(1) World Environment Day 2001 observed

YANGON, 6 June - A ceremony to mark the World Environment Day 2001, organized by National  Commission for Environmental Affairs, was observed in conjunction with the prize presentation ceremony  for the colour photo, poster and essay competitions at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road this  morning, with an address by Secre-tary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin  Nyunt. Also present on the occasion were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman  of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, ministers,  the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, the Auditor-General, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and
Training Board, the Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee the Mayor, deputy ministers,  members of National Commission for Environmental Affairs, Ambassadors, resident representatives of  UN agencies, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads, guests,  teachers, students and prize winners. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen.  Khin Nyunt delivered an address.

He said: I am pleased to have this opportunity to address this auspicious occasion marking the World  Environment Day 2001. It may be recalled that the 5th of June has been designated as the World  Environment Day and every year, nations around the world celebrate the day expressing their appreciation  towards the environment for its crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. Here, in Myanmar, we mark the  day with special activities aiming to raise environmental consciousness in the country.

This year's theme for the World Environment Day is " Connect with the World Wide Web of Life "
indeed, all forms of life on Earth are inter linked and intertwined in the form of web so that a collapse in  one system will impact the other and eventually lead to the collapse of the entire ecosystem. We must  realize that we human beings are part of nature and should therefore live in harmony with it. Our planet  Earth is very fragile with limited capacity to endure and tolerate environmentally detrimental human  actions and pressures.

Over exploitation of earth's resources, huge generation of solid wastage, gaseous waste and waste water  are damaging the ecosystems and posing serious threats to the environment. Due mainly to human  actions, many valuable species of flora and fauna are fast disappearing; the ozone layer is thinning; forests  are depleting; the Earth is steadily warming up and the climate is changing, causing droughts, forest fires,  storms and cyclones in many parts of the world. There environmental hazards are endangering the whole  web of life on Earth.

Therefore, there are many challenging tasks ahead to address the current environmental issues as well as  to prevent further problems from arising. In this regard, international cooperation plays a key role. We  appreciate the efforts of the international organizations particularly the United Nations Environment  Programme (UNEP) and governments for successfully developing many important multilateral  environmental conventions.

Notwithstanding these developments, the world is still facing many environmental problems that can only  be overcome through enhanced cooperation and efforts. To meet these challenges, all nations, big or  small, rich or poor, developed or developing, must join together and work together to make our world a  cleaner and safer place to live. In this context, the developing countries need strong support from the  developed countries in terms of technical transfer and financial assistance to promote environmentally  sound technologies and strengthen environment institutions for implementing environmental  programmes.

As we all know, in economic development, there is North and South, and in politics there was East and  West. But, when it comes to environment, there is no East or West, North or South. We live in the same  planet and share the common destiny the Earth is heading. Myanmar has long recognized that  environmental resources such as land, forests, water, mineral and marine resources are country's valuable  assets which should be conserved and used sustainably. The respect and care for nature is an ingrained  habit of Myanmar people and nature conservation has been traditionally practised in the country. At  present, there are 30 sanctuaries and four national parks in the country to protect the natural environment  as well as to protect and preserve wildlife, fauna and flora.

As a developing nation, Myanmar is endeavouring its best to become a modern and developed state. But  in our endeavours for progress and prosperity, we have always paid due consideration to environmental  factors. As the country industrializes, special attention is devoted to possible environmental impacts. At  the same time, many important initiatives have also been taken to promote green and clean environment  in the country.

For example, in April this year, the National Commission for Environmental Affairs (NCEA) and the
Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs (MNCWA) have jointly organized the National
Environmental Education Week to promote public awareness of the environment and their participation in  environmental conservation activities.

Due to these efforts to protect and preserve the environment under the leadership and guidance of the  Government and the whole hearted participation of the Government ministries and the people, Myanmar  today remains one of the least polluted nations in the world. Myanmar also fully understands that every  nation is responsible to protect the world environment and must cooperate to address the global  environmental problems.

In this context, Myanmar is sparing no efforts to cooperate with all nations to promote environmental  conservations, regional and sub-regional environment programmes and projects. As a member of ASEAN,  Myanmar is actively taking part in all the ASEAN environmental activities and will be hosting the ASEN  Ministerial Meeting on the Environement in 2003. At the Earth Summit in 1992, nations made pledges to  cooperate and collaborate to the cause of environmental protection and conservation.

