(1) Secretary-1
inspects regional development in Sagaing and Magway Divisions, Kachin State
YANGON, 9 May?Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, together with member of the State Peace and Development
Council Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council
Commander of North- West Command Maj-Gen Soe Win, the ministers, the deputy
ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office
and departmental heads left Monywa by helicopter for Thaphanseik
Dam in Kyunhla Township on 8 May.
The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by Director-General of Irrigation
Department U Kyaw San Win, Project Director of Myanma Electric Power
Enterprise U Aung Koe Shwe, Chairman of Shwebo District Peace and
Development Council Lt-Col Than Han and officials.
At the briefing hall, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation
Brig-Gen Khin Maung reported on construction of dam and opening of
the dam. Director-General U Kyaw San Win reported on work done and
cooperation with MEPE for generating of power.
Deputy Minister for Electric Power U Myo Myint reported on hydro-electric
power project of the dam.
Project Director U Aung Koe Shwe reported on endeavours for generating
of electric power.
Commander Maj-Gen Soe Win reported on arrangements for irrigation and
generation electric power.
The Secretary-1 said Thaphanseik Dam is a multi-purpose project that
can supply water and generate electric power.
Irrigation works for 500,000 acres of lands were completed and the dam
was successfully opened on 17 April 2001, he said.
He said arrangements are to be made for farmers to use water effectively
for double and mixed cropping and efforts are to be made for completion
of the hydro-electric power project as scheduled.
The project is being implemented by Irrigation Department in cooperation
with Myanma Electric Power Enterprise. He called for coordination
between the departments.
The Secretary-1 and party inspected construction of hydro-electric power
station and drainage canal.
The Secretary-1 and party inspected construction of intake structure
to generate power.
Thaphanseik Dam is built on Mu River near Thaphan-seik Village in Kyunhla
Township. The earth dam is 22,578 feet long and 108 feet high. Water
capacity at full brim is 2,880,000 acre-feet.
Hydro-electric power project is being undertaken. On completion of the
project, it will generate 30
megawatts.
The Secretary-1 and party left for Sapapon Taungtaw in Wuntho Township
by helicopter.
They attended a ceremony to enshrine relics, to hoist Seinphudaw and
to consecrate Laykyun Manaung Maha Thanta Muni Pagoda.
The Secretary-1 and party left for Monywa. They then left for Myitkyina
by the Tatmadaw flight.
They were welcomed 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 Bo Kyi of Myitkyina
Station, Deputy Commander of Northern Command Brig-Gen San Tun and
departmental officials.
The Secretary-1 and party attended the Seinbudaw and Hngetmyatnadaw
fixing ceremony at Khaungphu Lawka Marazein Maha Pagoda in Khaungphu
Village in Talawgyi Station of Myitkyina Township.
This morning, the Secretary-1 and party attended the ceremony to open
women's Domestic Science School built by Fukuoka-Myanmar-Japan Friendship
Association and handed it over to Kachin State Working Committee
for Women's Affairs.
At Myitkyina Air Base, the Secretary-1 gave instructions on development
of education, health, transport and tourism industry in Kachin State,
mining and regional development to the commander, ministers, deputy
ministers and departmental heads.
After that, the Secretary-1 and party left Myitkyina for Magway by Tatmadaw
aircraft. On arrival at
Magway Airport, the Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by member of
the State Peace and
Development Council Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for
Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Deputy Minister for Health Prof
Dr Mya Oo, Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen
Thein Zaw and officials.
At Ayeyawady River Bridge (Magway), Deputy Chief Engineer (Project)
U Han Zaw of Public Works and officials welcomed the Secretary-1
and party.
First, the Secretary-1 and party inspected construction of approach
bridge on Magway bank.
In the briefing hall, Deputy Chief Engineer (Project) U Han Zaw reported
to the Secretary-1 on project tasks and progress of construction
work.
Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint
Swe, Magway Division
Chairman Brig-Gen Thein Zaw reported on supervision and coordination
in building Ayeyawady River Bridge (Magway). The Secretary-1 gave
instructions on efforts to be made for timely completion of the project
tasks.
Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected building of piers of the main
bridge. Ayeyawady River Bridge (Magway) will link Magway and Minbu
and it is 8,989 feet in length. The bridge has 28 feet wide motor
way and six ft wide pedestrian lane each on both sides.
The bridge is being built for ensuring smooth transportation of eastern
and western areas of Ayeyawady River and Rakhine State.
Then, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to new Magawy Airport construction
project. In the briefing hall, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen
Hla Myint Swe reported on the main plan of construction for Magway
Airport and preparations for construction at the different levels. Deputy
Minister for Construction U Tint Swe reported on ground test and
drawing of plans for building the airport and Managing Director U
Tun Myint Naing of Asia World Co Ltd on arrangements for implementation
in building the airport. The Secretary-1 gave instruction on coordination
for timely completion of the construction tasks.
