( 1 ) Restoration of peace results in strengthening of Union Spirit in Myanmar

Yangon, 15 Jan-The opening ceremony of Course on Diplomatic Skills for Senior Officials 2/2001 conducted by Ministry of Foreign Affairs was held at Winzinminyaza Hall of Shin Ditha Pamaukkha Building of the ministry this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were ministers, the Auditor-General, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, Myanmar Ambassadors, directors-general and officials of departments under the ministry, course instructors and trainees.

The Secretary-1 made a speech. He said:

As the world enters the 21st century, the state of international relations is characterized by increased interaction and interdependence between the nations of the world due to rapid pace of the process of globalization.

Moreover, it also coincides with the period where Myanmar's participation in international affairs is widening and deepening. In view of these developments, it becomes essential for responsible officials from government ministries to have a better understanding and knowledge of current international trends and diplomatic practices.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was tasked to organize courses for government officials and the first Course in Diplomatic Skills for Senior Officials was held successfully last September in accordance with the guidance of the leaders. The course served to further enhance the knowledge and abilities of the Senior Officials and was therefore considered to be of great benefit to the nation. It is my understanding that taking into consideration the experience and lessons learned from the first Course, efforts have been undertaken to make the present Course 2/2001 more comprehensive and I wish to thank Minister U Win Aung and other responsible officials as well as the lecturers and professors who have devoted their time and energy to ensure the fulfillment of the objectives and guidelines of the Course.

At the same time, since it is necessary to understand the true situation in the country, I would like to take the opportunity to present a brief overview of the conditions in the nation as well as our policy orientation. As you all are aware, the Government is working night and day to reach the national objective of becoming a peaceful, prosperous, modern and developed State. Due to determined and selfless endeavours of the Government, the nation is now on the right path to reach this national goal which also represents the aspiration of the entire people.

As there cannot be any progress if there is no peace and stability, the government's first priority is to bring peace, stability, law and order to the country. Due to the bold policy and initiatives on the part of the Government, the problem of insurgency that emerged with the regaining of independence is now almost resolved and only one group, the   KNU group, operating out of the border region with a neighboring country remains outside the legal fold. Our profound hope for all the national brethren to work together in building a a modern nd developed state and we sincerely hope that the KNU, as was the case with the other 17 armed groups, would be able to join hands with us in not too distant future. On our part, we have always kept the door for peace open to all armed groups. The restoration of peace has also resulted in strengthening of the Union Spirit in the country, especially among the national races.

In other words, these positive political developments underline the growing favourable prospects for lasting national unity and national resilience. Although the western media continues to write about the so-called political instability and political impasse in Myanmar, the actual situation in the country is very much contrary to these allegations as it is obvious to everyone that the nations is enjoying peace and progress as never before and that strengthening of national reconsolidation has laid down solid foundations for enduring peace and stability in the country. In keeping with our belief in the inter-relationship between politics and economics of a nation, we hold that even as political stability is essential for economic development, economic progress can guarantee lasting peace and tranquility.

Therefore, even as the Government places priority on peace and national reconsolidation, it is simultaneously endeavouring to achieve economic development and progress. Today, despite the fact that the nation received practically no development assistance from abroad, the Government has been able to impart momentum to the economy by adopting correct economic politics and by combining the strength of the Government, people and the Armed Forces. Consequently, in 1992-93 to 1995-96 Short-term Four Year Plan; the economy grew by an avg. 7.5% growth per annum. Similarly, the first four years of the current 1996-97 to 2000-2001 Five Year Plan saw an average 7.2 per cent annual growth compared to the Plan target of 6 percent annual growth. In fact, the momentum of the economy helped to mitigate the most severe negative impacts of the recent Southeast Asia financial and economic crisis.

Although destructionists elements within and without the country as well as nations and organizations holding negative views are spreading false impressions about the economy, the truth of the matter is that the standards of living and the quality of life of the people are improving day by day and anybody visiting Myanmar can see that the political and economic picture painted in between media does not reflect the true situation. similarly, in the social sphere, significant strides have been attained in raising the morals, morality and patriotic spirit among the people while success is also being achieved in education and health fields. In accordance with the guidance given by our leader Senior General Than Shwe, a special four-year education plan is being implemented to raise the level of education to be on par with other ASEAN nations and we are confident that this goal will be reached in prescribed time.

