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 Friday,  15  December  2000
 ONLINE  EDITION
  1. Secretary-1 attends Fiftieth Anniversary of UNHCR
  2. Secretary-1 paid homage to members of the Sangha from Indonesia
  3. News in Brief
  4. Minister for Industry-1 receives Vice-President of YMEIEC
  5. New model of national history-based curricula of South-East Asian History to be developed for secondary schools
  6. LPDR health deputy minister visits rural health care centre and hospital in Bago Division
  7. Delivery room of Hmawby Township MCWA opened
  8. Minister for CPT inspects Printing Press of MPT
  9. Golden Temple Sayadaw and disciples offer alms to 5,000 members of Sangha at Maha Pasana Cave
  10. 30 Ngazun Township NLD members resign of own accord
(1) Secretary-1 attends Fiftieth Anniversary of UNHCR

YANGON, 14 Dec-The Fiftieth Anniversary of the UNHCR was observed at the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present were ministers, the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, the Auditor-General, deputy ministers, diplomats, resident representatives of UN agencies, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, foreign and local journalists and guests.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt made a speech on the occasion.

He said:

It is an honour and a pleasure for me to address this auspicious gathering on the occasion of the commemoration ceremony of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the UNHCR. This is the first ever ceremony in honour of UNHCR to be held in Myanmar. The UNHCR was established fifty years ago on December 14 and fifty years is an important milestone for any organization especially for a humanitarian one in the international community. The theme of this year's commemoration is " Respect ".

We are all aware that UNHCR's mandate is to save lives, to provide and ensure protection and to find lasting solutions for issues concerning refugees. While playing a strictly neutral role, the UNHCR has approached these issues with determination and insight, building a support structure that is so well in place that the organization is set apart from other organizations in its accomplishments of delicate complexity. Refugee related issues have a complexity with questions to which there are no easy answers. However, a gathering of the sort that we have today can provide the basis of understanding and support necessary to enhance the search for humane solutions. International migration issues are often emotionally and politically charged. They are also difficult and pervasive. UNHCR abets international co-operation and co-ordination in resolving migration problems to avoid potential conflicts.

That is why UNHCR is a success story that has evolved within the international community. Throughout its fifty years of existence, UNHCR has helped millions of refugees, all over the world. It has been estimated that the Asia region contains millions of refugees. Experience has shown that it is very difficult for countries of origin to prevent their nationals from irregular migration when they are deliberately lured by better incomes, better job opportunities and better living standard abroad. Labour markets in the host countries are usually signalling a demand for illegal immigrants, for the legal or hidden sides of the economy, often for both. This phenomenon of labour mobility creates a serious socio-economic issue for both the migrant origin and receiving countries.

We are aware that our neighbouring country is hosting Myanmar's so-called refugees in temporary shelters on the eastern borders, and that it is not without the displacement of affected local villagers.

In this regard, I wish to underscore that the so-called refugees are fugitives, illegal migrants, insurgents and their families and members of unlawful associations opposing the government. If one should recognize and protect them as refugees, it would be rather unfair to the country of origin. The activities of armed groups who remained underground for decades and who took refugee in the border areas hindered development of the country. If these insurgents are to be repatriated and reintegrated as refugees, it would be harmful to the peace and stability of the nation. Myanmar is grateful to its neighbouring country for its concern for the displaced persons across the borders, but Myanmar is of the opinion that this issue should be resolved by bilateral means. The assistance of international NGOs is also welcomed and highly appreciated but their endeavours should be limited solely to humanitarian purposes and not directed towards political interference.

There may be cases when migration flows threaten national security. In addressing the issue, however, the approach to a durable solution lies in co-operation among parties concerned. I would like to urge UNHCR that refugees and illegal migrant be treated separately.

The slogan for the fiftieth anniversary of UNHCR is " RESPECT ". We shall respect our own commitment to protect refugees, displaced persons and illegal migrants, and we shall respect humanitarian workers who are with them on the frontlines all over the world. Above all, we shall respect each other in the international community, with due respect to each nation's sovereignty. On behalf of the government and the peoples of the Union of Myanmar, I would like to pay tribute to the dedication of UNHCR to humanitarian work. The tribute would not be complete without a special expression of thanks to Mme. Ogata, who this year has accomplished of her mission as the High Commissioner for Refugees, for her dedication performance and brilliant for her excellent leadership of the organization.