The Earth Summit has been an important landmark on the path to global sustainable development. The  next Summit to be held in 2002 will provided yet another opportunity for nations to commit themselves to  save our planet. On our part, Myanmar looks forward to actively participating and making meaningful  contributions to the coming Summit. The World Environment Day celebrations provide an opportunities  to review our commitment for a better environment of the entire globe.

As such, I am greatly delighted to note that the National Commission for Environmental Affairs, in
cooperation with the various ministries concerned, is vigorously implementing the objectives of this year's  celebration. Therefore, allow me to conclude by wishing the National Commission every success in its  noble endeavours. Then, Programme Coordinator of UN agencies and Resident Representative of UNDP  Mr Patrice Coeur Bizot read out the messages of UN Secreatry-General Kofi Annan and UNEP Executive  Director Mr Klaus Topfer.

The Secetary-1 presented first, second and third prizes to Shwe Intha Khin Maung Win, Kyaw Win Naing  (University of Culture) and Kyaw Zeya (Malun) in the colour photo competition respectively. Chairman of  National Commission for Environmental Affairs Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung presented first,  second and third prizes to Ninth Standard Student Maung Ye Htin Kyaw of Dagon BEHS No 1, Seventh  Standard Student Ma Sandi Myint of Insein BEHS No 3 and Seventh Standard Student Ma Aye Myat  Maw of Institute of Education Practising School in the BEHS level poster competition respectively.

Minister for Education U Than Aung presented first, second and third prizes to Tenth Standard Student  Maung Myi Phyo Kyaw of Botahtaung BEHS No 6, Ninth Standard Student Ma Soe Min Thu of  Botahtaung BEHS No 6 and Ninth Standard Student Ma May Thanda Aye of Botahtaung BEHS No 4 in  the BEHS level essay competition respectively and Seventh Standard Student Maung Waiyan Lin Zan of  Botahtaung BEHS No 6, Seventh Standard Student Ma Eindra Nilar Ko Win of Botahtaung BEHS No 4  and Sixth Standard Student Ma Thazin Htet Htet of Dagon BEHS No 2 in the BEHS level essay  competition respectively. Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win presented gifts to  artistes who participated in the World Environment Day 2001 activities.

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(2) Secretary-1 accepts donations for pagoda and religious buildings

YANGON, 6 June- A ceremony to present cash donated by Ven Shi Fa Zhao of Buddhist Golden Temple  of Singapore for the pagoda and religious buildings was held at Pyilon Chantha Ordination Hall of Nikaya  Sarthintaik in Dagon Myothit (South) Township at 5 p.m. today, attended by Secretary-1 of the State  Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt.

Present also were Presiding Sayadaw of Nikaya Sarthintaik Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka  Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Myingyan Sayadaw  Bhaddanta Sobhita, Secretary Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma  Jotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara and members of the Sangha, Sayadaw Ven Shi Fa Zhao of  Buddhist Golden Temple of Singapore, ministers, the Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs, officials of  the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, guests and lay persons of  Buddhists Golden Temple Sayadaw.

Well-wisher Ven Shi Fa Zhao of Buddhist Golden Temple of Singapore presented K 32 million and a  diamond for Mwaydaw Ketku Pagoda in Taunggyi Township, Shan State, K 7 m for the construction of  Singapore Kyaungsaung of Nikaya Sarthintaik in Dagon Myothit (South) Township, K 5m for  Ngaphechaung Kyaung in Innlay Region, Nyaungshwe Township and K 1.5m for monastic education  school of Naga Hlainggu Kalaywa Tawya Sarthintaik in Mayangon Township to Secretary-1 Lt-Gen.  Khin Nyunt who presented a certificate to Ven Shi Fa Zhao.

Then, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt handed over donations to PaO national race leader U Aung Kham  Hti for renovation of Mwaydaw Ketku Pagoda, to member of School Board of Trustee U Htain Lin for  Ngaphechaung Kyaung in Innlay Region and to Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council U  Arnt Maung for monastic education school of Naga Hlainggu Kalaywa Tawya Sarthintaik in Mayangon  Township. Well-wisher Ven Shi Fa Zhao of Buddhist Golden Temple of Singapore also donated K 1.5  million for Pyi Shwesandaw pagoda on 31 May and K 1 million for Zalun Pyidawpyan Pagoda on 1 June.

