(1) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe accepts credentials of  Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia

YANGON, 8 June- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar  Senior General Than Shwe accepted the credentials of newly accredited Ambassador of the Republic of  Croatia to the Union of Myanmar Mr Damir Perincic at Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence at  10.00 am today. Also present on the occasion were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development  Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and Director-General Thura U  Aung Htet of the Protocol Department.

up

___________________________

(2) Transport Ministry staff urged to strive with greater momentum for successful realization of national  goals and projects 

YANGON, 8 June-  Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt met  with officials of the Ministry of Transport at the meeting hall of the ministry at 4 p.m. today, and gave  instructions on meeting the target by the Ministry of Transport.

Also present on the occasion were ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and
Development Council Office, directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises  under the ministry and the principal of the Institute of Marine Technology, officials and those in charge of  regional tasks. At the meeting, Managing Director U Percy Maung Maung of Myanma Shipyards reported  on construction of various vessels in 2000-2001 fiscal year, the docking of ships, the earnings and plans to  be implemented in 2001-2002 financial year. Managing Director U Thein Htay of Myanma Port Authority  reported on the handling of exports and imports and containers, arrivals of ocean liners at the ports and  financial matters in 2000-2001 and implementation of tasks to achieve the target in 2001-2002 fiscal year.  Managing Director U Tun Aung Myint of Inland Water Transport reported on conditions of vessels with  and without engines and jetties of IWT, transport of passengers and goods in 2000-2001 fiscal year,  augmentation of income and arrangements for meeting the target in 2001-2002 fiscal year.

Managing Director U Khin Maung Kyi of Myanma Five Star Line reported on the number of ocean-going  vessels and coastal liners of Myanma Five Star Line, strength of service personnel, transport of goods and  passengers in 2000-2001, efforts for augmenting incomes and arrangements for meeting the plan targets  in 2001-2002 financial year. Deputy Director-General U Myint Thein of Department of Civil Aviation  reported on rules and regulations of International Civil Aviation Federation, tasks being undertaken for  ensuring safe internal and external flights in accord with prescribed norms, efforts for augmentation of  annual income, the upgrading of airports and plans for 2001-2002 financial year. Managing Director U  Tin Hlaing Hmi of Myanma Airways reported on the target for flight hours and performance of work,  transport of passengers and goods and the target for 2001-2002 fiscal year. Minister for Transport Maj- Gen Hla Myint Swe reported on transport of passengers and goods by air and water, incomes, expenditure  and benefits, construction of modern vessels for foreign countries by Myanma Shipyards, arrivals of ocean
liners at the ports and the handling of freight, the targets of individual departments, performance of work  to exceed the GDP target of the ministry.

In giving suggestions on respective sectors, the Secretary-1 said the State Peace and Development Council  has laid down political, economic and social objectives and is implementing them with greater momentum  to enable the Union of Myanmar to get abreast with other nations, to promote development of national  economy and to uplift the living standards of the entire people. In doing so, the State has laid down  national plans which will realize national policies and goals. The national plans have been drawn in accord with development appraisals in the national management, production and services sectors, by  applying effective methods and with firm resolution. Only when ministries strive to exceed their targets,  can the entire national plan be implemented and will the national goals materialize.

Weaknesses and loopholes in ministry plans will lead to delay in implementing the national plan which is  connected with all the State's sectors. Thus, the success of the transport sector, which is linking the  functions of the State management, economic, trade, production and commerce sectors in important in  developing the other sectors. As the transport sector, is an economic enterprise as well as an important  services business, it should give effective services to other sectors in the endeavours for national economic  progress.

Smoothness in the transport sector will lead to ensure speed in flow of goods and export and import
services and further improvement of the people's living standards. Thus, the State is accelerating its
efforts to promote the transport sector. He then elaborated on the emergence of new roads and bridges in  the entire nation, opening of new airports and extension of airports and civil aviation operations. The  Inland Water Transport is always maintaining the commercially navigable waterways, extending inland  water transport sector and building more boats. The international airports are being built, the Yangon  International Airport and other airports in states and divisions have been upgraded with a view to promoting tourism. More international level ports, installed with modern equipment, are being built and  waterways are being expanded to harbour sea-going vessels.

