(1) Imposition of meaningless sanctions on developing countries by rich developed countries mar potential  investments, obstruct development Challenge today is to raise standards of living without destroying environment

Secretary-1 addresses 2001 World Population Day ceremony

YANGON, 11 July-The 2001 World Population Day was observed at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road this morning, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. Also present were the ministers, the chief justice, the attorney-general, the auditor-general, the Yangon mayor, the deputy ministers, senior military officers, ambassadors, resident  representatives of UN Agencies, representatives of international non-governmental humanitarian  organizations, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, the  directors-general of departments under the Ministry of Immigration and Population, delegates from social  associations, guests and prize-winning students.

The Secretary-1 delivered a speech. He said:

First of all, may I wish you a happy and healthy life filled  with auspiciousness. It is a pleasure for me to have this opportunity to address this auspicious gathering  on the occasion of the Commemoration of World Population Day. It is the twelfth successive time  Myanmar is observing the World Population Day. This special day is commemorated to raise awareness of  the current situation of world population, its growth and related issues, and also its possible future impacts  so that human population of today can respond accordingly.

This year's theme for the World Population Day is " Population, development and environment ". The world population reached 6 billion in 1999 and now in 2001, it is over 6.1 billion. It is estimated to grow  to 7.8 billion in the year 2025. It took only 12 years for the world population to increase from five billion  to six billion. As population grows, essential needs such as food, clothing and shelter also increase.

If we are to be able to fulfil the basic needs of the growing population, the environment protection should  be an ongoing process. The challenge today is to raise standards of living without destroying the environment. It is learnt that a child born in an industrial world adds more to consumption and pollution  levels in one life-time than do 30-50 children born in developing countries. With the growth of  population, various population related issues emerge. These issues include problems stemming from the  deterioration of the environment. For instance, deterioration in the health sector could result in the recurrence of controlled diseases such as Malaria and Tuberculosis.

The occurrence of HIV/AIDS could also become more acute and cancer would still persist. The world  today is experiencing changes in the natural environmental conditions which effect the climate and bring  about catastrophes. With increase in population, demand for basic human needs also increase accordingly.  Detrimental human actions and behaviours bring about environmental degeneration which is a global  concern calling to all nations to join forces to protect and conserve the world environment.

Today the world is becoming a global village and nations should strive together in harmony. Developed  countries should assist in the development process of developing countries. Should developed nations act  in their own interests only, the gap between the rich and the poor will widen and undesirable socio-economic problems will emerge. In some cases, rich developed countries impose meaningless sanctions on  developing countries thus marring potential investments and obstructing development. Those actions are  against humanitarian principles.

The present generation should not hand down an undesirable legacy to the coming generations. The rich  and the poor should endeavour hand in hand to address and overcome the present day socio-economic  issues. In Myanmar, population and land ratio is favourable and it is rich in natural resources as well as  human resources.

The current population of Myanmar stands at over 51 million and the population density is low at only 76  persons per square kilometre. Besides, Myanmar has an abundance of arable land stretching 45 million  acres. Only 23 million acres are under cultivation and efforts are being made for utilization of the  remaining 22 million. Also, in striving  towards mechanized farming, Myanmar is changing its agro-techniques, cultivation practices and crop patterns for improvement in agriculture produces, ensuring  meanwhile that the environment is not affected.

Hence, as far as Myanmar is concerned, population explosion and food scarcity are not present issues but  nevertheless, they may pose as future challenges. In its endeavours to become a modern developed nation,  Myanmar pays due consideration to the context of environment. Expansion of forest plantations and  conservation of natural forests are systematically administered. Non-pollution of the environment is also  one issue Myanmar is concerned with. Recognizing that environmental resources are the country's capital  assets which should be conserved and used sustainably, our country has formed the National Commission  for Environmental Affairs (NCEA) since 1990.

Every year the World Environment Day is celebrated in Myanmar to express appreciation towards the  environment for the crucial role it plays in sustaining life on Earth. A nation-wide tree-planting programme is also organized every year with mass participation. In the education sector, realizing  that it  is the hub of national development, Myanmar has laid down education promotion programmes which are  being implemented phase by phase with extra impetus. Information technology and electronic aids are  utilized as modern teaching and learning aids.

