( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends message of congratulations to Israeli Prime Minister

Yangon, 9 March- Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of congratulations to His Excellency Mr Ariel Sharon on his assumption of the Office of the Prime Minister of the State of Israel on 7 March 2001.

Devotees throng Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image

Yangon, 9 March- Members of the Sangha and pilgrims thronged Mindhamma Hill on which Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image is kept, in Insein Township, today. Wut associations recited religious verses. Stone sculptor Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara Sayagyi U Taw Taw and sons were carving the Image from the morning to evening. Myanmar handicraft technician U Ohn Tin and party carried out construction work of nine tiered structures to be installed at Kandakutitaik and painting work at southern and northern stairways. Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Information and Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon opened bookshops and souvenir shops on the hill. Donations to the funds of the Image made by wellwishers amounted to K 153,614,771 from 5 August 2000 to date.

Devotees pay homage to Shwehtidaw of Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda

Yangon, 9 March- The Chanthagyi Tazaung at Yahu (North-West) Corner of the Shwedagon Pagoda in which Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and Shwehtidaw, which will be hoisted atop the Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda, are being kept for public obeisance was crowded with members of the Sangha, nuns and devout people today. The visitors donated K 881,483 and 49 various kinds of jewellery to the Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda yesterday. The objects will be kept there until 16 March for public obeisance.

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( 2 ) Study tour experience of Indian IT Parks and Software Parks recounted

Yangon, 9 March - A ceremony to recount the experience of a study tour made in India from 16 to 23 February 2001 by a 16-member information technology study group led by Secretary of Myanmar Computer Technology Development Council Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Hlaing Win and to present measures being taken for establishment of ICT Park (Information and Communication Technology Park) in Myanmar was held at Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road this evening.

Chairman of Myanmar Computer Technology Development Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony. Also present were Deputy Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Defence and Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, members of the study group led by Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Hlaing Win and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office. Deputy Minister U Hlaing Win recounted the experience of the study tour. Chairman of Myanmar Computer Industry Association U Tin Win Aung reported on matters related to IT Parks and Software Parks in India, and Rector of Yangon University of Computer Studies Dr Paik Tin on matters pertaining to Indian Computer University.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions. U Aung Zaw Myint of Winner Computer Company reported on the establishment of ICT Park in Yangon. U Tin Win Aung of MCC explained matters related to the formation of a company and monetary contributions. Then, U Pyone Maung Maung of CE Technology also reported on the benefits gained from the study tour of Indian ICT Parks for the establishment of Myanmar ICT Park. Then, the Secretary-1 gave instructions.

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( 3 ) Agriculture & Irrigation Minister inspects coffee growing, production in PyinOoLwin

Yangon, 9 March- Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, accompanied by departmental officials, met coffee growers of PyinOoLwin, Kyaukme and Nawngkhio townships at Hsingaunglay Village region in PyinOoLwin Township yesterday morning.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said vacant and virgin lands around PyinOoLwin have been allotted to growers so as to transform PyinOoLwin a Coffee City; the State and the ministry are undertaking cultivation of coffee on a commercial scale; similarly, distribution of quality strains, water availability and cultivable areas not only for coffee but also for tea at surrounding areas of PyinOoLwin were inspected; and assistance will be provided to growers by the respective departments. Coffee farm owners and entrepreneurs reported to the minister on difficulties. Directors-general and managing directors under the ministry briefed then on quality strains, fertilizers, pesticide, equipment and water supply.

Then, the minister inspected 450 acres of coffee saplings and shady trees out of the 700 acres of private coffee growers. After that, the minister met perennial crops growers, who will plant coffee and perennial crops on virgin lands, near Inwaing Village in Nawngkhio Township. Then, the minister inspected the Coffee Factory of Myanma Farms Enterprise in PyinOoLwin and production of instant coffee and instant tea, coffeemix and teamix of the factory in Pwaydaung Coffee Farm. Next, the minister inspected Doegwin Horticultural Research Farm.