The State as well as the private sector is partaking in building new jetties. The international airports and  sea ports are applying modern safety methods and air and marine navigation systems and world class  equipment. The Mandalay International Airport is handling flights in accord with the international  standard and construction of Hanthawady International Airport is under way. The Myanma Shipyards is  building modern ships for foreign nations. At a time when the all the sectors are gaining progress, staff of  the Ministry of Transport should strive with greater momentum for successful implementation of the  national goals and projects. The records of the previous fiscal indicated the progress in the ministry's  functions.

Its implementation in the passenger transport sector during the fiscal is 103.01 percent of the target and  the freight transport sector, 115.98 percent of the target. The exports of the Myanmar Port Authority  reached 119.74 percent of the target and imports 112.71 percent of the target. The Myanma Shipyards  built seven vessels against the target of five and repaired 25 vessels against the target of 10. The income of  five economic organizations of the Ministry of Transport is 109.88% of the target and the expenditure  97.97% of the target. Therefore, the net profit is exceeded; the performance was 191.78% of the target. It  is found that foreign exchange income nearly met the target. In the 2000-2001 financial year, the GDP of  the Ministry of Transport for transport and building and repair of ships was K 1,265.9 million, and it has  exceeded the target and the performance was 111%. GDP has increased by 13.4%, compared to that of the
previous financial year.

For the 2001-2002 financial year, the Ministry of Transport's target income is US $ 75 million and K  6,011.094 million. For the 2001-2002 financial year, the Ministry of Transport has set the GDP target to  K 3,118.3 million with a 19.1% increase. In the 2005-2006 financial year, the last year of the five-year  plan which will run from 2001-2002 to 2005-2006, the Ministry of Transport has set the GDP target to K  5,067.1 million with an annual average growth rate of 14.1%. Therefore, the Ministry of Transport has  performed the tasks well and achieved success exceeding the target. If the ministry can accelerate the  present rate of achieving success, it will achieve the target.

While attempting to accelerate the rate of success, the ministry is required to boost its performance in  keeping with the time. It is necessary to install international standard navigation system, the aviation  control equipment and systems, modern equipment, the freight handling system and modern equipment at  international ports and international airports. Similarly, arrangements are to be made to turn out  intellectuals and intelligentsia who are skilled at handling modern equipment and systems. It is needed to  keep track on international relations, exchange of information and technology and international  developments.

Only then will the nation be able to keep abreast with other nations in terms of development of
international waterways and airways. Moreover, with regard to fitness and safety of sea-going vessels and  planes, it is necessary to meet with international standards and to observe international rules and regulations. Continued efforts are to be made to get necessary certificates in order to be able to use  internationally-accepted systems. Likewise, Myanma Shipyards need to take systematic measures to make  sure that shipyards are of high standard and modern equipment can be used at the shipyards. Myanma  Shipyards has built modern ships as well as participating in the tasks related to preservation of culture and  the promotion of religion and Sasana. In addition, it needs to manufacture spare parts of heavy machinery,  farm machinery and spare parts which are required for the development of import-substitute industries.

The Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems needs to pay priority to prevention  of erosion of towns, villages and ancient cultural edifices and bridges by rivers. Moreover, the situation  has called for the finding of waterways and improvement of river systems in order to provide access to  neighbouring nations. Likewise, special measures are to be taken to ensure the existence of demarcation  line of waterways between the territories of two nations and to make sure that the nation does not lost its  interests in maintaining rivers which are used by many nations including Myanmar. In accord with the  guidance of the Head of State, river-water pumping projects are being implemented along the rivers, and  measures are to be taken for the maintenance of waterways to ensure that water can be pumped in all  weathers. The Meteorology and Hydrology Department is required to issue weather forecast and warnings  from time to time. Nowadays, the Meteorology and Hydrology Department is necessary to give warnings  against flood and land erosion. In addition, it is also required to double efforts for prevention of water pollution and environmental conservation.

