( 1 ) Only national solidarity and Union Spirit can safeguard sovereignty of the nation

Secretary-1 urges teachers to inculcate their pupils with Union Spirit Special Refresher Course No 43 for Basic Education Teachers concludes

Yangon, 19 Feb-The conclusion of Special Refresher Course No 43 for Basic Education Teachers was held at Nawarat Hall of the Central Institute of Civil Service in Phaunggyi in Hlegu Township this morning, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were ministers, the Attorney-General, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the Yangon Mayor, deputy ministers, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, the rector of CICS, instructors and trainee teachers.

The Secretary-1 said that the teachers of various national races from the four corners of the Union had the chance to meet with one another, and it is like a family gathering on the occasion of the Union Day that portrays the dynamism of national solidarity of Myanmar people. It is believed that that gathering further strengthens the Union Spirit.

He spoke of the need for the teachers to inculcate their pupils with Union Spirit which has been further strengthened at the special refresher course when they reach respective regions where they are assigned duties. He said all the national races have accepted that national solidarity and Union Spirit is as important as lifeblood for the Union like the Union of Myanmar where over 100 national races have been residing. People who would become Myanmar were born in the Union of Myanmar since time immemorial and moved from place to place in search of greener pasture and clear water in successive periods.

According to topographical conditions and climate, modes of dress, livelihood, languages, cultures and traditions, over 100 national races such as Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan have emerged separately. It is an undeniable fact in history. Although each national race has their own culture and traditions, they have been living in the Union for years countable by the thousand through thick and thin, " keeping eggs and nest intact." As they have been living in unity like members of a family, basically they have disposition, national character, culture, traditions and thought in common. Obviously, the essence of a family has still existed as the term "Myanmar" is concerned with all the national races. The essence of a family called Myanmar people originated in history, which has become a historical fact accepted by international community because ample evidence has been collected.

Within the territory of the Union of Myanmar, anthropoid primates emerged over 40 million years ago. And a human race evolved in successive ages such as the Stone Age, the Neolithic Age, the Bronze Age and the Iron Age. Its civilization also developed stage by stage to such an extent that city states were established. Stone inscriptions and ancient cultural findings show that since about AD 9 when city states with high cultural standard were established, Myanmar had had its own territory, races having their own cultures, traditions and thoughts and historical backgrounds. The historical records of contemporary neighbouring countries also show that during the period of city states, with the strength of solidarity and Myanmar people, kingdoms that won the respects of neighbouring countries were established. In the course of history, all the national races have been living with a sense of togetherness and in weal or woe like a family.

They have unitedly safeguarded their nation whenever outside dangers befell it. Obviously, Myanmar people and Myanmar Naing-Ngan have been recorded together not only in the history of Myanmar but also in the history of its contemporary neighbouring countries. All the national races such as Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan were born and have been living as Myanmar people the Union for thousands of years. Although states and divisions are fixed according to the management, national races do not live separately in respective states and divisions. They live together and their fate and interest cannot be separate as all national races are brothers and sisters born of the same womb. History showed that they all had to live with the concept of unity to development, he said.

The Secretary-1 spoke on living of various national races in Kachin and Shan States and Bago and other states and divisions and also spoke of the need to understand that single race cannot divided. He said all national races are to be united. States and divisions will stand tall if united. Only when there is consolidated states and divisions will the Union be strengthened. Therefore concerted efforts are to be made for consolidation of the Union Spirit. In the present world of science and technology natural barriers like seas and mountains are no longer reliable barriers in national defence as in ancient times.