Among the latest innovations for human resources development in the country is the outstanding achievement of E-education assisted by the data broadcasting system. We believe in the teaching of Environmental Education from the very early years of schooling and therefore, plans are being to introduce Environmental Studies in future teaching programmes.

National health plans for the promotion of the quality of life of the people are also being implemented and  extended to the grassroots level. Birth spacing programme is one of these health programmes which aims  at enhancing the quality of life and raising the standard of living. It is globally accepted that the  enhancement of the quality of life should be proportionate to the increase in population. It is important to  recognize at the outset the socio-economic impact of population increases and be prepared for the  consequences. Myanmar is aware of population, development and environment being inter-related and  therefore, while endeavouring to promote its own nation-building development tasks, will be  enthusiastically cooperating with the nations of the world, in the protection and conservation of the  environment.

Myanmar is determined to continue playing an active role in population-related programmes while strengthening its collaboration and cooperation with all nations and United Nations Agencies such as UNDP, UNFPA, WHO and also with relevant local and international NGOs.

In conclusion let us all aspire with the noble aim to promote the quality of life, not just for some people in  some countries, but for all mankind and the whole world to benefit. Country Director of UNFPA Dr Sheila  Macrae read the message of Executive Director of UNFPA Dr Obaid.

The Secretary-1 presented prizes to U Aung Moe of Yangon Division, Ma Thazin Soe Myint, third year  (Painting) student of University of Culture (Yangon) and U Saw Htain Lin, third year (Commercial  Painting) student of State School for Fine Arts (Yangon) who were first, second and third in international  poster competition (Open Division), Ma Pwint Phyo Zaw of No 2 Basic Education High School in Sittway,  Maung Aung Thura of Shwedaung BEHS in Bago Division and Ma Aye Myat Mon of No 1 BEHS in  Dagon Township, Yangon Division who were first, second and third in international poster competition  fourth level (Age 16-18), Maung Kaung Myat Zaw and Maung Ye Htin Kyaw of No 1 BEHS, Dagon  Township, Yangon Division and Maung Htet Aung Phyo of No 2 BEHS in Thakayta Township who were  first, second and third in international poster competition third level (Age 13-15) and gift to Ma Su Pon  Chit of Nyaungdon BEHS.

Minister for Immigration and Population U Saw Tun presented prizes to Maung Kaung Myat Min Soe  and Ma Kay Khaing Maw of Institute of Education Practising School in Kamayut Township and Ma Hsu  Win Htaik of No 1 BEHS in Dagon Township who were first, second and third in international poster  competition second level (Age 9-12), Ma Su Myat Noe Nwe and Maung Htet Aung of No 1 BEHS in  Dagon Township and Ma Htut Myat Noe Aung of No 2 BEHS in Sangyoung Township who were first,  second and third in international poster competition first level (Age 6-8).

Country Director Dr Sheila Macrae presented prizes to ma Leh Leh Khaing of No 2 BEHS in Thingangyun Township, Ma Nyein Su Win of Institute of Education Practising School in Kamayut Township and Ma Kyawt Kay Khaing Win of No 1 BEHS in Dagon Myothit (East) Township who were  first, second and third in essay competition (high school level), Maung Khaing Lin of No 5 BEHS in  Botahtaung Township, Ma May Thu Soe of No 2 BEMS in Dagon Myothit (East) Township and Ma Nyo  Wint Wah of No 2 BEHS in Latha Township who were first, second and third in essay competition (middle school level). Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population U Maung Aung presented gifts to  composer Hinthada U Myint Ngwe and vocalist Yadana Oo. The Secretary-1 and guests observed  documentary photos, publications, prize-winning posters and manuscripts at the World Population Day  Commemorative booth.

up

___________________________

(2) Secretary-1 Lt- Gen. Khin Nyunt receives Indian guests

YANGON, 11 July-Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt received Mr Amiya Gooptu of the Think Tank of Bengal Initiative of India and party at the guest house of  the Ministry of Defence at 10.30 am today. Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U  Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U  Aung Htet and Charge de Affairs ai Mr Ashok Tomar of the Embassy of India.

