(1) Senior General Than Shwe inspects agricultural projects of YCDC in Uto-Kya-in region in Taikkyi Township

YANGON, 26 May-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe inspected the agricultural project of Yangon City
Development Committee in Uto-Kya-in region, Taikkyi Township, Thabyedan river-water pumping
project and Tawlati regional development this afternoon.

Senior General Than Shwe was accompanied by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development  Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung  Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen. Kyaw  Than, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command  Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and ministers.

At the club house, Chairman of YCDC Mayor U Ko Lay reported that YCDC is implementing agriculture  and livestock breeding projects in eight regions. Among them, Uto-Kya-in region is a main centre. Efforts  are being made for successful implementation of the projects in accord with Senior General Than Shwe’s  guidance on boosting productivity, distribution of rice to the staff of YCDC and fulfilment of meat, fish  and vegetable requirements of Yangon City.

He also reported on the sale of agricultural and livestock breeding products and investment of the centres.

In his guidance, Senior General Than Shwe said the agricultural project zone has to produce seasonal  products on the basis of consumption of the people in Yangon City. More kitchen crops, fruits and fish  and meat are to be produced and sold at low profits, and ways and means are to be sought in order to bring  down commodity prices and reduce production cost.

He said arrangements are to be made to promote the sale of necessary goods by reviewing the current  commodity prices and the market in Yangon.

He spoke of the need to conduct systematic research on strains of crops, vegetables and fruits and to  produce and sell them.

Then, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen. Khin Maung reported on matters related  to laboratories of the Paddy, Vegetable and Fruit Research Centre and apparatus to be used at the laboratories and technical assistance for doing research.

The Senior General gave necessary guidance and signed in the visitors’ book.  Then, the Senior General  and party inspected construction of the main sluice gate which will supply water to Uto-Kya-in region in  all the seasons.

The Senior General and party inspected completion of the motor road in the project area, land
reclamation, cultivation of summer paddy and other crops and the digging of fish ponds.

At the Paddy, Vegetable and Fruit Research Centre, the Senior General and party inspected tasks being  carried out with the use of computers at the agro-economy room and tests being conducted at the seed  quality control laboratory.

A total of 11,753 acres of vacant and virgin land were reclaimed to undertake agriculture and livestock  breeding tasks.

In the project region, not only paddy but also kitchen crops are being grown for the welfare of city
dwellers.

Out of 4,960 acres of summer paddy, 700 acres have been harvested up to 25 May, which yielded about  42,000 baskets of paddy.

In the project region, 160 acres of land have been put under green gram, 15 acres under green pea, 10  acres under groundnut, 35 acres under gram, eight acres under pigeon, 30 acres under sugarcane and 22  acres under corn.

Likewise, 2,230 perennial trees have been grown in the region.

In the livestock breeding sector, out of targeted 2,000 acres of land, 500 acres of fish ponds have been dug  and fish are being bred in 250 acres of ponds. A total of 21,000 ducks and 700 goats are being raised.

Yangon City Development Committee is undertaking agricultural and livestock breeding tasks
systematically such as Uto-Kya-in Agricultural Project in Taikkyi Township, the agricultural and fish
breeding project in Kyaikthalekwin Village-tract of Twantay Township, the agricultural and fish breeding project in Alangyi Village-tract of Maubin Township, Ayeyawady Division, Htaukkyant Layer Breeding Project in Mingaladon Township, the agricultural and livestock breeding project in North Okkalapa Township, the prawn breeding project in Kyauktan Township, Palemyothit Poultry Farming Project in Mingaladon Township and the prawn breeding project in Dagon Myothit (East) Township.

The Senior General and party left Uto-Kya-in region along Tawlati-Tawlate motor road at 4 p.m. and inspected the condition of regional development.

Then, the Senior General and party went to the briefing hall of Thabyedan River-Water Pumping Project near Tawlati Village.

Deputy Director-General of Water Resources Utilization Department U Hla Myint Maung reported on matters related to Thabyedan River-Water Pumping Project and the river-water pumping projects being implemented in Htantabin Township and Hmawby Township.

Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave an additional report. The Senior General gave guidance and inspected the map showing Thabyedan River Water Pumping Project.

