Established in 1914
Home
Archive
 Saturday,    16  December  2000
 ONLINE  EDITION
  1. Huge sums invested in the project to link east and west banks of Ayeyawady River, to develop regions on west bank  Innovative measures called for to ensure speedy implementation  of projects and commissioning of facilities
  2. Secretary-1 inspects progress of carving Lawka Chantha Abhaya  Labha Muni Image
  3. South-East Asia Anti-Tobacco Flame (SEAAF) planted at Institute  of Nursing (Yangon)
  4. IWT gets Thallawady-6 double decker
  5. Commander inspects regional development tasks in Htantabin  Township
  6. Bago Division Livestock Breeding Federation formed
  7. Course in Basic Diplomatic Skills 2/2000 concludes
  8. Second round of 7th Leg Myanmar London Golf Tour continues
  9. 25 Kyunsu Township NLD members resign of own accord
(1) Huge sums invested in the project to link east and west banks of Ayeyawady River, to develop regions on west
bank Innovative measures called for to ensure speedy implementation of projects and commissioning of facilities

YANGON, 15 Dec- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence
Services Senior General Than Shwe inspected the greening work of Shwepon-taung Hill Range in Chauk Township and implementation of Anawrahta Bridge Project on Ayeyawady River yesterday.

Accompanied by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Kyaw Than, Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin, Deputy Prime Minister  and Minister for Military Affairs Lt-Gen Tin Hla, ministers, the Deputy Minister for Health, senior military officers and heads of the State Peace and Development Council Office and respective departments, Senior General Than Shwe left here for
Bagan-NyaungU by Tatmadaw aircraft at 8.30 am yesterday.

On arrival at Bagan-NyaungU Airport, Senior General Than Shwe and party were welcomed by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for Culture U Win Sein, Chairman of Magway
Division Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Brig-Gen Than Tun of Kyaukpadaung Station and departmental officials.

Together with Maj-Gen Ye Myint and Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, the Senior General and party helicoptered to Shwepon-taung region in Chauk Township, Magway Division. On arrival at the region, they were welcomed by Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone and officials. The Senior General and party heard a report on the pump and the 40,000-gallon water tank of the Shwepon-taung neem plantation water-pumping project, presented by Minister  U Aung Phone and officials. The project is being implemented by Dry Zone Greening Department.

At the briefing hall, Minister U Aung Phone reported to the Senior General on the areas of Chauk and Yenangyoung townships, the condition of the land covered by forests, establishment of plantations to make the two townships green and lush, protection and conservation of forests, accomplishments and future programmes
concerning the tasks for availability of water, forest conservation at watershed areas in Myingyan District and cultivation of crops and Brig-Gen Thein Zaw on progress of work in planting trees for greening of respective regions in Magway Division, arrangements to make sure that the trees are thriving well, extension of cultivated
areas and the project to dam Dawna Creek at possible places for the greening of the regions.

Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance, saying priority is to be given to the thriving of trees planted for regional greening.  During the arbour season, not only the trees which contribute to the greening work of the region, but also the trees such as neem and tamarind which also contribute to economic development of the region and grow well in the region, should also be planted.

Jaggery is available in the nation as toddy-palms were planted by the ancestors. Tree-growing festivals should be held to organize the masses to partake in planting neems, toddy-palms and tamarinds. As the State will implement major projects for availability of water, the respective regions should also make arrangements to build dams at villages.

Senior General Than Shwe and party observed neem seeds and fruit, the nurturing of neem saplings and progress of work in planting neem trees on all parts of Shwepontaung Hill Range.  Chauk and Yenangyoung still remain as arid townships of the dry zone of Magway Division. DZGD of the Ministry of Forestry and Magway Division Peace and Development Council, in cooperation with local people, are striving with greater momentum to make the two
townships green and lush.

The Senior General and party arrived at Anawrahta Bridge Project on Ayeyawady River at 11.30 am by car. At the briefing hall of the project, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun reported to the Senior General on initiation of the project and progress of work and Superintending Engineer (Project) U Soe Han on construction of the bridge and efforts of the project staff to complete the bridge as scheduled. Senior General Than Shwe said necessary measures are to be taken systematically to ensure the bridge's long-term durability. Huge sums have been  invested in the project to link the east and west banks of the Ayeyawady and to develop the regions on the west bank. Officials are urged to fulfil the requirements such as the building of roads to enable local people of the west
bank and southern parts of Chin State to effectively use the bridge.

