( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party pay homage to Shwekyin Sasanabaing Sayadawgyi at Defence Services General Hospital

Yangon, 11 March- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing paid homage to State Ovadacariya Nyaungshwe Kangyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik Presiding Nayaka Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamajotika Shwekyin Nikaya Adhipati Chairman Dhammasenapati Shwekyin Sasanabaing Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vima-labhivamsa receiving medical treatment at Defence Services General Hospital (Mingala-don) yesterday evening and asked after the Sayadaw's health.

At 5 pm, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing, together with Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint and wife Daw Khin Cho Oo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Lt-Gen Tin Hla and wife Daw Win Kyi, arrived at Zetawun Hall of the Defence Services General Hospital where they were welcomed by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Director of Medical Services of the Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Mya Thein Han, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein and Commandant of DSGH Col Tin Thein Lwin.

First, Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party paid homage to Nyaungshwe Kangyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik Presiding Nayaka Shwekyin Sasanabaing Sayadawgyi and asked after the health of the Sayadaw. Then, Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party offered robes to the Sayadawgyi and left Zetawun Hall of the Hospital at 6 pm.

State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Mauritius

Yangon, 12 March-Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a massage of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Cassam Uteem, President of the Republic of Mauritius, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Mauritius which falls on 12 March 2001.

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( 2 ) Shwehtidaw-hoisting ceremony of Aungbodhi Hsutaungpyi Pagoda held

Yangon, 11 March - A ceremony to hoist Shwehtidaw atop Aungbodhi Hsutaungpyi Pagoda and consecrate the pagoda in Dagon Myothit (South) Township, Yangon Division, was held at the pagoda this morning. Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe attended the ceremony and offered Seinbudaw of the pagoda to the Chairman Sayadaw of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, and Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt supplicated on religious affairs and offered Seinbudaw to the pagoda.

Also present were Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Myingyan Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita, member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Tipitakadhara Saya-daws, Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw, member Sayadaws of Division and Township Sangha Nayaka Committees of All Ganas, Daw Mya Mya San, wife of Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, Daw Khin Than Nwe, wife of Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Daw Khin Cho Oo, wife of Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint, members of the State Peace and Development Council and their wives, wives of deputy prime ministers, ministers, the Yangon Mayor, deputy ministers, the deputy commander, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, division, district and township authorities, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade members, guests and local people.

Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Aungmyaybonsan Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panindabhivamsa invested the congregation with the Nine Precepts. Upathakas offered Paritta flowers, water, sand and threads to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha. The Sayadaws and members of the Sangha recited Parittas. Then, Uppathakas sprinkled Paritta water and sand and tied flowers and threads within the precincts of the pagoda. Daw Kyaing Kyaing offered Seinbudaw and alms, Daw Mya Mya San, Hngetmyatnadaw and alms, the Secretary-1, Zunbons and alms, Daw Khin Than Nwe, Hsatthaphudaw and alms, Daw Khin Cho Oo, Shwekyathingan, Sasana Flag and alms, Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and wife Daw Malar Tint, ninth tier of Shwehtidaw and alms, and the ministers, tiers of Shwehtidaw, to the Sayadaws.

The Secretary-1 accepted the donations. In his supplication, the Secretary-1 said that at the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Chairman Sayadaw's request for a religious plot where a pagoda could be built as there was no big pagoda in Dagon Myothit (South) Township, the State donated a 4.18-acre plot of land at Ward-20, Dagon Myothit South Township. According to the Ovada of the Chairman Sayadaw, Aungbodhi Hsutaungpyi Pagoda Building Committee was formed to build Aungbodhi Hsutaungpyi Pagoda, 81 feet in height, which resembles the Shwedagon Pagoda. Then, the leading committee with the panel of patrons Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, the minister for construction, the minister for religious affairs, the Yangon Mayor and the deputy commander of Yangon Command, and other work committees were also formed.