He also had a cordial meeting with local farmers. Four river-water pumping projects  Thabyedan River-Water Pumping Project in Taikkyi Township, Yaybawthaung River-Water Pumping Project and Kyogon River-Water Pumping Project in Htantabin Township, Kankalay River-Water Pumping Project in Hmawby Township  are being implemented. On completion of these projects, altogether 18,000 acres of cultivable land can be irrigated. The Senior General and party left Thabyedan River-Water Pumping Project through Yaybawthaung Bridge and Myochaung Bridge and arrived back here at 6 p.m.

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(2) Winphanon Dam inaugurated in Mudon Township

YANGON, 26 May- An inauguration of Winphanon Dam built by Construction-1 of Irrigation
Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation was held at Mingala Mandat near the dam in  Mudon Township, Mon State this morning, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt.

Also present were Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East  Command Brig-Gen. Myint Swe, the ministers, the Chief of Staff (Air), the deputy ministers, senior  military officers, members of Mon State Peace and Development Council, officials of State Peace and  Development Council Office, heads of departments, Chairmen of Mawlamyine District and Township Peace and Development Councils and members, officials of social associations, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, teachers and students, members of band troupes and pom pom  dance troupes, traditional dance troupes and local people numbering 16,000.

The Secretary-1 said the State Peace and Development Council is making endeavours for development of  the Union of Myanmar with added momentum and national economic life and raising the quality of life of  national people. The government also laid emphasis on equal and harmonious development in all regions  of the Union and fair progress of economic and social life of the people, he said

This is why, he said, the government has been carrying out the tasks for development of economic
enterprises in conformity with the regions and regional requirements in order to make progress in national  economic life, to bring about basic economic structures in various regions and raise socio-economic life of  local people.

Harmonious development and economic progress of various regions in the Union without any gap will  equally improve the standard of living of the people, he said. This will strengthen national  solidarity spirit  and the Union Spirit and discrimination of urban and rural areas and hill and plain regions will gradually  disappear, he added.

He said development in the regions can bring about development and perpetuation of the Union. With this  attitude, the government is fulfilling requirements on regional development in different regions of the Union including border areas, he said.

He said Mon State is a cultivable region. At a time when the government is laying emphasis on progress  of national economic life based on agriculture, Mon State must boost its production which will bring about the interests of Mon State and the entire Union, he said.

Important reforms such as use of new cultivation methods and quality strains, extended cultivation and  availability of water has been made for progress of agricultural sector.

He said extended cultivation and availability of water are interrelated. Cultivation acreage will be
increased by supplying water to the regions where cultivation is impossible due to scarcity of water as well  as to the regions for multiple cropping where only single cropping is now possible Senior General Than  Shwe gave guidance that water and land are invaluable resources for Myanmar that relies on agriculture. He spoke of the need to utilize them beneficially.

The Secretary-1 quoted the Senior General as saying that water and land are the very investments in
building the nation to be modern one. These investments must be utilized with the mind that values the  water and land and to-do spirit and arrangements are to be made for value-added water and land.

In accord with the guidance of the Senior General, dams and embankments are being built and water  pumping projects are being implemented with the use of modern techniques in the regions where water is  not available. In order to use water systematically sluice gates are being built in low-lying areas.

As dams and embankments are being built all over the nation, there are 121 dams including Winphanon  Dam built in the time of the present government. Altogether 1,709,756 acres can be irrigated, and K  38,101.21 million was spent.

Winphanon Dam is the fifth one in Mon State, and it can irrigate 13,000 acres of cultivable land. It was  built at a cost of over K 990 million.

Therefore, the government has spent K 1,213.06 million for construction of the five dams in Mon State.  These five dams can irrigate 21,800 acres of cultivable land.

Although Mon State has a good rainfall, some regions including Mudon Township become dry when the  rainy season ends. As double cropping and mixed cropping cannot be done in these regions, dams are  being built to make sure that agriculture can be done all the year round.

The government is building social infrastructures concerning transport, economy, education and health  with a view to developing all the parts of the Union equally, closing the gap of development among hilly  regions and the plains and narrowing the gap of development between rural and urban areas.