Only solidarity and dynamism of national spirit can safeguard the sovereignty of the nation. He spoke of the need to make endeavours for propagation of national solidarity and the Union Spirit which are important forces for national defence and progress among the national races in efforts to perpetuate the Union and to keep abreast with the nations of world. He urged the teachers to inculcate their pupils with the Union Spirit train and them to be patriotic. In education, he said students of today are the ones who would build and safeguard the future of the nation. If there is patriotism and the Union Spirit among the youths, the desire to enhance the status of the nation and the people and efficiency to do so will become stronger, he added. Electronic and communication technologies have developed rapidly so development momentum of the industrialized nations become double. Due to globalization, it is very important for developing nations like the Union of Myanmar to preserve national interest, value and norms and to develop our country in order to keep abreast with the international development process, he said. Moreover, the type of knowledge based economy has emerged in developed nations.

Therefore priority is being given to education development in developed countries as well as in developing countries, he said. Therefore, efforts are being made to implement education promotion programmes which can enable Myanmar to keep abreast with other nations in the trend of international development and to preserve national norms. According to education promotion programmes, the youth students are being nurtured to acquire physical, intellectual and aesthetic development in addition to academic knowledge and to have patriotism, national solidarity and Union Spirit which are conducive to their spiritual development. In the knowledge and technological age, it is very important to introduce teaching and learning methods based on modern electronic technology with a view to improving the skills and efficiency of the youths. Today, the special four-year national education promotion plan is being implemented by combining the basic education sector and the higher education sector in order to ensure the emergence of e-Education system. The government is making systematic plans designed to enable the student youths to understand the learning method based on electronic and communication technology which is gaining international popularity and to have access to advanced subjects and to use their knowledge in the interests of the State. Multimedia teaching centres based on computer technology and information technology have been opened at basic education schools, and so have learning centres and resource centres at cities in states and divisions. Electronic Data Broadcasting System has been launched.

In Yangon, New Century Resource Centre comprising e-Education Learning Centre and e-Education Resource Centre has been set up, and arrangements are being made to open similar centres in other cities. Electronic and other modern communication systems are being introduced, and work is being coordinated to establish Information and Communication Technology Park. As the government has made plans to nurture the student youths to be efficient in studying various academic subjects, the basic education teachers are also required to nurture them to be able to walk on the right path of development and not to deviate from the path of national interests. At a time when emphasis is being given to the application of modern electronic and information technology, measures are to be taken to inculcate in the youths patriotism and nationalism which enable them to safeguard and preserve national culture, traditions, and norms in order to prevent the danger of infiltration of alien culture and alien norms which run counter to the cultures and traditions of the nation and the race.

Moreover, when educational development and economic development are interrelated, the student youths are to be nurtured to become intellectuals and intelligentsia who can strive for the development of the nation and promote national economic life. All the teachers are to organize, lead and nurture the student youths with the aim of ensuring the equitable development of states and divisions, the perpetual existence of modern and developed Union and the further flowering of Union Spirit. With regard to the foreign policy of the State, the Secretary-1 said that Myanmar has been pursuing independent and active foreign policy. According to the topographical condition of Myanmar, her experience in international relations, the changing international condition and development trend, the principle of peaceful co-existence with other nations and efforts for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation, the independent and active foreign policy is found the most suitable, and so this policy is being pursued consistently. It has been for many years that the five principles of peaceful co-existence have been pursued with the aim of ensuring the friendly relations with other nations, especially with neighbouring nations.

The five principles of peaceful co-existence are mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in one another's affairs, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful co-existence. Myanmar has been associated with neighbouring countries based on five principles of peaceful co-existence as a good neighbour. Moreover, agreement can be reached in solving any pro-blem between countries with an attitude that makes big problems small and small ones disappear. It is the truth that the government has never encouraged any group to endanger other countries from our territory, never kept them in our territory to use them if necessary.

Prestige of Myanmar's relations has enjoyed approbation in international community because it has always avoided matters that would affect friendly relations between the two countries. But, the matter that took place on the border between Myanmar and Thailand was caused by driving wedge of a group of drug trafficking robbers. And misunderstanding was caused because the wrong news at the basic level has been regarded as true by high officials, he said. Some officials of the other country are making one-sided accusations and talks based on one-sided information's. We believe that this matter should be solved with optimistic approach based on mutual understanding, respect and magnanimity as true good neighbours. Although our government is military one, it has no aggressive attitude. Instead, it has been trying to promote friendly relations with every countries with gentle approach abiding by international law, rules and regulations to the best of ability. But Myanmar will never accept false accusation and wrong action.

