( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing offer "soon" to Sayadaws 

Yangon, 7 March- With the patronage of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing, family members of the State Peace and Development Council and Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) offered "soon" to the State Ovadacariya Sayadaws, member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, members of Central Working Committee of the Sangha and religious title recipient Sayadaws at the Tatmadaw Dhammayon in Bahan Township this morning. 

Present were the State Ovadacariya Sayadaws, member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, members of Central Working Committee of the Sangha and religious title recipient Sayadaws and nuns, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint and their wives, members of the State Peace and Development Council and their wives, Deputy Prime Ministers Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin and Lt-Gen Tin Tun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Lt-Gen Tin Hla, the ministers and their wives, the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, the Auditor-General, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, senior officers of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air), heads of department and guests. Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council Office U Arnt Maung acted master of ceremonies. Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Mandalay Masoyein Taikthit Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa, administered the Five Precepts to the congregation. Members of the Sangha recited Metta Sutta. Senior General Than Shwe and party presented offertories to the Sayadaws. 

Next, Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Ratha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara delivered a sermon. After the ceremony, Senior General Than Shwe and party offered "soon" to the Sayadaws.

up
___________________________

( 2 )  Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image crowded with devotees

Yangon, 7 March- The members of the Sangha, foreigners, devotees and pilgrims from far and wide were seen making donations at the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image at Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township today. In memory of late son Ko Zin Wai Maung, Myanmar Ambassador to Malaysia U Hla Maung and Daw Thandar Khin (Thiri Thandar Motion Picture Production) presented K 200,000 for the decoration work and K 500,000 for the stone sculptures to the officials. Altogether 15 pilgrims including nine from Bangladesh presented K 60,000 to the officials. Likewise, 35 Lisu nationals from Mogok paid obeisance to the image and made donations. Stone Sculpture Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Taw Taw and sons, the engineers and workers of Buildings Construction Project Special Group-2 of Public Works, Myanmar handicraft technicians U Ohn Tin and group, and U Hla Kyu and group were carrying out tasks to be completed in time. Wut associations recited parittas from morning till night daily in turn. Bookshops of Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Information sold various kinds of books on knowledge. Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon (Central) opened a souvenir shop there. Donation Centre is open from 7 am to 9 pm daily and donations made by the public have amounted to K 151,944,852 from 5 August 2000 to date.

Seinbudaw, hngetmyatnadaw and shwehtidaw of Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda arrive in Yangon

Yangon, 7 March- Under the programme of conveying the seinbudaw, hngetmyatnadaw and shwehtidaw, which will be hoisted atop Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda, to Yangon for public obeisance, the objects were conveyed from Kyaikhti-hsaung Pagoda in Zokethoke Village, Bilin Township, Thaton District, Mon State, to Yangon by car, and the objects arrived at Eastern Stairway of the Shwedagon Pagoda at 6.45 pm today. The objects were welcomed there by Chairman of Work Committee for All-round Renovation and Htidaw Hoisting of Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Vice-Chairman Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge and members, members of the Shwedagon Pagoda Board of Trustees and members of religious associations. Led by members of the Sangha of Nikaya Sarthintaik in Dagon Myothit (South) Township, the deputy ministers and officials conveyed the seinbudaw, hngetmyatnadaw and shwehtidaw around the pagoda clockwise. The objects are being kept in Htidipan Tazaung at the Sunday (north-east) Corner of the pagoda for public obeisance.

Kayin State traditional medical practitioners adopt work guidelines

Yangon, 7 March - Traditional medical practitioners of Kayin State organized a meeting to show their support for adopting Senior General Than Shwe's guidance in the message to the opening ceremony of Traditional Medical Practitioners Conference as work guidelines as well as the counsel of Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt in the opening address. The meeting was held in Zwegabin Hall in Hpa-an, Kayin State on 4 March. Present were Secretary of Kayin State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Win Maung and members, Chairman of Hpa-an District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Soe Myint Aung and members, Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Hla Yi and members, division-level officials, guests and traditional medical practitioners of Hpa-an, Papun, Kawkareik, Thandaung, Myawady and Kya-in-Seikkyi townships.

