Yangon, 2 April — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe inspected the carving of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image and all-round construction work of Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township this morning.

The Senior General, accompanied by 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 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs and Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla, arrived at Mindhamma Hill at 9.15 am.

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, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, the deputy ministers, members of the Central Committee for All-round Construction of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image, work committee and sub-committees, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office heads of department, members of the pagoda board of trustees, technicians and officials.

In his report to the Senior General on the carving of the Image and progress of all-round construction work, the Secretary-1 said that in accord with the guidance given by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe while inspecting Mindhamma Hill in November 2000 for the first time, measures are being taken to carve the Image and to decorate Gandakutitaik and covered stairways with Myanmar arts and crafts in cooperation with painters, sculptors and technicians of Myanmar arts and crafts, architects and engineers.

Arrangements are being made to keep the precincts of Mindhamma Hill green and pleasant by growing flowering plants and Bo trees.

Wellwishers are making donations to the funds for the carving of the Image, the building of Gandakutitaik and the covered stairways and all-round construction work of Mindhamma Hill, and the donations are being used systematically.

Then, the Senior General said that systematic arrangements are to be made to ensure the emergence of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image. In building Gandakutitaik, it is required to ensure that pilgrims can catch sight of the serene face of the Image from afar and are filled with a sense of peace and tranquillity and a deep reverence for the Image. Arrangements are to be made to keep the
purest white marble of the Image in its pristine condition and in perpetuity, and to keep the Image in the glass shrine. It is required to take time in building Gandakutitaik and covered stairways, and not to do this in a haste.

Afterwards, the Senior General inspected the carving of the Image, progress of construction work of Gandaku-titaik and covered stairways, all-round construction work of Mindhamma Hill, progress of work in building the retaining wall in the south of Mindhamma Hill and greening work, and gave guidance on the work.

After that, the Senior General observed Buddha images carved out of marble blocks which were broken off from the carving of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image.Next, the Senior General paid homage to the Image, and left there at 10.45 am.

Yangon, 2 April—The Cooperative Products Exhibition was opened at Saya San Plaza Cooperative Commercial Centre in Bahan Township this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Deve-lopment Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were the ministers, the auditor-general, the mayor, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental officials, heads of departments and enterprises under the Ministry of Cooperatives, Korean Ambassador, officials, members of Leading Committee for the Cooperative Products Exhibition and Sale and guests.

The Secretary-1 formally unveiled the signboard of the Cooperative Products Exhibition and Sale.

Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San and Managing Director of Cooperative Commercial Centre Saya San Plaza Construction Committee U Khin Shwe formally opened the Cooperative Products Exhibition and Sale.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected booths of State/Division Cooperative Societies, State-owned economic enterprises and companies and entrepreneurs.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected learning of trainees of applied computer technology and foreign language courses of Yangon Cooperative Degree College at the Cooperative Commercial Centre.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected fuel-substitute paddy husk powered engine of Myanma Inventors Cooperative Society Ltd, barbed wire making machine, chain-linked fence making machine and wire meshes of Luthit Industrial and Private Co Ltd, workshop of Thaung Win industrial rice mill and farm equipment, saloon cars produced by Shwe Brothers workshop and Shan Star Jeep produced by Shan Star Jeep Cooperative Society Ltd in Ayethayar Industrial Zone in Taunggyi.

Various kinds of local made personal goods and household goods were put on display at the 109 booths of State/Division Cooperative Societies, State-owned economic enterprises, companies and entrepreneurs.

The exhibition and sale will be open daily from 9 am to 9 pm till 8 April.Entertainment programmes will be presented to the public.

Yangon, 2 April— The opening ceremony of the Second Mekong Sub-Regional Meeting of the APC on Refugees, Displaced Persons and Migrants was held at the Hotel Equatorial on Alanpya Pagoda Road this morning, with an address by Minister for Immigration and Population U Saw Tun.

Also present were ministers, ambassadors and diplomats, resident representatives and officials of UN Agencies in Yangon, officials of APC, IOM and UNHCR, leaders and members of delegations from Cambodia, the People’s Republic of China, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Union of Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand, observers from Brunei Darussalam, heads of departments under the Ministry of Immigration and Population, local and foreign journalists, officials from non-governmental organizations and guests.

Minister U Saw Tun delivered an address. He said:

It is an honour and a pleasure for me to address this auspicious gathering on the occasion of the inauguration of the 2nd Mekong Sub-Regional Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Consultations on Refugees, Displaced Persons and Migrants. The Government of the Union of Myanmar is greatly honoured to have the opportunity to host this important meeting. I would also like to extend a hearty welcome to all distinguished guests and delegates.

