( 1 ) Observance of 54th Anniversary Union Day with greater political essence stressed

Yangon, 9 Jan - A coordination meeting on observance of the 54th Anniversary Union Day for 2001 was held in the meeting hall of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) this afternoon, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present at the meeting were Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo, 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, the ministers, the Yangon Mayor, the deputy ministers, senior officers of the Ministry of Defence, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads. Deputy Director-General of Pyithu Hluttaw Office U Sein acted as master of ceremonies. Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said the purpose of the meeting was to discuss tasks for observance of the 54th Anniversary Union Day with full political essence.

The 54th Anniversary Union Day is to be observed with the national objectives: All Union nationals to safeguard the national policy of non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty; All Union nationals to always keep alive the Union Spirit among them; All Union nationals to strive together for emergence of a State Constitution leading to a new discipline-flourishing democratic State; and All Union nationals to oppose and prevent the dangers posed by the external and internal destructive elements against the stability and modernization of the State. He said Myanmar is the Union inhabited by national peoples together through thick and thin, and after the colonialists had waged three aggressive wars, national unity was jeopardized because of the usurpers' divide-and-rule policy.

The people had to suffer the consequences of that evil legacy even after independence had been regained, and as the successive governments had not been able to consolidate national unity, the nation lagged behind in development. As the Tatmadaw, after assuming the State duties, strove for national reconsolidation and for the national brethren armed groups to return to the legal fold, all armed groups but one have returned to the legal fold. Once the nationalities groups had returned to the legal fold they joined hands with the government in the development projects, and today, progress is being made as envisaged by the political, economic and social objectives. As the country has become stable and peaceful and

all national peoples are working together in harmony and unison, the government can pay emphasis on development of border areas. With the leadership of the Central Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races, the government implemented border areas development projects utilizing large sums of funds, and as a result, border areas are now witnessing rapid development.

Small villages of border areas in the past are now emerging as modern towns with splendid buildings, and these results are due to peace and stability of the State and national consolidation. Continuing, the Secretary-1 said that while the government is working for consolidation of national unity and vitalization of Union Spirit, some foreign super power countries employing neo-colonialist tactics and the destructionists group owing allegiance to them are attempting to interfere in the political, economic and social sectors.

The one and only force to fight against the neo-colonialists interfering in the internal affairs is national unity with Union Spirit, and all Union nationals have to strive for further consolidation of national unity and vitalization of the Union Spirit with oneness of mind. For this purpose, he said, the Union Day is observed every year with full political essence.

He called for formation of the Central Committee, Management Committee and subcommittees for observance of the Union Day, and urged all to work for observance of the 54th Anniversary Union Day with a deeper political essence than the previous year. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than explained the programmes for observance of the 54th Anniversary Union Day, followed by a general round of discussions. Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo also gave suggestions on observance of the Union Day. The meeting concluded with the Secretary-1's remarks.

Theravada Patharani Ordination Hall of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University opens

Yangon, 9 Jan-The opening ceremony of Theravada Patharani Ordination Hall of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University and presentation of title of Doctor of Letters (Honaris Causa) to Rector Sayadaw was held at the Theravada Patharani Ordination Hall this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Present on the occasion were members of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee led by Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Panindabhivamsa, Heads of Faculty led by Rector of ITBMU Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Dr Sila Nandabhivamsa, member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, the ministers, the mayor, the deputy ministers, members of ITBMU Council, Pro-rector and professors, Sasana Nug-gaha title recipients, students of Buddha Dhamma Diploma one-year course and Buddha Dhamma first year B.A course and guests.

The Secretary-1 unveiled the stone plaque of the ordination hall and sprinkled scented water on the stone plaque. Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe formally opened the hall.

The Secretary-1 performed the rituals of gold and silver showers to mark the success of the ceremony. Next, the congregation received the Nine Precepts from Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sila Nandabhivamsa and members of the Sangha recited the parittas. In his supplication, the Secretary-1 said the State Peace and Development Council is endeavouring for the emergence of a peaceful, modern developed nation day and night and carrying out work for flourishing the Sasana in accordance with under the Ovada of the Sayadaws.

He said it is necessary for Myanmar that has upheld and promoted Buddha's teachings in successive eras to propagate genuine Theravada Buddhism in the world. Therefore, the government opened ITBMU on 9 December 1998. He said lecture halls and meditation halls for members of the Sangha and men and women students and many religious buildings were constructed with the donations of the wellwishers.

The Secretary-1 said arrangements were made for construction of the ordination hall in accord with the Ovada of Ovadacariya Sayadaws led by Chancellor of ITBMU Myingyan Sayadaw and guidance of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe. Cornerstone laying ceremony of the ordination hall was held on 5 February 2000 and construction was completed on 30 September 2000. The University is splendid with pagodas, and other religious buildings, he added.

