N980412

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
( Friday, 31 March 2000)

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Kaingshe Bridge inaugurated in Rakhine State 107 bridges already built in the entire nation 18 big bridges constructed in Rakhine State- cost US $ 7.209 million and over K 6.154 billion
Building of roads and bridges in progress for further development of Rakhine State
Very credibility of ILO at stake
Secretary-2 gives instructions on livestock breeding and cultivation of vegetables
Thanmyanthu Economic Group opens Dental Clinic and Denture Enterprise
Senior military officers, military attaches play friendly shooting
Minister inspects Thegaw Dam Project
Minister meets Ambassador of Japan
Minister meets Ambassador of Japan
35 armed group members exchanged arms for peace 11-29 Feb
Stimulant tablets seized in Kengtung
29 Nattalin Township NLD members resign of own accord
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(1) Kaingshe Bridge inaugurated in Rakhine State 107 bridges already built in the entire nation 18 big bridges constructed in Rakhine State cost US $ 7.209 million and over K 6.154 billion
YANGON, 30 March - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, together with member of the ..ate Peace and Development Council Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of the Western Command Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, ministers, the Chief of Staff {Air), deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Officers, department heads, the resident of Myanmar Red cross Society, the president of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the president of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club and officials, left Thandwe by helicopter this morning and arrived at Taungup at 8 am.
The Secretary-1 attended the inauguration ceremony of Kaingshe Bridge.
The Secretary-l said that the Head of State himself has attached the utmost importance to development of Rakhine State in proportion to that of other states and divisions, and the opening of Kaingshe Bridge on Yangon-Sittway Highway will bring benefits not only to national brethren of Rakhine State but also to the entire Union.
In an effort to enable the Union of Myanmar to keep abreast of other nations, the State Peace and
Development Council places emphasis on development of far-flung border areas which lagged behind in development due to various reasons.
During an over-100-year spell of colonial rule, colonialists governed remote border areas of Myanmar with divide and rule policy with the intention of prolonging their rule over Myanmar.
Far from attending to the needs for development of transport, colonialists sowed discord and suspicion among states.
In the post-independence period, priority could not be given to regional development tasks as political and security problems had to be solved one after another.
As a result of making efforts to erase suspicion among national brethren and restore peace and
tranquillity with genuine goodwill, success has been achieved, and implementation of border area
development plans are gaining momentum.
Border area development plans emphasize economic development and improvement of education, health and social conditions of local national people, and priority has been given to construction of roads and bridges with a view to ensuring smooth and secure transport.
Though Rakhine State fell under colonial rule earlier than other states, colonialists did not pay any
regard to development of Rakhine State, nor did they do anything for the improvement of transport
which plays an important role in efforts for development of Rakhine State. Rakhine State, naturally
endowed with rivers, creeks and mountains, was difficult of access, and it was difficult to make a
journey even among towns in the state.
Therefore, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on the development of Rakhine State in proportion to that of other states and divisions, and emphasis has been laid on the construction of roads among towns in Rakhine State and Yangon-Sittway Highway Project .
In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, Yangon-Sittway Highway comprising 10 over 1,000 foot-long bridges and over 800 small bridges have been completed and inaugurated successfully.
Systematic plans have been laid down and implement to link cities in Rakhine State with motor roads .Today, travelling can be made from Rakhine State to Magway and Mandalay Divisions through An-Minbu Road and to Bago and Yangon Divisions through Taungup-Padaung Road. If construction of all the projected bridges and roads are completed, towns in Rakhine State can be reached easily and people can travel from Rakhine State to Ayeyawady and Yangon
Divisions through Gwa -Ngathaingchaung Road most conveniently in a short time. Rakhine State which had to rely- on airways and waterways previously, will have three exits to other states and divisions AnMinbu Road, Taungup-Padaung Road and Gwa -NgaThaingchaung Road.
In addition, with the aim .of linking these three main exits, An-Taungup Road and Taunggup-Thandwe-Gwa Road are under construction.
Kaingshe Bridge opened today is situated on An-Taunggup Road and links the two main exits of
Rakhine State, and it can be said that the embryonic stage of the project designed to link them with the third exit, has begun.
Kaingshe Bridge was built across Taungup Creek, a natural barrier on Taungup-An Road, 504 feet long and of a reinforced concrete bailey type. It costs US $ 2.2 million and K 128.1 million.
As Kaingshe Bridge has been constructed successfully, Taungup and An have got connected with
each other, and furthermore, the bridge brings grace to - Taungup.
Out of 107 bridges including four Ayeyawady River Crossing Bridges, three Thanlwin River Crossing Bridges and one Chindwin River Crossing Bridge, which have already been built in the entire nation, there are 18 bridges in Rakhine State.
In Rakhine State, 18 big bridges were built at a cost of US$ 7.209 million and over K 6.154 billion
exclusive of expenses for machinery used at construction works. Kissapanadi Bridge, the biggest out of the already built 18 ones in Rakine State, is over2,500 feet long and costs US$ 2.20 million and K 2.095 billion. Today, 27 bridges under construction in the entire nation include in the entire nation include 940-foot-long Ma-I-chaung Creek on
Yangon-Kyaunbyu Highway and 660-foot-long Hsaethwa Bridge on Thandwe-Gwa Road. Out of the projected bridges to be built, there are eight bridges to be constructed in Rakhine State. In Rakhine State, the businesses of agriculture, livestock breeding, fisheries and fish and prawn breeding are thriving, and there are also ancient cultural edifices and beaches which can contribute toward the development of tourism industry. Moreover, there are regions where deep sea ports can be built Sharing the border with Bangladesh and India, Rakhine State has prospects of border trade development.
With the improvement of transport, Rakhine State can utilize favourable conditions for economic
development, opportunities of boosting trade and natural resources all the more. Secretary-l urged all to make concerted efforts for the improvement of the people and economic development of Rakhine State and to strive for the further strengthening of national solidarity and Union Spirit with national resolution.
Afterwards, Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe made a speech. The commander quoted Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe as saying that Rakhine State is endowed with national resources; if they are systematically tapped, development will be achieved in so short a time; therefore, secure and smooth transport is very important; as Rakhine State has to rely on waterways and airways, arrangements are to be made as soon as possible to enable the people to get to towns and townships by car.
Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun said the reinforced concrete bridge will be upgraded to two-way facility in the future when there will be more traffic on the road. The bridge was constructed in accord with the approval of Special Projects Implementation Committee Meeting 1/98, which was held on 26 October 1998. Construction began on 15 February 99 The facility was completes within 13 months.
As Yangon-Sittway Highway is completed Yangon-Kyaukphyu Road project has started; of the major bridges to be built on the road, Kaingshe Bridge was opened today; construction of Maei Bridge is in progress; and plans are under way to build,
Tanhlwe Creek Bridge, Lamu Creek Bridge, Sane Creek Bridge, Londawbauk Creek Bridge, Deedok Creek Bridge, Thanthamashe Creek Bridge, Wunpaik Creek Bridge and Mingyaung Creek Bridge.
The road will become an important facility as Kyaukphyu is a deep-sea port. Tarring is in progress on Thandwe-Gwa-Ngathaingchaun g Road in southern Rakhine State and Kyauktaw-Buthidaung Road in northern Rakhine State. All should strive to maintain Kaingshe Bridge.
Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun formally
opened the bridge. Maj-Gen Saw Tun also unveiled the plaque. The Secretary-1 and party inspected the bridge. Located on Taungup-Ann road, in Taungup Township, the bridge is 540 feet long. It has a 10 feet four inches wide motorway. The bailey bridge can bear up to 36 tons. The approach roads are 2.100 feet on Taungup bank and 670 feet on An bank. It was completed on 24 March 2000.
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(2) Building of roads and bridges in progress for further development of Rakhine State
YANGON, 30 March - Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended Shwehtidaw hoisting ceremonies of pagodas and inspected development undertakings in Rakhine State from 28 to 30 March.
Accompanied by ministers, the Chief of Staff (Air), deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and