In Mon State, transport infrastructures have been built such as Ye-Dawai Railroad, roads linking villages  and the suspension bridge across Attaran River and Zathabyin Suspension Bridge across Gyaing River.  The construction of Mawlamyine-Mottama Bridge across Thanlwin River, the biggest of its kind in Myanmar, is making considerable progress. In addition, dams such as Shwenattaung, Wapa and Azin Dams and Bilin Diversion Weir have been built for availability of agriculture water and drinking water.

In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, special duty has been assigned to the Ministry for
Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs to attend to the needs of
development of rural areas.

In doing so, the government aims to benefit local people without taking economic profits into account. So,  dams and bridges have been emerging one after another.

Due to benefits of having Winphanon Dam, the value of land is going up. That is, the economic life and  living standard of local people will surely improve. Realizing the goodwill of the government, local people and farmers are required to use agricultural water in a beneficial way and to expand agricultural land, carry out mixed cropping and cultivate crops suitable to the region. Everybody needs to work harder. Only  when they strive for their regional development, will it contribute to the development and prosperity of the entire nation.

Only when agricultural work is making progress, will the aims of the government be achieved  economic  development of local people and improvement of their living standard. Therefore, everybody needs to  work hard for regional development with physical and intellectual power at their disposal.

The Secretary-1 urged local people to safeguard and maintain the Winphanon Dam as it has been built  with the use of large sums of money with a view to promoting the economic and social development of  local people.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 exhorted local authorities, departmental employees, farmers and local
people to safeguard and maintain Winphanon Dam and make efforts for regional development and
improvement of living standard of local people by using agriculture water to be supplied by Winphanon Dam in a beneficial way.

Afterwards, Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East
Command Brig-Gen. Myint Swe said, local people would take great pleasure today on which the second  dam in Mudon township, a heritage that would be of help for agriculture, sufficiency of fresh water and greening of the region, was inaugurated. Sown acreage has been extended in accord with the guidance of  the Head of State. In Mon State, paddy was grown on a total of 773,000 acres of landÑ666,000 acres of  monsoon paddy and 107,000 of summer paddy in 2000-2001. A total of 808,000 acresÑ668,000 acres of  monsoon paddy and 140,000 cares of summer paddy is targeted in 2001-2002. Mon State where the dam  is located gets an annual rainfall of 180 to 200 inches. But 95 per cent of the rainfall is got during the period of rainy season from May to September.

The region gets less rain in late rainy season and hence it is difficult to obtain sufficient water needed for  meeting success in crop cultivation. On behalf of local people and farmers he thanked the Head of State and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation that materialize the project for construction of the dam and sluice gates that is very advantageous for availability of water for monsoon and summer cultivation. Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin said Myanmar is rich in land, marine and human resources and due to topographical condition, there are good prospects of economic development based in the agriculture sector.

Water availability is a key to cultivation and production of crops. The annual volume of water flowing in the four major rivers and many rivulets in Myanmar is over 870 million acre feet. There are underground water and natural rain water in respective regions, and water resources exist for cultivation and production of crops. In the time of the present government, efforts are being made to turn the country into a modern, developed, agro-based and industrialized one. In this regard, dams and river water-pumping projects are being implemented with the use of money, manpower and technology for development of the agriculture sector.

The Government is providing assistance to enable farmers to grow and produce crops on a commercial scale. Out of 45 million acres of cultivable land, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation has put 25 million acres under crops and 19 per cent of the 25 million acres are cultivated with crops through irrigation. In conclusion, the minister urged local people to maintain and safeguard dams and canals for cultivation and production of crops in the region. On behalf of the local people, Secretary of Mon State USDA U Tin Soe Moe Naing spoke words of thanks. Then, the Secretary-1 presented prizes for personnel of Irrigation Department who participated in constructing the dam to Director U Tin Hsan and Director U Thet Lwin. Next, the Secretary-1 and party took designated places to open the dam. The Secretary-1 unveiled the stone plaque of the dam. Commander Brig-Gen. Myint Swe and Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin formally opened the dam.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the dam and the ceremony came to a close. At the briefing hall of the dam project, Director-General U Kyaw San Win of Irrigation Department reported to the Secretary-1 on Winphanon Dam Project and buildings and facts related to the dam project. Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on construction of dams in Mon State, irrigated farmland acres in Mudon Township and benefited areas. The Secretary-1 gave instructions on tasks to be carried out after opening the dam and extension of irrigated area. The earthern dam built on Winphanon Creek is 178 feet high and 1,800 feet long. Its canal is 7.63 miles long and its catchment area is 8.05 square miles. Its water storage capacity is 49,500 acre feet. It is to irrigate 13,000 acres of farmland, 4,500 acres of summer paddy and 5,000 acres of other corps. The dam is 8,600 feet far from mile post 31/6 of Mudon-Thanbyuzayat Road, Mudon Township.

