(1) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends congratulations to new President of Indonesia

YANGON, 24 July- Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council  of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of congratulations to Her Excellency Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri on her assumption of the Presidency of the Republic of Indonesia.

up

___________________________

(2) Development of fisheries, prawn farming and agriculture will lead to significant economic growth of Rakhine State

YANGON, 24 July- Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen.  Win Myint met local authorities, departmental personnel, members of social organizations and fishery and  farming entrepreneurs in Thandwe on 22 July.At the meeting, the Secretary-3 said the purpose of the visit  was to seek ways and means to accelerate the development momentum of Rakhine State. Since its  assumption of the State duties, the Tatmadaw government has given priority to prevalence of regional  peace and stability and the rule of law in the entire nation.

As community peace and stability and security is prevailing in the whole nation, the government has been laying down and implementing short-term national economic plans since 1992-93. The first four-year short-term economic plan beginning from fiscal 1992-93 as well as the second five-year short-term economic plan beginning from fiscal 1996-97 exceeded their respective targets. Material developments resulting from the success of the two economic plans can be witnessed in the states and divisions. The government has striven for progress of agriculture as well as all other economic sectors resulting in the increase in the nation's per capita income. Based on the success of the two national economic plans, the third five-year short-term economic plan is being implemented beginning from fiscal 2001-2002.

In striving day and night with strenuous efforts to build a peaceful, modern and developed nation, priority has been given to implementing the human resources development project. The government bodies such as the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Forestry and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries have been laying down and implementing the projects sector-wise for progress of the human resources sector with the aim of developing the nation. As priority has been given to progress of the human resources sector, so also the continued efforts are being made to build good economic foundations. Prawn breeding which is a promising business in Rakhine State should be extended, as the business can help increase the income of the state. The rural people should raise livestock in addition to the agriculture business in order to increase their income. Energetic efforts should be made for progress of both agriculture and livestock breeding sectors of the state.
 
General Manager U Sai Soe Lwin of Leo Prawn Farming, General Manager U Thant Zin of Ever Live Prawn Farming and in-charge of Lontha Prawn Hatchery Station U Saw Newyar reported to the Secretary-3 on prawn breeding in the township, requirements and distribution of the products. On behalf of the prawn breeders, U Myint Thaung of Taungup reported on progress in prawn farming and financial requirements. Head of Office of Rakhine State Fisheries Department U Soe Thu explained plans to develop the prawn farming business in the state. Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Aung Htwe said the total monsoon paddy sown acreage of the state has reached over 900,000 acres as cultivation of the crop has been increased annually.

Efforts are being made to exceed the monsoon paddy cultivation target in the present five-year short-term economic plan. He also explained the sown acreage of summer paddy and other important crops, prawn breeding and production of the state, tax collection, plans being made to develop the regional transport sector and all-round efforts being made for development of the state. Chairman of Committee to Extend Fish and Prawn Breeding and Production Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Lt-Gen. Tin Ngwe and Vice-Chairman Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen. Maung Maung Thein explained the assistance being rendered for progress of the committee's functions in all the states and divisions, providing of all necessary assistance including loans to entrepreneurs, giving suggestions for the progress of prawn breeding business.

Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen. Khin Maung briefed the meeting on plans to supply quality seeds, disseminate advanced techniques and provide other assistance. The Secretary-3  looked into their requirements, saying that Rakhine State is the largest prawn breeding region of the nation, and which can be also said the most successful in all the states and divisions. It is sure that prawn breeding will become the state's most successful business if efforts are being made to transform it from conventional to advanced commercial business. As the State is ready to provide assistance to the most possible degree, all should steadfastly strive for further development of the prawn farming business. Township-wise projects should be drawn to practically implement the livestock breeding business in combination with the agriculture. Coordinated efforts should be made to attend to the needs in developing the deep-sea fishing in Rakhine State; thus, plans should be laid down and implemented to extend the business.

