( 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 Bro Colonel Maummar Al-Gadafi, Leader of the Great Al-Fateh Revolution, Great Socialist people's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya:

On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar, it gives me great pleasure to extend on my behalf and the people of the Great Socialist people's Libyan Arab Jamahiriva our warmest greetings and sincere wishes for your excellency's good health and happiness and to the friendly people of the Union of Myanmar, progress and prosperity. From HE General Emile Lahoud, President of the Republic of Lebanon: In my own name and on behalf of the Labanese people I would like to convey to your excellency, on the occasion of the National Day, my sincere congratulations as well as best wishes of happiness and success to your excellency and prosperity to the people of Myanmar.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 inspects construction of Drug Elimination Museum

Yangon, 12 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, inspected construction of Drug Elimination Museum and ground preparation work at the corner of Hanthawady and Kyundaw Streets in Kamayut Township this morning.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt arrived at the construction site of Drug Elimination Museum at 11.30 am and was welcomed by Chairman of the Work Groups Supervisory Committee of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Secretary of CCDAC Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win and members, heads of department and work committee members and police officers.

At the briefing hall, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung reported to the Secretary-1 on progress of work, construction of concrete roads and greening of its environs and cultivation of flowers and Police Maj-Gen Soe Win on preparations for exhibition, U Aung Cho Min of FMI on earthwork and Managing Director of Fortune International Ltd (Agent of LG Elevator and Escalator) U Mya Han on installation of elevator. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt looked into the requirements. Then, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected construction of Drug Elimination Museum and earthwork work and gave suggestions.

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( 3 ) Secretary-2 attends opening of Thathana Beikmandawgyi in Labutta and multimedia teaching centre in Ngaputaw

Yangon, 12 Jan- A ceremony to open Thathana Beikmandawgyi in Labutta Township, Myaungmya District, Ayeyawady Division was held there at 11 am yesterday, attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo.

Also present were Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, ministers, deputy ministers, division, district and township level departmental officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association and religious associations, well-wishers and guests.

At the auspicious time, Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Chairman of Myaungmya District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Aye formally opened the building. Then, a ceremony to share merits for the opening of Thathana Beikmandawgyi was held in the building. Chairman of Labutta Township Sangha Nayaka Committee (Thudamma) Presiding Sayadaw of Bawdi Kyaungtaik Bhaddanta Indo-bhasa administered the Five Precepts. The members of the Sangha recited parittas. Later, the Secretary-2, officials and well-wishers presented provisions to Sayadaws. Chairman of Labutta Township Sangha Nayaka Committee (Shwekyin) Presiding Sayadaw of Layhtat Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Maha Gantha Vacaka Pandita Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Nagavamsa delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits.

Next, the Secretary-2 and party performed the rituals of golden and silver showers to mark successful completion of the ceremony. Then, the Secretary-2 and party left Labutta for Chaungtha and Ngwehsaung beaches by helicopter and inspected private hotel business and prawn breeding work there. The Secretary-2 and party arrived at Ngaputaw, Pathein District, by helicopter and attended the opening ceremony of multimedia teaching centre of Ngaputaw Basic Education High School. Also present were Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, the township education officer, the headmaster and members of School Board of Trustees, officials of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and Maternal and Child Welfare Association, students and guests.

First, Headmaster U Sein Kala and Chairman of School Board of Trustees U Nyunt Sein formally opened the centre. Afterwards, the Secretary-2 and party went round in the computer aided media room, computer training and e-mail room, electronic media room, reading corner, language lab, fine arts and domestic science rooms, and viewed the skills demonstration of the pupils. The opening ceremony of the multimedia teaching centres continued in the school's assembly hall later. The headmaster explained efforts for opening of the centre. The Chairman of School Board of Trustees spoke of the endeavours for opening the multimedia teaching centre. Then, the Secretary-2 spoke of the need to harmoniously make efforts for uplift of education of the students. Wellwisher Ma Ei Ei Htay Myint donated K 500,000 to the headmaster and a member of the School Board of Trustees for the school. Afterwards, the Secretary-2 and party, teachers, members of the School Board of Trustees and students posed for documentary photographs. Then, the Secretary-2 and party arrived in Danubyu and inspected fishing breeding work of Annawa Tun Company. The Secretary-2 and party arrived back here at 6 pm.