The government has to implement a large number of tasks and projects for national progress. It is important to take innovative measures in order to ensure the speedy implementation of the projects and soonest commissioning of the facilities. The Senior General and party then inspected progress of work in implementing the bridge project and surfacing the main structure with concrete on the bank of Chauk. Linking Chauk and Seikpyu townships across the Ayeyawady, the bridge will provide an easy access between townships such as Saw, Pauk and Htilin in Magway Division, Mindat and Kanpetlet townships in Chin State and the regions in Rakhine State and the regions of Yangon and Mandalay Divisions when completed. Its main structure is 4,191 feet long. At present, 93.39 per cent of the project has been completed.

On arrival at Kyauktalone Regulating Dam Project in Taungtha Township, Mandalay Division, by helicopter, the Senior General and party were welcomed by Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn Myint and officials. At the briefing hall, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported to the Senior General on accomplishments in building dams in Taungtha Township and implementation of the project to enable the existing Kyauktalone Dam to irrigate 2,000 acres of crops all the year round. Deputy Minister U Ohn Myint explained matters related to an increase in irrigated areas due to the dams already built in the region, progress of work in implementing the project and arrangements to build a new sluice gate in order to supply more water.

In giving guidance, the Senior General said in building irrigation facilities region-wise for the long-term benefit of  the nation and the people priority should not be given only to the economic point of view. As a large amount of capital is being used in implementing water supply projects in greening the dry region and in ensuring an
appropriate agriculture for farmers of the upper Myanmar for the nation's long-term benefit, the existing dams should be maintained till posterity and forest conservation and plantation should be conducted for thriving of trees in watershed areas. The Senior General and party inspected construction of the main dam of the Kyauktalon Dam project.

The project is being implemented 2.5 miles upstream Kyauktalone Dam on Kyauktalone Creek in Taungtha Township. The earth dam will be 1,380 feet long and 88 feet high. Its storage capacity is 10,250 acre-feet. It will irrigate 2,000 acres through Kyauk-talone Dam and will supply water to 3,500 acres. After inspecting the project, the Senior General and party left there for Popa in Kyaukpadaung Township, Mandalay Division.

Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo, who accompanied the Senior General, met local authorities of Mandalay Division, Myingyan District and Kyaukpadaung Township and departmental personnel at Popa rural health branch. Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and officials were also present. The Secretary-2 explained the implementation of the state's 12
objectives for national progress, achievements in the respective regions due to collective efforts of the government, the people and the Tatmadaw and the requirement of hard work to exceed the targets of economic plans. Brig-Gen Thein Zaw explained tasks to green the upper Myanmar. The Secretary-2 and party cordially greeted those present at the meeting.

(2) Secretary-1 inspects progress of carving Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image

YANGON, 15 Dec- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by
officials, arrived on Mindham-ma Hill, where Lawka Chan-tha Abhaya Labha Muni Image is kept, at 6.30 p.m today. They were welcomed by Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Ministers, officials, scholars and members of Mindhamma Hill Board of Trustees. First, the Secretary-1 paid reverence to the Image. Then, the Secretary-1 inspected progress in carving the Image and gave necessary instructions. The Secretary-1 also inspected construction of Gandhakuti Kyaungdawgyi in which the Image will be kept. Officials reported on progress of work and future tasks. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 gave instructions concerning all-round construction of the hill and met the people who paid reverence to the Image. The Secretary-1 then left there in the evening.

Secretary-1 attends enshrinement ceremony of Shwe Buddho Pagoda, inspects Wakema Bridge Project

YANGON, 15 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the
enshrinement ceremony of Shwe Buddho Pagoda in Myaungmya and inspected Wakema Bridge Project in Wakema in Ayeyawady Division today.

The Secretary-1, together with ministers, the Chief of Staff (Air), deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and
Development Council Office, heads of department, left here by helicopter and arrived at Myaungmya, Ayeyawady Division, at 10 am. They were welcomed by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, division, district and township authorities, departmental officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and local people.