I would like to let all you know that in accord with ancestors' teaching that "Let amity be eternal and enmity be ephemeral ", only with true stand, magnanimity, firm determination and optimistic efforts, Myanmar will work standing on the truth. In conclusion, I would like to urge the trainees to make efforts to successfully carry out education promotion programmes for human resources development that plays a major role in building a new modern developed nation and making the country stand tall in international community, to nurture students who have Union Spirit, patriotic spirit, national unity spirit that are main driving forces to make the country keep abreast with international community and to nurture youths to become the ones who are patriotic, national-spirited who are real forces in preventing and opposing influence in politics, economic and culture of some super powers interfering in others' affairs internationally with the use of information technology. Then, prizes and completion certificates were presented to the trainees.

Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented model trainee awards to Junior Assistant Teacher U Aung Myo Lwin of Phaya Ngahsu Basic Education Middle School, Paungde Township, Bago Division and Senior Assistant Teacher Daw Thin Thin Myat of No 1 Basic Education High School, Dagon Myothit (North), Yangon Division, diligence awards to Headmaster U Thein Swe, trainee No F 109, Banbwegon BEMS, Thegon Township, Bago Division, Senior Assistant Teacher Daw Than Myint, trainee No A 36, Penwegon BEHS, Bago Division and instructor Daw Tin Han, trainee No C 212, Education College, Thingangyun, Yangon Division. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 presented the best hostel prizes and completion certificates. Trainees presented K 75,000 for construction of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image, for renovation of Koenawin Pagoda, National Convention, funds of USDA, restoration of Bagan pagodas, CICS Primary School and Phaunggyi BEHS to the Secretary-1. The Secretary-1 then cordially greeted the trainees.

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( 2 ) Minister meets foreign visitors

Yangon, 19 Feb-Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone met Managing Director of Bernas Co of Malaysia Mr Yahya Abu Bakar and party at his office at 1 pm today. Similarly, Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone met Executive Director of United Engineers Limited of Singapore Mr Jackson Yap and party at his office at 2 pm today. Also present were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director-General U Nyunt Aye of Directorate of Trade, Director-General Col Nay Win of Border Trade Department, Managing Director U Min Hla Aung of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading and officials.

U Phone Myiint presents Credentials to Portuguese President

Yangon, 20 Feb-U Phone Myiint, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Portuguese Republic, presented his Credentials to His Excellency Mr Jorge Fernando Branco de Sampaio, President of the Portuguese Republic, on 8 February 2001, in Lisbon.

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( 3 ) Minister meets Chairman of EEM

Yangon, 19 Feb-Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin met Chairman of Electric et Eaux de Madagascar (EEM) of France Mr Francois Gontiep and party at his office at 2 pm today. Also present were Director-General U Khin Maung Latt of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism, Managing Director U Kyi Tun of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services and officials, Managing Director U Win Tun of Myanma Timber Enterprise and General Manager U Myint Kyu Pe and Director U Saw Lu Lu Htaw of Yangon Wood Industries Limited.

Director-General leaves for Japan

Yangon, 19 Feb-Director-General of National Registration and Immigration Department Col Maung Htay left for Osaka, Japan to attend the seminar on documents inspection to be held from 19 to 24 February this morning. He was seen off at the airport by Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population U Maung Aung.

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( 4 ) Sixth Meeting of Health Secretaries of Countries of WHO South East Asia Region opens

Yangon, 19 Feb- A ceremony to open the Sixth Meeting of Health Secretaries of the Countries of WHO South East Asia Region was held at the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road this morning, with an address by member of National Health Committee Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.