In conclusion, the government of Myanmar wishes UNHCR an even greater success for the benefit of those people who are in need of protection and assistance. Myanmar hopes to do her utmost to resolve refugee problems with the support of UNHCR and with the bilateral and multi-lateral co-operation of the respective countries. Then, Chief of Mission of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Office in Yangon Mr Rajiv Alochan Kapur spoke on the occasion. After the ceremony, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, ministers and guests viewed the exhibition to mark the Fiftieth Anniversary of the UNHCR.

(2)Secretary-1 paid homage to members of the Sangha from Indonesia

YANGON, 14 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt paid homage and offered alms to members of the Sangha led by Sayadaw Bhaddanta Khantidharo of Indonesia, who are sojourning at Vijayamangala Dhamma Thabin on Kaba Aye Hill, this evening.

The Secretary-1, together with officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at Vijayamangala Dhamma Thabin on Kaba Aye Hill at 4.45 p.m. They were welcomed by Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and officials.

The Secretary-1 paid homage to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Khantidharo and members of the Sangha. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Khantidharo spoke about religious tasks done in Indonesia and visits to Mandalay, Bagan and Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda. The Secretary-1 expressed his pleasure for the fact that the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha have come to Myanmar to carry out Pariyatti and Paripatti tasks, and provisions will be offered to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha while sojourning in Myanmar. Minister U Aung Khin offered Pitaka treatise in English, the birth stories of the Buddha on CD-ROMs and Pitaka treatise in Myanmar on CD-ROMs to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Khantidharo. Writer-cum-Director Sayagyi U Thukha donated a Buddha image and a throne to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Khantidharo. The Sayadaw also presented gifts to the Secretary-1.

Homein Region youths urged to promote socio-economic life of local people, foster national unity

YANGON, 14 Dec - 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 extended greetings to the Homein Region national youth study group at Kandawgyi Karaweik Palace this afternoon. Also present were ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, and departmental heads.

Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said the government arranged the study trip of the national brethren of Homein Region, Shan State, to Yangon so as to let them see developments, gain knowledge and foster national consolidation. He said such trips had also been arranged for the national brethren of other regions. Myanmar, which is home to over 50 million people, saw in the past that nationalities of remote areas had been out of touch with one another due to difficult access. In addition to remaining quite distant, they had suspicion among them owing to the colonialists' driving a wedge. After the Tatmadaw had assumed national duties, it was able to consolidate national unity and dispel suspicion among them and put an end to armed insurrection. Afterwards, it formed the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs to work for progress of border regions which were lagging behind in development.

Homein Region, which had been frequented formerly by armed insurgents, was not within an easy reach of the government administrative organ, and this resulted in the region's backwardness. With the end of armed insurgency, Homein Region was designated a town, and agriculture, livestock and cottage industry projects could be started for the brethren's livelihood. As roads and bridges have been built for smooth transport, the youths of the region could reach Yangon using them, he said and noted that unity among national brethren would get more and more consolidated with their frequent visits.

The Secretary-1 urged the youths to share their experiences when they get back to their region, join hands with the social organizations such as the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigades of their region, promote socio-economic life of local people and safeguard the Union with Union spirit. Later, the Secretary-1 presented gifts to the youths On behalf of the Homein youths, Nang Hsai Khon spoke words of thanks.

(3) News in Brief

Yangon Trade Fair 2000 commences

YANGON, 14 Dec- A ceremony to open Yangon Trade Fair 2000 organized with the assistance of the Ministry of Commerce was held at the Yangon Trade Centre on Upper Pazundaung Road in Mingala Taung-nyunt this morning, attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo.

Also present were ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), the Chief of Staff (Air), senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments concerned, the Chairman of Mingala Taungnyunt Township Peace and Development Council and officials, the secretary and executives of Township Union Solidarity and Development Association, officials of Thunder Arrow Marketing Group, those of booths and guests. Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and Director of Thunder Arrow Marketing Group U Win Naing Oo formally opened the trade fair. Then, the Secretary-2 and party toured the trade fair, and left there in the morning.

The ceremony to mark the opening of Yangon Trade Fair 2000 was held at the building of the Yangon Trade Centre. Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone said that the purpose of holding the trade fair is to establish contacts between Myanmar export services and foreign companies for the marketing of Myanmar goods abroad, to get the people to know consumer goods manufactured in the country and abroad, to promote competitiveness with a view to bringing down commodity prices and to build a foundation with the aim of organizing international trade fairs in which foreign companies participate.