The Secretary-1, together with Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, attended the enshrinement ceremony of  Shwe Buddho Pagoda in Myaungmya. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Presiding Sayadaw of Zeyamedani Sarthintaik Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Dhammapiya and members of the Sangha. Also present together with the Secretary-1 were Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, the ministers, the Chief of Staff (Air), the deputy ministers, division, district and township authorities, departmental officials, members of USDA and religious associations and local people exceeding 5,000. Presiding Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Dhammapiya invested the congregation with the Nine Precepts. Then, uppathakas offered paritta flowers, water,
sand and threads. Next, the Secretary-1 offered Shwebodhi tree to be enshrined in Shwe Buddho Pagoda, to the Presiding Sayadaw. Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin presented Shwepankhaing and Ngwe-pankhaing to members of the Sangha.

Later, the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha recited parittas, and the uppathakas tied paritta flowers and  threads and sprayed paritta water and sand on the platform and within the precincts of the pagoda. The Secretary-1, Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and the ministers offered alms to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha. The Presiding Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits. Then, the Secretary-1, Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Minister U Aung Khin, ministers, deputy ministers and the heads of  department conveyed Shwebodhi tree, Shwepankhaing, Ngwepankhaing, Buddha images and sacred objects around the pagoda clockwise. The Secretary-1, the Commander, the ministers and the deputy ministers enshrined
sacred objects into the pagoda.

At that time, the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha recited religious verses. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party sprinkled scented water and performed the ritual of silver and golden showers. Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected construction of Gandakutitaik of the pagoda. The Secretary-1 and party, together with the Commander, proceeded to Wakhema. In the briefing hall of Wakhema Bridge Project, the Commander reported on the location of the bridge and improvement of transport on completion of the project. Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe reported on the structure of Wakhema Bridge and Deputy Superintending Engineer U Khin Maung Hse on progress of work and the use of machinery.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions on completion of the bridge ahead of schedule, and inspected the project. The bridge will link Ywale Ward on the eastern bank and Htawkanut Ward on the western bank in Wakhema, Myaungmya District, Ayeyawady Division. It is a steel suspension bailey bridge to be built of reinforced concrete.
The bridge, 600 feet long, has two 2,520-feet-long approach structures on both banks, a 24-feet-wide motor way and two 4-feet-wide pedestrian lanes on its both sides. The bridge can bears 60 tons of loads and its water clearance is 580 feet wide and 46 feet high.

MEC Chairman Secretary-1 attends inauguration ceremony of SEAMEO Regional Centre for History and Tradition

YANGON, 15 Dec- The inauguration ceremony of SEAMEO Regional Centre for History and Tradition (CHAT) was held in front of the centre on Pyay Road this morning, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Present also were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and
Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, ministers, the Auditor-General, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the deputy ministers, senior Tatmadaw officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, directors-general and chairmen, rectors, principals and members of Myanmar Historical Commission of Ministry of Education, ambassadors of ASEAN countries, ambassadors of foreign embassies in Yangon, resident representatives of UNDP and UNESCO, heads of
department of SEAMEO Office, representatives of SEAMEO regional Organizations, researchers of ASEAN countries, invited guests, faculty members and students.

Chairman of MEC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt formally opened the SEAMEO Regional Centre for History and Tradition. Then, the inauguration ceremony was held. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt made a speech on the occasion.

He said: I am greatly delighted to have the opportunity to address this august gathering to mark the inauguration of the SEAMEO Regional Centre for History and Tradition (SEAMEO CHAT). This is indeed a historic landmark in the annals of education not only for Myanmar but for the whole Southeast Asia region as well.

We are indeed honoured to be chosen as the site for the SEAMEO Regional Centre for History and Tradition and would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation. As most of you will be aware, Myanmar joined the SEAMEO family of nations in February 1998. In October 1998, Myanmar as the newest member country offered to take on the responsibility of establishing a new regional center the SEAMEO Regional Centre for History and Tradition in Yangon. The establishment of this new Regional Centre, SEAMEO CHAT, has filled a void, as there has as yet been no SEAMEO Centre concerned with the history and tradition of the Southeast Asian Region.

The goals and objectives of SEAMEO CHAT as a dynamic focal point of cooperation in the study of history and tradition relevant to meet the challenges of the contemporary world and the creation of a greater sense of national and regional identity are four-fold. Firstly, SEAMEO CHAT strives to create a comprehensive understanding of the history and tradition of Southeast Asia. Secondly, it tries to present a regional perspective of Southeast Asian history that will be incorporated into the region's educational system at different levels.