Sound and comprehensive judicial, legislative, and executive systems play important roles in the reconstruction of civil society relating to repatriation and reintegration. This meeting will enhance exchange of experiences and development of invaluable perspectives. The deliberations of this meeting will focus on "Exchange of Information and Best Practices on Emerging Issues relating to Cross Border Migration". Information Sharing is an indispensable key to developing better understanding of the migration situation across the region. Economic disparity, poverty, and degradation of environmental conditions have an impact on the size and flow of irregular migration. I hope the delegates will share with each other frank and fruitful discussions.

This meeting will provide an ideal opportunity for us to reflect on past achievements and to look at how we should resolve the issues even better in future. The issue of irregular migration is globally prevalent and persistent. Consultations between countries, based on mutual understanding, equity and goodwill, will facilitate the approach to orderly migration. Further problems will not arise if all countries respect each other’s sovereignty, existing laws and international practices. Inter-governmental co-operation and collaboration in tackling this issue will bring forth tangible results. It is the spirit of responsibility sharing and co-operative partnership that holds the key to any sustainable solution.

One of the root causes of irregular migration is lack of development, therefore relevant international assistance and collaboration are essential for sustainable development. Myanmar wishes to stress the importance of international co-operation and responsibility sharing in protecting the rights of refugees and migrants. I am convinced that through such Information-Sharing Meetings as these, the good relations of friendship and close co-operation between our countries and peoples will be further strengthened.

In the year 2000, dignitaries that visited our country included the Prime Minister of Cambodia, the Prime Minister of Vietnam, and the Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China. These visits have consolidated the harmonious relations we have with countries in the Mekong sub-region. Not only does the Union of Myanmar have cordial relations with Mekong countries, but also peaceful co-existence with all neighbouring countries. Accordingly, we have full co-operation and collaboration with countries across the Asia-Pacific region.

Since recent years, a number of regional meetings have been continuously and successfully hosted in Myan-mar, and this time also, I look forward to a successful meeting. I am sure the present theme will generate candid and open discussions and enhance the already-close relationships within the sub-region. Co-operation and co-ordination between United Nations Agencies and relevant countries, International Assistance to facilitate necessary activities in Countries of Origin and Receiving Countries, are indispensable reinforcements. Furthermore, I wish to reiterate the importance of concerted co-operation, goodwill and mutual accommodation between countries concerned.

In conclusion, I wish all the delegates a most pleasant and enjoyable stay in our country, the Union of Myanmar.Next, Coordinator Ma-dame Rosalinda V Tirona of APC, Asia and Pacific Regional Director Mr Francois Fouinat of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Regional Senior Adviser Mr Yorio Tanimura of IOM also spoke on the occasion.The meeting continues tomorrow.Minister U Saw Tun hosted a dinner in honour of delegates at Royal Garden Restaurant in Kandawgyi.

Yangon, 2 April— A ceremony to launch the National Environmental Education Week, 2001, organized by the National Commission for Environmental Affairs and the Myanmar National Working Committee for Women’s Affairs, was held at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road this morning.

Present on the occasion were the ministers, the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, members of the National Commission for Environmental Affairs, members of the Myanmar National Working Committee for Women’s Affairs, departmental heads, Ambassadors and Charges d’Affaires of embassies, officials of UN agencies, local and foreign correspondents, personnel of NGOs and guests.

Chairman of the National Commission for Environmental Affairs and Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung delivered an address. He said:

Environmental conservation is a must for every nation and every person. As we all know, the world today is beset with numerous environmental problems. Everyday news concerning environmental issues appear in the newspapers, on the radio and television. We have witnessed heavy rains and floods in several parts of Europe and Asia due to climate change; frequent occurrence of forest fires in America, Australia and South East Asia; drought and famine in Africa; deforestation and wildlife extinction; land and water pollution which caused hazards to all lives including people, flora and fauna. Human actions are indeed creating these problems. There are now over 6 billion people living on this Earth. With the growing population, there is a rising tide of human needs for food, clothing and shelter. If we are using the natural resources unsustainably for our present needs, and polluting the environment through reckless disposal of many kinds of wastes we are being unfair and unjust to the future generations. Environmental protection should be done by taking into account long term perspective and benefits. Disregard for environmental matters has resulted in increased environmental degradation with damaging consequences.

Environmental problems are global in nature. It is evident that environmental problems that arise in one place could impact other places as well. Examples are:-acid rain and the oil spills. Gases such as sulphurdioxide and nitrogen oxide emitted from factories can be carried by the wind to fall as acid rain in another place. Similarly, oil spills can drift from one place to another causing negative impacts. As the environment problems affect not only a single person or a single nation but to all mankind, we must work in unison in all environmental conservation endeavours. Environmental problems can be addressed at the global, regional and national levels. As prevention is better that cure, it is best to prevent environmental problems before they occur. We therefore should not fail to undertake environmental protection activities eventhough there exist no serious environmental problems at present. This necessitates educating the public about environmental matters. Only if the magnitude of the environmental problems are fully understood, the public will keenly participate in environmental activities. The present National Environmental Education Week is held mainly with this aim.