The Secretary-1 inspected project area of the new airport and heavy
machinery of the project. Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected
construction tasks among the projects for development of Magway Division
being implemented by Asia World Co Ltd. After that, the Secretary-1 and
party left Magway by Tatmadaw aircraft and arrived back here at 3.30
p.m.
Fukuoka-Myanmar friendship
Association presents women's domestic training school, teaching acids
worth U$ 83,000 for MyintKyina Township
YANGON, 9 May- Fukuoka - Myanmar Friend-ship Association of Fukuoka
-Myanmar Friendship of Japan presented a Women's Domestic Science
Training School in Myitkyina Township for Kachin State Working Committee
for Women's Affairs today.
The ceremony to open the school was held this morning at the school,
attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. The two-storey building, 120 feet long, 28 feet
high and 69 feet wide, and teaching aids ten computers and 50 sewing
machines donated were by the Association valued at US $ 83,000.
Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Kachin
State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command
Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Ambassador of Japan Mr Shigeru Tsumori and Chairman
of the Association Mr Heishiro Mihara formally opened the school. Speaking
on the occasion Ambassador Mr Shigeru Tsumori said the school was
donated by the Association under Grassroots Grant Assistance programme
of the Japanese government. As the role of women is important in
striving for progress of a region, the school and the teaching aids were
donated to help develop women of Kachin State.
Grassroots Grant Assistance programme is to directly benefit the people
of wards and villages, he said. Japan is giving priority to the development
of human resources at the grassroots in giving assistance for progress
of rural areas, he noted. The Ambassador expressed hope that the school
will develop human resources for the progress of Kachin State.
He then handed over the related documents to Chairman of Kachin State
Work Committee for Women's Affairs of Kachin State General Administration
Department U Khin Aung. U Khin Aung spoke words of thanks, saying,
50.3 per cent of Kachin State's population of 1.3 million are women and
that the 50.3 per cent of the national population are also women.
The State has designated the eight sectors as the national task and
formed Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs and its subordinate
bodies at different levels with the aim of organizing the force of
the women of the entire nation to work for progress of the women.
Also present were ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State
Peace and Development Council
Office, heads of department, officials of the Association, local authorities,
departmental personnel,
members of Kachin State Working Committee for Women's Affairs and social
organizations, guests and members of band and dance troops. The Secretary-1
and party also inspected the school.
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(2) Seinbudaws, Hngetmyatnadaws
hoisted atop Laykyun Manaung Maha Thantamuni Pagoda in Wuntho, Khaungphu
Lawka Marazein Maha Pagoda in Myitkyina
YANGON, 9 May? The enshrinment of upper reliquary, Seinbudaw fixing
and consecration ceremony of Laykyun Manaung Maha Thantamuni Pagoda
was held at the pagoda on Zapapon Hill in Wuntho Township, Katha
District, Sagaing Division, at 10 am on 8 May, attended by Secretary-1
of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Also present were member of the State Central Working Committee of the
Sangha Wuntho Magyigon Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta
Arçara and 45 members of the Sangha, member of the State Peace
and Development Council Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Win, the ministers,
the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development
Council Office and departmental heads, wellwishers and local people.
Then, the Secretary-1 and party took the Nine Precepts from Sayadaw
Bhaddanta Arçara.
Lay persons offered paritta flowers, water, thread and sand to the Sayadaws.
Members of the Sangha recited Metta Sutta. Then, lay persons sprinkled
paritta water and sand on the platform of the pagoda and put paritta
flowers and thread on the platform.
Then, the Secretary-1 offered Seinbudaw, Hnget-myatnadaw, Patima Buddha
images to Sayadaw Bhad- danta Arçara. Next, the commander, ministers
and deputy ministers offered religious objects to the Sayadaws. Sayadaw
Bhaddanta Arçara delivered a sermon. Then, the Secretary-1 and party
and wellwishers shared merits gained.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 conveyed the Seinbudaw round the pagoda.
The commander, the ministers and the deputy ministers also conveyed
the Hngetmyatnadaw, Sasana Flag, Shwekyar Thingan, Patima Buddha
images and religious objects. At that time, Mandalay Thein Zaw and
artists presented religious songs. Then, the Secretary-1 and
party sprinkled scented water on the Seinbudaw and the Hngetmyatnadaw.
At the auspicious time, the Secretary-1, the commander and party kept
religious objects into the upper reliquary. Members of the Sangha
recited Jeya Manlaga Gatha three times.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 fixed the Hnget- myatnadaw and the Seinbudaw
atop the pagoda and
sprinkled scented water on them.
At the same time, wellwishers also hoisted Hngetmyatnadaws and Seinbudaws
at eight small Cetis around the pagoda.
Then, the Secretary-1 hoisted the Sasana Flag and offered Shwekyar Thingan
at the Hngetmyatnadaw. Next, the Secretary-1 performed the rituals
of golden and silver showers to mark the successful completion of
the ceremony.
