(1) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe  sends message of felicitations to United States of America

YANGON, 4 July  Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and  Development Council of  the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of  felicitations to the Honorable George W Bush, President of  the United States  of America, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the United states of  America  which falls on 4 July 2001.

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(2) General Maung Aye meets with departmental officials, Tatmadaw men and  their families in Kengtung

YANGON, 3 July,  Vice Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council  Deputy Commander-in- Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army)  General Maung Aye left Heho Airport for  Kengtung in Shan State (East), by  Tatmadaw aircraft on 1 July morning.

The General was accompanied by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development  Council Lt-Gen. Win  Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Kyi Min, the  ministers, the Chief of Staff (Air) and  senior military officers, heads of  the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments. On  arrival at  Kengtung airport at 10 am, the General and party were welcomed by member of  the State  Peace and Development Council Chairman of Shan State (East) Peace  and Development Council  Commander of Triangle Region Command  Maj-Gen Thein  Sein, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen. Myint  Swe, senior military officers and  departmental officials.

Ministers who accompanied the General met with members of Shan State Peace  and Development Council, departmental officials, chairmen and members of  Kengtung District and Kengtung Township  Peace and Development Councils and  district and township level departmental officials at the meeting  hall of  Triangle Region Command. Secretary of Shan State (East) Peace and Development  Council Lt- Col Aung Soe explained formation of districts and townships in  Shan State, population, land utilization, paddy cultivation, per acre  yield  and food sufficiency, participation of national entrepreneurs in  agriculture,  development of economy in the State targets of the projects for sector wise  development of  the economy in 2001-2002 fiscal year and implementation.

Then, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut elaborated on ,matters  related to fulfillment in supply of electricity in the regions of Shan State  (East) and work being carried out for increasing the  supply of electricity.  Later, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung explained work being  carried  out to enable youths to study science and advanced technologies in  the region. He also spoke of the need  for local people to cooperate.  Afterwards, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein  elaborated on health  care  work and plans to fulfill the need of health workers. Next, Minister for  National Planning and  Economic Development U Soe Tha elaborated on  implementation for sector-wise economic development  of Shan State (East) in  2000 2001 fiscal year, rise in individual income, targets for sectors of  2001-2002  fiscal year and work carried out in the period of three months.

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin elaborated on  implementation of development  projects in the agriculture sector, the need  for Shan State to make efforts to exceed the set the crop  production targets,  to succeed agriculture work of national entrepreneurs and plans to fulfill  the requirements in construction of dams. Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Pyi  Sone reported on paddy  sufficiency of the State, the need to buy paddy fully  and matters related to commerce. General Maung Aye  said two short-term plans  a four-year plan and a five year plan have successfully been implemented for   economic development. He said annual economic growth rate exceeded the  targets and such  accomplishments have been made due to the cooperation of the  State, the people and service personnel.  He said the third short term  five-year plan was laid down starting from 2001-2002. States, divisions and   respective regions are to make continued efforts for successful  implementation of the five year plan which  is based on development of the  agriculture sector in rural areas and the industrial sector.

Afterwards, General Maung Aye cordially greeted the departmental officials of  district and township  levels. General Maung Aye and party inspected the new  nurse training school in Kengtaug. Minister for  Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein,  Principal of the training school Daw Nan Lay Tin and officials reported to   General Maung Aye and party on construction of the school, classrooms,  materials and training. General  Maung Aye gave instructions. General Maung  Aye and party went to the construction site of 200-bed  hospital where  Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein and officials reported on progress of work.  Commander Maj-Gen Thein Sein gave a supplementary report, The General then  gave instructions and inspected the scale  model of the hospital and  construction of the hospital.

On 2 July, General Maung Aye met Tatmadaw members and families of battalions  and units under the  Kengtung station at Pyinyeinaye Hall of the Triangle  Region Command in Kengtung. General Maung  Aye explained political and  economic conditions and the need to make endeavors in agriculture and   livestock breeding for food sufficiency. He met Tatmadaw members and  families. General Maung Aye  and party left Kengtung for Mongphyat by  helicopter. They were welcomed by Brig-Gen. Than Aung of  Mongphyat station,  Chairman of Mongphyat District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung   Htay, Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Myint Thein and  officials.