Minister inspects market festival in compound of Ministry of Industry-1

\Yangon, 9 March- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win and departmental heads, inspected preparations for serving Studitha to employees of the ministry as a gesture hailing the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and the market festival of six enterprises under the ministry in the compound of the Ministry of Industry-1, this morning. At 9.30 am, the lucky draw programme for personnel of the ministry was held. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun formally started the programme. The Ministry of Industry-1 held the market festival and Studitha serving programmes so as to enable service personnel to boost production. Out of 3,102 personnel in the compound of the ministry, 1,480 personnel won lucky draws. On 15 March, the lucky draw programme will be held for remaining personnel. During the lucky draw programme, employees thronged booths of enterprises to buy products of the ministry.

Minister inspects construction of Ayeyawady River Bridge (Magway)

Yangon, 9 March-  Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials of Public Works, arrived at the construction site of Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway) in Magway on 7 March morning. Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Deputy Chief Engineer (Project) U Han Zaw and Magway Division Superintending Engineer U Tint Lwin welcomed the minister and party. In the briefing hall, Deputy Chief Engineer (Project) U Han Zaw reported on progress of construction work of the bridge and use of heavy machinery.

The minister urged all to carry out construction work related to piers, bore pile caps and shafts industriously before the rainy season sets in, to build the bridge in accord with the set standard and to minimize loss and wastage in using construction materials, and inspected the construction site. Ayeyawady River Bridge (Magway), spanning the Ayeyawady, will link Magway and Minbu. The bridge will be 8,989 feet long Ñ a 6,969-foot-long main bridge, a 1,075-foot-long approach road on Magway bank and a 945-foot-long approach road on Minbu bank. The lower structure of the bridge will be built of reinforced concrete bore piles, and the upper one of steel frames. The bridge has a 20-foot-wide motor road and two six-foot-wide pedestrian lanes on both sides of the bridge. It can withstand 60-ton loads. The minister and party inspected Magway-Taunggyi and Taungdwingyi-Taungnyo-Pyinmana road sections.

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( 4 )  Minister inspects forest plantations and extraction

Yangon, 9 March- Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone, accompanied by officials, inspected tasks on conservation of forest, agriculture, livestock and watershed being jointly undertaken by the Forest Department and Karamosia International of Japan at Inlay Khaungdaing on 7 March.

Before meeting with the Commander of Eastern Command in Taunggyi, and discussing and coordinating matters on regional development, the minister also inspected the forest conservation work within 20-mile parameter of Inlay Lake region and the timber shops.Then, the minister also met with service personnel of Forest Department and Myanma Timber Enterprise and officials at Shan State Myanma Timber Enterprise Manager's Office and gave instructions.

Minister previews Myanma Gems Emporium

Yangon, 9 March- Patron of the 38th Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, accompanied by officials, arrived at Myanma Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road at 3 pm today to preview the 38th Myanma Gems Emporium there. They were welcomed there by Chairman of the 38th Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein, Secretary Managing Director of Myanma Gems Enterprise U Khin Oo and members.

The minister and party inspected jade figurines, jade carvings, jade lots, jewellery lots, pearl lots, uncut jade and others which are to be sold at fixed price. Then, the Central Committee held its second meeting at Myanma Gems Mart with an address by Patron of the 38th Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint. The minister urged those concerned to cooperate in the task based on the past experience in order to realize the aim of the emporium, and to make more earnings from the sale of gems and jewellery as in the previous years. Officials reported on work being carried out subcommittee-wise for holding the emporium, and the replies of foreign gems merchants to attend the emporium, followed by a general round of discussions.

Summer sports courses open

Yangon, 9 March- A ceremony to open summer sports courses for the Year 2001 was held at Aung San Gymnasium, here, at 4 pm, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint. Also present at the ceremony were Secretary of MOC Director-General of Sports and Physical Education Department U Thaung Htaik and officials, the chairman of Myanmar Sports Federation and secretary and official, guests and trainees. The courses will be opened until 6 April.