Afterwards, members of the Sangha consecrated the pagoda. The Secretary-1
offered the area of the pagoda to Magyikon Kyaungtaik Sayadaw. Then,
Siri Sudhamma Manijotadhara Teingya U Than Hla shared merits gained
and recited Buddha Sasanam Çiram Titthitu three times and the ceremony
came to a close.
Secretary-1 opens Monywa Traditional
Hospital
YANGON, 9 May ? A ceremony to open Monywa Traditional Hospital of Traditional
Medicine
Department of the Ministry of Health was held at the venue on Myitta
Yeikmyon Road in Thalla Myothit of Monywa Township, Sagaing Division,
at 6.45 am on 8 May.
Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace
and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt formally unveiled the signboard
of the hospital. Also present were State Peace and Development Council
member Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Chairman North-West
Command Commander Maj-Gen Soe Win, ministers, deputy ministers, the deputy
commander of North- West Command, officials of the State Peace and Development
Council Office and departmental heads, Division, District and Township
authorities, departmental officials, members of social organizations,
traditional medicine producers and guests.
Director-General Prof Dr Kyaw Myint Tun of the Traditional Medicine
Department presented
commemorative pennants to the Secretary-1, the Commander and Minister
for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.
Then, Commander Maj-Gen Soe Win and Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein formally
opened the hospital.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the hospital. Next,
the Secretary-1 and party inspected systematic medicine production
process and medicines being manufactured with the use of modern machines
by Ayenyein Thida Pharmaceutical Production Industry, Ayechantha Traditional
Medicine Production Industry, Shwehintha Traditional Medicine Production
Industry and Yokepyo Traditional Medicine.
The medicines were exhibited at the Sagaing Division Traditional Medicine
Showroom. Then, the
Secretary-1 inspected Herbal Nursery Garden where 180 species of herbal
plants are being nurtured and plantations of medicinal plants, shady
trees and vegetable patches at the compound of the Traditional Hospital,
and gave necessary instructions. Traditional hospitals have been opened
in the entire nation in line with the guidance to open State/Division-wise
Traditional Hospitals ? given by Head of State Senior General Than
Shwe. Hence, Monywa Traditional Hospital of Sagaing Division was the 10th
of the hospitals.
The hospital was built at a cost of K 16.3 million contributed by the
State, local people, Sagaing Division and Monywa District Peace and
Development Councils.
The newly-opened hospital, one-storey building, is 100 feet in length
and 50 feet in breadth and it is a 16-bed-capacity hospital.
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(3) Situation of Pachee outpost
and a bomb explosion at Mandalay Zegyoo clarified
YANGON, 9 May ? A news briefing on situation of the recaptured Pachee
outpost near Pungpahkyem in Mongton Township, eastern Shan State
and a bomb explosion near G Shedat western wing of Zaygyo in Mandalay
was held at Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road this morning.
Officiating Head of Department of Office of Strategic Studies Lt-Col
San Pwint said after Pachee outpost was recaptured on 3 May, the
Tatmadaw columns and members of local people's militia launched mopping
up operations in the surrounding areas. When the local people's militia
launched an attack on a hillock, located on Myanmar-Thai border south
of Pachee outpost, heavy weapons were fired on Myanmar positions
from Thai side on 6, 7 and 8 May. SURA opium trafficking insurgents took
foothold at the hillock during Myanmar Tatmadaw's offensive to recapture
Pachee outpost. The Myanmar Tatmadaw is exercising restraint to avoid
occurring problems at the border.
Concerning the bomb explosion, he said a person informed the security
personnel that he found a
suspicious package at the bicycle stand near G complex at western wing
of Zaygyo Market in Mandalay at 11.30 am on 4 May.
When the security personnel found that it was a mine, they cleared all
the civilians from the area. While the security personnel were preparing
to clear the mine from the area, it exploded at 12.37 p.m. The vibration
of the explosion shattered the glasses of a nearby building. Eight persons
who suffered bruises from shattered glass were warded at the hospital.
The time bomb was planted by SURA group to launch destructive acts
in major cities to divert public attention from it.
Deputy Chief of OSS Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence
Maj-Gen Kyaw Win gave
supplementary clarification on the incidents.
Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and officials replied to questions raised by journalists.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein,
Deputy Minister for Homes Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, officials
of OSS, Ministry of Information and Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control,
Patron of Myanmar Correspondent Club U Sein Win, President U Sao Kai Pha
and members, correspondents of The Myanmar Times and guests.
Journalists and officials then viewed photos on the bomb explosion and
maps on the Pachee outpost.
A similar news briefing was also held at the same venue in the afternoon.
Present were officials of OSS and military attaches of foreign missions
in Yangon led by Acting Dean of the Foreign Military Attaches in
Myanmar Military Attaché of Japanese Embassy Col Hirofumi Yusa.