Also present on the occasion were Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, the directors-general of departments, deputy directors-general, rectors, officials, WHO Regional Director of South-East Asia Region Dr Uton Muchtar Rafei and officials, diplomats of foreign missions, officials of UN agencies and NGOs and guests.

Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein delivered an address. He said: I would first of all like to extend a most cordial welcome to all of you to the Sixth Meeting of Health Secretaries of the WHO South East Asia Region. Allow me also to express my sincere appreciation to the Health Secretaries who are attending the Meeting despite their heavy schedules and commitments in their respective countries. The Health Secretaries meeting is very important because it has served as a forum for exchanging views and experiences, regarding health and health related matters in our countries.

Over the years there has been considerable changes in the political, economic and social conditions all over the world. It is only natural that we have to act accordingly to meet these changing conditions and challenges. It is highly commendable that the WHO is forever trying to improve and intensify its efforts to fulfil the health development needs of member countries. Health plays a pivotal role for development. Promotion of Health and social development is vital for enhancing the quality of life. In accordance with the country's social objective of uplifting the health standards of the entire people, the Government of the Union of Myanmar has accorded priority in allocation of Government Budget to the health sector and the Ministry of Health is one of the largest recipients of budgetary funds.

Consequently, this has greatly contributed towards the improvement of health care standards in the nation in recent years. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has carried out health sector reforms with the aim to increase equity, efficiency and quality of health services. Broadly  speaking, the reform has encompassed policy, organization, institutional development, human resources, health financing and the private sector. In Myanmar, we have kept up with the changing international health situation and have instituted necessary measures to meet the challenges and fulfill the needs of our people.

Under the guidance of National Health Committee chaired by Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council, a coordinated, focused and holistic approach have been applied to health and health sector development. A life course perspective in planning health care services has been adopted. Special emphasis has been accorded to nutrition, health education, promoting life skills and adoption of behaviours conductive to health. The Health Secretaries Meeting has been extremely useful.

Not only they have been able to address regional health problems but also to formulate sound plans of actions and strategies to tackles the issues of common concerns. I am confident that with your collective efforts Intercountry cooperation can be further strengthened to effectively reduce the burden of ill health in the countries of the region. WHO Regional Director of South-East Asia Region Dr Uton Muchtar Rafei gave a speech. Then, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein had documentary photo taken together with those present at the meeting. Afterwards, Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Kyaw Myint presided over the Sixth Meeting of Health Secretaries and Senior Officials of the Countries of WHO South East Asia Region. The meeting will be held up to 21 February.

Minister visits factories in Yangon Division

Yangon, 19 Feb- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun and officials, arrived at the branch (Phawgan) of No 1 Shoes Factory of Myanma General and Maintenance Industries on Insein-Mingaladon Road in Insein Township this morning. The minister inspected the fish ponds and vegetable patches of the factory. Then, the minister inspected production process of the factory and gave instructions on work. After that, the minister proceeded to Rubber Goods Factory (Hline Branch) at 6 1/2 miles in Hline Township and inspected production process. He called for arrangements to fulfil the requirement of tyres for bicycle factories. At Leather Factory, the minister inspected export products of the factory. Then, the minister attended the opening of Typist Course No 2/2001 at the training hall of the ministry.

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( 5 ) Tatmadaw helicopter crashes into Thanlwin River

Yangon, 19 Feb- Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of the Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo, accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Maj-Gen Thura Thiha Thura Sit Maung, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen Lun Maung, officers and other ranks of the Tatmadaw totalling 22, this morning left by helicopter Mawlamyine for Hpa-an. Due to bad weather, the helicopter crashed into the Thanlwin River near Tayokhla Village in Hpa-an Township. The Secretary-2 and an officer were killed, and 11 officers and other ranks and two crew members rescued from the helicopter. Remaining 14 persons including two pilots and three crew have not been accounted for, so far. The search for the missing persons is going on.

