(1) Government striving on all fronts to enable Myanmar to stand tall as sovereign nation, to protect it from falling under foreign domination

General Maung Aye looks into development of Rakhine State

YANGON, 22 May- Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, accompanied by Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Kyaw Than, the ministers, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments concerned, left here by Tatmadaw flight yesterday morning and arrived in Sittway, Rakhine State, at 10 am.

At Sittway Airport, the General and party were welcomed by member of the State Peace and Development  Council Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command  Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, Vice-Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Phone  Swe and members and departmental officials.

In the hall of Sittway Station, General Maung Aye met members of Rakhine State Peace and Development  Council, Sittway District and Township Peace and Development Councils and Rakhine State-level  departmental officials.

General Maung Aye said their visit to Rakhine State is to render necessary assistance to exceed the targets  of the third short-term five-year plan and to explain the nation’s economic situation.

At present, the practice of hegemonism can be seen in the world. The big nations are giving human rights,  democracy and drug elimination as excuses in applying various means to dominate the small nations.

At this juncture, the government while building all sectors including the political, economic and social
fields is exerting utmost efforts to stand firmly on the correct path.

Moreover, science and technology is advancing with high momentum in the world; thus, the nation is
striving to get abreast of other nations. Due to such efforts, the nation was able to successfully implement  the first short-term four-year plan and the second short-term five-year plan.

Efforts should be made with greater momentum to exceed the targets of the third short-term five-year plan  beginning fiscal 2001-2002. Priority should be given to boosting production and minimizing wastage.  Myan-mar can exist as a sovereign nation only when its economic, political and social sectors are  developing on all fronts.

There are independent countries sovereignty of which is not firm or perpetual. The government is striving  on all fronts to enable the one to stand firmly as a sovereign one and to protect it from falling under the  domination of the big nations.

The government will not let an inch of the nation’s territory be lost and at the same time, it has no wish to  intrude into or occupy other’s territory.

The nation is maintaining her cordial relations with other countries in accord with the five principles of  peaceful co-existence and the 10 principles of Bandung Conference.

As Rakhine State is rich in natural resources, if all should strive to fully utilize them and to minimize
wastage, it will surely become a developing state and will effectively help the national progress.

Rakhine State should strive to become a model region setting records in the agricultural and livestock  breeding production sectors.

Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe noted the population of the state and efforts to ensure the rule of law,  saying that the state is always striving to boost its production sector.

Paddy cultivation was carried out on 900,000 acres in 2000-2001. Plans are under way to exceed its  monsoon and summer paddy cultivation targets during the five-year plan from 2001-2002 to 2005-2006.

Due to the cooperative endeavours of local authorities, departmental personnel and farmers, cultivation of  beans and pulses, edible oil crops, kitchen crops and vegetables have exceeded the
respective targets.

He said efforts are being made to develop the farming sector including prawn breeding and poultry
farming and explained the situation of border trade, tax revenues, services of the state and regional
transport undertakings.

Brig-Gen Phone Swe, members of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commissioner U Khin  Maung Myint and Rakhine State Police Commander Police Col Nyo Win and Secretary of Rakhine State  Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Thein Kyaing explained regional deve-lopment endeavours.

Ministers who accompanied the General reported on tasks being carried out for development of Rakhine  State.

First, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on target of agricultural sector  in Rakhine State to be met in the short-term five-year plan beginning 2001-2002 fiscal year, establishment  of agricultural education camps, seeds of crops to be provided, designation of model plots, construction of  embankments and arrangements for development of agriculture sector.

Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun reported on completion of An-sittway Road, construction of  roads and bridges in Rakhine State including An-Maei, Maei-Taungup and Maei-Kyaukpyu roads.

Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt  reported on development of border areas, construction of rural roads and water supply in rural areas.

Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe reported on arrangements being made for smooth
transportation of passengers and commodities by air and by boat.

Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi reported on fuel supply for development of Rakhine State by the  Ministry of Energy.

Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung reported on arrangements to increase the number of
technicians.

Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut reported on region-wise power supply programme.

Then, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office U Tin Winn extended greetings.

The General gave necessary instructions and cordially met State, District and Township level
departmental officials. In the evening, the General and party visited the View Point in Sittway and
inspected Shu-khintha Road and Sittway downtown.