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( 5 ) Commander inspects zoo, health care works in Mandalay

Yangon, 9 March- Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Central Command Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, together with Mandalay City Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein and officials inspected Yadanabon Zoological Garden at the foot of Mandalay hill at 8 am on 7 March. Afterwards, the commander proceeded to construction site of Rehabilitation Hospital at Mandalay General Hospital. Later, he viewed cleft lip and cleft palate operations jointly performed by American Interplast Surgical Team and a Myanmar Surgical Team at Uro-surgical Unit of Mandalay General Hospital. The former was led by Dr Debra Johnson and the latter by Facio-maxillary and Plastic Surgical Specialist Dr Daw Nu Nu Yi. Out of 110 cleft lip and cleft palate patients, 85 have undergone the operations so far.

Commander meets officials, local people in Ayeyawady Division

Yangon, 9 March- Members of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council, division level departmental officials, social organizations, members Chamber of Commerce and Industry and townselders held a coordination meeting at the Town Hall in Pathein on 7 March morning. Present on the occasion were Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Chairman South-West Command Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Tint Swe, military officers, local authorities, and division level departmental officials.

The commander gave an opening speech. Then the discussions followed. The commander presented souvenir to Hinthada District Peace and Development Council which has provided assistance to victorious Ayeyawady Division Under-21 Soccer Team. District Chairman Lt-Col Win Htein accepted the souvenir. Then, the commander accepted cash and medicines worth K 1.04 million donated by wellwishers. Division Police Commander Police Col Than Tun presented K 3.1 million to purchase medical equipment donated by Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council to Medical Superintendent Dr Khin Maung Tin of Pathein General Hospital. Division Commissioner U Than Win of General Administration Department presented K 260,000 for day-care schools to Head of Division Social Welfare Department Dr Yi Yi Myint. In the afternoon, the commander attended the coordination meeting on development tasks.

Commander tours Thanatpin Township

Yangon, 9 March- Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Maj-Gen Tin Aye, together with departmental heads, inspected plantations of petishwewah and green gram and summer paddy fields at Nyankyun Village-tract, Thanatpin Township, on 6 March. The commander gave instructions to the officials. Then, the commander met with local farmers at the Affiliated Basic Education Middle School of Nyankyun Village. The commander urged local people and departmental personnel to cooperate in working for regional development and extension of cultivation work, and attended to their needs. The commander also inspected the paddy purchasing depot of Kywete Village, erosion of the river bank near Kywete Village, progress of cultivation and the digging of drains, and fulfilled requirements. Later, the commander inspected the sluice gate in Minn Village, the power river-water pumping project in Khayan Nyaungbin Village and Sittaung Canal.

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( 6 ) Mayor visits Uto-Kya-Inn agricultural farm in Taikkyi Township

Yangon, 9 March- Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, together with officials, inspected Uto-Kya-Inn agricultural farms being undertaken by YCDC in Taikkyi Township this morning. The mayor inspected the milling of green gram, progress of summer paddy cultivation, the milling of rice at the rice mill, production of firewood substitute briquette, patches of kitchen crops and reclamation of land. Later, the mayor inspected the construction site of Head Regulator, and gave instructions on the work.

Traffic Rules Enforcement Supervisory Committee meets

Yangon, 9 March -  Traffic Rules Enforcement Supervisory Committee held its 89th meeting at Road Transport Administration Department this afternoon. Present at the meeting were Chairman of the Committee Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo and members, subcommittee members and officials. Brig-Gen Maung Nyo said traffic rules enforcement task has been carried out continuously with greater momentum. Songs and programmes on traffic rules enforcement are being aired from TV and radio and articles on it are being featured in dailies and other periodicals. Plans should be laid down to reduce the number of traffic accidents and to promote education campaigns. Projects should be laid down to prevent traffic accidents and to ensure traffic rules. Joint Secretary of the Committee Police Lt-Col Aung Naing reported to the meeting on accomplishments of the Committee during the period from January 2001 to February 2001. Officials of the Committee and the respective subcommittees then took part in the discussions. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by Brig-Gen Maung Nyo.

