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Friday,  6 October  2000
 ONLINE ISSUE
  1. Secretary-1 inspects progress of work at Mindhamma Hill
  2. Two YTU student's success at international level competition uplifts YTU's prestige
  3. Secretary-2 attends 14th meeting of Central Supervisory Committee for Communications Policy
  4. Transport Ministry officials urged to ensure every convenience and satisfaction to passengers
  5. Minister meets Chinese guests
  6. News in Brief
  7. Coordination meeting on Third Myanmar Travel Show held
  8. Mayor inspects agriculture work in Uto-Kyainn region
  9. Vietnam says ASEAN rejects proposal to mediate in Myanmar
  10. Commander visits special vegetable cultivation and livestock breeding zone
  11. 570 gem merchants arrive at Mid-Year Myanmar Gems Emporium
  12. 34 members of Minbu (Saku) Township NLD resign of own accord
(1) Secretary-1 inspects progress of work at Mindhamma Hill

YANGON, 5 Oct-Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at Mindhamma Hill on Min Dhamma Road in Insein Township at 5.40 PM today.

Officials reported to the Secretary-1 on construction of the Gandakudi Kyaung-dawgyi with the help of charts. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected progress of construction work of Gandakudi Kyaung-dawgyi and construction of retaining wall. Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and officials conducted the Secretary-1 round the construction side. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt then inspected ground preparations for construction of northern and southern stairways of the pagoda and gave necessary instructions to officials and left there at 6.15 PM. Devotees including, monks, nuns and people visited Lawka Chantha Abhaya Laba Muni Buddha Image on Mindhamma Hill on Mindhamma Road in Insein Township today. Staff officers and workers of Public Works are building Gandakudi Kyaungtaik and retaining wall at Lawka Chantha Abhaya Laba Muni Buddha Image. Various wut associations recited religious verses on the hill from 7 am!
to 10 PM daily. Donations by the public have amounted to K 68,379,126 from 5 August to date.


(2)Two YTU student's success at international level competition uplifts YTU's prestige

Yangon, 5 Oct - A ceremony to honour two students from Yangon Technological University, who won the prize at the international university students level architectural design competition jointly organized by Oxford Brooks University and the University of Florence, was held at the diamond jubilee hall in Kamayut Township this evening. Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony.

Also present were ministers, the attorney-general, the auditor-general, deputy ministers, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association, Myanmar Architects Association and Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club, the rector, the pro-rector and faculty members of Yangon Technological University, students of YTU, families and guests.

Head of the Department of Architecture of YTU Associate Professor Daw Min Thet Mon said the competition was sponsored by Teaching in Architecture (TIA) formed by Oxford Brookes University and the University of Florence. Architecture students were invited to participate in the competition. The theme of the competition is "Sustainable Buildings for the 2000".

The designs for a new building and renovation of an old building were to be drawn in consideration of the least use of energy, with well-furnished natural light, ventilation and prevention of noises. It is aimed at promoting awareness of requirements for reducing energy use in the 21st Century. The invitation for this competition was received in September 1999, and officials encouraged the fifth and sixth year students to enter the competition, and finally, these two students took part in it. At the first step, they had to try to understand the requirements and rules of the competition. At the second step, they had to take time to study what is meant by " sustainability" and acquire knowledge about drawing designs for Sustainable Building. They had to seek knowledge from respective departments and teachers as well. As the third step, they decided to enter the competition after drawing a design for renovation of an old building, and selected an appropriate building which befit !
to the rules. In this case, arrangements were made to enable them to make a decision on their own, apart from making an assessment of pros and cons, as trust can be placed in their intellect power. They chose the old building of the railway office. Finally, they took the measurement of the building, decided on the design  and maintenance work, drew the design and wrote about explanation. The thing in which pride can be taken most, is that in the book of prize-winning photos, which have been sent to the international architectural institutions, the label" Yangon Technological University " is included and recorded. In conclusion, she spoke words of thanks. Ma Chaw Kalya recounted her experiences and efforts.

Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary-1, said it was a ceremony to honour to whom honour is due. It is a pride not only for the two students but also for the Yangon Technological University and the faculty members. The students, Ma Chaw Kalya and Ma Khin Htet Htet Zaw, had to make all-out preparations to participate in the competition co-sponsored by Oxford Brookes University of England and University of Florence of Italy. Many of the contestants at the international level competition were from European and western nations such as England, Italy, Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, Greece, Germany, Austria and Norway; and only Myanmar and Malaysia from Asia took part in the competition. Ninety-four participants of the sixty-five groups presented 65 architectural designs at the competition. Of the first prize, the second prize, the third prize and the ten honourable mention prizes, Ma Chaw Kalya and Ma Khin Htet Htet Zaw won one of the honourable mention prizes. The nation honoured them as they had showed the perseverance, zeal, morale and ability of Myanmars. There are many more students at the YTU who are as brilliant as the two.

He expressed belief that the ceremony to honour the two will boost the morale of other student to take part in such international competitions. The two YTU students' victory at the international level competition has uplifted the dignity of the university, the faculty members and the students. The government is developing the human resources in striving for the emergence of a modern and developed nation.

The government is implementing the education promotion programmes phase by phase in developing the human resources; it is now implementing the third phase of the programme which also includes the special four-year plan in order to develop the higher education level also. The four-year plan is being implemented with the aim of developing the nation's education to catch up with those of the forefront nations of South-East Asia. Within a two-year period a total of US $ 4.5 million was used for the institutions of higher learning under the Ministry of Education and US $ 5 million for those under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

These funds will be used in providing more international-level teaching aids to the institutions of higher learning in order to uplift the ability of the students to meet the international level. If efforts are made with the student youths' talented skills, diligence and determination, combined with modern teaching systems, brilliant intelligentsia and intellectuals will appear as aspired by the government, and the national objective for emergence of a modern, developed nation will soon be reached, he said. In keeping with Senior General Than Shwe's guidance, plans are being made to nurture and honour brilliant student youths, he said. He spoke of the need for teachers to strive on to nurture talented student youths who can show their brilliant skill and intelligence and prove Myanmar people's true morale so as to promote the image of the nation. He said while encouragement, honour and awards are being given to the outstanding ones in keeping with Senior General Than Shwe's guidance "Honour to whom honour is due', it is essential for student youths to strive their utmost and best to prove their genius, diligence, courage and perseverance and Myanmar's morale to the world.

Afterwards, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented awards and certificates of honour to Associate Professor Daw Min Thet Mon, Head of Architecture Department of the Yangon Technological University, who gave a close guidance to the prize-winners, and to the prize winners Ma Khin Htet Htet Zaw and Ma Chaw Kalyar. Prize-winner Ma Khin Htet Htet Zaw, the fifth-year student of architecture, spoke words of thanks. After the ceremony, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and guests met with the students of the YTU, and viewed the prize-winning architectural designs and other designs and models displayed outside the hall. Later, the Secretary-1 and officials posed for documentary photos together with teachers, two prize-winners and their families. Each of the two wellwishers ' Chairman of Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association U Khin Shwe, and Vice-Chairman of Asia Wealth Bank U Aik Tun 'presented K 100,000 each to Associate Professor Daw Min Thet Mon and the two prize winners, totalling K 600,000.


(3) Secretary-2 attends 14th meeting of Central Supervisory Committee for Communications Policy

YANGON, 5 Oct- Central Supervisory Committee for Communications Policy held its 14th meeting at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs this afternoon, attended by Chairman of Central Supervisory Committee for Communications Policy Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo.

At the meeting, Joint-Secretary of the Central Supervisory Committee General Staff Officer (Grade-I) Lt-Col Hla Thein Swe of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) sought the approval of the meeting for the minutes of the 13th meeting of the Committee. Staff Officer (Grade-I) Lt-Col Ye Lwin of Directorate of Signals of the Ministry of Defence sought the approval of the meeting for communication equipment submitted by departments concerned. Then, Secretary of the Central Supervisory Committee Brig-Gen Aung Myint reported on matters related to import of communications equipment.

