THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
( Wednesday,   15  March 2000)

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

  1. Namkok Bridge opened as significant evidence of government's successes achieved with local people s participation
  2. Secretary-l receives Assistant High Commissioner for UNHCR 
  3. Secretary-l on inspection tour of eastern Shan State
  4. Coordination meeting on regional development in     Taninthayi Division held
  5. Minister inspects booth of Ministry of Information
  6. Minister inspects ancient pagodas in ChaungU
  7. Minister receives Assistant High Commissioner for UNHCR
  8. Minister for Finance and Revenue meets Ambassador of Japan
  9. Minister for A&I and delegation arrive back
  10. Five men arrested for trying to smuggle out Buddha images
  11.  71 Shwegu NLD members resign of own accord
  12. WEATHER
<<<HOME
<<NEWSPAPER INDEX

(1)Namkok Bridge opened as significant evidence of government s successes achieved with local people’s participation
 
YANGON, 14 March - Namkok Peace Bridge on Monghsat-Tachilek Road in Monghsat Township, Monghsat District, Shan State (East), was commissioned into service yesterday, with an address by Chairman of Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
 
The Secretary-1 said the bridge will benefit not only the Thanlwin east region of Shan State, but also the entire nation. As is known to all, the State Peace and Development Council is giving priority to the progress of less-developed regions of border and remote areas to ensure proportionate development in the entire nation.

The nation will develop when the economy of the entire national people will develops firmly. The economic development of border regions will totally wipe out the narcotic drug business which is the evil legacy of colonialists.

It has been ten years since the government is cooperating with the national race groups and the people are enjoying the significant success and unity at present.

Relying on aliens, a handful destructionists are making  perpetrations to destroy the national unity and to weaken the national strength. They are trying to sow seeds of mistrust among the national races to pave the way for their alien masters to interfere in the internal affairs of the nation.

The government only believes in the strength of the unity and amity of the national people. The historic Union Spirit and anti-colonialists spirit are the national forces which will destroy all conspiracies of neo-colonialists and their lackeys to dominate thc nation.

In line with the fine traditions of the national races, the entire people should strive with unity for national economic development and improvement of the living standards of the people and to crush neo-colonialists and their lackeys  attempts to dominate the country.

In conclusion, the Secretary-l stressed the need to effectively use the bridge for the well-being of the entire Union; to strive to uplift the socio-economic life of the national people and regional development; to maintain the bridge for its durability while endeavouring to perpetuate and develop the Union based on the spirit of national solidarity and the Union Spirit.

Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Commander of Triangle Region Command Maj-Gen Thein Sein said the peace group of Special Region 2 began to construct the bridge on 1 April 1999. The bridge was built within 12 months. Wa national race leader U Pau Yu-Chan said regional, people are enjoying the fruits of peace restored 10 years ago. All the regional people should work in unity under the leadership of the government.

A Shan national of the region U Sai Lon spoke words of thanks.

U Pau Yu Chan presented the Secretary-l and party documentary photos of the bridge.

Commander Maj-Gen Thein Sein presented a certificate of honour to U Pau Yu Chan.

Commander Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun and U Pau Yu Chan formally opened the bridge.

Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt unveiled the plaque marking the building of the bridge.

Also present were ministers, deputy ministers, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, the president and members of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, local authorities, departmental. personnel, members of Wa national race group, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, other social organizations and dance troupes and local people totalling over 20,000.

TOP

(2) Secretary-l receives Assistant High Commissioner of UNHCR
 
YANGON, 14 March - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Assistant High Commissioner of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Office in Geneva Mr Soren Jessen Petersen and party at the Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence at 5 pm today.

The guests were accompanied by Resident Representative of UNHCR Mr Canh Nguyen Tang.

(3) Secretary-l on inspection tour of eastern Shan State
 
YANGON, 14 March - Chairman of Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected development of regions in Shan State (East) from 12 to 14 March.

Accompanied by ministers, deputy ministers, Chief of Staff (Air), officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, the President and members of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Secretary-l left here by air for Monghsat in Shan State East on 12 March morning.

Together with the commander, the Secretary-l and party went to Mongyun Village in Monghsat township where they were welcomed by Officiating Tactical Operations Commander Lt-Col Than Shein, national race leaders and local people.

The Secretary-l met national race leaders at the hall in Mongyun Village.

National race leaders reported on roads and bridges, agriculture, livestock breeding, education, health, regional development and requirements.
 
