( 1 ) Large number of irrigation facilities built to green dry regions, develop agriculture
Yanpe Dam in Taungdwingyi Township, Magway Division commissioned into service

Yangon, 28 Feb- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by the ministers, Chief of Staff (Air), the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of departments, left here by the Tatmadaw flight this morning and arrived in Magway at 8.45 am.

The Secretary-1 together with Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and Chairman Brig-Gen Thein Zaw left by helicopter for Yanpe Dam in Taungdwingyi Township.The Secretary-1 attended the inauguration of Yanpe Dam held in Wetkathay Village in Taungdwingyi Township. Also present were Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the ministers, Chief of Staff (Air), the deputy ministers, Chairman Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of departments, chairmen of Magway District and Township Peace and Development Councils, officials of social associations, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, teachers, students and local people totalling 10,000.

The Secretary-1 said opening of the Yanpe Dam, which will effectively help develop Taungdwingyi Township in Magway Division, is the State's endeavour to benefit not only the local people of the surrounding areas but also the township, the eastern sector of Magway Division and villages in the region. It is sure that emergence of the dam will further develop regional agriculture and the economic sector and uplift the socio-economic life of the local people. In accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, the State Peace and Development Council is making extra efforts on all fronts for the success of agriculture which is the main sector for national economic progress. Efforts are being made in reclaiming more vacant and virgin lands, setting up thousands of acres of farmlands with the use of heavy machinery and rendering assistance for the emergence of private agricultural enterprises owned by nationals.

All-round assistance is being given to farmers to enable them to apply proper cultivation methods, to use fertilizers systematically for agricultural progress, to extend cultivation of paddy, sugarcane, cotton, corn, beans and pulses and oil crops which have ready markets abroad, to raise per acre yield and to carry out mixed-cropping. In addition to the assistance being rendered in time for acquiring high-yield strains and modern methods, various means are being applied to ensure adequate water supply for irrigation. Priority is being given to building feeder canals, pumped-water stations and major dams; a large amount of money is being used in implementing the tasks. River pumped-water stations totalling 253 have been set up in the entire nation, irrigating over 200,000 more acres. Of the stations, 46 are in Magway Division, benefiting over 49,000 acres in the region. A total of 118 dams including the Yanpe Dam have been built in the nation which are irrigating over 1.64 million acres. Many areas which were dry in the past have become lush and green at present.

Availability of irrigation water has benefited the farmers much. Twenty-one dams have been built in Magway Division; and irrigated areas in the division have been extended up to 150,000 acres to date. The dry zone now is thriving with crop fields. Located on Yanpe Creek in Taungdwingyi Township, Magway Division, the dam is 9,001 feet long and 75 feet high. It has a storage capacity of 35,140 acre-feet and can irrigate over 10,000 acres. It is the result of the State's sincere goodwill towards farmers. The government is trying to ensure proportionate and harmonious progress in all regions including towns, villages and remote areas in implementing the national all-round development tasks.

Projects are being laid down and implemented to increase rainfall of the midland, to green its environs and to ensure irrigation water as it had been a dry region for many years in the past. Plans are being made to build a cluster of small dams in dry eastern Magway Division to ensure water for all crop seasons. Regional farmers should fully enjoy the fruits of the dam and effectively use them to uplift their socio-economic life and progress of agriculture. They should use high-yield strains and modern methods with full confidence to extend cultivation areas under the leadership of the State. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged local authorities, departmental personnel, farmers and local people to strive from their respective sectors for durability of the dam; local authorities and departmental personnel to give close supervision to farmers in enabling them to effectively use the irrigation water for further progress of regional agriculture; and the local people to strive for greater progress of agriculture and their socio-economic life.

Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint expressed his pleasure for emergence of another dam in Anya region which needed water. As regions in Mandalay, Magway and Sagaing Divisions are in hot and dry zone, there is less success even in monsoon cultivation and scarcity of drinking water except the regions where there are dams and reservoirs. Therefore irrigation projects, water pumping projects and greening projects are being implemented expeditiously for cultivation and drinking water for the people in 13 districts, he said. He said in the course of Myanmar history, our ancestors were well-versed in land preparation and techniques regarding waterways of rivers and creeks and they built dams and reservoirs in all parts of central Myanmar. In Magway Division 21 irrigation projects including Yanpe Dam Project have been implemented and they benefited 135,000 acres, he added. He said regions in central Myanmar get annual rainfall of 25 inches and there is soil erosion because of much flow of water on the surface of the earth. So water can be stored by building dams and reservoirs and this makes less soil erosion, he said. The newly inaugurated Yanpe Dam contributes to availability of water for cultivation, greening of the region, drinking water and less soil erosion, he said.

The commander called for maintenance of the dam. Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin said Magway Division is a reliable division for production of rice, beans and pulses, oil crops, cotton, sugarcane and other crops and he said he believed that the present dams would contribute toward boosting production of crops. He said as all know agriculture is the major factor of economic development of the State and food production for the people. He spoke on reclamation of 20 million acres of land, implementation of major irrigation projects and water pumping projects and increase of irrigated acreage, yield of paddy and various kinds of crops.

The minister called for maintence of the dam in the interests of future generation. On behalf of local people, Secretary of Taungdwingyi Township USDA U Than win thanked the government. Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin presented gifts for service personnel of Irrigation Department to Directors U Tun Aung Lwin and U Kyaw Nyunt. The Secretary-1 formally unveiled the stone inscription of the dam. Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin formally opened the dam. The Secretary-1 and party inspected the dam. At the briefing hall, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on irrigation projects in the east of Magway Division, structures related to the Yanpe Dam and data on the project. Director-General of Irrigation Department U Kyaw San Win reported on data on the project in detail. Chairman Brig-Gen Thein Zaw reported on flow of water in Yin and Pin Creeks, irrigated acres and water capacity during monsoon.

The Secretary-1 said there will be a lot of water with the emergence of the dams and forests are to be conserved. He spoke of the need to make efforts for rice sufficiency in the region, turning dry region into green one of fair weather and extending cultivation of crops. He said although there is environmental deterioration in the world, Myanmar has no environmental deterioration. We are creating better environment and emergence of dams and reservoirs is due to the power of personnel of Irrigation Department, in other words, power of the State. The catchment area of the Yanpe dam is 84 sqare miles and the dam can store 35,140 acre feet and supply water to 10,000 acres of land for double and mixed cropping. The earth dam is located in Wetkathay Village, 4.5 miles south of Taungdwingyi Township. The dam is 9,000 feet long and 78 feet high and its canal is 63 miles long. Nine clusters of dams including the Yanpe dam have been built and they can supply water to over 70,000 acres of land. Naturally there is less rain in the region and the dam can store rain water in the monsoon for cultivation all year round.

Secretary-1 inspects development work in Magway Division

Yangon, 28 Feb- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the ministers, the Chief of Staff (Air), the deputy ministers, the chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads, this morning, arrived at construction site of Ayeyawady River (Magway) Bridge after attending the opening ceremony of Yanpe Dam in Taungdwingyi Township, Magway District, Magway Division.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party were welcomed there by Deputy Chief Engineer (Planning) of Public Works U Han Zaw, Magway Division Superintending Engineer U Tint Lwin and staff. First, the Secretary-1 inspected progress of construction work of the bridge, and the Deputy Chief Engineer and officials reported on it. At the briefing hall on the bank of Magway, the Secretary-1 heard a report on progress of construction work of the bridge and future tasks by the deputy chief engineer. Chairman of the Division Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Thein Zaw gave a supplementary report. The Secretary-1 gave instructions to the officials.