On display at the trade fairs are local-made export goods, local- and foreign-made textiles, cosmetics, feedstuff, electronics and electrical appliances, construction materials and machinery. Arrangements are being made to turn the third floor of the building into Permanent Exhibition Hall where state-owned, cooperative and private enterprises can carry out trade promotion and the second floor into Trade Promotion and Information Exchange Centre, and trade fairs will also be held on the second floor from time to time. In conclusion, the minister thanked those who provided assistance for organizing the trade fair. The exhibition will be held from 9 am to 6 p.m. from 14 to 17 December.

Japanese delegation arrives

YANGON, 14 Dec- The Japanese delegation led by member of House of Representatives Mr Hideo Watanabe arrived here by air this morning.
They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo,Director-General of Health Department Dr Wan Maung, Director-General of Medical Research Department Professor Dr Paing Soe, Minister of Japanese Embassy Mr Yoshihiko Kamo and embassy staff and officials of the Ministry of Health.

Minister inspects Bagan-Myingyan Railroad

YANGON, 14 Dec- Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, accompanied by Managing Director of Myanma Railways Col Min Swe and officials, inspected Bagan-Myingyan Railroad section on 11 and 12 December. He met with officials of Pakokku Railway Station, Myanma Railways, Road Transport, Road Transport Administration Department and Transport Planning Department and gave instructions on work. He later inspected construction of a motor-road which runs parallel with the Myingyan-Bagan Railroad at Myinkya Creek Bridge and at Sindewa Creek Bridge. He met with the engineers of MR Divisions 3, 4, 5 and 11 and gave instructions on replacing of sleepers, worksite safety and staff welfare at Thazi Railway Station.

(4) Minister for Industry-1 receives Vice-President of YMEIEC

YANGON, 14 Dec - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung received Vice-President of Yunnan Machinery and Equipment Import & Export Corporation Mr Gao Chongyun and party at his office this morning.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, Director-General of the Directorate of Industry U Tin Hlaing, Director-General of the Directorate of Industrial Coordination and Inspection U San Kyi, Managing Director of Myanma Ceramics Industries U Than Shwe, Managing Director of Myanma Textile Industries U Oo Thein Maung and General Manager U Mya Thein and Head of Office U Myint Swe.

Minister for I&P meets Resident Representative of UNHCR

YANGON, 14 Dec-Minister for Immigration and Population U Saw Tun met Resident Representative of UNHCR in Yangon Mr Rajiv Alochan Kapur at his office at 10 am today. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister U Maung Aung, Director-General of Immigration and National Registration Department Col Maung Htay and officials.

(5) New model of national history-based curricula of South-East Asian History to be developed for secondary schools

YANGON, 14 Dec -The opening ceremony of the History Agenda 21 Workshop was held at Inya Lake Hotel this morning. Present were Director of SEAMEO Regional Centre for History and Tradition Director-General of Universities Historical Research Department Daw Ni Ni Myint, directors of SEAMES and SEAMEO Regional Centre for History and Tradition, researchers of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam and guests. Director of SEAMEO Regional Centre for History and Tradition Director-General of Universities Historical Research Department Daw Ni Ni Myint made a speech.

She said:

It is indeed my pleasure and honour to welcome colleagues and friends from SEAMEO member countries to Myanmar who are here to attend the Workshop History Agenda 21, the inaugural workshop of the SEAMEO Regional Centre for History and Tradition (SEAMEO CHAT). Allow me first of all to introduce SEAMEO CHAT, as it is the newest addition to the family of SEAMEO Regional Centres. The proposal for the establishment of the Regional Centre was first made by officials of the Myanmar Ministry of Education to the then SEAMEO Council President and Brunei Darussalam Minister of Education HE Pehin Dato Haji Abdul Aziz Umar during his visit to Yangon, Myanmar in October 1998. The 35th SEAMEO Council Conference held in Bali, Indonesia in February 2000, approved the proposal on the establishment of the SEAMEO Regional Centre for History and Tradition in the Union of Myanmar.

The SEAMEO Regional Centre for History and Tradition has been created in recognition of the fact that a thorough grounding in our own history and tradition remains a vital element in achieving any significant measure of regional development even in today's increasingly global and technological world. The main objective of the Centre is to develop a better understanding of the history and tradition of the Southeast Asian region through research activities as part of the efforts to create and maintain a better sense of national identity. It also aims to enhance the efforts of the Member Countries in the utilization of the resources of their history and tradition in the continual effort of human resource development in relation to the study and teaching of history and tradition, and the raising of public awareness in the three levels of education basic education, higher education and contributing education for the community.

