N980412

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
( Saturday, 25 March 2000)

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Senior General Than Shwe inspects booths at Defence Services Museum
General Maung Aye inspects dress rehearsal of parade columns
Secretary-1 attends consecration ceremony of Alodaw Pauk Maha Datu Pagoda in Inlay Lake
Departmental personnel urged to lead, organize national people for flourishing and perpetuation of solidarity, Union Spirit
Secretary-1 attends opening ceremonies of Monywa and Pakokuu Dyeing Factories
Arrangements under way to host ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting
World TB Day, Year 2000 observed
Improvement of Maternal and Child Health (Care Services (phase ll) Project launched
Yangon Pan-Pacific International Co Ltd opens padding factory
168 members resign from Hlegu NLD of own accord
324 drug-related cases exposed in February
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(1) Senior General Than Shwe inspects booths at Defence Services Museum
YANGON, 24 March-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe inspected exhibition booths to be opened in commemoration of the 55th Anniversary Armed Forces Day at the Defence Services Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road in Dagon Township this morning and gave guidance to. officials.
The Senior General, accompanied by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council
Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman Of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 55th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chief of Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo and Secretary-3 Adjutant-General Lt- Gen Win Myint, arrived at the museum at 9.30 am.
They were welcomed there by members of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Nyunt Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Kyaw Than and Chairman of Management Committee for Observance of the 55th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla, ministers, the chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Yangon Mayor, deputy ministers, senior military officers, Director of the Defence Services Museum and Historical Research Institute Col Ye Htut and officials of various committees and work committees and departmental officials.
The Senior General inspected booths portraying the 12 objectives of the State and national solidarity, and gave guidance.

(2)General Maung Aye inspects dress rehearsal of parade columns
YANGON, 24 March- Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye inspected dress rehearsal of parade columns which will participate in the 55th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade at the Resistance Park this morning.
At 6.10 am, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye together with Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 55th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chief of Bureau of the Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Secretary-3 Adjutant General Lt-Gen Win Myint, members of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Nyunt Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Kyaw Than and Chairman of the Management Committee for Observance of the 55th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Military Affairs and Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla and senior officers of Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) arrived at the Resistance Park.
The parade columns including Anawrahta, Kyansinha, Bayintnaung, Nawadae, Aungzeya,
Hsinphushin, Bandoola, Myawady and Aung San columns led by Parade Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo marched from Myoma Ground to the Resistance Park.
The General and party inspected the practice of the parade columns and gave necessary instructions to the officials, and left the park at 8.25 am.
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(3) Secretary-1 attends consecration ceremony of Alodaw Pauk Maha Datu Pagoda in Inlay Lake
YANGON, 24 March -Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt- Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by Commander Maj-Gen Maung Bo, ministers, deputy ministers and officials of the Sate and Peace Development Council Office, paid homage to Inlay PhaungdawU Pagoda in Nyaungshwe Township at 7.45 am today.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party were welcomed by members of Shan State, District and
Township Peace and Development Councils, heads of department, PaO national leader U Aung Kham Hti and members, members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees, PaO nationals and local residents.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt paid homage to Inlay PhaungdawU Pagoda and offered Shwethingan to the pagoda
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt made donations to the pagoda funds and signed in the visitors' book.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party attended the ceremony of offering rice to 1,000 members of the Sangha in Inlay Lake and paid obeisance to the members of the Sangha. The Secretary-l cordially greeted local residents. Then, Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party attended the consecration ceremony of Alodaw Pauk Maha Datu Pagoda in Nanpan Village.
The pagoda was renovated by Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Venerable Shiphazhao and lay persons of the Golden Temple in Singapore, in Nanpan Village.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and Venerable Shiphazhao pressed the button to unveil the stone plaque inscribed with the names of well- wishers of Maha Datu Pagoda.
Then..Secretary-1Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party attended the consecration ceremony of Alodaw Pauk Maha Datu Pagoda on the pagoda platform.
Present also were 51 members of the Sangha led by member of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee presiding Sayadaw of Nyaungshwe Thathanaviponla Shwegu Pariyatti Sarthintaik Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Vilasabhivamsa, Commander Maj Gen Maung Bo, ministers, deputy ministers, military and civilian officials, PaO national leader U Aung Kham Hti and members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees and well-wishers.