Development Council Office, heads of department, the president of Myanmar Red Cross Society, the president of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the president of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club and officials, the Secretary-l left here for Sittway by air on 28 March afternoon. Together with Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, Secretary-l and party helicoptered to Rathedaung.
They attended Shwehtidaw hoisting ceremony of Letyoedaw Datu Pagoda in the town.Chairman of
Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vannasami administered the Five Precepts.
The Secretary-l conveyed the Seinphudaw, and U Chon and family who donated the Seinphudaw, the hngetmyatnadaw.
The Secretary-l and party conveyed the tiers of Shwehtidaw atop the pagoda. The Secretary- 1 also hoisted the Seinphudaw atop the pagoda and sprinkled scented water on it. Alodawpyi Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ariyavamsa and the Secretary-l performed the ritual of golden and silver showers.
In Buthidaung, the Secretary-l met with departmental personnel of Buthidaung and Maungtaw
Townships Maungtaw District and discussed regional development. . Local authorities reported on
cultivation of monsoon paddy, cold season crops, summer paddy, beans and pulses and kitchen crops, paddy and edible crop sown acreage and agricultural plans, joined in by Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said priority should be given to extending sown acreage and per-acre-yield; all should strive for ensuring surplus paddy production township-wise; as Rakhine State as favourable climate and soil conditions, efforts are required to ensure surplus food production. Efforts are needed to produce new social and industrial goods for further flourishing of border trade; the government is providing assistance to all sectors for enhancing progress of Rakhine State and improving the living standards of the people. Roads and bridges are being built for further development of Rakhine State; and Yangon-Sittway Highway was commissioned into service.
Head of State Senior General Than Shwe is giving guidance on the progress of the state and already
inspected' Yangon-Sittway Highway. Improvement of transport linkages between the state and other parts of the nation will lead to strengthening amity and unity among the national people and social-
economic progress of the people.
Understanding the goodwill endeavours of the government, service personnel should work dutifully in accord with the policy, rules and laws of the government. Similarly, the people should uphold the moral conduct and should strive for regional development. Due to the government' s endeavours ours. the nation has gained good economic foundations; the GDP is growing and per capital income is increasing. All should strive for the further progress of the good economic foundations, development of socio-economic of the people and vitalization and propagation of national unity and Union Spirit.
The next morning, the Secretary-l, the commander and party attended the ceremony to hoist Shwehtidaw of Thabbatheikdi Mingala Alodawpyi Pagoda in Buthidaung. The Secretary-1, the commander and party hoisted the different tiers of Shwehtidaw atop the pagoda. Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt hoisted the seinphudaw and Maj-Gen Aung Htwe the hngetmyatnadaw atop the pagoda. In Maungtaw, the Secretary-1 and party attended Shwehtidaw hoisting ceremony of MyoU Shwesigon Pagoda.
Alodawpyi Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ariyavamsa administered the Five Precepts. The Secretary-1, the commander and party hoisted the different tiers of Shwehtidaw atop the pagoda. Alodawpyi Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ariyavamsa and the Secretary-l hoisted the seinphudaw atop the pagoda. At the No 1 Immigration Check Point, the Secretary-1 met with officials and discussed regional development and border administration.
Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and officials reported on health, education and social tasks being
implemented region wise.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt stressed the need to conduct regional administration and development activities systematically to achieve success. Staff should lead and organize local people to win their trust. They should strive to restore traditions and culture of local people.
Then, the Secretary- I and party inspected construction of Alodawpyi Youth Parahita Training School, the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs in Maungtaw.
Minister Col Thein Nyunt and officials took thc Secretary-l and party on a tour of the school under
construction . The Secretary-1 attended to their requirements and provided cash assistance to them.
In giving a speech to the villagers, he said the government had built model villages for families of
national races to live in prosperity and fulfil their requirements. Therefore, the families of national races in the villages with a view to realizing the government's genuine attitude are to make efforts in
agriculture and strive for success of their business on self-reliance.
The Secretary- 1 and party proceeded in MaraukU where they were welcomed by departmental officials, township authorities and USDA members. The Secretary-l inspected restoration of Shitthaung (a) Yanaungzeya Stupa.
The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by Leader of the Team for Restoration of the Stupa Rector U Nyi Hla Nge of Yangon Technological University and party.
The Secretary-1 first paid homage to the Buddha images at the stupa and then heard a report on
restoration at the stupa from the technical point of view by Rector U Nyi Hla Nge and a report on
restoration works from archaeological point of view by Deputy Director U Phone Kyaw of Rakhine State Archaeology Department. It was followed by a supplementary report by Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe.
The Secretary-1 inspected the restoration works there. Afterwards, the secretary and party proceeded to Thandwe from Sittway by air. On arrival at Thandwe, they were welcomed by authorities of Thandwe Township.
The Secretary-l inspected Ngapali seaside hotel, Sandoway View Resort along Ngapali Beach, Thandwe, and heard reports by managers of the hotel and resorts. The Secretary-1 spent overnight in Thandwe.
This morning, the Secretary-l went to Taungup by helicopter and attended the inauguration ceremony of Kaingshe Bridge there. Then, the Secretary-l and party proceeded to An where they were welcomed by Brig-Gen Kyi Thein of An Station, military and civilian officials, and USDA members.
In the hall of An Station, the Secretary-l met township authorities and departmental personnel and gave instructions on regional development tasks. Chairman of Kyaukphyu District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Ohn Myint and Chairman of An Township Peace and Development Council U Than Aye reported to the Secretary-l on the development tasks in the area, followed by reports presented by departmental officials. Director U Kyaw Tint of Yangon-Sittway Highway Project reported on building of bridges on the highway and conditions of the project. In giving instructions on the tasks for development of An region, the Secretary-l said necessary assistance had been provided for An before, and he and ministers were then there to fulfil requirements.
The government is paying attention to ensuring development of Rakhine State, and billions of kyats
were spent on building of Yangon-Sittway Highway alone without expenses of 10 big bridges and over 800 small bridges on it, he said.
Furthermore, with the aim of ensuring development of the whole Rakhine State, assistance is being
provided for all sectors of the region including health, education, and social and religious matters, he
said. Assistance is being provided for An part of the region, for harmonious development, and the town lies on an important point on Yangon-Sittwy Highway. As the highway had been opened, An Township will develop with momentum soon, he said.
Thus, as for the people and departmental personnel living in the township, they are to strive for
development of the township and uplift of living standard of the locals, he said.
While endeavouring for development of the nation, the government is relying on service personnel in
implementing its objectives, and only when the nation is developed, will the service personnel be able to discharge their duties without worry, he noted. Therefore, for development of the nation, success of national economic life and uplift of living standard of the people, all service personnel are to be dutiful in the interest of the State and the people, realizing the genuine attitude of the government, he added.
Afterwards, the Secretary and party inspected Border Areas Immigration Inspection Control Camp. In the temporary briefing hall, Camp In-charge U Kyaw Lin reported on location of the camp, strength of staff, construction of the camp and its functions, followed by supplementary reports presented by Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and Minister U Saw Tun.
The Secretary-l instructed the staff of departments concerned there to dutifully discharge duties and to live in unity.
The Secretary-l and party arrived back here by air via Thandwe. USDA Secretary-General U Than Aung and EC Member Brig-Gen Khin Maung, who accompanied the Secretary-l, also met trainees of Basic Management Course No 1 for Secretaries and Executives of Buthidaung District and Township USDAs on 28 March.
They heard a report on organisational works in the district by secretary of District USDA U Win Han and gave instructions on extension of thc association, organization and training.
In the evening, he met manage s and staff of MAPT and gave instructions on keeping rice mills strong, making arrangements for not causing losses due to floods and fire, meeting the target of purchasing paddy and carrying out staff welfare. He inspected rice warehouses in Thandwe.

