( 1 ) Foreign Heads of State and Government send felicitations to Senior General Than Shwe

The following are messages of felicitations from foreign Heads of State and Government sent to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, on the occasion of the 53rd Anniversary Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar.

From HE K R Narayanan, President of India:

On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar, I have great pleasure in extending, on my behalf and on behalf of the people of the Republic of India, warm felicitations and best wishes for the continued progress, peace and prosperity of the people of Myanmar. It is my earnest hope that the existing bonds of age-old friendship and cooperation between our two countries will further strengthening in the years to come. Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your personal health and happiness and the assurances of my highest consideration.

From HE Mr Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, President of the Republic of Italy:

On the occasion of the Independence Day, I wish to express, in the name of the Italian people and on my own, sincere wishes for the future of the people of Myanmar.

From HE Mr Jacques Chirac, President of the French Republic:

On the occasion of the National Day of the Union of Myanmar, I have the pleasure to address to the people of Myanmar my warmest wishes.

From HE Mr Girija Prasad Koirala, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Nepal:

On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar, on behalf of His majesty's Government of Nepal and on my own, I extend to your excellency and the people of Myanmar my sincere congratulations, I wish you to good health and happiness as well as progress and prosperity of the people of Myanmar.

From HM Birendra R:

On the happy occasion of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar, on behalf of the people and the Government of Nepal and on our own, we extended to your excellency our cordially felicitations and best wishes for your excellency's personal health and happiness and for the progress and prosperity of the people of Myanmar. We are confident that the friendly relations between our two countries will grow further in the years to come.

From HM Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Yabg di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia:

The Raja Permaisuri Agong joins Us in extending Our felicitations and best wishes to Your Excellency and the people of the Union of Myanmar on the auspicious occasion of the Independence of the Union of Myanmar. It is Our hope that the friendly relations existing between Malaysia and Myanmar be further strengthened in the years ahead.

up
___________________________

( 2 )

Secretary-1 pays obeisance to Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida Selection Exam Ovadacariya Sayadaws

Yangon, 6 Jan - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt paid obeisance to members of Ovadacariya Sayadaws led by Chairman of Ovadacariya Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida Selection Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Mawlamyine Wepyan Kyaungtaik Presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vijaya-bhivamsa who supervised the 53rd Tipitakadhara Tipitaka-kovida Selection Examination sponsored by Ministry of Religious Affairs, at Maha Pasana Cave on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this afternoon.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt arrived at Maha Pasana Cave at 12.45 pm and was welcomed by Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and departmental officials. The Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt paid homage to ovadacarira Sayadaws and offered Shwethingan to Wepyan Kyaungtaik Sayadaws. Afterward, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt paid obeisance to members of the Sangha led by Presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vijayabhivamsa and left there in the evening. The 53rd Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida Selection Examination is being held at Maha Pasana Cave on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road from 30 December 2000 to 31 January 2001. Altogether 101 members of the Sangha are taking part in the examination.

Secretary-1 attends 14th cash donation ceremony for construction of Thabbinnyu Pagoda

Yangon, 6 Jan- The 14th cash donation ceremony for construction of Thabinnyu Pagoda was held at the pagoda in Mayangon Township this afternoon, attended by Patron of Working Committee for Construction of Thabbinnyu Pagoda Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Present were the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, members of Working Committee for Construction of Thabbinnyu Pagoda and Sub-committee, wellwishers and guests.

Joint-Secretary of Working Committee Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko reported to the Secretary-1 on progress of work and future tasks. Then, Chairman of Finance Committee Deputy Minister for Rail Transportation Thura U Thaung Lwin explained donation and expenditure for construction. Wellwishers presented cash to Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, the ministers and the deputy ministers.

