( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe attends dinner to mark graduation of 43rd Intake of DSA

Yangon, 7 April -Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe attended the dinner to mark the graduation of the 43rd Intake of Defence Services Academy at DSA yesterday evening.

The dinner was also attended by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Kyaw Than, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the ministers, senior Tatmadaw officers, Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of departments.

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( 2 ) National entrepreneurs assigned tasks of maintaining and upgrading highways and roads

Yangon, 7 April — Meeting No 2/2001 of the Central Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Secure and Smooth Transport took place in the meeting hall of the office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) this afternoon, addressed by Chairman of the Central Supervisory Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were the ministers, the deputy ministers, members of the Central Supervisory Committee, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and entrepreneurs.

The Secretary-1 said that in striving for the improvement of national economy, encouragement is being given to the private sector, and plans are also being made to assign the tasks of maintaining and upgrading highways in the country to national entrepreneurs.

According to these plans, at Meeting No 1/2001 of the Central Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Secure and Smooth Transport, work has already been coordinated with the national entrepreneurs, and the tasks of maintaining highways have already been assigned.

Therefore, the national entrepreneurs are to systematically undertake the tasks in accord with the rules and regulations of the State. With regard to upgrading the highways, the national entrepreneurs are to take charge of the tasks related to improvement of the condition of the highways assigned to them as soon as possible, the upgrading of the highways in accord with the set standard and durability. The government, on its part, will provide necessary assistance.

With the betterment of the highways, transport will become smooth and secure; people will have peace of mind while journeying and will save time and money into the bargain.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged the national entrepreneurs to carry out respective tasks as soon as possible through coordination and cooperation.

Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe reported on arrangements to provide assistance for the national entrepreneurs.Then, the national entrepreneurs reported on the condition of building highways and roads and requirements.The ministers and the deputy ministers also took part in the discussions.The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by the Secretary-1.The tasks concerning Nawnghkio-PyinOoLwin-Mandalay section,Mandalay-Meiktila-Taunggyi-Kengtung section, Meiktila-Bago section,Yangon-Nyaungdon-Kyaunggon-Pathein section have been assigned to the national entrepreneurs.

Secretary-1 pays respects to the aged in Kyauktan Township

Yangon, 7 April—A ceremony to pay respects to the aged was held by Kyauktan Township Association at Shwehmawwun Hall on Lan-madaw Street in Kyauktan Township this morning, attended by Honorary Patron of the Association Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe.

Also present were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and wife Daw Malar Tint, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, the chairman of the Association and executives and members, aged persons and guests.The Secretary-1 and wife and the members paid respects to 26 persons aged 75 and above.Then, the Secretary-1 presented offertories to one aged person after another.Chairman of the Association Dr Soe Tin, on behalf of the members, also presented offertories to the aged persons.On behalf of the aged persons, Headmistress Daw Khin Kyi (Retd), 83, gave a speech and the ceremony came to a close.

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( 3 ) World Health Day for 2001 observed

Yangon, 7 April— The World Health Day was observed at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road this morning.

Present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, directors-general of departments under the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, directors, state and division education officers, medical superintendents, officials, Resident Representative of WHO Dr Agostino Borra, representatives of UN agencies, Chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe and members, guests and students who won prizes in the World Health Day Commemorative Essay and Painting Competitions.

First, on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo delivered an opening address. He said:

Today, 7th April is the World Health Day, which is celebrated all over the world to mark the establishment of constitution of the World Health Organization.As all of us know that the State Peace and Development Council has laid down the national objectives for the building of a peaceful, modern and developed nation.

In accordance with one of the Social Objectives that is "Uplift of health, fitness and education standards of the entire nation", the Ministry of Health is striving to raise the health status of the people all over the country. Under the guidance of the National Health Committee, Myanmar has adopted a clear National Health Policy and has implemented the National Health Plan, in fulfilling the national objectives for health sector development. In implementing the National Health Plan, the Ministry of Health has taken the responsibility of improving the health status of the people by promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative measures. In celebrating the World Health Day, a theme is chosen each year to highlight the priority health issues that need to be tackled.

This year's slogan is "Mental Health: Stop Exclusion; Dare to Care". In a landmark WHO study in 27 developing and developed countries, no population has been found to be free of schizophrenia. In some places of the world, mental illnesses are thought to be caused by evil spirits. There are many other misconceptions about mental illness. Besides people are reluctant to come for treatment because of fear of stigmatization and lack of knowledge about mental illness. We also like to emphasize the importance of managing mental health at the individual and the community level. Then, Resident Representative of WHO Dr Agostino Borra read out the message sent by the Director-General of WHO.