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(4) Meeting of Senior Officials
Committee-SOC of the signatory countries to MoU on Drug Control in
East Asia and the Pacific Sub-region opens
YANGON, 9 May - The opening ceremony of the meeting of Senior Officials
Committee-SOC of the signatory countries to Memorandum of Understanding
on Drug Control in East Asia and the Pacific Sub- region was held at Hotel
Equatorial on Alanpya Phaya Road this morning, with an address by Chairman
of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Minister for Home Affairs Col
Tin Hlaing.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win,
Deputy Minister for
Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, senior military officers, ambassadors
of the signatory countries to
Memorandum of Understanding on Drug Control in East Asia and the Pacific
Sub-region, Resident
Representatives of UN Agencies in YANGON, delegates of UNDCP and Drug
Control Programme for East Asia and Sub-region in the Pacific Region,
delegates of Myanmar, Thailand, Lao People's Democratic Republic,
the People's Republic of China, Cambodia and the Socialist Republic of
Vietnam, correspondents of Foreign Correspondents Club, local and
foreign newsmen, officials of social associations and guests.
Minister Col Tin Hlaing said:
At the outset, on behalf of the Government of the Union of Myanmar and
the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control, I wish to express my
sincere and deep appreciation of the afforded with the honour of
delivering the opening speech at this most significant Meeting.
Also, it is an honour for Myanmar of having the opportunity to host
the Senior Officials Committee
Meeting and the Ministerial Meeting, which came about as a result of
the decision of the Ministerial
Meeting in Laos in May 1999 when the Meeting adopted a resolution that
the 2001 Senior Officials
Committee Meeting and the Ministerial Meeting to be hosted by Myanmar.
Although I did not have the pleasure of attending the Meeting in
Vientiane, Myanmar was represented by the Vice-Chairman of CCDAC,
the Minister for
Progress of Border Areas and National Race and Development Affairs.
We can take pride in our
gathering here if we look back to the years when Myanmar, Thailand,
China and Laos together with
UNDCP, pledging to take cooperative and collaborative measures to control
drugs in the sub region, took the initiative to put our signatures
to the Memorandum of Understanding in 1993 at New York during the
UN General Assembly.
With Cambodia and Vietnam becoming members of the MoU at the Ministerial
Meeting held at Beijing in May 1995, it expanded to six member states.
Since the implementation of the Sub regional Action Plan, I believe
success have been achieved to a considerable extent if not significant,
in the aspects of drug control and cooperation in the sub region.
The main purpose of this MoU is to provide a strategic outline and guideline
for the collaborative efforts of the MoU member countries in addressing
the problems of illicit drug production, trafficking, abuse and prevention
of HIV/AIDS. UNDCP as the catalyst and coordinating agency is to provide
technical and financial assistance.
After the cold war era, the world has become smaller due to advances
in science and technology. The rapid development of Information Technology
(IT) has been taken advantage by drug traffickers and international
crime syndicates to commit crimes in a new dimension which transcends international
borders. This calls for the urgent need for closer cooperation between
the countries in tackling this menace.
It has been also witnessed that the illegal trafficking of narcotic
drugs has taken the centre stage amongst transnational crimes. This
concern is the main reason that the United Nations took initiative and
drafted the Convention against Transnational Organized last year
to build a platform for cooperation among country states.
I do not need to stress that drug production and trafficking have also
become the major transnational organized crimes committee in Asia
and the Pacific region. This has been the underlying reason why Myanmar
hosted the 4th International Heroin Conference and 2th ASEAN Ministerial
Meeting on Transnational Organized Crime in 1999, enabling enforcement
agencies and concerned officials from country states and international
organizations from around the world to meet and exchange experiences
and discuss ways and means to combat the threatening menace.
The 24th Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies
of Asia and the Pacific was also hosted by Myanmar in November 2000.
Hosting of these international conferences and meetings not only
indicate the commitment of combating drugs domestically, but also testifies
that Myanmar stands ready to cooperate with the international community.
Another underlying reason and purpose in hosting international meeting
is the opportunity to show the international media of our efforts,
achievement and the difficulties that we are facing the fight against
drugs. It also gives the opportunity for the international participants
who know about Myanmar only through the distorted media reports,
to see for themselves the actual situation in the country.
The magnitude of the danger of narcotic drugs is endangering the people
of the world and the fact
emphasizes the need for cooperation between us. There is no other way
except a need to set up a mutual understanding between each country
as well as each region in the entire world.
Even through international assistance has ceased to our country, we
are far from ignoring the problem but have been trying our best to
face it relying on our own resources by implementing the 15 Year Narcotic
Drugs Elimination Plan.
This is policy directive laid down by the Chairman of the State Peace
and Development Council, Senior General Than Shwe, and is closely
supervised by the Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. In addition line
Ministries and local authorities concerned are fully participating in implementation
of the project. The project started from fiscal year 1999-2000 and
targeted for completion in the fiscal year 2013-2014.