Preventive measures are to be taken against the dumping of industrial wastes into rivers and creeks and  pollution of river waters. Arrangements are to be made to conduct research on meteorology and hydrology  and to use modern equipment and systems by linking satellite communication and international computer  network. To sum up, the development of the transport sector contributes greatly to development of the  nation, improvement of national economy and living standard of the people and the safeguarding of  national interests. Therefore, the employees of the transport sector, while maintaining the rate of  achieving success, need to work harder in order to realize the future objectives. In conclusion, the officials  of the Ministry of Transport at different levels are to discharge their duties with national awareness with  the aim of improving the performance of the transport sector, promoting the development of the transport  sector and commercial activities in keeping abreast with other nations, ensuring that people can travel  with a sense of security and peace of mind, strengthening national economy and uplifting living standard  of the people.

up

___________________________

(3) Secretary-3 attends opening of Photo Exhibition and Movie Show 

YANGON, 8 June- A ceremony to open the Photo Exhibition on West China and Tibet and Movie Show,  co-sponsored by Ministry of Culture and the Chinese Embassy, was held with the aims of introducing the  development of Tibet region and West China region of the People's Republic of China during 50 years to  the people of Myanmar and promoting the reciprocation and friendly relationship between Myanmar and  China, at the Multi-purpose Hall of the National Museum on Pyay Road at 9 am today, attended by  Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Win Myint.

Also present on the occasion were ministers, deputy ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), the Chief of Staff  (Air), senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, departmental heads, Dean of Diplomatic Corps  Ambassador of Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Ly Bounkham and Ambassadors and their wives,  Military Attaches and their wives, the chairman of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association and  Central Executive Committee members, correspondents of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club and  guests. At the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt delivered an address.

He said: First of all, I would like to express that I am honoured to get this opportunity to deliver an
opening speech on behalf of the Minister for Culture at the Photo Exhibition on West China and Tibet and  Movie Show at this prestigious venue, the Multi-purpose Hall of the National Museum in Yangon. The  8th of June is also the remarkable say as it commemorates the 51st Anniversary Diplomatic Relationship  between our two countries People's Republic of China and Union of Myanmar. In this respect, I would like  to say that holding this present Exhibition and the movie show on this very suspicious day has led us a  new paradigm in our good will and promotion in mutual understanding between our two nations. The  Culture of People's Republic of China has been very grand and splendid since many years ago and it has  been appreciated for its preservation of ancient culture and sustaining its essence, not only by the  neighbouring countries but also the Asia and Europe countries.

If we look back our past, there have been many cultural exchanges and good diplomatic relationship
successfully done between our tow countries. It is learnt from the Chinese chronicles that according to the  Chinese lierati Po Chu-yi's poems composed about the visit made by a group of Myanmar Diplomat and  the Pyu Performing troupe performed at Chang an city in China during the reign of Pyu Period is the  evidence of the Myanmar-Chinese long relationship. There has been a strong relationship and fruitful  goodwill between our two nations due to not only being good neighbours but also having Pauk Hpaw  relationship which has been like ties that bind us together. These tradition of relations has been started  since Myanmar historic period and the exchange of relationship and commerce also taken place too. We  always have understanding of Pauk Hpaw relationship of our two nations and sustain the tradition of  giving assistance, promotion goodwill and collaborations till to the present.

Due to this tradition of friendly relationship has led a several collaborations to hold exhibitions frequently  on handicraft, performing arts, photography, fine arts, etc under the bilateral cultural exchange  programme. Through these number of activities initiated under the cultural exchange programme, we can  build not only solidarity but also goodwill and fruitful future of our two nations, China and Myanmar. In  my conclusion, on behalf of the Minister for Culture I wish every success for this Exhibition and the Movie Show which reveal the regional development of the West China and Tibet and moreover,  may this  showcase the great culture of the Chinese. Then, Ambassador of China Mr Li Jinjun said Today is the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and  the Union of Myanmar. An on this auspicious occasion, the Photo Exhibition West China and Tibet and  Movie Show co-sponsored by the Chinese Embassy and the Ministry of Culture of Myanmar is  ceremoniously opened here in the National Museum today.

This can be best described by a Chinese saying that "two happy events descending at the same time" and it  is therefore of extraordinary significance. Here, I would like to extend my highest considerations to  Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen. Win Myint,  ministers and deputy ministers and all the distinguished guests for your presence at this opening  ceremony, and I would also like to express my heart-felt appreciation to the friends from Myanmar  government departments for the treasured supports and assistance that rendered to this exhibition.  Afterwards, Deputy Minister U Soe Nyunt and Ambassador of China Mr Li Jinjun formally opened the  exhibition and the opening ceremony came to a close.

