The New Light of Myanmar
( Saturday,  18  March 2000)

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  1. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen attends opening ceremony of No (7) Sugar Mill (Ottwin)
  2. ASEAN Steering Committee holds meeting 1/2000
  3. Secretary-1 and wife attend music festival of Mandalay Myoma Music Band
  4. Over 80 per cent of work completed in upgrading Mandalay-PyinOoLwin Highway
  5. Merits share for donation of Karthi Kyaungsaung to Thidagu Kaba Buddha Tekkatho
  6. Secretary-3 attends opening of 55th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Extempore Talk Competition
  7. Wedaunt concrete wharf of Pathein Port inspected
  8. K 100, K 50 silver coins, K 10, K 5, K 1 coins to be put into circulation on 24 March
  9. Allegations Too Absurd and Ridiculous to Dignify Them with Response Myanmar Completely Rejects So-Called " 2000 Report on Labour Practices in Burma"
  10. 12 Bhamo NLD members resign of own accord
  11. 28860 stimulant tablets seized in Muse
  12. WEATHER
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(1) Secretary-1 Lt-Gen attends opening ceremony of No 7 Sugar Mill (Ottwin)

YANGON, 17 March - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by ministers, deputy ministers, the Chief of Staff (Air), officials of the State Peace and  Development Council Office, heads of department and officials, left here by Tatmadaw aircraft this morning and arrived at Toungoo in Bago Division at 8.20 am today.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party proceeded to No 7 Sugar Mill (Ottwin) in Ottwin Township,  where they were welcomed by Deputy Commander of Southern Command and officials.

Then, the opening ceremony of No 7 Sugar Mill (Ottwin) of Myanma Sugarcane Enterprise of the
Ministry Agriculture and Irrigation was held at the mill in Ottwin Township, Bago Division, at 8.45 am  today, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Present also were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Bago Division
Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Tin Aye, ministers, deputy ministers, Tatmadaw  officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, Vice-Department Manager of China National Heavy Machinery Corporation Mr Liu Bei Zhi and party, members of District and Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials, the  managing director of Myanma Sugarcane Enterprise, the planning manager of No 7 Sugar Mill (Ottwin)  and officials, factory manager and service personnel, members of Union Solidarity and Development  Association, social organizations, teachers and students and local residents.

Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt pressed the button to unveil the signboard of the mill.

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and Vice Department Manager of China
National Heavy Machinery Corporation Mr Liu Bei Zhi formally opened the mill. Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin  Nyunt and party placed the sugar-cane into the mill to start the crushing of the mill and inspected the  mill.

After the ceremony, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and officials reported to Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin
Nyunt on the location of the mill, installation of machine, capacity of the machine, process of sugar
production, targeted sugarcane tonage  for this year and sugar production and arrangements to achieve sufficient sugarcane.

Commander Maj-Gen Tin Aye presented supplementary reports.

Afterwards, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt called for distribution of modern technology to farmers for requirements of the mill and extension of sugarcane acres.

Then, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented fruit basket to Vice-Department Manager of China  National Heavy Machinery Corporation Mr Liu Bei Zhi.

Planning Manager Myat Myat Set presented a commemorative pennant to Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin  Nyunt.

Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party arrived back here this morning.

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(2) ASEAN Steering Committee holds meeting 1/2000

YANGON, 17 March - ASEAN Steering Committee held meeting 1/2000 at Office of the Commander-in- Chief (Army) this afternoon, attended by Chairman of the ASC Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Present were ministers, the chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, deputy ministers,  members of ASC, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department,  guests and officials.

Secretary of ASC Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win sought the meeting's
approval of minutes of ASC meeting 2/99.

Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung explained the ASEAN meetings attended by officials of his
ministry.

Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel reported on  matters relating to ASEAN economic co-operation, ASEAN economic meetings and hosting of informal  meeting of ASEAN economic ministers in Myanmar.