The Ayeyawady River Bridge (Magway) will link Mingalar Street in Magway and Phayakoesugon in Htauksharbin Village in Minbu. The main reinforced concrete bridge is 6,969 feet long. Approach bridge is 2,020 feet long. Total length of the bridge is 8,989 feet. It has 28-foot-wide motorway and two six-foot-wide pedestrian lanes. It can bear 60-ton loads. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected land preparation for new airport in Magway. The Secretary-1 heard a report on construction of airport, extension of runway and earth work by Chairman Brig-Gen Thein Zaw. Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint presented a supplementary report. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. The Secretary-1 and party left Magway by Tatmadaw aircraft and arrived back here in the evening.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt receives former Japanese Ambassador

Yangon, 28 Feb- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Chairman of Japan-Myanmar Friendship Association former Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar Mr Takashi Tajima at the Guest House of Ministry of Defence at 5 pm today. Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Culture U Win Sein, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet, officials and Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar Mr Shigeru Tsumori.

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( 2 )  Leading Committee for Observance of 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day meets

Yangon, 28 Feb - The fifth coordinating meeting of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day was held at the new hall of Ministry of Defence at 4 pm today, attended by Chairman of the Leading Committee Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint. Present also were Chairman of Management Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Minister for Labour Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, chairmen and officials of work committees. First, Leading Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint delivered a speech.

Then, Secretary of the Leading Committee Deputy Adjutant-General Col Khin Soe explained the resolutions of the previous meeting. Chairman of the Management Committee Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than reported on the work done. Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint reported on matters relating to the military parade. Then, Chairman of the Exhibition Committee for Nation-Building Endeavours and Public Welfare Minister for Labour Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe explained the arrangements for organizing the exhibition, Secretary of Committee for Organizing Literary and Arts Competitions Lt-Col Myint Saw of the Office of Commander-in-Chief (Air) on the work done by the committee.

Chairman of Work Committee for Literary and Photo Competitions Deputy Minister for Information U Thein Sein and Vice-Chairman of Work Committee for Poetry and Arts Competitions Assistant Chief of Armed Forces Training (Air) Col Ko Ko, Secretary of Work Committee for Literary and Arts Competitions of Universities, Colleges, Institutes and Basic Education Schools Director-General of Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar) U Saw Lwin, Chairman of Work Committee for TV Quiz Competitions Director-General of Myanma Radio and Television U Khin Maung Htay, Secretary of Work Committee for Organizing Twelve National Objectives Exhibition Lt-Col Win Maung of Directorate of Resettlement reported to the meeting on their activities.

Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo discussed extending invitation, holding of military code of conduct and extemporary talk competitions, selection of the best parade column and holding prize presentation ceremony and Vice Quartermaster-General Brig-Gen Kyaw Win reported on construction of archway and hosting dinner. Then, Director of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare Brig-Gen Khin Aung Myint presented entertainment programmes, compiling of documentary book and information, Lt-Col Than Tun of Directorate of Military Engineers on renovation of Resistance Park, Lt-Col Khin Maung Kywe of Directorate of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers on renovation of Myoma Sports Ground, Director of Defence Services Museum and Historical Research Institute Col Ye Htut on holding of Armed Forces Day Exhibition, Director of Supply and Transport Brig-Gen Than Htay on arrangements for welfare of Tatmadaw columns, Lt-Col Ye Lwin of Directorate of Signals on preparations for hanging bill-boards and mottos and Director of Medical Services Brig-Gen Mya Thein Han on the health care programme. Afterwards, Deputy Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Brig-Gen Hla Tun, Director-General of Fire Services Department U Myint Tun and Director of Myanmar Red Cross Society Col Aung Than on their works and Parade Commander Brig-Gen Saw Hla Min on donations for Tatmadaw columns. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by Adjutant-General Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint.

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( 3 ) Ministers meet Malaysian guests

Yangon, 28 Feb- Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi met Regional Manager Mr Sukiman Mohd and party of Myanmar Petronas Trading Co Ltd of Malaysia at the office of Minister for Commerce at 3.30 pm today. Also present were Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Deputy Minister for Energy U Tin Tun, directors-general and managing directors of Ministry of Commerce and officials.