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(3) Measures taken to enable MWVO to stand firmly as consolidated reserve force of nation, possessing strength and reputation

Secretary-3 delivers opening address at MWVO Conference (2001) 

YANGON, 6 June- The first day session of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Conference (2001) was  held at Defence Services Orthopaedic Hospital (500-bed) in Mingaladon Township on 2 June. Chairman  of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Central Organizing Committee Secretary-3 of the State Peace  and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen. Win Myint delivered the opening address.

The Secretary-3 said this is the first conference of Myanmar War Veterans Organization after its
reformation. MWVO was already formed with the retired military personnel in the past. As there was no  distinct improvement as an organization, it was formed again in 1975; but the goals could not be  materialized as expected. Thus, the State Law and Order Restoration Council government enacted the  War Veterans Law and rules and regulations on 10 August 1989 with Law No 17/89 and reformed the  Organization.

However, due to the weakness in coordination within the Organization and with the Tatmadaw,
Myanmar Police Force and non-governmental organizations, the goals could not be realized. In this
context, the State Peace and Development Council reformed Myanmar War Veterans Organization
Central Organizing Committee, with 35 Central Organizing Committee members on 21 October 1998.

The COC members were assigned duty to reform the respective bodies at States and Divisions. At present,  17 State/Division Supervisory Committees, 64 District Supervisory Committees and 313 Township  Supervisory Committees have already formed with the participation of 3,010 retired military officers and  88,162 retired military personnel of other ranks. Patron of MWVO Chairman of the State Peace and  Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe gave the  guidance, at his first meeting with MWVO members which was held on 23 October 1998, saying, " As the  MWVO is an NGO, it should be free from attachments to any party or policy in its basic principles ".

Senior General Than Shwe has already designated the five tasks of the Organization, which are, the
national political task; national defence and security task; the economic task, the public service task; and  the welfare task. In order to convene the conference in accord with the national political essence, the  preliminary meetings were held at 17 states and divisions from 12 November 2000 to 4 March 2001, in  which, the five sectors laid down by the COC were coordinated, future work programmes were laid down  and the minutes were recorded and approved.

In accord with the guidance of the Senior General, beginning 1998, the COC members including the
ministers, the deputy ministers, the directors-general, the deputy directors-general and the war veterans  serving duties in various sectors conducted field tours in states, division, districts and townships and  subordinate war veterans organizations at the basic levels were formed on 27 March 1999 in enabling  MWVO to stand firmly as a consolidated reserve force of the nation, endowed with strength and  reputation.

Township Supervisory Committees are still left to be formed in the 11 townships Jangyang, Lahe,
Manphant, Pangyang, Nahpan, Panwaing, Mongmaw, Mangtung, Laukkai, Kongyun and Mongyang  and  District Supervisory Committee is still left to be formed in Laukkai District. Course on national politics  and national defence and security were conducted for MWVO members. Division Supervisory Committee  members totalling 565 have already completed the three courses conducted in Hmawby and a total of  2,799 members of Township Supervisory Committees have completed the courses conducted in the states  and divisions.

A total of 565 members of State/Division and District Supervisory Committees attended the workshops  held under the sponsorship of the COC. The topics discussed at the workshops included global political  developments and prospects, developments and prospects in East Asia, Southeast Asia and South Asia, the  developments in the neighbouring countries and their possible effects on Myanmar, strengthening of the  belief and conviction based on national politics in order to safeguard Our Three Main National Causes,  reformation of organizations to enable the nation to effectively use her forces in times of emergency.  Multiplier course were also opened for the Township Supervisory Committees.

A total of 2,799 Township Supervisory Committee members have completed the courses. At present, the  MWVO was formed with members who were elected under centralized system. Formation of the body  with members by vote depends on the efforts of all the members of the different levels of the MWVO.

The ability, qualifications and efforts of today's responsible members of the Organization will lead to
soonest emergence of the MWVO possessing the quantitative qualification, reputation and dignity. In enabling MWVO to stand with dignity, production businesses such as agriculture and farming and
industrial, trade and services enterprises have been set up in raising its funds. Such business enterprises  have earned K 2,293 million to date.