Moreover, efforts should be made to reclaim more land and set up more plantations. The slash-and-burn method, which still remains in some parts of the region, should be substituted with the permanent farming system. Rakhine State will gain significant economic growth as long as the attention is being given to development of the fisheries, farming and agriculture businesses with greater acceleration. The Secretary-3 cordially greeted the departmental personnel and entrepreneurs. Accompanied by ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department, the Secretary-3 left Yangon by air for Thandwe Township in Rakhine State on 22 July. On arrival at Thandwe Airport at 11.15 am, the Secretary-3 and party were welcomed by Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, Brig-Gen. Kyi Thein of Taungup Station, senior military officers and officials.

up

___________________________

(3) Goodwill delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Thailand General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh concludes visit  

YANGON, 24 July- The goodwill delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Thailand General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh left here this morning by Royal Thai Army special flight after concluding his goodwill visit to Myanmar at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Lt-Gen. Tin Hla. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Lt-Gen. Tin Hla met Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Thailand General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh at Inya Kantha State House at 8.15 am today.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Lt-Gen. Tin Hla presented a documentary album and video tape to General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh. Members of the goodwill delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Thailand General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh were seen off at the Yangon International Airport by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Lt-Gen. Tin Hla, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Deputy Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies and Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director of Supply and Transport Brig-Gen. Than Htay, Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet, Military Attach to Thailand Col Kyaw Han, Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar Mr Oum Maolanon, Defence, Army and Air Attach of Thai Embassy Col Chaiwat Satondee and embassy staff.

up

___________________________

(4) Health Minister receives Japanese guests

YANGON, 24 July- Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein received Director of Development Cooperation Division, Economic Cooperation Bureau, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr Tetsuya Ishii and party at his office this morning. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint and officials.

Minister U Tin Winn receives Ambassadors 

YANGON, 24 July- Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Tin Winn received Ambassador of
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the Union of Myanmar Mr Ubhayasekara Mapa at his office in Pyithu Hluttaw compound at 3 p.m. today. Similarly, Ambassador of France Mr Bernard du Chaffaut called on Minister U Tin Winn at the latter's office at 4 p.m. today.
 
Seminar on Under-graduate Curricula of Medical and Health Professional Institutes under the Department of Medical Sciences opens 

YANGON, 24 July- The Seminar on Under-graduate Curricula of Medical and Health Professional
Institutes under the Department of Medical Sciences jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Health and
WHO was opened at the Department of Medical Sciences this morning, with an address by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein. Also present were Deputy Ministers Professor Dr Mya Oo and Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, the directors-general of the departments under the ministry, officials, Resident Representative of WHO Dr Agostino Borra and officials of non-governmental organizations. Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein said the seminars on medicine have been held for six times in Myanmar since 1964. To produce skilled local health staff in accord with the long-term health project was included as a point in the national health policy, he said. Curricula play an important role in producing skilled technicians, he said.

The minister quoted Head of State Senior General Than Shwe as saying that only when human resources development and material development are combined in harmony will educational fields develop. Human  resources are main factors for development of arts and science including medical health. There will be no progress without human resources development. In Myanmar, there were three Institutes of Medicine under the Department of Medical Sciences and now there are 13 Institutes of Medicine and related universities. The Institutes of Medicine including Institute of Medicine (Magway) which was opened in May train altogether 550 students every year and now there are 2,000 students attending the institutes of medicine and other related universities in Yangon and Mandalay.

As the number of students has increased, the minister pointed out that careful efforts are to be made for improvement of their quality. Therefore, the Promotion of National Education Special Four-Year Project (Health Sector) was implemented beginning 2000. The project is being implemented with the aim of promoting Myanmar's medical education up to the top level in ASEAN nations and even up to the international level. The minister elaborated on uplift of research work at the institutes, cooperation of Departments of Medical Research (Upper Myanmar and Lower Myanmar), appointment of staff, fulfilment of modern teaching aids, establishment of Medical Resource Centre, conducting post-graduate courses, cooperation with international organizations for all-round development of medical science, review of curricula in accord with the developments in Myanmar and lofty aims of the seminar. He spoke of the need for persons who will discharge duties in the health department to be patriots with goodwill and the exemplary ones who take care of the national races. Resident Representative of WHO Dr Agostino Borra also spoke on the occasion. Next, Deputy Minister Professor Dr Mya Oo and Director-General of Department of Medical Sciences Dr Maung Maung Wint delivered speeches. Participants took part in the seminar which continues till 27 July.

up

___________________________

(5) Minister inspects construction of dams in Hinthada District 

YANGON, 24 July Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and officials yesterday went to vacant, fallow and virgin land reclamation project in Pantanaw Township in Ayeyawady Division. The Director of Construction-6 of Irrigation Department reported on reclamation of land in the township, construction of sluice gates and tasks to be undertaken. Director-General of Irrigation Department U Kyaw San Win reported on reclamation of wetlands on the west bank of Ayeyawady River. The minister gave instructions on inspection of embankments and formation of teams to watch floods. The Director of Ayeyawady Division Irrigation Department reported on floods prevention and Managing Director of  Myanma Agriculture Service and the Division manager on cultivation of monsoon paddy and arrangements for cultivation of cold season crops, beans and pulses and summer paddy.