On 17-5-2000, the cornerstone-laying ceremony for the building of the pagoda was held. At first, a plan was laid down to build the pagoda in two years with the donations of the people amounting to about K 27 million. Disciple of the Chairman Sayadaw Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pa–adipa provided assistance, Dr U Khin Shwe of Zegaba Company donated construction materials worth over K 10 million. Therefore, the construction of the pagoda have been completed in ten months.

On 25-2-2001, the ceremony to enshrining sacred objects into the pagoda and to put up Panledaing was held. Now the Buddhist devotees of Dagon Myothit (South) Township are feeling happy at the thought that they can hold Buddha Pujaniya Festival every year. Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panadipa delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits. Leader of the architecture engineering group U Saw Aye transferred the care of the pagoda to the pagoda donors. Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko dictated to the congregation the letter of supplication begging celestial beings for forgiveness in case there are any insufficiency and mistakes in building the pagoda.

Daw Kyaing Kyaing conveyed Seinbudaw, Daw Mya Mya San, Hngetmyatnadaw, the Secretary-1, Zunbons, Daw Khin Than Nwe, Hsatthaphudaw, Daw Khin Cho Oo, Shwekyathingan and Sasana Flag, Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and wife Daw Malar Tint, the ninth tier of Shwehtidaw and the ministers and officials, other tiers of Shwehtidaw round the pagoda three times. Before the tiers of Shwehtidaw, Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw were hoisted atop the pagoda, Daw Kyaing Kyaing, Daw Mya Mya San, Daw Khin Than Nwe and Daw Khin Cho Oo sprinkled scented water on them.

The Secretary-1, the commander, the ministers and the deputy ministers sprinkled scented water on the tiers of Shwehtidaw, Seinbudaw and Hngetmyatnadaw. Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party hoisted the tiers of Shwehtidaw, Seinbudaw and Hngetmyatnadaw atop the pagoda with a decorated carriage. Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw and the Secretary-1 fixed the tiers of Shwehtidaw, Seinbudaw and Hngetmyatnadaw atop the pagoda and sprinkled scented water on them. The Secretary-1 then fixed Shwekyathingan at Hngetpyawbu of the pagoda and put up Sasana Flag. The Sayadaws and members of the Sangha consecrated the pagoda on the first terrace of the pagoda. Then, the ritual of silver and golden showers was performed.

Secretary-1 attends cash presentation ceremony for Thabbyinnyu Stupa in Mayangon Township

Yangon, 11 March-The 15th cash presentation ceremony for construction of Thabbyinnyu Stupa was held at the stupa in Mayangon Township this afternoon, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present at the ceremony were ministers, the Yangon Mayor, deputy ministers, the chairman of Work Committee for Construction of the stupa and members, the chairman of Fund-Raising Sub-committee and members, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, guests and wellwishers. Secretary of the Work Committee Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko reported on progress of building the stupa.

Chairman of the Fund-Raising Sub-committee Deputy Minister for Rail Transportation Thura U Thaung Lwin reported on financial statements on building the stupa. The cash presentation ceremony then followed.Wellwishers to Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Minister Lt-Gen Min Thein and Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay who presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. Today's donations totalled K 33.597 million and 1,001 FECs. Later, the Secretary-1 gave instructions to officials on construction of the stupa. Then, the ceremony came to a close.

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( 3 ) Secretary-3 accepts cash, gifts for Tatmadawmen of parade columns

Yangon, 11 March- Hailing the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, a ceremony to donate cash and gifts for Tatmadawmen of columns which will participate in the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade, was held at Defence Services Museum and Historical Research Institute on Shwedagon Pagoda Road this afternoon. Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Ceremony Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint accepted the donations and spoke words of thanks. Also present on the occasion were Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Parade Commander Brig-Gen Saw Hla Min, Director of Military Training Brig-Gen Aung Kyi, Director of Medical Services Brig-Gen Mya Thein Han, Director of DSMHRI Col Ye Htut, Reserved Parade Commander Col Hla Tun, column commanders and wellwishers. Joint-Secretary of the Leading Committee for Observance of the Armed Forces Day Ceremony Assistant Adjutant-General Lt-Col Soe Min acted as master of ceremonies. First, Parade Commander Brig-Gen Saw Hla Min reported on the purpose of the donation ceremony.