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(4)  Secretary-3 attends Myanmar War Veterans Organization Conference (2001)

YANGON, 6 June- The preliminary meeting of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Conference (2001)  was held at Hsinbyushin Hall of Defence Services Orthopaedic Hospital (500-bed) in Mingaladon  Township on 1 June.

Present on the occasion were Chairman of MWVO Central Organizing Committee Secretary-3 of the  State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen. Win Myint and COC members and  delegates of States and Divisions to the conference. Vice-Chairman of the MWVOCOC Maj-Gen Saw  Tun presided over the conference together with Chairman of Putao District WVO Lt-Col Maung Myo and  Chairman of Sagaing Township WVO Lt-Col Soe Myint (Retd).

The master of ceremonies announced the commencement of the conference because 435 delegates out of  437 or 99.31 per cent attended the conference. First, Chairman of MWVOCOC Secretary-3 Adjutant- General Lt-Gen. Win Myint extended greetings. Member of COC U Aung Thaung explained matters  related to the conference.

The master of ceremonies read out the lists of delegates who would participiate in five groups for
discussions in respective sectors. After the preliminary conference, the delegates of the group-1 discussed  the National Politics Sector; the group-2 the Defence and Security of the State Sector; the group-3 the  Economic Sector; the group-4 the Community Welfare Service Sector; and the group-5 the Social  Activities and Welfare Sector.

Vice-Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Tun presided over the National Politics Sector discussion together with  COC members Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Brig-Gen. Soe Win Maung, Col Thaik Tun, Brig-Gen. Khin  Aung Myint and Lt-Col Chit Naing (Retd). In the Defence and Security of the State Sector, COC member  Col Tin Hlaing presided over the discussions together with COC Secretary Brig-Gen. Thura Myint  Maung, COC members Col Soe Win, Col Myint Tun (Retd) and Col Aung Nwe (Retd). In the Economic  Sector, COC member U Aung Thaung presided over the discussions together with COC members U  Thaung, Brig-Gen. Maung Maung Thein and Brig-Gen. Kyaw Myint.

In the Community Welfare Service Sector, COC member Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone presided over the
discussions together with COC members Brig-Gen. Win Sein, Brig-Gen. Yan Thein, Col Maung Pa and  Maj Saw Ngwe (Retd). In the Social Activities and Welfare Sector, COC (See page 6) member Col Thein  Nyunt presided over the discussion together with COC members Col Myo Myint (Retd) and Col Sit  Myaing (Retd).

The conference chairmen gave speeches at their groups. Then, delegates were selected for the second-day  session of the conference. Next, sector-wise proposals were compiled. On 2 June, the second-day session  of the conference continued at the same place. Present were Chairman of MWVOCOC Secretary-3  Adjutant-General Lt-Gen. Win Myint and COC members and delegates. Before the conference, they  signed in the record book of the conference.

The Secretary-3 presided over the second-day session of the conference together with COC members U  Thaung and Col Tin Hlaing. The master of ceremonies announced for beginning the conference because  340 delegates out of 437 or 98.40 per cent attended the conference.

The Secretary-3 delivered an opening address. (The address of the Secretary-3 was reported separately.)  Then, COC member U Aung Thaung presided over the conference together with COC members U  Thaung and Col Tin Hlaing. COC Secretary Brig-Gen. Thura Myint Maung submitted the MWVCOC  report to the conference.

Chairman of Myitkyina District WVOSC Lt-Col Hla Thaung, Chairman of Loikaw District WVOSC Lt- Col Tin Tun, Chairman of Kayin State District WVOSC Lt-Col Kyaw Win Maung, Chairman of Chin  State District WVOSC Lt-Col Win Naing, Chairman of Sagaing Division WVOSC Lt-Col Ye Htut,  Chairman of Taninthayi Division WVOSC Lt-Col Khin Maug Nyo, Chairman of Thegon Township WV  Organizing Committee Lt-Col Hla Wai (Retd), Chairman of DaikU Township WVO Lt-Col Tin Myint  (Retd) and Chairman of Magway Division WVOSC Lt-Col Myo Aung submitted implementation of tasks  in one year in respective States and Divisions.