The Secretary-l then fulfilled the requirements. He said he came to Mongyun to fulfil the requirements for development and expressed satisfaction for the success in regional agriculture.

It is important for local people to live in a peace of mind enjoying a sufficient lifed, he said.

He spoke of the need to make arrangements not only for current interest of regional people but also for long-term economy and development.

Mongyun is at the border close to the other country and is also an important region. The people and the nation will be dignified if there is regional development, he said.

He expressed his delight to see efforts for regional development, better transport and progress of economy.
The government will provide assistance for raising quality of life of the regional people including education and health sectors, he added.
 
The Secretary-l presented gifts to national race leaders and members and they also presented gifts to the Secretary- l .

The Secretary-l and party inspected cultivation of paddy, 400-kilowatt hydro-electric power station and land reclamation.

The Secretary-l and party went to Mongtong Township where they were welcomed by Tactical Operations Commander Col Win Kyi, members of Township Peace and Development Council, departmental personnel, members of USDA and families.

The Secretary-l and party went to Mongtong Township where they were welcomed by Tactical Operations Commander Col Win Kyi, members of Township Peace and Development Council, departmental personnel, members of USDA and families.

The Secretary-l met members of Township Peace and Development Council, departmental officials, members of USDA and members of social organizations.

Commander Maj-Gen Thein Sein and Col Win Kyi reported regional development including management, education and health matters, reclamation of 2,000 acres of farmland and permits, extended cultivation of crops, kinds of crops, irrigation and renovation of roads in the township.

The Secretary-l spoke of the need for service personnel discharging duties in border areas to organize local people for development of the region, agriculture and production and to speed up their tasks to keep abreast with neighbouring country in cooperation with the regional people.

He urged them to lead and organize the regional people for regional development and their improvement of liveli- hood while discharging duty at the respective regions. Officials of Township Women s Affairs Committee and Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association reported on their functions.

The Secretary-l presented gifts to service personnel.

Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party went to Mongtong Basic Education High School where they were welcomed by Township Education Officer U Swe Thet, school in-charge U Maung Lay and teachers.

The Secretary-l then met teachers and attended to their needs.

Township Education Officer U Swe Thet, school in-charge U Maung Lay reported on academic and management matters and renovation of the school.

The Secretary-l said arrangements are being made for equitable development in education after laying down the education promotion programme for narrowing the education gap between rural and urban areas.

Myanmar children are originally bright. If teaching methods and opportunities are equal, standard of education will harmoniously develop in the entire country. This is why video tapes on respective subjects and sample teaching methods are distributed to schools in various townships, he said.

He urged the teachers to nurture their pupils to be outstanding and brilliant and for uplift of education to keep abreast with international standard in accord with education promotion programme.

The Secretary-l presented TV, video deck, cassette and video and cassette tapes donated by Myanmar Education Committee to school in-charge U Maung Lay.

The Secretary-l and party inspected township hospital in Mongtong. The Secretary-1 and party went to Maipan Creek hydro-electric power project site where they were welcomed by Project Officer U Tha Aung of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise and service personnel. The Secretary-1 and party inspected Maipan Creek hydro-electric power project.

Deputy Minister for Electric Power U Myo Myint and Project Officer U Tha Aung reported on the project and progress of work. The Secretary -1 gave instructions.

Hydro-electric power station is being built on Maipan Creek, six miles north-east of Monghsat. On completion of the project, the power station can generate l,200 kilowatts. The power can be supplied to Monghsat, Mongtong and its environs. The Secretary-l and party spent the night in Monghsat.

On 13 March, the Secretary-1 and party together with Commander Maj-Gen Thein Sein left Monghsat for Mongyawng by helicopter.

They were welcomed by Tactical Operations Commander Col Soe Thein, members of District and Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental personnel, members of USDA, members of social organizations, local people and families.

The Secretary-1 met members of District and Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental personnel, members of USDA and members of social organizations at Bala Min Htin Hall in Mongyawng.

Commander Maj-Gen Thein Sein and Chairman of Mongphyat District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw reported on location and areas, population, land utilization, bridges and roads, education and health matters, hydel power project, mineral exploration, communications, water supply, monsoon paddy cultivation acreage, summer paddy cultivation, beans and pulses, cultivation of oil and kitchen crops, sufficiency in rice social measures, regional development and requirements.

