( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe sends message of congratulations to Ghana

Yangon, 11 Jan- Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar has sent a message of congratulations to His Excellency Mr John Kufuor who was sworn in as the President of the Republic of Ghana on 7 January 2001.

Foreign Heads of 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 Mr Bashar Al-Assad, President of the Syrian Arab Republic:

On the occasion of the National Day of your country, I have great pleasure in extending my sincere felicitations to Your Excellency and to the people of Myanmar. I avail myself of this opportunity to express my best wishes for Your excellency's good health and happiness and for the progress and prosperity of your people. From HH Amad Bin Essa Al-Khalifa, Amir of the State of Bahrain: It is with much pleasure that I send Your Excellency and the people of the Republic of Myanmar warm felicitations on the occasion of your country's Independence Day, together with my wishes for your happiness, and further progress to the people of Myanmar.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 inspects all-round construction works on Mindhamma Hill

Yangon, 11 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 Mindhamma Hill, on which Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image is kept for public obeisance, this evening.

He was welcomed there by Minister for Immigration and Population U Saw Tun, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge, officials of Mindhamma Hill All-round Construction Committee, sculptors and artists, and members of the Board of Trustees. First, the Secretary-1 paid obeisance to the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image.

After inspecting the documentary photos on the carving work and progress of work in construction of buildings, he gave instructions. He later inspected the samples of marble slabs for the floor of the Gandhakuti Kyaungdawgyi, in which the image will be kept, and other construction works such as construction of the Gandhakuti Kyaungdawgyi, the southern stairway, and retaining walls, carving of other Buddha images to be kept on Mindhamma Hill, and designs of the King Lion statues to be placed at the entrance of the stairways. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 gave suggestions on all-round construction works on Mindhamma Hill.

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( 3 ) Management Committee for Observance of 54th Anniversary Union Day meets

Yangon, 11 Jan - The Management Committee for Observance of the 54th Anniversary Union Day for 2001 held a meeting at Pyithu Hluttaw Building this afternoon. Chairman of the Management Committee member of the State Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than addressed the meeting. Also present were members of the Management Committee and officials.

The commander said that the meeting will form and will assign duties to 12 subcommittee chairmen of the bodies. The responsible persons on the subcommittees have experiences and will be able to solve problems if any, he said. The commander urged all to put forward any difficulties they had faced within previous years. The commander said that working plans will have to be drawn up systematically, and the subcommittees need to cooperate in solving difficulties. The commander called on all to make concerted efforts for celebrating the 54th Anniversary Union Day in accord with the objectives. Secretary of the Management Committee Director-General of the Office of the Pyithu Hluttaw U Myint Thein reported on formation of 12 subcommittees and officials on the tasks to be done by the subcommittees. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the commander.

Commander attends Armed Forces Day Military Band Competition

Yangon, 11 Jan- The 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Tenth Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Band Competition for 2001 continued at the people's Square this morning.

Before the competition, the band comprising school boys and girls of the Institute of Education of Kamayut Township demonstrated their skills, singing martial and marching songs.

Then, Chairman of the Committee for Organizing the Competition Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo presented awards to the leader of the band Ma Khaing Phyo Su. Afterwards, bands representing Northern Command, No 88 Light Infantry Division, No 77 LID, No 55 LID and No 11 LID participated in the competition.

Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Management Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Patron of the Committee for Organizing the Competition Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Brigadier-General Staff (Operation) Brig-Gen Myint Swe, senior military officers, members of the panel of judges, guests, families of Tatmadawmen, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, teachers and students.

Commander inspects agricultural work in Hmawby

Yangon, 11 Jan- 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 agriculture and livestock breeding tasks and regional development tasks in Hmawby Township, Yangon North District, this evening.

The commander arrived at Hmawby Hsan Hall in the vegetable production and poultry farming special zone of Yangon Division at 4.30 pm, and was welcomed by members of the special zone supervisory committee. The commander met with members of the special zone supervisory committee and national entrepreneurs. Deputy Director of the Irrigation Department U Myo Lwin reported on progress of work in building roads in the special zone, Deputy Director of Yangon Division Development Affairs Committee U Thein Htut on construction of streets in the special zone-3, Division Commissioner of Yangon Division General Administration Department U Thein Swe on reclamation of land and progress of ploughing work and Yangon Division Agricultural Manager U San Maung on agricultural work and the condition of surfacing streets with laterite.

The national entrepreneurs reported on their requirements. Then, the commander spoke of the need for the special zone supervisory committee to coordinate greening work with the national entrepreneurs and to attend to their needs. The water from Ngamoeyeik Dam has been channelled into the special zone-1 and the national entrepreneurs also need to dig artisan wells. Next, the commander inspected progress of agricultural work and fulfilled the requirements of the officials. Afterwards, the commander inspected vegetable patches in the special zone-1 and construction of chicken-runs which can hold 5,000 poultry. In the special zone-1, over 1,600 acres of land have been placed under vegetables.