At 6.30 pm, the General and party paid obeisance to Lawkananda Pagoda. The General signed in the  visitors’ book and donated cash to the member of the pagoda board of trustees. The General and party  inspected construction of Aungsekkya Muni Ordination Hall.

Then, the General and party paid obeisance to Sekkya Muni Buddha Image which would be the work of  Third Danyawady Age, conveyed from MyaukU, at Maha Waiyan Sasana Beikman.

The General and party paid reverence to nine tiers of Shwehtidaw to be hoisted atop Aungsekkya Muni  Ordination Hall.

In the evening, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin met members of Rakhine State Agriculture Coordination  Committee and staff at the manager’s office of Myanma Agriculture Service. He gave instructions on  meeting the target of agriculture sector, distribution of strains and agricultural techniques to farmers,  prevention measures for minimizing loss and wastage of crops and staff welfare programme.

At the office of State Superintending Engineer of Public Works, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun gave
instructions to engineers and employees on repare of roasds in rainy season, maintenance for bridges and  staff welfare.

Minister Col Thein Nyunt inspected Rakhie State and township offices of Development Affairs
Department and Border Area Youth Development Training School.

Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe inspected completion of Sittway Airport Building, arrival and departure  buildings. He then proceeded to Mingan Wharf and inspected the wharf and roads and arrival of boats.

Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi also inspected Fuel Store Depot in Sittway and gave instrictions on prevention  of loss and wastage of fuel, agriculture and livestock breedings and staff welfare programmes.

Minister Maj-Gen Tin Htut met officials and service personnel at Rakhine State Engineer’s Office of
Myanma Electric Power Enterprise. The minister gave instructions on prevention of power loss and
wastage, extended duration of power supply and staff welfare task and personnel to be discharged duty in  accord with rules and regulations.

up

___________________________

(2) Secretary-1 accepts donations for construction of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image

YANGON, 22 May- A ceremony to present donations for construction of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha  Muni Image was held at Mingala Mandat on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township this morning, attended  by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt.

Also present were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division  Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, the ministers, the deputy  ministers, the vice-mayor, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of  departments, members of Committee for Construction of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image,  members of Finance Committee and wellwishers.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt accepted 20 rati of diamond (equivalent to 7.76 carat) worth about K 72  million by Chairman of Kanbawza Bank Ltd U Aung Ko Win and wife Vice-Chairman Thiha  Thudhamma Theingi Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Nan Than  Htwe, recipient of Excellent Performance in Social Field (Grade 1) and Chairman of Jade Dragon Co U  Nay Win Tun and wife Daw Nan Aye Aye Myint, K 20 million for Hmankyaunghsaung of the image and  36 diamonds worth K 4.5 million by U Soe Hlaing (Managing Director) of Taunggyi Gems Master Ltd, K  3 million for a lion statue by personnel of the Ministry of Industry-1, K 2 million by U Than Htut-Daw  Wah Wah Win Shwe, K 1.5 million by U Tin Tun-Daw Khin Myint of Mingala Taungnyunt Township, K  1.3 million by Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Se (Ngwe Se Co), K 1 million by Daw Nyunt  Yi, U Aung Myint and Daw Khin Khin Sein, K 1.3 million by U Htoo Myint of Bahan Township, K  500,000 by Daw Shwe Thet, wife of late Minister at the Prime Minister' s Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung, K
100,000 by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Aye Myint Kyu and wife Daw Khin Swe Myint, K 1 million by  Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Lawyer Daw Khin Kyi and K 1 million of Thudawsin Sannan on Mindhamma  Hill. The ministers also accepted K 1 million by All Bus Lines Control Committee, K 2 million by  Mindhamma Hill Board of Trustees, K 700,000 by U Myint Lwin-Daw Shwe Shwe Sein Moe, K 600,000  by Daw Kyin Yi of Labutta Township, K 400,000 by U Kyi Tun of Bago, K 400,000 by Daw Kyin Shwe  of 31st Street, Yangon, K 400,000 by U Aung Kyaw Htoo-Daw Khin Mar Naing, K 100,000 by U Kyi  Tin, K 300,000 by Ministry of Electric Power, K 400,000 by Captain Maung Maung (Retd) and wife Daw  Yin Phyu, K 400,000 by Ko Kyaw Naing and Ko Thet Naing, K 320,000 by U Hla Tin-Daw Than Myint,  K 300,000 by engineers working at Mindhamma Hill, K 240,000 by officers of Intake No 24 of DSA, K  200,000 from Mindhamma Hill Sannan, K 200,000 by U Chit Lwin-Daw Lay Myint, K 200,000 by U Tin  Aung-Daw Nyo, K 164,038 officers of Intake No 38 of DSA, K 164,000 by Intake No 16 of DSA, K
164,000 by Major Ba Win-Daw Khin Aye Aye Myint, K 150,000 by Lt-Col Thein Lwin (Retd)-Daw Tin  Aye and K 33,526,054 by other well-wishers. Chairman of Finance Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa  reported on financial matters.