Although we planned the project based on our own resources, for the
benefit of the world community, we are ready to warmly welcome any
interest and assistance from international organizations to this project.
With external assistance and participation, there is not doubt the project
will realize its target in a much shorter period.
However, whether external assistance is forthcoming or not, I wish to
go on record we are fully committed to realize the objectives set
down by the project relying on our own resources.
The drug problem is Myanmar is an inheritance handed down by the colonialists
and it not only disgraced the image of the State and social standards
of the country but also endangers the world community at large. Unfortunately,
is also affects the simple and peaceful lives of the national races living
in the hill regions. Consequently, the government has to address
the sensitive issues and delicate problems in a very broad and holistic
manner.
Myanmar fully recognized that drug related problems are not contained
to a country only but also
transcend international boundaries ignoring sovereignty; in this respect
we have taken into account drug matters as a national concern. Thus,
we are strongly committed to active cooperation with Non-governmental Organizations,
United Nations organizations, neighbouring countries in the sub-region
and region.
According to the Opium Yield Surveys annually conducted jointly by Myanmar
and the United States, there has bee a significant reduction of opium
cultivation since 1997. The 1999 figures indicated a reduction of
31 percent while production also declined 38 percent. During the 2000-2001
cultivation season 21242 acres were eradicated by the Regional Military
Command programmes, the efforts to establish Opium Free Zones in
the Special Regions by the national races, drought and pestilence were
also the causes of decrease in the opium production.
However, we cannot deny the fact that still there are active areas of
drug production and trafficking in the remote areas of Myanmar-China
and Myanmar-Thai borders. Remnants of the KMT, split-away groups
from MTA led by Kyauk-sit-su-hlaing, WNA led by Maha San, SURA led by Ywet
Sit and the KNPP are still very much and deeply involved in drug
production and trafficking along the Myanmar Thai border.
Acetic Anhydride, the major precursor chemical necessary for the production
of heroin and Ephedrine for the production of ATS are trafficked
into Myanmar from India, China and Thailand. Seizures along the Myanmar
Thai border indicates that, in addition to ephedrine there have been trafficking
of paraphernalia for the production of stimulants as well as Caffeine.
Reviewing enforcement seizure results on drugs from September 1988 to
April 2001, over 31 tons of opium, over 4 tons of heroin, 34,634
litres of Phensedyl, 312,602 litres of precursor chemicals, 17.6 tons
of ephedrine, 82.5 million tablets of methamphetamine were seized. 128
clandestine laboratories were searched and destroyed, 111,645 acres
of poppy fields were eradicated. Seized narcotic drugs were burnt
in front of the public 14 times in Yangon and 20 times in the border areas.
While Myanmar had success in the suppression of opium and heroin the
emergence of ATS took centre stage and became an alarming concern.
Although ATS had been a problem in the region since the last decade,
particularly in Thailand, the ATS dilemma surfaced in Myanmar only in 1996.
Annual seizures of ATS started in 1996 with nearly 6 million tablets
and totalling up to 82.5 million to date. Precursor chemicals were
also seized annually with a total of 15.6 tons of ephedrine and 5 tons
of caffeine. 3 clandestine ATS laboratories were also searched and
destroyed.
In accordance with the 1993 Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law,
severe punishments have been served up and assets related to drugs
confiscated. However, to be more effective it has become apparent
that a specific law in line with the international legal system is necessary
to take effective action against money laundering. In this connection,
we are at present in the process of formulating a Money Laundering
Law which has reached the Fifth Draft. The enactment of this Money Laundering
Law is underway and shall be prescribed in the very near future.
Similarly, I would like to inform the meeting that a special committee
has been formed to draft a Mutual Legal Assistance Law in line with the
provisions of Article 7 of the 1988 UN Convention.
I have no doubt the distinguished representatives are aware that with
ACCORD Plus, ASEAN has set forth a firm objective to become a DRUG-FREE
ASEAN by the year 2015. I am happy to inform you that Myanmar has
since 1999-2000, embarked on the implementing stage of her Fifteen Year
Narcotics Elimination Plan and an appraisal of the first year of the first
phase has been released and circulated for your information at this
meeting.
With regard to the demand reduction aspects, the Secretary-1 of the
State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt during a visit
to the Shwe Pyi Aye Youth Rehabilitation Centre stressed that drug
addicts should not only be provided with medical treatment but also moral
rehabilitation as well as vocational training should be given so that they
can reintegrate into the normal stream of life and be a valuable
human resource to the country. This has been the continued guideline followed
at the Shwe Pyi Aye and Shwe Pyi Thar and other 6 Rehabilitation
centres around the country.