In the afternoon, COC member Brig-Gen. Khin Aung Myint presided over the conference together with  Chairman of Myawady Township WVO Capt Han Tin (Retd) and Chairman of Thingangyun Township  WVO Col Aung Myint (Retd). Chairman of Mandalay Division (MCDC outside area) WVOSC Lt-Col  Tin Ohn, Chairman of Mon State WVOSC Lt-Col Aung Maw Maw, Chairman of Rakhine State WVOSC  Lt-Col Thein Kyaing, Chairman of Dagon Township WVO Maj Maung Win (Retd), Chairman of  Taunggyi District WVOSC Lt-Col Ye Tun Sein, Chairman of Muse District WVOSC Lt-Col Myint  Thein, Chairman of Shan State (East) WVOSC Lt-Col Thet Hnin Oo (Retd) and Chairman of Ayeyawady  Division WVOSC Lt-Col Sein Maung submitted implementation of tasks in one year in respective States  and Divisions.

The second-day session of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Conference (2001) continued at
respective places and Hsinbyushin Hall at Defence Services Orthopaedic Hospital (500-bed) in
Mingaladon Township on 3 June morning. The delegates of group-1 discussed the National Politics Sector  at Hsinbyushin Hall. Vice-Chairman of MWVO Central Organizing Committee Maj-Gen Saw Tun  presided over the discussions with COC members of MWVO Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Brig-Gen. Soe  Win Maung, Col Thaik Tun and Brig-Gen. Khin Aung Myint. Chairman of Dagon Township WVO Maj  Maung Win (Retired) acted as master of ceremonies with Chairman of Mayangon WVO Lt-Col Min Han  as joint MC. Vice-Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Tun made a speech on the occasion.

Then, the delegates Captain Than Htwe (Retired) of Kachin State, Lt-Col Naing Win of Kayah State, Lt- Col Soe Myint Aung of Kayin State, Lt-Col Win Naing of Chin State, Maj Aung Min (Retired) of Sagaing  Division, Captain Hla Thaung (Retired) of Taninthayi Division , Maj Maung Maung Lay (Retired) of  Bago Division (West), Maj Thein Htay of Bago Division (East), Lt-Col Htay Oo of Magway Division, Lt- Col Tin Tun of Mandalay, Lt-Col Aung Maw Maw of Mon State, Captain Khin Maung Myint (Retired) of  Rakhine State, Lt-Col Lt-Col Aung Pyi of Yangon Division, Captain Chit Aye (Retired) of Shan State  (South), Maj Soe Win Kyaw of Shan State (North),Lt-Col Thet Hnin Oo (Retired) of Shan State (East)  and Lt-Col Maung Pyone of Ayeyawady Division reported on their reports on National Politics sector.

The members of panel of Patron selected a person who will reports on national politics sector to the
conference. Then, Maj-Gen Saw Tun made a concluding speech. The delegates of group-2 discussed the  Defence and Security of the State Sector at messing hall. COC member Col Tin Hlaing presided over the  discussions with COC Secretary Brig-Gen. Thura Myint Maung and COC members Col Soe Win, Col  Myint Tun (Retired) and Col Aung Nwe (Retired) Col Tin Hlaing made a speech on the occasion.

Then, the delegates Captain Myo Naing Aung (Retired) of Kachin State, Lt-Col Tin Tun of Kayah State,  Lt-Col Ko Ko Gyi of Kayin State, Lt-Col Aung Moe Myint of Chin State, Captain Than Myint (Retired)  of Sagaing Division, Lt-Col Myo Nyunt of Taninthayi Division , Captain Thaung Tin (Retired) of Bago  Division (West), Maj Khin Maung Nyunt of Bago Division (East), Lt-Col Kyee Myint (Retired) of  Magway Division, Lt-Col Kyaw Win (Retired) of Mandalay, Lt-Col Thaw Zin of Mon State, Captain Myo  Min Soe (Retired) of Rakhine State, Col Tin Soe (Retired) of Yangon Division, Captain Ba Aye (Retired)  of Shan State (South), Lt-Col Soe Win (Retired) of Shan State (North),Lt-Col Myo Nyunt of Shan State  (East) and Maj Yin Sein of Ayeyawady Division reported on their reports on Defence and Security of the  State sector. The members of panel of Patron selected a delegate who will reports on Defence and Security  of the State sector to the conference. Col Tin Hlaing made a concluding speech on the occasion. The  delegates of group-3 discussed the Economic Sector at the cinema of the hospital. COC member U Aung  Thaung presided over the discussions with COC members U Thaung, Brig-Gen. Maung Maung Thein,  Brig-Gen. Kyaw Myint and Lt-Col Tin Aung Myint (Retired). U Aung Thaung made a speech on the
occasion.