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( 4 ) Commander attends final rites of Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Khanti

Yangon, 11 Jan- The final rites of Presiding Nayaka of Myoma Pariyatti Sarthintaik, Sittway, Rakhine State, member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sasana Dhaja Siripavara Dhammacariya Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Khanti, age 77, vasa 55, was held at Baho Mandat Sankyaung of Dontaikkwin, Northern Ywagyi Ward, the township, on 9 January afternoon.

It was attended by Chairman of Rakhine State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Canda and members of the Sangha, Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, Commander of Danyawady Naval Region Command Headquarters Brig-Gen Myat Swe, senior military officers, the chairman of Organizing Committee for the final rites, Commissioner of Rakhine State General Administration Department U Khin Maung Myint, departmental officials, Rakhine State Religious Officer U Myint Tun and officials and local residents.

Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Canda administered the Five Precepts. Then, messages of condolence sent by the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and the Ministry of Religious Affairs were read out. Afterwards, the commander and wife and officials presented 700 bags, 700 fans, 100 blankets and offertories donated by departmental personnel and local residents to 700 members of the Sangha. Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Canda delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. The final rites of the Sayadaw were held at 6.30 pm on 9 January.

South-West Command Commander tours wetland area in Kyonpyaw Township

Yangon, 11 Jan - Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of the South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann inspected wetland farms in Pathein and Maubin Districts on 7 January.

He inspected land reclamation work at the wetland areas in Khayaykan Village-tract, Kyonpyaw Township, Pathein District, and gave instructions. He later went to Khanaw Village, Pantanaw Township, Maubin District. During his meeting with township departmental officials, townselders, service personnel and members of social organizations at Khanaw Village, he gave instructions on agriculture, livestock breeding, education, health and regional development tasks. At Khayaykan Village Peace and Development Council Office, he gave instructions on cultivation of crops in the wetland areas, and realization of the target for cultivation of summer paddy and cold season crops.

Commander attends extempore talks competition

Yangon, 11 Jan- An extempore talks competition to mark the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, organized by Shan State (South) Union Solidarity and Development Association, was held at the Town Hall in Taunggyi on 9 January morning.

It was attended by Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Maung Bo, senior military officers, members of Shan State Peace and Development Council, USDA members, members of the Board of Judges and competitor USDA members. The commander made an address on the occasion. The commander and officials presented prizes to the winners and greeted the competitors.

Commander, President of UMFCCI meet private entrepreneurs in Mon State

Yangon, 11 Jan- Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Maj-Gen Thura Thiha Thura Sit Maung met executives of Mon State Chamber of Commerce and Industry and entrepreneurs at the meeting hall of Mon State Peace and Development Council on 9 January afternoon.

Present were Secretary of Mon State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Maw Maw and members U Kyin Pe and Police Col Thein Lin, President of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint and executives, President of Myanmar Rice Dealers Association U Nyein, Acting President of Mon State Chamber of Commerce and Industry U Tin Maw, Vice-President U Chan Sein, Secretary U Nyan Win and executives. Commander Maj-Gen Thura Thiha Thura Sit Maung made a speech. President of UMFCCI U Win Myint explained the assistance of UMFCCI for private entrepreneurs. Then, President U Win Myint looked into the requirements of the entrepreneurs and executives of Mon State CCI.

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( 5 ) K 1.2 million donated for orphans and disabled children

Yangon, 11 Jan - A ceremony to make cash donations to training schools for orphans and disabled children under the Social Welfare Department of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement was held at the ministry on 6 January morning.

Present were Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Director-General of the Fire Services Department Col Myint Tun, Director-General of the Relief and Resettlement Department U Than Oo, Director of the Social Welfare Department U Khin Maung and officials, wellwishers U San Win and Daw Tin Tin Yee and family of No 106, 7th Street, Mingalar Ward, Pyinmana and heads of youth training schools under the Social Welfare Department. Wellwisher U San Win explained the purpose of donation. Then, the wellwishers presented K 200,000 each to Kyimyindine School for the Blind, Shwegondaing Day Care Centre, Kaba Aye Youth Training School, the training school for the girls, Hngetausan Youth Training School and the vocational training school for women. The minister accepted the donations and presented a certificate of honour to the wellwishers .

Minister inspects agriculture, livestock farms in Kawthoung

Yangon, 11 Jan - Secretary of the Leading Committee for Regional Agricultural Development 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 and officials, inspected development services in Kawthoung today.

First, he inspected farmers' vegetable farms undertaken with the supervision of Kawthoung Township Peace and Development Council. The chairman of the Township Peace and Development Council and farmers conducted him round the farms. He left instructions on extension of such farms for sufficiency of vegetables for townspeople. The minister and party proceeded to the agriculture and livestock breeding farms established in joint venture with the base tactical operations regiment and inspected the vegetable farms, poultry and pig farms, and left instructions on extension of farms.

Later, they toured the private and cooperative poultry, duck and prawn breeding farms. Together with Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein, Minister Brig-Gen Lun Maung held discussions with Kawthoung District and Township departmental officials, entrepreneurs of livestock and agriculture farms, fishery entrepreneurs, and managers of edible oil palm farms at the meeting hall of the Regional Station. He spoke of the projects being implemented for development of Taninthayi Division, and gave suggestions on boosting production for local sufficiency of rice and extension of agriculture and livestock breeding farms.

