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

YANGON, 20 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 His Excellency Mr Andres Pastrana  Arango, President of the Republic of Colombia, on the occasion of the Anniversary of the Independence of  the Republic of Colombia which falls on 20 July 2001.

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(2) Government bodies, national entrepreneurs sharing duties to expedite development of Dagon Myothit  Seikkan Township

Staff urged to partake in project with sense of responsibility and constructive attitude

YANGON, 19 July - A coordination meeting to expedite development of Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township, Yangon Division, was held at Kanaung Hall in the township this afternoon, with an address by  Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. The Secretary-1 said the  committees at different levels have been organized to build the advanced buildings of the State in Dagon  Myothit Seikkan Township and the bodies are taking the leading role in implementing the project in  accord with the aims. All the tasks should be implemented in accord with the nature of the work, situation  and stage for timely completion of the entire project.

As the building of the urban infrastructure is the principal and basic task, coordinated and concerted efforts of all the persons concerned are required to successfully realize the aims. The government bodies  and the national entrepreneurs are sharing the duties to raise the development momentum of the Dagon  Myothit Seikkan Township and to construct the advanced buildings of the State. As it is the State level  project, all the departments should actively take part in the respective sectors with the sense of  responsibility and with the constructive attitude to combine the excellent ideas, experiences and expertise  to be able to render the best service.

The Secretary-1 urged all the officials to collectively strive with the constructive and combined strength to  realize the project' aims. Chairman of Infrastructure Drafting and Implementation Committee to Expedite  the Development of the Township Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay  explained plans to beautify the township, widen the Seikkantha Road and to provide a proper town drainage system.

Head of Urban Project and Land Management Department of YCDC U Tun Than Tun reported on progress in extension of the town roads, work ahead, progress in implementing the urban drainage project, town beautifying plans and the water supply programme. Director of Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development U Win Myint briefed the meeting on the task to build the State level  buildings, extension of the roads and land use. Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn  Myint explained building of retaining walls and sluice gates in the township.

Deputy Chief Engineer of Public Works U Aung Kyee Myint explained designs of the buildings and the  town plan. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt gave suggestions on the town plan. Chairman of Zay Kaba  Construction Group U Khin Shwe presented a report on building of a world-class hotel in the township.  Director of Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township Development Co. Ltd Director of DHSHD Lt-Col Htin  Aung Kyaw reported on completion of the apartments and future programmes.

Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs U Kyaw Tin  explained the inflow of water and high and low tides of the creeks in the township and the flood prevention task. Chairman of Inspection and Work Quality Control Committee Managing Director of  Public Works U Nay Soe Naing on functions of the committee. The participants then gave suggestions.

Also present at the meeting 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, ministers, deputy ministers, members of the respective committees of the project, officials of  the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office, heads of departments and guests.

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(3) Secretary-1 attends cash donation ceremony for Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image

YANGON, 19 July-The cash donations presentation ceremony for all-round construction of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image was held at Mingalar Mandat on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. Also present were the ministers, the deputy ministers, the Vice-Mayor, officials of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council, departmental heads, members of the Working Committee for All-round Construction of the Image and wellwishers.

Then, families of the Ministry of Energy and Livestock Breeding and Fisheries Development Bank presented K 300,000 each; the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs K 200,000; Yangon City Development Committee and Yangon City Bank Ltd K 3 million each; U Aik Tun of Asia Wealth Bank Ltd K 2 million; Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen. Maung Nyo-Daw Khin Htay Htay and family K 500,000; Yangon Division General Administration Department, U Teza-Daw Thida Zaw (Htoo Trading Co. Ltd) and family and Thudawsin Sannan of Mindhamma Hill K 1 million each to the Secretary-1 who presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers.

Minister Col Tin Hlaing and Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Ngwe accepted K 1 million each donated by U Win Aung-Daw Moe Mya Mya (Dagon International Ltd) and Recipient of Medal for excellent performance in social field class II Siha Sudhamma Manijotadhara U Thein Win-Siha Sudhamma Singi Siri Sudhamma Singi Daw Ni (Shwe Than Lwin Co); K 5 million by the public; K 1 million by Yangon Division All Bus Lines Control Committee Division 2 and 3; K 1 million by Yangon Division All Bus Lines Control Committee Division 4, 5 and 6; K 500,000 each by U Hla Myint-Daw Yin Mya (Sein Butter) and family, U Htay Myint-Daw Aye Aye Maw of Yuzana Co, U Myint Sein-Daw Win Win and family and U Zaw Lay-Daw Than Than Aye and family; K 400,000 each by Daw Yee Yee, Dr Tin Maung Htwe and Dr Khin Le Yu and family and Daw Myint Yee and family; K 300,000 each by U Wai Phyo (MD Yathacho Industry), U San Tun-Daw Myint Myint Than and family and U Win Myint (Shwe Nagamin Co).