The Centre will also strive to develop educational curricula, programmes and personnel for making history and tradition relevant to meeting the challenges of the contemporary situation. SEAMEO CHAT as the only centre for history and tradition in the region, will pursue its objectives with the vision to act as a repository of the rich historical heritage and varied traditions in Southeast Asia, that makes available its expertise to meet the challenges of the 21st century and become the centre par excellence in its field of competence. The mission of the Centre is thus to promote co-operation in the study of history and tradition among Member Countries, through research human resource development, education and linkages.

The SEAMEO Regional Centre for History and Tradition will operate as an autonomous international institution as in the case of other SEAMEO Centres and will employ 24 professional and support staff. It will endeavour to recruit nationals from SEAMEO Member Countries. The inauguration of the Centre will be held tomorrow and we have worked hard to make the inauguration a memorable occasion.

A Regional Arts and Crafts Fair will also be held at the Centre premises for three days to create better public awareness of both the Centre and the activities of SEAMEO. This Workshop forms one of the activities to mark the inauguration of the Centre. History Agenda 21 has two main objectives. The first is to consider new initiatives for study and research in Southeast Asian history and the second is to consider the needs to include regional history into secondary school curricula and the methods of implementation. As Southeast Asian history is in a state of flux, it is necessary to review their future directions.

In the last century, the study of Southeast Asian history as a region was dominated by western historians like DGE Hall and G Coedes, who presented the region as a conglomeration of cultural politics and modern national states. Some historians have now pronounced the death of " national histories" and see the trend in the study of local histories as possible alternatives. Southeast Asian history by Southeast Asian historians may also bring different perspectives to the subject, based on a concept of regionalism that is being forged by ASEAN in particular. However, there are questions whether this would not lead us straight into another set of " constructs " in the same way as national histories once did. Will regional history be " invalidated" one day and will we be told that we invent another " imagined community"? Globalization may also make regional histories appear outdated and irrelevant.

There is also a demand for the inclusion of certain aspects in the study of history, such as gender, ethnicity, the deviants, the "history of the peoples without history", agrarian history, etc.

At present the awareness of a common regional history and traditional heritage is still in its infancy and confined to limited educational circles. The younger generation are too preoccupied with their own personal interests in order to survive in the age of globalization to acquire knowledge about regional history and tradition on their own initiative. It is the responsibility of state education to provide the knowledge of Southeast Asian history and tradition to the future leaders and citizens of the region. The teaching of Southeast Asian regional history in the SEAMEO region has been confined mainly to institutions of higher education whose curricula are influenced by Southeast Asian studies developed mainly outside the region, and as such are confined to specific issues, interests and approaches, and tend to serve the international community of scholars with particular theoretical pursuits and research directions.

It is necessary to develop educational curricula, programmes and personnel in order to make history and tradition relevant to meeting the challenges of the contemporary situation, particularly from regional perspectives and in the interests of regional intellectual growth and maturity. It is believed that to commence on a sound footing, a review of " The State of Southeast Asian Historical Studies" in secondary education will help to elucidate the current situation and pave the way for the development of curricula and materials related to the teaching of Southeast Asian History that will answer regional needs to understand Southeast Asian historical development in regional perspective, providing a balanced sense of regional and national identity and a better understanding of each country's attitudes and problems.

The workshop will address some of these issues in historical studies especially their relevance to contemporary problems, the role of the historian to forecast the direction of regional development and the desirability of writing different kinds of history particularly sub-regional history that transcend individual nations.

During the Workshop, 14 leading Southeast Asian academic historians and 10 officials in charge of school curriculum development from the Ministry of Education will review the present state of the school curricula related to South-East Asian History, their teaching staff, teaching method, text used and researches and the ten SEAMEO countries by a reviewer from each country. The new model of curricula of South-East Asian History for secondary schools will be developed on which national curricula will be based. Suggestions of suitable teaching materials will also be sought.

Output is expected to be:

1. programme of study and research in South-East Asian History relevant to the environment of the 21st century,

2. the inclusion of the contents of finding of such programmes in secondary education in the region.

The final outcome will be new curricula that will find the right balance between external scholarships and internal perspectives in the study of South-East Asian History, and better link between higher education and secondary schools, so that regional historical knowledge can be transmitted to youths in the region.

Then, the workshop took place. Raja Abhakorn and Milagros C Guerrero presented the term papers in the morning session. Shaharil, Abdullah, Nguyen Van Nhat and Djoko Suryo presented the term papers in the evening session. Then, Chairman of the workshop U Tun Aung Chain took part in the discussions. The opening ceremony of Department of SEAMEO Regional Centre for History and Tradition and the Regional Handicraft Exhibition will hold at the building of SEAMEO Regional Centre for History and Tradition Department on Pyay Road on 15 December morning. After the opening ceremony, the Workshop History Agenda 21 continues.