Minister receives UN officer

YANGON, 11 July- Minister for Immigration and Population U Saw Tun received Country Director Dr  Sheila Macrae of United Nations Funds for Population Activities (UNFPA) at his office this morning. In  commemoration of World Population Day which falls on 11 July, Dr Sheila Macrae donated a set of  computer and printer to the minister who spoke words of thanks. Also present on the occasion were  Deputy Minister U Aung, Director-General of Immigration and National Registration Department Col  Maung Htay, Director-General of Population Department Col Tin Yi and officials.

up

___________________________

(3) U Nay Win appointed as Ambassador to Nepal

YANGON, 12 July-The Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar  has appointed U Nay Win as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to  the Kingdom of Nepal.
 
Bengal Initiative suggests increase in trade, cultural and educational exchange between Myanmar and  India

YANGON, 11 July - The Bengal Initiative, a think tank, of Calcutta, India, met the Press at Summit Parkview Hotel here this afternoon. At the meeting, Leader of the think tank Mr Amiya Gooptu said a 22- member delegation of the well-known think tank of Bengal Initiative of India led by him visited Myanmar  from 4 to 11 July. The delegation consisted of industrialists, businessmen, painters, lawyers,  academicians, doctors and social workers from West Bengal, India.

The purpose of the visit was to involve itself in Track II diplomacy to improve the understanding between  the two countries and the two peoples. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen.  Khin Nyunt received the delegation this morning. The delegation also met with the ministers and the   deputy ministers. It had discussions with the President and members of the Union of Myanmar Federation  of Chambers of Commerce and Industry. During the discussions, the delegation pointed out that there was  a lot of scope for improving the trade between the two countries.

It suggested joint-industrial venture particularly in the fields of petroleum and petrochemicals. It advocated increasing of tourism traffic from India and for this purpose, reopening of the Myanmar's consulate office in Calcutta. It also suggested an increase in cultural and educational exchange between  the two countries. The Bengal Initiative delegation was happy to note that the Myanmar's leadership was  very receptive to the suggestions of the delegation regarding increasing cooperation between the two  countries in the fields of trade, culture, education and tourism.

The delegation felt that the recent visit of India's External Affairs Minister had improved the environment for cooperation and this should be followed by more high level exchanges. When asked about  the bilateral trade by U Aung Shwe Oo of NTV, the delegation said: Indo-Myanmar trade relations are  very small. India could be Myanmar's largest importer. Indian exports to Myanmar are very insignificant.  It is believed that the scope of bilateral trade between the two nations will grow extensively. Recently,  Myanmar is exporting beans and pulses to India.

The body is going to find ways and means to extend the bilateral trade. Cooperation in the banking services will lead to a growth in the trade between the two nations. In replying to the question raised by U  Thet Khaing of The Myanmar Times, the delegation said: the think tank composed of the leading members of India from the different discipline.

It's absolutely independent, always been very very independent. It has never been a part of a political  party. It has no political affiliation of any sort whatever since beginning. It's a sort of group consisting of  people accepted in society. Of course within the body there are people with political beliefs. But the body  as a whole is not affiliated to any political party. We do not accept any political funding. If you do that you  lose your independence. Concerning the query raised by Director (News) of News and Periodicals  Enterprise U Hla Tun, the delegation said: for most of us this is the very first visit to Myanmar. In  addition to Yangon, we have also been to Bagan and Mandalay. General impression is that there is a lot of  discipline in public life, there is a lot of cleanliness including traffic way.

I came from the city which is notorious for traffic jams. Here, traffic is very good. We have visited some  factories. We are very impressed for the productivity of workers. We visited one place making syringes  and another place making garments. Both places we found were extremely good work culture and work  ethics. So discipline, cleanliness and work ethics we saw in our seven-day visit which is a very short time  are good.

We also visited Mandalay International Airport. I think it can be compared favourably with the international airports. India has so many international airports but Mandalay Airport which is very newly  built is very impressive. When asked about the trade balance and investment of the two nations by Adviser  of the Ministry of Information U Kyaw Min, the delegation said: Myanmar exports about four times as  much to India as India exports to Myanmar. So, trade is very much in favour of Myanmar. We are not  here to try to equalize the trade balance which is very much in Myanmar's favour.