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( 6 ) Minister inspects ancient cultural site

Yangon, 19 Feb - Minister for Culture U Win Sein, together with officials, inspected the preservation of human bones, urns and earthen pots at the ancient cultural site of Nyaungkan Bronze Period at Nyaungkan Village, Butalin Township, Monywa District, yesterday. Director (Mandalay) of the Department of Archaeology U Pauk Pauk conducted the minister and party around the cultural site. The minister gave instructions on preservation of human bones and cultivation of shade trees. The minister also inspected Maha Bandoola Monument and Park, Maha Bandoola Pagoda, the prayer hall, the bronze bell and the stone inscription at Ngapayin Village, Butalin Township. The minister also had a cordial meeting with the village people in the prayer hall of Maha Bandoola Pagoda and discussed matters related to keeping Maha Bandoola Statue which was already cast at Yangon University of Culture. The minister also met with the students of Ngapayin Village Basic Education High School.

Minister inspects roads in Magway Division

Yangon, 19 Feb- Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials, inspected Seikphyu-Kandwin section and Kandwin-Pauk Road in Seikphyu Township on 17 February morning. Then, the minister inspected Yaw Creek Bridge in Kandwin and gave necessary instructions. At Anawrahta Bridge (Chauk) Construction Project, Project Superintending Engineer U Soe Han reported to the minister on progress of work and future tasks on 18 February. The minister, the deputy minister and party inspected construction work of the bridge. The minister and party inspected road works from Seikphyu to Pakokku.

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( 7 ) Minister for CPT attends opening ceremony of communication courses

Yangon, 19 Feb-Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of Personal Computer for Office Application Course, Cable Installation and Maintenance Course, Facsimile Operator Course and Postmaster Course held at the hall of Telecommunications and Postal Service Training Centre of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications this morning. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said efforts should be made to effectively use the modern communication equipment to catch up with the ever changing and developing conditions of the world. Also present on the occasion were the managing-director of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, director-general of Directorate of Posts and Telecommunications, general manager of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, heads of department, the principal, course instructors and 68 trainees.

Commander attends Kalay Industrial Show, opening of multimedia teaching centres at schools

Yangon, 19 Feb- Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Win, accompanied by Brig-Gen Khin Maung Aye of Kalay Station and departmental officials, arrived at Kalay on 12 February. The commander and party inspected Kalay Industrial Show and attended to requirements of industrial entrepreneurs. On 14 February, the commander and party attended the opening ceremony of the multimedia teaching centre at Ywathitgyi Basic Education High School in Sagaing Township. The commander formally unveiled the signboard of the centre and inspected the skill demonstration of students. Then, the commander accepted donations for the school and gave a speech. After that, the commander went to the University for Development of National Races, where Rector Col Zaw Min Thein conducted the commander round the university. The commander fulfilled the requirements of the university and inspected construction of the Convocation Hall. The commander also attended the opening of the multimedia teaching centre at Ohndaw BEHS.

State-owned plot, saw mill, cinemas to be sold

Yangon, 19 Feb- The plot of the office of Assistant Manager (Local Sale) (old Padamya Timber Shop) in Bago and No 72 Saw Mill (Mawlamyine) of Myanma Timber Enterprise of the Ministry of Forestry and three cinemas of Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise of the Ministry of Information will be sold through competitive bidding. Bidders are to submit their proposals to the office of Privatization Commission, Project Appraisal & Progress Reporting Department, No 313, Bo Aung Kyaw Street, not later than 22 March. Interested persons are to contact the Commission Office, phones 245506, 245516 and 245537 for more information. (See page 2) Names, locations and reserve prices of State-owned plot, the saw mill and cinemas are Assistant Manager Office (Bago) K 4,832,000, No 72 Saw Mill (Mawlamyine) K 95,446,000, Shwebaho Cinema (Meiktila) K 6,417,000, Naywin Cinema (Monywa), K 45,150,000 and Hsanthiri Cinema (Sangyoung) K 85,188,000.

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