.

(5) Minister inspects No 1 Shoe Factory, Leather Factory
YANGON, 28 Dec - Minister for industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun and departmental heads, arrived at No 1 Shoe Factory of Myanma General and Maintenance Industries on Yangon-Insein Road in Mayangon Township this morning.
At the factory, the minister inspected production of briquettes and use of raw materials.
Factory Manager U Thein Lwin reported to the minister on production of fuelwood substitute and sales. The minister gave instructions on boosting of production with the full utilization of modern machine and market promotion.
Then, the minister and party proceeded to Leather Factory of Myanma General and Maintenance Industries in Ward 11 of Hline Township.
In the briefing hall, the minister heard reports on production and sales of the factory presented by Factory Manager U Min Thein, and gave necessary instructions.

(6) Minister inspects construction of University of Culture (Mandalay)
YANGON, 28 Dec - Minister for Culture U Win Sein, accompanied by Deputy Director-General U Kyaw Win of Archaeology Department, Rector U Tin Soe of University of Culture (Yangon) and officials, arrived at construction site of University of Culture (Mandalay) near Ohnchaw Village, Patheingyi Township, this morning.
The minister and party were welcomed by Project Director U Tin Tun Aung of Myanma Industrial Construction Services and officials.
In the briefing hall, Project Director U Tin Tun Aung reported to the minister on progress in construction of the university and work to be done. The minister gave instructions on thrift, prevention of loss and wastage, timely completion of the work, and work to be industriously carried out for opening of the university at the earliest time.
Then, the minister inspected the buildings of university. So far, 90 per cent of painting studio, 99 per cent of sculpture hall, 52 per cent of drama hall, 42 per cent of music hall and 70 per cent of staff quarters had completed.
At the place of the summer palace of King Thibaw near Myanansankyaw Shwenandaw, Director U Tun Zaw of Archaeology Department reported on location of the palace to the minister. The minister inspected the summer palace site.

(7) Minister inspects production of factories
Y ANGON, 28 Dec - Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, accompanied by officials, arrived at No 1 Farm Machinery Factory (Hsinde) in Padaung Township, Bago Division, on 26 December.
Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein Linn and officials welcomed the minister and party.
In the briefing hall, the minister met officials of No1 Farm Machinery Factory (Hsinde), No 2 Farm Machinery Factory (Malun), No 2 Vehicle Assembling Plant (Htonbo) and No 1Machinery Production Factory (Nyaungchedauk) and gave necessary instructions.
On 27 December, the minister inspected spare parts of threshing and winnowing machines and warehouses.
Then, the minister and party went to No 2 Vehicle Assembling Plant (Htonbo) and inspected parts of machines and engines and ware houses.
At No 1 Machinery Production Factory (Nyaungchedauk), the minister also inspected No 1 machinery workshop, warehouses and construction of extended buildings.
This morning, the minister and party inspected paddy harvesting with the threshing and winnowing machine on the land of No 1 Farm Machinery Factory (Hsinde).

(8) Myanmar surgeons successfully perform kidney transplant
YANGON, 28 Dec - Myanmar surgeons and health staff successfully performed a surgical kidney transplant on a patient at new Yangon General Hospital this morning.
The success was the combined efforts of surgeons, nurses and health staff of new Yangon General Hospital and Thingangyun General Hospital.
The recipient was U Nay Lin, 34, of 95, Bayatheikdi Street, Tamway Township, and the donor was his twin elder sister Daw Thida Hnin.
Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister Dr Mya Oo and Director-General of Health Department Dr Wan Maung visited the donor and the recipient and their families.
A kidney of Daw Thida Hnin was taken out in a surgical operation by Prof. U Than Aye, Dr Toe Lwin and Dr Kyaw Swa Hlaing. Her kidney was pre.served by Dr Htay Htay Myint Prof. U Than Aye, Prof. U Khin Tun and Dr Win Myaing performed the surgical operation to transplant a kidney on U Nay Lin at 7 am. The transplant was successfully completed at 1 1.40 am.
Anesthetists who took part in the transplant were Prof. Dr Thein Thein Khaing, Dr Daw Mya Aye Kyu, Dr Daw Kyi Kyi San, Dr Kyaw Kyaw Soe, Dr Daw Khin Hla Win, Dr Daw Cho Cho Lwin and Dr Daw Thida Oo.
Prof. U Paing Soe, Dr Tin Shwe and party were in cluded in the special kidney transplant team.
The sixth kidney transplant operation was carried out by surgeons under the supervision of the Medical Superintendent Dr Min Swe and health staff led by Matrons Daw Than Nyunt Hlaing and Daw Kyu Kyu Mon.
Both the patient and the donor are in good health.
This is the first time a tissue test was conducted by Myanmar experts.

(9) Minister for SWRR meets Myanmar delegation
YANGON, 28 Dec - Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa met Myanmar delegation which will attend the 1st January 2000 Caring Day Declaration ceremony to be held from 28 December to 3 January in Malaysia at Yangon International Airport at 11 am today.
The delegation led by Deputy Director-General of Social Welfare Department U Maung Myint left here today for Malaysia.
The delegation was seen of at Yangon International Airport by Director-General U Myint Tun of Fire Services Department, Director-General U Sit Myaing of Social Welfare Department and officials and headmasters and headmistresses.
The ceremony will be attended by the youths of China, Japan, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.

(10) Mister for Health meets Director of Japanese Clelf Palate Foundation
YANGON, 28 Dec - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein met Director of Japanese Clelf Palate Foundation Professor Nagato Natsume and party who called at his office this morning.
Present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Health and officials.

(11) Minister for Hotels and Tourism meets Chairman of Brooker Group Ltd
YANG6N, 28 Dec - Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin met Chairman of the Brooker Group Ltd Mr Peter Brimble at his office this morning.
They discussed human resources development in Myanmar.

(12) 52 members resign from Taze Township NLD
YANGON, 28 Dec - Fifty-two members resigned from the National League for Democracy of Taze Township, Sagaing Division.
Fifty-two members of Taze Township NLD, Sagaing Division, of their own volition, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Taze Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission Office and the party concerned on 11 November 1999 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.

(13) WEATHER
Maximum temperature on Dec 26 was 27.0 °C (81°F)
Minimum temperature on Dec 27 was 10.5 °C (51°F)

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