We are here to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries and to promote Indian investment in Myanmar. In replying to the question asked by Chief Editor of The New Light of Myanmar  daily U Maung Maung Aye, the delegation said: there was a border trade agreement which was signed in  1994. And after the signing of the agreement, there was very sharp increase in border trade. And it  reached the peak of US $ 18 million by 1998. But in 1998 the barter arrangement for border trade was  cancelled.

Immediately on cancellation of the barter system of the border trade, it slumped to only US $ 2 million.  Enhancing the border trade back to its previous level would be reintroduction of the barter arrangement.  The other aspect is communication. Regarding the query presented by Staff Officer of MRTV Daw Ling  Maung Pan, the delegation said I am happy to know that you have spoken the development of IT. We are  going a big way in IT and I can assure you if you come to Calculate in particular and of course there are  areas Hydrabad and Bangalore we can develop the areas of cooperation in IT.

What we have in common is how to go about with the IT in the rural sector. There are many books coming down how we are making efforts. We are putting many a lot of efforts to see that knowledge,  pursuit in aspect of knowledge, many other things e-Commerce. We very much welcome cooperation  through our Bengal Initiative and many others also.

Also present were Director-General of MRTV U Khin Maung Htay, Director-General of Information and  Public Relations Department U Chit Naing, Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin  Kha, Director (News) U Hla Tun, Adviser of Ministry of Information U Kyaw Min, NLM Chief Editor U  Maung Maung Aye, Chief Editor of Myanmar News Agency (Internal) U Win Tin, NPE Adviser U  Maung Maung Nyo, Chief Editor of City News U Soe Myint, NLM Deputy Chief Editor U Thein Htut,  Myanmar Correspondents Club President U Sao Kai Hpa and journalists.

up

___________________________

(4)  Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin tours Mon and Kayin States

YANGON, 11 July-Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin inspected Ingapo Farm in  Kyaikhto Township on 8 July. The farm manager reported on cultivation of fruits, extended cultivation of  pepper with the use of various methods and distribution of 25,000 pepper saplings. Managing Director of  Myanma  Agriculture Service U Tun Than reported on production of pommel with the use of advanced  techniques.

The minister gave instructions on conducting research on production of high-quality crops, wider use of  advanced techniques, cultivation of pedigree crops and boosting production and distribution of pepper.  The minister inspected plantation of peper, durian, pomelo and tea. The minister and party went to  Naungyoe farm in Bilin Township. Farm in-charge and factory manager of Bilin Sugar Mill reported on  annual cultivation of sugarcane, output and raw materials.

Managing Director of Myanma Sugarcane Enterprise U Myo Myint reported on cultivation of quality  strains sugarcane, increase in per acre yield and water supply. The minister gave instructions on boosting  production, conducting research and supervision at grassroots levels and inspected the sugarcane  plantations.

On 9 July, Minister for Agriculture & Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and Chairman of Mon State Peace  and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen. Myint Swe inspected the site  chosen for construction of Kataik Creek Reservoir in Paung Township.

Officials reported on design and geological survey, storage capacity, irrigation capacity and the site chosen for construction of the main dam. The commander, the minister and regional authorities discussed  the reports. Construction of Kataik Creek Reservoir prevents flooding of farmlands downstream. Over  10,000 acres of monsoon and summer paddy can be cultivated in time and other crops can also be grown  in the cold season. The minister and party inspected Kyonka Farm in Paung Township and crops research  and technique dissemination farm in Hpa-an in Kayin State. Minister for Agriculture & Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin met departmental officials at the Kayin State Peace and Development Council Office in  Hpa-an. Officials reported on crops production and work. Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin urged the officials  to make efforts for exceeding the targets of 2001-2002 plan for Kayin State.
 