The Secretary-1 said it was the eighth cash donation ceremony for construction of Lawka Chantha Abhaya  Labha Muni Image and all-round construction works of Mindhamma Hill. He said Sculptor U Taw Taw  and family donated the marble stone found in Madaya Township to the State and arrangements were made  for construction of the image. Sculptor U Taw Taw and experts are carrying out the tasks for construction  of the image in accord with the Ovada of the Sayadaws, he said. The Secretary-1 thanked the wellwishers  for their donations.

Donations received to date amounted to K 77,732,097, 20 rati of diamond (equivalent to 7.76 carat)  worth about K 72 million and 36 diamonds worth K 4.5 million. The Secretary-1 and party inspected  construction of the image and all-round construction work.
 
Secretary-1 inspects construction of Drug Elimination Museum

YANGON, 22 May-Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt  inspected progress of construction work of Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of Hanthawady Road  and Kyundaw Road in Kamayut Township this morning. The Secretary-1 accompanied by officials of the  State Peace and Development Council Office arrived at the construction site at 10 am today.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by ministers, the Yangon Mayor, deputy ministers,
chairmen and members of Drug Elimination Museum Contruction Work Committee, display committee,  agricultural, livestock breeding, health, education, information, construction and international relations  groups, Myanmar Anti-Narcotics Association, and border area development association.

At the briefing hall, Chairman of DEMCWC Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen. Thura Myint  Maung reported to the Secretary-1 on matters related to work done and plans to be carried out. Then,  Chairman of Display Committee Police Maj-Gen Soe Win reported on the arrangements made, plans to be  implemented and the needs.

Afterwards, Director Daw Nu Mra Zan of National Museum, Department of Cultural Institute elaborated  on construction of the booths to be opened in the museum.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions on making the museum to meet international standard, complete and  systematic display on Myanmar’s efforts for drug eradication in successive eras and making concerted  efforts in cooperation with the committees.

Later, the Secretary-1 and party inspected display arrangements being made at the central booths on the  ground and first floors and booths of working groups on the second floor and gave necessary instructions.

The Secretary-1 and party left there in the afternoon.

up

___________________________

(3) Deputy Prime Minister receives Ambassador of Denmark

YANGON, 22 May- On behalf of the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, Deputy  Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun received Ambassador of Denmark to the Union of Myanmar Mr Niels  Kaas Dyrlund who has completed his tour of duty at the guest house of the Ministry of Defence this  morning. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and  Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet.

Foreign guests call on Minister

YANGON, 22 May - Minister for Industry 1 U Aung Thaung received Deputy General Manager Mr Liu  Zhong Jun and party of CMC Complete Equipment and Engineering Import and Export Co of the peoples  Republic of China and Managing Director Mr Vijay Munjal and party of Hero Bicycles Limited of India at  his office separately today. Also present at the call were Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen. Thein Tun and Brig- Gen. Kyaw Win, directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprise under the  ministry.

Minister receives foreign guest

YANGON, 22 May- Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone met Chief Executive Officer Mr
Mohammed Yusuf and party of Universal Navigation Pte Ltd at his office at 10 am today. Also present at  the call were Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Kyaw Hsan, Director-General of Directorate of  Trade U Nyunt Aye, Director-General of Border Trade Department U Nay Win, Managing Director of  Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and officials.