Ministers, deputy ministers and officials explained meetings attended by officials of their respective
departments.

Officials presented hosting of the 35th meeting of ASEAN Committee of Culture and Information, the  report of the 65th ASEAN Federation of Accountants Meeting, the 11th AFA Conference, hosting of  the 20th ASEAN Police Force Chiefs' Conference, hosting ASEAN Forest Affairs Meeting in year 2000,  hosting of the Ninth ASEAN Youth Day Meeting and ASEAN coal co-operation affairs of the Second  Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Minerals.

Minister U Win Aung reported on hosting of the Fourth BIMST-EC Ministerial Meeting and Senior
Officials Meeting and BIMST-EC Economic Forum, Director-General of Energy Planning Department U  Soe Myint on hosting of Expert Group Meeting of BIMST-EC Energy Co-operation Programme and Minister Brig-Gen Abel on Preliminary Meeting of BIMST-EC Economic Forum and results of the First  Trade and investment Committee Meeting.

The Secretary-1 said Myanmar has gained a lot of experience in ASEAN activities since  it has become an  ASEAN member for nearly three years.

During the period, Myanmar has participated in ASEAN meetings abroad and also hosted ASEAN
meetings. The respective departments should pay special attention to implementing tasks concerning
the meetings.

The respective departments should work with the aim of benefiting the economic, trade and social
sectors of the country as ASEAN is an association which gives priority to co-operation in economic
and social sectors.

Based on the experiences gained in the past, all should work for the benefit of the nation in economic,  trade and technical sectors while taking part actively in ASEAN activities.

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(3) Secretary-1 and wife attend music festival of Mandalay Myoma Music Band

YANGON, 17 March - Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and  wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe attended the music festival of Mandalay Myoma Music Band to mark the  Diamond Jubilee of the Myoma Music Band at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Road at 7 pm  today. Vocalists Ko Min Naung, Maung Maung Gyi, Thu Maung, Than Myat Soe, Yaza Win Tint,  Hlwan Moe, Soe Aung, Myint Myint Khin, Htar, Cho Pyone, Ye Ye Thant, Tin Tin Mya, Phyu Thi, Mee  Mee Win Pe, Ni Ni Win Shwe and Kay Thi Toe presented entertainment programme to the guests with  Myoma Music Band.

Myoma Gita Wingaba programme sponsored by Yama including Academy Yan Aung, Myint Myint
Khin, Tin Tin Mya, Htar, Cho Pyone, Ye Ye Thant, Phyu Thi, Ni Ni Win Shwe and Daw May Shin and  presenter Soe Myat Thuzar presented Myoma Gita Wingaba programme.

Mandalay Myoma Anyeint including Soviet-pyan Nwe Nwe San, comedian Paw San and Myodaw
Thein Hsu, Actor Zaw Win Naing, Dataung Than Chaung, Zaw One presented a entertainment
programme with Mandalay Myoma Music Band.

The Mandalay Myoma Music Band continues entertainment programme on 18 and 19 March beginning  7 pm.

(4) Over 80 per cent of work completed in upgrading Mandalay-PyinOoLwin Highway

YANGON, 17 March - Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo yesterday  inspected the upgrading of Mandalay-PyinOoLwin Motor Road into a two-lane high-way. On arrival at  Mandalay; the Secretary-2 and party were welcomed by Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy  Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win and officials.

At the briefing hall of Upper Myanmar Special Investigation Department of Myanmar Police Force, the  Secretary-2 and party heard a report on the planting of shade trees and teak and cultivation of seasonal  and perennial edible crops presented by an official.

The Secretary-2 looked into the requirements.

At the briquette factory of Mandalay District Peace and Development Council, the Secretary-2 and party  observed production and distribution of briquettes.

They then inspected the upgrading of Mandalay-PyinOoLwin Motor Road into a two-lane highway.

Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint reported on initiator of the project, progress in expanding the road,  construction of bridges on the road and financial matters.

The Secretary-2 and party inspected Nadaungkya Creek Bridge Project.

The 150-foot-long reinforced concrete bridge, which has a four-lane motor-way and can support 60-ton  loads, is being built by Public Works.

The Secretary-2 and party inspected construction of bridges along the road and progress of work in
expanding the road into a two-lane highway. After inspecting construction of a bridge near
Kyaukchawgon village, the Secretary-2 and party cordially greeted the Tatmadaw men who were taking  part in the project near Ani Sakhan in PyinOoLwin Township.

On arrival at PyinOo-Lwin, they were welcomed by Commander of PyinOo-Lwin Station Commandant of  Defence Services Academy Brig-Gen Tin Oo, senior military officers and departmental personnel.

In the hall at the entrance of the town, the Secretary-2 and party met with officials, saying that
Mandalay-PyinOoLwin Highway is an important facility for border trade, linking Mandalay with the
border trade point. In the past, traffic congestion led to accidents on the road. Over 80 per cent of the  road works has been completed.

The commander and personnel concerned who have made efforts to overcome many difficulties in
implementing the project, should be lauded.

The Secretary-2 and patty went back to Mandalay.

The project began on 10 June 1998. There will be 78 bridges and 49 conduits on the 37 miles and four  fur-longs long highway. Most of the bridges have been completed. Over 35 miles of the highway have  been tarred.

Public Works has under- taken over 31 miles of the highway and Mandalay City Development
committee over 6 miles with the participation of Tatmadawmen of Mandalay and PyinOoLwin Stations.  Estimated cost of the project is K 900 million .

This morning, the Secretary-2 and party inspected cultivation of summer paddy and other crops at
Kaunghmudaw pond in Sagaing Township. Officials reported on sown acreage and type of crops
cultivated at Kaunghmudaw pond which is five miles long and two miles wide.

Back in Mandalay, the Secretary-2 and party inspected building of the Strand Road and beautifying the  Kandawgyi Lake.

In Chanmyathazi Township, they inspected a briquette factory. They then inspected cultivation of
kitchen crops at Nanmyo.

They arrived back here in the evening.

A member of the Secretary-2 party President of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of
Commerce and Industry U Win Myint met with entrepreneurs in Mandalay .

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(5) Merits share for donation of Karthi Kyaungsaung to Thidagu Kaba Buddha Tekkatho

YANGON, 17 March - A merits-sharing ceremony for donation of Karthi Kyaungsaung to Thidagu Kaba  Buddha Tekkatho on Sagaing Hills by the family of Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development  Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo and 27 well-wishers, was held at the Kyaungsaung this morning.

Chancellor of Thidagu Kaba Buddha Tekkatho Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamajotikadhaja  Maha Dhammakahtika Bahujanahitadhara Thidagu Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nanissara administered the Five Precepts.

The Sayadaws and members of the Sangha recited parittas.

The Secretary-2 offered alms to Thidagu Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nanissara.

Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and party and well-wishers offered alms to the Sayadaws.

Thidagu Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nanissara presented a certificate of honour to the Secretary-2.

The Secretary-2 also presented certificates of honour to the well-wishers.

In his supplication, the Secretary-2 said that it greatly delighted him to see that Thidagu Kaba Buddha Tekkatho had been opened systematically on Sagaing Hills and to get the chance of contributing to Thidagu Buddha Tekkatho Project.

He also expressed his belief that due to efforts of monks, novices and nuns of Thidagu Kaba Buddha Tekkatho, the people from Myanmar as well as from other nations will achieve spiritual development and truthfulness and peace will flourish in the work.

He added that it is encouraging to note that Thidagu group led by ThidaguSayadaw is working not
only for the spiritual development of the people and the promotion and propagation of the Sasana but also for the welfare of monks, novices, nuns and lay persons.

Then, Thidagu Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nanissara delivered a sermon.