U Chit Thein Khaing of Hpa-an presided over the meeting. U Tun Nyunt, U Saw Khin Maung, U Naing Chit Htwe, U Mahn Htay Lwin, U Bo Gyi, U Tun Yi, U Kyaw Aye and U Win Maung were members of the panel of chairmen. U Saw Lun Shwe and U Saw Hla Aye were joint masters of ceremonies. The meeting chairman U Chit Thein Khaing gave a speech. U Saw Yin Lun Shwe tabled a motion "to adopt the guidance of State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe in his message sent to the Conference on 19 December 2000 as the work guidelines by all traditional medical practitioners". U Saw Aung Kyaw seconded the motion. U Mya Aung tabled a motion "To adopt the counsel of National Health Committee Chairman State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt in his address at the opening of the Conference as future task for all traditional practitioners".

U Aye Han seconded the motion. U Khun Thaung Shwe tabled a motion "To put on record the resolution, minutes and approvals of the Conference. U Ko Ko Lay seconded the motion. Daw Nant Tin Tin Win tabled a motion "To wipe out all hindrance in forming the Myanmar Traditional Medical Practitioners Association". Daw Nant Nu Nu Tin seconded the motion. U Than Win tabled a motion "To approve the motions tabled and seconded at the meeting. U Saw Pan Shwe Kya seconded the motion. Then, the meeting chairman approved the motions, after which the meeting came to a close with his concluding remarks.

up

___________________________

( 3 ) Staff urged to strive for rural development 

Yangon, 7 March - Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing met staff of departments under his ministry in Lashed in Shan State (North) on 4 March. He urged them to strive actively to realize the objectives of the departments to organize themselves into a reserve force for national defence, to successfully implement the tasks laid down at the four-monthly meeting and to work for the development of villages. Accompanied by officials, the minister visited police stations and families in PyinOoLwin, Mandalay Division. During inspection of Police Training Center, the minister met officials and course instructors. Yesterday, the minister met staff and families of Pyigyitagon and Chanmyathazi Township General Administration Department offices in Mandalay District.

Commander tours Areaway Division 

Yangon, 7 March- Chairman of Areaway Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Man-Gen Thorax She Mann, together with Chairman of Hothead District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Win Hein and officials, inspected Yangon Cement Plant of Myanmar Ceramics Industries of the Ministry of Industry-1 on 4 March morning. 

The plant manager and officials conducted the commander round the plant, and the commander gave instructions. The commander met with Chairman of Yangon Township Peace and Development Council U Mint Thin and officials at the office of the council. He gave instructions on agriculture and livestock breeding and development work and attended to their needs. The commander heard a report on work being carried out at Seethe Methanol Plant in Yangon Township by the plant manager and fulfilled the requirements. Then, he inspected the poultry farms and met with the staff. In the afternoon, the commander inspected preventive measures against bank erosion, maintenance of waterway and plantations on sand bank along the Areaway river by boat. He met with members of Meaning Township and village-tract Peace and Development Councils, departmental personnel, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association and local peasants. 

On 5 March morning, the commander met with local authorities and departmental personnel in Hothead Township and gave instructions on work being carried out for regional development. He then attended the nursery festival of Hothead District and Township, Forestry Department, in Hothead Township. Later, the commander and party met with township level departmental officials at the office of Kyonpyaw Township Peace and Development Council and with departmental personnel and towns elders at the Auxiliary Fire station of Tahoka, Yucky Township, and gave instructions on regional development and attended to the needs.

Agricultural works inspected in Magway Township

Yangon, 7 March- Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, together with departmental heads, inspected plantations of castor, cow pea and melon and vegetable patches on the sand bank of Ayeyawady River, Magway Township, being undertaken by the departments on 3 March morning.

The chairman then inspected plantations of perennial crops, which are thriving, and poultry farming of nursery shop being undertaken near Magway Lake of Magway District and Township Peace and Development Councils. He gave instructions to the officials. They proceeded to Myinkin Kanpya Water-pumping Project where they were reported by the officials of Water Resources Utilization Department on renovation of canals, pumps and lakes for irrigation in 2001-2002. The chairman gave instructions and inspected summer paddy fields and cotton plantations of Myanma Cotton and Sericulture Enterprise of Magway Division. On 4 March, the chairman inspected the finishing touches of Anawrahta Bridge (Chauk) and left instructions. Later, the chairman arrived at Man Shwesettaw Pagoda in Minbu (Sagu) Township and inspected construction of retaining wall of Upper Foot Print Pagoda and arrangements for the convenience of pilgrims. The commander cordially greeted the pilgrims.