Minister inspects Winthuza Shop, Garment Factory

YANGON, 11 July-Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen.  Kyaw Win and officials, inspected Winthuza Shop in the compound of No 17 Garment Factory of  Myanma Textile Industries in South Okkalapa Township and gave instructions on meeting the set  standard, and fire preventive measures this morning. The minister then inspected the site chosen for new  factory, preparations being made for installation of more sewing-machines and various kinds of garments.  At the briefing hall, the minister met with officials of the factory and gave instructions on producing more  garments for export as well as local demand, arrangement for sale of ready-made clothes to be sold at  Winthuza Shop, training on services, extension of the factory and supply of sewing-machines.

up

___________________________

(5)  Minister for Industry-2 inspects Tyre & Rubber Factory

YANGON, 11 July Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin inspected No 1 Tyre and Rubber Factory  of Myanma Tyre and Rubber Industries in Thaton on 8 July. Managing Director of Myanma Tyre and  Rubber Industries U Oo Zun and General Manager U Myint Naing reported on tyre products and  installation of machines. The minister then gave instructions. On 9 July, the minister went to the meeting  hall of Mawlamyaine Industrial Zone where Managing Director of Myanma Industrial Construction  Services U Ye Tun and Project Director U Khin Win reported on progress of work on the projects and  Chairman of Mawlamyaine Industrial Zone Supervisory Committee Lt-Col Thaw Zin and members on  implementation of the zone. The minister gave instructions on direct assistance by the Ministry of  Industry-2, coordination with the ministries concerned and completion of the project in time at low cost.  On 10 July, the minister met officials of No 1 Tyre and Rubber Factory and discussed boosting production.

Minister inspects GEC Sugar Mill in Mandalay

YANGON, 11 July-Minister for Co-operatives U Aung San inspected Mandalay Division GEC 5-ton  Sugar Mill in Industrial Zone-2, Seinban, Mandalay yesterday. At the meeting hall of the mill, officials  reported on storage of sugar, raw material meeting the target, marketing and financial situations to the  minister, who attended to the needs.

Then, the minister inspected weaving of silk and garment, sculpture workshop, exhibition of the ten traditional arts and crafts, model of Mandalay city wall, model of Bagan archway, sales room of arts,  Myanma handicrafts for household goods, china-ware, glassware, glazeware and demonstration of  weaving of gold embroidery at Yadanapura Myanma Han-dicraft and Arts Institute of Mandalay Division  Cooperative Society. Officials reported on arrangements being made for turning the centre into a grand  one full of the ten traditional arts and crafts under the guidance of the Head of the State, and instructions  of the minister and commander to the minister who left necessary instructions.

up

___________________________

(6) National Convention Convening Commission meets

YANGON, 11 July- The National Convention Convening Commission held a meeting at the meeting hall  of NCCC office at 2 p.m. today. Present were NCCC Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Vice-Chairman Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and commission members. Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Lwin made a speech at the meeting.  National Convention Convening Work Committee and National Convention Convening Management  Committee reported on matters relating to the National Convention. Members of the National Convention  Convening Commission took part in the discussions. Afterwards, the meeting ended with concluding  remarks by Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Lwin.

Fukuoka-bound students tour Yangon

YANGON, 11 July - Ten students from States and Divisions who will attend the Get-together of Children  of Asia and Pacific to be held in Fukuoka, Japan, paid homage to the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni  Buddha Image in Insein Township today. They were accompanied by their supervisor, Headmistress Daw  Tin Aye Hsint of Basic Education High School No 2 in Kamayut Township, and officials. They donated K  6,500 to the pagoda. The students also visited the National Museum, Yangon Zoological Gardens, and  Thakayta Amusement Park.

up

___________________________

(7) Education promotion programmes discussed in Ayeyawady Division

YANGON, 11 July - Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Chairman South-West
Command Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann inspected a model paddy farm at Hseikphuni village-tract, Kyaunggon Township, on 9 July. During his meeting with local farmers, the commander discussed  extended use of natural fertilizers and means to reduce cultivation cost. Accompanied by officials, the  commander inspected preparations to open a multimedia teaching centre at Athok BEHS in Yekyi.