Farming and mangrove conservation in Pyapon and Myaungmya Districts, Ayeyawady Division, gaining progress

Yangon, 12 Jan - Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo inspected livestock breeding undertakings and mangrove forest conservation in Pyapon and Myaungmya Districts, Ayeyawady Division, on 10 January.

Accompanied by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister at the Prime minister's Office Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Chief of Staff (Navy), Chief of Staff (Air), deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department, the Secretary-2 inspected Gyowa Kyangin Model Farming Village in Pyapon District in the morning.

After inspecting chicken and pig farms at the village, the Secretary-2 and party met local people at the middle school. Local authorities and farmers reported to the Secretary-2 on setting up of poultry farms at Gyowa Kyangin and Gyowa Htalon villages, progress in raising of nearly 60,000 chicks and 300 pigs, plans to extend farming at the villages and requirements. Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun explained plans to provide pedigree strains, feedstuff and medicine for progress of farming in the region. Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann presented a summary report on the agricultural and livestock undertakings in Ayeyawady Division and looked into the requirements of the farmers. Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo expressed pleasure in seeing the developing agriculture- plus-livestock farms at the village, speaking of the need to encourage other villages to conduct farming on manageable scale. Plans will be made to provide assistance to the village farms.

At Byonhmwe Island in Bogalay Township, Ayeyawady Division, the Secretary-2 and party visited mangrove plantation and protected forest conservation camp. At the briefing hall, the Secretary-2 heard a report on mangrove forests conservation on Meinmahla and Byonhmwe islands and situation of protected forests, conservation of 29 species of mangroves at Byonhmwe Island (Kadonkan) Mangrove Project, conservation of crocodiles and future plans presented by Deputy Minister Col Thaik Tun and officials. The Secretary-2 looked into the requirements, saying effective efforts are required for success of the mangrove conservation task and for extending staff welfare and health care tasks. Meinmahla Island Sanctuary in Bogalay Township, Pyapon District, was established in 1994 in order to conserve the 29 species of mangroves, to protect the breeding area of fish, prawn, crabs and turtles, to conserve the endangered crocodiles of the region, to create a home for waterbirds and to develop ecotourism.

The Secretary-2 and party then inspected the prawn farm of BTB Company near Pyinsalu and Tepingaing villages in Laputta Township, Myaungmya District. Officials briefed them on meat, fish and prawn production of the district, setting up of farms to breed prawns and future plans. Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein explained plans to provide technical and material assistance. Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann explained the current situation and prospects of prawn breeding in Ayeyawady Division. After inspecting the farm, the Secretary-2 cordially greeted the officials. The company is setting up prawn farms on a 319.8-acre plot in the region. It is now breeding over 400,000 shrimp fry in six two-acre ponds. On arrival at Hainggyi Island, the Secretary-2 and party were welcomed by Acting Commander of Panmawady Naval Region Command Capt Aye Pe, Tatmadaw members and families, local authorities, departmental personnel and members of Union Solidarity and Development Association and maternal and Child Welfare Association. Secretary-2 Chief of Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party then cordially greeted Tatmadawmen and families of the Naval Region Command.

Secretary-2 attends provisions-offering ceremonies in Hainggyikyun

Yangon, 12 Jan- A ceremony to offer provisions to Saddhamma Jotikayon Kyaungtaik, Visuddhayon Kyaungtaik, Annawa Kyaungtaik, Sanpya Kyaungtaik, Thayettaw Kyaungtaik, Pathaman Kyaungtaik and Mayangyaung Kyaungtaik in Hainggyikyun, Ngapudaw Township, Ayeyawady Division, by families of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air), was held at Dhamma-rekkhita Dhammayon of Panmawady Naval Region Command this morning, attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo.