(6) LPDR health deputy minister visits rural health care centre and hospital in Bago Division

YANGON, 14 Dec-A visiting delegation led by Deputy Minister of Health of Lao People's Democratic Republic Dr Davone Vaongsack this morning arrived at Indagaw Rural Health Care Centre in Bago Division, where Bago Division Health Officer Dr Maung Maung Myint and Bago Township Health Officer (Grade-1) U Aung Khin reported on health care services of the centre. The division health officer replied to queries raised by the health deputy minister. The visiting deputy minister and party proceeded to District People's Hospital in Bago, where Dr Maung Maung Myint and District Health Officer Dr Daw Myint Myint Than explained matters related to formation of the hospital, health care services, cost-sharing health care system and the trust fund for the hospital. Officials conducted the visiting deputy minister and party round the hospital.

Work coordinated to speed up efforts for eradication of narcotic drugs

YANGON, 14 Dec -A coordination meeting on drawing up a plan to speed up efforts for eradication of narcotic drugs in Kokang region in 2002 and in Wa region in 2005 was held in the meeting hall of Headquarters of Myanmar Police Force today. Chairman of the Committee for Supervising Working Groups under the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung addressed the meeting.

Also present were Secretary of CCDAC Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win and officials, officials of CCDAC and guests. Police Maj-Gen Soe Win reported on drawing up specific plans for eradication of narcotic drugs in Kokang region and Wa region. Then, a general round of discussions followed. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the deputy minister.

(7) Delivery room of Hmawby Township MCWA opened

YANGON, 14 Dec-A ceremony to open the delivery room of Hmawby Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association was held at the unit this morning. It was attended by Chairman of Yangon North District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col San Ma Tu, Chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and CEC members, Patron of Yangon Supervisory Committee Daw Malar Tint and members, Chairman of Supervisory Committee Dr Tin Maung Win and members, the chairman of township Peace and Development Council, members of township MCWA and guests. Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe and Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe formally opened the unit. Then, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe handed over equipment for the unit and medicines to Patron Daw Malar Tint and medicines and medical equipment for township People's Hospital to Medical Superintendent Dr Win Tint. Afterwards, Patron Daw Malar Tint presented K 100,000 donated by Yangon Division MCWA for township MCWA to Chairman Dr Tin Maung Win. Wellwishers also presented cash for the unit to Daw Malar Tint and Dr Tin Maung Win.

Minister and entrepreneurs visit bran oil mill turned palm oil mill

YANGON, 14 Dec - Chairman of the Committee for Ensuring Construction of Oil Mills Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen Lun Maung, together with committee members and officials of companies which will construct oil mills, visited Brand Oil Mill No 3 of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading under the Ministry of Commerce in Ywama West Village in Insein Township today. In the meeting hall, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone explained matters related to transforming the bran oil mill into a palm oil mill.

The palm oil mill can now produce palm oil from 10 tons up to 25 tons a day. Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung reported on measures taken to transform the brand oil mill into a palm oil mill and production of palm oil. General Manager of MAPT U Than Tun Aung reported on the changing of parts of machinery at the mill. Then, officials replied to queries raised by the entrepreneurs. Afterwards, officials explained the production process. The minister and party left there in the evening.

(8) Minister for CPT inspects Printing Press of MPT

YANGON, 14 Dec-Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin arrived at Central Staff's Welfare Printing Press of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications on Pyay Road where the managing director of MPT and the in-charge of the press welcomed and briefed him on printing services this morning. The Minister inspected the printing process and gave instructions on maintenance of machinery, quality products and installation of necessary machines. The press has been printing necessary official forms with two offsets and related machines for MPT since August 2000.

On-going efforts being made at Yangon Division Agriculture, Poultry Farming Special Zone

YANGON, 14 Dec- 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 inspected Yangon Division Agriculture and Poultry Farming Special Zone near Nyaunghnapinkwin Village, Hmawby Township, Yangon North District, this afternoon. He arrived at Hmawby Hsan Hall of Yangon Division Agriculture and Poultry Farming Special Zone 1 at 1.30 p.m. and was welcomed there by members of the Special Zone Supervisory Committee.