Thirdly, the center will strive to strengthen outstanding traditions that will bring social, economic, intellectual and education benefits to the peoples of Southeast Asia. Fourthly, SEAMEO CHAT will provide access to the resources of regional history and tradition through the use of relevant information technology and delivery systems. Our
region is rich in its history. It goes far back into time, to the early days when man first became human, to the first steps that man took to shape and develop his humanity. But the riches of history are of little consequence without knowledge of that history. Knowledge of history and the lessons taught by history are essential for the creation of better conditions for the present. Similarly, it is important that the present times also leave a heritage for a brighter future.

Moreover, there must be dynamic interaction of education, culture, history and tradition. History teaching must be aimed at the enrichment of historical and cultural traditions of our Southeast Asia region. Also children should be taught to be aware of their own national heritage and traditions. History lessons must place greater emphasis on an understanding of histories of neighbouring countries and member countries of ASEAN to promote greater regional
understanding. This is where the study and teaching of history come to be of significance and SEAMEO CHAT will provide a focus for the various efforts in the region for developing a better understanding of the history and tradition of the Southeast Asian Region and for translating that understanding into human resource development
and greater public awareness.

Such a knowledge of history, culture, traditions, values and indeed the national characteristics and identity of our individual nations as well as of the region assumes greater significance in these times of globalization and technological advancement. The advancement of technology, particularly information and communication technology, not only opens the door for greater interaction and wider knowledge; it also allows the influx of outside influences into our societies. Unless systematic measures are implemented, our younger generations can be overwhelmed by alien culture, values and practices.

Therefore, we in Myanmar devote special attention for the protection of our unique culture and traditions as well as
our rich history. In this regard, our education system is not only aimed at equipping our youths with the necessary skill and knowledge to meet the challenges of life but also to instil them with the sense of patriotism and love of town culture, values and traditions. Myanmar is, indeed, proud of having this chance of hosting the new Regional Centre. But as with other SEAMEO Regional Centres, SEAMEO CHAT is not a concern of Myanmar alone, but a common endeavour, a cooperative effort of all SEAMEO member countries. The success of the center will depend very much on the continuing and close cooperation of all member countries and the network of Regional Centres.

On our part, I would like to assure the full support of the Government of the Union of Myanmar to the endeavours
of SEAMEO CHAT. In conclusion, allow me to wish the SEAMEO Regional Centre for History and Tradition
every success and may it achieve its stated goal of bringing about social, economic, intellectual and education  benefits to the SEAMEO member nations and to all the peoples of Southeast Asia. Director of the SEAMEO Secretariat Dr Suparak Racha Intra explained the SEAMEO.

Secretary of General of Indonesia Ministry of National Education Professor Dr Irhidayat Syarief read the message sent by President of SEAMEO Council Minister of National Education, Republic of Indonesia, Dr Yahya Muhaimin. Then, Director of SEAMEO Regional Centre for History and Tradition Director-General of
Universities Historical Research Department Daw Ni Ni Myint presented souvenir gifts to Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin
Nyunt and guests. Wellwishers made a donations for SEAMEO Regional Centre for History and Tradition. Total Myanmar Exploration and Production (Yangon Branch) presented US $ 47,500, China National Construction and Agricultural Machiner Import and Export Corporation US $ 20,000, Maingmaw Special Region K 5 million, Managing Director of Kanbawza Bank U Zaw Win Naing, on behalf of the Chairman of Kanbawza Bank U Aung
Ko Win and Daw Nan Than Htwe, presented K 1 million, U Than Shwe of Ever green Fine Arts Ltd K 300,000, U Thein Lwin of Htoocher Cooperative K 100,000, U Maung Maung Lay-Daw Kyu Kyu of Gandama Economic Enterprise a visual presentation worth K 580,000 to Daw Ni Nin Myint who presented certificates of honour to wellwishers. After the ceremony, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party viewed the Regional Arts and Craft
Fair. The Regional Arts and Craft Fair continues upto 17 December from 9 am to 5p.m daily.