The deputy minister presented prize to kindergarten student Ma Thiri Nanda Shwewa Phone of Aungmyethazan Basic Education High School No 17 in the 6-9 age group painting contest (State Level), prizes to seventh standard student Ma Mi Mi Lwin of Kyaiklat BEHS No 1 in the 10-14 age group Myanmar essay contest (State Level) and tenth standard student Ma Htaik Nandi Oo of Dagon BEHS No 1 in the 10-18 age group English essay contest (State Level). Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung presented prizes to kindergarten student Ma Thiri Nanda Shwewa Phone of Aungmyethazan BEHS No 17 in the 6-9 age group painting contest of SEA Region and seventh standard student Ma Mi Mi Lwin of Kyaiklat BEHS No 1 in the 10-14 age group English essay contest of SEA Region. WHO Resident Representative Dr Agostino Borra and officials presented prizes to other students in the painting and essay contests.

After the ceremony, the deputy minister and officials viewed prize winning works, posters, photos, essays of respective contests and handicrafts created by psychiatric patients. At 10.30 am, the Symposium on Stress Management was held. Deputy Minister Prof Dr Mya Oo presided over the symposium. Specialists presented papers to the symposium.

Deputy Minister for Health arrives back from 25th meeting of Health Ministers of NAM

Yangon, 7 April-Myanmar health delegation led by Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo left here on 24 March to attend the 25th meeting of Health Ministers of Non-Aligned Movement to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa from 26 to 27 March and the Second Meeting of Work Committee for Drafting Policy on Vaccines of South East Asian Countries to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The deputy minister took part in discussions on health systems development and securing of access to essential medicines and final declaration of the meeting on 26 and 27 March. The deputy minister had informal discussions with Health Minister of South Africa Dr M E Tshabalalam Simang.

On 2 April, the deputy minister visited Bio Farma Vaccine Production Unit in Bandung in Indonesia and discussed production of vaccines, exchange of technology, quality control and research. On 4 April, the deputy minister visited to National Agency for Food and Drug Control. The delegation arrived back here on 5 April. Deputy Director-General of Medical Science Department Dr Maung Maung Win and Deputy Director Dr Than Zaw Myint also arrived back on the same flight.

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( 4 ) Military attaches tour North-East Command and Central Command regions

Yangon, 7 April — The military attaches led by Dean of Military Attaches Military Attaché of the Russian Federation Col Vasily I Savenkov, accompanied by officers of the Ministry of Defence, left for Lashio by Tatmadaw special aircraft on 3 April morning to conduct a study tour of North-East Command and Central Command regions.

The military attaches were welcomed at Lashio Airport by Col Soe Yee and Col Ye Tun Win of North-East Command, senior military officers and departmental personnel.At Lashio Motel, Col Ye Tun Win extended greetings and explained development tasks of Shan State (North).

Secretary of Shan State (North) Committee for Drug Abuse Control Police Col Thein Han explained narcotic drug eradication tasks being carried out in Shan State (North).

Then, the military attaches studied seized narcotic drugs, liquid chemicals, related materials and documentary photos.

Afterwards, the military attaches, together with Col Soe Yee, left for Muse by car.At Shwenandaw Hall in Muse, Managing Director of Star Tourism Company U Kyi Myint explained matters related to the regional exhibition hall and shops.Next, the military attaches visited the market in Muse.

On 4 April morning, at Shwethiri Hotel Hall, member of Muse District Peace and Development Council U Thaung explained development tasks of Muse District; Police Captain Win Naing of Muse Anti-Drug Special Unit, narcotic drug control measures with audio and visual aids.

The military attaches raised questions, and observed documentary photos.

The military attaches also observed the condition of border trade at Manwein Check Point, Nandaw Check Point, Ngwehsin Check Point and 105 Mile Border Trade Check Point along the border of the two nations.

Then, they left for Lashio by car, and took a rest at the hot spring resort of North-East Command in Lashio.

At night, Commander Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo hosted a dinner in honour of the military attaches, and gifts were exchanged.On 5 April morning, the military attaches and officers of North-East Command played a friendly golf tournament at Lashio Golf Course.

In the afternoon, the military attaches left for Mandalay by Tatmadaw aircraft, and they were welcomed at Mandalay Airport by officers of Central Command.Later, they proceeded to PyinOoLwin by car.The military attaches also played golf at PyinOolwin Golf Course.

On 6 April morning, they attended the graduation of No 43 Intake of Defence Services Academy in PyinOoLwin, and in the afternoon they left PyinOolwin for Mandalay by car.In Mandalay, the military attaches visited Aungnan Myanma Handicraft Workshop.They left Mandalay by Tatmadaw special aircraft and arrived back here at 5 pm.