The Secretary-3 wrote the suggestion in the commentary book for the exhibition and left there at 9.45 am.  Next, ministers, deputy ministers and guests viewed documentary photos displayed the exhibition. A total  of 217 photos related to 12 provinces and autonomous regions included in the great project of  Development of West China implemented by the Chinese Government, the past and the present of Tibet  and Lhasa City of Tibet autonomous region are displayed at the exhibition. Similarly, seven documentary  films and seven Chinese movies will be shown at the period of the exhibition. The exhibition will be kept  open at the multipurpose hall on the first floor of the National Museum from 10 am to 4 p.m. daily up to  14 June. Admission is free.
 
Prizes presented to outstanding Township MCWAs 

YANGON, 8 June- A ceremony to honour outstanding Township Maternal and Child Welfare
Associations, and outstanding members of Auxiliary Fire Brigade and Red Cross Society sponsored by  Yangon Division Peace and Development Council was held at the Office of Division Peace and
Development Council this evening. Present were member of the State Peace and Development  Council  Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj- Gen Khin Maung Than and wife Daw Marlar Tint, Secretary of Division Peace and Development Council  Lt-Col Kyaw Tint, Chairmen of District Peace and Development Councils, Division, District and  Township level officials, members of Panel of Patrons of Supervisory Committee for Yangon Division  Maternal and Child Welfare Association, officials of Yangon Division Red Cross Society, chairmen of  Township Peace and Development Councils and guests.

Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than made a speech on the occasion. Patron of Supervisory
Committee for Yangon Division Maternal and Child Welfare Association Daw Marlar Tint presented  first, second and third prizes to South Okkalapa, Thanlyin and Ahlon Township Maternal and Child  Welfare Associations respectively for their activities.

Member of Panel of Patrons of Supervisory Committee for Yangon Division Maternal and Child Welfare  Association Daw Khin Ma Lay, wife of Deputy Commander of Yangon Command, presented prizes to  outstanding Township Maternal and Child Welfare Associations for their delivery rooms. Chairman of  Division Maternal and Child Welfare Association Dr Tin Maung Win presented certificates of honour to  township associations. The Yangon Division Red Cross Team B, Yangon Division Red Cross Team A and  Yangon Division Auxiliary Fire Brigade Team presented their championship flags and shields to  Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than. Officials presented prizes to outstanding persons. Then, Daw  Marlar Tint presented medicines provided by Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association to officials of Township Associations.
 
Commander inspects agricultural and development tasks in Twantay Township

YANGON, 8 June-  Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division  Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, accompanied by Commander  of No 1 Military Region Col Hla Myint and departmental officials, inspected agricultural and development  tasks in Twantay Township, Yangon South District, this morning. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung  Than inspected agricultural and livestock breeding work at the local battalion in Twantay Township.

Commanding officer of the local battalion Lt-Col Maung Maung Aye reported on cultivation of perennial  crops, monsoon paddy, summer paddy and vegetables and livestock breeding work. The commander  inspected cultivation of vegetables on 20 acres of land, cashew trees, bamboo, mango trees and tamarind  trees, the raising of pigs and goats and bee keeping. The commander gave instructions on cultivation of  crops and livestock breeding in four ways Ñ at the battalion, at the unit, on a manageable scale and  through joint-venture system Ñ and use of land for cultivation. The local battalion has grown vegetables  on 20 acres of land, 10,000 cashew trees, over 10,000 bamboo plants and 550 mango trees and raised fish  in fish ponds which have a total area of 100 acres, 100 pigs, 100 goats and 50 cows. The commander  proceeded to the office of Twantay Township Peace and Development Council.

They were welcomed by Chairman of Yangon South District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Sein  Hlaing and officials. The commander met with division-level departmental officials, authorities of   Twantay, Dalla, Seikkyi Khanaungto, Kungyangon and Kawhmu Townships, departmental officials of  Twantay Township, members of Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire  Brigade at Tawwin Sandaku Hall of the Office of Township Peace and Development Council. The  township authorities reported on agricultural and development tasks being carried out in the respective  townships.

