N980412

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
( Thursday, 13 July 2000)

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Maha Bandoola Bridge serves as direct link between downtown Rangon and Thakayta, Dawbon, Dagon Myothit (Seikkan), Thanlyin
Chief of Staff (Army) attends opening of ninth Defence Service C- in-C's Championship Shield Karatedo Tournament
Secretary-1 inspect preparations along route for conveying Kyauktawgyi Marble Image
Third Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry concludes
Minister receives Chinese visitors
SRV TV delegation leaves for home
Sports News
Yangon Mayor meets Indian Ambassador
Stimulant tablets seized in Lashio
Illegal drug possessors get prison terms
Illegal drug possessors get 10 and 15 years
21 members resign from Bago Township NLD of own accord

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(1) Maha Bandoola Bridge serves as direct link between downtown Yangon and Thakayta, Dawbon, Dagon Myothit (Seikkan), Thanlyin
YANGON, 12 July -Maha Bandoola Bridge linking Pazundaung and Dawbon townships in Yangon Division was commissioned into service this morning and Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an address.
The bridge was built by Public Works of the Ministry of Construction. Secretary-l said opening of the bridge is a significant result of the harmonious cooperation between the government and the people. The bridge is another facility in developing Yangon to possess characteristics of a modern city. The capital of Yangon, which was once called the garden city of Asia, declined due to the arrival of disorderly settlements.
The government has built a firm national solidarity in developing the nation and improving socio-economic life and living standard of the people. The people understanding the government's endeavours for prosperity and progress of the nation and ensuring an adequate life for them are joining hands with-the government in implementing the national development endeavours; thus, the nations is advancing with greater momentum on the path to stability and progress.
Yangon once dotted with slums has now become a magnificent garden city accommodating high-rise buildings, modern condominiums and houses, international-level business centres, five-star hotels, modern parks and recreation centres. Suburban areas of Yangon City are now occupied by modern satellite towns, modern parks and gardens, world class golf courses and industrial towns and zones; thus the city now has possessed the characteristics of a modern city of international level.
Highways and bridges linking the city belt roads, city entrance roads, industrial zones, the Yangon International Airport and jetties are being built systematically to ensure smooth transport in Yangon which is becoming more crowded with private cars and buses and busier with businesses, international relations and trade.
In building strategic highways, a large amount of money is being used in constructing new bridges across rivers and creeks.
Construction of Bayint-naung Bridge on Hline River which is connecting Ayeyawady and Yangon Divisions and Shwepyitha Bridge and Aungzeya Bridge spanning Hline River between Yangon city and Hlinethaya have already been completed.
In the past, Ngamoeyeik Creek or Pazundaung Creek posed a barrier dividing the central Yangon and four Dagon Myothit Townships, Thakayta and Dawbon. Under the farsighted guidance of the Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, many new bridges including the Maha Bandoola Bridge spanning Ngamoeyeik Creek or Pazundaung Creek had been and are being build at commercially strategic areas.
For example, New Ngamoeyeik Bridge (Thingangyun), Ngamoeyeik Bridge (Parami), Dagon Myothit Bridge and Daweichaung pedestrian bridge linking Thingangyun, North Okkalapa and South Okkalapa and Dagon Myothit have already been built.
Ngamoeyeik Bridge (Kyanikan) has already been built, and there are now ten bridges including the Maha Bandoola Bridge on Ngamoeyeik Creek.
Built with advanced techniques, Maha Bandoola Bridge including its approach roads is 3,643 feet long. It is a six-lane suspension bridge built at a cost of US $ 2.46 million and over K 4.41 billion. The facility linking Pazundaung and Dawbon gives the people of down- town Yangon direct access to Thakayta, Dawbon, Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) and Thanlyin.
The bridge which will become the shortest possible route from the central Yangon and Yangon Port to Thilawa International Port and Industrial Zone will contribute much toward progress of Myanmar's international trade and business. Stakes were driven in on 1 January 1998 to start the project The first frame of the bridge was erected on 4 April 2000. Up to date, the government; has built 111 bridges which are over feet long at a cost-of over K 305.25 billion and US $ 108.83 million. Twenty-seven bridges? five in Yangon Division and 22 in other states and divisions are under construction in the entire nation at present. Since 1994-95, the government has spent over K 1 billion and US $ 91 million in importing bridge-construction equipment and materials.
Building of the bridge began on 1 January 1998. Its length is 3,643.33 feet (1,110.76 metres). The length of the main structure of the suspension bridge is 787.2 feet (240 metres). The approach structures are 2,856 feet (870.76 metres) long. The six-lane motor way on the facility is 72 feet (22 metres) wide. Each lane can withstand 60-ton trucks. It has 6-foot pedestrian lanes on either side. Its clearance at high tide is 374 feet (114 metres) wide and 4S feet (13.72 metres) high. The bridge was built with prefebricated piles and bored piles.
Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun formally opened the bridge. Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun unveiled the stone plaque.
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(2) Chief of Staff (Army) attends opening of ninth Defence Service C- in-C's Championship Shield Karatedo Tournament
YANGON, 12 July-The ninth Defence Services Commander-in-Chief's Championship Shield Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Karatedo Tournament was opened at National Indoor Stadium-l in Thuwunna at 8.30 am today, attended by Chief of Bureau of Special Operations and Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo. On behalf of the Commander-in;Chief of Defence Services Chief of Staff (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe made a speech and formally opened the tournament. Altogether 14 teams from Tatmadaw (Navy), Tatmadaw (Air), military commands and light infantry divisions are taking part in the tournament.