Then, the wellwishers presented donations to Secretary-3 Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint. The Secretary-3 accepted food worth K 4.2 million for seven days donated by wellwishers. On behalf of the wellwishers, Dr Ko Gyi of Diamond Star Co Ltd explained the purpose of the donations. Then, Secretary-3 Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint spoke words of thanks. The Secretary-3 cordially met the wellwishers. Today's donations presented by 45 wellwishers amounted to K 1,430,000 and gifts worth K 38,216,100.

Parade columns practise drills

Yangon, 11 March- Parade columns that will be taking part in the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade practised drills from Myoma Grounds to the Resistance Park from 5.30 am to 10 am under the leadership of Parade Commander Brig-Gen Saw Hla Min and Reserved Parade Commander Col Hla Tun today. Chairman of the Armed Forces Day Parade Working Committee Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Chairman of Best Company Selection and Prize Presentation Committee Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Director of Military Training Brig-Gen Aung Kyi, Commandant of Defence Services (Army) Officers Training School Brig-Gen Kyaw Thu, senior military officers and officials inspected the drills. Anawrahta column, Kyansittha column, Bayintnaung column, Nawade column, Aung Zeya column, Hsinbyushin column, Ban-doola column, Myawady column and Aung San column practised drills according to the parade agenda.

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( 4 )  Mindhamma Hill crowded with pilgrims

Yangon, 11 March-Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labbha Muni Image at Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township was crowded with members of the Sangha and people from far and wide today. Engineers and workers of construction special group-2 of Public Works and Myanmar handicraft technicians are carrying out tasks for roofing of Gandakuti Kyaungdawgyi and construction of tiers at the southern and northern stairways. Stone sculpture Siri Sudhamma Manijotadhara U Taw Taw and sons continued carving of the image. On 5 March, Mahasi Yeiktha Sayadaw of KanU Kyaungtaik in Pyinmana Agga Maha Kammathanacariya Bhaddanta Vayama presented K 100,000 and Pyinmana Township Association (Yangon) K 10,000 to Director-General of Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint and members of Pagoda Board of Trustees. Wut associations recited parittas from morning till evening. Donations received from 5 August to date totalled K 154,947,021.

Homage paid to Shwehtidaw of Kyaikhtiyoe

Pagoda Yangon, 11 March-The Chanthagyi hall on Shwe-dagon Pagoda platform was crowded today with devotees and members of the Sangha paying obeisance to the Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and Shwehtidawgyi to be installed atop the Sandawshin Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda. Kyaikhtisaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Pannadipa delivered a sermon in the afternoon and explained the history of the Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and Shwehtidawgyi in detail which will be kept for public obeisance at Chanthagyi hall on Shwe-dagon Pagoda platform till March 16. Devotees are donating cash and jewellery for Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda, and cash donation made by the public on 10 March is K 1,458,410.

Board of Trustees of U Maung Gyi's Fund holds 13th donations

Yangon, 11 March- A ceremony to donate cash towards the funds of 15 Pariyatti Monasteries, Mandalay Pariyatti Sasanahita Association and YMBA, organized by the Board of Trustees of U Maung Gyi's Fund, was held for the 13th time at Young Men's Buddhist Association (YMBA) Office in Pazundaung Township this morning. Present on the occasion were Vice-Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Mandalay Masoeyein Taikthit Presiding Nayaka Agga Maha Pandita Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa and presiding Nayaka Sayadaws of 15 monasteries, Commander of Yangon Station Commander of No 4 Miliatry Region Commandant of Defence Services Records Office Brig-Gen Myo Myint, Director-General of Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint, Chairman of YMBA Thiripyanchi U Zaw Win Zaw and members, members of the Board of Trustees of U Maung Gyi's Fund, families of U Maung Gyi and guests.

