(1) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends message of  felicitations to Kingdom of Nepal

YANGON, 7 July - On the auspicious occasion of the Birthday of the King of Nepal which falls on 7 July  2001, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of  Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, King  of Nepal.

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(2) Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions' objectives essential for materializing its  goal

YANGON, 6 July -The Leading Organizing Committee of the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural
Performing Arts Competitions held a coordination meeting at the National Theatre here this afternoon.  Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of the Leading Committee 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 said due to the harmonious participation of the scholars  in the performing arts field and members of the respective committees and the contributions of the people,  the competitions has become grander and grander every year.

The participants should the present proposals and suggestions from their sectors based on the previous  years' experiences in order to hold the present competitions grander than in the previous years. As in the  previous years, the present year's competitions will be held in accord with the six objectives  to vitalize  patriotism and nationalism of all citizens; to preserve and safeguard cultural heritage; to perpetuate  genuine Myanmar music, dance and traditional fine arts; to preserve Myanmar national character; to  nurture spiritual development of the youth; and to prevent influencing of alien culture.

The scholars of the performing arts branch, the competitors, the supervisors, the judges and the
contributors should uphold the objectives as the work guidelines for the cent per cent success of the State-sponsored competitions. Although the opening date of the competitions had already been designated at the  meeting attended by the Patron of the Leading Committee, the participants should give suggestion to re-designate the date in consideration to the inclusion of the Mandolin contest and the increasing number of  contestants.

Vice-Chairman of the Leading Committee Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt said because of the  efforts of the forefathers to safeguard and preserve the national heritage, the Myanmar culture has been in  existence throughout the nation's long history. The glory of Myanmar traditions and culture has helped  uplift the dignity of the nation.

The significance of Myanmar saingwaing (orchestra) is that its members can play their musical
instruments without the conductor. Moreover, the Myanmar marionette is admired by the Europeans. The  culture is a force helping to uplift the national pride and the loss of culture will lead to vanishing of the  race. Efforts should be made to ward off influencing of alien culture with the firm force of Myanmar  culture. The chairmen and members of the Working Committee, the Security and Discipline Committee,  the organizing subcommittee, the scrutiny subcommittee, the invitation and reception subcommittee, the  messing and accommodation subcommittee, the financial and prize distribution subcommittee, the  information subcommittee, the decoration subcommittee, the transport and communication subcommittee,  the health subcommittee and other subordinate bodies took part in the discussions. The participants also  gave suggestions. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the commander. Also present at the  meeting were members of the Leading Committee, chairmen and members of the Work Committee and  subordinate bodies.

Minister meets think tank members

YANGON, 6 July - Mr Amiya Gooptu of Bengal Initiative, a think tank of Calcutta, India, called on  Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen. Abel at his office this  afternoon. Also present at the meeting were officials of National AFTA Unit.

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(3) Publications donated to libraries of IPRD

YANGON, 6 July-A ceremony to donate books, publications and magazines by well-wishers for the  libraries of Information and Public Relations Departments under the Ministry of Information was held at  the meeting hall of Information and Public Relations Department (Head Office) on Pansodan Street here  this afternoon. It was attended by Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen. Aung Thein, Director- General of IPRD U Chit Naing, Managing Director of Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Myint Thein,  Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, Managing Director of Myanma  Motion Picture Enterprise U Bo Kyi, Deputy Director-General of Myanmar Radio and Television Lt-Col  Thein Aung, officials of IPRD and well-wishers.

Today's donations included 700 books, 5,501 magazines and 9,300 journals worth K 1,187,381 and well- wishers are: Presiding Sayadaw of Theikpan Myinzu Kyaung in Ward 15, South Okkalapa Bhaddanta  Tikkhaana, Head of Office of the Ministry of Information Capt. Soe Aung and wife Daw Nwe Nwe Aung  and family, Deputy Head of Public Relations and Information Department of YCDC Maj. Soe Win, Maj.  Tin Win (Retd) of Kyauktada Township, Dr Tha Tun Oo of Today Publishing House, Daw Zeya Win, on  behalf of Chief Editor of Myanmar Electronic Journal U Thaung Su Nyein, U Kyaw Myint, U Phone Kyu  Pe, Saya Dagon, U Han Sein Win of Pakokku, publishers Dr Molar, U Myo Min of Bathathwe Magazine  House, Saddamajotikadhaja Sihasudhama Manijotadhaja U Kyaw Khin Myint (Maung Yint Kyu-Myaungmya) and wife Daw Sein Sein and family, and Committee for Publishing of Year 2000 Magazine  of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Aung Thein accepted the donations and  presented certificates of honour to the well-wishers. Then, on behalf of the donors, four well-wishers explained the purposes of the donations. Well-wishers may donate publications to the libraries of IPRD.