Australian Ambassador calls on Mayor

YANGON, 22 May- Ambassador of Australia to the Union of Myanmar Mr Trevor David Wilson called  on Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay at his office at 11.30 am today.  They discussed bilateral interest of the two countries. Also present at the call were Vice-Chairman of  YCDC Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, committee members, head of departments, adviser to the Mayor and  officials.

up

___________________________

(4) Chairman of MIDC inspects industries in South Okkalapa

YANGON, 22 May- Chairman of Myanma Industrial Development Committee Minister for Industry-1 U  Aung Thaung, accompanied by Secretary of the Committee Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Kyaw Win and  members, inspected industrial wards on Waizayanda Road, Thitsa Road and Yadana Road in South  Okkalapa Township this evening. The minister and party arrived at Ludu Yeiktha Dhammayon in Ward 8  and inspected personal goods, paints, foodstuff and garments produced from respective industrial wards.  In the briefing hall, Chairman of South Okkalapa Industrial Zone U Bo Hsan reported on establishment of  the Industrial Zone in 1958 and conditions of factories and workshops in the wards. The minister said that  the Government is giving encouragement to private sector, industrial entrepreneurs should strive for  production of quality products and import substitute goods. Then, the minister heard reports of the  entrepreneurs and attended to their needs.

163 e-English Summer Courses launched

YANGON, 22 May-The Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Information has
been creating new learning environment with the use of electronic data broadcasting system at e-
Education Learning Centres all over the country.

Under the national education promotion programme, the e-English Summer Course was launched at e-Education Learning Centres in High Schools and Education Colleges today. The courses are being  broadcast from the main studio of the University of Distant Education of Myanmar Education Research  Bureau from 9 am to noon except Sunday till 31 May.

Students are attending the course at 163 learning centres all over the country including centres at No 4 BEHS, Hlaing Township, No 1 BEHS, Kamayut Township, No 2 BEHS, Bahan Township and No 4 BEHS, Ahlone Township in Yangon Division and No 1 BEHS, Myeik in Taninthayi Division.

Commander meets trainees for Primary Teachership Course No 36 of UDNR

YANGON, 22 May- Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon
Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than met trainees who will  attend the Primary Teachership Course No 36 of University for Development of National Races and  presented cash assistance to them at the office of the Yangon Division Peace and Development Council  this morning. Also present on the occasion were Vice-Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and  Development Council Deputy Commander Brig-Gen. Hsan Hsint and members, Director-General U Tin  Win of Department of Basic Education No 3, district authorities, divisional level officials, guests and  parents.

Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint acted as master of  ceremonies and individually introduced the trainees to the commander.  Then, the commander gave a  speech and presented cash assistance to the trainees. On behalf of the trainees, trainee Ma Tin Aye Lwin  of Course No 34 spoke words of thanks.

up

___________________________

(5) Maha Saddhammajotika title recipient Sayadaw honoured in Minhla

YANGON, 22 May- The ceremony to honour Maha Saddhammajotika title recipient Presiding Nayaka  of Pandaw Monatery member of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha member of State  Viniyadhara Bhaddanta Vimalaçara (Myaungmya Sayadaw) was held at Pandaw Village, Minhla  Township, Thayawady District, Bago Division (West) on 20 May.

Present on the occasion were officials of Minhha Township Peace and Development Council and lay  persons.

up

___________________________

(6) Chief Justice arrives back

YANGON, 22 May-After paying a goodwill visit to the Peoples' Republic of China from 13 May to 21, the  Myanmar delegation led by Chief Justice U Aung Toe arrived back here yesterday evening. The delegates  were welcomed back at the airport by Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Attorney- General U Tha Tun, Supreme Court Justice Deputy Chief Justice U Than Oo, Deputy Attorney-General U  Khin Maung Aye, Supreme Court Justice Dr Tin Aung Aye, the head of office and officials. Members of  delegates Supreme Court Justice U Khin Myint, Director-General U Tin Aye, Director U Myo Nyunt and  Deputy Director U Nyan Tun arrived back here on the same flight.

Bilateral trade discussed

YANGON, 22 May-Fifty-two Myanmar entrepreneurs and 15 Korean entrepreneurs from nine companies  led by Mr Choi Heui-Uk of Korea Kyongsan City Trade Mission, Korea attended the coordination meeting  on bilateral trade between Myanmar and Korea, sponsored by Commercial Section (KOTRA) of the  Embassy of ROK, held at the Traders Hotel here this morning. Ambassador of Korea Mr Chung Jung- Gum and Commercial Attache Mr Kim Jae-Cham also attended the meeting which came to a close at 5  p.m.

up

___________________________

(7) UMFCCI President meets Korean guests

YANGON, 22 May- A Six-member delegation led by Mayor Mr Choi Heui Uk of Kyongsan City of the  Republic of Korea called on President of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and  Industry U Win Myint, Vice-President U Win Aung and Secretary-General U Zaw Min Win and CEC  members at UMFCCI building at 10 am today. At 11 am, Deputy Director-General Mr Kim Joong-Keun  of Regional Trade Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of ROK and Minister-Counsellor  Mr Park Ro-Byug of the Korean Embassy called on the President of UMFCCI and officials. They  discussed bilateral trade, promotion of investment, import of machines for development of small and  medium size industries, technical cooperation and sending delegates to Conference of International  Chambers of Commerce to be held in Seoul of ROK.