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( 5 ) CEC member meets USDA executives in Taungtha

Yangon, 7 April—CEC member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association U Aung Thaung presented offertories to Sayadaw U Dhammavamsa of Shwe-U-min Kyaungtaik in Welaung, Taungtha Township on 6 April.

He inspected the Htidaw to be hoisted atop the historic ancient Shwe-U-min Pagoda. USDA CEC member U Aung Thaung inspected flooring on the pagoda platform, preparations for hoisting the Htidaw and land preparations in the environs of the pagoda.

U Aung Thaung inspected repair of Yeiktha for teachers in Talineyatywathit. He presented offertories to Sayadaw U Nandavamsa of Talineyat-ywathit Kyaungtaik and accepted K 500,000 donated for construction of Talineyatywa-thit Basic Education High School by U Tin-Daw Mya Thon.

USDA CEC member U Aung Thaung visited Welaung Station Hospital and inspected lakes for people of Kyaukchaw and Aungtha Villages.

USDA CEC member U Aung Thaung met secretary and executives at Township USDA Office and discussed efforts for raising the quality of life of the people. He also met trainees of Executive Management Basic Multiplier Course (8/2001).USDA CEC member U Aung Thaung presented
K 30,000 for nursery care unit of Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association. He inspected the site for the extension to building of Township MCWA.He also inspected Taungtha Township Basic Education High School.

USDA CEC member tours Taninthayi Division

Yangon, 7 April - Minister for Immigration and Population U Saw Tun, accompanied by officials, met Chairman and members of Kyunsu Township Peace and Development Council, executives and members of Township Union Solidarity and Development Association, members of Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Fire Brigade, Township War Veteran Organization, Red Cross Society and townselders at the township, Taninthayi Division, on 4 April morning. The minister gave suggestions on the development of the township, smooth transportation and land reclamation.

Then, Central Executive Committee member of USDA U Saw Tun met executives and members of Township USDA at the Township USDA office. He explained promotion of organizational work and propagation of Union Sprit and patriotism. The CEC member inspected Kyunsu Township People's Hospital and Township Education Officer's Office. The CEC member also met executives and members of District and Township Union Solidarity and Development Association, members of Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Fire Brigade, Township War Veteran Organization, Red Cross Society and townselders at Pale Yadana Hall of Myeik Township.

Then, CEC member U Saw Tun met executives and members of District and Township Union Solidarity and Development Association at Myeik Township USDA Office on 5 April. He also met Division and District Level departmental officials, members of Township Union Solidarity and Development Association, members of Maternal and Child Welfare Association, members of Working Committee for Women's Affairs, Township War Veteran Organization at Dawei City Hall yesterday. Afterwards, the CEC member met District and Township Union Solidarity and Development Associations at Division USDA office.

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( 6 ) Ordination and novitiation ceremonies held

Yangon, 7 April-The Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs held the 15th ordination, novitiation and initiation into nunhood ceremony at Chanmyeyeik-thakyaung, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, here, this morning. Present at the ceremony were Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin and wife Daw Ni Ni Tin, directors-general and managing directors of the Ministry, heads of divisions and staff families.

A total of 46 men were ordained, one youngman was novitiated and 15 women were initiated into nunhood at the ceremony. Similar ceremony of Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries was held at Pariyatti Suddhammapala Aungmye-bontha Shankyaungtaik, Pyay Road, Nine Mile, Mayangon Township, this morning. It was attended by Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein and wife, Deputy Minister U Aung Thein and wife, directors-general and their wives and staff families.

Likewise, third novitiation ceremony of Shwepaukkan Myothit, North Okkalapa Township, Yangon East District, was held in front of Administrative Office, Shwepaukkan Myothit, on 1 April. Commandant of Yangon Station Commander of No 4 Military Region Commandant of Defence Services Records Office Brig-Gen Myo Myint, Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, guests, wellwisher Chairman of Asia Express Co Ltd U Maung Maung and family, officer in-charge of the Administrative Office Thura U Win Myint and members attended the ceremony. Altogether 200 youngmen were novitiated at the ceremony.

Cooperative Products Exhibition continues

Yangon, 7 April— The Cooperative Products Exhibition continued for the sixth day today. Up to 6 April, the total value of products sold cash down at the exhibition is over K 20 million, and orders for products worth K 31 million have already been received.Cooperative societies, companies, entrepreneurs and State-owned organizations sold local-made products at the exhibition.

Cooperative societies from Ayeyawady Division, Magway Division and Chin State sold regional products  Pathein parasols, bamboo products, fish paste, dried fish and prawn, foodstuff, car parts, spare parts for the cement plant, Hino engines, furniture, clothes, edible oil, traditional medicines and Chintaung brand coffee and others. On 8 April, entertainment programmes will be presented to visitors.