Hospital equipment donated to Ophthalmic Hospital

YANGON, 6 July-A ceremony to present a set of slit lamp donated by Minister for Industry-1 U Aung  Thaung and wife Daw Khin Khin Yee and family and hospital equipment valued at K 1 million by staff  families of the ministry to the Ophthalmic Hospital on Natmauk Street, here, was held at the hospital this  morning.

Present at the ceremony were Minister U Aung Thaung and wife, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein,  directors-general of the departments under the Ministry of Health, the rector of Institute of Nursing,  medical superintendents, specialists and officials. Minister U Aung Thaung explained purposes of the  donation. Then, the minister for Industry-1 and wife presented the slit lamp set worth K 1.8 million to the  health minister who presented a certificate of honour to them. Later, Minister U Aung Thaung presented  the hospital equipment to Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein. Medical Superintendent Dr Chit Kyi spoke words  of thanks and the ceremony came to an end.

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(4) Myanmar physicians conduct kidney transplant on 42-year-old patient

YANGON, 6 July - Myanmar physicians began performing a kidney transplant on a 42-year-old patient at  the New Yangon General Hospital beginning this morning. The kidney of the patient, U Tin Maung Win,  an ethnic Palaung from Namhsan Township, Shan State, will be transplanted with the kidney donated by  his 20-year-old son, Aung Lay Win. The whole kidney transplant operation, which is the sixth in  Myanmar, will take five days till 10 July under the close supervision of Medical Superintendent Dr Aung  Htut. Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister Prof Dr Kyaw Myint and party visited the  hospital today and looked into the requirements in conducting the kidney transplant.

Prof Dr Paing Soe, Medical Superintendent Dr Aung Htut and officials reported the minister and party on  the process of the operation. A 12-member medical team led by Prof Dr Paing Soe, Specialist Physician  Dr Tin Shwe and Dr Khin Maung Htay, a lecturer of Mandalay Institute of Medicine and Renal  Department is giving treatment to the patient. The five-member anaesthetic team of the kidney transplant  surgery operation is led by Prof Dr Tin Myint, with Specialist Physicians Dr Kyi Lin and Dr Kyi Kyi San.  The surgery operation and the kidney transplant operation are being conducted by a six-member team led  by Prof Dr Than Aye of Renal Department, and comprising Prof Dr Khin Tun, Lecturer Specialist  Physician Dr Win Myaing, Dr Htay Htay Myint, Prof Dr Sai Lun Maung of Mandalay Institute of  Medicine, and Specialist Physician Dr Toe Lwin.

A 14-member nurse team under the supervision of Matron Daw Kyu Kyu Mon are helping the doctors.  Head of Cardiac Ward, Prof Dr Khin Maung Aye and party are also taking part in the surgery operation  process. Rector Dr Myo Myint of Institute of Medicine-1 is lecturing the third-year students of IM-1 with  the help of ICT system. All the eight former patients who had undergone kidney transplant operations are  well and healthy to this date. The minister and party also visited Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka  Committee Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta  Sobhita, who is receiving medical treatment at the special care unity of the hospital. He also accepted K  111,750 donated by U Tin, Daw Hla May and family of Zabyumandaing Press in Pakokku Township for  the hospital staff.

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(5) Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspects bridges

YANGON, 6 July- Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of  Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint accompanied by Tactical Operations Commander Col Thein Hlaing  and departmental officials inspected construction of YaynyaU bridge on Twinnge-Moemeik road in  Thabeikkyin township and gave necessary instructions on 4 July. Then, the commander inspected teak  tree plantation at Twinnge and Pauktabin villages. Later, he inspected maintenance work of small bridges  on Thabeikkyin-Tagaung-Ngaoo motor road.

Next, he inspected cultivation of teak trees and distribution of teak saplings at the teak nursery of the  Forest Department in Tagaung. In the afternoon, the commander and party arrived at the construction site  of Shweli bridge (Ngaoo). At the briefing hall, Deputy Superintending Engineer U San Win and officials  reported to the commander on work. The commander gave necessary instructions and inspected  construction work. Later, he proceeded to No 15 Basic Education Middle School in Pyilon Chantha Ward,  Aungmyethazan Township where he attended a ceremony to open the evening school of Committee for  Women's Affairs. First, the commander made a speech. Then, member of Mandalay Division Committee  for Women's Affairs Dr Tin Lin Myint donated K 50,000 for the school. Sarkyi Sun Flower Seed Co.,  Pyilon Chantha Ward, donated K 50,000, U Ohn Swe family, Maygagiri Ward, K 20,000, wards K 260,000, Aungmyethazan Township Peace and Development Council stationery and books and Mandalay  Division Committee for Women's Affairs clothes and gifts. Mandalay Division Committee for Women's
Affairs had contributed K 1.55 million for the evening schools opened in 31 townships in honour of 2001 Myanmar Women's Day.