(3) Secretary-1 inspect preparations along route for conveying Kyauktawgyi Marble Image
YANGON, 12 July-Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township at 9.30 am today.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt party inspected construction of foundation of the throne for Kyauktawgyi Marble Image. At the briefing hall, Deputy Chief Engineer (Architect) of Public Works U Aung Kyee Myint reported to Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt on the area of Mindhamma Hill, layout plan and architectural design of Gandakuditaik and arrangements for construction of Gandakuditaik.
Then, Myanmar design technician U Ohn Tin reported to the Secretary-l on Myanmar architectural design of Gandakuditaik and Deputy Minister for Transport U Pe Than on preparations for conveying of Kyauktawgyi Marble Image from marble hill Madaya Township to Yangon, Deputy Minister for Rail Transportation Thura U Thaung Lwin on arrangements being made along the route for conveying Kyauktawgyi Marble Image from Gyokone Jetty in Insein Township to Mindhamma Hill and arrangements for conveying of Kyauktawgyi Marble- Image onto Mindhamma Hill, Commander Staff Colonel of Yangon Commander Col Myat Ko on arrangement for paying obeisance to Kyauktawgyi Marble Image by barges in Yangon Division and Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council Office. U Arnt Maung on religious works for conveying of Kyauktawgyi Marble Image. Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended to their needs.
: Then, Secretary-l Khin Nyunt and party inspected preparations along the route for conveying Kyauktawgyi Marble Image, construction of a jetty where barge which conveys marble image will arrive.

(4) Third Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry concludes
YANGON, 12 July-The third and final day session of the Third Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry ASOF, hosted by Myanmar for the first time, was held at Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road today.
Present on the occasion were senior officials on forestry of ASEAN member nations Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, representatives of ASEAN Secretariat and observers. Director- General Forest Department of Ministry of Forestry y Dr Kyaw Tint presided over the meeting and delivered an opening speech. Then, the delegates reviewed all items discussed at the meeting and approved the minute.
Then, the meeting concluded with a closing speech given by Dr Kyaw Tint in the afternoon. In the afternoon the delegation and the representatives of ASEAN Secretariat visited teak plantation of Forest Department in Hmawby.
They proceeded to Central Training Department on Forest Development of Forest Department in Hmawby, and Vice- Principal U Win Hlaing explained facts about the department. The delegates planted a teak sapling to mark the success of the Third meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry. Next, they observed the booths of Department of Conservation of Environment and Wildlife, and the officials conducted them round the department. Later, they toured the park by car and left in the evening.
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(5) Minister receives Chinese visitors
YANGON, 12 July-Minister for Industry-l U Aung Thaung received President of China Metallurgical Construction (Group) Corporation Mr Yanli Ma and party at his office at 5 pm today. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, Director General of Directorate of Industries U Tin Hlaing, Director-General of Regional Industrial Coordination and Inspection Department U San Kyi, Managing Director of Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries U Ngwe Thaw and General Manager U Thein Win and Head of Office U Myint Swe.