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(3) Secretary-1 inspects agriculture, construction tasks in Mudon, Mawlamyine Townships

YANGON, 26 May- 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 this morning to  attend the inauguration of Winphanon Dam in Mudon Township, Mawlamyine District, and arrived in  Mawlamyine, Mon State, at 8 am today.

At Mawlamyine Airport, the Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by Chairman of Mon State Peace and  Development Council Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen. Myint Swe, Deputy Commander  Brig-Gen. Myo Hla, senior military officers, members of Mon State, District and Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials and members of Union Solidarity and Development Association.

After that, the Secretary-1 and party, accompanied by Commander Brig-Gen. Myint Swe, went to
Winphanon Dam in Mudon Township, Mawlamyine District, Mon State.

Director-General U Kyaw San Win of Irrigation Department, officials and local people welcomed the Secretary-1 and party.

Then, the Secretary-1 delivered an address at the inauguration of the dam. After the inauguration, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Basic Education High School in Kamawet Village of Mudon
Township.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Mudon Township Peace and
Development Council U Aung Kyaw Soe and members, Headmaster U Tin Tun of Kamawet BEHS, teachers, students, members of School Board of Trustees and Parent-Teacher Association and officials.

First, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the computer application room, the electronic media rooms, the arts room and learning of students at the rooms.

In the meeting hall of the school, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt met district and township level departmental personnel, the headmaster and students, members of SBT and PTA.

The Secretary-1 said that he has came there to fulfil education, health, social and regional development needs in Mon State while attending the opening of Winphanon Dam in Mudon Township, Mon State.

It is satisfactory to learn that a multimedia teaching centre has been established at Kamawet Basic
Education High School in Mudon Township with available resources and students are being trained and taught.

He believed that human resources which will serve the interest of the State and Mon State will emerge from the school because teachers are training the students at the multimedia teaching centre to become outstanding and efficient students and parents are providing assistance.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 said the State will equip the multimedia teaching centre of the school with modern teaching aids, and urged teachers and parents to strive for emergence of outstanding and efficient students on whom the State can rely.

Then, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt presented K
500,000, exercise books and stationery for the basic education high school of Kamarwet Village through Headmaster U Tin Tun.

Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt presented medicines for the station rural clinic in Kamarwet Village.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party, together with the headmaster, teachers and members of the school board of trustees, had photos taken.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party went to the central model rubber farm in Mudon.

They were welcomed by General Manager of Myanma Perennial Crops Enterprise U Soe Htin and
managers, Farm Manager U Maung Maung Thet and employees.

In the briefing hall, the Secretary-1 and party heard a report on the location and background history of the rubber farm, the annual rubber production target, income and expenditure and requirements for production of rubber presented by Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions on cultivation and distribution of high-yield rubber strains.

Then, the Secretary-1 grew a rubber plant of RRIC-100 strain at the rubber farm to mark his visit to the farm.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the pepper research and development centre of Mon State Myanma Agriculture Service under the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.

They were welcomed by Manager of Mon State Myanma Agriculture Service U Aung Hsan, departmental officials, the farm manager and employees.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected experimental pepper plantations of ten townships in Mon State.

Manager U Aung Hsan and Farm Manager U Min Htain Win reported on research on pepper and
cultivation methods.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions.

After that, the Secretary-1 and party went to the perennial crop research centre of Myanmar Perennial Crops Enterprise in Mawlamyine, Mon State.

They were welcomed by Managing Director of MPCE U Myint Oo and departmental officials.

Managing Director U Myint Oo reported on research on perennial crops such as rubber, oil palm and cashew. Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin gave supplementary report.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions on cultivation of perennial crops suitable for Myanma soil and
upgrading of research with the use of modern equipment.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected heating room for oil palm seeds and booth on process of hybrid oil palm seed and gave necessary instructions.