Commander attends tree-planting ceremony in Monywa

YANGON, 6 July-Honouring the Myanmar Women's Day, members of district/township Working
Committee for Women's Affairs in Sagaing Division, members of Maternal and Child Welfare
Association, Myanmar Police Force members, Fire Brigade and Red Cross Society members, departmental  personnel, students and local people totalling over 13,000 planted over 40,000 saplings on both sides of  streets and in the environs of the Office of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council in Monywa  on 3 July morning.

Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command  Maj-Gen Soe Win, member of Sagaing Division Committee for Women's Affairs Daw Than Than Nwe,  wife of the commander, and officials joined the tree-planting ceremony. Then, the commander and wife,  and officials attended the prize-distribution ceremony held at the City Hall in Monywa. The commander  made a speech on the occasion. Next, member of Sagaing Division Committee for Women's Affairs Daw  Than Than Nwe, Secretary of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Police Lt-Col Ye Htut  and officials presented prizes to women who are outstanding in education, sports and social activities.  Afterwards, talks on women's health, rehabilitation and prevention of violence against women were held.

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(6) Commander attends reliquary closing ceremony of Zabu Aye Pagoda in Toungoo

YANGON, 6 July-A ceremony to close the reliquary of Zabu Aye Pagoda of Ziphyubin Sasana Yeiktha  Kyaungtaik in Ziphyubin Village, Toungoo Township, was held at the pagoda on 5 July. It was attended  by Padana Nayaka of the Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Suriya and Sayadaws, Chairman of Bago  Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Maj-Gen Tin Aye, Deputy  Commander Brig-Gen. Thura Maung Ni, local authorities, departmental heads, well-wishers and local  residents. The commander paid reverence and presented offertories to the Sayadaw. At the auspicious  time, led by Sayadaws and members of the Sangha, the commander and those present conveyed Bhddha  images and relics to the pagoda and put them into the upper reliquary.

The members of the Sangha consecrated the religious objects, and the ceremony came to a close. The  commander next attended the coordination meeting on implementation of the first quarter objectives of  Bago Division and District Peace and Development Councils and Division level departmental officials.  The commander gave an address. Officials of the Division Planning Department reported on  implementation of objectives in Bago Division; Division level officials and chairmen of District Peace and  Development Councils, implementation of objectives regionwise and sectorwise and future tasks. Later,  the commander left instructions on cooperation between local residents and departmental officials for  successful implementation of the objectives of Bago Division, attending to the needs of local people,  achieving more development in agriculture and livestock breeding sectors and regional development.

" Soon " offered to members of the Sangha

YANGON, 6 July-The families of the Ministry of Labour offered " soon " to members of the Sangha led  by the Chief Patron Sayadaw of the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon) at Mogok Soonsarsaung  on Kaba Aye Hill this morning. Present on the occasion were Minister for Labour Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe and  wife Daw Hla Hla Thein, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Win Sein and wife Daw Wai Wai Thin,  departmental heads and their wives and staff. Chief Patron of the University Sayadaw Agga Maha  Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Vannita invested the congregation with the Five Precepts.

Then, the minister and wife and the deputy minister and wife presented offertories to the Sayadaw. The  minister presented K 100,000 for a day's meal of 450 members of the Sangha of the University through  Director-General of the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U San Lwin. Afterwards, the Chief Patron Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. After the  ceremony, led by the minister and the deputy minister, the family members offered  "soon" to members of  the Sangha.
 
Cash donated to Kyaku Pariyatti Sarthintaik

YANGON, 6 July-A ceremony to donate cash and offertories by the staff of Bureau of Special
Investigation (Bago Division) of the Ministry of Home Affairs to Kyaku Pariyatti Sarthintaik was held at  the Kyaungtaik on Shwedagon Pagoda Road, Dagon Township, here, this morning. The staff presented  cash donations, rice, edible oil, salt and other offertories to member of Dagon Township Sangha Nayaka  Committee Presiding Nayaka of the Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Paavamsa.

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(7) Minister inspects No 1 Gas Plant, Winthuza Store

YANGON, 6 July-Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen.  Kyaw Win and officials, inspected operation of No 1 and No 2 Air Compressors, function of Separator,  production of Argon gas and Oxygen gas cylinders at No 1 gas plants of Myanma Paper and Chemical  Industries on Thanlyetsoon Road in Botahtaung Township and gave instructions on work site safety and  fire prevention this morning.

At the maintenance unit, the minister inspected Perlites, production of oxygen and acetylene. At the briefing hall, he met with officials and gave instructions. Then, the minister and party inspected sale of  products of Myanma Textile Industries, Myanma Foodstuff Industries, Myanma Pharmaceutical Industries, Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries and Myanma General and Maintenance  Industries at  Winthuza Store of the Ministry of Industry-1 on Pansodan Street in Kyauktada Township and gave  instructions to officials. At 9.30 am, the minister and party inspected sale of vegetables and fish, sale of  products of the Ministry of Industry-1 and rice of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of  Commerce and Industries at the tax-free market in Tamwe Township and gave instructions.
 