Minister meets Myanmar athletes before training in ROK

YANGON, 22 May- Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen. Thura Aye Myint met athletes of archery and takwood who will undergo training together with Korean athletes in the Republic of Korea, at National Indoor Stadium-1 this afternoon. Also present on the occasion were officials of the ministry and sports federations, managers and athletes. The minister gave a speech. Officials of Myanmar Archery Federation and Myanmar Takwando Federation reported on arrangements for training matters.

Then, Managing Director U Khin Shwe of Zaykabar Co Ltd presented US$ 42,000 and Managing
Director U Maung Maung of Asia Express Co US$ 5,000 to the minister. Then, the minister handed over the donations to respective sports federations. Myanmar archery team will take part in Year 2001 World Ranking Asia Archery Circuit Second Round Competition and 4th Korea International Archery Tournament to be held in Korea from 26 to 30 May and will undergo training with Korean archery team till 15 July. Myanmar taekwondo team will undergo training in Korea from 23 May to 23 August.

up

___________________________

(8) Billboard hailing WVO Conf erected

YANGON, 22 May-A ceremony to erect a billboard hailing the War Veteran Organization Conference  2001 was held in front of Mawrawady Park in Mawlamyine, Mon State yesterday morning.

It was attended by Secretary of Mon State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Maw Maw and  officials, chairmen and members of state/district/township WVOs, members of the Union Solidarity and  Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Auxiliary Fire Brigade, departmental  officials, and over 1,000 local people.

Lt-Col Aung Maw Maw, Chairman of Mawlamyine District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col  Thaw Zin and Chairman of township WVO Maj Win Maung (Retd) formally opened the billboard.

C-in-C (Air)’s Shield Table-Tennis Tournament opens

YANGON, 22 May- A ceremony to open the Commander-in-Chief (Air)’s Shield Table-Tennis
Tournament for 2001 was held at Thura Ohn Khaing Hall of Flying Training Base in Meiktila, yesterday  morning.  On behalf of the Commander-in-Chief (Air), Commander of the Flying Training Base Col  Myat Hein gave a speech and opened the tournament.

Also present on the occasion were senior officers of the Commander-in-Chief (Air)’s Office and Meiktila  Station, Commander of Ground Training Base Col Thura Khin Maung Win, officers and other ranks.   Altogether seven teams are taking part in the tournament.

Mayor inspects tax-free markets, model vegetable farm

YANGON, 22 May-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay accompanied by  Joint-Secretary U Kyi Win and officials inspected Hanthawady vegetable plantations of YCDC and gave  instructions and attended to the needs this morning. The mayor arrived at Yankin tax-free market and  inspected the shops of beef, chicken, eggs, vegetables and kitchen crops. After hearing reports of the  officials, he gave necessary instructions. The mayor also inspected onion, chilli, egg-plants, rabbit green,  bitter gourd, gourd, papaya, lemon, bean, corn and flower plantations at Hanthawady vegetable farm at  the corner of Kyundaw and Narnattaw Streets. After leaving instructions there, he greeted the customers  at Hanthawady tax-free market. Then, the mayor inspected the mobile market of Motor Transport and  Workshop Department in front of the City Hall. The mobile market will distribute vegetables, kitchen  crops and fish and meat produced by the departments of YCDC to the departments and offices.

up

___________________________

(9) Heroin seized in Kyukok

YANGON, 22 May- A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Myanmar
Police Force, acting on information, waited on Namhtoung-Mon-paw Road near Kaungkha, Kyukok  (Pangsai), on 6 May. The combined team stopped a Beijing Jeep with number plate 000969 driven by Mar  Tu, son of U Ha Law Tan, carrying Ma Bauk Nan, daughter of U Lamai Toung of 20, Ward 4, Kyukok  (Pangsai), and seized 0.02 kilo of heroin under the driver’s seat.  Action is taken against them under the  Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.
 

up