( 1 ) New Century Resource Centres and Centres for Ancient Myanmar Manuscripts to be opened in States and Divisions
Senior General Than Shwe attends opening of NCRC and CAMM in Mandalay

Yangon, 10 April - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Kyi Myin, 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, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department, left PyinOoLwin by car for Mandalay at 8.15 am today.

Senior General Than Shwe and party were welcomed at Mandalay by Minister for Education U Than Aung, Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt, Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Nay Win and officials. Then, Senior General Than Shwe and party attended the opening ceremonies of the Centre for Ancient Myanmar Manuscripts and New Century Resource Centre at 80th street between 33rd and 34th/35th streets in Chanayethazan Township in Mandalay.

Present also were members of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council, directors-general, rectors and officials of the Ministry of Education, Mandalay District and Township level departmental officials, faculty members of Mandalay University, Yadanabon University, University of Foreign Languages (Mandalay), Sagaing Educational College and Basic Education Schools, students and officials.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister U Than Aung quoted the Senior General as saying that it is required to promote the education sector with a view to developing the force of national human resources and to implement the programmes to develop the highly qualified human resources needed for the nation; regardless of the age, education level and the places of residence all should have access to education; thus, learning centres should be extended in the entire nation; after opening NCRCs in Yangon and Mandalay, the centres should be opened in all major towns of states and divisions.

In accord with the guidance of the Senior General, the Ministry of Education has set up a constant learning society; it is also implementing the special four-year education promotion programme to face the challenges of the knowledge age and to cope with the international education standard in the future. In fiscal 2000-2001, 203 e-Education learning centres have been opened in states and divisions. Another 100 will be opened in the next fiscal.

Deputy Minister U Myo Nyunt explained the aims and significant facts of the centres, functions and essence of CAMM and NCRC and future programmes. U Than Aung presented a list of research works of institutions of higher learning to the Senior General. The Senior General and party inspected book exhibition, e-library, stone inscription room, electronic & multimedia equipment workshop, Myanmar work exhibition, e-education learning centre, e-education resource centre, reading room and ancient manuscripts room. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and U Than Aung formally opened the CAMM and the students unveiled the signboard.

The Senior General and party visited the booths of Alpha Info Tech Co Ltd, IT Link Group, Winner Computer Group, Forever Group and World Peace IT Co Ltd. In giving guidance, the Senior General said that NCRCs have been opened in Yangon and Mandalay at present; the centres will be opened in major towns of states and divisions. It is required to store the valuable ancient manuscripts at the centre with CD-ROMs or with other modern method. Systematic fire pre vention measures should be taken at the centres.

Senior General Than Shwe attends dinner in honour of graduates of 3rd Intake of Defence Services Technological Academy

Yangon, 10 April- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe attended dinner in honour of graduates of 3rd Intake of Defence Services Technological Academy at DSTA in PyinOoLwin on 9 April.

Also present were 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 military officers, the Mandalay mayor, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of departments.

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( 2 ) Dabat and Mali Hydroelectric Power projects will bring industrial development to Kachin State Secretary-1 inspects development work in Kachin State

Yangon, 10 April-  Chairman of Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by the ministers, the deputy ministers, Chief of Staff (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments and senior military officers, left here on 8 April morning by Tatmadaw flight and arrived at Bhamo in Kachin State at 10.25 am.

The Secretary-l and party were welcomed at the Bhamo Airport by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Brig-Gen Kyaw Oo Lwin of Regional Control Command (Bhamo) and military officers, departmental officials and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association.

Kachin State Superintending Engineer U Than Nyunt Win of Public Works reported on extension of the Bhamo Airport, area of the airport, targets, progress of work, tarring of runway and allocated funds. Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe gave a supplementary report on extension of the runway. The Secretary-l gave instructions on arrangements for extension of the airport for taking off and landing of F-28 jets.