Myanmar is renown for its rich natural resources but we believe that the greatest asset is its human resources which will surely be the prime mover for national development. Similarly, advancement in medical field meant not only the availability of modern up-to-date health facilities but also the narrowing of the health care level between urban areas and the countryside. One significant feature during the years of Tatmadaw Government is the dramatic availability and improvement of health and education facilities even to remote corners of the country due to the prevalence of peace and stability as well as tremendous infrastructure improvement. In implementing these national construction endeavors, a peaceful and friendly international environment is also necessary and Myanmar ahs greatly expanded its participation in international activities in recent years. Indeed, nearly 300 delegations are being dispatched each year to participate in regional and international conferences to further the national interests of Myanmar.

Even as we look forward to joining hands with all the forces in the nation in the march towards the national goal to become a peaceful, prsperious, modern and developed state, it is our earnest desire to establish friendly ties and mutually beneficial cooperation with all the nations of the world. Allow me to reiterate that Myanmar will never be a threat to any country nor will it permit its territory to be used against any nation. As for those nations that have pessimistic and narrow-minded views on Myanmar, I wish to say that they should try to have a better understanding of the objective conditions and challenges of the country and that it is time to give up pressure tactics and sanctions if they wish to see the emergence of peaceful, modern and democratic state in Myanmar.

It is now generally accepted by most observers that these tactics have not worked and can be counter-productive since it could hinder the very process of democratization in Myanmar. Presently, the nation is beginning to achieve sound political, economic, social and administrative foundations and it is most important that these nations, even if there are not in a position to assist us, not to impede the progress being made. Actions that can have a detrimental effect on the march towards the goal we all desire would only result in delays.

I wish to reiterate that Myanmar would like to develop cordial relations and cooperation in as many fields as possible with all nations of the world. Myanmar foreign relations in the 21st century is expected to be more extensive than ever before. Consequently, not only the Ministry of Foreign Affairs itself but also other Ministries from various sectors will be much more involved in internationally-related matters. Therefore, there is a need for the trainees who are attending this Course in Diplomatic Skills for Senior Officials (2/2001) to strive for the success of this training course, and also a need to put into practical use the knowledge and experience gained from this course for the benefit of our country.

In conclusion, I would like to offer my best wishes for the full realization of the objectives of the training course and; may all the trainees attending the course become personnel who are outstanding in the discharge of their duties in the service of our nation and people. Then, the ceremony came to an end. After the ceremony the Secretary-1 cordially greeted course instructors and trainees. Altogether 36 trainees are attending the 10-week course.

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( 2 ) Chinese Embassy donates two-storey school building

Yangon, 15 Jan - A ceremony to hand over a new two-storey building of No 2 Basic Education Primary School, Yankin Township, Yangon East District, to the Ministry of Education was held at the school this morning, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. The new building was donated by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Myanmar diplomatic ties.

Also present on the occasion were the ministers, the deputy ministers, the vice-mayor, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, Ambassador of PRC Mr Liang Dong and embassy staff, directors-general and chairmen of departments and boards under the Ministry of Education, the township education officer, the headmaster and teachers, the band troupe and the pompom troupe of pupils of No 2 Basic Education High School of Yankin and guests.

At first, the opening of the new school building was held in front of the school. Minister for Education U Than Aung and Ambassador Mr Liang Dong formally opened the new two-storey building of the school. The Secretary-1 formally unveiled the obelisk.