General Maung Aye met secretaries, executives and members of the District and  Township USDA at  Mongphyat District USDA Office. Secretary-3 Adjutant General  Lt-Gen. Win Myint met Tatmadaw  members and families of Mongphyat station.  General Maung Aye greeted the Tatmadaw members and  families. The ministers  met service personnel of the respective ministries at the Township Peace and   Development Council Office and fulfilled the requirements. On behalf of the  ministers, Minister for  Science and Technology U Thaung extended greetings.

Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein inspected Township People's Hospital. The General  and party went to Mongphyat from Kengtung by helicopter. The General and  party visited Khemaratha Byadaiktawpay  Standing Buddha Image in Swanhsat Hill  in Kengtung. General Maung Aye presented donations to the  chairman of Pagoda  Board of Trustees. The General and party visited the cultural museum. General   Maung Aye signed in the visitor's book. The General and party also paid  obeisance to Maha Myatmuni  Pagoda and presented donations to the chairman of  Pagoda Board of Trustees. General Maung Aye and  the Secretary-3 signed in the  visitors' book. This morning, the General and party paid obeisance to   Presiding Nayaka Sayadaws of Sarthintaiks at Sasana Beikmandaw in Kengtung.

The General and party took the Five Precepts from Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw  member of Shan State  Working Committee of the Sangha Dhammodaya Sarthintaik  Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Arjeya.  General Maung Aye presented offertories  to the Sayadaw and donated provisions to the Sarthintaiks. The  Secretary-3,  the ministers, the commander and  members presented offertories and  provisions to Nayaka  Sayadaws of nine Sarthintaiks. The General and party  left Kengtung for Monghsat by the Tatmadaw  flight. They were welcomed by  Brig-Gen. Tun Tun of Monghsat Station, Chairman of Monghsat District  Peace and  Development Council Lt-Col Myo Nyunt, Chairman of Township Peace and  Development  Council U Than Sein and officials. The Secretary-3 met Tatmadaw  members and families of Monghsat  station at Yangyiaung Hall.

General Maung Aye cordially met the Tatmadaw members and families. Minister  for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen. Thein Zaw inspected  Monghsat telephone exchange. Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut met  officials Maipan Hydro-electric power Project. The General and  party arrived  back here in the evening.

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(3) Secretary-1 inspects booths of Drug Elimination Museum 

YANGON,3 July,  Secretary-l of the State Peace ant Development Council Lt-Gen.  Khin Nyunt inspected  booths of Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of  Hanthawady and Kyundaw Roads in Kamayut  Township this morning. Accompanied by  officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office,  the Secretary- l  arrived at Drug Elimination Museum at 10.30 am. The Secretary-1 and party  were  welcomed by Chairman of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control  Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin  Hlaing, Vice Chairman of the Central  Committee Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, the deputy  ministers,  Secretary of CCDAC Police Mai Gen. Soe Win and officials. The Secretary-l and  party  inspected booths of the museum and gave suggestions to them.  Afterwards, Secretary-l Lt-Gen. Khin  Nyunt cordially met with teachers and  students at the museum.

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(4) Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs helps uplift women's  reputation, role and extend  and strengthens rights

YANGON, 3 July," Myanmar Women's Day 2001 was observed at the International  Business Centre on  Pyay Road this morning, addressed by Secretary-l of the  State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen.  Khin Nyunt. The Secretary-l said  observance of the Myanmar Women's Day in honoring the entire  Myanmar women,  who are delicate, sincere, noble and qualified with full national essence,  reflects the  national determination to harmoniously strive for progress of  the women's role. As the Myanmar society  already has the favorable  foundations for progress of the women's sector, they while enjoying equal  status  with men, and depending on each other, have served the national  affairs throughout the nation's history  till now.

The Myanmar women have been enjoying their respectful place and rights  because of the teachings of the  Theravada Buddhism that are steering the  human society towards equality and harmony. Throughout the  successive periods  the Myanmar women have been enjoying the equal status with men in all  religious,  and social affairs and in accord with the  law as such rights for  women have been distinctively prescribed  in the teachings of the Theravada  Buddhism, traditions and culture, social values, ancient code of laws  and the  present-day existing laws.

The basic concept of the Myanmar men is that they regard women as equals  considering them with sympathy as their own sisters or mother. Moreover, it  is the significant and noble tradition of Myanmar  men to see their wife on  equal terms with their mother or sister, or as a true companion with due  respect  and love. As the women play a leading role in all the household  affairs of a family of the Myanmar  society which is based on the family  values, the mother is being given the same status of the father.
 