The Secretary- 1 and party inspected extension of the runway. The Secretary-l and patty inspected the site for construction of Technological College near Kho Cin Mang Far Village and gave instructions. The Secretary-1 and party inspected the site chosen for construction of Bhamo Degree College near Tarmikelon Village in Bhamo Township. Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung reported on areas of the site and numbers of students to be admitted. The Secretary-1 gave instructions.

The Secretary- 1 and party inspected the site chosen for construction of Bhamo Computer College near Wetkon Village in the township. The Secretary- 1 and party went to Bhamo People's Hospital where they were welcomed by Head of Kachin State Health Department Dr Joseph, District doctor, Medical Superintendent Dr Myint Swe and staff. The Secretary-1 and party inspected operation theatre and the site for extension of the hospital and gave instructions.

The Secretary- 1 and party proceeded to Zeya Mingala Sasana Beikmandawgyi in Bhamo Township and paid obeisance to members of the Sangha led by Theinmaha Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kusala. The Secretary- 1 and party met Chairmen of District and Township Peace and Development Councils and members, departmental officials, members of USDA, Maternal and Child Welfare Association and Women's Affairs Committee, members of War Veteran Organization, teachers and members of Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigades at Tainggar Mingoung Hall of Regional Control Command.

He said he and officials came to Bhamo to make arrangements for development of the region. As there is peace and stability the government is making efforts for equitable development and narrowing the gap between hill regions and plain areas, he said. He said regional development works could not be undertaken in far-flung areas due to lack of peace and stability in the past. Now peace and stability prevails in the region and regional development works are being implemented with added momentum laying down projects, he added.

He said roads, bridges, schools and hospitals have been built in Laukkai, Mongla, Kokang and Wa regions in northern and eastern Shan State. By doing so, those regions have developed like urban areas, he added. The Head of State gave guidance on proportionate development of states and divisions. Therefore arrangements for extension of the airport are under way for regional development in accord with the guidance, the Secretary-l said.

The runway is to be extended from 6,000 feet to. 8,000 feet so that F-28 jet can take off and land at the airport. With the aim of developing human resource, the sites for construction of Degree College, Technological College and Computer College have been chosen, he said. The Secretary-1 spoke on arrangements for upgrading of Bhamo Hospital to a 200-bed one and Mandalay- Thabeikkyin- Tagaung- Bhamo Road to be all-weather one.

Continuing, he said, arrangements are being made for development of border trade as Bhamo is a border town. The Secretary-l said he wanted departmental officials, members of USDA, townselders and local people to realize the government's endeavour's with goodwill. The Secretary-1 and party, together with Commander Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and Brig-Gen Kyaw Oo Lwin of Regional Control Command (Bhamo), left by helicopter for Zinbon Village in Katha Township. They inspected construction of a road section of Mandalay-Thabeikkyin-Tagoung-Bhamo Road Project in Shwegu Township. The Secretary-1 and party arrived at Shukhintha in Shwegu Township where they were welcomed by Deputy Superintending Engineer U Soe Tint of Roads Construction Special Group-1 of Public Works, service personnel, members of USDA and students.

Deputy Superintending Engineer U Soe Tint reported on progress of work, difficulties, construction of Nga-O and Hsinkan Bridges, construction of conduits along the road. The commander gave a supplementary report. The Secretary-1 gave instructions on completion of work in time, maintenance of the road during monsoon and digging of drains. The Secretary-1 and party went to Mali Village in Waingmaw Township where they were welcomed by Tactical Operations Commander, leader of Kachin State Special Region-2 Chairman of KIO U La Mon Tu Jai and members. The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Mali hydro-electric power project.

They were welcomed by leaders of Kachin State Special Region-2, KIO leaders, officials of Bugar Company in Kachin State Special Region-2, national races and local people. Officials reported on the location, objectives, sectors of the projects, targets and benefits of Mali hydro-electric power project and Dabat hydro-electric power project. The Secretary-1 gave instructions on completion of the projects in time. The Secretary-1 and party met Chairman of KIO U La Mon Tu Jai and national leaders, officials of Bugar Co and local people. The Secretary-1 and party were introduced to officials of Mali hydro-electric power project. Delegates of local people and technicians presented gifts to the Secretary-1.

