(1) Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Norway

YANGON, 17 May- Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the  Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Majesty King Harald V of Norway, on the occasion of  the National Day of Norway which falls on 17 May 2001.

up

___________________________

(2) Entire people urged to unitedly ward off and crush nation's enemies

Mongla emerges as modern major town due to State's assistance and local people's active efforts

YANGON, 16 May- 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 the ministers, the  Chief of Staff (Air), the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and  departmental heads, left here by Tatmadaw aircraft for Kengtung yesterday morning.

On arrival at Kengtung Airport, the Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by member of the State Peace and  Development Council Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council (East) Commander of Triangle  Region Command Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen. Myint Swe, senior military officers,  departmental officials and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association.

Accompanied by Commander Maj-Gen Thein Sein, the Secretary-1 and party left Kengtung and arrived at Shan  State (East) Special Region-4, Mongla, at 10.15 am.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Shan State (East) Special Region-4 U Sai Lin and  national race leaders, teachers, students, service personnel, members of Maternal and Child Welfare Association  and local people.

Accompanied by the Chairman of Shan State (East) Special Region-4 and national race leaders, the Secretary-1  proceeded to the Head Office of the Special Region-4.

Chairman of Shan State (East) Special Region-4 U Sai Lin greeted the Secretary-1 and party at the hall of the Head  Office.

General Secretary of the Special Region U Min Ein reported to the Secretary-1 on construction of the Head Office  of the special region, Dway Nagara Monastery, Mongla Gems Emporium, new Mongla Myoma Market, Eastern  Hotel and Hlinetont Hotel, agricultural matters for development of the special region, construction of roads and  bridges in Mongla, water supply, construction of Mongla Golf Course, establishment of the multimedia teaching  centre at Mongla Basic Education High School, paving of 10-mile-long Keng-tung-Mongla Road and repair of  Mongla-Silu Road.

Then, Commander Maj-Gen Thein Sein gave a supplementary report. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 attended to their  needs. The Secretary-1 gave a speech.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt said it is an honour for leaders of the Special Region to build and open education,  health, religious and social infrastructures for the local people such as the office building of the Shan State (East)  Special Region-4 in Mongla, the Dway Nagara Monastery, the Gems Museum, the Mongla Market, the four star  Hlainetont Hotel, the tarred town road and the bridge, the town water supply station and the Mongla Golf Course  for the benefit of the future.

Opening of Kengtung-Mongla and Mongla-Silu roads will help much towards development of eastern Shan State  and uplift of the social standard of the local people.

Due to the sponsorship and assistance of the State and the active implementation of the leaders of the Special  Region-4 and the local people, Mongla has become a modern major town ever bustling with visitors, which is also  a result of peace. In the past, not only the State but also the local people had to suffer because of the armed  conflicts erupted among the national brethren.

Firm flourishing of the will to live in weal or woe, the Union Spirit, the patriotism and the spirit of national  solidarity among the national brethren is essential at present. All the nationalities have the duty for the  perpetuation of national sovereignty. All the national brethren should strive in harmony and unison for the peace,  stability and security of the State.

Based on Union Spirit and patriotism, the entire national brethren must unitedly ward off and crush all dangers of  the nation.

Local authorities and ethnic leaders should collectively seek means to develop border areas and to uplift the social  standard of the local people. Similarly, it is an urgent need to build firm unity to ward off all the enemies with  Union Spirit and patriotism.

U Sai Lin reaffirmed that continued efforts will be made to implement regional development undertakings under  the leadership of the State.

The Secretary-1 presented gifts to U Sai Lin and party.

Then, the Secretary-1 attended the merit sharing ceremony of Dway Nagara monastery in Mongla.

Also present on the occasion were Commander Maj-Gen Thein Sein, the commander-in-chief (Air), the deputy  ministers, officials from the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, the chairman of  Mongla, Shan State (East) Special Region-4, national race leaders, donors and local people.

The Secretary-1 and party received the Five Precepts from Presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Swa Ti Sai of the  monastery and presented offertories to the Sayadaw.

The members of the Sangha recited parittas and the Secretary-1 and party shared the merits gained. The area of the  compound is half an acre and the area of the monastery 1231.2 sq metres.

The donation for the building the downstairs of which can accommodate five members of the Sangha and 30  novices cost K 78 million.

The Secretary-1 and party also attended the opening of Mongla Gems Museum.

Commander Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Minister Brig-Gen. Ohn Myint and Chairman U Sai Lin of Mongla, Shan State  (East) Special Region-4 formally opened the museum.

The Secretary-1 unveiled the signboard of the museum.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected the museum and signed in the visitors' book.