Commander inspects summer paddy, canals in Thanatpin, Kawa Township

Yangon, 7 March-Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Maj-Gen Tin Aye inspected thriving of summer paddy in Thanatpin Township, Bago Division on 5 March. Accompanied by officials, the commander met with farmers of Kyaikpadine, Kyaukme, Moekhinelay, Moekhinegyi, Htaungmin, Paine and Seibu Villages at Aungchantha Village and gave instructions on extension of sown acreage, meeting the set time, and taking advice on work experience.

In the afternoon, the commander and party looked into progress of construction of canals and dams in Kawa Township. At the briefing hall of Paingkyon Sluice Gate being built near Phalli Village in Kawa Township, the In-charge of the project of Irrigation Department reported on preparations being made for water supply to the farmlands to the commander who attended to the needs. Then, the commander and party paid obeisance to Historic Kyaikmettaw Pagoda in Phalli Village, Kyaikhto-Pathein Pagoda in Moe-Myanmar Moekayin Village, Kawa Township and inspected all-round renovation of the pagodas. The commander then fulfilled the requirements. After paying respects and presenting offertories to the Presiding Sayadaw of Moeganein Kyaung, the commander and party inspected construction of canals near Zwetaik Village, Kawa Township.

up
__________________________

( 4 )   Minister for Industry-1 receives Chinese guests

Yangon, 7 March- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung received President Mr Ren Hongbin of China National Constructional & Agricultural Machinery & Agricultural Machinery Import & Export Corporation, China and party at his office at 10.30 am today. Also present at the call were Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, the director-general and managing directors of industries and departments under the ministry.

Minister for Industry-1 inspects Garment Factories

Yangon, 7 March- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung and officials inspected Garment Factory No 8 in Mayangon Township this morning. The minister inspected environs of the factory, weaving and machines and gave instructions on cleanliness and fire preventive measures. The minister inspected netting of lace and met officials of the factory. He discussed supervision of finance and properties, observing policies of the ministry and discharging duties. The minister also inspected Garment Factory No 9 and 10 in Mayangon and Hline Townships. He presented cash to elderly service personnel. The minister discussed boosting production with officials.

Sea prawn breeding work inspected

Yangon, 7 March- Chairman of Meat and Fish Extended Production Committee Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe and Vice-Chairman Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, accompanied by members of extended prawn breeding, arrived at Wetkite Village, Letkhokkon Village-tract in Kungyangon Township, Yangon Division this afternoon. In the briefing hall of Prawn Breeding Camp of Winner Brothers International Co Ltd, officials reported on prawn breeding matters. the ministers gave necessary instructions. The ministers inspected digging of prawn ponds of Sun Light Company, breeding ponds of Pinlepyar Company, sea prawn breeding of Top Win Co Ltd and site chosen for construction of breeding camps near Thaungkon Village. In the afternoon, the ministers met with prawn breeding entrepreneurs of ten companies, which engeged in sea prawn breeding in Kyauktan Prawn Breeding Zone and attended to their needs.

up
__________________________

( 5 )  Diplomats briefed on incidents at Myanmar-Thai border

Yangon, 7 March- A briefing on incidents at the Myanmar-Thai border was given to the Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Yangon by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Wunzin Minyarzar Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 11 am today. Present were Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Yangon. Ambassador of Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Ly Bounkham and other Heads of Missions. During the meeting, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win briefed the diplomats with maps, photographs, and video clips and answered the queries raised by those present.

Seminar on e-Commerce Revolution Opportunities and Implications concludes

Yangon, 7 March- Seminar on e-Commerce Revolution Opportunities and Implications sponsored by Office of the Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Defence Services, Sasakawa Southeast Asia Cooperation Fund, Japan, Information & Resource Centre, Singapore and Bagan Cybertech Co Ltd, Myanmar concluded at Traders Hotel at 4.30 pm today.