The Secretary-1 presented gifts to Chairman of KIO U La Mon Tu Jai. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said the gathering of national brethren at the meeting was the result of the prevalence of peace and stability in the Union. All the national brethren have been living in the Union since yore. After living in the same place for many years, the national races spread in the Union in groups. Thus, though there are differences in costumes and customs among them, they in reality are descendants of the same family. Due to foreign instigations, suspicion grew among the national races and causing conflicts for over 20 years in the past. As peace was absent among the national people low living standard and less development followed. As peace has been won back after building mutual respect, understanding and trust among all the national races for a certain period, regional and social development undertakings can be carried out freely and peacefully, which is the fruit of peace. After regaining peace, the State is endeavouring for regional progress in Kachin State and KIO is also striving for improvement of the living standard.

The Dabat hydroelectric power project and the Mali hydroelectric power project are the results of KIO's endeavours for the local people's interests. Electric-powered home industries and commercial-scale industries will emerge even in villages in the area including Myitkyina and Waingmaw after the completion of the projects. The State is also building many infrastructures for progress of transport, education, health and economy in Kachin State. A university, a technological college and a computer science college have been opened in Myitkyina for the benefit of youths who will serve the nation as well as Kachin State in the future. Arrangements are under way to build a degree college, a technological college and a computer science college in Bhamo, the second largest city in Kachin State, and to upgrade Bhamo Hospital to a 200-bed facility. Bhamo Airport has been extended to handle large commercial jet aircraft.

Mandalay-Thabeikkyin-Tagaung-Bhamo road, which was commissioned into service the previous year, is being upgraded to an all-weather facility. The State is providing roads, bridges, hospitals, schools and economic assistance in narrowing the development gap between hill regions and flat land areas, states and divisions and to ensure a proportionate progress in all the regions. The government will continue to provide assistance to Kachin State for its progress. Leader of Kachin Special Region-2 Chairman of KIO U La Mon Tu Jai spoke words of thanks, saying, KIO reached a formal cease-fire agreement and made peace with the government on 24 February 1994 for the benefit of the Union and the people.

Afterwards, the KIO (Central) concentrated its efforts on building hydro-electric power stations, which are essential for development of the state. It has been four years since construction of Dabat hydroelectric power station was initiated with the permission of the government. On completion, the station will supply the required amount of power. A small hydro power station is being built on Mali Creek to provide power to the project. The entire people of Kachin State are pleased to know that the two projects are being implemented under the assistance of the government.

After the restoration of peace, the State and the KIO (Central) are joining hands in striving for regional development; and it is sure that the people will enjoy the fruits of peace. As Kachin State is a part of the Union, development of the State is the progress of the Union. The Secretary-1 and party cordially greeted all those present at the meeting. On arrival at Myitkyina, they were welcomed by Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Commander of Myitkyina Air Base Brig-Gen Bo Kyi, Deputy Commander of Northern Command Brig-Gen San Tun, military officers, departmental personnel and USDA members. They spent the night in Myitkyina. Chairman of Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Kyaw Win,the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of departments, left Myitkyina by helicopter for Panwa Region in Chipwe Township yesterday morning and arrived there at 9.10 am yesterday.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party were welcomed by Leader of Kachin State Special Region-1 U Za Khun Ting Ring and members, Tactical Operation Commander of Northern Command Col Han Myint and Tatmadaw officers and members of USDA. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party posed for documentary photo together with them. Then, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party attended the ceremony to mark the10th Anniversary of Achieving Peace of Kachin State Special Region-1 (Panwa Region) at the pandal of Panwa Region in Chipwe Township at 9.30 am. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt made a speech on the occasion. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented a silver bowl to national race leader U Za Khun Ting Ring and freed the birds.