Personnel concerned reported to the commander on academic matters and concerted efforts being made to  open the centre. After accepting cash donations for the school, the commander explained the education  promotion programmes. Back in Kyaunggon Township, the commander inspected building of a basic  education middle school in TaU Ward and preparations being made to open a multi-media teaching centre  at the Township BEHS. The commander and officials also accepted donations presented by the  wellwishers for the school. At his meeting with officials, the commander explained the education  promotion programmes. In the afternoon, he inspected a model paddy farm near Kwinya village-tract in  Kangyidaunt Township. He then inspected preparations being made to open a multimedia teaching centre  at Kangyidaunt Township BEHS.

up

___________________________

(8)  Multimedia teaching centre opened

YANGON, 11 July-The opening ceremony of the multimedia teaching centre of Ahmyint Village Basic  Education High School in ChaungU Township, Sagaing Division was held at the school on 7 July,  attended by Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West  Command Maj-Gen Soe Win. Headmistress Daw Aye Aye Nyein and Chairman of School Board of  Trustees U Kyi San formally opened the teaching centre. Then, the commander pressed the button to open  the billboard, and with the attendance, viewed the skill demonstration of the students.

The headmistress reported on structure of the teaching centre and U Aung Thaung of School Board of  Trustees on tasks carried out for opening of the centre. U Kyaw Thein and family of Ayeetaung Pickled  Tea presented K 1.3m, the Monywa District Peace and Development Council K 50,000, the ChaungU  Township Peace and Development Council K 50,000, U Than-Daw Saw Hla family of Kalagyi Village K  50,000, Division Assistant Engineer U Aye Cho of Myanma Railways, Manlalay K 150,000 to the  commander for the teaching centre. Then the commander presented books and tapes for the Language Lab  and explained education promoting tasks carried out in the division in detail and the ceremony came to a  close. The commander also attended the opening of tube-well in the village.  Afterwards, he delivered a  speech at the opening ceremony of Thuta Yinkhwin library at Tawkyaunggyi Village in the township and  presented 100 books to the officials.

up

___________________________

(9) Sports News

Sports equipment and cash presented

YANGON, 11 July-The Ministry of Sports presented sports equipment to the Defence Services Self-defence and Sports Institute yesterday morning. The ceremony was attended by Chairman of Myanma  Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen. Thura Aye Myint, Vice-Chairman Vice-Ad-jutant- General Brig-Gen. Maung Nyo and officials, Principal of the Institute Col Htain Lin and officers,  Chairman of Zay Kabar Co Ltd Dr Khin Shwe and officials. Principal Col Htain Lin explained the history  of the institute and Minister Brig-Gen. Thura Aye Myint explained the purpose of the donation.

Then the minister presented K 225,000 for monthly nutritious food for football players and boxers and  sports equipment worth K 201,122, Chairman Dr Khin Shwe 20 Mikasa balls and 30 Molten balls to  Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen. Maung Nyo, who spoke words of thanks. The minister and party viewed  the training of the selected athletes. To promote the standard of sports of the Tatmadaw, the Ministry of  Sports will present K 225,000 every month for nutritious food for the players and athletes of the Ministry  of Defence Services football team, the Tatmadaw (Army) football team and the Tatmadaw Selected  boxers.

Commander attends demonstration of Myanma Traditional Boxing

YANGON, 11 July-The demonstration of Myanma Traditional Boxing and invitational match sponsored  by Yangon Command was held at Hline Stadium in Hline Township this afternoon, attended by 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 Malar Tint.

Also present on the occasion were Deputy Commander Brig-Gen. Hsan Hsint and wife, commanders of  military regions, station commanders, the director-general of Sports and Physical Education Department,  guests and enthusiasts. Veteran Myanmar traditional boxers Sein Than Tin, Daung Satkya, Shwe Leik  Pya, Saw Ahtoo and Taung Paw from Kayin State demonstrated boxing skills.

Then, Migathi Moe Pale (Kayin State) and Ya Za (Kayin State), Kaba Thein (Kayin State) and Sein Than  Tin (Kayin State), Daung Setkya (Kayin State) and Shwe Leik Pya demonstrated their boxing skills.  Afterwards, junior division four-round matches were held. a After the matches, the commander, the  deputy commander and officials presented prizes to the winners. Next, U Bo Sein (Pekinpyan), Daung Ni  of Myanmar Traditional Sports Federation and U Man Ba Tun (noted Kayin State traditional boxer)  demonstrated poses of boxing.