Then, the Secretary-1, the ministers, the Ambassador of PRC and embassy staff and guests inspected the two-storey school building. Afterwards, a ceremony to hand over the school building to the Ministry of Education was held in the assembly hall of the school. Ambassador Mr Liang Dong said:

We have just bid farewell to the 20th Century and usher in the new millennium. At this auspicious time, we have the pleasure to hold here the hand-over ceremony of the friendship school donated by the Chinese Embassy to the Ministry of Education of Myanmar, and I am quite pleased and honoured that we could have with us the presence of Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and U Than Aung and all of you on this occasion. Presently, science and technology revolution represented by the formation technology (IT) has brought mankind into a new era of knowledge-based economy and economic globalization.

How to keep up with the vibrant steps of the development of the time is a big and tight challenge faced by all nations, particularly by the massive developing countries. It is evident that nowadays when information and technology develop in a high speed, the competition among countries is the competition of knowledge and talents in the long run. To this end, only when we develop more high-quality talents for the nation, can we face the challenge in an easy manner and follow the pace of time.

The education circles of China and Myanmar have maintained good communication and cooperation. Especially in recent years, with the joint efforts of both governments, the exchanges between the education departments of our two countries were steadily increased and their friendly cooperation were continuously consolidated and strengthened.

This time, the Chinese Embassy donating the teaching building of the Yankin No 2 Basic School, indicates a good beginning for the friendly cooperation between our two countries in the field of education in the new century. I hope this school, which contains the profound feelings of the Chinese people towards the Myanmar Paukphaws, will foster generations and generations of successors to carry forward the great cause of Sino-Myanmar friendship. During the construction of this friendship school, we have received strong support and kind assistance from the Myanmar Education Ministry, Yangon municipal government and other departments concerned.

The contractor of this project, Sichuan Railway International Economic & Technical Cooperation Co Ltd also did a lot of elaborate and conscientious work in designing and construction. Here I wish also extend my heart-felt thanks to all of them. At last, I wish the Myanmar education undertaking will be even more prosperous, the Sino-Myanmar friendship will be ceaseless like the water-flow in the Ayeyawady River, and may the Sino-Myanmar friendly cooperative relations be steadily consolidated and developed in the new millennium.

Then, Minister for Education U Than Aung said that in a bid to implement one of the social objectives calling for uplift of health, fitness and standard of education of the entire national people, education promotion programmes have been launched, and efforts are also being made for the emergence of students who are outstanding in all sectors. At the same time, to ensure that school-age children acquire basic education and that 80 per cent of these children complete primary education, formal education programmes have been set into motion.

Education promotion programmes designed to raise the standard of education up to international level are also being implemented, and now the phase III of the programmes has been launched. Students, parents and members of the school board of trustees have had an active part in implementing every phase of the programmes. In conclusion, the minister spoke words of thanks. Ambassador Mr Liang Dong handed over related documents to Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung. Afterwards, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung presented gifts to Ambassador Mr Liang Dong, Project Manager of Sichuan Railway International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co Ltd Mr Liu Dong and party.

Then, the Secretary-1 expressed his thanks to the ambassador of PRC and embassy families. Afterwards, he said that Myanmar and the People's Republic of China share a long border and both have maintained friendly ties of relationship. Leaders of both nations have upheld the five principles of peaceful co-existence. Furthermore, leaders of both nations have exchanged goodwill visits and cooperated in the political, economic and social sectors. Both nations have also cooperated in the international affairs. Therefore, the relations between two nations have been regarded not as those of neighbouring nations but as Paukphaw relations, and efforts are always being made to provide mutual assistance and encouragement.

The donation of the new school building in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Myanmar diplomatic relations, is living proof of long-lasting friendship between the two nations. The People's Republic of China has been providing assistance for the agriculture, economic and transport sectors, and now it has come to make donations in the education field. This manifests diligence and efforts of the ambassador of PRC and embassy families and the long-lasting friendship between the two nations.

As of today, in the bilateral relations, a new sector the education sector has been opened, and it is believed that in future, cooperation in the education sector will further improve. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 said May friendly ties of relationship between Myanmar and China be long-last and further strong, may cooperation of the two nations further improve, and may leaders of the PRC be able to serve the interests of the nation all the more.