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(3)Very credibility of ILO at stake
YANGON, 30 March-The following is the Press Release issued today by the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs on certain recommendations against Myanmar by ILO Governing Body at its 277th session held in Geneva.
The Governing Body of the International Labour Organization (ILO) at its 277th session held in Geneva on 28th March 2000 adopted certain recommendations against Myanmar. It is indeed a very sad day for ILO since by taking this unprecedented and politically motivated action, the very credibility of the ILO is at stake. This unwarranted and uncalled for action by the ILO is aimed at exerting pressure on Myanmar. It is most regrettable that the ILO Governing Body repeatedly ignored the positive steps taken by Myanmar and continued to take one-sided measures, favoring those unscrupulous elements who harbour ill-will against Myanmar. Myanmar's efforts to cooperate with the ILO and to have dialogue with it were also rebuffed. Myanmar therefore rejects totally and categorically the decision and the recommendations just adopted by the Governing Body for submission to the 88th ILO to take drastic measures against Myanmar under Article 33 of the ILO Constitution. This action by the ILO Governing Body is most unfair, most unreasonable and most unjust. As such, Myanmar completely dissociates itself from the aforementioned decision of the Governing Body and any activities and effects connected with it.
It is heartening to note that a number of countries, including ASEAN members, have made known their reservations against the action taken by the Governing Body. Myanmar appreciates the stand by these friendly nations who held the view that instead of trying to criticize and isolate Myanmar, the door should be kept open for Myanmar and ILO to work together for a satisfactory resolution of the issue in question.
The decision taken by the Governing Body is totally unacceptable to Myanmar. It is also regrettable
that this decision was taken despite the call by many fair-minded countries which urged the Governing Body to refrain from taking drastic measures and to adopt instead a prudent and pragmatic approach.
Myanmar will not be swayed by these pressure tactics and will never bow to efforts to interfere in the internal affairs of the country.