Afterwards, member of the Central Supervisory Committee Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin explained the arrangements to replace over 40 years old telephone lines with new lines and extension of telephone lines. Other members Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Chief of Staff (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Chief of Staff (Navy) Captain Soe Thein took part in the discussions. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo.


(4) Transport Ministry officials urged to ensure every convenience and satisfaction to passengers

YANGON, 5 Oct - Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo met directors-general, managing directors and other officials of departments and enterprises under the Ministry of Transport this evening at the ministry.

The Secretary-2 said the ministry is a government body which is trying to meet its planned targets for national progress. The government is laying down and implementing short-term plans; at present, the five-year short-term plan has passed the first six months of its final term. Thus, personnel of the ministry should strive with might and main to exceed the planned targets. Recently, the ministry commissioned into service the Mandalay International Airport which is a pride for the nation.

The Yangon and Mandalay International Airports are handling international flights; officials at different levels should render constant supervision in all sectors to ensure every convenience and satisfaction to the passengers.

All necessary services should be provided for the safety of the travellers. The departments under the ministry are always in touch with the people in serving duties. The Myanma Five Star Line is an enterprise conveying freight not only to coastal regions but also to foreign nations. In addition to its domestic passenger and cargo services, the Inland Water Transport is also operating the market boat. Officials at different levels should make cooperative efforts for the safety of travellers. Efforts are required to increase the number of passengers and the volume of freight as well as to ensure durability and cleanness of the vessels. Advertisements should be made in getting the local and foreign travellers know their services. Corporations should be made with other related ministries in discharging their duties. All should take pride of their work and should perform their duties well. Officials should make arrangements to extend staff welfare programmes. Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint explained plans to further develop the ministry's services based on the advice given by the Secretary-2. The Secretary-2 looked into his requirements.

(5) Minister meets Chinese guests

YANGON, 5 Oct-Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung met Chairman of Tianjin Textile & Architecture Designing Institute of the People's Republic of China Mr Yu Zhong Chang and party at his office this evening. Also present were Director-General of the Directorate of Industries U Tin Hlaing, Director-General of Regional Industrial Cooperation and Inspection Department U San Kyi, Managing Director of Myanma Textile Industries U Thein Maung and General Manager U Mya Thein and Head of Office U Myint Swe.

(6) News in Brief

Board of directors of Myanmar Border Areas Development Association meets

YANGON, 5 Oct - The board of directors of Myanmar Border Areas Development Association held its second meeting at the agricultural museum of Myepadethakyun in Bahan Township this morning. Chairman of Myanmar Border Areas Development Association U Tin Hlaing explained tasks related to economic, social, educational, agricultural and livestock breeding development of border areas, the already-undertaken tasks and future programmes. Director-General of the Department for the Development of Border Areas and National Races Col Than Swe reported on arrangements for cultivation of buck wheat at the border areas and executive director of the association U Than Htay, tasks to be carried out at Kokang regions where poppy was no longer cultivated. Deputy Chief of the Office of the Strategic Studies and Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win presented K 200,000 donated by the Office of the Strategic Studies, to Chairman U Tin Hlaing. Then, the meeting was held. Chairman U Tin Hlaing discussed matters related to regional development of areas where poppy was no longer cultivated and the raising of funds. Then, a general round of discussions followed.

Minister inspects quality jute cultivation, production and purchase

YANGON, 5 Oct - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin inspected cultivation, production and purchase on quality jute in Myaungmya and Maubin districts. Accompanied by officials, the minister inspected drying and storage of jute near a jute field of Myanma Jute Enterprise at Sabayoe village, Wakhema Township. In meeting with MJE staff, the minister heard a report on jute cultivation and production presented by officials. At a farm of Myanma Agriculture Service at Shwelaungkyun in the township, the minister met local farmers and staff, speaking of the need to build embankments at the wetlands, to raise the crop per acre yield at the reclaimed land, to produce quality strains and to disseminate agricultural knowledge to farmers. MAS officials then conducted the minister and party round the farm.