The area of the floor of the museum is 2003.6 sq metres. The booths are on the ground floor, the gems shops on the  first floor and offices on the second floor.

The museum displays various kinds of gems of Myanmar jade, pearl, silver, and minerals with the aid of photos,  slides, videos, paintings and sculptures. The visitors will gain much knowledge about Myanmar.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 attended the opening of Mongla Myoma market.

Commander Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Lwin and Vice-Chairman U San Pay of Mongla, Shan  State (East) Special Region-4 formally opened the market.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party viewed around the market.

The market area is 25 acres and it is surrounded by two-storeyed shops with apartments.

Two buildings of the market comprise 368 stalls, 136 apartments and 918 spaces for the vendors. Two more  buildings will be constructed with the development of the town.

The Secretary-1 and party also attended the ceremony to open Hlinetont Hotel.

First, the Secretary-1 signed in the visitors' book. Then, Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Chairman U Sai Lin and Managing  Director of the hotel Mr Kyun Hong Feng formally opened the hotel. Then, the Secretary-1 and party were hosted  lunch at the hotel whose floor area is 20,000 sq metres.

It is a modern hotel which contains dining hall, golf course, tennis court and swimming pool. The modern Oriental  Hotel is being built in Mongla. Then, the Secretary-1 attended the opening ceremony of Mongla Golf Course and  signed in the visitors' book. The Secretary-1, Commander Maj-Gen Thein Sein and Chairman U Sai Lin formally  opened the golf course. The ministers, the deputy ministers and chairman U Sai Lin teed off to open the course  whose area is 60 acres.

Measures are being taken to build the golf club building and nine holes. The Secretary-1 and party inspected  teaching and training with the aid of modern equipment at Basic Education High School in Mongla Township.  Managing Director Mr Kyun Hong Feng of Hlinetunt Hotel presented K 16.7 million for multimedia teaching  centre at Mongla BEHS to the Secretary-1. The Secretary-1 signed in visitors' book.

The Secretary-1 and party left Mongla by helicopter and arrived at Kengtung Airport at 3.30 p.m. The Secretary-1  and party went to the site for construction of General Hospital (200-bed). The Secretary-1 and party were  welcomed by additional head of Division Health Department Dr Khin Maung Wah, Medical Superintendent Dr  Than Maung and staff and officials of Naungton Construction Group. Engineer U Yi Win of Naungton Construction Group reported on progress of work and requirements. Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya  Oo, Commander Maj-Gen Thein Sein and officials gave supplementary reports.

The Secretary-1 attended to the requirements and inspected construction of the hospital. The Secretary-1 and party  went to Kengtung Nurses Training School where they were welcomed by Principal Daw Nang Lay Tin Mon, instructors and trainees. The Secretary-1 inspected the training school. Twenty five trainees are attending in first year course, 17 in second year course and 34 in third year course.

The Secretary-1 and party left for Golden Triangle guest house of Triangle Region Command in Kengtung. The  Secretary-1 and party visited Khemaratha Buddhist Image on  Swanhsat Hill. The Secretary-1 donated cash for the image to Chairman of Board of Trustees U Tin Maung Aye. The Secretary-1 and party visited Cultural Museum  and observed booths of Buddhist culture and culture of national races in Shan State (East). Next, the Secretary-1  and party visited Maha Myatmuni Pagoda in Kengtung. The Secretary-1 donated cash to Chairman of Board of  Trustees U Aung Khan and signed in the visitors' book.

The Secretary-1 and party spent the night in Golden Triangle guest house of Triangle Region Command. The  Secretary-1 attended the inauguration of Kengtung-Mongla (Kengtung section 10 miles) tarred Road this morning.

Also present were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Shan State Peace and  Development Council (East) Commander of Triangle Region Command Maj-Gen Thein Sein, the ministers, the Chief of Staff (Air), the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of  departments, Chairman of Shan State (East) Special Region-4 U Sai Lin and national race leaders, members of  road construction committee, departmental personnel, officials of the Union Solidarity and Development  Association, Women's Affairs Committee, Maternal and Child Welfare Association and War Veteran  Organization, local people, students and guests. Commander Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Deputy Minister for Progress of
Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Brig-Gen. Than Tun and Chairman of Shan State  Special Region-4 U Sai Lin formally opened the road.