Minister U Aung Khin accepted K 780,000 donated by families of Defence Services Intelligence Units; K 260,000 by Daw Yin Yin Htwe, Daw Yin Yin Wai, Daw Yin Yin Mya and family; K 210,000 by Maj. Cho Tun-Daw Khin Malar Nyan and family, sons, daughters and grandchildren of late Maj. Myat Nyan- Daw Ni Ni Khin, Daw Nan Lon and group (currently in Singapore) and U Khin Maung-Daw Yee Yee Myint and family and K 200,070 by U Thein Maung-Daw Pa Pa (Sandi Traditional Medicine).

Minister Brig-Gen. Lun Thi accepted drinking pure water worth K 2,722,500 donated by Board of Directors of Peace Myanmar Group; K 107,000 by Daw Than Than Htay, son U Myo Min Kyaw-Daw Thuza Thein and family; and K 100,000 each by Capt. Zwe Latt-Daw Moe Moe Aung and family, Capt. Myo Nyunt Aung-Daw Zabei Hlaing and family, Col Thein Myint (Retd)-Daw Tin Aye and family, U  Myo Myint Oo-Daw Khin Thida family, Maj. Ko Swe (Retd)-Daw Than Than Yee (Hsan Bayin) and family and U Khin Myint-Daw Khin Myint Myint and family.

Minister Brig-Gen. Maung Maung Thein accepted K 100,000 each donated by Lt-Col Aung Ngwe-Daw Hla Hla Myint and family, Daw Myint Myint Cho and family, U San Maung-Daw Han Soe and family, U Thein Maung (MD Thitsar Pankhin), Ma Phu Pwint Thu and family and U Than Soe-Daw Aye Aye Maw and family.

Minister Brig-Gen. Ohn Myint accepted K 100,000 each donated by Daw Amar Ni and son Ko Kyawt Shin and family, Taungpawtha Travelling, Daw Mya Mya and family, U Thein Zaw Min-Daw Win Win Kyi and family, U Myint Thein-Daw San San Win and family and Sayamagyi Daw Hnin Yee and family and two ticals of gold by Lt-Col Kyaw Shein (Retd)-Daw Myaing Myaing Tun and family.

Minister Brig-Gen. Thein Zaw accepted K 400,000 donated by family of late U Lay Yar; K 350,000 by U Oakkar and family; K 250,000 by Daw Khin Khin Sein (Thitsar Pankhin) and family; K 100,000 each by U Nyo Min-Daw Ohn Mar Lwin (Min Zarni Co) and U Paing Win-Daw Htay Htaty Nyunt (BTB Co); K 200,000 by U Kyi Toe-Daw Nan Ei Ei San (Myanmar Toe General Trading) and family; K 13,877,796, US$ 327 and 18 FECs by the public and K 300,000 by U Khin Maung Tun (Htet Lin Traditional Medicine).

Then, Chairman of Committee for All-round Construction of the Image Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen. Thura Aung Ko reported on progress of construction. Chairman of Committee for Greening of Mindhamma Hill Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun reported on arrangements for planting of sacred trees on the hill. Chairman of Finance Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa reported on financial matters.

The Secretary-1 said construction of the image and religious buildings and greening of the hill are being undertaken systematically after formation of various committees. These activities have been carrying out within a year from the time the image was conveyed to Yangon from Sakyintaung in Madaya Township, Mandalay Division. He said religious buildings with full Myanmar artistic works are being built on the pagoda platform for durability. All-round construction works including growing of rare trees and flowering plants on Mindhamma Hill, extending of the pagoda platform, construction of Gandhakuti Taik and Hmankyaunghsaung are under way for completion in the open season, he said. These projects can be implemented due to the donations of the wellwishers, he added.