The minister and party inspected cultivation of paddy, experimental cultivation and making of EM Bokashi fertilizer in Zayatkwin Village in Kyaunggon Township and the minister met farmers. The minister inspected arrangements to preventing soil erosion at Ngathaingchaung-Takhwa. The minister and Chairman of Hinthada District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Win Htain inspected inflow of  water at Nankathu Dam, flow of water from the spillways and the tower. The minister went to the  construction site of Ma Mya Dam and inspected the work. The minister and party proceeded to the site of Konchaung-2 Dam in Tatkon Village in Kyangin Township where officials reported on the project. The  minister gave instructions on completion of the project in time and inspected diaphragm wall at the main  dam. The minister met industrialists of Hinthada Industrial Zone at the Yeiktha of Irrigation Department  today. The minister and party inspected cultivation of paddy and pre-monsoon jute at Wayonchaung Model Village in Danubyu Township. The minister gave instructions on triple cropping and inspected Panhlaing sluice gate in Nyaungdon Township.

Cash assistance provided to students
 
YANGON, 24 July- A ceremony to present cash assistance to the children of the staff of the Ministry of  Transport was held at the meeting hall of the ministry this morning. It was attended by Minister for  Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Kyaw Myint and wife, Deputy Minister U  Pe Than, departmental heads, students and parents. The minister delivered a speech at the ceremony  Then, stipends were presented to the students. On behalf of the students, Maung Thura Aung of Marine  Administration Department spoke words of thanks.
 
USDA CEC member accepts membership applications
 
YANGON, 24 July- Member of the Central Executive Committee of the Union Solidarity and Development Association U Aung Thaung attended the ceremony to submit membership applications of  the people of Thityon Village in Myingyan Township, Mandalay Division on 22 July. At the ceremony, on  behalf of the village people, member U Htay Hlaing presented membership applications to the CEC  member. After making a speech there, the CEC member met with the secretaries and executives of  Myingyan, Taungtha, Natogyi, Kyaukpadaung and Ngazun Township USDAs at the hall of Myingyan  District USDA office.

The CEC member heard the reports of the executives on regional development tasks and future plans and  gave necessary instructions. Then, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung arrived at Virginia Factory of  Myanma Foodstuff Industries in Myingyan and gave instructions on systematic purchasing of virginia  tobacco and fire prevention measures to the officials. The minister inspected Winthuza Shop in Myingyan  and gave instructions on future tasks. He then attended the corner-stone laying ceremony for two-storey  building of Welaung Basic Education High School in Taungtha Township. The minister also inspected  Winthuza Shop in NyaungU on 23 July.

up

___________________________

(6) Sports Minister inspects training camps

YANGON, 24 July- Chairman of the Myanma Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen. Thura  Aye Myint arrived at Padonma Sports Grounds and viewed the training of the footballers of the  Tentatively Selected Football team for the XXI SEA Games and gave instructions this morning. The  minister then inspected the training of the players of the Tentatively Selected Volleyball team at Aung San Stadium, the training of the players of the Tentatively Selected Hockey team at the camp of Myanmar Hockey Federation in Dagon Myothit (South) and the training of the martial art players at the stadium in Dagon Myothit (South) and spoke words of encouragement to the athletes. In the afternoon, the minister viewed the training of the boxers of the Tentatively Selected Boxing team at the gymnasium of the  Myanmar Boxing Federation at Thuwunna Youth Training Camp and gave instructions on raising of momentum in training for the best of the athletes for the coming XXI SEA Games and training with  perseverance and spirit to succeed in the competitions.
 
MAPT managers' work coord meeting held

YANGON, 23 July- A work coordination meeting of the managers of Myanma Agricultural Produce  Trading of the Ministry of Commerce was held at the hall of MAPT at the corner of Merchant Street and  Pansodan Street this morning. It was attended by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone, Deputy  Minister Brig-Gen. Kyaw Hsan, directors-general, managing directors, deputy directors-general, general  managers, guests and township managers from states and divisions. The minister discussed thriving  conditions of the State's short and long term plans, export, purchasing, transport, storage and milling and  staff welfare, and then the meeting went into recess. After that, they resumed the meeting according to the  agenda.