The Secretary-1, the commander, the ministers, the deputy ministers and guests strolled along the road. Kengtung- Mongla Road isÊ56 miles long and it was a road which could be used only in open season. The all-weather road  was constructed with the contribution of K 20 million and 300 tons of tar and participation of Chairman of Shan  State (East) Special Region-4 U Sai Lin and national race leaders. Out of 56 miles, 23 miles were paved with tar.  Along the road there will be 165 conduits including 13 small bridge, one medium bridge and Wantarpin Bridges.  Total cost of the project is over K 480 million.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected regional development in Kengtung and construction of education and health  structures. The Secretary-1 discussed education, health, transport for urban and rural development, cultivation of  substitute crops for eradication of narcotic drugs, livestock breeding, national solidarity and restoration of the  Union Spirit with the commander, the ministers, the deputy ministers and heads of departments. The Secretary-1  and party arrived back here in the afternoon.

up

___________________________

(3) Korean guests call on UMFCCI President

YANGON, 16 May-A Korean delegation led by Mayor Song Eun-Bok of Gamhae City, Korea, called on President  of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint at the federation this  morning. They discussed matters related to mutual interest on export and import and investment between the two  countries. Also present at the call were Joint-Secretary Dr Maung Maung Lay and committee members.

up

___________________________

(4) Mayor receives Japanese guests

YANGON, 16 May- Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay received Mr Kazufumi  Momose and party of Japan International Cooperation Agancy at his office at 3 p.m. today.  They discussed water  supply system in Yangon City.

Mayor U Ko Lay meets Korean guests

YANGON, 16 May- Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay met Gimhae City  Mayor Mr Song Eun-Bok and party of Republic of Korea at his office at 2 p.m. today.

On arrival at the City Hall, the Gimhae City Mayor and party were welcomed by personnel of YCDC Police Force  Band.  Then, the two mayors discussed development tasks. Also present at the call were Secretary of YCDC Col  Myint Aung, Joint-Secretary U Kyi Win and the heads of department.  The guests were accompanied by  Ambassador of ROK Mr Chung Jung-Gum.

up

___________________________

(5) Business meeting for bilateral trade cooperation held

YANGON, 16 May-A business meeting for bilateral trade cooperation between Myanmar and the Republic of  Korea, sponsored by Myanmar-Daewoo Limited was held at the Traders Hotel here this morning.

It was attended by ROK Ambassador Mr Chung Jung Gum, entrepreneurs from Gamhae City in Korea led by Mr  Park Min Jeong, Managing Director Mr Jeong Hwan Park of MDL and officials.

Officials from Ministry of Industry-1, Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Rail Transportation and Myanma Economics  Corporation and the Korean entrepreneurs discussed matters related to bilateral trade cooperation between the two  countries in groups.

Cash donations for MWVO Conference (2001) presented

YANGON, 17 May- A ceremony to contribute cash donations for the second time for holding the Myanmar War  Veteran Organization Conference (2001) was held at the Headquarters of the MWVO, 8th Mile, Pyay Road, Mayangon Township, this morning.

Present on the occasion were MWVO Central Organizing Committee members, guests and wellwishers. COC  Member Minister U Aung Thaung explained the purpose of the donation ceremony.

Today’s donations included K 100,000 each by wellwishers. Members of COC Minister U Aung Thaung, Minister  Col Thein Nyunt, Minister Brig-Gen. Maung Maung Thein, Deputy Minister Col Thaik Tun, Vice-Mayor Col  Maung Pa, Secretary of the COC Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Thura Myint Maung and COC member Deputy  Minister Thura U Thaung Lwin accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers.

up

___________________________

(6) Best fishery exporters honoured

YANGON, 16 May - Ten fishery companies which exported largest amount of marine products in fiscal 2000- 2001 without accepting advance payments were honoured together with ten largest fishery exporters receiving  advance payments.

The companies which were formed under joint venture contracts with Fisheries Department were honoured  yesterday at FD Aquarium.

Held under the marine products and exports promotion programme of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the  ceremony was addressed by Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung Thein.  The minister  presented certificates of honour to the companies.

Mayor attends opening of repaved road, inspects sea prawn breeding farm in Kyauktan

YANGON, 16 May- Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, accompanied by  officials, attended the ceremony to put back into service the self-reliance repaved Thiri Road in Insein Township  and inspected sea prawn breeding farm being undertaken by Production Department of YCDC in Kyauktan  Township this morning.

First, the mayor attended the opening of self-reliance repaved Thiri Road in Insein Township and inspected the  road.  Also present on the occasion were Vice-Chairman of YCDC Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, Secretary Col  Myint Aung, respective heads of department, towns elders and students.

The 3,726 feet long road was constructed at a cost of K 12.154 million including K 4.225 million contributed by  YCDC, K 1.759 million by Myanma Railways and K 60.17 million by local people.

On arrival at the sea prawn breeding farm of Production Department in Kyauktan Township, Joint-Secretary of  YCDC U Kyi Win, Head of Production Department U Than Sein and officials reported to the mayor on condition  of sea prawn breeding tasks and growth rate of prawns.