At the ceremony, State Ovadanariya Mandalay Maha Withuddhayon Taikthit Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Agghiya administered the Five Precepts. Brig-Gen Myo Myint supplicated on the religious affairs, Chairman Thiripyanchi U Zaw Win Zaw on the purpose of the donations and members of the Board of Trustees U Kyi Aung on tasks undertaken by the Board of Trustees. Then, Brig-Gen Myo Myint and officials presented K 500,000 and offertories each to 15 Pariyatti monasteries, K 3 million to Mandalay Pariyatti Sasanahita Assocaition and K 1.44 million to YMBA. Then, the Vice-Chairman Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits. Wellwisher U Maung Gyi bought 498 shares of BOC Co on 18 May 1912. He established the Board of Trustees of U Maung Gyi's Fund. The Fund Board of Trustees has donated interests of the shares with the aims of propagating of Buddha Sasana, and for promotion and propagation of Buddha Pariyatti literature and Myanmar literature.

Htidaw of Mya Thein Tan Pagoda hoisted in Bago

Yangon, 11 March-A ceremony to hoist Htidaw of Mya Thein Tan Pagoda, enshrine relics and consecrate the pagoda was held at the pagoda in Kadwingyan village in Bago Township on 8 March. Present on the occasion were State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee member Bago Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Vicara, Bago Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Southern Command Commander Maj-Gen Tin Aye, regional authorities, departmental officials, wellwishers, social associations, wut associations, guests and towns-elders. The commander and guests took the Five Precepts from the Pakokku Sayadaw. The commander and wellwisher U Thein Win and Daw Tin Tin Aye and officials presented Htidaw, Seinbudaw and Hngetmyatnadaw to the Sayadaws. The commander and wellwishers conveyed the Htidaw, the Seinbudaw and the Hngetmyatnadaw and installed them atop the pagoda. In the afternoon, members of the Sangha consecrated Mya Thein Tan Pagoda. The commander and wellwishers presented offertories to the members of the Sangha. Linyaungchi Kyaung Sayadaw of Kadwingyan Village Bhaddanta Tejadhamma delivered a sermon.

Commander attends coord meeting, Htidaw hoisting ceremony

Yangon, 11 March-Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-west Command Maj-Gen Soe Win attended the coordination meeting for cultivation of crops with pumped-water in Twingyi region of Sagaing District and Pauk-in region of Monywa District held at the hall of Sagaing District Peace and Development Council at noon on 6 March. It was also attended by the division level departmental officials, members of Agricultural Supervisory Committee from the districts and townships and officials. Chairman of Sagaing District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Sein Ya and officials briefed on arrangements for cultivation of crops with pumped-water for year 2000-2001. Then, the commander gave instructions and attended to the needs. The commander attended the consecration ceremony and Htidaw hoisting ceremony of seven ancient pagodas in Kyauksit Village, Zeedaw Village-tract in Sagaing Division on 7 March. The congregation received the Nine Precepts from Sagaing Taungyoe Thidagu Sayadaw Ashinnanissara. The commander presented offertories to the Sayadaws. Then, the merits gained were shared.

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( 5 ) Appointment of Ambassador agreed on

Yangon, 12 March-The Government of the Union of Myanmar has agreed to the appointment of His Excellency Pehin Datu Pekerma Bijaya Col (Rtd) Dato Paduka Haji Hussin bin Haji Sulaiman as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam to the Union of Myanmar. His Excellency Pehin Datu Pekerma Bijaya Col (Rtd) Dato Paduka Haji Hussin bin Haji Sulaiman was born on 15 June 1941 at Kampong Setia Pahlawan Lama, Brunei. He was commissioned in the Brunei Army in August 1965, served at various posts in the Brunei Army and moved up to the rank of Colonel in November 1986. In 1990, he was appointed as a Defence Adviser in London and from May 1992 to February 1995 he was Commander of Services Force of the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment. He has been serving as High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the Republic of Singapore since June 1995. He is married and has three children.