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( 7 ) Commander inspects development of Tanai region

Yangon, 7 April — Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, accompanied by officials, inspected construction of Dunbonkha Creek Bridge on Namate-Tanai road on 1 April evening.

At the meeting hall of regional battalion, superintending engineer U Than Nyunt Win reported on maintenance of road and construction of bridge and conduit with the aid of map.The Commander attended to their needs.On 2 April, the Commander and party inspected construction of new classrooms of Basic Education Primary School in Samsaw Ward.Wellwisher U Yut Zakhaung and officials reported to the Commander on construction work.

Commander Maj-Gen Kyaw Win also inspected construction site of Tanai Bridge and Tanai Township USDA Office and gave instructions to officials.In the evening, the Commander arrived at gems mine work site of Sabaw region in Kathmawzwat Village in Phakant Township.

Tactical Operations Commander Col Tin Shein and Secretary of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myint Thein and officials reported to the commander on emergence of gems mine, production of gems and future tasks.The Commander looked into the requirements.

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( 8 ) Lectures on environmental conservation given

Yangon, 7 April-A ceremony to give lectures on environmental conservation, organised by Working Committee for Women's Affairs of Ayeyawady Division, was held at Ayeya Shwewah Hall, Pathein, yesterday morning. Present on the occasion were Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, senior military officers, local authorities, departmental officials, representatives of social organisations, members of Myanmar Police Force, trainees of Nursing School, principals and students.

The commander gave an opening address on the occasion. Assistant Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service of Ayeyarwady Division Daw Than Myaing gave lecture on "Environment and pesticide", Deputy Director of Pathein Township Development Committee U Hla Myo on " Water, air, ground and problems on noice pollution" and Director of the Division Forest Department U San Lwin on "Conservation of forest". The ceremony came to a close with concluding remarks by the commander.

Basic education high, middle, primary school level completion certificates presented

Yangon, 7 April- The high school level completion certificates were presented for 2000-2001 academic year at a ceremony held at No 2 Basic Education High School in Tarmway Township this morning. First, the students sang the National Anthem and Myanmar School songs. Headmaster of the school U Hla Myint presented the certificates to 185 students. Likewise, the high school level completion certificates were presented for 2000-2001 academic year at a ceremony held at No 8 Basic Education High School in Mawlamyine Township on 5 April. Headmistress of the school Daw Khin Lay Paing presented the certificates to 269 students. The high, middle and primary school level completion certificates were presented for 2000-2001 academic year at a ceremony held at No 2 Basic Education High School in Yankin Township on 31 March and this morning. Headmistress of the school Daw Khin Khin Thein presented the high school level completion certificates to 300 students, the middle school level completion certificates to 180 students and the primary school level completion certificates to 40 students.

Students from Falam Township tour Yangon

Yangon, 7 April - Altogether 50 students of Yikhawda Village Basic Education High School in Phalam Township, accompanied by officials of Progress of Border Areas and National Races Department, No 1 and No 3 Basic Education Departments, visited Kyaikhmawwun Yayle Pagoda in Kyauktan Township this morning. Members of the pagoda Board of Trustees explained the history of the pagoda. Member of Falam District Peace and Development Council District Commissioner U San Myint Aung presented cash to officials for the pagoda funds. Then, the excursion students arrived at No 2 BEHS in Kyauktan and observed live broadcasting on Electronic Data Broadcasting System and multi-media rooms at the school. The delegation members visited construction site of International Thilawa Port and Kyaikkhauk Pagoda in Thanlyin Township. They also visited National Centre for Human Resources Development, New Century Resource Centre on Botahtaung Pagoda Road in Botahtaung Township. The Education Sub-committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races hosted a dinner in honour of the delegation at No 1 BEHS in Lanmadaw Township.

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( 9 ) World's largest and oldest teak tree inspected

Yangon, 7 April-The world largest and oldest teak tree is in Block 90, Baw forest reserve in Pyin Oo Lwin Township. It measures 24 feet 7 inches in girth, 188 feet in height and 31 feet in girth at the bottom according to measurement taken on 6 April 2001. It is assumed to be 600 years old. Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone accompanied by officials inspected the tree on 6 April and fulfilled the needs to take care of it.

Yangon City bustling with holiday-makers

Yangon, 7 April— Members of the Sangha and devotees and holiday-makers were seen bustling at pagodas, parks and recreation centres in Yangon today.

Pilgrims paid obeisance to Tooth Relic Pagoda (Yangon) and offered flowers, water, lights and donations to the pagoda. Tourists also visited the pagoda. Similarly, Kaba Aye and Meilamu pagodas were crowded with members of the Sangha and pilgrims.

Likewise, holiday-makers were seen bustling at the Happy World modern playground No 2 and cinemas in Yangon downtown.

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