Afterwards, Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party received the Five Precepts from Agga Maha
Pandita Bhaddanta Vilasabhivamsa.
Members of the Sangha recited the mettasutta. Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, PaO national leader U Aung Kham Hti and well-wishers presented offertories to members of the Sangha.
Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja venerable Shiphazhao presented Dhamma gifts to Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and U Aung Kham Hti souvenirs.
Afterwards, PaO national leader U Aung Kham Hti presented gifts to the Commander and ministers. Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja venerable Shiphazhao and lay person from Golden Temple in Singapore explained the donations. After the ceremony, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt performed the ritual of golden and silver shower to mark the success of the ceremony .

(4) Departmental personnel urged to lead, organize national people for flourishing and perpetuation of solidarity, Union Spirit
YANGON, 24 March - Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary- 1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt discussed development tasks with members of Shan State, District and Township Peace and Development Councils and department heads in Shan State yesterday.
The Secretary-l, accompanied by ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and
Development Council Office, department heads and officials left here by Tatmadaw aircraft yesterday afternoon, and arrived at Heho Airport, Shan State at 3.30 pm.
The Secretary- 1 and party, together with Commander Maj-Gen Maung Bo, proceeded to Shwepyiaye Camp in Pekhon Township by helicopter. They were welcomed there by Chairman of Kayah State Peace and Development Council Col Nyunt Hlaing, officers and families of Pekhon Station, members of Shan State and Township Level Supervisory Committee for Shwepyiaye Camp, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association and Red Cross, MTA members led by U Khun Mein who returned to the legal fold and traditional cultural troupes.
The Secretary-l met with departmental officials of Shan State and Township, members of Shan State and Township Level Supervisory Committee for Shwepyiaye Camp and MTA members who returned to the legal fold, and attended to requirements of Shwepyiaye Camp and village development.
Deputy Director Maj Sai Myat Tha of Shan State Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races, Police Lt-Col Myint Wai of the Central, Committee for Drug Abuse Control, Manager of Pekhon Township Agricultural Service U Pyay Thein, Head of Township Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department U Maung Maung Nge reported on measures taken by the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races, an increase in the number of households, the giving training to the youths who had been addicted to drugs, land reclamation, cultivation of crops and the raising of Pigs, U Khun Mein of MTA on development or Shwepyiaye Camp and requirements.
Commander Maj-Gen Maung Bo, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung, Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Brig-Gen Than Tun and Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung gave additional reports.
The Secretary-1 said that Shwepyiaye Camp and Shwepyiaye Village have been established with two aims to enable drug addicts to join society again after being treated and rehabilitated and to attend to requirements of food, shelter and clothing for MTA members and their families for the improvement of their living conditions.
All the departments need to provide assistance for the development of Shwepyiaye region, entertaining the notion that they are responsible for the basic needs of MTA group who returned to the legal fold to live within the framework of law and under the administration of the Government.
It is necessary for all the departmental officials to expedite efforts for the development of agriculture and livestock breeding which plays an important role in striving for the improvement of living conditions of local people.
With regard to rehabilitation of drug addicts, emphasis is to be placed on their spiritual development
and vocational training.
In conclusion, the Secretary-l said all the departmental officials are to provide assistance for
development of Shwepyiaye Camp and village, and MTA members also need to exert strenuous efforts for their regional development and improvement of their living conditions.
Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary- 1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented a video-cassette recorder, a cassette and video tapes for Shwepyiaye Middle School and gifts to employees who are working at Shwepyiaye Camp.
Then, the Secretary-l inspected the drug dependency treatment hospital, Shwepyiaye Clinic and the pig breeding farm at Shwepyiaye Camp.
Afterwards, the Secretary- 1 and party went to Taunggyi where they met with members of Shan State, District and Township Peace and Development Councils and department heads and discussed development tasks for Shan State.
Head of Shan State Settlement and Land Records Department U Than Soe Aye reported on the location and area of Shan State (South), rainfall, cultivation of crops, the target for cultivation of crops in 2000- 2001, crops suitable to the region and arrangements for the use of natural fertilizer and Deputy Director of Shan State Directorate of Regional Industrial Co-ordination and Industries Inspection U Myint Thein on establishment of Taunggyi industrial zone, allotment of plots, industries and the building of roads in the industrial zone.