Exhibition Committee for Drug Elimination Museum holds coord meeting

Yangon, 9 March- The Exhibition Committee for Drug Elimination Museum held a coordination meeting at the meeting hall of the museum at the corner of Hanthawady and Kyundaw Streets in Kamayut Township this afternoon. Present on the occasion were officials of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control, departmental officials, members of Exhibition Committee for Drug Elimination Museum and guests.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of the Exhibition Committee for Drug Elimination Museum Secretary of CCDAC Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win said that work groups must take approval for display of respective booths with scale models in time; historical evidences and true materials are to be collected and exhibited at the museum; and he stressed the need to display documents at the museum as international level one. Then, those present took part in the discussions. The secretary of CCDAC gave necessary instruction.

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( 7 ) Malaysian Minister tours Mandalay, Sagaing Divisions

Yangon, 9 March- The Malaysian delegation led by Minister of Culture, Fine Arts and Tourism of Malaysia Mr Dato' Abdul Kadir Bin Haji Sheikh Fadzir, at the invitation of the minister for Hotels and Tourism, together with Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt and officials, arrived at Bagan-NyaungU by air on 6 March morning.

They visited the Shwezigon Pagoda, the Arnanda Pagoda, Archaeological Museum, lacquerware workshop and other interesting sites in Bagan. They visited Mount Popa in the afternoon and then proceeded to Mandalay by car in the evening. On 7 March morning, they visited Mandalay Hill and Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay and viewed Myanmar artistic workshops -Lunyagyaw Gold embroidery Workshop, sculpture workshop and stone sculpture workshop.

In the afternoon, they visited the Mahamyatmuni Pagoda in Mandalay and U Pain Bridge in Amarapura and historic cultural sites in Sagaing. They left-Mandalay for Yangon by air in the evening.

Seminar on AFTA process begins

Yangon, 9 March - A seminar on AFTA Process, jointly organized by Myanmar Strategic and International Studies, Sasakawa Peace Foundation and National AFTA Unit, was held at the Traders Hotel, Yangon today. It was attended by Director-General of MSIS of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Aye Lwin, Director-General of National AFTA Unit U Maung Maung Yi, officials of Myanmar Strategic and International Studies, Vice-President of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Htein Win, departmental personnel, entrepreneurs and officials of the private sector. Director-General U Aye Lwin, on behalf of Myanmar Strategic and International Studies, and Acting Director of Sasakawa Peace Foundation Mr Lau Sim Yee gave speeches. The seminar continues till 10 March.

AWB and Lucky Tractor Co Ltd sign contract

Yangon, 9 March- Asia Wealth Bank Ltd and Lucky Tractor Co Ltd signed a contract to sell Lucky tractors produced by Lucky Tractor Co Ltd to farmers of Shan State (South) through AWB at the meeting hall of AWB (Head Office) on Strand Road in Ahlon Township this morning, attended by Deputy Attorney-General U Khin Maung Aye and responsible personnel, businessmen, officials of AWB and Lucky Tractor Co Ltd, and guests.

Vice-President of AWB U Aik Tun extended greetings and explained the history and services of the bank with the help of audio-visual aids. Vice-President of AWB U Aik Tun and Chairman of Lucky Tractor Co Ltd U Hlaing Hein signed the contract. The Chairman of Lucky Tractor Co Ltd expressed thanks.

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( 8 ) Blood donated in honour of Armed Forces Day

Yangon, 9 March - Hailing the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, 80 members of Hlinethaya Township Union Solidarity and Development Association, Yangon North District, collectively donated blood at the blood bank of Defence Services General Hospital in Mingaladon this morning. Registrar of DSGH Lt-Col Thant Zin thanked the donors. Head of Pathology Department Lt-Col Nyan Htein Win explained facts concerning the blood donors. The certificates of honour were presented to the donors.

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