Present on the occasion were Deputy Chief of Office of the Strategic Studies Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, the deputy ministers, the Heads of Office of the Strategic Studies and officials, departmental heads, ambassadors of foreign missions in Yangon and officials, officials of Myanmar Computer Federation and others. Chairman of e-National Task Force Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Hlaing Win, President of Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan Mr Akira Iriyama and Director of Information & Resource Centre, Singapore Mr M Rajaretnam made speeches. Before the closing ceremony, e-Economy, Infrastructure and Governance were discussed in the morning session. Rector of Institute of Computer Science Dr Paik Tin presided over the morning session, and Chief Executive of Nadi Institute of Information Technology, Malaysia Mr SN Siva presented paper on Education in e-Future, and Planning Director of PLDT Foundation, the Philippines Mr Rafael Lopa paper on Uses of the Internet for People Development. Resource persons answered the queries raised by those present. At 2 pm, the reviewing of paper on The Internet Economy took place in the afternoon session. Director of Information & Resource Centre, Singapore Mr M Rajaretnam chaired the afternoon session, followed by a general round of discussion.

Holding of seminar on Myanmar-Malaysia Economic Opportunities coordinated

Yangon, 7 March- A coodination meeting on holding of seminar on Myanmar-Malaysia Economic Opportunities was held at the Ministry of Commerce this evening. Present were Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Chairman of Myanmar Investment Commission Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, heads of departments, President of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and officials. Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone delivered a speech. Director-General of Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye reported on agenda. Those present took part in the discussions and the meeting ended with the concluding remarks by Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone.

up

___________________________

( 6 ) Armed Forces Day Short Story and Article Competition winners announced 

Yangon, 7 March-  Hailing the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day which falls on 27 March 2001, the Working Committee for Organizing the Poetry and Arts Competitions announced the winners of the competitions today. Altogether 187 short stories and 269 articles took part in respective levels. Ko Htway (Kalaw GTI) stood first in the Short Story level-1 contest, Min Beda (Pwintphyu) second, Tekkatho Hnin Wai third, and Pai Yun (UDE) stood first in Short Stories level-2 contest, Maung Soe Htaik (Thonze) second, Danubyu Than Swe Thit third, Aung Htut, Maung Kyin Na, Aung Myint Thaung (Geology), Maung Thet Hnin (N/Okka-lapa), Swe (Thuwunna), Thalla Maung Yin Khaing, Hmwe Nge Nge, Zalun Lwun Kyaw and Kyauk Pe Tin (In Shwe Le) were special prize winners. Naing Aung Swe stood first in Article level-1 contest, Tin Aye Hlaing second, Sukha Phone Myint third, and Win Naing (Myitkyina) stood first in level-2, Maung Lu Thant second, May Thiri Tun third and Hlaing Chit Zaw, Khin Aye Aye Han (Myawady TV), Nyunt Hlaing Win (Kunchangon), Thway Thit Wai (Ayeyawady), Khin Maung Yin (Hinthada), Maung Soe Htaik (Thonze), Aye Myat Myat (UFL), Nyein Thit, Aung Kyaw Zaw (Civil), Wint Thu Win won special prizes. First, second and third prizes will be presented to winners at the prize presentation ceremony to mark the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, here, on 27 March 2001 and the winners are to personally contact Secretary of the Sub-committee for Organizing the Literary and Photo Competition U Ko Ko Htway, Myanma Radio and Television on Pyay Road, on 23 March 2001 (Friday).

Armed Forces Day Commemorative Essay, Poetry Competitions winners announced

Yangon, 7 March- The Committee for Organizing the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Literary and Arts Competitions announced the lists of winners in the Essay and Poetry Competitions in University, College, Institute, Basic Education High and Middle School Levels today. University, College and Institute level Cadet Saw Kyi Than, final year (civil engineering), Defence Services Institute of Technology, was first in Essay Competition, Ma Saw Einder Thet Maung, second year (Myanmar)of Bago Degree College, second and cadet Thin Min San, second year (mathematics) of Defence Services Academy, third and other 10 won consolation prizes.