On-job Training Course for Township Heads of IRD opens

YANGON, 23 July- The On-job Training Course No 22 for Township Heads of Internal Revenue Department opened at the training hall of IRD on Pansodan Street this afternoon. Present on the occasion were Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Than Tun, Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung, Director-General U Chit Swe of IRD, directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry and trainees. The minister made a speech. Altogether 59 trainee officers are attending the three-week course.
 

up

___________________________

(7) Mass movement to control dengue

YANGON, 24 July -  Mass movement to control dengue was launched in East Thadu and West Thadu  wards in Kyimyindine Township this morning. Members of the National Health Committee Minister for  Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein and Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay  visited the participants of the campaign. Also present were Deputy Ministers for Health Prof. Dr Mya Oo  and Prof. Dr Kyaw Myint, Vice-Chairman of YCDC Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, YCDC members, heads  of YCDC departments, Director-General of the Health Department Dr Wan Maung, officials and  members of the organizations. At the Township Development Committee Office, the doctors reported to  the minister, the mayor and party on occurrence of the dengue fever in the townships in Yangon Division,  measures being taken to control the disease, the number of children infected with the disease in the township and progress in controlling the dengue fever through mass movement with the help of maps and  charts. The minister and the mayor gave suggestions. They then greeted the participants of the mass movement.

Waso-robe offering of Education Ministry held

YANGON, 24 July- The thirteenth Waso robes offering ceremony of the Ministry of Education was held at the Dhammayon of the ministry on Gyatawya Street in Bahan Township this morning. Present were members of the Sangha led by Vice-Chairman Sayadaw of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Bhaddanta Arcinda- bhivamsa, Minister for Education U Than Aung and wife, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Soe Win Maung and wife, Deputy Minister U Myo Nyunt and wife, departmental heads and their wives, advisers and staff family members. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Arsceindabhivamsa invested the congregation with the Five Precepts, and members of the Sangha recited the parittas. The minister, the deputy ministers and departmental heads presented Waso robes and offertories to the members of the Sangha. Joint-Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Bhaddanta Osadhabhivamsa delivered a sermon, and the merits gained were shared and the ceremony came to a close.
 
Ministry of Mines offers Waso robes

YANGON, 24 July- The tenth Waso robes offering ceremony of the Ministry of Mines was held at the Supaungyon Thiri Yadana Hall of the ministry on Kanbe Street in Yankin Township this morning. Members of the Sangha led by Presiding Sayadaw of Maha Theikpan Pariyatti Sarthintaik Agga Maha  Pandita Bhaddanta Siri Dhamma, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen. Ohn Myint and wife Daw San San, Deputy Minister U Myint Thein and wife Daw Khin May San, the directors-general, the managing directors of the departments and enterprises under the ministry and staff family members attended the ceremony. The congregation received the Five Precepts from the Presiding Sayadaw. The minister, the deputy minister and the directors-general, the managing directors and staff presented Waso robes and offertories to the members of the Sangha who later recited paritta. Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Siri Dhamma delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits gained. Then, soon was offered to the members of the Sangha and the ceremony came to a close.

up

___________________________

(8) Youth Education and Training Course No 3/2001 opens

YANGON, 24 July- Youth Education and Training Course No 3/2001 sponsored by Yangon Division  Maternal and Child Welfare Association Supervisory Committee under the arrangement of Myanmar  Maternal and Child Welfare Association was opened at a battalion in South Okkalapa Township this morning. Present were Vice-Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen. Hsan Hsint, Chairperson of MMCWA Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, central executives, Patron of Yangon Division Maternal and Child Welfare Association Supervisory Committee Daw Malar Tint and members of Panel of Patrons, officials and youth delegates from townships in Yangon Division.

Deputy Commander Brig-Gen. Hsan Hsint said 30 youths were trained at the camp for the first time in February 2001 and altogether 38 youths will be trained at this course. The trainees are new generation youths who will discharge duties of State one day, he said. He said the course was conducted with the aim of obtaining correct outlook and thought and social behaviour, understanding the value of parents and family, taking up responsibility and possessing spirit to love and cherish the country. Participatory method will be used in the course, he added. Patron of Yangon Division Maternal and Child Welfare Supervisory Committee Daw Malar Tint presented gifts to Chairperson Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe and Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe. Altogether 38 trainees including 20 girls are attending the course which will continue till 29 July.
 