The minister then inspected jute cultivation and purchase at Treinkyun village in the township. Officials reported to him on jute purchase region wise. At his meeting with jute farmers, the minister spoke of the need to combine the modern methods and their field experiences in cultivating jute. Later, he inspected Myitwa Jute cultivation and Purchase Centre. The minister then met local authorities, departmental personnel and local farmers. He heard a report on progress in putting land under jute, purchase and milling. Jute farmers presented benefits in growing jute and requirements. He said the minister will provide assistance to jute farmers in Ayeyawady Division, where large acres of land are being place under jute annually; all-round efforts are require to produce quality jute; jute is being cultivated to fill local requirement and to export; it is targeted to purchase 20 million viss of jute this year; up to date, the centres have bought over 13 million viss of jute; all should make efforts to exceed the target.

Minister inspects Zaungtu Hydroelectric Plant

YANGON, 5 Oct-Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, accompanied by officials arrived at Zaungtu Hydroelectric Plant and inspected the spillway and sluice gates and water storage on 3 October. Yesterday the minister and party met with the staff at Zaungtu Hall and gave instructions on generating the targeted amount of electricity, systematic use of machinery, daily inspection of dams, beautifying the environs of the plant, cultivation of kitchen crops, livestock breeding tasks, worksite safety and health matters. Then, the minister and party inspected the spillway and the plant and fulfilled the requirements.

Commerce Minister back from Thailand

YANGON, 5 Oct-Minister for Commerce member of Myanmar Investment Commission Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and party arrived back here by air this evening after attending the third Meeting of ASEAN Investment Regional Council held in Changmai, Thailand. They were welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San, Minister for Immigration and Population U Saw Tun, Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, officials of the ministry and family members.

Deputy Minister and party leave for Thailand

YANGON, 5 Oct- At the invitation of the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Chairman of Tourism Authority of Thailand Dr Adisai Bodharamik, a six- member delegation led by Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig- Gen Aye Myint Kyu left for Thailand to attend the Ministerial Meeting for Regional Travel Services to be held in Bangkok, Thailand on 6 October , this morning.

They were seen off at the airport by Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar Mr Pensak Chalarak, Director -General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt and officials.

Prisons Department holds second four-monthly work coord meeting

YANGON, 5 Oct - The Prisons Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs held its second four-monthly work coordination meeting at the head office of the department in Insein Township this morning. Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing addressed the meeting.

The minister urged all to promote production while enforcing security and discipline, to improve the systems of the prisons in accord with changing situations, to rid themselves of colonial habits and to safeguard the interests of the State and the people. The minister also called on the officials to contribute to the realization of objectives of the agricultural sector of the State and to provide close supervision for the success of the work. Then, the deputy minister spoke about strengths and weaknesses of the department. Next, the minister, together with the deputy minister and officials, inspected production and livestock breeding work of Insein Central Prison.

Deputy Minister meets UNICEF Resident Representative

YANGON, 5 Oct-Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint met Resident Representative of United Nations Children's Fund Dr J Bertrand Mendis and party at his office on Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road this morning. Also present were officials of the Ministry of Health.

Deputy Minister signs book of condolences for former Prime Minister of Thailand

YANGON, 5 Oct- Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win signed the book of condolences at the Royal Thai Embassy at noon in memory of the late Mr Pote Sarasin, former Prime Minister of Thailand.

(7) Coordination meeting on Third Myanmar Travel Show held

YANGON, 5 Oct-Under the organization of Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, a coordination meeting on Third Myanmar Travel Show to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, on 16 and 17 October this year, was held at Kandawgyi Palace Hotel this afternoon. The director-general of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism and departmental officials, hoteliers, tourism service entrepreneurs, agents of air lines, enthusiasts and guests attended the meeting. Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt explained matters relating to Third Myanmar Travel Show at the meeting. Then, those present made suggestions on the Show, and U Khin Maung Latt replied the queries.