Secretary-1 attends opening of multimedia teaching centre of BEHS No 1 in Wakema

YANGON, 15 Dec - Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development  Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the opening ceremony of the multimedia teaching centre of Basic Education High School No 1 in Wakema, Ayeyawady Division, this afternoon.

The Secretary-1 was accompanied by Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, ministers, the Chief of Staff (Air), deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department. On arrival at the school, the Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by Director-General of No 1 Basic Education Department U Tin Nyo, division, district and township education officers, heads of basic education schools, staff and members
of school boards of trustees, band troupes, pompom troupes and pupils. The ceremony to open the multimedia teaching centre of the school was opened in front of the school. Headmaster U Hla Khin and Chairman of the School Board of Trustees U Ohn Kyaw formally opened the multimedia teaching centre.

The Secretary-1 formally unveiled the signboard of the centre. Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the language lab, the printed media room, the computer-aided instruction room, the computer application and e-mail room, the projected media room, the altar room, the school clinic, the electronic media video system, the visual presenter and the domestic science room and the arts room. Afterwards, the ceremony to mark the opening of the
multimedia teaching centre was held at Yadana Hall of the school. Headmaster U Hla Khin explained efforts for the opening of the multimedia teaching centre. Chairman of the School Board of Trustees U Ohn Kyaw reported on concerted efforts for the opening of the centre.

Next, the Secretary-1 presented video tapes for the school to the headmaster. The Secretary-1 said that since education promotion programmes were formulated by officials of the Ministry of Education, scholars and teachers, the participation of the people and teachers has been taken into account. When the programmes have been set into motion, measures have been taken to enlist participation of the public and teachers. As parents and wellwishers
have been taking part in the efforts for promoting the standard of education up to international level and for emergence of well-rounded education, multimedia teaching centres have been opened one after another throughout the nation.

The youths of today play a crucial role in developing human resources which are essential in building a peaceful,
modern and developed nation. Therefore, the government and the people are making concerted efforts to promote intellectual level of the students. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance that efforts are to be made to upgrade the standard of Myanmar education to be on a par with that of southeast Asian nations which are taking the lead in education. If continued efforts are made in promoting the standard of basic education and higher
education after a special four-year plan designed to upgrade the standard of national education has been laid, the standard of education of Myanmar will be ahead of others in southeast Asian region in coming four years.

It is found that pupils are studying lessons with the use of modern pedagogic aids and their intellectual level is improving. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 called on the people to continue to cooperate and urged the teachers to teach and train the pupils in accord with the teaching methodology and systems set by the Ministry of Education.
After the ceremony, the Secretary-1, together with the teachers, members of the school board of trustees and the pupils, posed for photos. The Secretary-1 and party left Wakema by helicopter and arrived back here in the evening.

(3) South-East Asia Anti-Tobacco Flame (SEAAF) planted at Institute of Nursing (Yangon)

YANGON, 15 Dec- A ceremony to welcome and convey the South-East Asia Anti-Tobacco Flame (SEAAF) was
held at Yangon International Airport at 11.30 am today.

Present at the airport to welcome the flame were Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo, Director-General Dr Wann Maung of Health Department, Director-General Dr Paing Soe of Medical Research Department, officials of the Ministry of Health, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint, Chairman of Yangon North District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col San Matu, athletes, members of Union
Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Myanmar National Committee
for Women's Affairs and schoolgirls totalling over 1,000. The South-East Asia Anti-Tobacco Flame arrived here  from Maldives by air at 11.30 am today. First, Senior Administrator Mr Hassan Mohamed of the Ministry of  Health of Maldives conveyed the flame and handed it over to Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo.

Those present at the airport welcomed the flame waving the anti-tobacco flags. Then, the Deputy Minister handed
over the flame to athlete Ko Phone Myint Teza who brought honour to the State. The athlete conveyed the flame,  flanked by outstanding athletes and USDA members, to the car which will carried the flame.

When the convoy, carrying the flame, left the airport at 11.50 am, those present at the airport waved the miniature  flags. On arrival at the junction of Bogyoke Aung San Road and Pyay Road in Yangon West District, Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein, departmental officials, members of USDA, MCWA, MNCWA and Red Cross Brigade and students welcomed the flame waving the flags
with accompaniment of band troupe. At the junction at 12.20 noon, athletes handed over the fame to Chairman of  Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein.