Afterwards, the Secretary-2 and party and well-wishers shared merits for good deeds.

The Secretary-2 performed the ritual of silver and golden showers.

The Secretary-2 and wife Daw Khin Than Nwe and family and 27 well-wishers donated Karthi
Kyaungsaung built at a cost of K 12 million.

After the ceremony, the Secretary-2 and party inspected Thidagu Aryudana Hospital and observed the altar room which was built to commemorate the completion of the hospital.

Next, the Secretary-2 signed in the visitors' book.

Before, the merits-sharing ceremony, the Secretary-2 and party toured Thidagu Kaba Buddha Tekkatho.

At 11.30 am, the Secretary-2 and party paid respects and offered rice and alms to Presiding Sayadaw of  Shwehintha Taikthit Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Samvarabhivamsa and Sayadaws at ShwehinthaTaikthit on Sagaing Hills.

(6)Secretary-3 attends opening of 55th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Extempore Talk Competition

YANGON, 17 March - A ceremony to open the Basic Education High School and Middle School Level  Extempore Talk Competition, was held in commemoration of the 55th Anniversary Armed Forces Day at  YanEn Education College this morning, at- tended by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development  Council Lt-Gen Win Myint.

Also present were Chairman of the Working Committee for the 55th Anniversary Armetl Forces Day  Commemoration Literary and Arts Competition of Institutes of Higher Learning and Basic Education  High Schools Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Deputy Minister for Labour Brig-Gen Win Sein, senior military officers, Secretary of the Working Committee for Organizing the  Competition Director-General of Basic Education Department (Lower Myanmar) U Saw Lwin, Director-General of Education, Planning and Training Department U Bo Win, Director-General of No 1 Basic  Education Department U Tin Nyo, Director-General of No 3 Basic Education Department Col Thein Aung, deputy directors-general and directors, Principal of Yankin Education College U Tin Than, members of the panel of judges professors of universities, teachers of basic education schools and students.

The Secretary-3 explained endeavours made by Myanma Tatmadaw in successive periods.

Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung spoke of the extempore talk competition and urged the students to actively participate in the competition.

Director-General U Bo Win explained rules of the competition.

The Secretary-3 had a cordial meeting with the students and left there.

Afterwards, the basic education middle school level extempore talk competition was held.

Sixth standard student Maung Myat Kyaw of Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township BEMS No I won the  first prize, sixth standard student Maung Sai Kyaw Kyaw Lat of Myoma BEMS of Nangsan Township the second and seventh standard student Maung Thiha Swe of BEHS of Salin Township the third.

Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, directors-general and officials presented prizes to outstanding students.

The basic education high school level extempore talk competition will be held tomorrow.

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(7) Wedaunt concrete wharf of Pathein Port inspected

YANGON, 17 March - Hailing the 55th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, a ceremony to open Wedaunt  concrete wharf of Pathein Port of Myanma Port Authority was held at the wharf in Pathein, Ayeyawady  Division, this morning, with addresses by Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe  Mann and Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe.

Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Minister for Transport Maj-Gen  Hla Myint Swe gave speeches.

Minister Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann presented commemorative pennants to Commander Maj-Gen
Thura Shwe Mann and the Deputy Commander.

Afterwards, the minister and the commander formally opened the wharf.

Then, the commander, the minister, the deputy ministers and officials inspected the Wedaunt concrete  wharf.

In the past, Pathein Port was fixed to serve ocean liners and other boat; which carried rice and
agricultural produce. Construction of Wedaunt concrete wharf began in 1995 and completed in February  Year 2000.

Newly-built two main wharves are 20 ft wide by 1 12 ft long and 20 ft wide by 128 ft long. The wharf will  have capacity to accommodate vessels which are 360 ft long, draught of 22 ft and 5,000-ton (DWT). The  wharf will be serviceable for about 50 years.