Ambassador U Kyar Nyo Chit Pe accredited to Romania

Yangon, 12 March-The Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar has appointed U Kyar Nyo Chit Pe, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, concurrently as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to Romania.

Malaysian Minister tours Yangon

Yangon, 11 March-The Malaysian delegation led by Minister of Culture, Fine Arts and Tourism Mr Dato' Abdul Kadir Bin Haji Sheikh Fadzir of Malaysia, together with Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu and officials visited Shwedagon Pagoda, National Museum and Myanma Gems Museum today. They also visited King Zafar Shah's tomb on Ziwaka Road and Bogyoke Aung San Market. At night, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Lwin hosted a dinner for them at Kandawgyi Karaweik Palace.

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( 6 ) Chinese goodwill delegation on tour

Yangon, 11 March- The goodwill delegation led by Executive Vice-Chairman and Member of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection Chinese Association for International Understanding Mr Li Chengren, currently here at the invitation of Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council member of Panel of Patrons of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Lt-Gen Win Myint, accompanied by USDA CEC member U Khin Maung, arrived at Mandalay International Airport on 9 March.

They were welcomed by Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee Mayor of Mandalay Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Consul Mr He Shijing of Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Mandalay, Secretary of Mandalay Division USDA U Tin Maung Oo and Executives, the Secretary of District Peace and Development Council and Executives and Secretaries of Township Peace and Development Councils. The delegation went to University for Development of National Races in Sagaing Township where they were welcomed by Rector Col Zaw Min Thein and faculty members, Secretary of Sagaing Division USDA Daw Moe Moe Thein and Executives, national races and students.

The rector extended greetings and officials reported on history of the university. Leader of the delegation explained friendship and cooperation between the two countries. The delegation visited the university museum and luncheon was hosted for the delegation. In the afternoon, the delegation visited Maha Myatmuni Buddha image, Myanan Sankyaw Palace and Mandalay Hill. Mandalay Division USDA Patron Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Central Command Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint hosted dinner in honour of the delegation.

On 10 March, the delegation arrived at Heho Airport. They were welcomed by Secretary of Southern Shan State USDA U Nyan Lin and Executives and secretaries of district and township USDA. The delegation went to Inlay Khaungdaing where they were welcomed by Patron of Nyaungshwe USDA U Shwe Maung and secretary of Township USDA U Soe Nyunt. Secretary of Shan State (South) USDA U Nyan Lin hosted lunche to the delegation. The delegation observed traditional silverware in HeyarYwama in Inlay and visited PhaungdawU Pagoda. They visited plantation on floating islands in Inlay Lake. Shan State (South) USDA Patron Shan State Peace and Development Council Chairman Eastern Command Commander Maj-Gen Maung Bo hosted dinner for the delegation at Kanbawza Yeiktha in Taunggyi. Shan State (South) Secretary USDA U Nyan Lin and Executives and members of the delegation exchanged general knowledge. The delegation arrived back here this morning.

USDA General Secretary receives Chinese delegation

Yangon, 11 March-General Secretary of Union Solidarity and Development Association U Than Aung received Chinese goodwill delegation led by Executive Vice-Chairman and Member of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection Chinese Association for International Understanding Mr Li Chengren together with the ambassador of China at the head office of USDA at 5.30 pm today. The delegation was currently in Myanmar at the invitation of Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Member of the Panel of Patrons of the Union Solidarity and Development Association (Central) Lt-Gen Win Myint. General Secretary U Than Aung briefed on procedures of the association. They discussed matters related to mutual interest and cooperation between USDA and CAIU. Also present at the call were Secretary U Ko Lay, Central Executive Committee members U Than Shwe, U Maung Maung Thein, U Khin Maung and U Thein Sein.