(6) SRV TV delegation leaves for home
YANGON, 12 July-The six-member delegation of Television Department of Socialist Republic of Vietnam led by Deputy Director Mr Phung Huy Bien, which shot Myanmar scenic beauty and culture, left for home by air this morning. The delegation was seen off at Yangon International Airport by Director (Broadcasting) of Myanma Radio and Television of Ministry of Information U Ko Ko Htwe, Mr Nguyen Van Mung of Vietnamese Embassy to the Union of Myanmar and of official.

(7) Sports News

9th Under 16 Asian Youth Soccer finals to be held
YANGON, 12 July-The 9th Under 16 Asian Youth Soccer finals will be held in Vietnam from 3 to 17 September this years. The teams which won in Qualifiers are Group 3 Iran, Group 4 Bangladesh, Group 5 Nepal, Group-6 Thailand Group 7 China, Group 8 Japan, Group 9 Myanmar and the host Vietnam. The qualifying matches of will be finished on 31 July 2000.

Third ASEAN Soccer schedule
YANGON 12 July -second matches of Third ASEAN Tiger Cup Soccer Tournament will be held in Bangkok, Chiangmai and Sawkalaw, Thailand from 4 to 18 November.
Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and : Brunei are in Group A and Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos, Singapore and Cambodia are in Group B. Myanmar Team will play; against Thailand on 4 November, against Philippines on 6 November, against Brunei on 8 November and against Indonesia on 12 November. Semifinals will be held on 1-6 November, final and third-place on 18 November.
The matches of Group A will be held in Chiangmai the matches of Group B in Sawkala and semifinal and final in Bangkok.
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(8) 11 expatriate destructive elements including former ABSDF member Ko Oo arrested
YANGON, 12 July-At a time when the government is endeavouring for nation building tasks to bring about better foundations for future State after laying down political, economic and social objectives for emergence of a democratic state, expatriate NLD, anti-government organizations outside the country and terrorist groups are committing destructive acts in various means to disparage the dignity of the government and to incite civil uprising. During May and June, authorities concerned exposed and arrested 11 expatriate destructive elements including former ABSDF member Ko Oo (a) Myo Oo sent by the National League for Democracy (expatriates) stationed in Maesot in Thailand, runaways and terrorists to commit destructive acts and to distribute propaganda leaflets in Myanmar.
Cohort destructive elements arrested are Ko Oo, son of U Khin Maung, Than Zaw (a) Thurein, son of U Tin Aung, Myo Thant, son of U Maung Maung, Kyaw Htay, son of U Hla Myint Myo Aung (a) Angelay, son of U Maung Maung, Zin Min Oo (a) Min Min, son of U Myint Thein, Than Zaw Oo (a) Ko Ko Gyi, son of U Tun Lin, Ma Tin Tin Myint, daughter of U Mya Nyein, Tun Zaw Htay (a) Tun Tun, son of U Tun Aung, Than Than Htay (a) Akyi Htay, daughter U Kyin Taik and Win Aye, son of U Shwe Kyin:
According to the investigation, former member of ABSDF Ko Oo (a) Myo Oo went to Maesot illegally for about eight times. He went there on 29 June 1999 for the first time and met Sai Myint Thu of ABSDF (Central) who was his master when he was in ABSDF (Central). Ko Oa made contact with NLD (expatiate) youth group through Sai Myint Thu and started destructive acts in the country. He received various rubber seals with the names of New Generation Youth Group, Garment Workers Union, All Bus Lines Employees Union and All Universities and Institutes Employees Union from Sai Myint Thu and started destructive acts in the country. He received various rubber seals with the names of New Generation Youth Group, Garment Workers Union, All Bus Lines Employees Union and All Universities and Institutes Employees Union from NLD (expatriate). He made arrangements to distribute anti-government leaflets in the country in collusion with their contacts Min Thant (a) Nyi Htwe and Kyi Lwin. On 12 July, 1999, after making contact with them for the second time, he met Sai Myint Thu of ABSDF, Sonny of NLD (expatriate) youth group and some leaders of KNU terrorist group and made arrangements to bring ten grenades into the country, attend political defiance course organized by NLD (expatriate) group, and smuggle propaganda stickers and books on political defiance into the country.
On 31 July.l999, Ko Oo (a) Myo Oo went to Kawkareik to get the grenades from KNU but he did not receive than because of lack of contact. Therefore, he reported on the situation to Chairman of NLD (expatriate) U Tin Aung and Central Committee member military in-charge Tun Aung Kyaw. Tun Aung Kyaw gave him three American made grenades and taught him how to use them. On 4 August 1999 he arrived back in Yangon and received two diskettes which contained antigovernment material from Kyaw Lwin (a) Zaw Lwin who attended political defiance course in Maesot together. Arrangements were made to distribute anti-government propaganda pamphlets as arranged.