Minister meets Chinese guest

Yangon, 11 Jan- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung met Deputy General Manager of China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation Mr Liu Zhongjun and party at his office this evening. Present also were Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, directors-general and officials.

CEC member meets USDA members

Yangon, 11 Jan- Centarl Executive Committee member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, accompanied by member of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Division Commissioner U Thein Swe and Police Commander of Yangon Division Police Force Police Col Tin Win, met secretaries and members of Kungyangon, Kawhmu and Dalla Township USDAs at respective townships yesterday morning.

Also present were the secretary and executives of Yangon South District USDA, the deputy commissioner of Yangon South District, the district police commander and township police officers, school heads, members of the school board of trustees and townselders totalling over 300. Minister Col Tin Hlaing made a speech on the occasion and presented books to the officials. Then, the minister inspected Township Administration Department Offices and police stations in the townships. The minister cordially met with staff families and gave instructions to them.

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( 6 ) Renovation work at Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda inspected

Yangon, 11 Jan- Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, accompanied by departmental officials, paid homage to Shinbinswele Yokeshindaw Buddha Image, which was conveyed from Mabein Township, Shan State, in Minbu on 6 January.

Brig-Gen Thein Zaw donated cash towards the fund of the pagoda. Then, Brig-Gen Thein Zaw inspected roads, bridges and canals along Natyay-kantaung bypass in Ngaphe Township and gave instructions to officials. Then, the Chairman met local residents and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association in Goatkyi Village, Ngaphe Township and looked into requirements. Chairman Brig-Gen Thein Zaw also inspected renovation of Ahtet Settawya and Koekhankyi Tazaung, and construction of the retaining wall and guest houses in Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda in Minbu (Saku) and gave instructions to officials.

Mayor inspects agriculture, livestock breeding tasks in Uto-Kya-in region

Yangon, 11 Jan- Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay accompanied by responsible officials inspected progress of vegetable plantations and 25-ton rice mill, test-production of paddy husk briquettes and river-water pumping project of Water Resources Utilization Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, near Taung Yat Zeegon Village, Uto-Kya-in region in Taikkyi Township and gave necessary instructions this morning.

The Mayor arrived at the plantations in Uto region in Taikkyi Township and inspected onion, chili, egg-plants, bitter gourd, gourd and papaya plantations. He was welcomed and conducted by the responsible officials. He gave necessary instructions on transporting the vegetables to the tax-free markets and distributing them at cheap prices. Then, the Mayor inspected milling of 25-ton rice mill and gave instructions on minimizing the wastage and completion of the tasks in time. The Mayor also inspected test-production of briquette factory.

The officials welcomed and reported to him on quality, cost and time of the paddy husk briquettes produced in four methods. The Mayor gave necessary instructions to the responsible officials on transporting the products to the tax-free markets and minimizing the wastage. Afterwards the Mayor headed for Taung Yat Zeegon, Kya-in region in Taikkyi Township and inspected pumping the water from Hline river and was reported on water-pumping with two sets of water pump for 500 acres of land. After giving instructions there, the Mayor visited Basic Education Primary School, Zeegon Village and presented K 500,000 for the school.

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( 7 ) Scholarship winners, Myanmar literature award winners announced

Yangon, 11 Jan- Scholarship winners from the University of Culture and Myanmar literature award winners under U Ohn Pe Literary Award for 2000 were announced today.

Scholarship winners from the University of Culture are Ma Thet Nwe Win (second year Music) and Maung Min Thu (second year Painting). Myanmarsar award winners are Ma Nima Soe (first year Myanmar) and Maung Win Zaw Oo (first year Myanmar), of the University of Distance Education, Hinthada Branch, Ma Thi Thi Oo (first year Myanmar) of UDE, Yangon East University Branch and Maung Aung Myo Hsan (first year Myanmar) of UDE, Pakokku Branch. The winners are to contact Sarpay Beikman on Merchant Street, Yangon, Ph 240048, 252560 and 283611.

Independence Day Exhibition concludes

Yangon, 11 Jan- The 53rd Anniversary Independence Day Exhibition held at Tatmadaw Convention Centre on U Wizara Road in Dagon Township was crowded with members of the Sangha, people, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, students and tourists on the final day today. Endeavours to establish the first, second and third Myanmar empires and activities of the national leaders throughout the independence struggle, endeavours of the ministries, development of the State and narcotic drugs eradication task were exhibited at the booths.

Research paper-reading session of MHRC continues

Yangon, 11 Jan - The research paper-reading session of the Myanmar Health Research Congress continued at the Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar) on Ziwaka Street, Dagon Township, for the third day and fourth day yesterday and today. Resource persons and researchers presented 16 papers on the third day session and 15 papers on the fourth day, and replied to the questions raised by the observers. On the final day session tomorrow, awards for the best three research papers and the best poster will be presented.

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