Minister meets President of TAGS

Yangon, 28 Feb- Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe met President Mr Anuphong Jojnuckarin of TAGS of Thai Myanmar Corporation Co Ltd of Thailand and party at his office at 10.30 am today. Also present were Deputy Director-General U Myint Thein and Deputy Director U Khin Maung Myint of Department for Civil Aviation.

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( 4 ) 17th 47-member Plenary Meeting of the Fourth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee begins

Yangon, 28 Feb-n The first day of the 17th 47-member Plenary Meeting of the Fourth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee was held at Wizaya Mingala Dhamma Thabin hall at Thirimingala Kaba Aye Hill here this morning. It was attended by member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee led by Chairman Myingyan Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Sobitha, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Director-General of Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Sann Lwin, Director-General of Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint, directors, officials and donors.

Chairman Myingyan Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Sobitha chaired the meeting. Joint-Secretary Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Candima acted as master of ceremonies and opened the meeting. The Chairman Sayadaw delivered a speech at the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, the Sayadaw wished members of the Sangha to strive more for purification, promotion and propagation of the Sasana. He said it is the final meeting of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee during its six-year term. Election of the members of the Sangha to the committee should be conducted in accord with the basic principles.

It is required to elect the members of the Sangha who are willing to work with might and main for purification, promotion and propagation of the Sasana. Participation of such monks in the committee will lead to realizing the goal - purification, promotion and propagation of the Sasana. The would-be bogus monks are collecting donations in an improper way at towns and villages including those in border areas, he said, speaking of the need to take action against such persons. Precise lists should be made on the number of monks in the respective towns and villages. All the Sangha organizations should make harmonious efforts for the successful implementing of the religious task. All the members of the Sangha should work in accord with the religious principles for purification, promotion and propagation of the Sasana. Minister U Aung Khin supplicated on religious matters, expressing pleasure to get the opportunity to pay respects to the Sayadaws attending the meeting. He said the fifth six-year term of the Sangha committees at different levels will begin their duties on the Fullmoon day of Taboung.

It is encouraging to see the successful efforts of the Sayadaws in their endeavours for purification, promotion and propagation of the Sasana. He recounted the significant milestones in the endeavours for purification, promotion and propagation of the Sasana, such as preventing of the spread of wrong beliefs which may tarnish the Sasana and setting up of the State Pariyatti Sasana Tekkathos in promoting the pariyatti Sasana. The minister said the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University was opened to propagate the Sasana to the world and to teach Buddhist literature, pariyatti, vipassana practices and paripatti to foreigners. He requested the Sayadaws who are in good health to continue to stay in the Sangha organizations to strive for the purification, promotion and propagation of the Sasana.

He said the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee is the single highest Sangha organization formed with the members of the Sangha harmoniously elected by all the nine ganas of the Sangha. Thus, the State is providing assistance for the effectiveness of the resolutions and directions of the committee. The State will continue to render assistance to the Sangha organizations at different levels in their tasks. Then, Joint-Secretary Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kundala Jotika briefed on work done of the Fourth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee (First branch). The member Sayadaws also reported on work done in respective sectors of the branch and the meeting came to an end. In the afternoon, the Sayadaws discussed matters reported by Investigation Committee and made decisions.

Afterwards, the Sayadaws made decision on the matters related to the names of late State Ovadacariya Sayadaws, State Sangha Maha Nayaka Sayadaws and State Central Working Committee Sayadaws to be submitted at the Seventh Meeting of the Fourth State Central Working Committee of the Sangha to be sought for approval. The Sayadaws also made a decision on extending the span of the Administration Boards of the State Pariyatti Sasana Tekkathos and the meeting came to a close in the evening. U Aye Tin-Daw Kyu Kyu (Hinthamin Book Binding) family of 141st Street, Tamway Township offered "soon" and dessert to the Sayadaws on 27 February and U Tin Moe-Daw Aye Yin and U Sein Win-Daw Myitzu Tun of Inya Road, Kamayut Township today.