The Secretary-1 and party arrived at the construction site of Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) where they were welcomed by officials of Public Works. In the briefing hall, Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe and officials of Public Works reported on progress of work and tasks to be carried out. Deputy Minister for Rail Transportation U Pe Than reported on arrangements for construction of approach  railroad and bridge.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions on completion of the bridge in time. The bridge, 11,575 feet long, has a  rail-cum-road. The upper structure is steel truss and the lower structure is reinforced concrete type. It has a 14 feet railroad, 28 feet wide each motor roads and five feet wide each walkway on both sides. Clearance is 328 feet wide and 46 feet high. The bridge can stand 60 tons of load.

The Secretary-1 and party arrived back here in the evening.

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(4) Appointment of Ambassador agreed on

YANGON, 27 May-The Government of the Union of Myanmar has agreed to the appointment of Mr Pham Quang Khon as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of  Vietnam to the Union of Myanmar.

Mr Pham Quang Khon was born on 13 March 1943 and graduated from the Foreign Affairs University in  Hanoi, Vietnam. He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1971  and has served in various capacities in the Ministry and at the Vietnamese Embassies in Ethiopia, Laos  and Malaysia until 1996. From 1996 to 1997 he served as Deputy Director, Department of Southeast Asia,  South Asia and South Pacific at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and from 1997 to 1998 as Deputy Director  and Acting Inspector at the Ministry. He has been serving as Director and Inspector at the Ministry of  Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, since January 1999. Mr Pham Quang Khon is  married and has three children.

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(5) Japanese man of Nagano ordained

YANGON, 26 May- A ceremony to ordain Mr Sanada Ryuken of Nagano, Japan, with Missionary Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Vepulla of Japan as preceptor, was held in conjunction with  novitiation ceremony at Maha Sasana Waiponla Kyaungtaik on Kyartawya Road in Myoma Ward of  Bahan Township this morning.

Present on the occasion were Vice-Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha  Pandita Bhaddanta Kesara and members of the Sangha, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen.  Thura Aung Ko and wife, officials of the Religious Affairs Department, well-wishers and guests.

The Vice-Chairman Sayadaw administered the Five Precepts. Then, Mr Sanada Ryuken was ordained.

Next, the deputy minister and wellwishers donated provisions to members of the Sangha.

Afterwards, Tipitakadhara Dhammabhandhagarika Sa-yadaw Bhaddanta Suman-galalankara delivered a  sermon, followed by sharing of merits.
 
Minister inspects roads and bridges in Bago Division

YANGON, 26 May-Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by Deputy Minister  Brig-Gen. Myint Thein and officials of Public Works, inspected roads and bridges on Yangon-Mandalay Highway this morning.

The minister inspected construction of Baidah Bridge, site chosen for construction of new Yenwe Creek  Bridge and maintenance of the bridge.

Then, the minister heard a report by the project engineer on work done and targets at the briefing hall of  Sittoung Bridge (Shwekyin-Madauk) Construction Project on Shwekyin-Madauk Road. He gave instructions on construction and systematic use of construction materials and heavy machinery, and  attended to the needs. He inspected the construction site. Upper structure of Sittoung Bridge (Shwekyin-Madauk) is pre-stressed concrete and lower structure is reinforced concrete.

It is 1,500 feet long and has a 28-foot-wide motorway and two four-foot-wide pedestrian lanes on both  sides. It has a clearance of 80 feet width and 12 feet height and it can support 60-ton loads.

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(6) Commander attends opening of repaved road in Pathein

YANGON, 26 May-A ceremony to open Myinzu new repaved road jointly undertaken by Pathein
Township Development Committee and local residents in Ayeyawady Division was held at the road at 7 am yesterday.

Present at the ceremony were Division Peace and Development Council Chairman South-West Command  Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen. Tint Swe, senior military  officers, local authorities, departmental officials, members of social organizations, wellwishers and guests.

Pathein District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Maung Pyone and Division
Development Committee Deputy Director U Kyi Myint formally opened the road. Then, commander  attended the opening of Yaykukanlan tarred road in Pathein, and inspected the it.