The Secretary-1 said Mongyawng has favourable conditions for agriculture and located in a place which can open border trade with the three neighbouring nations and the region will gain progress if all the departmental personnel and local people will work with might and main. The region lagged behind development as it was a place where heavy armed conflicts had erupted in the past. The region gained gradual progress as peace was won back in 1989. The government is rendering all-round assistance to less-developed regions with goodwill. As the government is making efforts for regional development with goodwill, the local people should also strive with added momentum for the progress of their respective regions. The local authorities and departmental personnel have the duty to organize local people to collectively strive for progress of their region based on Union Spirit.

The Secretary-l and party were welcomed at Mongyaung Township Hospital by Dr Sai Kham Um and staff.  The Secretary-l and party looked into the hospital.  Then, they proceeded to Mongyaung Basic Education High School where they were welcomed by Shan State (East) Education Officer U Eli Ya Pun. TEO U Tin Soe and Headmaster U Pauk Sa, teachers and students.

TEO U Tin Soe reported on matters related to education.  Then, the Secretary-l presented TV and video set, cassette and multimedia teaching video and cassette tapes donated by the Myanmar Education Committee to TEO U Tin Soe. Afterwards, the Secretary-l and party arrived at orchards of Hon Pang Co in Mongphone Village-tract in Tachilek. Officials of Hon Pang Co welcomed the Secretary-l and party. Officials reported on acreage of grape and lychee, production, modern cultivation methods and future tasks. The Secretary-l gave necessary instructions and inspected the orchard.

They then went to Lwanlein Kyaungtaik of Mongphone Tawyakyaung in Mongphone Village-tract and paid obeisance to Mongphone Hnee Buddha Image. The Secretary-l and party donated provisions to Naga Hnakaung Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Dhammasiri and Mongphone Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nanasamvara.  Next, the Secretary-l and party inspected construction of Gandakuti Taik where Mongphone Hnee Buddha Image will be kept.  At Golden Triangle Region in Tachilek, the Secretary-l and party paid obeisance to Abhaya Mudra standing Buddha image.

They then arrived at Golden Triangle Paradise Resort Hotel in Wampon of Tachilek Township. Proprietor of the hotel Mr Prasit Pothasuthon and officials welcomed them. The Secretary-1 and party looked round the hotel.  At Tachilek, the Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by officials of District and Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental personnel and members of Union Solidarity and Development Association. In the hall of Golden Triangle Hotel, the Secretary-l met officials of District and Township Peace and Development Councils and departmental personnel. Chairman of Tachilek District Peace and Development

Council Lt-Col Thet Naing Win reported on reclamation of fallow and virgin lands in the district, acreage of monsoon paddy cultivation and production, acreage of summer paddy cultivation, edible oil and kitchen crops, livestock breeding, collection of revenues construction of Kengtung-Mongphyat-Tachilek road, education and health matters. power supply, allotment of Tachilek Industrial Zone and performance of social associations. Commander Maj-Gen Thein Sein presented supplementary reports on border trade, health and education matters and requirements. Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone reported on value added wood products, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin on tourism industry in border areas, Minister for Immigration and Population U Saw Tun on arrangements for tourism industry development in border areas and Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe on arrangements of the transport sector to develop tourism industry. President of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint also reported on tasks being carried out by the federation. Then, the Secretary-l explained matters related to the reports and gave instructions.

The Secretary-l said not only the Border Trade Department but also all other departments should collectively strive to ensure fairness and to wipe out malpractices in border trade. Government staff working at border areas stay clear from acts that may tarnish the dignity of the nation. The staff should work duty fully and with sincerity. They should observe the rule and regulations with the belief that the State will reward them for their efforts. They are required to take part in developing agriculture and industry of the regions they are assigned to. All departmental personnel should collectively work for thc progress of Tachilek In industrial Zone, which was set up for development of the entire Thanlwin east regions, and boosting exports and production of import substitute goods. In the evening, the Secretary- 1 and party paid obeisance to Tachilek Shwedagon Pagoda. The Secretary-1 signed in the visitors  book and made donations. This morning, Chairman of Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected I development tasks of Tachilek.

First, the Secretary-l, accompanied by Commander Maj-Gen Thein Sein, arrived at lychee farm of U Ar Zee in Lwedawkham Village-tract in Tachilek at 8 am. Assistant Director U Ohn Myint of Settlement & Land Records Department reported on cultivation of perennial crops including lychee trees according to the narcotic drug elimination programme and U Ar Zee on cultivation of 17,000 lychees. The Secretary-l gave necessary instructions.  The Secretary-l then inspected plantations of lychee in Lwedawkham Village-tract. Afterwards, the Secretary-l cordially met local people and attended to their needs.