Cash presented to Central Conference of Myanmar War Veteran Organization

Yangon, 28 Feb- A ceremony to present cash for holding of Central Conference of Myanmar War Veteran Organization for 2001 was held at MWVO Headquarters in Mayangon Township this afternoon. Present were members of Central Organizing Committee of MWVO, heads of departments, donors and guests. MWVO Central Conference Organizing Committee Secretary Minister U Aung Thaung extended greetings.

Asia World Co Ltd, Aryon Oo Co Ltd, Jadane Co Ltd and MPA-Allied Yangon Inland Container Deport Ltd presented K 500,000 each and International Myanma Port Thilawa (MITT), Myanma Railways Headquarters and Road Transport Administration Department K 100,000 each to Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun. Altogether 14 companies presented K 2.05 million to Minister U Aung Thaung and other nine companies K 900,000 to Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe. The ministers presented certificates of honour to the donors. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung and Vice Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo accepted K 2.7 million donated by Yangon City Development Committee, Mandalay City Development Committee and organizations. Mandalay City Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein accepted K 1.5 million donated by five companies. Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun spoke words of thanks. Altogether 36 organizations and companies presented K 9,650,000 for Central Conference of MWVO.

Minister inspects Winthuzar Shop

Yangon, 28 Feb- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, department heads, arrived at Winthuzar Shop near Hanthawady roundabout in Sangyoung Township this morning. The minister and party inspected extension of the building and site chosen for construction of new building. Managing Director of Myanma General and Maintenance Industries U Thaik Tun explained the construction of new building. The minister gave instructions.

Then, Minister U Aung Thaung met in-charge of shops and managers at briefing hall of the shop. Later, the minister inspected products of the ministry at the shop and gave instructions to officials. Minister U Aung Thaung and party went to Dagon Soft Drink and Ice Factory on U Wisara Road in Sangyoung Township. The minister and party inspected production of pure drinking water and plastic bottle for pure drinking water, quality control and packing of Dagon pure drinking water to be distributed. Then, Minister U Aung Thaung and party arrived at Soft Drink Factory and inspected soft-drink tins and production of Fruito, Fantasy, Orange, Pop Soda, Fantasy Lychee, Sparkling and Sport Plus tins. At the briefing hall, Minister U Aung Thaung met officials and gave instructions to officials.

Deputy Minister arrives back

Yangon,28 Feb- Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win arrived back here by air this afternoon after attending the International Conference on Globalization held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 26 to 27 February. The deputy minister was welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and heads of department.

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( 5 ) Commander inspects construction of highway bus terminal

Yangon, 28 Feb- Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Chairman Western Command Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, accompanied by Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Brig-Gen Than Tun and officials inspected the construction of the Yangon-Sittway highway bus terminal in Sittway on 25 February morning. Officials concerned reported on progress of works to the Commander after which the latter gave necessary instructions. Afterwards, the Commander and party proceeded to construction sites of Kandawgyi Lake extension project. Then, the Commander and party also inspected the unloading of 650 tons of raw salt from Nawarat vessel at Mingan jetty and construction of roads in industrial zone.

Commander inspects plantations, attends opening of Cyber English Course

Yangon, 28 Feb- Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, together with Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, senior military officers from Mandalay station, inspected the kitchen crops plantation of the command in the south of Nanmyo and plantations of the stations on 25 February morning. The commander also inspected the tax-free market at the west of Nanmyo and plantations of the stations around the moat. After leaving instructions there, the commander met with the entrepreneurs from the Mandalay Industrial Zone at Kanaung Hall of the zone.