Culture indicates nation's dignity

YANGON, 6 July - Mr Amiya Gooptu of Bengal Initiative, a think tank of Calcutta, India, called on  Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt at his office this morning. The deputy minister explained the  history of Myanmar, saying that the nation has existed with its own glorious culture throughout history. A  French scholar compiled an article on the research that had been conducted on the 40-million-year-old  fossilized remains of anthropoid primates which were found at Pondaung-Ponnya region in Magway  Division. The Myanmar civilization has begun since the Stone Age and passed through the Bronze Age,  Iron age and in the age of the city states. Since the time of the Lord Buddha, His hair relics were conveyed  to Myanmar and enshrined in the Shwedagon Pagoda; this indicates the flourishing of civilization in the  nation since long long ago.

Other evidences which have stood witness to the nation's long-standing civilization are the 10,000-year- old cave paintings of the Pyadalin Cave, the Pyu Buddhist literature of Beikthano, Mongmaw, Hanlin,  Hmawza periods from 1st century AD to 10th century AD, stone inscriptions of Bagan period from 11th  century to 13th century which were written in Mon, Pali, Myanmar and Pyu languages, thousands of  ancient pagodas, Myanmar architectural designs and treatises. Bagan during which Myanmar literature,  ten branches of arts and crafts and traditional architecture flourished to a great degree can be said the  peak of Myanmar civilization. The morale, the ideologies and thoughts of Myanmar have been very high  since ancient times during which political, economic, arts, literary and cultural studies were possible.

The status of culture indicates the noble dignity of a race. Mr Amiya Gooptu extolled Deputy Minister U  Soe Nyunt for his excellent services in the military, civil and literary fields, thanking him as he and his  delegation members were able to know about the Myanmar history during the short meeting. As they are  specially interested in Myanmar history and ancient Myanmar civilization, they would be going to visit  Bagan and Mandalay, adding that they would try to further promote the existing friendly ties between the  two nations. Also present were Director-General U Myint Thein Swe of Department of Cultural Institute,  Director-General U Nyunt Han of Archaeology Department, Director-General of Fine Arts Department U  Kyaw Win, Rector U Tin Soe of University of Culture (Yangon), Rector U San Win of University of  Culture (Mandalay) and officials.

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(8) Course on computation of GDP concludes

YANGON, 6 July-Course No 4/2001 on computation of Gross Domestic Product of Ministry of National  Planning and Economic Development concluded at Planning Department this morning. It was attended by  Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, directors-general of department  and organizations under the ministry, directors of Planning Department, officials, guests and trainees.  First, the minister made a speech. Then, a trainee recounted the experiences gained during the training.  Later, the minister presented completion certificates to the trainees. Altogether 41 trainees of planning  offices in States and Divisions attended the course.

Yangon Mayor inspects agricultural work

YANGON, 10 July.-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay
inspected cultivation of monsoon paddy and crops at agriculture and livestock breeding project of Uto-Kya  Inn region in Taikkyi township this morning. First, the mayor inspected cultivation of monsoon paddy by  departments under YCDC and gave necessary instructions. Then, he inspected thriving farms of pedisein  and pesingon at Zegon camp. Later, he inspected monsoon paddy cultivation at Inntwingyi region and left  necessary instructions. Afterwards, he inspected vegetable farms grown in green houses.

Prizes presented to winners for outstanding performance in agriculture and livestock breeding

YANGON, 6 July-A ceremony to present outstanding prizes of agriculture and livestock breeding for  2000-2001 fiscal year was held at the meeting hall of Myanma Farms Enterprise, Ministry of Agriculture  and Irrigation, on Pyay Road, yesterday evening. It was attended by Minister for Agriculture and  Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Khin Maung, Chairman of Myanma Academy  of Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock Breeding, Fisheries U Tin Hlaing, managing directors, and directors- general of departments and enterprises under the ministry, directors of Myanma Farms Enterprise,  officials and prize winners. Managing Director U San Myint of Myanma Farms Enterprise gave an  account of production of farms and factories. Then, General Manager U Tin Maung Soe explained prize  scrutinizing policies. Afterwards, the minister presented prizes to model prize winning factories and  farms. Later, officials presented prizes to outstanding prize winners.

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(9)  Indian think tank group visits Drug Elimination Museum

YANGON,  6 July - Members of Bengal Initiative, a think tank of Calcutta, India, visited the Drug
Elimination Museum this evening. They were conducted around the museum by Director Police Col Sit  Aye of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control and officials.
 

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