Myanmar archery team recounts experience

YANGON, 11 July-Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen. Thura Aye  Myint attended a ceremony to recount the experiences of Myanmar archery team that practised training  with Korean archery team for the Second Asian Circuit Archery Competition and the Fourth Korean  International Archery Competition in Wanju, ROK, at the National Indoor Stadium-1 in Thuwunna this  afternoon. Leader of the team and secretary reported on practice and experiences. The minister gave instructions on efforts for winning gold medal at the coming SEA Games after making use of the  experiences gained in Korea.
 
Myanmar London Golf Tour on 30 July

YANGON, 11 July-The first leg of Myanmar London Golf Tour 2001-2002, co-organized by Myanmar  Golf Federation and Myanmar Professional Golfers Association, will be held at Bagan Resort Golf Culb in  Mandalay Division from 30 July to 2 August. Handsome prizes will be presented to the winners. Sun Far  Travels and Tours Co Ltd will also present valuable prizes to the golfers who do hole-in-one during the  tour. Only amateur golfers with 0-12 handicaps may take part in the tour which will be mainly sponsored  by Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd. With the aim of turning out the new generation golfers  Yangon Airways, Canon and Bagan Resort Golf Club Hotel will also sponsor the tour. Professional and  amateur golfers may enlist at Bagan Resort Golf Club not later than 2 p.m. on 28 July and dial for detailed  information to Myanmar PGA (Tel: 543207 and 723221). Golf Fair High Class golf equipment can be  bought at the golf club.

Tatmadaw Karataedo Championship opens

YANGON, 11 July-The opening ceremony of the 10th Commander-in-Chief's Trophy Tatmadaw (Army,  Navy, Air) Karataedo Championship was held at the National Indoor Stadium-1 this morning.

On behalf of the Commander-in-Chief, Chief of Staff (Navy) Maj-Gen Myint Swe delivered a speech.  Also present on the occasion were Minister for Sports Brig-Gen. Thura Aye Myint, Vice Adjutant-General  Brig-Gen. Maung Nyo, Provost Marshal Brig-Gen. Saw Hla, Commandant of Defence Services Records  Office Brig-Gen. Myo Myint, Commander of Mingaladon Air Base Brig-Gen. Myint Thein, Commander  of Hmawby Air Base Col Min Khine, senior military officers, invited guests and athletes. Altogether 21  teams are taking part in the championship which will be held up to 13 July.

Inter-Department Football Tournament ends

YANGON, 11 July-The final match of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Chairman's Trophy Inter-Department Football Tourney was held in conjunction with prize-distribution ceremony at  Myoma Sports Ground in Taungoo on 10 July, attended by Chairman of Bago Division Peace and  Development Council Commander of Southern Command Maj-Gen Tin Aye, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen. Thura Maung Ni and senior military officers, departmental officials, commanders of Taungoo  station/battalion/units, members of USDA, Red Cross and Fire Brigades, athletes and enthusiasts.

After the match, Chairman of Bago Division Sports and Physical Committee Police Col Aung Gyi presented medals and cash award to Southern Command Team that stood second while Secretary of Bago  Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Min presented medals and cash award to  departments team in Bago Division under the Ministry of Commerce which stood first and other  outstanding athletes. The Commander then presented the championship trophy to the departments team.

Central Command Commander's Trophy Football Tourney opened

YANGON, 11 July-The opening of Central Command Commander's Trophy Football Tourney was held  at Bahtoo Stadium in Mandalay on 8 July, attended by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and  Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen.  Yan Thein, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen. Nay Win and senior military officers, officers and other ranks  of station/battalion/units and their families, officials, athletes and fans.

The commander made a speech on the occasion. Altogether 14 teams from PyiOoLwin, Meiktila, Pyin-mana, Malun and Kyaukpadaung Stations were taking part. Then, the commander attended the opening  ceremony of Family Health Care Course sponsored by Mandalay Division Maternal and Child Welfare  Association, Traditional Medical Department and Health Planning Department (Lower Myanmar) at the  office of Mandalay Division Maternal and Child Welfare Association Supervisory Committee. The  commander made a speech on the occasion. Afterwards, Director-General of HPD Dr Kyi Soe explained  the purpose of the course. After the ceremony, the commander inspected herbal plants in the compound of  HPD (Lower Myanmar).

up