Today's donations included Ñ families of Defence Services Intelligence presented K 1.4m, Yangon City Development Committee K 10 million, Myanmar Universal Bank K 5 m,Hongpan Group K 5m,Yadana Taung-dan Gems Co K 3.5 m, families of Ministry of Transport K 2.5 m,Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe and wife Daw San San Myint and family K 300,000, Zaykabar Co K 1m and Diamond Star Co K 1m, families of Ministry of Industry-2 K 300,000, families of Ministry of Mines K 100,000, families of Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement K 100,000,families of Ministry of Electric Power K 500,000,families of Ministry of Finance and Revenue K 100,000,Inland Water Transport K 350,000,Myanma Five Star Line K 350,000, Myanma Port Authority K 350,000, Htay Myanmar Co K 350,000, Mann Myanmar Co K 350,000, Sanpya Shwenga Co K 350,000, Aung Myanmar Co K 300,000, Police Brig-Gen Ba Hein and wife Daw Htay Htay K 520,000, U Kyaw Khaing Tun and party K 200,000,Marine Administration Department K 350,000,Myanma Shipyards K 200,000,Institute of Marine Technology K 350,000,U Win Swe and Dr Yi Yi Hla and family K 100,000,Department of Civil Aviation K 350,000,Myanma Industrial Construction Services K 100,000,U Hla Tun-Daw Htay Htay and family K50,000,Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River System K 100,000,Meteorology and Hydrology Department K 100,000,Water Resources Utilization Department K 100,000 and others to Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, ministers and deputy ministers who presented certificate of honour to donors.

Then, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said the government is rendering assistant for the construction of Thabinnyu Pagoda with the formation of various committees and the pagoda is the biggest religious building among the buildings under construction. The arrangements are being made for Hnetmyatnadaw, Seinbudaw and Htidaw hoisting ceremony of the pagoda, he said. After the ceremony, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected construction of the pagoda.

Secretary-1 inspects progress of Mindhamma Hill all-round construction

Yangon, 6 Jan- 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 Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township at 5 pm today.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, officials of the Mindhamma Hill All-round Construction Committee, technicians and members of Mindhamma Hill Board of Trustees. The Secretary-1 paid reverence to the Image. Then, the Secretary-1 inspected carving of the Image and progress of work, and gave necessary instructions. Next, the Secretary-1 cordially met the pilgrims including members of the Sangha.

The Secretary-1 inspected construction of Gandakuti Kyaungdawgyi, the southern stairway, roofings which will be fixed on the Kyaungdawgyi and the stairway, construction of the northern stairway and decoration work, paintings and sculptures of Myanmar handicraft technician U Ohn Tin, carving of Buddha images which will be kept on Mindhamma Hill and the design of the Lion Statue to be kept at the archway. Then, the Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions and left the Hill in the evening.

Secretary-1 attends opening of Tabinshwehti Tower in Hlinethaya

Yangon, 6 Jan- An opening ceremony of Tabinshwehti Tower constructed by Olympic Co Ltd in cooperation with Department for Human Settlement and Housing Development and the showroom of farm machinery equipment of Yishin Co was held at the corner of Tabinshwehti Street and Nyaungdon Road in Hlinethaya Township this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and Yangon City Development Committee, heads of departments, members of Hlinethaya Industrial City Industrial Zone Management Committee, construction entrepreneurs and guests. Director-General of DHSHD U Arnt Kyaw, Chairman of Olympic Co Ltd U Aik Tun and Managing Director of Yishin Co U Aik Yi formally opened the Tower and the showroom. Director-General U Arnt Kyaw spoke on allotment of plots for those, who do not have own lodgings, in new satellite towns and implementation of hut-to-apartment scheme in building Yangon to possess the characteristics of a modern city.

He said rapid progress has been made in Hlinethaya after opening of three bridges, namely Bayinnaung, Aung Zeya and Shwepyitha Bridges and living standard of local people upgraded. He spoke at length on implementation of modern housing projects at the Panhlaing Golf Resort, low-cost housing project for service personnel, banks, mini-market, schools and gymnasium. U Aik Tun reported on the projects of Olympic Co and the salient points about the Tower. General Manager U Aik Sai of Yishin Co reported on opening of the showroom of farm machinery equipment. The Secretary-1 and party inspected the Tower and the showroom. The 10-storey Tabinshwehti Tower has 54 flats.

There are shopping centre and offices on the ground floor. The Olympic Co has implemented 17 housing projects. The Secretary-1 and party went to the Shoe Factory of Myanmar Sunny Co Ltd where they were welcomed by Managing Director Mr Myung Shik Suh and staff. The shoes of the factory are exported to Japan. The Secretary-1 and party later toured Hlinethaya.