He heard reports on construction of road and sewerage and development affairs by responsible officials and gave instructions. Afterwards, the commander inspected the construction of drain at No 2 Industrial Zone in Amarapura Township, refining of sugar, production of candles and production of bolts and nuts in No 1 Industrial Zone. On 26 February morning, the commander attended the closing ceremony of Cyber English Course No 1 and opening ceremony of Course No 2, organized by Mandalay University Human Resources Development Department and Myanmar-New Zealand Education Centre, at Mandalay City Hall. Chairman of MUHRDD Rector U Lu Ni delivered a speech and Vice-President Nick Randall of Dyned International Inc extended greetings. The commander and Rector U Han Tin of Yangon Institute of Education presented prizes to outstanding students. Altogether 60 students are attending the course.

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( 6 ) Yangon Mayor inspects Hanthawady tax-free market

Yangon, 28 Feb- Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay and officials inspected Hanthawady seedlings centre on Kyundaw Street and Hanthawady tax-free market this morning. Head of Gardens and Playgrounds Department U Nyunt Pe and officials reported on cultivation of vegetables under Green House method, sale at the tax-free market and arrangements. The mayor and officials inspected Hanthawady tax free-market. Head of Markets Department U Soe Myint, Head of Production Section Major Tin Pe and officials reported on sale of vegetables, meat and fish. The mayor cordially met with shoppers and gave necessary instructions.

Anti-drug officials visit Youth Rehabilitation Centre

Yangon, 28 Feb- Secretary of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Police Maj-Gen Soe Win together with Resident Representative of United Nations Drug Control Programme Mr Jean Luc Lemennieu, Assistant Resident Representative Mr Gulliume Le Hegret, Additional Secretary of CCDAC Police Col Kham Aung and officials arrived at Shwepyitha Youth Rehabilitation Centre, Wethtikan, Pyay Township, Bago Division, yesterday noon. Police Maj-Gen Soe Win explained the purpose of inviting the officials of UNDCP to the centre. Then, Police Col Kham Aung briefed them on history of the centre and efforts for eradication of narcotic drugs abuse in Myanmar. The officials replied queries raised by the resident representatives. The Police Maj-Gen and the representatives visited the trainees of the centre at their hostels, and inspected the ward, library of Social Welfare Department, lathe workshop, agriculture, livestock breeding and rice milling machine of Science and Technology Department and intensive care ward.

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( 7 ) Central Executive Committee of MWJA meets

Yangon, 28 Feb - The Central Executive Committee of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association held its meeting No 2/2001 at the meeting hall of MWJA Office this morning. Present were Chair- man of MWJA U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), Vice-Chairman-1 U Tin Kha (Tekkatho Tin Kha), Vice-Chairman-2 U Than Maung (Than Maung), Vice-Chairman-3 Col Myint Thein (Myint Thein-Maubin), Secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay) and CEC members. Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) made a speech. Secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay) reported on work done. Then, members of various work groups took part in the discussions. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the Chairman.

Graduation of nurses training school held in Kengtung

Yangon, 28 Feb- The seventh cap presentation to the nurses of Nurses Training School of Medical Science Department of the Ministry of Health in Kengtung was held in conjunction with prize presentation ceremony to outstanding nurses at Town Hall in Kengtung on 23 February. Present were Chairman of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Commander of Triangle Region Command Maj-Gen Thein Sein, local authorities, departmental personnel, officials of social organizations, townselders, trainees and guests.

Violin concert presented

Yangon, 28 Feb-n Under the cultural exchange programme between Myanmar and Japan, a violin concert by violinist Ms Atsuko Temma and pianist Mr Masaaki Hirasawa of Japan was held at National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street this evening. Present on the occasion were Minister for Culture U Win Sein, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, departmental officials, the Rector and the Pro-Rector of University of Culture (Yangon), faculty members and students , and guests.

Foodstuffs for Tatmadawmen in forward areas

Yangon, 28 Feb- Well-wishers are donating cash and kind for Tatmadaw members in forward areas through the Office of the Strategic Studies of Ministry of Defence. Foodstuffs to be sent to forward areas are being packed at Tatmadaw Guest House this morning.

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