In conclusion, he wished for progress and prosperity of the Union of Myanmar, saying the people are making donations to build religious structures. Next, the Secretary-1 presented the title of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sila Nandabhivamsa.

The Secretary-1, the commander and the ministers presented offertories to the members of the Sangha. The Secretary-1 presented four sets of Tipitakat (Gon Shan translation) for Pitakattaik in Shwedagon Pagoda, State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon), Research Library of Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana and library of ITBMU to Minister U Aung Khin. Secretary Sayadaw of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Ratha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits. The Secretary-1, the commander and the ministers offered " soon"  to the members of the Sangha.

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( 2 ) Secretary-2 attends Armed Forces Day Military Band Competition

Yangon, 9 Jan-The 56th Armed Forces Day Anniversary Tenth Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Competition continued at the People's Square this morning. Before the competition, the band comprising school girls of No 1 Basic Education High School of Dagon Township demonstrated skill with military and marching songs.

Then, Chairman of Leading Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Patron of Organizing Committee for Tenth Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Competition Chief of Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo presented prizes to leader of the band Ma Khaing Hsu Wai. Afterwards, bands representing Defence Services Academy, Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Air), Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), South-East Command and Central Command took part in the competition. Also present were Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Military Band Competition Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, high-ranking military officers, members of Board of Judges, families of Tatmadawmen, members of Myanmar Police Force, Fire Brigades, Red Cross and Union Solidarity and Development Association, students, teachers and guests.

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( 3 ) Secretary-2 receives Director of Beijing Tongyi Edible Oil Co Ltd

Yangon, 9 Jan- Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo received Director of Beijing Tongyi Edible Oil Co Ltd Mr Chen Congzhou and party of People's Republic of China at Office of the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries at 8.30 am today. Present also were Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries U Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun and officials.

Minister meets Ambassador

Yangon, 9 Jan- Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San met Ambassador of Japan Mr Shingeru Tsumori at the latter's office at 2 pm today. Also present were Director-General U Sein Than of Cottage Industries Department, Managing Director Daw Khin Swe Soe of Cooperative Exports and Imports Enterprise, Deputy Director-General U Tin Win of Cooperatives Department, Adviser Dr Than Htaik and officials.

Minister receives guests from Thailand and Germany

Yangon, 9 Jan-Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin received Vice-Chairman of Astraco Asia Trading Co, Thailand Regional Manager Mr Carmel Dahar and party at the latter's office at noon today. Also present at the call were Managing Director of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications U Maung Maung Tin and officials. Similarly, the Minister received Director of Giesecke & Devnient Co, Germany Mr Andreas W Klemm at 12.30 pm.

Delegation leaves for Vietnam

Yangon, 9 Jan- A Myanmar delegation comprising Executive Committee member of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Joint Secretary of Myanmar Industries Association U Hla Myint and Executive Committee member of Myanmar Timber Entrepreneurs Association U Myo Tint Than left here by air this morning to attend the Regional Design Forum to be held in Vietnam from 10 to 13 January. General Secretary of UMFCCI U Zaw Min Win and officials saw the delegation off at Yangon International Airport.

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( 4 ) Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Daw Khin Than Nwe visit Myanmar Traditional Apparel Show

Yangon, 9 Jan-Myanmar Traditional Apparel Show, organized by University of Culture (Yangon) sponsored by Ministry of Culture, continued at the National Museum on Pyay Road today. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, wife of Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Daw Khin Than Nwe, wife of Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and wives of ministers visited the show.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Daw Khin Than Nwe and party arrived at National Museum at 1 pm and were welcomed there by directors-general and the rector of University of Culture and officials and students of the university.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Daw Khin Than Nwe and party viewed the show of costumes of national races, dresses of rural traditional and booths of weaving and gold-embroidery. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and Daw Khin Than Nwe and party also viewed demonstration of Myanma traditional novitiation ceremony. After the ceremony, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, wife of Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, signed in the visitors books at the museum.

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( 5 ) First Meeting of National Focal Points Working Group on Peas and Beans Promotion Scheme ends

Yangon, 9 Jan-Delegates of ASEAN member nations and officials of the ASEAN Secretariat attending the First Meeting of National Focal Points Working Group on Peas and Beans Promotion Scheme, accompanied by officials of Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Ministry of Cooperatives and Myanmar Pulses and Bens and Sesame Association, arrived at 90,000 acres of contiguous pedisein plantation in Thaiktugan Village, Thongwa Township, this morning. Managing Director of Myanma Agriculture Service U Tun Than, Acting Managing Director of Myanma Farms Enterprise U San Myint and Yangon Division Manager U San Maung explained cultivation and production of pedisein in Thongwa Township.