After attending to their needs, the commander gave instructions on the maintenance of Dalla, Twantay,  Kawhmu, Kungyangon roads, cultivation of shade trees on both sides of motor roads, the growing of  monsoon paddy to meet the target and cultivation of cold season crops such as beans and peas. It is  targeted to cultivate monsoon paddy on 12 acres of land in Yangon Division, and monsoon paddy will be  cultivated on 323,702 acres of land in Twantay, Kungyangon and Kawhmu Townships. In Twantay  Township, it is targeted to cultivate monsoon paddy on 131,070 acres of land. Up to now, 7,443 acres of  land have been ploughed, and paddy seeds have been scattered on 6,849 acres of land.

up

___________________________

(4)  Industry-1 Ministry implements cement plant and factory projects in Kyaukse Township

YANGON, 8 June -  Member of the State Peace and Development Council Commander of Central  Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint and Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung inspected construction of a  new two-storey building of No 3 Basic Education High School in Kyaukse Township, Mandalay Division,  this morning.

The contractor of the project is Myanma General Maintenance Industries of the Ministry of Industry-1.  Accompanied by officials, the commander and the minister, heard a report on progress in implementing  the project and utilization plan presented by Engineer U Maung Maung Toe of MGMI and Kyaukse  District Education Officer U Nyunt Swe with charts. The commander and the minister spoke of the need  to open the building in the third week of June and to install teaching aids including computers at the  building. Chairman of Kyaukse District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Kyi Shein also  reported on salient points of the project. After giving suggestions, the commander and the minister  inspected the school buildings. Minister U Aung Thaung also inspected renovation of the government  guest house.

At the office of District Union Solidarity and Development Association, the minister inspected the plot  chosen for construction of an office building and the compound wall. Minister U Aung Thaung also met  with the trainees of the English proficiency course.

Minister inspects construction of Swa Creek, Khabaung Creek Dams in Yedashe Township

YANGON, 8 June- Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, accompanied by officials,  on 6 June inspected No 6 Sugar Mill in Yedashe Township, Bago Division, where the mill manager  reported on the production rate, project for growing sugar-cane and preparations for operation of the mill  at full capacity. The minister then inspected sugar storage, spare parts storage and overhaul of machinery  and left instructions.

Later, the minister and party inspected the construction project site of Swa Creek Dam and heard a report  on progress of work and tasks being carried out presented by Director U Win Maung of Irrigation  Department. Afterwards, the minister inspected work being carried out inside and outside the dam. The  minister and party proceeded to the construction project of Khabaung Creek Dam in Ottwin Township,  where Director-General of ID U Kyaw San Win and the directors reported on designs of the dam, water  availability and irrigated areas. Then, the minister inspected Yetho Dam, which had been already opened,  in Ottwin Township. Next, the minister inspected No 7 Sugar Mill (Ottwin), No 8 Sugar Mill (Zeyawady)  and growing of sugar-cane in the 2,500-acre special zone of Myanma Sugar-cane Enterprise and gave necessary instructions to officials concerned.

up

___________________________

(5)  Energy Minister meets Ambassador of Croatia

YANGON, 8 June- Minister for Energy Brig-Gen. Lun Thi met Ambassador of the Republic Croatia Mr  Damir Perincic, whose office is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at his office on Pyay Road this  afternoon. They discussed matters related to energy sector. Also present at the call were Deputy Ministers  U Tin Tun and Brig-Gen. Thein Aung and officials of departments and enterprises under the ministry.

Sri Lanka cultural Minister arrives 

YANGON, 8 June- At the invitation of Minister for Culture U Win Sein, Sri Lanka cultural delegation led  by Minister of Culture of Sri Lanka Hon M C Gopallawa arrived here by air this morning. They were  welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Culture U Win Sein, heads of department,  Ambassador of Sri Lanka Mr Ubhayasekara Mapa and officials. The Sri Lankan minister and party visited  the Shwedagon Pagoda this morning. Then, Minister Hon M C Gopallawa and party called on Minister  for Culture U Win Sein at his office at noon. Present at the call were Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe  Nyunt, Ambassador of Sri Lanka Mr Ubhayasekara Mapa, the Directors-General, the Professors and  officials. The visiting minister and party visited the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary  University and Buddha's Tooth Relic Pagoda this afternoon. Minister U Win Sein hosted a dinner in  honour of the guests at Kandawgyi Palace Hotel at 6.30 p.m.