If we look in the area of international relations with regard to drug
control we have been cooperating with all the neighbouring countries
by signing bilateral agreements. Ministerial level Meetings with a view
to closer cooperation between Laos, Myanmar and Thailand have been
in progress for a decade now. Hosting of this MoU Ministerial Meeting
and Senior Officials Committee Meeting in Yangon stands testimony of
Myanmar's spirit of cooperation with neighbouring countries and the international
community at large. In addition, Myanmar is also a very active member
of ASEAN.
In conclusion, although your stay in Myanmar is short, I sincerely hope
that you will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of our Garden
City, Yangon and also experience the warmth, generosity, hospitality
and culture of Myanmar.
On the other hand, I am happy you will also have the opportunity to
see firsthand the actual situation in the country and to compare
notes on e distorted information projected by the international media.
They say that "seeing is believing" so I would urge you to pass your
own judgement after seeing for yourself.
Last but not the least, may I wish you all a most pleasurable and comfortable
stay in Myanmar and a most resounding success in your deliberations
in the coming 2 days.
Next, Mr Sandro Calvani of UNDCP and Drug Control Programme for East
Asia and sub-region in the Pacific Region spoke.
Minister Col Tin Hlaing had documentary photo taken with delegates of
Myanmar, Thailand, Lao
People's Democratic Republic, the People's Republic of China, Cambodia,
the Socialist Republic of
Vietnam and UNDCP and Drug Control in East Asia and the Pacific Sub-region.
After the ceremony the meeting of Senior Officials Committee-SOC was
held. Present were delegates of UNDCP and Drug Control in East
Asia and the Pacific Sub-region and senior officials of Myanmar,
Thailand, LPDR, PRC, Cambodia, SRV.
Delegates elected leader of Myanmar delegation Secretary of CCDAC and
Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win as
Chairman of the meeting. Next, Chairman Police Maj-Gen Soe
Win delivered an opening speech.
Senior officials of Cambodia, PRC, LPDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam
and UNDCP and leaders of the delegations reported on measures undertaken
for drug control. They participated in discussions on drug control
matters.
The meeting continues on 10 May. In the evening, Police Maj-Gen Soe
Win hosted dinner in honour of the delegates at Drug Elimination
Museum on Kyaundaw Street in Kamayut Township.
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(5) " Bahinia Pondaungensis
" of Pondaung region in Myanmar confirmed "world's most primitive anthropoid
primate"
YANGON, 9 May - Experts at a seminar in United States have confirmed
that "Bahinia Pondaungensis" of Pondaung region in Myanmar
" the most primitive anthropoid primate" of the world. Bahinia
Pondaungensis is among the anthropoid primate fossils found at Pondaung
region, said Head of Department of Office of Strategic Studies Col
Than Tun this morning at a Press meet on confirmation of " Bahinia
Pondaungensis " as the most primitive anthropoid primate.
The confirmation was made a seminar under the title "Anthropoid Origins"
which was held in
Pittsburgh, US, from 19 to 22 April 2001 under the sponsorship of New
York University and Duke
University, he said. A Myanmar-French joint excavation team found parts
of the lower right jaw, the
upper right jaw and upper left jaw of the Bahinia Pondaungensis primate
at Yashekyitchaung area near a primate camp at Bahin village, Myaing
Township, Pondaung region, in Myanmar on 22 November 1998.
On 6 November the same year, a Myanmar-Japan joint expedition team found
a part of a lower left jaw at Yashekyit-chaung, which is of the same
primate of the same group. When Myanmar and French experts made a
detailed study, they found that the finds were of older species of an anthropoid
and named it " Bahinia Pondaungensis". The records of the finds were
compiled into research papers for publication and that "Bahinia Pon-daungensis"
has been approved as the most primitive anthropoid primate" of the world
at the international seminar, Col Than Tun said.
According to international scholars, the Pondaung rock layer is of the
late Middle Eocene, whose age is between 49 million years and 33.7
million years. Two Myanmar geologists, Prof Dr Tin Thein of Yangon
University and Associate Prof Dr Aye Ko Aung of Dagon University attended
the seminar, at which scholars from Myanmar, Japan, France and US
read papers on the fossilised primates of Pondaung region with the
participation of international resource persons of the field.
Dr Tin Thein and Dr Aye Ko Aung presented papers on fossilised primates
excavated in Myanmar. At the Press meet which was held at the Tatmadaw
Guest House on Inya Road here, Col Than Tun also replied to queries raised
by journalists.
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(6) Labour Minister leaves
for Malaysia
YANGON, 9 May-Minister for Labour Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe together with Director
U Aye Ngwe of Labour Department left for Malaysia to attend the 15th
ASEAN Labour Ministers' Meeting to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,
from 10 to 12 May, this morning. They were seen off at the airport by Minister
at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen
Abel, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Deputy Minister for
Labour Brig-Gen Win Sein and officials from departments under the
ministry.