He wished the wellwishers to be happy and wealthy. Donations for the Lawka Chantha Labhaya Labha Muni Image include K 49,513,863, two-tical gold coin worth K 180,000, US $ 327, 18 FECs, purified water worth K 2,722,500. The Secretary-1 inspected construction of the image, Gandhakuti Taik and Hmankyaunghsaung. Concrete moulding of the ceilings of the Gandhakuti Taik was completed 92 per cent and the roofing cent per cent. Decoration of tiered roof was completed 50 per cent, laying concrete of the main pillars of the Gandhakuti Taik 40 per cent, construction of the retaining walls of the first pagoda platform of the Gandhakuti Taik and ground levelling 50 per cent.

Roofing of the stairways was completed 95 per cent, flooring 60 per cent, laying concrete of railing 70 per cent and Myanmar artistic works at the roof 75 per cent. Laying foundation for the lion statue at southern and northern stairways was completed 95 per cent, installation of iron frame for construction of teh lion statue 40 per cent, construction of brick stairs to Aung Chantha Pagoda 94 per cent and digging of Mingala Lake 60 per cent.

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(4) 54th Anniversary Arzani Day observed

YANGON, 19 July-The 54th Anniversary Arzani Day was observed at the Arzani Mausoleum at 8 am today. On behalf of the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of the 54th Anniversary Arzani Day Observance Committee Minister for Culture U Win Sein attended the ceremony, saluted the State Flag, laid wreaths at the tombs of the late national leader Bogyoke Aung San and his fallen colleagues and shared merits.

Also present were Chief Justice U Aung Toe, Attorney-General U Tha Tun, Auditor-General Brig-Gen. Tin Aye, Chairman of Executive Committee for Observance of the 54th Anniversary Arzani Day Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Secretaries of Sub-committees, seniors officers of Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air), members of the Guard of Honour and senior officers of Myanmar Police Force and Fire Brigade.

Chairman of the 54th Anniversary Arzani Day Observance Committee Minister for Culture U Win Sein arrived at the Arzani Mausoleum at 8 am and the minister was welcomed by Chairman of Executive Committee for Observance of the 54th Anniversary Arzani Day Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt. Together with Minister U Win Sein, Chief Justice U Aung Toe, Attorney-General U Tha Tun and Auditor-General Brig-Gen. Tin Aye took places in front of the tombs of late Bogyoke Aung San and his fallen colleagues. All those present saluted the State Flag.

Minister U Win Sein, Chief Justice U Aung Toe, Attorney-General U Tha Tun and Auditor-General Brig- Gen. Tin Aye laid wreaths and paid tribute. Meanwhile, the State Flag was lowered to the half-mast. The Guard of Honour of Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) also reversed arms in salute the fallen leaders. and the Bugle Corps sounded the Last Post. This was followed by two minutes of silence in memory of the Arzanis.

Minister U Win Sein, Chief Justice U Aung Toe, Attorney-General U Tha Tun and Auditor-General Brig-Gen. Tin Aye then left the Mausoleum. U Nan Nwe and family on behalf of U Aung San Oo and wife Daw Le` Le` Nwe Thein and Secretary of National League for Democracy U Lwin and party, on behalf of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi laid wreaths. Afterwards, families of the Arzanis laid wreaths at the respective tombs and shared merits.

Next, diplomats and heads of UN Agencies also laid wreaths at the tombs of Bogyoke Aung San and Arzanis. Delegates of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Myanmar War Veterans Organization, Fire Brigade, Myanmar Red Cross Society, Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association, Myanmar Motion Pictures Asiayon, Myanmar Music Asiayon, Myanmar Thabin Asiayon and Myanmar Artists and Artisans Asiayon laid wreaths. Then, the people paid tribute to the fallen leaders.

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(5) PRC delegation visits Nyaunghnapin Vegetables Special Zone

YANGON, 19 July- A delegation led by Senior Adviser Mr Wu Chaolin of Ministry of Agriculture of the people's Republic of China visited Nyaunghnapin Vegetables Special Zone in Yangon North District this morning. At the office of Myanma Agriculture Services in the zone, Managing Director of Myanma Agriculture Services U Tun Than and general managers explained growing and production of vegetables, research work, sufficiency of vegetables for Yangon City dwellers, programme to give lecture on agriculture and production of good strains to the visitors. The delegation viewed the plantation of vegetables and raised queries, it is learnt.