Commander Maj-Gen Maung Bo reported on the agriculture sector and the industrial sector of Shan State, cultivation of paddy and crops suitable to the region, arrangements for production of natural fertilizer, arrangements for agricultural production, exploration of minerals and implementation of aims of the two sectors.
The Secretary-l said efforts to develop agriculture in Shan State and to set up an industrial zone there are satisfactory. Special attention should be paid to boosting per acre yield and using more natural fertilizers, quality strains and correct farming methods in ensuring regional food sufficiency by the year 2000-2001.
Shan State should continue to strive to extend cultivation of edible oil crops and beans and pulses and to produce more kitchen crops, which the state is distributing to other regions of the nation.
Innovative efforts should be made to produce farm machinery, parts, import substitute goods and
machines in accord with the aims of the industrial zone.
The most essential requirement in Myanmar today is Union Spirit, which should be a foundation for
gaining success in every task.
Especially, vitalization and propagation of Union Spirit and ensuring amity and oneness and in unity
among all the national brethren are required more in regions where national people are residing together.
History has sufficient evidence that the strong and powerful empires were able to build at times national solidarity was strong and Union Spirit high. So also there are lessons in history that the nation faced precariousness during which Union Spirit and national solidarity degenerated.
As the present government has implemented Our Three Main National Causes as the national policy
with firm belief and conviction that Union Spirit will propagate only when there is national solidarity,
national consolidation and Union Spirit are flourishing in Myanmar at present.
Departmental heads are urged to lead and organize the national people for flourishing and perpetuation of national solidarity and Union Spirit. At a time when the government has laid down and is implementing the political, economic and social objectives for national peace and stability, economic progress and prospering of good social foundations, the destructive group relying on aliens is launching perpetrations to disrupt political instability, block the national economic advancement and weaken Union Spirit.
The government never pays attention to any of the disturbances of destructionists under the influence
of aliens. Instead it is trying to march forward with the internal strength. Based on the national might,
efforts are being made in structuring political, economic and social foundations in accord with basic
history of the people, traditions and culture and religious teaching for progress of the nation. The
departmental personnel are required to lead and organize the public in consolidating national unity and vitalizing and propagating Union Spirit to build a new nation with the might of true and dependable national forces.
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(5)Secretary-1 attends opening ceremonies of Monywa and Pakokuu Dyeing Factories
YANGON, 24 March - Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt- Gen Khin Nyunt and party left for Nyaungshwe in Shan State by Tatmadaw aircraft this morning to attend the opening ceremony of Dyeing Factory of Myanma Textile Industries in Monywa.
On arrival at Monywa Airport at 11.20 am, the Secretary-l and party were welcomed by Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Win, heads of department, members of Division, District and Township Union Solidarity and Development Associations.
The Secretary- 1 and party proceeded to the venue where the opening ceremony of the factory was
held.
He formally unveiled the signboard of the factory. Present on the occasion were authorities of Division, District and Township Peace and Development Councils, heads of departments, departmental officials, secretaries and executives of Division, District and Township USDAs, entrepreneurs, and local people.
Managing Director of Myanma Textile Industries Col Oo Thein Maung explained about opening of the factory.
Secretary- 1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt gave instructions on full capacity operation at the factory, availability of raw materials and quality production.
On the occasion, Col Oo Thein Maung presented K 100,000 to Monywa District USDA in
commemoration of the opening of the factory.
Minister for Industry U Aung Thaung presented gifts to the Secretary-l, the commander and ministers.
Col Oo Thein Maung and Chairman of Monywa District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Than Nyunt formally opened the factory.
The Secretary- l and party then went round it. The newly-opened Monywa Dyeing Factory lies on
Monywa-Kyaukka Road and was built at a cost of K 71.75 million.
Afterwards, the Secretary- l went to the site of Textile Factory Project in Salingyi Township where they were welcomed by officials and USDA members.