The cornerstone-laying ceremony for the construction of the two-storey school building was held on 26 June 2000. The new school building, measuring 191 feet by 25 feet, is of reinforced concrete type. The building comprises six rooms, 32 feet by 25 feet, including the office of the headmaster and the altar room on the ground floor and six rooms, 32 feet by 25 feet, and one five-foot-wide corridor on the first floor. The building and furniture cost U$$ 150,000.

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( 3 ) Privatization Commission holds 1/2001 meeting

Yangon, 15 Jan-The 1/2001 meeting of Privatization Commission was held at the meeting hall of the office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) of the Ministry of Defence this evening, attended by Chairman of Privatization Commission Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present were the ministers, the Attorney-General, the Auditor-General, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments and guests. Those present approved the minutes of the 2/2000 meeting of the commission. Director-General of Project Appraisal and Progress Reporting Department U Tin Hlaing reported on work done for resolutions of 1/2000 meeting of the commission. The Secretary-1 and members of the commission took part in the discussions for approval. Those present reported on privatization and the Secretary-1 gave suggestions.

Myanmar to host BIMST-EC meeting

Yangon, 15 Jan - A meeting to coordinate hosting of the second meeting of BIMST-EC trade ministers and the third meeting of BIMST-EC senior officials was held this afternoon at Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present at the meeting were the ministers, the deputy ministers, heads of department and guests. Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary-1 said Myanmar will host this year's BIMST-EC meeting. First, the senior officials meeting will be held, followed by the ministers meeting. As Myanmar is a member of BIMST-EC as well as ASEAN, it has the situation to link the two bodies. The work committee and the respective subcommittees should be formed to successfully host the BIMST-EC meetings. Minister at State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel reported to the meeting on formation of the committees and tasks to host the meetings. Officials of the subcommittees then explained tasks sector wise. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the Secretary-1.

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( 4 ) The 56th Armed Forces Day Anniversary Band Competition continues

Yangon, 15 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 3 Basic Education High School of Mingala Taungnyunt Township demonstrated skill with military and marching songs. Then, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Military Band Competition Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, presented prizes to leader of the band Naw Thiri. Afterwards, five bands took part in competition playing marching songs today. Also present on the occasion were 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.

Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image Information and Documentation Committee meets

Yangon 15 Jan-The Information and Documentation Committee for Emergence of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image held a meeting at Myamna Radio and Television this evening with an address by Chairman of the Committee Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein.

Also present were members of the committee, historians, officials and guests. Speaking on the occasion, the deputy minister said the remaining tasks of the committee should be presented and discussed at the meeting. Ways and means should be sought to solve difficulties if there is any. Documentation tasks should continue till the consecration of the Image.

Committee member U Tun Lin Aung reported on accomplishments and the remaining tasks of the committee. Officials of MRTV, Information and Public Relations Department, News and Periodicals Enterprise, Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise, Myawady Literature House, Religious Affairs Department and International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University took part in the discussions.

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( 5 ) Minister inspects factories in Bago Division

Yangon, 15 Jan - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung inspected production process at No 2 Paper Mill in Yeni, Bago Division, yesterday. He then inspected plans to build a 50-ton pulp factory, a 50-ton newsprint factory and a 90-ton chemical factory. In the afternoon, the minister inspected Zeyawady Distillery and DaikU powdered glue factory. In the evening, he met with staff of the glue factory and urged them to make arrangements to boost glucose production. He then presented bonus to the staff for the outstanding efforts in producing glucose. In Bago, the minister inspected the Winthuza Shop. This morning, the minister attended opening of the Boiler Technicians Course No 6 in Mayangon, Yangon Division. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Ministers for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, heads of department, course instructors and trainees. The minister gave a speech.

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( 6 ) All-round renovation of Alodawpauk Pagoda in Innlay discussed

Yangon, 15 Jan-Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Maung Bo, Chairman of Work Committee Minister for Rail Transporation U Pan Aung and member Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge and experts inspected all-round renovation of Alodawpauk Pagoda in Innlay region, construction of Dhammayon and renovation of the pagoda platform. On the pagoda platform a coordination meeting was held. Commander Maj-Gen Maung Bo and Minister U Pan Aung spoke on the occasion. Tasks to be done were discussed at the meeting. The minister and party paid obeisance to Buddha images at historic Mwaydaw Ketku Pagoda in Taunggyi Township and gave instructions. 