Then, the delegates Lt-Col Myo Swe of Kachin State, Maj Thein Lwin (Retired) of Kayah State, Captain  Han Tin (Retired) of Kayin State, Cpl Nan Khan Lian (Retired) of Chin State, Maj Aung Khin (Retired)  of Sagaing Division, Captain Sein Win (Retired) of Taninthayi Division , Captain Phone Lwin (Retired)  of Bago Division (West), Lt-Col Tin Myint (Retired) of Bago Division (East), Lt-Col Tin Myint Aung  (Retired) of Magway Division, Lt-Col Myo Myint of Mandalay Division, Lt-Col Nyo Win Myint (Retired)  of Mon State, Maj Aung Hlaing (Retired) of Rakhine State, Maj Hlaing Win (Retired) of Yangon  Division, Maj Pe Tin (Retired) of Shan State (South), Capt Kyaw Oo (Retired) of Shan State (North),Lt- Col Khin Maung Kyaw of Shan State (East) and Lt-Col Nay Win of Ayeyawady Division reported on their  reports on the economic sector.

The members of panel of Patron selected a delegate who will reports on economic sector to the
conference. U Aung Thaung made a concluding speech on the occasion. The delegates of group-4
discussed the community welfare services sector at the cinema of the hospital. COC member Brig-Gen.  Pyi Sone presided over the discussions with COC members Brig-Gen. Yan Thein, Col Maung Pa and Maj  Saw Ngwe (Retired). Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone made a speech on the occasion.

Then, the delegates Capt Cho Tun (Retired) of Kachin State, Maj Thein Myint (Retired) of Kayah State,  Maj Thet Naung (Retired) of Kayin State, Maj Maung Toe (Retired) of Chin State, Cpl Aung Thein  (Retired) of Sagaing Division, Maj Aung Myint (Retired) of Taninthayi Division , WO II Maung Shwe  (Retired) of Bago Division (West), Maj Tin Win (Retired) of Bago Division (East), Maj Tin Ko (Retired)  of Magway Division, Lt-Col Khin Maung Oo of Mandalay Division, Lt-Col Tin Aung of Mon State, Maj  Than Aye of Rakhine State, Maj Myint Swe (Retired) of Yangon Division, Capt Than Win (Retired) of  Shan State (South), Maj Ko Ko Naing(East) and Capt Tint Lwin Oo of Ayeyawady Division reported on  their reports on the economic sector.

The members of panel of Patron selected a delegate who will reports on community welfare service
sector to the conference. In the Social Activities and Welfare Sector of the group-5, COC member Col  Thein Nyunt presided over the discussion together with COC members Col Myo Myint (Retd) and Col Sit  Myaing (Retd). Conference chairman COC member Col Thein Nyunt gave a speech.

Lt-Col Maung Myo of Kachin State, Lt-Col Win Myint of Kayah State, Lt-Col Kyw Win Maung of Kayin  State, Sgt Khin Maung San of Chin State (Retd), WOII Myint Lwin (Retd) of Sagaing Division, Maj Soe  Lwin (Retd) of Taninthayi Division, Capt Than Aye (Retd) of Bago Division (West), Capt Kyaw Naing  (Retd) of Bago Division (East), Maj Saw Tun (Retd) of Magway Division, Lt-Col Ye Swe of Mandalay  Division, Maj Win Maung (Retd) of Mon State, Maj Than Soe Naing (Retd) of Rakhine State, Capt Aye  Myint (Retd) of Yangon Division, Capt Khaing Htoo (Retd) of Shan State (South), Maj. Myint Kyi (Retd)  of Shan State (North), Lt-Col Aung Htey of Shan State (East) and Maj Nyi Nyi Tin of Ayeyawdy Division  took part in the discussion.