The District Chairman, flanked by departmental officials, athletes and USDA members, carried the flame to the hall of Institute of Nursing. In the hall of the institute, Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein handed over the flame to Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo who planted it on the dais of the hall at 12.30 PM. Then, a ceremony to mark the planting the flame was held. Deputy Minister Prof Dr Mya Oo read out the address of the Minister for
Health.

Then, Resident Representative of World Health Organization Dr Agostino Borra gave a speech. Next, Minister for  Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa presented first, second and third prizes to Maung Thant Zin Thu of South Okkalapa Basic Education High School No 2, Maung Hlaing Chit Zaw of Insein BEHS No 3 and Ma Naygyi Maung Maung of Tamway BEHS No 4 respectively and consolation prize winners in the basic
education high school level essay competition to mark the anti-tobacco smoking. Minister for Sports Brig-Gen
Thura Aye Myint presented first, second and third prizes to Maung Khun Hto of Hline BEHS No 2, Ma Naw Orchit of Kyimyindine BEHS No 4 and Ma Mya Thin Khaing of Tamway BEHS No 4 respectively and Deputy Minister Prof Dr Mya Oo presented prizes to consolation prize winners in the basic education middle school level essay competition. Then, ministers, deputy ministers and officials viewed the South East Asia Anti-Tobacco Exhibition at the hall. The exhibition will keep open from 9 am to 5 PM daily up to 20 December.

(4) IWT gets Thallawady-6 double decker

YANGON, 15 Dec- A ceremony to hand over the 37-metre double decker passenger ship Thallawady-6 from
Myanma Shipyard to Yunnan Machinery Import & Export Corporation of the People's Republic of China and
Inland Water Transport was held at Nanthida Jetty this morning. Present were ministers, deputy ministers,  Ambassador of China Mr Liang Dong, department heads of Ministry of Transport, the chairman of Yunnan  Machinery Import & Export Corporation and officials. Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe and
Chairman of Yunnan Machinery Import & Export Corporation Mr Chen Fang extended greetings.

Managing Director U Percy Maung Maung of Myanma Shipyards and Mr Chen Fang signed and exchanged the  documents. Then, Mr Chen Fang and Managing Director U Tun Aung Myint of IWT signed and exchanged the relevant documents. Afterwards, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council chairman's Office Lt-Gen Min Thein formally unveiled the signboard of the ship. Next, ministers, deputy ministers and guests inspected the ship. Yunnan Machinery Import & Export Corporation has built four 37-metre double decker passenger ships and handed over Thallwady-3, 4 and 5 to IWT. The Thallawady-6 is the fourth of them. The ship can accommodate 25 passengers in 10 first class rooms installed with air-conditioners. The ship, 37.40 metres long, 8.50 metres wide,
1.90 metres high can cruise 10 nautical miles per hour. It has a draught of 1.00 metre. The ship was built at a cost of 1,451,700 US$ and K 3,835,000.

(5) Commander inspects regional development tasks in Htantabin Township

YANGON, 15 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, together with division-level departmental officials, inspected regional development tasks in Htantabin Township, Yangon North District, today.

On arrival at Yangon-Nyaungdon Road at 1.15 p.m, the Commander was welcomed by officials. The Commander
gave instructions on maintenance of roads in Yangon Division, and then inspected the 9-acre summer paddy field of farmer U Tin Sein of Hngetthaik Village. Afterwards, the Commander inspected Anyasu Village which was moved because of erosion of land by Koakkowa River, progress of construction of a 0.5-mile-long earth road which will link Yangon-Nyaungdon Motor Road, and construction of roads in the village.

The Commander gave instructions on the laying of laetrile on the roads and construction of bridges. He said that Division Water Resources Utilization Department has dug two 4-inch artisan wells and one 1.5-inch artisan well to provide drinking water for the people, and another artisan well will also be sunk. Heads of villages reported on rural development tasks, and the Commander attended to their requirements. Afterwards, the Commander inspected the building of Tamalo Canal designed to prevent the erosion of land by Koakkowa River. The officials reported on the building of the canal, 3,500 feet long, 400 feet wide and 18 feet deep, by the dredger and Director of Yangon Division Irrigation Department U Tin Maung Win on the work to extend the canal up to 3,500 feet in
length and 100 feet in width with the use of heavy machinery.