L&F Minister meets foreign
guests
YANGON, 9 May-Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung
Thein met General Secretary Mr Panu Tavarutmaneegul of South-East
Asia Fisheries Development Federation and party at his office at
11 am today. Also present at the call were the directors-general and officials
from the departments under the ministry.
UMFCCI President meets Japanese
officials
YANGON, 9 May-President U Win Myint of the Union of Myanmar Federation
of Chambers of
Commerce and Industry, General Secretary U Zaw Min Win and Central
Executive Committee member U Hla Myint met Deputy Chief of Mission
Mr Kiyoshi Koinuma of the Embassy of Japan, accompanied by First
Secretary Mr Takashi Ishizaki, at the office of the federation at 3 p.m.
yesterday. They cordially discussed matters related to promotion
of co-operation on commerce between the two countries.
Mayor receives Vietnamese
Ambassador
YANGON, 9 May-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U
Ko Lay received
Ambassador of Vietnam to Myanmar Mr Nguyen Dang Khoa at his office
at 11 am today. Also present at the call were Secretary Col Myint
Aung, Joint-Secretary U Kyi Win, committee members, heads of departments
and officials.
Myanmar delegation arrive
back
YANGON, 9 May-The Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Religious Affairs
U Aung Khin this
morning arrived back here after attending the consecration ceremony
of marble Buddha image donated by Myanmar held in China. The delegation
was welcomed back at the airport by Minister for Culture U Win Sein,
Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Than Shwe, officials concerned,
Ambassador of China Mr Li Junjin and others. Members of the delegation
Director-General U Sann Lwin of Department for Promotion and Propagation
of the Sasana, Director Daw Khin Nwe Han Kyi, Adviser to the Religious
Affairs Department Daw Khin Hla Thi, Assistant Director U Tin Win Maung
of the State Peace and Development Council Office, Assistant Director
of Mandalay Division Religious Affairs Department U Khin Maung Win
and U Myint Sein of the ministry also arrived back.
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(7) Japanese cultural troupe
performs entertainment
YANGON, 9 May- The entertainment of Manjushaka Japanese traditional
cultural troupe, organized by Ministry of Culture, Asia Industrial
and Technical Development Association (AITDA) of Japan and Subaru
Travels Co Ltd in Myanmar, was held at the National Theatre at 7 p.m. today.
Present were Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's
Office Brig-Gen Abel, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt and
wife, directors-general of departments, rector of University of Culture
(Yangon) and officials, Chairman of AITDA Inc Mr Matsumuro, Managing Director
U Aung Nyunt of Subaru Travels in Myanmar and guests.
Manjushaka troupe members presented Japanese traditional cultural dances
and songs to the audience. After the show, Deputy Minister U Soe
Nyunt presented the flower basket to the leader of the tourpe. The
Manjushaka troupe will present two shows at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on 10 May.
Lao PDR goodwill delegation
arrives
YANGON, 9 May-At the invitation of Secretary-3 of the State Peace and
Development Council Vice-Chairman of Union Solidarity and Development Association
Lt-Gen Win Myint, a five-member goodwill delegation led by member
of Party Central Committee Politburo Chairman of Mass and Class Organizations
Affairs Committee of Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Thongsing Thammavong
and wife arrived here by air this evening to make a goodwill tour
in Myanmar. The delegation members were welcomed at Yangon International
Airport by General Secretary of USDA U Than Aung, CEC members U Than
Shwe and U Aung Thein Lin and wife, Ambassador of the Lao People's Democratic
Republic Mr Ly Bounkham, members of North Okkalapa Township USDA
and officials of USDA Headquarters. The delegation members will stay
here up to 15 May.
Mandalay Mayor leaves for
China
YANGON, 9 May-At the invitation of Mayor of Kunming, the People's Republic
of China, a Myanmar delegation led by Chairman of Mandalay City Development
Committee Mayor of Mandalay Brig-Gen Yan Thein left this afternoon
for China to attend the Signing Ceremony of Kunming and Mandalay as
Sister Cities to be held in Kunming, China. The delegation comprises Joint-Secretary
U Pe Khin of MCDC, Committee Member U Myint Thein, Heads of the departments
U Aung Soe and U Khin Maung Zin.
Minister inspects factories
in Shwepyitha, Hlinethaya Townships
YANGON, 9 May-Chairman of Myanma Industrial Development Committee Minister
for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by officials, arrived at
Myanmar Lighting Manufacturing Co Ltd on Hla Theingi Street, Industrial
Zone-3, Shewpyitha Township, this morning. At the briefing hall, Chairman
of the company U Sein Wan reported on production and distribution
of Super lamp fluorescent lamps to the minister who gave necessary
instructions.
Then, the minister inspected production process of the fluorescent lamps
and testing of their quality, and the factory. The minister and party
proceeded to Pinya Manufacturing Co Ltd on Bamaw Ahtwinwun Street,
Industrial Zone-3, Setmu Myodaw, Hlinethaya. Township, and inspected
the production process of MAX soft drinks, and the factory. At the
briefing hall, Vice-Chairman U Kyi Lwin reported on production and
distribution of the soft drinks to the minister who left instructions there.