(8) Mayor inspects agriculture work in Uto-Kyainn region

YANGON, 5 Oct-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, accompanied by Secretary of Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Supervisory Committee U Myint Swe and officials, inspected the agriculture work undertaken by YCDC in Uto-Kyainn region in Taikkyi Township this morning. Mayor U Ko Lay and party inspected Kyawzeya paddy plantation, and shrimp and fingerlings ponds in Uto region, breeding of fish and prawn in the creek and gave necessary instructions. Then, Mayor U Ko Lay and party inspected the growth of 1.2 million fingerlings, paddy fields and construction of vegetable and fruit agriculture research centre and Uto golf resort, vegetable plantations in green house. They also inspected harvesting of hmabisan, cima paddy, and extension of fish pond and vegetable plantation in Kyainn region and gave suggestions.

(9)Vietnam says ASEAN rejects proposal to mediate in Myanmar

HANOI, 5 Oct-Vietnam, the chair of ASEAN, said on Wednesday that it and "relevant" members had rejected a proposal for the regional group to mediate in Myanmar as it would represent interference in Yangon's internal affairs. The 10-member Association of South East-Asian Nations agreed in July in Bangkok to form a "troika" of three of its members to try to help resolve regional political and security disputes. Responding to a question, Vietnam's Foreign Ministry spokesman Phan Thuy Thanh said: "Vietnam has exchanged opinions with Myanmar and some relevant countries in the association on the basis of consensus and non-interference in each other's internal affairs and we recognize that the latest changes in Myanmar are Myanmar's internal affairs and external parties should not interfere."

The idea of a troika has not been whole-heartedly supported by some ASEAN members who have long cherished the group's policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of members. Myanmar's official media have rejected mediation, pointing to ASEAN's principle of non-interference and saying that all issues between member countries should be solved by consensus. ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

(10) Commander visits special vegetable cultivation and livestock breeding zone

YANGON, 5 Oct - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than visited the special vegetable cultivation and livestock breeding special zone of Yangon Division at Nyaunghnabin Village near Hsatthwataw Village in Hmawby Township, Yangon North District, this afternoon.

On arrival at the zone, the commander was welcomed by Secretary of Supervisory Committee for the Special Zone Manager of Yangon Division Myanma Agriculture Service U San Maung and committee members. Manager U San Maung reported on progress of work in cultivating vegetables at the zone, U Myo Lwin of Yangon Division Irrigation Department on the building of roads, Electrical Engineer of Yangon Division U Zaw Win on installation of overhead power lines, Chief Engineer of the Ministry of Electric Power Dr San Oo on agricultural work of the ministry, Head of Yangon Division Water Resources Utilization Department U Myint Soe reported on the sinking of 46 wells at 91 units of land designated to grow vegetables.

At the battalions and units under Yangon Command , about 1.5 million of poultry are being bred, and a plan has been laid down and implemented to bring down fish and meat prices.

(11)570 gem merchants arrive at Mid-Year Myanmar Gems Emporium

YANGON, 5 Oct-Altogether 570 gem merchants'312 from 122 companies of 12 foreign countries and 258 from 97 local companies' have arrived at Mid-Year Myanmar Gems Emporium to date. The merchants viewed gems on display at the Mart from 9 am to 5 PM on the third day today. The gems will be sold on 6 October from 9 am to 5 PM through tender system and competitive bidding.

(12) 34 members of Minbu (Saku) Township NLD resign of own accord

YANGON, 5 Oct - Thirty-four members resigned of their own accord from the National League for Democracy of Minbu (Saku) Township, Magway Division. Thirty-four members of Minbu (Saku) Township NLD, Magway Division, of their own accord, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Minbu (Saku) Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission and the party concerned on 11 May 2000 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.

WEATHER REPORT
TODAY

Forecast for Yangon and neighbouring area for 6th October 2000: Intermittent rain which may be heavy at time. Degree of certainty is 60%

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