Also present on the occasion were Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister at the Prime minister's Office Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, the Chief of Staff (Navy), the Chief of Staff (Air), deputy ministers, the acting Commander of Panmawady Naval Region Command Headquarters, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, officers and the rank and file of the command and families and wellwishers. The Secretary-2 and party received the Five Precepts from Annawa Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta ‚andara . Then, the Secretary-2 and party presented provisions and offertories to members of the Sangha. Next, Annawa Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta ‚andara delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained for good deeds.

Secretary-2 attends opening of new building of Haigyikyun BEHS in Ngaputaw

Yangon, 12 Jan- The opening ceremony of Ayekari Kyuntha building of Haigyikyun Basic Education High School in Ngaputaw Township, Ayeyawady Division, was held at the school yesterday morning, attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo.

Present also were Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann,ministers, deputy ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), the Chief of Staff (Air), the acting Commander of Panmawady Naval Region Command Headquarters, heads of department, the Headmistress and teachers, members of Parent-Teacher Association, the Union Solidarity and Development Association and Maternal and Child Welfare Association, members of School Board of Trustees, wellwishers, the band troupe, students and guests. Headmistress Daw Tin Yi explained efforts for the opening of Ayekari Kyuntha building. Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann spoke words of thanks and officials extended greetings. Headmistress Daw Tin Yi presented commemorative pennants to Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and officials.

Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo presented teaching aid to school heads for Hainggyikyun BEHS, Ayoeda Basic Education Middle School, Panmaw Basic Education Middle School and affiliated Kyaukchaung BEHS. Acting Commander of Panmawady Naval Region Command Headquarters Captain Aye Pe, Director-General of No 1 Basic Education Department U Tin Nyo and Headmistress Daw Tin Yi formally opened the Ayekari Kyuntha building. After the ceremony, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo had a cordial meeting with those present.

Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint inspected Haigyikyun people's Hospital this morning. The Secretary-2 and party proceeded to Thamehla Kyun (Turtle Island) in Ngaputaw. At the briefing hall, Acting Commandant of Panmawady Naval Region Command Captain Aye Pe and Deputy Director-General of Fisheries Department U Hla Win explained the location of Thamehla Kyun (Turtle Island), condition of turtle breeding and conservation and officials of Forest Department and Fisheries Department on conservation of forest and arrangements to be made for turtle conservation. Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo attended to their needs and inspected young turtles to be released into the sea.Then, the Secretary-2 presented gifts to service personnel and posed for souvenir photo together with them. Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and party left there by helicopter for Labutta.

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( 4 ) Commander tours Hmawby, Htantabin, Taikkyi Townships

Yangon, 12 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, together with Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint and division-level departmental officials, inspected regional development work and agricultural work in Hmawby, Htantabin and Taikkyi Townships in Yangon North District, this morning.

The commander went to the tax-free market of Hmawby Station at Hsatthwataw Village, Hmawby Township, at 7.15 am. The commander inspected the market, cordially conversed with shopkeepers and buyers, and coordinated sale of vegetables at reasonable prices. Next, the commander proceeded to Kyogon River Water-Pumping Project being undertaken by Yangon Division Water Resources Utilization Department.

Head of Yangon Division Water Resources Utilization Department U Myint Soe reported on progress of work. After that, the commander inspected ploughing work for cultivation of summer paddy on the fields by the main canal. Later, the commander went to the installation site of Fixed-Type Water Pump at Kyogon River Water-Pumping Project. Officials reported on progress of work.

The commander gave instructions on timely completion of the project, cultivation of summer paddy and the digging of irrigation canals. Afterwards, the commander went to Ngabatyoe Farm of Dagon Agricultural Group at Bawlekyun in Htantabin Township. Director of Dagon Agricultural Group Dr Moe Mya Mya reported on the condition of digging fish ponds on 2,000 acres of land, cultivation of summer paddy on 200 acres, the green gram on 700 acres and sesame on 200 acres at Bawlekyun region and cultivation of summer paddy on 500 acres and pulses and beans on 100 acres. Then, the commander inspected the construction of Bawle earth road, five miles and one furlong long, 11 feet high and 24 feet wide, and the building of the bank of the fish pond with heavy machinery.