Special eye centre of Asia Royal Cardiac and Special Clinic opens

Yangon, 6 Jan- The opening ceremony of special eye centre of Asia Royal Cardiac and Special Clinic was held at No 14, Baho Road in Sangyoung Township this morning, attended by Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and Yangon City Development Committee, heads of departments, CEC members of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association and guests. The Secretary-1 formally opened and inspected the special eye centre. Patron of Asia Royal Co Ltd U Aik Tun explained the purpose of the donation. Cardio Vascular System Management Committee presented K 1,652,250 and Asia Royal Cardiac and Special Clinic K 539,000, Asia Wealth Bank K 200,000, Tawwin Special Clinic K 100,000, Kindred Alliance Company K 50,000 and U Myat Tin Aung-Daw Khin Myint Myint of Aung Aung Group K 100,000. Chairperson of MMCWA Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe and Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe accepted the donations.

Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe said MMCWA gave eye treatment to over 300 needy aged people in Yangon and Mandalay Divisions with the assistance of Ministry of Health beginning 1998 and Asia Royal eye centre also performed eye operations for 100 people. MMCWA is implementing community welfare services such as health and education matters which will contribute to the welfare of health staff. Donations will be used effectively in those tasks, she noted. She added that operation of cataract will be carried out in cooperation with MMCWA. Haemodialysis and CT Scan are available and dental clinic was also opened at Asia Royal Cardiac and Special Clinic.

up

_________________________

( 3 ) Yangon Division targets to cultivate summer paddy on 200,000 acres

Yangon, 6 Jan- Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo today attended the ceremony of collective land preparation and cultivation of summer paddy in Sarbutaung Village, Hlegu Township, and the nursery festival at Ngamoeyeik Dam catchment area.

Accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San, Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Chief of Staff (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ambassadors of ASEAN member countries led by Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Ly Bounkham, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads, the Secretary-2 helicoptered to Sarbutaung Village in Hlegu Township this morning. The Secretary-2 and party were welcomed there by 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, local authorities, officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and farmers. At the ceremony of collective land preparation and summer paddy cultivation, officials explained the display of the agricultural equipment and implements produced by the Agricultural Mechanisation Department, and farm implements, fertilizers and pesticides by private companies, agenda of the ceremony of land preparation for cultivation of summer paddy, and the target for summer paddy cultivation and land preparation work in Hlegu Township.

Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than said that though Yangon Division land area is just 2.5 million acres and it is densely populated, monsoon paddy was cultivated on nearly 1.2 million acres, and it is now planning to grow summer paddy, edible oil crops and beans as multiple crops, registering 148 per cent of multiple-cropping. As the division has an area of 1.4 million acres under monsoon paddy plus summer paddy, it is the third largest paddy-growing region, he said and added that it is now preparing to finish putting over 200,000 acres under summer paddy by 15 January. He said as summer paddy had been cultivated on 100,000 acres up to 1 January, the remaining 100,000 acres have to be put under the crop in time to meet the deadline. Farmers, he said, are being organized to grow the appropriate paddy strains in time, and necessary assistance is being provided to the farmers. Afterwards, the Secretary-2 and party took part in the transplanting of paddy saplings and scattering of paddy seeds in the paddy fields, and inspected the paddy transplanting machines at work and other paddy transplanting sites.

They later observed the winnowing, ploughing and land preparation work for cultivation done by Leiyar-16 power-tiller manufactured by the Agricultural Mechanisation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, and viewed the agricultural equipment and implements, pesticides, fertilisers and seeds displayed at the ceremony. The Secretary-2 and party left Sarbutaung Village for Ngamoeyeik Dam by helicopter to attend the nursery festival. They were welcomed by departmental officials and local people. The nursery festival was held near Ngamoeyeik Dam in Phaunggyi Village, Hlegu Township. The festival was opened with the song "Thitpinpyo pwedaw" composed by Chairman of Myanmar Music Asiayon Accordion Ohn Kyaw and sung by vocalist Lay Lay Wah. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than said the purpose of organizing the nursery festival in the catchment area of Ngamoeyeik Dam was to carry out afforestation campaign as a public movement.