The mayor gave instructions on sales of sea prawn at the markets, systematic sea water supply into prawn breeding  ponds, digging of ponds for prawn breeding before arrival of the rainy season and extended distribution of shrimp  fry.
 
Hole-in-one at Ottha Golf Course

YANGON, 16 May- U Myo Aung hit Pinnacle No 4 ball from a distance of 165 yards with Dunlop Iron No 5 at  Hole No 2 of Ottha Golf Course in Bago yesterday evening. U Myo Aung played together with U Kyan Taing  Aung, U Myint Kyi, U Saw Han and U Aung Naing at the golf course.

up

___________________________

(7) Tyre and Rubber factory inspected

YANGON, 16 May-Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, accompanied by officials, arrived at No 1 Tyre  and Rubber Factory of Myanma Tyre and Rubber Industries in Thaton, Mon State on 14 May morning.

The minister inspected production process and Power Station and heard reports of Managing Director U Oo Zun  and Factory Manager U Myint Naing.

The Minister met with the officials at the meeting hall of the factory and gave instructions to meet the production  target, quality products, maintenance of machinery and minimizing of the expenditure.

Best fishery exporters honoured

YANGON, 16 May - Ten fishery companies which exported largest amount of marine products in fiscal 2000- 2001 without accepting advance payments were honoured together with ten largest fishery exporters receiving  advance payments.

The companies which were formed under joint venture contracts with Fisheries Department were honoured  yesterday at FD Aquarium.  held under the marine products and exports promotion programme of the Ministry of  Livestock and Fisheries, the ceremony was addressed by Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung  Maung Thein. The minister presented certificates of honour to the companies.

up

___________________________

(8)  Commander tours Pakokku, Yesagyo, Mandalay

YANGON, 16 May- Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central  Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, accompanied by Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen.  Thein Zaw, Commander of No 101 LID Brig-Gen. Ye Myint and officials, paid homage to State Ovadaariya  Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Malalankara at Maha Weikzayama Pali Tekkatho Ashaytaik in
Ward 1, Pakokku, on 13 May. Then, the commander and party paid homage to State Ovadaariya Sayadaw Agga  Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sumangala and member of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha  Pandita Bhaddanta Viara and Sayadaws at Maha Withutayama Aleitaik in Ward 10, Pakokku. On 14 May, the  commander paid obeisance to Sithushin Pagoda in Pakhangyi, Yesagyo Township and paid homage to Pakhangyi  Sayadaw Maha Saddham-majotika Bhaddanta Pan-inda. In the afternoon, the commander attended the opening  ceremony of workshop on elimination of drug addicts at Supervisory Committee for Chanayethazan Township  Maternal and Child Welfare Association Office.

Patron of the Supervisory Committee Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint explained mental health care service and  rehabilitation of drug addicts. Then, Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint and officials presented books on mental health care  service to the Institute of Medicine (Mandalay), surgeons in Mandalay Division, Myanmar Medical Association  (Mandalay), Mandalay Division Working Committee for Women's Affairs and Mandalay Division Supervisory  Committee for MCWA. At the workshop, Dr Daw Tin Tin Phyu, Dr U Khin Maung Swe and Dr U Thu Ta  discussed rehabilitation of drug addicts. Dr U Thu Ta donated 500 books on mental health care at the ceremony  and he has donated 500 books for students of the Defence Services Institute of Medicine and Institutes of Medicine-1 and 2 (Yangon).
 
Commander inspects agriculture, development tasks in Ingapu, Zalun, Nyaungdon

YANGON, 16 May- Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, accompanied by officials, inspected Coffee Nursery Garden of the  local battalion in Ingapu Township on 12 May. Then, the commander inspected preparation for growing 200 acres  of corn plantations at the local battalion. Afterwards, the commander attended the opening ceremony of Kyantaw  Bridge and Kyonwok Bridge at Zawgyi Village-tract, Zalun Township. Officials opened the bridges. The  commander and party cordially met local people. In the afternoon, the commander arrived at Eastern Bawdi
Wetland Reclamation Project Office in Nyaungdon Township. Chairman of Maubin District Peace and  Development Council Lt-Col Thein Hlaing and officials reported to the commander on implementation of land  reclamation and future tasks. The commander attended to their needs.

up

___________________________

(9) Stimulant pills seized in Muse

YANGON, 16 May-Members of local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force, acting on information,  searched the house of Ma Htu Hsai of Manwein Ward, Muse in Shan State (North) and arrested Ma Htu Hsai and  Ba Nan of Falam in Chin State who arrived there to traffik drugs together with 1,435 stimulant tablets and 0.06  kilo of Khatkhu on 5 May. The police station concerned filed them under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic  Substances Law.

up