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(6) PRC minister pays homage to Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image

YANGON, 19 July- Minister of Land and Resources Mr Tianfengshan of the People's Republic of China and party, together with Director-General U Soe Mya of Mining Department of the Ministry of Mines and officials, arrived at Mindhamma Hill where Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image is being kept in Insein Township this afternoon. They were welcomed there by Historian Dr Khin Maung Nyunt, Stone Sculptor Siri Sudhamma Manijotadhara U Taw Taw, Patron of the Mindhamma Hill Board of Trustees U Shein Aung Bo and officials. First, Dr Khin Maung Nyunt explained the emergence of the image to the visitors. Then, the minister and party paid homage to the Image and donated cash to the funds of the image.

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(7) Minister inspects vegetable farms in Hmawby, Hlegu Townships

YANGON, 19 July-Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, accompanied by officials, inspected farm implements at the No 4 Farm Implement Factory of Agricultural Mechanization Department in Kyaikkaloh, Mingaladon Township this morning. First, the minister and party inspected innovation of machines be used in drilling tube-wells to supply water for villages and agriculture and the capacity of the machines.

The 40 HP machines and 60 HP machines have been produced from recycled parts of tractors, which are no longer in use. Then, the minister inspected work being undertaken for power generation for regional development and gave necessary instructions. Later, the minister and party inspected vegetable patches of Myanma Agriculture Service in Special Vegetable Farming Zone near Nyaunghnapin Village, Hmawby Township, Yangon Division.

Officials reported on work being performed in the special zone. The minister and party then inspected packets of vegetable seeds and certain insects found at the vegetable patches. At the briefing hall, Managing Director U Than Tun and officials reported on production of vegetables, and course on cultivation of vegetables to be conducted on 25 August. Afterwards, the minister inspected vegetable patches of Myanma Farm Enterprise and growing of mushrooms and gave instructions. The minister and party proceeded to the orchards of Myanma Perennial Crops Enterprise in Ngahsudaung Region, Hlegu Township and inspected graft rubber and pomeloes.

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(8) Minister inspects Rice Mill in Hlegu Township

YANGON, 19 July-Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig- Gen. Kyaw Hsan and officials, inspected No 222 100-ton Rice Mill in Kyunkalay Village, Hlegu Township, Yangon Division this morning. Mill Manager U Nyunt Oo and officials reported on the functions of the mill. The minister gave instructions on running of the mill in full capacity, preparations for installation of PGU generators, farming and services and inspected milling. Then, the minister and  party inspected bran cake processing machine of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading and gave necessary instructions. Later, the minister and party inspected the mill. The minister and party proceeded to Myaseinyaung Integrated Farming Camp of the Ministry of Commerce where Managing Director U Min Hla Aung of MAPT reported on cultivation of paddy, seasonal crops, flowers, perennial crops and raising of poultry, pigs and fish to the minister who attended to the requirements. The minister and party then inspected farming at the camp.

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(9)  Home Affairs Minister inspects departmental tasks

YANGON, 19 July-Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, accompanied by officials, inspected departmental tasks of the stations and departments and rural area development tasks of the townships in Mandalay Division from 14 to 17 July. The minister arrived at No 1 Police Training School in Yamethin on 14 July and Myanmar Police Force Central Training Unit in PyinOoLwin on 15 July, and met with the principals and course instructors.

He gave instructions on implementation of the guidance of the Head of State, conducting of courses with the help of modern teaching aids, becoming the reserve force for the State, becoming modern and patriotic police force, greening tasks for the school, systematic construction of school buildings and minimizing loss and wastage. The minister arrived at the Mandalay Division Bureau of Special Investigation and the General Administration Department in Chanmyathazi Township on 15 July and met with the staff.

He gave instructions on effectively discharging assigned duties, the rule of law, ensuring community peace and tranquillity, regional development, cooperation with the public for the community tasks, discharging duties to achieve success in implementing plans of the State and agricultural and livestock breeding tasks. He also met with the family members of the staff and attended to the needs.

Eighth Nikaya Exam results announced

YANGON, 19 July-The results of the Eighth Nikaya Examination held at the 64 exam centres across the country from 22 to 26 May under the Religious Affairs Department of the Ministry of Religious Affairs were announced today. Altogether 1078 candidates passed the exam. The results are posted at the respective township Sangha Nayaka Committees where the exams were held and Township Peace and Development Council offices.

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