He also spoke of the need to protect forests against indiscriminate felling so as to keep the ecology intact and urged the local people to preserve the forest in the area. Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun also spoke. Director-General of Forestry Department Dr Kyaw Tint presented the commemorative pennants to the Secretary2 and party. Ambassador Mr Ly Bounkham spoke words of thanks.

up
__________________________

( 4 ) Donations invited for Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image

Yangon, 6 Jan- The Ministry of Religious Affairs announced that anyone may make donations for Myanma handicraft - wooden decoration works to be installed at Gandhakuti Taik, southern and northern stairways of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township on 4 January.

Wellwishers may donate one 24" by 27" wooden decoration work worth K 250,000, one 16" by 27" wooden decoration work worth K 200,000, one 12" by 18" wooden decoration work worth K 150,000 and one 48" by 35" wooden decoration work worth K 1,200,000 for Gandhakuti Taik, 10" by 11' worth K 60,000, 24" by 8" worth K 80,000, 24" by 12" worth K 100,000 for the southern stairway and one Brahma finger statue worth K 3,000 to U Maung Maung Myint, Head of Office, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Phone 665621, Mindhamma Hill Finance Committee, Phone 704034 and U Kyaw Than, Deputy Head of Department, Budget and Accounts Department of Yangon City Development Committee, Phones 284910 and 282330.

Provisions donated to monasteries in Dagon Township

Yangon, 6 Jan- Families of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) donated provisions to monasteries in the compound of Eindawya Kyaungtaik in East Pyay Road Ward, Dagon Township, this morning. Present were Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister for Labour Brig-Gen Win Sein, senior military officers, officials and guests.

On behalf of the families of Tatmadaw, Deputy Adjutant-General Col Ye Tun, Captain Naval Staff Captain Kyaw Tin Hla and General Staff Officer (Grade-I) Air Lt-Col Than Swe offered rice to the Presiding Sayadaw of Dagon Pariyatti Sarthintaik. Wellwishers donated provisions to Sayadaws and K 343,000 to Minister U Aung Khin and officials. Director of people's Militia and Frontier Forces Brig-Gen Than Maung supplicated on the purpose of the donation. Then, member of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha Dagon Pariyatti Sarthintaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Gunananda delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits.

Cash donated to social welfare schools

Yangon, 6 Jan- A ceremony to present cash to schools under the Social Welfare Department was held at the Maykhalar Hall of the office of the Ministry this morning.

It was attended by Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Director-General of Fire Services Department U Myint Tun, Director-General of Relief and Resettlement Department U Than Oo, Director of SWD U Khin Aung, Head of Office U Maung Pi and officials, wellwishers U Sann Win-Daw Tin Tin Yee and family of Pyinmana and principals of the youth training schools of SWD. First, wellwisher U Sann Win explained the purpose of the donation. Then, the wellwisher family presented K 1.2 million to the minister who presented a certificate of honour to them and expressed gratitude. K 200,000 each of the donation went to Kyimyindine School for the Blind, Shwegondine Nursery, Kaba Aye Youth Training Centre, Girls Training School, Hnget-aw-san Youth Training School and Women's Vocational Training School.

up
__________________________

( 5 ) Regional development matters coordinated

Yangon, 6 Jan- Secretary of Leading Committee for Region-wise Agriculture Development Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen Lun Maung, accompanied by Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen Aye Kyway, met with division-level departmental officials of six Sub-committees for Taninthayi Division Development at the meeting hall of the command and discussed regional development yesterday.

Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs U Kyaw Tin and Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein reported on work being carried out for regional development and progress of construction of roads which link Taninthayi and Kawthoung. Then, officials reported on work being carried out for regional rice sufficiency, fisheries, boosting production of ore, progress of road construction and livestock breeding. The minister and the commander attended to their needs.

up

__________________________

( 6 ) South-East Asia Anti-Tobacco Flame (SEAAF) conveyed to New Delhi, India

Yangon, 6 Dec-A ceremony to convey South-East Asia Anti-Tobacco Flame (SEAAF) to Yangon International Airport was held at the indoor stadium of Shwepyitha Township, Yangon North District this morning.

The flame arrived here on 15 December. The ceremony was attended by officials of Ministry of Health, Yangon Division health officer and officials, secretary of Yangon North District Peace and Development Council and officials, district and township-level officials and members of various social organisations. First, Secretary Col Maung Ngwe conveyed the flame and handed it over to victorious athlete Zaw Win Aung who brought honour to the State.