The Secretary-1 and party together with national race leader U Za Khun Ting Ring and members took part in Kachin Traditional Manaw Festival. Next, the Secretary-1 and party, accompanied by national race leader U Za Khun Ting Ring and members inspected ground satellite station of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications in Panwa Region. The Secretary-1 gave instructions to officials. They arrived at main medical clinic in Panwa and they were welcomed by In-charge U Ba Shi Khaw Yein and nurses. The Secretary-1 and party inspected the clinic, medical store and gave instructions to officials. Then, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party also inspected the cultural museum of national races. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party attended the ceremony to share merits for completion of construction of Panwa Golden Ordination Hall in the compound of Theravada Buddhist Missionary Kyaungtaik in Panwa.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt formally unveiled the ordination hall. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party received the Five Precepts from Maha Gandavacaka Pandita Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Kaysumala. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and national race leader U Za Khun Ting Ring presented offertories to members of the Sangha. Maha Gandavacaka Pandita Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Kaysumala delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt performed the ritual of golden and silver showers to mark the success of ceremony. The Panwa Golden Ordination Hall worth K 7 million constructed by Kachin State Special Region-1 Group. Next, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented a bronze Buddha image for Theravada Buddhist Missionary Kyaung-taik to an official.

The Secretary-1 met national race leader of Kachin State Special Region 1 U Za Khun Ting Ring and members at the meeting hall of Panwa Hotel in Panwa. The Secretary-1 looked into the requirements on transport, education, health and regional development sectors. The Secretary-1 and party inspected archway and border post of the Union of Myanmar and the People's Republic of China. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt posed for documentary photo together with U Za Khun Ting Ring and members in front of the archway. The Secretary-1 and party arrived back Myitkyina in the evening. Then, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party met Kachin State Special Region-2 national race leader U La Mon Tu Jai and members at Malikha Yeiktha of Northern Command. They discussed agriculture, transport and development of the region.Then, they spent the night in Myitkyina. Chairman of Working Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental officials arrived at the construction site of Hsutaungpyi reclining Buddha image in Myitkyina at 8 am this morning.

They were welcomed there by Deputy Commander of Northern Command Brig-Gen San Tun and officials. At the briefing hall, Secretary of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myint Thein reported to the secretary-1 on work being carried out, construction of Tazaung and donations, Engineer U Maung Maung Soe on construction of Tazaung and Myanmar traditional craftsman U Tin Aung on work done.

The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected construction of the image and left instructions on making the image more graceful. Hsutaungpyi reclining Buddha image is being constructed in the precinct of Hsutaungpyi Pagoda in Thida Aye Ward, Myitkyina. The Tazaung will be 130 feet in length, 80 feet in width and 56 feet in height, the throne will be 96 feet in length, 21 feet 6 inches in width and 5 feet 6 inches in height and the image will be 85 feet in length, 10 feet in average width and 25 feet in height. Construction work will be finished at the beginning of June.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Kachin State Domestic Training School for Women donated by Myanmar-Fukuoka Friendship Association at the corner of Bayintnaung Road and Zaw Jun Road in Thida Ward, Myitkyina. Staff Officer U Khin Aung of Kachin State General Administration Department reported the Secretary-1 on construction of two-storey brick building which is 102 feet in length, 69 feet in width and 28 feet in height and dining hall which is 68 feet in length, 15 feet in width and 15 feet in height, donation of ten computer sets, 45 sewing machines and knitting machines worth of US $ 15,000, work done for availability of water, plans to start the first batch of training course at the beginning of May. Later, the Secretary-1 and party left Myitkyina for Sabawhmaw of Kethmawzut Village in Phakant township by helicopters and arrived there at 10 am.

They were welcomed by Tactical Operation Commander Col Tin Shein of Northern Command and departmental officials. At the briefing hall, Col Tin Shein reported to the Secretary-1 on pilot mining of ruby, area of mining plot, extraction of minerals, condition of Sabawhmaw, Gabuhmaw and Manawhmaw mining plots, types of mine and quality of rubies and Director-General U Saw Maung of Geological Survey and Minerals Exploration Department, Ministry of Mines on geological position of the region and quality of gems. Commander Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and Minister for Mines gave supplementary reports. The Secretary-1 gave instructions on preservation of forests in the region, carrying out tasks in cooperation with Ministry of Forest and systematic issuing of the permits. Then, they inspected rubies mined by Thway Family Mining Co Ltd and Sihsanstar Gem Mining and Trading Co Ltd.