Ko Oo (a) Myo Oo and party went to Maesot on 25 August 1999 and met Tun Aung Kyaw and Sonny of NLD (expatriate) group and Yi Zaw (a) Okkar of All Burma Students Union. They discussed movement in collusion with Min Thant (a) Nyi Htwe, Kyaw Lwin (a) Zaw Lwin and Ma Moe in Yangon and matters on bringing into the country 10 grenades and two launchers and one walkie talkie to interrupt communication sets of local security forces. After returning to Yangon, Ko Oo (a) Myo Oo and party met Kyaw Lwin (a) Zaw Lwin and his brother Ko Ko Gyi on 17 September 1999 and discussed tactics in country. Of 24 September 1999, they went to Maesot to bring into the country arms and ammunition as planned. However, the plan failed due to coming of the news about the siege of Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok by terrorists early October and arrest of Joseph and Win Naing sent by Tun Aung Kyaw of NLD (expatriate) to blow up Zwekabin Hall in Hpa-an. Before he went to Yangon from Maesot, Ko Oo met Moe Thee Zun of ABSDF. Moe Thee Zun assigned duties to him to concentrate on driving a wedge between the Tatmadaw and Police Force and to organize and lure deserters from Tatmadaw and police with money and bring them to him. Moe Thee Zun also gave Ko Oo announcements of NLD (expatriate) and seals of Students Union and Sonny of NLD (expatriate) group also gave him one 2G walkie talkie to interrupt and monitor communications of intelligence and security forces in Yangon.
Anti-government organizations at the office of NLD (expatriate) in Maesot expressed dissatisfaction over killing of ten terrorists who raided Rachburi Hospital in Thailand. Beginning February 2000, discussions were held and plans were made to take revenge on the Thai government. The, intention was to frighten the Thai Government, to impress organizations of other countries which had been supporting them so that they could survive and to create conditions to sour relations between Myanmar and Thailand in order to lose political dignity the plans, Ko Oo (a) Myo Oo and party were to transport man and materials into country terrorists sent by NLD (expatiate), ABSDF and KNU were to raid Royal Thai Embassy. They made arrangements to attack Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon on 27 May, anniversary day of the election of National League for Democracy, to raid the embassy if possible and to blow up Union Solidarity and Development-Association Office in USDA office near Thuwanna Sports Training Centre Township Peace and Development Council Office and Thingangyun Township Communications Centre simultaneously. In order to carry out the plan, a group including Ko Oo(a) Myo Oo and two terrorists from KNU was sent to Chiangmai. The group met KNU leader Phado Mahn Shar and they discussed the scheme in detail.
The destructive scheme to be initiated on 27 May failed as the destructive and unlawful acts of NLD (expatriate) and NLD front inside the nation were exposed at the news briefing held on 18 May 2000 and the authorities concerned arrested Thein Zaw of No 9 battalion of ABSDF and Kyaw Haty Ba-ka-tha who were sent by NLD (expatriate)ABSDF and Ba-ka-tha to plant mines in Yangon. Due to the tight security imposed in the nation, KNUs did not accompany Ko Oo (a) Myo Oo; KNU gave him five hand grenades and sent him alone into the nation. Ko Oo (a) Myo Oo was arrested in Myawady.
According to the confession of Thein Zaw and Kyaw Htay, authorities were able to arrest Than Zaw Oo (a) Ko Ko Gyi, Kyaw Lwin (a) Zaw Lwin and Myo Thant, Myo Aung and Zin Min Oo of Bago Ba-ka-tha who arrived in the nation in advance to plant mines in Yangon and Bago. Further investigation had led to seizure of Ma Tin Tin Myint, a cousin of fugitive political in charge of Ba-ka-tha Zaw Tun (a) Htay Aung, his younger brother Tun Zaw Htay (a) Tun Tun, Than Than Htay (a) Akyi Htay and Win Aye who was smuggling youths to Maesot.
Ma Tin Tin Myint and Tun Zaw Htay (a) Tun Tun made contacts with Zaw Tun (a) Htay Aung in the other country and made necessary arrangements for the men and materials smuggled out of by Zaw Tun (a) Htay Aung. Than Than Htay (a) Akyi Htay was sentenced to One year imprisonment for her involvement in Ba-ka-tha activities. She was released from the prison under amnesty in 1992. Than Than Htay (a) Akyi Htay and Win Aye made contacts with Zaw Tun (a) Htay Aung; they accepted cash assistance from Zaw Tun (a) Htay Aung and launched opposition activities in the nation; and recruited new members for NLD (expatriate) armed group.
Action will be taken according to law against those who have committed destructive acts in the nation and those who have perpetrated to terrorize the people, to discredit the government and to destroy the Myanmar-Thai relations.
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(9) Stimulant tablets seized in Lashio
YANGON, 2 July-A combined_ team comprising members of regional intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force, acting on information, while waiting ad Thanlwin Street, Ward 12 in Lashio Township, Shan. State (North) .on 22 June 2000, searched Kyin San, son of U Kyein San, Ward 5 Lashio Township. The authorities arrested him together with 11,200 stimulant tablets bearing the word "_WY_." Action was taken against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