Then, athletes and USDA members conveyed the flame on a car. The convey arrived at the airport at 7.05 am. Afterwards, a ceremony to convey South-East Asia Anti-Tobacco Flame (SEAAF) to New Delhi, India was held at the airport. It was attended by Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, Director-General Dr Wan Maung of Health Department, Director-General Dr Paing Soe of Medical Research Department, deputy directors-general and officials of Ministry of Health, members of various social organisations and students. First, athlete Zaw Win Aung handed over the flame to Professor Dr Kyaw Myint. The professor then handed it over to Director (Public Health) Dr Htay Lwin of Health Department who would convey it to India by air. Dr Htay Lwin carried it to the aircraft. Those present at the airport waved miniature anti-tobacco flags. The aircraft carrying the South East Asia Anti-Tobacco Flame (SEAAF) left here for India at 7.40 am.

School Family Day held in Taunggyi Township

Yangon, 6 Jan- The opening ceremony of School Family Day of village-tracts and Taunggyi Township was held at Affiliated Basic Education Middle School, Htithein Village, Pantin Village-Tract, in the township, on 3 January morning.

Shan State (South) Education Officer U Man Yin and members of the school board of trustees formally opened the School Family Day and viewed meltimedia teaching rooms of the school and watched the traditional dances of the students. The prize presentation ceremony was held at the school on 4 January morning. state/township education personnel, members of village Peace and Development Councils, Headmistress Daw Nyunt Yee and parents of the students attended the ceremony. Prizes were presented to the outstanding students. Then, traditional variety dances of the students were presented and sports events were held.

up

___________________________

( 7 ) General Practitioners' Conference held

Yangon, 6 Jan- The General Practitioners Section of Myanmar Medical Association held the Third General Practitioners' Conference at MMA Building on Theinbyu Street this morning. Present were Director of Medical Services Brig-Gen Mya Thein Han of the Ministry of Defence, President of MMA (Central) Professor Dr Myo Myint, patrons of the association, resident representatives of WHO and UNICEF, officials of Myanmar Academy of Medical Science and guests.

President Professor Dr Myo Myint and Chairman of General Practitioners Section of the MMA Dr Tin Aye gave speeches. Chairperson of Reception Committee Dr Khin Thuza Soe extended greetings and Secretary Dr Nay Win read out the message of the chairman of the General Dental Surgeons Section of Myanmar Dental Surgeons Association. Then, President Prof Dr Myo Myint and Chairman Dr Tin Aye formally opened the medical exhibition. Afterwards, a general round of discussions followed. A total of 20 papers will be submitted to the conference by professors, specialists and surgeons. The conference will be held up to 7 January.

Armed Forces Day essay, poetry competitions to be held

Yangon, 6 Jan- The Literary Competition Organizing Work Committee for Universities, Colleges and Institutes and Basic Education Schools will hold university/college/institute-level, basic education high school-level and basic education middle school-level essay and poetry competitions in commemoration of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day.

The university/college/institute-level and basic education high school-level essay and poetry competitions will be held on 13 January (Saturday) while basic education middle school-level essay and poetry competitions will be held on 14 January (Sunday). The competitions will be held at the respective institutions and schools. Those who wish to take part in the competitions are to register at their respective institutions and schools. In the essay competition words must be within 5,000 and in the poetry competition metrical units of verse must not be more than 300. Altogether six prize-winners-three from essay and three from poetry-will be chosen at each level.

Dental Surgeons' Conf on 24-27 Jan

Yangon, 6 Jan- The 21st Myanmar Dental Surgeons' Conference and the 2nd Meeting of International Dental Federation and Myanmar Dental Surgeons Association (FDI-MDA Joint Meeting) will be held at the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road from 24 to 27 January. The opening of the conference will be held at 7.30 am on 24 January 2001 instead of 8 am.

Flower Fair continues

Yangon, 6 Jan- The Flower Fair, organized by Myanma Agriculture Service of Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, continued at Mingaladon Park today. The fair was crowded with holiday-makers and visitors. At the fair, flowers and hybrid orchids were exhibited.

up

___________________________

___________________________