Then, they inspected the allotted plots of Thway Family Mining Co Ltd and Sihsanstar Gem Mining and Trading Co Ltd. They also inspected the mineral dressing machinery invented by Mandalay Industrial Zone-2 of Sihsanstar Co and greeted the miners warmly. They proceeded to Nanthmaw in Phakant Township where Tactical Operations Commander Col Soe Oo of Northern Command and officials welcomed them. They arrived at Plot No 109 of Ruby Dragon Jade & Gem Co Ltd. Chairman of Ruby Dragon Jade & Gem Co and Jade Dragon Co U Nay Win Tun reported on digging of jade block previously estimated to be over 2000 tons to the Secretary-1 who gave necessary instructions. Afterwards, he accepted K 5 million donated by Chairman U Nay Win Tun of Ruby Dragon Jade & Gem Co and Jade Dragon Co of Special Region No 6 of PaO Peace Group for the social welfare tasks.

He inspected the jade block found by Special Region-6 of PaO Peace Group. The jade block - 70 feet in length, 16 feet in breadth and 20 feet in height - is now estimated to be over 3000 tons. It will be dug as much as possible to be observed in natural position. He then headed for Kyaukgyigon mining department and inspected the mining of jade. The Secretary-1 and party also arrived at Phakant where members of District/Township Peace and Development Councils, officials and members of USDA welcomed them. He met with township level departmental officials at the office of Township Peace and Development Council. The departmental officials reported on work done by the respective departments. The Secretary-1 said that Phakant Gem Land is renowned in the world and tourists are interested in it. He urged the officials to systematically collect the revenue for the State as it is a place where precious gems are found, and to carry out the cleaning and greening tasks for the town to have characteristics of a town.

The Secretary-1 and party left Phakant for Myitkyina by helicopter and arrived in Yangon by Tatmadaw aircraft at 5.25 pm today. Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, who accompanied the Secretary-1, inspected the building and track at Myitkyina Airport and gave instructions yesterday. Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San also met with the staff at State Cooperative Department in Myitkyina and gave instructions on agriculture, extended forming of Livestock Breeding Industry Cooperative Societies and boosting of exporting. Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt inspected Border Areas Youth Training School and Township Development Affairs Department in Myitkyina on 8 April. He met with the staff and gave necessary instructions.

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( 3 ) Minister arrives back from ASEAN meeting

Yangon, 10 April- Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein arrived back here today after attending the Fifth ASEAN Finance Ministers Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 7 to 8 April. The delegation was welcomed back at the airport by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Ambassador of Malaysia Mr Dato Muhammad Bin Noh, Ambassador of Singapore Mr Simon Tensing Decruz, Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung and officials.

The Fifth ASEAN Finance Ministers Meeting was held at Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel on 7 April. The meeting was presided over by the Minister of Finance of Malaysia. ASEAN Secretary-General Mr Rodolfo C Serverino, Jr reported on latest developments and policies regarding economy and monetary affairs in the region in surveillance report. ASEAN Finance Ministers exchanged views on economic progress and monetary affairs. Minister U Khin Maung Thein spoke on implementation of Economic Plans for all-round development and achievements in agriculture and offshore energy sector.

On 8 April, the meeting continued for the second day and ASEAN Finance Ministers from ten nations signed the Protocol 5, which is concerned with Motor Vehicle Insurance, agreed at the Third ASEAN Insurance Regulations Meeting (AIRM). Then the ministers held a press conference and the meeting concluded in the evening. Vice-Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Than Lwin, Deputy Director Daw Khin Saw Oo and Maj Yan Lin, also arrived back on the same flight.