It is no wonder that the women are outstanding and able to glorify all the  national, religious, economic,  education, health, cultural fields as they are  born of and brought up in the society which gives honour to  them. The  government is giving priority to all-round progress of the mother country,  and in this context,  it is also making systematic efforts to extend and  strengthen the inborn rights of women which they have  enjoyed throughout the  successive eras, and to develop the women's sector in accord with the State's   political, economic and social objectives and the national requirements.

It is also a time when effective efforts are being made to organize the  active and brilliant force of the women in the national development  endeavors. Thus. the government founded the Myanmar National  Committee for  Women's Affairs with the participation of the officials of State,  representatives of - humanitarian organizations and women's affairs groups,  and the renowned persons of the education,  health, administrative and social  sectors. The 3rd of July, the founding day of the Myanmar National  Committee  for Women's Affairs, has been designated  The Myanmar Women's Day  with  honour, for the  committee's formation is a historic undertaking, helping to  uplift the reputation of the women. who have a fine tradition of safeguarding  the race and national interests, which helps develop the women' s role and   extends and strengthens the women's rights.

In order to effectively uplift the role of women down to the grassroots  levels in the entire nation, the MNCWA has formed the Myanmar National  Working Committee for Women's Affairs and the subordinate bodies at states,  divisions, districts and townships in building an active and effective force  in  accord with the duties assigned to it by the State. The MNCWA, the Working  Committee and the  subordinate bodies have divided their tasks into eight  sectors the education, health, economic, cultural,  prevention of violence  against women and rehabilitation, young women's development, environmental   conservation and information sectors.

The Committee is also opening vocational and vocational education courses to  help increase the income  of women. It is also giving health, education and  cultural knowledge to young women, and protecting  them against dangers. In  the prevention of violence against women and rehabilitation task, the   Committee is compiling a data on the violence against women, giving  protection to women, giving them  knowledge of laws protecting them, opening  counselling centres and protecting women from being sold  into prostitution in  foreign countries or marriage with foreigners.

It is also encouraging women to love, value and cherish their own traditions  and culture and Myanmar  characters. In implementing its national level  organization tasks, the Committee has held seminars on  and laid down work  plans for women's development; held the Myanmar National Women's Conference   annually in successfully organizing women as a firm nation building force;  materialized the Beijing  Declaration of the Fourth International Women's  Conference in accord with Myanmar traditions and  culture, history and the  State's political, economic and social objectives; and collected the gender  indicators to show the  noble reputation and the high standard of living of  Myanmar women to the  international community with firm proof. In the  international cooperation sector, it signed the  Convention on the Elimination  of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women in 1997; hosted the   International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 2000;  sponsored the National  Seminar on Women's Health in cooperation with WHO and  observed the International Women's Day  2001.

In conclusion, the Secretary-l spoke of the need to strive with constant  awareness for continuous observance of  the Myanmar Women's Day in the  future; to strive for further flourishing and firmness of  the women's rights  and for progress of the women's sector with greater momentum; to strive to  organize  the women to become a brilliant national force taking part in the  national development and nation- building tasks with dignity; and to  collectively strive with national awareness for promotion and  propagation of  the spirit of Myanmar young women to uphold their race and traditions and  culture and  the patriotism and the Union Spirit.