Symposium on Management of Helicobacter Pylori Infection   held

Yangon, 11 March - The Symposium on Management of Helicobacter Pylori Infection was held under joint sponsorship of the Myanmar Medical Association and Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited at 10 am today at Hotel Equatorial here. Present on the occasion were MMA President Professor U Myo Myint, professors and physicians of various hospitals and guests. Professor of Yangon General Hospital U Thein Saw presided over it. Senior Consultant of Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India, Professor S L Broor explained matters on latest curative methods of H Pylori infection.

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( 7 ) Minister inspects paddy production, Bwetgyi Dam in Mandalay, Magway Divisions

Yangon, 11 March- Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, accompanied by departmental officials, arrived at Kyaukse Hybrid Paddy Production Farm in Kyaukse on 9 March. Officials reported on seed production of 125-day-lifespan of five hybrid paddy strains. Then, the minister inspected 60 acres of Kyaukse-2, Kyauk-se-4 and Kyaukse-5 hybrid paddy fields and met researchers. After that, the minister arrived at the construction site of Umin Koepauk river water pumping project near Sale Township, Magway Division. The minister inspected arrival of pump-installed pontoons, pipes and construction materials for the main station of Umin Koepauk and Tanyaung river water pumping projects in Salin Township. The minister urged officials to carry out tasks as quickly as possible and made arrangements to transport pontoons from Sale to Tanyaung.

On arrival at Tanyaung River Water Pumping Project in Salin Township, the minister inspected the feeder canal, the main station, waterway and flow of water into the river. Yesterday, the minister and party inspected the position and flow of Ayeyawady River and the site where water pumping station can be built. Then, the commander arrived at Thaphenseik region where water pumping station will be built. The site was primarily chosen by Water Resources Utilization Department. Officials reported on benefit change of single cropping to double or triple cropping in the irrigated area on completion of the water pumping station and condition of crops. Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Thein Zaw reported on areas where water pumping projects are feasible.

The minister then met local farmers. In the afternoon, the minister and party proceeded to the cotton ginning factory of Myanma Cotton and Seri- culture Enterprise in Taungdwingyi. In the briefing hall, Managing Director Dr Thein Htay reported on purchase of cotton in Magway District, cotton ginning and seeds production. The minister inspected production of the factory. In the evening, the minister and party arrived at the project site of Bwetgyi Dam near Dandaung Village, 26 miles from Aunglan. Director U Khin Maung Nyunt and Director-General U Kyaw San Win of Irrigation Department reported on low-lying and irrigated areas of the dam. Then, the minister inspected land preparation and geological test for the main dam. Afterwards, the minister met local farmers and gave instructions on regional development, multiple cropping and greening tasks.

Minister inspects Bayintnaung Bridge

Yangon, 11 March-Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials of Public Works yesterday inspected repair of bearings for maintenance of Bayintnaung Bridge linking Mayangon and Hlinethaya Townships. Engineers reported on works and the minister gave instructions. He inspected works undertaken. The deputy minister, officials of Public Works, Secretary of Hinthada District Peace and Development Council, Chairman of Ingapu Township Peace and Development Council, officials of Department of Marine Administration and local people observed the site suitable for construction of new Myokwin Bridge across Ngawun River. Divisional Superintending Engineer U Ye Myint Swe and officials attended to preliminary engineering works.