Minister U Aung Thaung reported to the Secretary-l on the site for building of the factory and purpose of the project, Maj-Gen Soe Win on cultivation of cotton, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung on production of the cotton.
The Secretary-l gave instructions on boosting cotton production, using quality strains and extending
cultivation of quality cotton. Then, he inspected the site for building of the factory.
The Secretary- I and party later arrived in Pakokku to attend the opening ceremony of Pakokku Dyeing Factory of MTI.
They were welcomed there by Deputy Minister for Industry- I Brig-Gen Thein Tun, Chairman of
Magway Division Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Commander of No 101 LID Col Ye Myint, Division, District and Township authorities and departmental officials.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt formally opened the signboard of the factory. In the briefing hall, he
heard reports on the factory by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Minister U Aung Thaung.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt spoke on the occasion. He said he, on behalf of the Government, thanked local people who actively attended the opening ceremony of the factory even when the sunlight was strong.
It showed that the Government and the people are indivisible, he noted.
The Secretary-l also said he attended the ceremony to offer provisions to 1000 Buddhist monks and the ceremony to consecrate ancient Alodawpauk Maha Datu Pagoda in Inlay region and the opening ceremony of Monywa Dyeing Factory together with local people, and he was appreciated with the presence of the local people on those occasions which show that the Government and the people are indivisible.
On the occasion, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun donated K 100,000 to Pakokku District USDA.
Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Chairman of Pakokku District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Soe formally opened the factory.
The Secretary-l and officials then inspected it. The Secretary-l and party next proceeded to Pakokku Textile Factory Project where Minister U Aung Thung reported to the Secretary-l on the purpose of the project.
The Secretary- I inspected the site for construction of the factory. In the briefing hall of the project, the Secretary- 1 inspected machines, equipment, textile and jeeps manufactured by Pakokku Industrial Zone and gave instructions.
They then arrived at Bagan-NyaungU Airport where they were welcomed by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint and officials. . The Secretary-l also paid homage t to Dammayazaka Pagoda in NyaungU and inspected renovation of the pagoda. The Secretary- 1 and party arrived back here this evening.
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(6) Arrangements under way to host ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting
YANGON, 24 March-A preparatory meeting was held this morning at Hotel Equatorial to successfully host the meeting of ASEAN Trade Ministers and Economic Ministers of east Asia dialogue partners the People's Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea in Myanmar for the first time on 2 May 2000.
Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel who is also
discharging the duty of the ASEAN Economic Minister of Myanmar delivered an address.
The minister said: First of all I would like to extend my warm welcome to all of you. Let me also express my sincere thanks for your participation in this important meeting. Taking this opportunity please, allow me to say a few words on East Asia Cooperation which is the main agenda for this meeting.
As you know, the Leaders of ASEAN, China, Japan and Korea have agreed to implement the agenda to East Asia Cooperation at the ASEAN+3 Summit in Manila on 28 November 1999. According to the official document"The Joint Statement on East Asia Cooperation" which was issued at the ASEAN+3 Summit, there are two main components namely Economic and Social Fields, and Political.
Other Fields We (AEMs) and the Ministers from China, Japan and Korea are directly responsible for the implementation of the action plan for cooperation in Economic Fields. It is the main reason, you all are here to discuss and draw up a draft concrete plan of action for the consideration of AEM+3 Meeting in May here.
If we look into the Joint Statement on Fast Asia Cooperation. we can see the areas of economic
cooperation in general which are mentioned as fool lows:-
* to accelerate trade, investment and technology transfer;
* to encourage technical cooperation in information technology and commerce;
* to promote industrial and agricultural cooperation;
* to strengthen SMEs;
* to promote tourism;
* to encourage active participation in the development of growth areas in East Asia. including the
Mekong River Basin;
* to promote broader private sector participation in economic cooperation activities through
considering networking initiatives such as an East Asia Business Council and Industry-Specific
business for a for major regional industries; and
* to continue structural reform and to strengthen cooperation.
I would also like to recall the ASEAN+1 Summit Meetings between the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN and China, Japan and the Republic of Korea. Because during these Summit Meetings the Leaders talked about cooperation in various areas. Among others, the followings are the relevant areas for your discussion in this meeting.