Present also were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman  of Yangon Division  Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than,  ministers, the Chief Justice, the Attorney- General, the Chairman of Yangon  City Development Committee Yangon Mayor, the deputy ministers,  the Vice  Mayor, Chairman and committee members of Myanmar National Committee for  Women's  Affairs, advisers, members of Working Committee for Women's Affairs  and sub-committee, members of  Working Committee for Organizing the Myanmar  Women' s Day 2001, officials of the Yangon Division  Peace and Development  Council Office, heads of department, representatives of non-government   organizations, members of Yangon Division Working Committee for Women's  Affairs, artistes, well  wishers, guests, outstanding women and outstanding  photographers.  Then, Secretary-l Lt-Gen. Khin  Nyunt presented prize and certificate for  strong determination to Ma Su Pon Chit of seventh standard  student of No l  Basic Education High School in Nyaungdon, prize and certificate to Ma Thi Thi  Tun of  Letpadan BEHS No l, who stood the first prize in Matriculation  Examination 2000, prizes and certificates  to Ma Chaw Kalyar and Ma Khin Htet  Htet Zaw of Yangon Technological University who won prizes in  Architectural  Design Competition sponsored by Teaching in Architecture Group (International  University level), prizes and certificates to Platoon Commander Nan May  The  Aye of Red Cross Society in Aung-myaythazan Township, L/CPI Ma Hnin Hnin Nye  of Fire Services Department, outstanding  lifter Ma Kay Thi Win of YCDC and  disabled sports prize to Ma San San Hla of YCDC. Chairman of  MNCWA Minister  for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa presented  first,  second and third prizes to A K Moe (Zoology), Shwe Inn Tha Khin Maung  Win and Lin Lin Aung  (Bagan) and consolation prizes to Ma Pwint (Thiha  Photo), Tun Swe (Hlatharthu-Mogok) and U Hla  Htwe (IPRD Loikaw) in MNCWA's  Activities Photo Competitions Cha of working Committee for  Organizing the  Myanmar Women's Day member of MNWCWA Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented   consolation prizes to U Chan Tun (Mawlamyine) U Myint Than (Kyukse) , Ko Ko  Nyunt Kyi ( Mandalay  ) U Zaw Min Htain (Saya Zaw Education),Yankio Soe Min  and U Than Wai (Taunggyi) in MNCWA's  Activities Photo Competitions. After the  ceremony Secretary-l Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and party viewed the
prize winning  photos, book-fair and magazines at the reception hall of the center.

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(5)  Minister receives guests

YANGON, 3 July, Minister for Hotels & Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received  Regional Bureau Chief  Mr Maria Luisa Rubio of Spain's International News  Agency and Bureau Chief Ms Rose Maria Calaf of  Television of Spain at his  office this morning. Also present were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Aye Myint   Kyu, Director General U Khin Maung Latt of Directorate of Hotels & Tourism,  Managing Director U Kyi  Tun of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services and  officials.

Ministry of Labour holds coordination meeting

YANGON, 3 July," The first four monthly coordination meeting of Ministry of  Labour was held at Main  Store of Medical Depot in Ahlon Township this  morning. Present were Minister for Labour Maj-Gen Tin  Ngwe, Deputy Minister  Brig-Gen. Win Sein, department, the director-general, the chairman, medical   superintendent, heads of States Divisions, heads of region and district staff  officers.

Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Win Sein made a speech on the occasion. Then, heads  of states/divisions of  Labour Department and Factories and General Labour Law  Inspection Department presented reports on  their activities with aid of  video. Them, the directors-general of Labour Department and the director   general on their activities. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Win Sein presented  supplementary report. Then,  the meeting ended with concluding remark by  Minister Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe.

Minister for Energy leaves for Brunei

YANGON, 3 July â " Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Energy Brig-Gen. Lun  Thi left here by air for Brunei Darussalam this afternoon to attend the l9th  Meeting of ASEAN Energy Ministers to be held  in Brunei. The Myanmar  delegation was seen off at Yangon Inter national Airport by Minister for   Education U Than Aung, Deputy Ministers for Energy U Tin Tun and Brig-Gen.  Thein Aung, heads of  departments of the ministry, their relatives and Charge  d'Affaires of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam  Embassy Mr Nguyen Dinh Tang.

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(6) Construction of Coop School inspected

YANGON, 3 July," Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San, accompanied by  Director-General of
Cooperatives Department Col Soe Win and officials,  inspected construction of a two-story new building  of the Cooperatives  Training School in Pathein yesterday morning. The minister and party then   inspected furniture, arts and handicrafts and domestic goods by wood-based  furniture group, production  of Pathein Parasol of Shwesar Parasol Cooperative  Society and natural fertilizers of Shwetharaphu  Coconut Cooperative Society  and gave instruction to officials. Then, at the new building hall, member of   the State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command  Maj-Gen Thura Shwe  Mann and Minister U Aung San hoard reports by Chairman of  Catena Construction Group Daw Khin  Nyo and chairmen of co-operatives. The  commander and the  minister gave suggestions to officials. The  minister and  party arrived at Yekyi and inspected golf hats, cowboy hats and lady hats  manufactured by  Ayeya and Shwekyi U cooperative societies and gave  instructions to officials.