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(4) Secretary-2 gives instructions on livestock breeding and cultivation of vegetables
YANGON, 30 March - Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo met with officials in the meeting hall of the Fisheries Department this afternoon and gave instructions on production and distribution of livestock and vegetables. The Secretary-2 said that ministries and
departments at state/division, district and township levels have been asked to draw plans for cultivation of kitchen crops and perennia1 crops.
The aim is to cover expenses for kitchen by growing crops on a manageable scale and to augment family income by selling surplus agricultural produce at the market. Thus, encouragement is being given to upgrade manageable cultivation into commercial cultivation. The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is giving permits for fresh water and sea water fisheries industry and the digging of fish ponds and the breeding of fingerlings at the fish ponds.
Systematic arrangements are to be made to sell fish and meat at 162 development markets in Yangon with a view to fulfilling the needs of domestic consumption. Yangon City Development Committee has also made arrangements to enable those who produce meat and fish to open two revenue-free markets at the corner of Hanthawady Street and Kyundaw Street and on Kyaikkasan Street.
The Government is giving encouragement for the success of agricultural undertakings and livestock
breeding of private organizations .In conclusion, the Secretary-2 called on entrepreneurs to take into
account the fact that the people can buy meat and fish at reasonable prices, and urged all to contribute to the discussions. Then, Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein reported on breeding and production of fish and prawn in states and divisions, Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than on matters related to fish ponds turned into cultivable lands in Yangon Division and arrangements for the breeding of fish and prawn in the remaining fish ponds, and fisheries entrepreneurs on distribution of fish. Joint Secretary of YCDC U Kyi Win reported on the opening of revenue free markets on 31 March, Director-General of Energy Palming Department U Soe Myint on fuel oil and representatives of Bago and Ayeyawady Divisions on conditions of fish ponds in representative divisions.
Deputy Ministers U Ohn Myint and Thura U Thaung Lwin explained matters related to agriculture and transport.
In conclusion, the Secretary-2 said that the Government is providing assistance to enable entrepreneurs to carry out free commercial activities in accord with the market-oriented economic system, and arrangements are being made to fulfil the needs of food, shelter and clothing of the people. and urged entrepreneurs to respond to the goodwill of the Government with a sense of patriotism.