Talks on sports psychology held

Yangon, 11 March-An educational talk on sports psychology organized by Myanmar Olympic Committee and Medical Committee for Sports was held at the National Indoor Stadium-1 in Thuwunna this morning. Present were Chairman of MOC Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Chairman of Medical Committee for Sports Director of Medical Services Brig-Gen Mya Thein Han and MOC members, officials of the Ministry of Sports, medical experts, professors, doctors of various sports federations, athletes and trainees of Sports and Physical Education Institute. Chairman of MOC Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint and Director Brig-Gen Mya Thein Han delivered speeches. Professor Daw Khin Aye Win of Psychology Department of Yangon University, Head of Psychology Department of Defence Services Institute of Medicine Lt-Col Kyaw Kyaw Than and Deputy Medical Superintendent of Yangon Psychiatric Hospital Dr Zaw Sein Lwin gave lectures on psychology.

Win Thuza Shop (Pathein Branch) opens

Yangon, 11 March-Hailing the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, the Myanma Ceramics Industries of the Ministry of Industry-1 opened Win Thuza Shop (Pathein Branch) at the department store, corner of Shwe Zedi Road and Merchant Road, Pathein, Ayeyawady Division, this morning. Present at the ceremony were member of the State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Man, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, military and civil officials, Union Solidarity and Development Associations, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross Society, band troupe, students, nurses and townselders.

The commander unveiled the signboard of the shop. Chairman of Pathein District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Pyone and Managing Director of MCI U Than Shwe formally opened the shop. Then, the commander, the minister and the guests viewed round the shop. Managing Director U Than Shwe explained the purpose of opening the shop. Speaking on the occasion, the commander spoke words of thanks to the minister for Industry-1 and officials, who are implementing the tasks on producing quality goods, which are to be sold at reasonable prices, in accordance with the guidance of the Head of the State. The managing director presented K 30,000 each to Ayeyawady Division USDA, the Division MCWA, band troupe, pom pom troupe and Kayin Don dance troupe. The commander, the minister and party inspected 110 KV generators and construction of silos for storage of paddy husk. Then, the minister, together with the commander, inspected Pathein Glass Factory and left instructions. Later, the commander and the minister met with the responsible persons at the briefing hall of the factory. The minister urged the responsible persons to make efforts to exceed the targets.

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( 8 ) 339 gem merchants arrive

Yangon, 11 March-A total of 339 gem merchants 184 from 100 companies of 10 countries and 155 from 59 local companies arrived here to attend the 38th Myanma Gems Emporium at Myanma Gem Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road today. The merchants viewed the gems and jewellery on display at the emporium from 9 am to 5 pm. They were briefed by Managing Director U Khin Oo of Myanma Gems Enterprise and Secretaries of Jade, Gems and Pearl Sub-committees. More gems merchants will arrive here tomorrow and view the items at the emporium.

Commander inspects construction, agriculture and livestock breeding works in Yangon North district

Yangon, 11 March-Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than accompanied by Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint and officials inspected regional development tasks and agriculture work in Yangon North District this afternoon. First, the commander and party inspected at the junction of the road linking Htantabin and Shwepyitha Bridge. He also inspected construction of Shwepyitha Bridge-Htantabin road. Then, he inspected finished earthen road and construction of four 20 feet long-12 feet wide bridges along the road. Shwepyitha Bridge-Htantabin road is 9 miles and 6 furlongs long. Construction of 7 miles and 2 furlongs long earthen road and four wooden bridges have already been finished. Laterite laying work has been finished for three miles. Afterwards, the commander inspected fowl breeding work at Yangon Division vegetables and poultry farming special zone-1, Nyaung Hnapin Village in Hmawby Township, Yangon North District.

At the Hmawby Hsan briefing hall, officials reported to the commander on construction of roads and drains, land reclamation and power supply. He gave necessary instructions. Production of vegetables and fowl breeding work are being implemented at special zones in Yangon Division. At special zones, digging of drainage has been carried out for 115.3 miles. Construction of earthen road for 71 miles out of 81 miles, installation of 11 KV power line for 19.5 miles and 440 volt power line for 47 miles and cultivation of 1710 acres of vegetables have been finished so far. All targeted works will be finished in mid-April.

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