The ASEAN-China Summit Meeting
The Heads of State/Government of ASEAN and China urged the pursuit of concrete measures towards promoting and facilitating trade, encouraging the flow of investment, promoting counter-trade, developing small and medium enterprises, enhancing research and development, and harnessing the opportunities presented by the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA3, the ASEAN Investment Area (AIA) and the ASEAN Industrial (AICO) Scheme. ''
The ASEAN-Japan Summit Meeting
ASEAN noted Japan' s presentation of the report of the Okuda Mission, which visited various ASEAN capitals to determine ways to revitalize the Asian economy, particularly through human resource development people-to-people exchange and opening up of labour markets. In this regard, they welcomed the announcement of the follow-up mission early next year, which will implement the Obuchi Plan for enhancing human resources development and human resources exchanges.
The ASEAN Heads of I State/Government and Prime Minister of Japan welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN Japan Joint Action Plan of the AEM-MITI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC) as a means to further broaden economic cooperation, particularly the development of SMEs and supporting industries, and the promotion of trade and investment.
The ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit Meeting
The Heads of State/Government of ASEAN and ROK welcomed the convening of the First Meeting of the East Asia Vision Group, which was held in Seoul on 21-22 October 1999. They encouraged the Vision Group to develop and recommend practical and appropriate approaches to broaden and deepen East Asia Cooperation. ROK also expressed its interest to assist in the implementation of the human resources development programmes in the Hanoi Plan of Action. focusing on knowledge-based training and people to people exchanges.
Most of the areas discussed in the Summit Meetings are covered by the provisional agenda for this
meeting. However, I notice that some important areas like cooperation in agriculture, industry and
tourism are left out of therefore simply ask you for the inclusion of these three areas in your
deliberation.
In conclusion let me thank you again for your participation in this Important occasion. My profound
thanks also go to the staff of the National AFTA Unit and the staff of the Equatorial Hotel for their
excellent arrangement made for this meeting. I wish you a successful conclusion of this meeting and a
pleasant stay in Myanmar.
Also present were two representatives of ASEAN Secretariat led by Director Mr Robert R Teh Jr of the ASEAN Secretariat. two representatives of Singapore led by Chairman of ASEAN Senior Economic Officers Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Trade Promotion Board, Mr David Chin Soon Siong and three representatives led by Economic and Commercial Counsellor of PRC Embassy Mr Jin Hong Gen five representatives of Japan led by Director-General of Ministry of International Trade and Industry of Japan Mr Norio Terada. five representatives of Korea led by Deputy Director General of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of ROK Mr Park Young-kuk and five representative of Myanmar led by Director-General of ASEAN Senior Economic Officials of Myanmar U Maung Maung Yi.
The meeting discussed the Joint Statement on East Asia Cooperation issued at the ASEAN Informal
Summit held on 28 May 1999 in Manila. the Philippics. and compiled basic facts to be discussed at the meeting of ASEAN Economic Ministers and Trade Ministers of dialogue partners the People s Republic of China. Japan and the Republic of Korea. Means were also sought to ensure smooth flow of investments between ASEAN nations and China. Japan and Korea and development of electronic communication network of the ASEAN. Mekong region of the A SEAN and regional human resources.
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(7) World TB Day, Year 2000 observed
YANGON, 24 March World TB Day, Year 2000 was observed at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road this morning.
The ceremony was attended by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, heads of department, deputy
directors-general, rectors, directors, medical superintendents, officials, resident representatives of WHO other UN agencies, officials of NGOs, guests and health employees.
Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein made a speech on the occasion He said:
Today this sort of occasion is held all over the world. Also in Myanmar at all States and Divisions and some of the Districts and Townships.
Let's look back into history how World TB Day began. TB is a dreadful disease giving trouble to people since past 3000 Years. The causal organism for this disease was found by Dr. Robert Koch, who on the 24th of March 1882 announced this in Berlin. Based on his findings drugs for the control of tuberculosis have been found one after another since 1945. If we think over, we have found the organism which causes tuberculosis and also the drugs which can kill them. Thus tuberculosis cases should lessen year after year.