Ma Saw Einder Thet Maung, second year (Mynamar), of Bago Degree College, was first in Poetry Competition, Cadet Aunt Kop Kop Thet, third year (mechanical engineering), SIT, second and Maung Yaw Min Aunt, fourth year, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, third and 10 others won consolation prizes. BASH level Ma Humana, ninth standard student of Nyaunglebin BASH No 1, was first in Essay Competition, Ma Chafing She Lin, Ninth Standard student of Lockjaw BASH No 4, second and Maung Sue Chant, Ninth Standard student of Sagaing BEHS No 3, third and 10 consolation prize winners. Ma Kay Kay Zin, Eighth Standard student of Pathein BEMS No 6, was first in Poetry Competition, Ma Aye Nyein Thu, Tenth Standard student of Chanayethazan BEHS No 22, second and Maung Kun Sai Han, Ninth Standard student of South Okkalapa BEHS No 2, third and 10 consolation prize winners. BEMS level Ma Enzali Lat, Seventh Standard student of Nyaung-lebin BEHS No 1, was first in Essay Competition, Ma Zalat Phyu, Seventh Standard student of Magway BEMS No 1, second and Ma Thinzar Aung, Seventh Standard student of Shwepyitha BEHS No 1, third and 10 consolation prize winners.

Ma Aye Pyi Phyo, Seventh Standard student of Dawei BEMS No 1, was first in Poetry Competition, Maung Pyi Sone Aung, Seventh Standard student of Pathein BEMS No 6, second and Ma Ei Thiri Win, Sixth Standard student of Bago BEHS No 1, third and 10 consolation prize winners. The first, second and third prize winners will be awarded on 27 March 2001(Armed Forces Day). The winners of University, College and Institute level themselves must enlist at Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar), Thaton Street, Kamayut, and winners of BEHS and BEMS levels to the Headmaster, Sangyoung BEHS No 1. The consolation prize winners will be presented at the respective military commands and LIDs on the same day.

up

___________________________

( 7 ) Building of Chindwin River Bridge in progress

Yangon, 7 March - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials of Public Works, inspected Ayeyawady River Bridge (Mandalay) Project yesterday. Officials reported to the minister on the sites chosen to build the bridge on Shwekyetyet bank at Mandalay and the other bank at Sagaing. The minister gave suggestions. In Monywa Township, the minister and party inspected Chindwin River Bridge (Monywa). Building of the 4,910 feet long bridge started on 9 December 2000. It will have a 28-foot wide motorway when completed. The clearance will be 40 feet high and the waterway under it will be 314.88 feet wide. The minister and party also inspected Monywa-Pakokku Road and Anawrahta Bridge (Chauk) projects.

 up

___________________________

( 8 ) Foodstuffs donated by wellwishers handed over to Tatmadawmen

Yangon, 7 March- Well-wishers are presenting foodstuffs and gifts to the Tatmadawmen discharging duties in remote forward areas and border areas upholding Our Three Main National Causes. A group headed by General Staff Officer (Grade I) Lt-Col San Pwint of Directorate of Defence Services Intelligence transported the foodstuffs donated by the people to the Tatmadawmen for the third time.

The foodstuffs were freighted by Tatmadaw aircraft this morning to Monghsat. Before airlifting the foodstuffs, Deputy Chief of Office of Strategic Studies Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win inspected them and gave instructions to officials at Mingaladon Air Base Headquarters. On arrival at Monghsat Airport, Lt-Col San Pwint and party were welcomed by Brig-Gen Tun Tun of Monghsat Station and military officers. Afterwards, Lt-Col San Pwint and party handed over the foodstuffs and gifts which are included 17 tins of assorted traditional medicines, 20 bags of dried noodles, 17 chicken cans, 50 boxes of Mamee noodle packets, 20 boxes of VeVe soft drinks, ten boxes of cigarette cartoons, ten boxes of Super One coffeemix packets and ten bags of Oishi fried potato chips weighing 2.5143 tons to Brig-Gen Tun Tun at Yangyi Aung Station Hall. Later, Lt-Col San Pwint explained the purpose of the donations and benevolence of the people. Brig-Gen Tun Tun spoke words of thanks. Lt-Col San Pwint and party made arrangements to send the donations to Tatmadawmen in front-line areas.

___________________________