In his meeting with the Special Zone Supervisory Committee members and national agricultural entrepreneurs, the Commander spoke of the need to produce vegetables continuously at Yangon Division Agriculture and Poultry Farming Special Zone at Nyaunghnapinkwin.

On-going efforts are being made to reclaim the land for agricultural purposes at the special zone, and it is essential for national entrepreneurs to strive their best in agricultural services. He said the entrepreneurs who have registered to carry out poultry farming at the special zone should start work next month.

He urged the Special Zone Supervisory Committee members and local entrepreneurs to make coordination among them and implement tasks in following the guidance by the Head of State. Members of the Special Zone Supervisory Committee Director of Yangon Division Irrigation Department U Tin Maung Win reported on irrigation and road building work, Yangon Division Myanma Agriculture Service Manager U San Maung on agriculture and livestock breeding work at the Special Zone-1, Director of Yangon Division Settlement and Land Records Department U Naing Win on land reclamation, Divisional Staff Officer of Water Resources Utilization Department U Myint Soe on sinking of tube-wells, the Divisional Commissioner of General Administration Department on programmes for power supply, and local entrepreneurs on requirements.

The Commander gave suggestions and later inspected cultivation and land reclamation. Various vegetables have been grown on 1,401 acres of the special zone and 1,509 acres reclaimed. The zone is witnessing 47 miles of irrigation canals and channels, 25 miles of earth-road, three miles of gravel-road, 15 miles of power lines and 92 tube-wells. Altogether 45 acres have been reclaimed for livestock breeding, and construction work is under way on 10 acres.

(9) Golden Temple Sayadaw and disciples offer alms to 5,000 members of Sangha at Maha Pasana Cave

YANGON, 14 Dec-A ceremony to offer "soon", robes and offertories to 5,000 members of the Sangha by Buddhist Golden Temple Sayadaw of Singapore Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Ven Shi Fa Zhao and lay disciples to mark the success of their religious work was held at Maha Pasana Cave on Thirimingalar Kaba Aye Hill, here, this morning.

Present were member Sayadaws led by Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Myin-gyan Koehsaung Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita and prominent Sayadaws and Ven Shi Fa Zhao and members of the Sangha, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council Office U Arnt Maung, Director-General U Sann Lwin of Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana, Director-General Dr Myo Myint of Religious Affairs Department and officials, and lay disciples of Ven Shi Fa Zhao. Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Pannindabhivamsa invested the congregation with the Five Precepts. Then, members of the Sangha recited metta sutta. Minister U Aung Khin supplicated on the religious affairs. Ven Shi Fa Zhao explained the purpose of the donations.

Minister U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and disciples of the Shwekyaung Sayadaw presented offertories to members of the Sangha. Afterwards, disciples of Ven Shi Fa Zhao made cash donations for religious work in Myanmar through the minister. Ven Shi Fa Zhao presented gifts to the minister. Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhaidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma-jotika Bahaddanta Kumara delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. Later, disciples of Ven Shi Fa Zhao offered "soon" to 5,000 members of the Sangha.

All-round construction tasks at Mindhamma Hill gain momentum

YANGON, 14 Dec-All-round construction tasks for Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image to look sublime were carried out under the supervision of respective committees at Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township today. Devotees, pilgrims, members of the Sangha from far and near paid reverence to the image. Deputy Superintending Engineer U Nyunt Maung, engineers, workers of Building Construction Project Special Group-2 of Public Works continued construction of Gandhakuti Kyaungdawgyi, Southern and Northern stairways and the retaining walls.

Stone Sculptor U Taw Taw and sons continued carving the image. Decoration works were carried out by Myanmar handicraft technician U Ohn Tin and group. A coordination meeting for Htidaw hoisting ceremony of Aung Chantha Pagoda near Mindhamma Hill was held at the briefing hall at the Hill this afternoon, attended by Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Deputy Minister for Rail Transportation Thura U Thaung Lwin, Adviser to the State Peace and Development Councils Office U Arnt Maung and officials. Bookshops of Ministry of Religious Affairs, News and Periodicals Enterprise and Sarpay Beikman sold various kinds of books. Donation Centre is opened from 7 am to 9 p.m. daily and donations by the public have amounted to K 111,528,428 from 5 August to date.

(10) 30 Ngazun Township NLD members resign of own accord

YANGON, 14 Dec-Thirty members resigned from the National League for Democracy of Ngazun Township, Myingyan District, Mandalay Division. Thirty members of Ngazun Township NLD, Myingyan District, Mandalay Division, of their own accord, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Ngazun Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission and the party concerned on 11 June 2000 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.

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