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(7) Minister for Transport inspects Monywa Industrial zone

YANGON, 3 July,  Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, accompanied by  Director-General of  Transport Planning Department Col Nyan Tun Aung and  officials arrived at the construction site of  Chindwin River Bridge (Monywa)  on 1 July. Superintending Engineer U San Nyein reported on progress  of work  and waterway in Chindwin River.

Deputy Director of Department of Water Utilization and Improvement of Water  Systems U Aung Htut  reported on preventive measures against bank erosion,  construction of walls that prevent erosions and  waterway. Monywa Industrial  Zone in-charge Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe gave instructions on   development of the industry in meeting with industrialists in Monywa  Industrial Zone.

The minister inspected the jeeps  manufactured by the Monywa Industrial Zone.  The minister and party  went to the construction site of Chindwin Shipyard.  Managing Director of Inland Water Transport U Tun  Aung Myint reported on  vessels, docking of the vessels and finance matters. Project In-Charge U Kyaw   Moe Naing reported on progress of work and the future tasks. The minister  inspected the construction  site.

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(8)  Minister for Industry-l inspects MPF

YANGON, 3 July, Minister for Industry- 1 U Aung Thaung, Deputy Ministers  Brig-Gen. Thein Tun and  Brig-Gen. Kyaw Win and officials inspected Myanma  Pharmaceutical Factory in West Gyogon in Insein  Township this morning.  Factory manager U Zaw Win reported on production of injection and tablets   distribution, requirement of raw materials and storage and plans for  boosting production. Minister U  Aung Thaung gave instructions on appointment  of skilled service personnel, handing down techniques to  new generation,  boosting production of injection and tablets and production of medicine  against snake  bites for rural people. The minister inspected the products of  the factory and gave instructions. The  minister inspected the site for  extension of the factory, construction of the boiler and Demineral Plant and   raising of horse for production of snake anti-venom. Minister U Aung Thaung  inspected No 1 Cigarette  Factory in Hline Township.

Minister inspects Yadanabon Shipyard Construction, Air Bus

YANGON, 3 July,  Minister for Transport Man-Gen. Hal Mint Sew, accompanied by  Director-General  Col Nay Tun Aung of Transport Planning Department, Managing  Director U Tun Aung Mint of Inland  Water Transport and officials inspected  construction of  Yadanabon dockyard in Mandela yesterday  afternoon. In the  evening, the minister, accompanied by Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen. Kyaw Mint and  U  Per Than inspected new Air Bus 321100 for Myanmar Airways International and  left necessary  instructions. The aircraft can carry 156 passengers and 12  tons of freight. The aircraft will join the existing flight this month.

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(9)  Minister inspects railway stations

YANGON, 3 July Minister for Rail Transportation. U Pan Aung, accompanied by officials, inspected  construction of the Mandalay railway station yesterday  morning. The minister looked into the  requirements. Then, Minister U Pan Aung  met engineers at Myanma Railways Yeiktha. The minister  gave instructions to  them on maintenance of railroads, Mandalay-Myitkyina station and future  tasks. The  minister also met engineers and staff at PyinOoLwin railway  station. Minister U Pan Aung gave  instructions to them.

Commander inspects pulp mill

YANGON, 3 July â " Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council  Commander of  South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann inspected preventive  measures being taken against  bank erosion and natural disasters in  Ngathaingchaung Township on 29 July. Accompanied by officials,   the commander  looked into the requirements presented by officials.

In Yekyi Township, the commander inspected building of embankments along  Ngawun River for flood  prevention. During the inspection of a basic education  high school in Setdaunkkyi village in Thabaung  Township, the commander met  officials, teachers and students and explained the education promotion   programmes. At Setdaunkkyi Station Hospital, he heard the points about the  facility presented by Dr Htay  Htay Hlaing. In Thabaung, he met with  departmental personnel. Afterwards, he inspected a 200-ton  capacity pulp mill  being constructed by the Ministry of Industry-1.

USDA Multiplier Management Course concludes

YANGON, 3 July, A ceremony to conclude the Executives' Multiplier Management  Course No 7/8 2001  of Kyimyindine Township Union Solidarity and Development  Association was held at the office of  Kyimyindine Township USDA this morning.  It was attended by Secretary U Khin Maung Thein of  USDA Central Executive  Committee and member U Than Shwe. division, district and township  executive  committee members and trainees. First, USDA Secretary U Khin Maung Thein  delivered a  speech. Then, he donated cash, books and pencils for the use of  future courses. Then, U Than Shwe  presented certificates to the trainees.

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