During the week, public talks and lectures will be given at a number of factories in Yangon. Cleansing of the Kandawmingalar lake will also be carried out with public participation. In the States and Divisions, talks and lectures on environment will be given by the respective Sub Committees on Women’s Affairs. Environmental education materials have been distributed to all these sub committees for that purpose.

The National Commission for Environmental Affairs has been continuously promoting public environmental awareness. In this respect, World Environment Day celebrations are especially held every year. The activities include, photo, painting, poster, poetry, and essay contests, environment exhibition and broadcasting of songs and environment programmes on radio and television. The holding of the National Environmental Education Week will further strengthen the efforts to promote public environmental awareness. 

It is indeed commendable that the Myanmar National Working Committee for Women’s Affairs has formed the Sub Committee on Women and the Environment with the aim to promote women’s active participation in environmental affairs. Women’s strength is crucial for the nation’s economic and social sectors. Likewise, it is also important for the environment. Women and girls are the most profoundly affected group of environmental degradation. For example, in the rural areas women and girls are working in close contact with the environment.

They are engaged in agriculture and livestock breeding. They also collect water and gather firewoods. These women and girls bear the brunt of soil erosion, pasture degradation, forest depletion and water shortage. Environmental conservation is therefore vitally important in the rural areas. Environmental conservation activities are being undertaken in the rural areas in Myanmar to prevent environmental degradation. Special priority is being given to implement the dry zone greening projects, environmental sanitation programmes and rural water supply projects so that the socio-economic wellbeing of the rural population has gradually improved.

It should be noted that women working in the factories in the urban areas are most vulnerable to health risks due to industrial pollution. Women should also take great care about indoor air pollution as it is also hazardous to health.

In conclusion, I wish to stress that as the environment is the basis for the sustainability of life on earth we should attach great priority to environmental conservation activities in the interests of the present and future generations. Environmental activities should be carried out not only during the National Environmental Education Week but every day. Finally, I also wish to express my appreciation and gratitude to the Myanmar national Working Committee for Women’s Affairs, to all the departments concerned for their cooperation to make this National Environmental Education Week a success, and to all those who attend the opening ceremony today.

Yangon, 2 April—Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin met Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Myanmar Mr Li Jinjun at his office at 10 am today. Also present at the call were heads of the departments and enterprises under the ministry.

Yangon, 2 April—Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing met Ambassador of the People's Republic of China Mr Li Jinjun at his office at 9 am today.

Yangon, 2 April— Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung received Managing Director Mr Harjap Singh of Samra International Pvt Ltd of India at his office this morning.Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun, directors-general of departments and officials.

At the construction site of staff quarters of the airport, General Manager of the Airport Lt-Col Tun Hlaing and departmental officials reported on construction of the staff quarters. The minister attended to their needs.The minister inspected greening tasks beside the runway.Deputy Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Nay Win and General Manager Lt-Col Tun Hlaing conducted the minister round the airport.Then, the minister gave necessary instructions.

Yangon, 2 April— A ceremony to open the mandolin, Myanmar guitar and banjo competition, organized by Myanmar Music Asiayon, was held at Mya Nanda Hall of the Asiayon in Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township yesterday.Present were Chairman of MMA Patron of the Leading Committee for Organizing the competition Accordion U Ohn Kyaw, Vice-Chairman Hin-thada U Myint Ngwe and officials and guests.

A total of 65 musicians took part in the competition.The prize presentation ceremony was held at the same venue this evening.Chairman of MMA Accordion U Ohn Kyaw and Vice-Chairman Hinthada U Myint Ngwe presented prizes to respective winners.

Present were Chairman of Chin State Peace and Development Council Col Than Win, departmental officials and service personnel.Chairman Col Than Win formally opened the exhibition.Then, the chairman and party viewed books, literature and photos related to the culture of Chin national race at the exhibition.

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( 9 ) President of MHF visits training of hockey coaching course

Yangon, 2 April-President of Myanmar Hockey Federation Commander of No 4 Military Region Commander of Yangon Station Commandant of Defence Services Records Office Brig-Gen Myo Myint today visited Hockey Coaching Course which is being conducted at Thein-byu Hockey Pitch from 31 March to 6 April. He also met Mr Tayab Ikram of International Hockey Federation. Also present were executives from the federation.

Seized monosodium glutamate destroyed

Stimulant tablets seized in Tangyan

Yangon, 2 April-A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force, acting on information, while waiting at the Tangyan-Mongshu bus terminal on 6 March 2001, searched Ma Aye Kya, daughter of U Pu Mauk Kham, Naungmo village, Mongkyaing, Tangyan Township. The authorities arrested her together with 19,186 stimulant tablets bearing the letters " WY" hidden in a pillow. Action was taken against her under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

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