Minister receives foreign guests 

YANGON, 8 June- Minister for Hotels & Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received Managing Director of  Xin Xin Development Sdn Bhd of Malaysia, which is based in Hong Kong, Mr Tan Eam Thong and party  at his office on Sule Pagoda Road, here, this afternoon. They discussed maters related to investment  opportunity in hotel business. Also present were Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U  Khin Maung Latt, Managing Director of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services U Kyi Tun and officials.

up

___________________________

(6) Minister receives Ambassador

YANGON, 8 June-  Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone received Ambassador of the Republic of  Croatia to the Union of Myanmar Mr Damir Perincic at his office this afternoon. 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 Col Nay Win, Managing Director of Myanma  Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and officials.

Commerce Minister receives guests 

YANGON, 8 June- Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone met Senior Executive Director Mr Huge  Hoerndli and party of Myanmar Industrial Development Corporation Ltd of Switzerland at his office at noon today. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Kyaw Hsan, Director-General U  Nyunt Aye of Directorate of Trade, Director-General U Nay Win of Border Trade Department, Managing  Director U Min Hla Aung of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading and officials.

Small Loans Enterprise holds coord meeting  

YANGON, 8 June- Small Loans Enterprise under the Ministry of Finance and Revenue held a meeting on  the closing of the budget for 2000-2001 fiscal year and work coordination meeting for 2001-2002 fiscal  year at the meeting hall of the Head Office of Myanmar Small Loans Enterprise this afternoon. Present  were Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar  U Kyaw Kyaw Maung, Managing Director U Than Nyunt of Myanmar Small Loans Enterprise,  departmental heads and managers of states and divisions.

up

___________________________

(7) Contracts to purchase machinery signed 

YANGON, 8 June- The Ministry of Industry-2 and Angelique International Ltd of India held the contract-signing ceremony for purchasing machinery worth US$ 4.8 million at the meeting hall of the Ministry of  Industry-2 this morning. Present on the occasion were Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, First  Secretary of the Indian Embassy Mr AC Pandey, directors-general and managing directors of departments  and enterprises under the ministry, Chairman Mr DK Goyal and party of Angelique International Ltd of  India. Director-General U Khin Maung of Directorate of Myanma Industrial Planning and Vice-Chairman  Mr MP Gupta of Angelique International Ltd of India gave speeches. Then, managing directors concerned  and the vice-chairman signed the contracts. The machinery to be purchased will be used at Iron Casting  Workshop, Ball Bearing Workshop, ACSR Cable Workshop and Electric Metre Workshop of the Ministry  of Industry-2.

Minister receives Professor of UN University for Peace 

YANGON, 8 June-  Minister for Education U Than Aung received Executive Director Prof Dr Nay Dun  of UN University for Peace, San Jose, Costa Rica and party at his office at 2 p.m. today. They discussed  education and research for environmental conservation. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister  Brig-Gen. Soe Win Maung and U Myo Nyunt and officials.

up

___________________________

(8)  Uto-Kya-in Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Project briefed 

YANGON, 8 June- Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay briefed the  officials of 14 tour companies led by Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen. Aye Myint Kyu  on implementing tasks for Uto-Kya-in Region Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Project as National  Demonstration Farm, production of kitchen crops for Yangon City and work being carried out for turning  the project into a resort centre for Yangonites as well as foreigners at the project control office this  morning. The mayor answered queries raised by the deputy minister and the officials, and conducted them  round Myodaw Farm and Resort Centre. Then, the mayor, accompanied by the officials, inspected  construction of stalls for raising pigs at Tawyat Region of the project and pigeon pea plantations. Later, he  gave instructions on constant raising of 1,000 pigs, sale of meat and fish to the tax-free markets and  markets in Yangon.

Deputy Minister signs in Book of Condolences for late King of Nepal 

YANGON, 8 June- Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win signed in the Book of
Condolences in memory of the late King His Majesty Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev of Nepal at the  Royal Nepalese Embassy on Natmauk Yeiktha Street at 2 p.m. today.
 