He also attended the concluding ceremony of Basic Marine Course for New Generation and the Advanced  Course, organized by Union Solidarity and Development Association (Central) and Commander-in-Chief  (Navy)’s Office at Ayeya Shwewa Hall in the same town yesterday morning.

The commander and Capt Aye Pe (Navy) of Haigyi Station presented certificates and prizes to the trainees  of the two courses.
 
Basic & Advanced Marine Courses conclude

YANGON, 26 May-The concluding ceremony of Basic Marine Course (Myeik Camp) for New
Generation and Advanced Course No 1/2001, organized by Union Solidarity and Development
Association (Central) and Commander-in-Chief (Navy)’s Office was held at Pale Yadana Hall in Myeik  yesterday morning.

Member of the Panel of Patrons of USDA (Central) Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen.  Aye Kyway and Commander of Taninthayi Naval Region Command Commodore Soe Myint presented  certificates and awards to the trainees.

Also present were commanding officers regiments and units from Mawlamyine Station, members of
Division, District and Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental heads, secretaries and  executives of Union Solidarity and Development Associations, course instructors and trainees.

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(7) Marine Courses for New Generation conclude in Sittway

YANGON, 26 May-A ceremony to conclude the Basic Marine Course No 1/2001 and Advanced Course  No 1 /2001 for New Generation of Defence Services (Navy), co-organized by Union Solidarity and  Development Association (Central) and Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Office, was held at the library of  Rakhine State USDA Office in Sittway yesterday, attended by Vice-Chairman Brig-Gen. Phone Swe of  Rakhine State Peace and Development Council and Commander of Danyawady Naval Region Command  Commodore Myat Swe.  Also present were Commanding Officers of Regiments and Units in Sittway  Station, members of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council, members of district and township  Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials, the secretary and EC members of Rakhine State  USDA, course instructors and trainees.
 
Basic Aviation Courses for New Generation conclude

YANGON, 26 May-Ceremony to conclude the Basic Aviation Course No 1/2001 and Advanced Course  No 1/2001 for New Generation of Defence Services (Air), co-organized by Union Solidarity and  Development Association (Central) and Commander-in-Chief (Air)’s Office, were held in Myitkyina,  Toungoo and Meiktila yesterday.

The ceremony held in Myitkyina was attended by Patron of Kachin State USDA Commander of Northern  Command Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and Commander of Myitkyina Air Base Brig-Gen. Bo Kyi.

The ceremony held in Toungoo was attended by Patron of Bago Division USDA Commander of Southern  Command Maj-Gen Tin Aye and Brig-Gen. Thura Myint Thein of Toungoo Station.

The ceremony held in Meiktila was attended by Commander of No 99 LID Brig-Gen. Htay Oo and
Commander Col Thura Khin Maung Win of Ground Training Base. Also present at the ceremonies were  commanding officers of regiments and units, departmental officials, members of USDA and members of  social organizations

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(8) Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre presents entertainment programmes

YANGON, 26 May-Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre of the Republic of Korea led by Vice-President of  Korean Foundation for International Exchange Mr Kim Jae-Kyu presented Korean traditional dances at  the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street, here, this evening. Among the audience were Minister for  Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Culture U Win Sein, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen. Thura Aye  Myint, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt and their wives, ROK Ambassador Mr Chung Jung-gum, Ambassadors from foreign Embassies  and officials of the Ministry of Culture.

e-English Summer Course No 1 continues

YANGON, 26 May-Under the national education promotion programme, e-English Summer Course No  1 continued 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 Distance Education and the  Myanmar Education Research Bureau from 9 am to noon except Sunday till 31 May.

Interested students are attending the course at 163 e-English Learning Centres all over the country
including learning centres at No 1 BEHS in Thingangyun, No 1 BEHS in South Okkalapa and No 1
BEHS in North Okkalapa.

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(9) Dinner hosted in honour of Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre

YANGON, 26 May - The Embassy of the Republic of Korea hosted a dinner in honour of Seoul
Metropolitan Dance Theatre, which is currently here, at the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road  yesterday evening. It was attended by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Ambassador of the  Republic of Korea Mr Chung Jung-gum and embassy staff, diplomats of foreign embassies and guests.  Ambassador Mr Chung Jung-gum extended greetings. Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre also entertained  the guests with traditional dances.

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