The Commander gave instructions. Then, the Commander inspected cultivation of Pedisein on 100 acres of land by Yangon Command, and gave instructions on measures to be taken against the danger of pests. In Htantabin Township, out of 86,237 acres of monsoon paddy, altogether 44,651 acres have been harvested to date. It has been targeted that summer paddy will be cultivated on 59,326 acres, beans and pulses on 10,000 acres and oil crops on
4,200 acres. So far, 20,000 acres have been placed under summer paddy, 4,959 acres under beans and pulses and 2,407 acres under oil crops.

(6) Bago Division Livestock Breeding Federation formed

YANGON, 15 Dec- A ceremony to organize the Bago Division Livestock Breeding Federation was held at Thiri Oktha Hall in Bago on 12 December morning. Present were Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Maj-Gen Tin Aye and members, officials of Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department and Myanmar Livestock Breeding Federation, district and township authorities,
departmental officials and breeders totalling over 200. The commander gave an opening speech. Director-General
U Maung Maung Nyunt of Livestock Breeding and veterinary Department and Vice-President of the federation U Hlaing Myint Oo gave speeches. Then, the list of executives of Bago Division Livestock Breeding Federation was announced. Next, President of the Bago Division Livestock Breeding Federation U Aung Win extended greetings. Afterwards, the commander accepted K 415,000 donated by breeders in Bago Division and gave the concluding remarks.

(7) Course in Basic Diplomatic Skills 2/2000 concludes

YANGON, 15 Dec-The Course No 2/2000 in Basic Diplomatic Skills conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded at the Ministry this morning. It was attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Myanmar Ambassadors, senior diplomats, departmental officials and course instructors. The minister spoke on the occasion and presented certificates to the trainees. Altogether 132 trainees' those interested in international affairs, businessmen dealing with foreign firms, management officials of companies and service personnel' attended the nine-week course.

History Agenda 21 Workshop continues

YANGON, 15 Dec-The History Agenda 21 Workshop continued at Inya Lake Hotel this morning. Present were researchers of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam and guests.

In the morning session, Aurora Roxas Lim and Ooi Keat Gin discussed the cultural history. In the afternoon session, Lik Arifin Mansurnoor and Dr Myo Myint read the paper on ethics and Chalong Soontravanich on information Technology respectively. At the same time, scholars on curriculum discussed inclusion of the South-East Asian Regional History in the curricula of basic education schools of members countries of SEAMEO,
Improving teaching methods of History of South East Asia, Drawing curriculum of History of South East Asia in the year 2001-2002 and Drawing a draft on improving competency of teachers, teaching methods, text books, consideration of research work. Then, Barbara Watson Andaya and U Tun Aung Chein discussed future tasks. The workshop came to an end in the evening.

(8) Second round of 7th Leg Myanmar London Golf Tour continues

YANGON, 15 Dec- The Seventh Leg of Myanmar London Golf Tour 2000-2001, co-organized by Myanmar Golf
Federation and Professional Golfers Association and mainly sponsored by Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte
Ltd, continued for the second day at Ngan Tay Golf Club in Mawlamyine, Mon State, this morning.

Present were executives of MGF, military and civilian officers and spectators. After the second round, Than Aung and Myint Shwe were leading the professional division with 147 strokes each. Soe Myint Lay and Win Aung scored 149 strokes each and Aung Zaw Moe and Zaw Oo were 150 each. In the amateur division, Zaw Zaw Latt fired 145 strokes, Thein Zaw Myint 151, Zaw Zin Win (Han Golf Masters) 153, Yin Aung Latt 154 and Nanda
Kyaw 155. The tour is being co-sponsored by Tiger Beer, Yangon Airways, Canon, Star Cola and Wilson with the aim of turning out golfers who can bring honour to the State. Han Golf Masters Pte Ltd organizes the tour. The third round of the tour continues tomorrow.

(9) 25 Kyunsu Township NLD members resign of own accord

YANGON, 15 Dec- Twenty-five members resigned from the National League for Democracy of Nyaungbee  Village-tract, Kyunsu Township, Taninthayi Division. Twenty-five members of Nyaungbee Village-tract NLD, Kyunsu Township, Taninthayi Division, of their own accord, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Kyunsu Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission and the party concerned on 7 September 2000 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.

HOME
ARCHIVE