The Secretary-l and party inspected construction of the bailey bridge across Meisai Creek in Tachilek.

At Tachilek BEHS, Township Education Officer U Aung Kyaw, the school head and teachers welcomed the Secretary-1 and party. The Secretary-l met teachers of the school. Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary-l urged them to open culture, computer and sports training courses and nurture school youths to become outstanding students. Teachers must guide the school children to follow the right path and make them to cherish the nation, nationals and traditional culture, he added. He called on teachers to unite education family and strive for all-round development of student youths and to keep abreast of international standard in education sector. Then, the Secretary-l and party inspected progress of Kengtung-Mongphyat-Tachilek Road being constructed by Hon Pang Company.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party paid obeisance to the Buddha image at Naga Hnakaung Kyaungtaik in Tachilek. Then, the Secretary-l and party paid homage to Naga Hnakaung Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Dhammasiri and Mongphone Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nanasamvara. Next, they inspected operation of Myanmar Universal Bank Ltd (Tachilek Branch) and the Secretary-l accepted K 1 million for Shwedagon Pagoda donated by Chairman of the bank U Tin Sein and Daw Nang Kham Tit.

The Secretary-l and party left Tachilek by air and arrived here this afternoon.

Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, who accompanied the Secretary-l, inspected Monghsat Township Hospital in the evening. The minister gave instructions on treatment and management matters. The minister then inspected operation theatre, medical store and patient wards. On 13 march, the minister also inspected patient wards, laboratory and operation theatre of Tachilek Hospital (50-bed).

In Tachilek, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone met Secretary U Kyi Myint and Executive Committee members of Kengtung-Tachilek Border Trade Merchant Association on 13 March. Also present were Director Lt-Col Saw Hla Tun of Border Trade Department, President of UMFCCI U Win Myint and CEC member U Sein Hlaing.The minister and the president of UMFCCI gave instructions on trading matters.

Similarly, the minister met Tachilek Township War Veterans Organization and gave instructions on implementation of tasks of the organization and business matters. On 13 March, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe inspected lobby, runway and greening tasks of Tachillek Airport. Minister for Immigration and Population U Saw Tu met District and Township level service personnel of b migration and National Registration Departments in the evening of 13 March and gave necessary instructions. Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung also met employees of Monghsat District and Township Agriculture, Land Records and Irrigation and Agriculture Mechanization Departments on 12 March.

The Deputy Minister gave instructions on changing of cultivation methods with quality strains instead Of traditional strains and distribution of paddy strains al border area camps.

TOP

(4) Coordination meeting on regional development in Taninthayi Division held
 
YANGON, 14 March - A coordination meeting on regional development in Taninthayi Division was held at the Prime Minister s Office this morning, attended by Chairman of Leading Committee for Development of Region-wise Agricultural Sector Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo.

The Secretary-2 said works are being implemented of paddy, oil palm and rubber, for ensuring better transport and mining and production of fish and meat after formation of various sub-committees. He said he met officials to fulfil the requirements.

Officials concerned are to report on work done, tasks to be done and requirements, he added.

Secretary of Leading Committee for Development of Region-wise Agricultural Sector Minister at the Prime Minister s Office Brig-Gen Lun Maung reported on formation of the work committee and sub-committees, cultivation of paddy, oil palm and rubber, fish and meat sector, mining and transport.
 
Secretary of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Khin Maung Nyo reported on requirement and output of rice in Taninthayi Division, cultivation of oil palm and rubber by national entrepreneurs, conditions of roads and requirements.

Officer on Special Duty at the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Than Tint and leader of Special Committee for Land and Work Implementation Deputy Director-General of Settlement and Land Records Department U Gwan Shein reported on cultivation acreage of paddy, oil palm and rubber in Taninthayi Division for entrepreneurs and cultivation.

Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe reported on upgrading of Laynya-Bokepyin, road Taninthayi-Taungfaru road and Taungfaru-Mandaing roads and repair of Kanyinchaung and Pa-ork Bridges.

Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn Myint reported on arrangements to build embankment for protecting salty water from flowing into the farm- lands for extended cultivation of paddy, distribution of strains of paddy and arrangements for construction of Yaybyu Creek diversion weir.