Monks, Buddhist devotees, tourists throng Mindhamma Hill

Yangon, 15 Jan - Monks, devout people and tourists visited Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township today. Engineers and workers of the Public Works carried out construction works such as installation of Lattice Girders on the upper structure of Gandakuti Kyaung-dawgyi, construction of southern and northern stairways and the retaining wall. Myanmar handicraft technician U Ohn Tin and party and U Hla Kyu and party were making handicrafts to be installed at Gandakuti Kyaungdawgyi and the northern stairways. Wut associations recited religious verses from 7 am to 10 pm daily. Book shops of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Information were selling various kinds of books on the hill. Donations received from 5 August to date amounted to K 128,561,497.

Five pagodas rebuilt by YCDC consecrated

Yangon, 15 Jan-A ceremony to consecrate five pagodas in Bagan reconstructed by Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay and wife Daw Khin Khin and YCDC staff was held at the mandats in the pavilions of the pagodas in Bagan this morning. The reconstructed pagodas are Pagoda No 1056, 1120, 464, 1704 and 1725. Present were Minister for Culture U Win Sein, Mayor U Ko Lay and wife Daw Khin Khin, Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, member of YCDC Col Tin Soe and wife, heads of departments of YCDC, Chairman of District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Khin Maung Oo and local authorities. Members of the Sangha consecrated the pagodas. Mayor U Ko Lay and wife Daw Khin Khin and YCDC staff took the Five Precepts from Thatbyinnyu Kyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Naninda. Members of the Sangha recited parittas. Minister U Win Sein, Mayor U Ko Lay and service personnel presented offertories to members of the Sangha.

Restoration of ancient inspected

Yangon, 15 Jan-Minister for Culture U Win Sein, Director-General of Department of Archaeology U Nyunt Han, Rector of Mandalay University of Culture U San Win and officials inspected restoration of ancient pagodas in Bagan on yesterday morning. The minister inspected cave pagoda No 759/ka, 722/ka and 722/kha, Pagoda No 1725, 1206/ka, 1206/kha and 2631/ka and 2631/kha and gave instructions. He went to excavation site of King Pyinpyas Palace and gave instructions on preservation and research work.

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( 7 ) National Seminar-cum-Workshop on Development of Plan of Action on Health and Environment held

Yangon, 15 Jan-The National Seminar-cum-Workshop on Development of Plan of Action on Health and Environment was held at the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road this morning. Present on the occasion were Minister for Health Maj -Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo, Vice-Chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Vice Chairperson of Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs Professor

Daw May May Yi, directors-general of departments under the Ministry of Health, directors-general and managing directors of related departments, representatives of UN agencies, NGOs and experts. Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein said the Government has laid down the political, economic and social objectives for national development in which health assumes an important role. Under the leadership of the State Peace and Development Council, health and development pro grammes especially in the under-served rural areas and border areas have been made possible in harmony with the sound economic policies and extensive development of infrastructure.

He said these programmes are being implemented under the guidance of the National Health Committee.The National Health Plan (1996-2000) consists of six programmes and Environmental Health Programme is one of them. Now, the NHP (1996-2001) has been implemented, he added.

Based on the "Framework for Health and Environment Action Plan", an outcome of a Regional Consultative Meeting of WHO South-East Asia Region held in October 1997 in Maldives, the key environmental health issues such as water, sanitation and water resources, clean air, food safety, solid and hazardous waste disposal and safe use of chemicals and occupational safety would be discussed at the seminar, the minister added. These are working plans designed to contribute toward the building of modern developed nation.

He urged NGOs to draft working plans with the assistance of the State and cooperation of the people. Next, WHO Resident Representative to Myanmar Dr Agostino Borra spoke on the occasion. The participants took part in the discussions on environment and health in Myanmar. The seminar ended in the evening. The seminar continues till 17 January.

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