Minister meets foreign guests

Yangon, 10 April- Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein met General Manager Mr Rajinder Singh of Petronas Mitco of Malaysia and Managing Director Mr Wang Jixao of Ma Tou Fishery Limited Company of the People's Republic of China at his office this afternoon. Also present were Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries U Aung Thein, the directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises, head of office and officials.

Minister inspects Traditional Medical Treatment Centre

Yangon, 10 April - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein,accompanied by Director-General of Health Planning Department Dr Kyi Soe, inspected Traditional Medical Treatment Centre of Traditional Medicine Department in PyinOoLwin Township yesterday morning. Head of Mandalay Division Traditional Medicine Department U Myint Soe and Deputy Head of PyinOoLwin Township Traditional Medicine Department U Saw Yu Than explained the preparatory work. Then, the minister inspected regional medicinal product, indigenous medicine manufactured by IMD, herbal plantation and gave necessary instructions.

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( 4 ) Course on basic diplomatic skills concludes

Yangon, 10 April - The course No 3/2001 on basic diplomatic skills organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, concluded at Shin Ditha Pamauk Hall of the Ministry this morning. Present on the occasion were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, Myanmar ambassadors, veteran diplomats, rectors and professors, departmental officials, instructors and trainees. Minister U Win Aung delivered an address and presented certificates to the trainees. Altogether 132 trainees those interested in international affairs, businessmen dealing with foreign firms, management officials of companies and service personnel attended the ten-week course.

Delegation arrives back

Yangon, 10 April -  A Myanmar delegation led by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win arrived back here by air this evening after attending the First Ministerial Meeting of the Forum for East Asia and Latin America Cooperation held in Santiago, Chile, from 29 to 30 March 2001.

The delegation was welcomed back at the airport by directors-general and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In addition to attending the Ministerial Meeting of the 30-Nation Forum for East Asia and Latin America Cooperation, the leader of Myanmar delegation U Khin Maung Win also had a cordial exchange of views on matters of mutual interest with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand Mr Surakiat Sathirathai on 30 March. It is also learnt that as Sepcial Envoy of the Government of the Union of Myanmar, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win visited Costa Rica from 25 to 27 March; Brazil from 31 March to 3 April and Cuba from 5 to 7 April.

During these visits, the Myanmar delegation held friendly and fruitful discussions with responsible officials on bilateral, regional and international matters. While in Tokyo on his way back, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win called on Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr Yohei Kono and had friendly talks on further promotion of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Member of the delegation Director U Denzil Abel of the Political Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also arrived back with the Deputy Foreign Minister.

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( 5 ) Materials donated to MMCWA

Yangon, 10 April-  A ceremony to donate material for Myanmar Maternals and Child Welfare Association was held at multi-purpose building of MMCWA at the corner of Parami Road and Thanthuma Road in South Okkalapa Township this morning. Present were Chairperson of MMCWA Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, CEC members and wellwishers. Wellwishers Mr Shiobara and Mr Amano Yoshiki from Japan presented items worth K 100,000 for Children Development Centre of MMCWA to Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe who presented the certificate of honour to donors. Then, Chairperson Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe spoke words of thanks.

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( 6 ) Artistes, technicians honoured

Yangon, 10 April - Artistes, technicians and departmental personnel who took part in the teleplay "Thu-ye-gaung Doh Mweh-lyaw-ya" were honoured at Myanma TV and Radio today. MRTV produced the play in honour the Tatmadawmen. Present were Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, the director-general of MRTV, officials and artistes.

Completion certificates presented

Yangon, 10 April- Middle school level completion certificates were presented at No 3 Basic Education High School, Dagon Township, here this morning. Headmistress Daw Marther Hein presented the completion certificates to 173 students. North Okkalapa Township BEMS-9 held a similar ceremony yesterday morning. First, the students sang "Our School" song. Then, Headmistress Daw Ngwe Tin presented middle and primary school level completion certificates to 215 students.