Central Committee for Scrutinizing Video Services meets

YANGON, 24 July- The meeting No 3/2001 of the Central Committee for Scrutinizing Video Services of  the Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise of the Ministry of Information was held at the hall of MMPE on  Kokkine Yeiktha Road in Bahan Township this morning. It was attended by Deputy Minister for  Information Brig-Gen. Aung Thein, Chairman of the committee Managing Director of MMPE U Bo Kyi,  members and officials. The deputy minister delivered a speech. Then, the minutes of the meeting No  2/2001 of the committee was confirmed and Secretary of the committee Director U Thein Tun Aung of  MMPE explained progress of work and revenue collected during the first three-month period of fiscal year  2001-2002 and action taken against those who breach the law. Then, a general round of discussions  followed.

Entries invited for Marching and Military Songs Competitions

YANGON, 23 July- Hailing the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day which falls on 27 March 2002, the Sub-committee for Organizing Marching and Military Songs Competitions of the Work Committee for Poem and Art Competition chaired by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt announced that the Sub-committee will sponsor the Marching and Military Songs Competitions. There will be only one open level in the marching competition and two levels level 1 and level 2 in the military song competition. First, second and third and special prizes will be presented to winners. The entry songs are to feature the 12 objectives of the State, the objectives of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and the twelve noble traditions of the Tatmadaw.

Anyone can take part in the marching song competition, but composers and vocalists who can take part in the level 1 competition, are not entitled to participate in the level two. Competitors individually or in groups are allowed to send one entry only. Those who have won first, second and third prizes at the level 2 military song competition are allowed to take part in the level 1. Entries are to be composed in accord with the traditional culture and composing method of Myanmar. Only one song is to be recorded on each tape. The duration of a song must be between four and six minutes. A suitable title for the entry can be given. Ten copies of lyrics of the entry and a copy of musical notes, together with a tape, are to be sent. The entrants are to send their curriculum vitae with three passport size colour photos. The entries are to be sent to secretary of the Sub-committee U Ko Ko Htwe, Myanma Radio and Television, Pyay Road, not later than 31 December.
 
Officials leave for Malaysia

YANGON, 24 July- Under the cooperation programme on education and technology of the MoU between the University of Veterinary Science (UVS) of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and the University Putra, Malaysia (UPM), Rector Dr Min Soe of the UVS and Pro-Rector Dr Tin Htwe left this morning for Malaysia at the invitation of the UPM to observe the teaching and techniques of the veterinary science universities in Malaysia and to carry out cooperation tasks with the university. They were seen off at the airport by Director-General of the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department, responsible officials and family members. Altogether five Myanmar scholars from the UVS are doing their PhD courses at the UPM under the programme.

Yuzana houses, apartments on sale at 20%-30% discounts

YANGON, 24 July- Apartments and houses of Yuzana Company went on sale at Yuzana Head Office on the third floor of Yuzana Centre at No 130 on Shwegondine Road this morning. Present at the sales  festival were No 4 Military Region Commander Defence Services Records Office Commandant Brig-Gen.  Myo Myint, Director-General of the Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development U Arnt  Maung, directors, officials of Yangon City Development Committee, Chairman of the company U Htay  Myint, members of the Board of Directors of the company, national entrepreneurs and guests. The  company has built modern houses and high-rise buildings in cooperation with DHSHD and YCDC in the  townships in the Yangon City. The company is offering 20 to 30 percent discount rates during the festival  which will continue till 2 August.

up

___________________________

(9)  Drug producers get prison terms

YANGON, 24 July- Members of local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force, acting on information,  searched the house of Sai Yee of Lunkyaing Village in Tachilek Township and found six kilos of  stimulant powder, 22 kilos of Caffeine, and a machine used for producing stimulant pills in the underground apartment of the house on 20 October evening. The Tachilek police filed Sai Yee, 45, and Ma Ei Kham, 41, of Sansai (Lower) Ward in Tachilek Township under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. The Tachilek District Court handed down 20 years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A) and life imprisonment under Section 20 (A) on Sai Yee to serve separately and 15 years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A) and life imprisonment under Section 20 (A)/21 on Ma Ei Kham to serve separately on 19 June.

up