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(5) Thanmyanthu Economic Group opens Dental Clinic and Denture Enterprise
YANGON, 30 March -Dental clinic and denture enterprise of Thanmyanthu Economic Group were
opened this morning at No 100, at the corner of 49th Street and Bogyoke Aung San Road, in
Pazundaung Township, attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo. Chairman of Thanmyanthu Economic Group Maj Kyaw Sein (Retired) and denture expert U Soe Tint formally opened the clinic and the enterprise.
Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo unveiled the signboard. U Soe Tint reported on aims of the
project and Director of Resettlements Col Aung Thein on functions of the group, joined in by Deputy Minster for Forestry Col Thaik Tun, Deputy Minister Dr Mya Oo and Principal of Denture School U Myint Swe. The Secretary-2 gave suggestions. Plans are under way to treat in-service and retired service personnel at 25 per cent discount. The clinic and the enterprise open daily from 9 am to 8 pm.

(6) Senior military officers, military attaches play friendly shooting
YANGON, 30 March- A friendly shooting competition between military attaches of embassies here and senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence took place at South Okkalapa Shooting Range yesterday morning.
It was organized by Directorate of Defence Services Intelligence to commemorate the 55th Anniversary Armed Forces Day. Deputy Chief of Office of Strategic Studies and Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Dean of Military Attaches Military Attache of Vietnamese Embassy Sr Col Nguyen Ngoc Lu, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, President of Myanmar Shooting Federation Col Win Than and military attaches took part in the competition.
Before the start of the competition, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win spoke on the occasion. Afterwards, Secretary of MSF Lt-Col Than Swe explained the competition and spoke about new records, which are better than South-East Asia records, set by marksmen of the national team.
Sr Col Nguyen Ngoc Lu spoke words of thanks and donated K 50,000 to MSF. The marksmen of MSF presented a demonstration of shooting, followed by the competition. Officials presented prizes to the winners in the competition.