At the wharf, agricultural produce was being loaded onto MV Lashio of Myanma Five Star Line and  timber onto a freighter.

(8) K 100, K 50 silver coins, K 10, K 5, K 1 coins to be put into circulation on 24 March

YANGON, 17 March - The Central Bank of Myanmar will put into circulation new design One Hundred  Kyats and Fifty Kyats silver coins, and new design Ten kyats Five Kyats and One Kyat coins with effect from March 24 2000.

The new coins will be issued to the public at the Currency Department of the Central Bank of Myanmar,  Banks and Government Treasuries during the banking hours.

All legal tender currency notes and coins will continue to be in circulation.

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(9)Allegations Too Absurd and Ridiculous to Dignify Them with Response Myanmar Completely Rejects So-Called " 2000 Report on Labour Practices in Burma"

The following is the Press Release issued on 16 March by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in connection with the so-called "2000 Report on Labour Practices in Burma" released by US Department of Labour.

Press Release

Myanmar regrets that the United States Department of Labour issued a report on labour conditions in Myanmar which in no way represents the true situation. The report charges that  " forced labour is used with impunity and apparently on a widespread basis... to support tourism, in military operations, and for commercial ventures of the military." The fact is that these allegations are totally false. Any objective person who has observed the true situation in Myanmar will see that there are no forced labour used at all either to support tourism or for commercial ventures of the military.
Regarding the accusations of use of forced labour in military operations, the report ignores the fact that seventeen armed groups have come back to the legal fold and that peace and stability prevail all over the country. As such there are no need for major military operations, and contrary to the report, no major military operations have taken place in recent years. The allegation that children are used as human minesweepers and shields is so absurd and ridiculous that there is no need to dignify them with a response. The Myanmar Army is a very well disciplined and structured institution and there also exist strict regulations which prohibit the recruitment of minor children as soldiers. Indeed, as shown by recent events and the news reports written by western journalists, it is the insurgent groups which are using child soldiers.

The accusations regarding forced labour completely ignore the positive actions taken by the Government of the Union of Myanmar, including the issuance of Order 1/99 on 14 May 1999 by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the direct instruction of the State Peace and Development Council, which forbids the use of forced labour in very clear terms and states that " Any person who fails to abide by this Order shall have action taken against him under the existing law." This Order which has the force of law brought the Myanmar’s legislation regarding labour in line with ILO Convention No. 29 concerning Forced Labour.

That the report is politically motivated is revealed by the timing as well as by the political overtones contained in it .Political insinuations that have nothing to do with labour. It has been timed to coincide with the meetings of the ILO Governing Body and Human Rights Commission in Geneva.
The Government of the Union of Myanmar therefore completely rejects the so-called  " 2000 Report on Labour Practices in Burma" released by the United States Department of Labour and its false and malicious allegations.

(10)12 Bhamo NLD members resign of own accord

YANGON, 17 March - Twelve members resigned from the National League for Democracy of Bhamo  Township, Kachin State.

Twelve members of Bhamo Township NLD, Kachin State, of their own accord, resigned by sending  letters of resignation to Bhamo Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission  Office and the party concerned on 13 November 1999 as they no longer wished to participate in party  politics of NLD.

(11) 28860 stimulant tablets seized in Muse

YANGON, 17 March - A combined team comprising local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force,  acting on information, searched passenger bus with number plates No 2Ka/5966 at Nant-hwoi Village,  Kyukok (Pansai) Myoma, Muse Town ship, Northern Shan State on 9 March, and arrested Shu Yin Yein,  son of U Lauk San, No 8 ward, Ywathit, Kyukok (Pansai) Muse Township, together with 28860 stimulant  tablets bearing the words "WY" and "A-99".

Action is being taken against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Law.

(12) WEATHER

Maximum temperature on 16-3-2000 was 37.0°C (99°F)
Minimum temperature on 17-3-2000 was 21.0 °C (70°F)

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