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( 7 ) Cooperative Products Exhibition concludes

Yangon, 10 April- The concluding of the Cooperative Products Exhibition of Ministry of Cooperatives and a ceremony to honour the cooperative societies, companies, entrepreneurs, State-owned organizations and entrepreneurs was held at the exhibition this morning

Member of Patrons of the committee for organizing the exhibition Director-General of Cooperatives Department Col Soe Win made a speech. Over 150,000 people visited the exhibition held from 2 to 10 April and it fetched over K 61 million-K 30 million on cash-payment and K 31 million on requisition order.

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( 8 ) Supervisory Committee for Traffic Rules Enforcement meets

Yangon, 10 April- 90th meeting of Supervisory Committee for Traffic Rules Enforcement was held at the meeting hall of Transport Department this afternoon. It was attended by Chairman of the committee Vice Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo and members, members of sub-committee and departmental officials. Chairman Brig-Gen Maung Nyo made a speech. He discussed matters related to educational programmes on traffic regulations. Then, general round of discussion followed. The meeting came to a close in the evening with concluding remarks by the chairman.

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( 9 ) Uncensored, pornographic, pirated VCD discs and videotapes torched

Yangon, 10 April- Uncensored, pornographic and pirated phonograph records including 16,042 VCD discs and 6,248 videotapes valued at K 20 million were torched today at Aungthabye Yeyeiktha in Mayangon Township. The illegal foreign video and VCD features, Myanmar karaoke VCDs and Myanmar video features and porn~ graphic VCDs and videotapes were destroyed by Directorate of Defence Services Intelligence in cooperation with the respective bodies.

Head of Department of Office of the Strategic Studies Col Than Tun said illegally imported feature video tapes and VCD laser discs may get youths to imitate wrong lifestyles. The scenes which are against Myanmar culture may harm the traditions and culture. The tapes and discs to be destroyed included pirated video features and VCD discs which were legally produced by local distributors and also pornographic videocassettes and VCD discs. Action will be taken against the violators and to prevent exploitation of those in the profession. The seizures were handed over to the respective bodies to take further Action in accord with the Video Scrutiny Central Committee.

The authorities have to cooperate with Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon and Myanmar Music Asiayon. The seizures made by the DDSI units, MMPA and local police forces are 1,705 Myanmar song and 1,485 foreign song videodiscs, 4,993 foreign feature videodiscs and 24 pornographic videodiscs, 14 foreign song videotapes, 1,605 foreign feature videotapes and 166 pornographic videotapes.

Chairman of VSCC Col Bo Kyi said the seized video- cassettes and videodiscs to be torched included 5,149 Myanmar songs and 2,686 foreign feature VCD discs and 954 Myanmar feature and 3,519 foreign feature videotapes. The seizures were made by the bodies at different levels under the VSCC and MMPA. VSCC while taking educative measures and issuing warnings in enabling entrepreneurs to conduct business within the law will also take necessary action to stop exploitation (pirating) in the video industry. The Committee has given warnings to some of the violators and will take deterrent action against the persons who continue piracy.

The Committee will continue to prohibit all the videocassettes and video discs which are injurious to Myanmar traditions and culture and curb all illegal acts of the video industry. The illegal VCD discs and videotapes were torched in the presence of Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, members of VSCC of the Ministry of Information, Chairman of MMPA U Sein Tin and executives, Vice-Chairman of MMA Hinthada U Myint Ngwe, officials of DDSI and correspondents of periodicals.

30,800 stimulant pills seized in Mandalay

Yangon, 10 April- Members of the local intelligence unit and local Myanmar Police Force, acting on information, while waiting near Ayeyatun flats in Thanlyethmaw (South) Ward in Chanmyathazi Township, Mandalay Division, seized Yin Htwe (a) Aik Sin of Chanayethazan Township and Kyaw Oo of Tampawady Ward in Chanmyathazi Township, who arrived there to trade drugs, together with 30,800 stimulant tablets bearing the words "WY" on 12 March. On further investigation, owner of the stimulants Aik Than of Taungmyint Ward in Pyigyidagun Township and his accomplice Aik Tun (a) Zaw Min Tun were arrested. Action has been taken against them in accord with Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

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