(10) Illegal drug possessors get prison terms
YANGON, 11 July-Members of Anti-drug Squad (Yangon Division) searched suspect Bo Bo, 21, of 14th Street Yanpyay Ward, Thakayta Township at Dhamayon Street Dawbon Township at 2.55 am on 3 October 1999 and found 3.1 grams of marijuana on him Action was taken against him in accord with Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. The Dawbon Township Court handed down five years imprisonment under Section 15 and seven years imprisonment under Section 16 (C) on him to serve separately on 12 May 2000.
Similarly, members of Tachilek Township Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, searched the house of Ma Aye Aye Myint, 33, of Pone Tun Ward, Tachilek Township at 5.30 pm on 20 November i998 and found 8.2 grams of heroin in a box in the ceiling. Action was taken against her in accord with Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Sub-stances Law. The Tachilek District Court handed down ten years and six months imprisonment under Section 19 (A) on her on 27 April1999.
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(11) Illegal drug possessors get 10 and 15 years
YANGON, 12 July- Members of Yangon Division Anti-drug Squad searched one suspect Kyaw Thu Naing, 31, son of U Chit San No 206, Ngwelayaung Street, Saya San (South) Ward of Bahan Township on 24 January 1999.
The authorities arrested him together with 2.7 gram of heroin. On 5 May 2000, he was tried under Section 15/16 (C)/20 (A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment under 16 (C) by Yangon West District Court. similarly, member of Mongyai Police Force, acting on information searched a car (No Pa/6670) driven from Lashio to Mongshu on 4 December 1999. The authorities arrested Htaungsoneshi (a) Kyaw Naing, 24, son of U Saung Yanhtaung Naungrnon Village in Lashio Township together with 19,880 stimulant t tablets. On 9 June 2000, he was tried under Section 19 (A)
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic substances Law and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by Lashio Township Court.

(12) 34 KhinU Township NLD members resign of own accord
YANGON, 12 July-Thirty-four members resigned from the National League for Democracy of KhinU Township, Sagaing Division. Thirty-four members of KhinU Township NLD, Sagaing Division, of their own accord, resigned by sending letters of resignation to KhinU Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission and the party concerned on 19 January, 2000 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.

WEATHER REPORT
TODAY
Forecast for Yangon and neighbouring area for 13th, June 2000: One or two rains or rainshowers. Degree of certainty is 80%.

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