But at present we have seen that tuberculosis cases increase gradually. The main cause for the re-
emergence of TB is because these patients are not taking drugs regularly, which leads to the occurrence of drug resistance TB. Confection of TB/HIV is an another contributing culprit.
Thus WHO in 1993 declared TB as Global Emergency. The best way to cure TB is to strictly follow
DOTS strategy, Moreover, from 1998, to commemorate the World TB Day, this 24th March was
observed as an official World United Nations Day. Only when we have DOTS coverage globally and specific objectives of 70% case detection and 85% cure rate are achieved, tuberculosis will decrease gradually. Today, if we look at population coverage for DOTS, globally it is 16% in South East Asia Region it is 27% but for Myanmar it is 80%.
Therefore to have DOTS coverage globally, regionally or for the whole country and to sustain it we
need to have new partners to work together with us. Thus for this Year 2000, our World TB Day slogan is "Forging New Partnerships to Stop TB".
WHO estimated that one third of the World's population is infected with TB and yearly 8 million eases occur with 2 million preventable death. 80% of these cases are from 22 high burden countries. Among them more than half is from SEAR, out of which India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand are the main contenders.
Although SEAR account for 25% of World's population, it contributes 38% of global TB cases and an annual death of 0.7 million .
In Myanmar, recent estimates suggest that 100,000 population (one hundred thousand) developed
tuberculosis annually out of which half are infectious, pulmonary cases. Tuberculosis is one of the
major public health problems in Myanmar or national concern and it is considered as the second priority disease in the National Health Plan.
Until now Myanmar has been implementing WHO recommended DOTS strategy in 223 townships with the case detection rate of 44% cure rate of 74% and treatment success rate of 82%. The main reason for this success is due to.the participation of non-governmental organizations such as Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Myanmar Red Cross Society and Myanmar Medical Association. Thus if we put more effort we will achieve 70% case detection rate and 85% cure rate very soon. The minister and guests viewed the exhibition on World TB Day in the reception hall of IBC.
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(8) Improvement of Maternal and Child Health (Care Services (phase ll) Project launched
YANGON, 24 March - The launching ceremony for the project "Improvement of Maternal and Child Health Care Services (Phase II)" sponsored by Ministry of Health, the Japanese Government and UNICEF was held at the Nikko Royal Lake Hotel on Natmauk Street this morning, attended by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.
Present also were Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, directors-general, deputy directors-general and directors of the ministry, Ambassador of Japan Mr Kazuo Asakai and officials, Resident Representative of WHO Dr Agostino Borra, Director of East Asia and Pacific. Regional Offices of UNICEF Ms Carroll Long and officials of Resident Representative Office of UNICEF. Ambassador of Japan Mr Kazuo Asakai and Acting Director Ms Carroll Long delivered addresses.
Then, Ambassador of Japan. Mr Kazuo Asakai and Acting Director Ms Carroll Long signed an
agreement and exchanged the documents. Then, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein delivered an
address. He said:
It is indeed a great pleasure for me to deliver an address at the Launching of the Project "Improvement of Maternal and Child Health Care Services (Phase II)". In Myanmar, enjoying good health is considered to be a blessing in life. Thus the Ministry of Health is giving priority to fulfil one of the social objectives which is "Uplifting the health, fitness and education standards of the entire nation".
One of the programmes under the National Health Plan is the Community Health Care Programme. The objectives of the community health care programme is to enhance the maternal and child health care, birth spacing and promotion of nutrition through basic health staff and voluntary health workers, thus reducing the morbidity and mortality of mothers and children.
With regards to the care of mothers and children the Family Health Programme was changed to the
Reproductive Health Care Programme in 1996 in accordance with the changing social and economic
situation and also taking into account of the introduction of wider concept of comprehensive
Reproductive Health Care in life cycle approach into the Health Care delivery system.
All important aspects for the health of women, children, adolescents and elderly have been covered and special emphasis have been accorded to care of pregnant women and ensuring safe delivery.
As a result the infant, maternal and under 5 mortality rates have declined in Myanmar. There are a total of (734) Government Hospitals, (1391) RHCs, (88) Primary and Secondary Urban Health Centres, (348) Maternal and Child Health Centres and (80) School Health Teams catering to the health needs of mothers and children.