Then, one delegate was selected for submitting findings of the Social Activities and Welfare Sector to the  third-day session of the conference. Afterwards, Col Thein Nyunt gave the concluding remarks. In the  afternoon, delegates compiled the papers in the respective sectors at the designated places

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(5)  Message of UNSG on World Environment Day

YANGON, 6 June- The following is the text of the message of United Nations Secretary-General Mr Kofi  Annan on the World Environment Day, 5 June: The theme of this year' s observance of World  Environment Day is " Connect with the World Wide Web of Life ", a choice that reflects the need for each  and every one of us to recognize our role in preserving our fragile planet and the ecosystems, resources  and natural processes that bind us all together. More than ever, life on earth requires of us a sense of  universal responsibility nation to nation, person to person, human to all other forms of life. Albert  Einstein once said that in crisis, imagination is better than knowledge.

We do need more knowledge about the world' s major ecosystems and about the complex interplay
between environment and development, since it is impossible to devise effective policy unless it is based  on sound scientific information. That is one reason why today marks the launch, by the United Nations  and the World Resources Institute, of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, an international  collaborative effort to fill important knowledge gaps and to map the health of our planet. At the same  time, we know more than enough already to face the hard choices ahead. We already have the technical  skills to halt destructive trends and to place our economies on a more sustainable footing. It is not  knowledge and scientific research, but political and economic factors, that will determine whether or not  the wisdom accumulating in our laboratories and libraries will be put into practice.

Challenges such as climate change, desertification, the destruction of biological diversity and population  growth are testing not only our imagination but also our will. Sustainability is in everybody's interest, rich  and poor alike. One in every two jobs worldwide in agriculture, forestry and fisheries depends directly on  the sustainability of ecosystems. Yet unsustainable practices are woven deeply into the fabric of modern  life. And myths have taken hold suggesting there is little alternative to these short-sighted and wasteful  patterns of consumption and development. So let us, on this World Environment Day, connect with a new  ethic of global stewardship and conservation, and most of all with the imagination and courage to make it  a reality.

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(6) Minister receives Ambassador of France

YANGON, 6 June-Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen. Thura Aye  Myint received Ambassador of France Mr Bernard du Chaffaut at his office this afternoon. They discussed  matters pertaining to sports between the two countries. Also present at the call were Deputy Director- General of Sports and Physical Education Department U Thein Aung an officials.

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(7) Talks on mental health held

YANGON, 6 June-Talks on mental health co-sponsored by Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare
Association and the Ministry of Health was held in conjunction with the prize-distribution ceremony at  MMCWA at the corner of Thanthuma Street and Parami Road in South Okkalapa Township this  morning, attended by the Chairperson of MMCWA, the Vice-Chairperson and CEC members, the Patrons  of the supervisory committee, the Medical Superintendent of Psychiatric Hospital and the medical  specialists and others. MMCWA Chairperson Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe made a speech.

Then, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented K 200,000 donated by the association to  Medical Superintendent Dr Toe Aung for warded patients at the hospital. Later, Professor Sao Sai Lon,  Medical Specialist Dr Cho Nwe Zin, Medical Specialist Dr Khin Maung Gyi and Medical Specialist Dr  Zaw Sein Lwin gave talks. Afterwards, the medical specialists replied queries raised by those present.

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(8)  National Convention Convening Commission meets

YANGON, 6 June-The National Convention Convening Commission held its meeting at the meeting hall  of NCCC this afternoon, attended by NCCC Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Vice-Chairman Maj-Gen Sein  Htwa and the commission members. Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Lwin presided over the meeting. Then,  National Convention Convening Work Committee and National Convention Convening Management  Committee presented matters related to the national convention, followed by a general round of  discussions. The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Lwin.

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(9)   Delegates to MWVO Conference tour Yangon

YANGON, 6 June-Delegates from States and Divisions who attended Myanmar War Veterans
Organization Conference (2001), accompanied by Secretary of Central Organizing Committee of MWVO  Brig-Gen. Thura Myint Maung and officials, toured Yangon today. They first visited the Shwedagon  Pagoda. Member of the Pagoda Board of Trustees U Kyee Myint reported on the history of the pagoda.  They also visited Shwedagon Pagoda Museum, Pitakattaik, Mawguntaik and Buddhology Museum. The  delegates also visited Maha Bandoola Bridge and Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge. In the afternoon, they arrived  at Garment Factory of Myanmar Daewoo International Ltd. in Mingaladon Industrial Zone Deputy  Managing Director Brig-Gen. Tha Htay (Retd) welcomed them. They visited Tiger Beer Factory of  Myanmar Berewery Ltd, Burger Paint Professionals Factory and London Cigarette Factory of Rothmans of  Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd.
 

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