Commander accepts donations
for offering gold foils at Kyaikkasan Pagoda
YANGON, 9 May- A ceremony to present cash towards the funds for offering
gold foils at Kyaikkasan Pagoda in Thingangyun Township was held
at the platform of the pagoda this morning, attended by 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.
Also present were Chairman of Yangon Division Sangha Nayaka Committee
Maha
Saddhammajotikadhara Bhaddanta Kosalla and members of the Sangha, Deputy
Commander Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace
and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint, officials, wellwishers
and guests. The commander donated offertories to the members of the Sangha.
Chairman of the Pagoda Board of Trustees Siha Sudhamma Manijotadhara
(Hsinmin) U Tin Shwe reported on the purpose of the gold foil offering.
Then, Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hsan
Hsint, Director- General Dr Myo Myint of Religious Affairs Department and
officials accepted K 6,947,190 donated by 122 wellwishers including
K 100,000 by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, K 300,000 by
Siha Sudhamma Manijotikadhara (Hsinmin) U Tin Shwe-Daw Kyi Kyi and family
(Hsinmin Soap Factory), K 500,000 by U Tin-Daw Htar Htar Khin and
family (Shwedaungyin Gold Smith), K 300,000 by U Myint Shwe-(Daw
Hla Hla Wai) (Hsinnyinaung Family), K 300,000 by U Kyaw Htay-Daw Myint
Myint Swe and family, K 200,000 by Daw Su Su May and family in memory
of Col Nyunt Tin and K 200,000 by
U Khin Zaw-Daw Aye Aye Cho and family, and presented certificates of
honour to the wellwishers. Chairman of Thingangyun Township Sangha Nayaka
Committee Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vimala delivered a sermon, followed by
sharing of merits.
Afterwards, the chairman of the Pagoda Board of Trustees presented pictures
of the pagoda to the
commander and those present. Next, the commander went round the pagoda.
As about K 30 million will be spent in the gold foil offering for
the pagoda, wellwishers may donate cash to the funds of the pagoda
through the Pagoda Board of Trustees.
Outstanding Red Cross Youths
tour Yangon Division
YANGON, 9 May-The youth from the states and divisions, who will attend
the Outstanding Red Cross Youth Get-together 2001, toured Yangon
Division today. The youth arrived at City Farm and Resort of Yangon
City Development Committee in Uto-Kya-in Region, Taikkyi Township at 8.30
am. Committee member Col Thaung Wai briefed on City Farm and Resort.
Assistant Executive Director U Hla Myint of Myanmar Red Cross Society
presented a commemorative pennant to Col Thaung Wai. The youth viewed
fish breeding ponds, duck breeding and rice mill. In the afternoon, they
visited Hlinethaya Industrial Zone where Director of Human Settlement
and Housing Department Lt-Col Htin Aung Kyaw briefed on the department
and the industrial zone with the help of slides. They also visited Myanmar
International Thilawa Terminal in Kyuaktan Township and Kyaikkhauk
pagoda in Thanlyin Township, Yangon South District.
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(8) Director-General of NNCC
of PRC arrives
YANGON, 9 May-A Chinese delegation led by Director-General Mr Yang Fong
Rui of National Narcotic Drug Control Commission of the People's
Republic of China arrived here by air this morning to attend the
Meeting of Ministers and Senior Officials of the Signatory Countries to
the 1993 Memorandum of Understanding on Drug Control and High Level
Bilateral Meeting on Drug Control to be hosted by Myanmar. The delegation
members were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Chairman of
Monitoring Committee for Working Groups of the Central Committee for Drug
Abuse Control Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint
Maung, Police Brig-Gen Zaw Win and officials, and staff of PRC Embassy.
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(9) Drug traffickers get
life imprisonment
YANGON, 9 March-A combined team comprising members of local intelligence
unit and Lashio Special Anti-Drug Squad, acting on information, on
28 June 2000 searched an air-con bus (Ba/371) at the fork of Tangyan
and found 156.6 grams of heroin concealed in nine soap boxes, 400 stimulant
tablets and one short gun from Aik Pi, a passenger on the vehicle.
Action was taken against Aik Pi, 25, son of U Khin Saw, of Wunkyawt
Village, Leikha Township and Sai Khan, 24, son of U Pu Lwai Khan,
of Wanmaw Village, Hsipaw Township under Section 15/19 (A)/22(B)/21
of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law in connection with the
seizure of the narcotic drugs and the weapon.
Aik Pi was sentenced to life imprisonment under Section 19(A)/22(B)
and Sai Khan to life imprisonment under Section 19(A)/22(B)/21 by
Lashio District Court on 26 March 2001.
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