Later, the commander met with local farmers in the briefing hall of Dagon Agricultural Group. Chairman of Htantabin Township Peace and Development Council U Thaung Han reported on agricultural matters and regional development tasks of the township. The local farmers reported on their requirements for construction of summer paddy and cold season crops. The commander proceeded to the construction site of fish breeding ponds being undertaken by Lin In Shin Company Ltd near Thabyegon Village, Bawlekyun region. Managing Director Daw Win Win Khaing reported on the condition of the digging of fish ponds on 800 acres of land. The commander attended to requirements and inspected the digging of fish ponds. The commander also attended the collective ploughing ceremony for the growing of summer paddy on the fields of farmers U Kyaw Hsaing and U San Kyin at Yebawthoung Village. At Yebawthoung Briefing Hall, the commander met with national entrepreneurs engaged in digging fish ponds and local farmers.

The commander gave instructions on cultivation of summer paddy, beans and pulses and oil crops at Hleseik, Bawlati, Dattawgon and Yebawthoung village-tracts at Bawlekyun region. He also urged national entrepreneurs to dig fish ponds at Bawlekyun and Aikkalaung regions. Fish ponds will be built on a total of 6,000 acres at Bawlekyun and Aikkalaungkyun regions. Next, the commander inspected summer paddy fields of the Ministry of Home Affairs and construction of Tawlati Ywatha Road. The commander observed the collective ploughing work for cultivation of summer paddy with Thabyedan River Water-Pumping Project at Tawpin Village. Then, he inspected Thabyedan River Water-Pumping Project. In the briefing hall of the project, the commander met with departmental officials of Taikkyi Township and local farmers. Chairman of Taikkyi Township Peace and Development Council U Myint Than reported on cultivation of summer paddy on 41,156 acres out of 70,000 targeted acres in Taikkyi Township, oil crops on 10,700 acres out of 17,400 targeted acres and beans and pulses on 34,087 acres out of 43,600 targeted acres and regional development tasks.

The local farmers also reported on their requirements for cultivation of summer paddy. The commander attended to their requirements. Afterwards, the commander inspected the laying of laterite on the one-mile-and-seven-furlong-long section of Bawlatisankin Road and the condition of building a bridge. The commander also paid homage and offered alms to Abbot Sayadaw of Bawlati Village Monastery Bhaddanta Einda.

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( 5 ) H & T Minister leaves for Brunei

Yangon, 12 Jan- At the invitation of the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources of Brunei, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin and Deputy Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Naing Bwa left for Brunei by air this morning, to attend the Fourth Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers to be held in Bandar Seri Begawan on 13 January and ASEAN Tourism Forum 2001 (ATF). They were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu and officials of departments and services under the ministry.

Sports Minister receives Ambassador

Yangon, 12 Jan- Myanmar Olympic Committee Chairman Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint received Ambassador of Pakistan Mr Mian Yusuf Shah at his office this morning. Also present were Myanmar Olympic Committee General Secretary Director-General of Sports and Physical Education Department U Thaung Htaik and officials.

CPT Minister meets Chinese guests

Yangon, 12 Jan- Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin met factory manager of Shandong Electric Cable Group Co, Shandong Province, people's Republic of China, Mr Song Yi Jan and party at his office this morning. Also present at the call were Chairman of Myanmar Pioneer Star Co Ltd in Yangon Maj Tin Myint (Retd), Managing Director of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications U Maung Maung Tin and officials.

Minister receives Ambassador

Yangon, 12 Jan- Minister for Education U Than Aung received Ambassador of Pakistan Mr Mian Yusuf Shah at his office this afternoon. They discussed functions on educational cooperation. Also present at the call were Deputy Ministers for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and U Myo Nyunt and officials of the ministry.