Exercise books for staff families of Ministry of Information 

YANGON, 8 June-  A ceremony to present exercise books to students of staff families of Ministry of  Information was held at the Minister's Office on Bo Aung Kyaw Street this morning. Present were Deputy  Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Aung Thein, Director-General of Myanma Radio and Television U  Khin Maung Htay, Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, Managing Director  of Motion Picture Enterprise Col Bo Kyi, Managing Director of Printing and Publishing Enterprise Col  Myint Thein, Acting Director of Information and Public Relations Department U Than Tun and Head of  Office Captain Soe Aung. On behalf of the Minister, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Aung Thein presented  exercise books to Captain Soe Aung for staff families of Minister's Office; to Director-General U Khin  Maung Htay for staff families of MRTV; to Managing Director Col Bo Kyi for staff families of MPE; to  Managing Director U Tin Kha for staff families of NPE; to Managing Director Col Myint Thein for staff  families of PPE and to Director U Than Tun for staff families of IPRD.

Thai devotees visit Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image 

YANGON, 8 June- Altogether 86 Thai devotees including two monks led by Professor Dr Pringa
Nutalaya, accompanied by Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt and  officials, visited Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township at  4.30 p.m. today under the arrangement of Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and Ayayawady-Thai  International Co Ltd.

They were welcomed there by Director-General of Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint, Joint- Secretary of All-round Construction of Mindhamma Hill Cmdr Khin Maung Oo, officials, technicians and  members of pagoda Board of Trustees. Officials explained facts about the decoration work of the image to  Thai Buddhist delegation. Then, Professor Dr Pringa Nutalaya explained the purpose of the donation,  saying his donation is aimed at consolidating bilateral relations between Myanmar and Thailand and for  the development of the two nations. He presented K 50,400, US $ 100 and bath 60,500 to Director-General Dr Myo Myint, Director-General U Khin Maung Latt and Cmdr Khin Maung Oo and officials  who presented certificate of honour. Then, Thai devotees paid homage to the Lawka Chantha Abhaya  Labha Muni Image and left there in the evening.

up

___________________________

(9) Cash assistance for education presented

YANGON, 8 June- No 44 Light Infantry Division presented cash assistance to 118 primary school,  middle school and high school students of Seikputaung Parahita School in Kyaikto Township, Mon State,  at the school on 5 June. No 44 LID Commander Col Min Aung Hlaing presented the cash assistance to  the students through Seikputaung Sayadaw U Jotika . The commander and officials offered soon to  members of Sangha and hosted a lunch to the students.

Completion certificates presented 

YANGON, 8 June- A ceremony to present the primary and middle school level completion certificates for  2000-2001 academic year was held at No 11 Basic Education Middle School in Taunggyi Township on 25  May. It was attended by Shan State Education Officer U Man Yin, Headmistress Daw Khin Saw Nyunt  and members of the School Board of Trustees, teachers and students. After making a speech, Headmistress Daw Khin Yi presented the primary and middle school level completion certificates to the  students.

Swimmer Aung Kyaw Moe wins three silver, four bronze 

YANGON, 8 June-  Under the leadership of Myanmar Olympic Committee, Ministry of Sports is
implementing sports and education combined training programme at Sports and Physical Education
Institute of Sports and Physical Education Department beginning 1997-98 acdemic year with the aim of  turning out outstanding new generation athletes. At the institute, 10-17 year age youths from States and  Divisions are being trained. The trainees are taking part in the local sports meets organized by Myanmar  sports federations and outstanding trainees in international tournaments. From 1 to 3 June, swimmer  Maung Aung Kyaw Moe of the Sports and Education Combined Training School took part in the 25th  ASEAN age-wise swimming championship in Kuala Lumpure, Malaysia. A total of 185 swimmers from  Myanmar, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam  participated in the championship. Maung Aung Kyaw Moe won seven medals three silver and four bronze  in the championship.

Marijuana trafficker jailed 

YANGON, 8 June- Toungoo District Court meted out a sentence of 16 years'  imprisonment on a
marijuana trafficker on 19 April this year. A combined team comprising members of local intelligence  unit and local Police Force, acting on information, on 11 October 2000, waiting at the farm house, two  furlongs far away from Kywepwe, stopped and searched Soe Maung on a bicycle and seized 1.551 kilos of  marijuana kept in his basket. Kywepwe Police Station took action against Soe Maung, 39, son of U Sein  Hla of Yay-o-sin Village, Oaktwin Township, under Section 15/19(A)(B) of the Narcotic Drugs and  Psychotropic Substances Law. The Court heard the case and sentenced him to four years in prison under  Section 15 and 12 years under Section 19 (A) to serve separately.

up