Further reduction of infant mortality rate, under 5 mortality rate and maternal mortality rate can be
significantly achieved by provision of maternal and child health care services universally accessible to
the community with particular emphasis to the rural areas, peri-urban areas and to the poor section of the community. At the grass root level, in villages, the lady health visitors, the midwives and the
auxiliary midwives are mainly responsible for provision of safe motherhood as well as provision of
immunization and growth monitoring services to the children. It is therefore essential to provide
refresher training courses and to replenish equipment and essential drugs to these health staff
responsible for providing maternal and child health care services in the rural areas. Japan's Grant Aid
support will further strengthen the on going project activities implemented by the Ministry of Health in
collaboration with UNICEF namely Integrated management of Maternal and Childhood Illnesses
(IMMCI) initiative and also for improvement of sate motherhood and immunization.
In conclusion, I would like to express our grateful appreciation to the Government of Japan for assisting the Ministry of Health in improving the health of Mothers and Children who are the most vulnerable group and the children who are the future of the nation. The ceremony ended with concluding remarks by the minister.

(9) Yangon Pan-Pacific International Co Ltd opens padding factory
YANGON, 24 March - Yangon Pan-Pacific International Co Ltd opened a new padding factory at 29/a Kamarkyi Road, Thuwunna, Thingangyun Township, here, this morning with a capital of US $ 5.2 million.
.President of Pan-Pacific Co Ltd Mr Lim, Byung Tae. Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Mr Chung Junggum, President of Marumachu Company of Japan Mr Matsuo, Mr Lee Sel Chong, Managing Director of Yangon Pan-Pacific International Co Ltd Mr Kim Myung Sup Mr Kim Kwunsu. Mr Shin Tac Chul and Mr Kim Jac Chan formally opened the factory.
Mr Lim Byung Tae. Ambassador Mr Cihung Junggum. and Mr Matsuo gave speeches.
Managing Director of Yangon Pan-Pacific International Co Ltd Mr Kim Myung Sup explained points of the factory producing material for garment factories .
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(10) 68 members resign from Hlegu NLD of own accord
YANGON, 24 March-A ceremony to collectively submit resignations of 168 members of Hlegu
Township National League for Democracy was held at Mingala Hall of Myoma Market in Hlegu
yesterday morning.
One hundred and sixty-eight members of Myoma Ward and Yemon, Kalihtaw, Haiku and Gwaydaukaing Villagetract of Hlegu Township NLD, Yangon Division, of their own accord, notified the party concerned of resignation as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.
On 23 March, a ceremony to collectively submit the resignations to Hlegu Township Multiparty
Democracy General Election Sub-commission was held at Mingala Hall of Myoma Market in Hlegu.
NLD members U Htein Lin of Myoma Ward, U Phone Myint of Yemon Village-tract, U Tint Lwin of Kalihtaw Village-tract, U Kyi Aye of Haiku Village-tract and U Win Maung of Gwaydaukaing Village-tract explained the reason of resignation and presented letters of resignation to Chairman of Hlegu Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission U Ni.

(11) 324 drug-related cases exposed in February
YANGON, 24 March-A total of 324 drug cases had been exposed by the Tatmadaw, the Myanmar Police Force and the Customs Department in February 2000.
The authorities seized 136.9367 kilos of opium in 40 cases, 15.6184 kilos of heroin in 104 cases, 0.1812 kilo of opium oil in four cases, 11.5 kilos of brown opium, 1.7248 kilos of low grade opium in six cases, 28.5169 kilos of marijuana in 59 cases, 48.65 litters of Phensedyi in four cases, 182,826 stimulant tablets in 36 cases, 1067.7453 kilos of Ephedrine in 14 cases, 226 kilos of stimulant powder in one case, 9.23 litters of cough syrup in two cases, 796.25 litters of chemical liquid in one case, 177.5 litters of Hydrochloric Acid in one case, 47 cases of failure to register and five others.
Action has been taken against 459 persons-393 men and 66 women involved in 324 cases during the period.

(12)WEATHER
Maximum temperature on 23-3-2000 was 38.9°C (102°F)
Minimum temperature on 24-3-2000 was 23.5 °C (74°F)

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