Pulses & Beans and Sesame Merchants Association meets

Yangon, 12 Jan- The Myanmar Pulses and Beans and Sesame Merchants Association held the 1/2000 executive committee meeting, here, yesterday. The meeting formed various committees. Sub-committees of the Association in States and Divisions will soon be formed.

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( 6 ) Entries invited to Armed Forces Day Poetry Competition

Yangon, 12 Jan- Hailing the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day which falls on 27 March 2001, the Poetry Competition Organizing Sub-committee of the Work Committee for Poetry and Art Competition chaired by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt announced rules for the poetry competition.

All works must be based on the national objectives and objectives of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and twelve noble traditions of the Tatmadaw. The competition will be categorised into the open long poem level-1 and level-2 and open short poem level-1 and level-2. Short poems must be between 100 and 300 lines and the long ones between 1,000 and 2,000. The poems must be composed in consonance with Myanmar culture and literature. Those who won first, second and third prizes in the previous competitions are to enter the level-1 and those who have not won prizes are to enter the level-2. The competitors may portray the work based on not only historical events of Konbaung Period (AD 1824-1885), British Period (AD 1885-1948), Independence Period (AD 1948-1988), the State Law and Order Restoration Council and the State Peace and Development Council Period (1988-to date) but also nation-building endeavours, peace efforts and narcotic drugs eradication tasks of the State Peace and Development Council. The competitors must submit two copies of the work together with curriculum vitae, two licence photos and one colour postcard to Daw Cho Cho Than, Secretary of the Sub-committee, Sarpay Beikman, No 529/531, Merchant Street, not later than 31-1-2001.

Armed Forces Day commemorative colour photo competition to be held

Yangon, 12 Jan- The Work Committee for Organizing the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Literary and Photo Competition will hold the colour photo competitions under two titles. A contestant may take part with four entries for each title. The entries with the size of print 10" x 12" must be own creation and must not be prize-winning works at any other competition. Captions and data are to be provided on a separate sheet. Handsome prizes will be given to the first, second and third prizes as well as consolation prizes to the winners. The entries are to be sent to U Tun Min, Director, Information and Public Relations Department, No 22-24, Pansodan Street, Yangon, not later than 17 February 2001.

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( 7 ) Tatmadaw, people destroy illegally-grown poppy plantations

Yangon, 12 Jan- The State Peace and Development Council is resolved to eradicate narcotic drugs as national duty. With the management of the local military commands, the combined teams comprising members of local intelligence units, Myanmar Police Force and local people have been destroying poppy plantations illegally grown in remote areas of Shan State and Kayah State beginning September 2000.

From 9 December 2000 to 5 January 2001, a total of 105 acres of poppy plantations in Pinlaung Township, 85 acres in Nyaungshwe Township, 120.7 acres in Monai Township, 4 acres in Loilem Township, 152.27 acres in Hopong Township and 9 acres in Phekhon Township of Shan State (South), 816.96 acres in Muse Township, 374.8 acres in Kutkai Township, 38 acres in Namkham Township and 78 acres in Mangtung Township of Shan State (North) and 141 acres in Loikaw Township of Kayah State totalling 1,924.63 were destroyed. During the opium growing season in 2000-2001, poppy plantations illegally grown in Myanmar' 582.1 acres in Pinlaung Township, 433 acres in Phekhon Township, 174.92 acres in Monai Township, 557.5 acres in Loilem Township, 152.27 acres in Hopong Township, 102.41 acres in Nyaungshwe Township, 54 acres in Mongshu Township, 155 acres in Leikha Township, 46.5 acres in Mongpang Township and 311.5 acres in Hsihseng Township of Shan State (South), 855.6 acres in Muse Township, 374.8 acres in Kutkai Township, 38 acres in Namkham Township and 78 acres in Mangtung Township and 141 acres in Loikaw Township of Kayah State have been destroyed.

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