(7) Minister inspects Thegaw Dam Project
YANGON, 30 March - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, together with officials, visited Myanma Paddy Research Division under Myanma Agriculture Service in Hmawby Township, on 28 March afternoon.
The minister gave instructions on conducting re search on paddy strains. The minister and party then
went to Thegaw Dam Project in course of implementation near Myachaung Village, Letpadan Township, the western section of Bago Division.
Officials reported on progress of work. Acting Director-General of the Irrigation Department U Kyaw San Win gave an additional report. The minister and officials discussed location of creeks in Letpadan Township and Thayawady Township, availability of water and matters related to dams and diversion weirs.
Afterwards, the minister inspected construction of the main embankment, the sluice gate and the
spillway, and gave instructions on timely completion of the dam. Thegaw Dam, 5,050 feet long and 76 feet high, is being built on Thegaw Creek. The water storage capacity of the dam is 50,000 acre feet, and it can irrigate 12,000 acres of land. On completion of the dam, paddy and mixed crops can be grown.

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(8) Minister meets Ambassador of Japan
YANGON, 30 March- Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein met Ambassador of Japan Mr Kazuo Asakai, who had completed his tour of duty, at his office at 4.45 pm today. Also present were Deputy Minister Dr Mya Oo and officials.

(9) Minister meets Ambassador of Japan
YANGON, 30 March - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin received Ambassador of Japan Mr Kazuo Asakai, who has completed his tour of duty, at his office this afternoon. They discussed bilateral cooperation in economic and agriculture sector between the two countries. Present also were department heads and officials under the ministry.

(10) 35 armed group members exchanged arms for peace 11-29 Feb
YANGON, 30 March. As the State Peace and Development Council is building up national
reconsolidation with genuine attitude with a view to ensuring emergence of a peaceful, tranquil, modernand developed nation upholding Our Three Main National Causes, armed groups, realizing the endeavours and genuine attitude of the State and the Tatmadaw and the facts that destructive acts perpetrated by armed organizations for years did not at all benefit the State and the people and that their regions lagged behind in development due to those acts, are exchanging arms for peace individually or in groups.
Between 11 and 29 February, in the Coastal Region Command area, cpl Saw Di Pha of KNU Brigade 4, bringing in one M-16 automatic rifle, one magazine and 10 cartridges, pvt Saw Noe Te Te, wife Ma Nwe Nwe Oo and daughter Su Lay Phan, bringing in five rounds of a 2 inch mortar, two BA- 100 grenades, cadre Ena, bringing in one walkie-talkie, pvt Saw Bi Bi of No 3 company of 11 Battalion, bringing in one grenade, and cadre U Shin, wife Daw Aung Shin and nephew Aung Than, bringing in one walkie-talkie, exchanged arms for peace.
In the South-East Command area, secretary Toh Gay of KNU, exchanged arms for peace, and so did pvt Aik Hsaw of Battalion 153 of SURA Brigade 758 in the North-East Command area, pvts Saw Kaw Mu and Saw Mu Do of KNU Brigade 2 in the Southern Command area, pvts Thabon, Wai Mon, Patin, Maung Mwe and Palan of NNC in the North-West Command area.
In the Triangle Region Command area, company commander Saw Hla Mu, pvts Oo Kyarawk, Oo Kyalat, Oo Kyawa, Oo Kyatok, Oo Kyakyo, Kyakaw, Paulu, Kyalaw, Aikhsa, Kyae, Kyala, Rapathu, Htoo Mat, Arlon, Kyabu and Kyapai, bringing in one pistol, one carbine, one Steng, Two M-22s, eight M16s and 162 rounds, of ammunition, 12 magazines, 92 rounds, exchanged arms for peace.
Officials of respective military units warmly welcomed 35 armed group members during the period and provided necessary supplier for them.

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(11) Stimulant tablets seized in Kengtung
YANGON, 30 March-A combined team comprising members of regional intelligence unit, Myanmar Police Force and departments, acting on information, while inspecting vehicles at Naungnon Check Point in Kengtung Township, Shan State (East) on 18 March, searched a Toyota car (3 Kha/8268) driven by Shake Hun, son of U Lie Su, Ward 8, Lashio and seized 509,200 stimulant tablets bearing "YW" which were hidden in the car. Also in the car were Kyaw Kyaw Oo, son of U Tun Khin, 36th Street, Mandalay. Action is being taken against the two under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Laws.

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(12) 29 Nattalin Township NLD members resign of own accord
YANGON, 30 March. Twenty-nine members resigned from the National League for Democracy of Nattalin Township, Bago Division.
Twenty-nine members of Nattalin Township NLD, Bago Division, of their own accord, resigned by
sending letters of resignation to Nattalin Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission Office and the party concerned on 4 November 1999 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.

(13)WEATHER
Maximum temperature on 29-3-2000 was 35.0°C (95°F)
Minimum temperature on 30-3-2000 was 22.5 °C (73°F)

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