They then met the farmers. After that, they visited Kyaikhmawwun Pagoda in Kyauktan. In the afternoon, they attended the second day session of the meeting. They discussed programmes for 2001-2002 fiscal year, projects, training courses and holding of the second coordination meeting. In the evening, Managing Director U Tun Than gave concluding remarks and the meeting came to a close.

Second meeting of experts on energy sector of BIMST-EC concludes

Yangon, 9 Jan-The Second meeting of experts on energy sector of BIMST-EC, which comprises Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand, continued for the final day at the Hotel Equatorial on Alanpya Pagoda Road in Dagon Township today. The future plans for the energy sector cooperation programme and the implementation of the two projects in the natural gas and renewable energy sectors were discussed at the meeting. Deputy Minister for Energy U Tin Tun gave a concluding speech. Secretary-General of the National Energy Policy Council of Thailand Mr Piromsakdi Laparojkit spoke words of thanks and the meeting concluded in the afternoon. Deputy Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Thein Aung also attended the meeting.

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( 6 )  Myanmar Health Research Congress continues

Yangon, 9 Jan-Myanmar Health Research Congress continued for the second day at the meeting hall of Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar) on Ziwaka Street in Dagon Township this morning. Medical Superintendent of North Okkalapa General Hospital Prof Dr Myint Maung Maung and Prof Dr Thein Aung of Institute of Medicine-2 presided over the morning session at which eight papers were presented. Director-General of MRD (Upper Myanmar) Dr Myint Lwin, Prof Dr Kyi Kyi Thin of Institute of Medicine-1 and Deputy Director Dr Aung Mon of National Health Laboratory Department presided over the afternoon session at which seven papers were presented. Altogether 16 research posters and booths of ten medicine companies were on display at the congress which continues until 12 January.

Minister inspects development tasks

Yangon, 9 Jan- Secretary of Leading Committee for Development of Agriculture Sector Region-wise Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen Lun Maung, accompanied by Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs U Kyaw Tin, Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials, inspected poultry farms in Bokpyin on 6 January evening. At the local battalion, the minister met officials and discussed construction of Taninthayi-Bokpyin Road. On 7 January morning, the minister and party inspected Kyaukphyutaung quarry camp. He also met local authorities and departmental officials. The minister inspected oil palm plantations of Dagon Oil Mill Co Ltd in Mahe Camp on Bokpyin-Kawthoung Road. Yesterday, the minister and party inspected oil palm plantations of private entrepreneurs in Bokpyin Township.

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( 7 ) Paper-reading session on livestock breeding held

Yangon, 9 Jan-The paper-reading session for development of livestock breeding, organized by Myanmar Veterinary Science Council and Myanmar Livestock Federation, was held at International Business Centre on Pyay Road this morning, attended by Chairman of Meat and Fish Breeding and Production Committee Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe and Vice-Chairman Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein. President of the Council Dr Mya Nyunt gave a speech in the morning session. Professor Dr Yoshizane Maeda of Kagoshima University of Japan, Prof Dr Toshio Yamamoto of Heroshima University of Japan, Director Dr Than Hla of Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department presented papers. Then, Chairman Minister Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe gave a speech. Assistant Director Dr Khin Maung Win of Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department, Manager Dr Zaw Myint and Assistant Manager Dr Myint Wai of Livestock, Feedstuff and Dairy Products Enterprise presented their papers. Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein and Dr Maung Maung Sa gave speeches.

On-job Training Course for immigration officers opens

Yangon, 9 Jan-The On-job Training Course No 8 for immigration officers of the Ministry of Immigration and Population was opened at the training hall of the Population Department on Maha Bandoola Street this morning with an address by Minister for Immigration and Population U Saw Tun.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister U Saw Tun spoke of the need for service personnel of the Ministry of Immigration and Population, to be imbued with a sense of Union and national spirit and to safeguard national culture in building a peaceful, modern and developed nation; to abide by rules and regulations in the execution of the duties. All service personnel are to follow the motto of the ministry  " Myanmar must exist as long as the world does "  in order to uplift of the dignity of the ministry and to be royal to the State and the people in discharging the duties wherever they were assigned; in addition to the duties, they are to actively participate in regional development with goodwill and in collaboration with local people, he noted.

He called on the service personnel to make concerted efforts in shouldering the duties and to be good personnel on whom the State and the people can rely. Present on the occasion were Director-General of Immigration National Registration and Department Col Maung Htay, Director-General of Population Department Col Tin Yi directors, advisers, trainees from Head Office and state/division immigration offices.

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