Officials of the companies reported on their permits to undertake agriculture service, cultivation of oil palm and rubber, land preparation of extended cultivation in 2000 2001 and arrangements for cultivation.

The Secretary-2 said the government is providing necessary assistance for development of Taninthayi Division and sub-committees are to effectively implement the tasks in accord with the projects.

As central level organizations have provided assistance, division, district and township .officials are to give close supervision including management, he said.

National entrepreneurs have made arrangements for cultivation of oil palm in Taninthayi Division and the Secretary-2 spoke of the need to keep in touch with those in charge in the regions.
He stressed the importance of correctly presenting actual cultivation and success.

TOP

(5) Minister inspects booth of Ministry of Information

YANGON, 14 March - Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung arrived at the Defence Services Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road this morning. He was welcomed by Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director-General of MRTV U Khin Maung Htay, Director General of Information and Public Relations Department U Chit Naing, Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, Managing Director of Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Than Maung, Deputy Director-General of IPRD U Aung Hsan and officials.

The Minister and party inspected the booth of Ministry of Information to be exhibited at the ministries exhibitions at the Exhibition of the 55th Anniversary Armed Forces Day. The Minister gave necessary instructions and left there in the afternoon.

(6) Minister inspects ancient pagodas in ChaungU

YANGON, 14 March - Minister for Culture U Win Sein, accompanied by Deputy Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Myint, Acting Director-General U Kyaw Win of Archaeology Department and officials, met ChaungU Township and Kinmuntaw Village-tract authorities, townselders and local people at Kinmuntaw Affiliated Basic Education Middle School in ChaungU Township on 12 March.

The minister explained the history of the nation and development tasks being carried out by the State Peace and Development Council, and attended to their needs.

The minister and party inspected ancient Lattawya, Aungdawmu Htiphyuhsaung and Kodawpyauk pagodas in Tawkyaunglay Village.

They also inspected the city wall and moat of Amyint Myo in Amyint Village-tract.

Afterwards, the minister presented 115 books to Chairman of Nyo Mya Toh Ywa library U Bo Kya. The minister and party then inspected Minye Phayataik and Zeditaw Phayataik in Aneint Village.

TOP

(7) Minister receives Assistant High Commissioner for  UNHCR

YANGON, 14 March - Minister for Immigration and Population U Saw Tun received visiting Assistant High Commissioner of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Mr Soern Jessen Peterson at his office this evening.

The Minister hosted dinner in honour of Assistant High Commissioner at Traders Hotels later in the evening.

(8) Minister for Finance and Revenue meets Ambassador of Japan
 
YANGON, 14 March - Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein met Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Kazuo Asakai who has completed his tour of duty and party at his office at 10.30 am today.

TOP

(9) Minister for A&I and delegation arrive back
 
YANGON, 14 March - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and Director-General of Agricultural Planning Department Dr Mya Maung arrived back here after attending the first meeting of the Central Administrative Council of the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 11 to 13 March.

Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and delegation met Minister of Food of Bangladesh Mr Amil Amu on 10 March.

Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin chaired the first meeting of the Central Administrative Council of the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) on 11 March.
 
Ministers of India, Bangladesh and Myanmar and officials of Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Philippines were also present.

Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and delegation met the president and members of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bangladesh on 12 March.

The minister and party also met Minister of Agriculture Mrs Matia Chowdhury yesterday.

(10) Five men arrested for trying to smuggle out Buddha images

YANGON, 14 March - Five men were arrested for trying to smuggle out Buddha images to the other country near the Am checking point, Rakhine State on 27 February.

Members of local Defence Services Intelligence Unit, acting on information, made a search and found 23 Buddha images with various head structures together with Than Hlaing, Khin Thein, Aung Thu and Tun Win in a Toyota Corolla-Van with number plate ah/ 705 which was driven by Aung Naing Oo. Service action is to be taken against them.

TOP

(11) 71 Shwegu NLD members resign of own accord

YANGON, 14 March - Seventy-one members resigned from the National League for Democracy of Shwegu Township, Kachin State.

Seventy-one members of Tein Hun Village-tract National League for Democracy, Shwegu Township, Kachin State, of their own accord, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission and the party concerned on 15 September 1999 as they no longer wished to participate in the party politics of NLD.

(12)WEATHER

Maximum temperature on 13-3-2000 was 34.00C (930F)
Minimum temperature on 14-3-2000 was 20.3 0C (680F)
 

TOP
<<<<HOME
<<NEWSPAPER INDEX
 

To view with photos, please browse at - http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/