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

YANGON, 26 July- On the occasion of the 36th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of  Maldives, which falls on 26 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 Excellency Mr  Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President of the Republic of Maldives.

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(2) State Peace and Development Council Chairman and Prime Minister Senior General Than Shwe sends  message of congratulations to Nepalese Prime Minister

YANGON, 25 July- Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council  and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of congratulations to His Excellency Rt  Hon Mr Sher Bahadur Deuba, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Nepal, on his assumption as Prime  Minister of the Kingdom of Nepal.

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(3) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe accepts credentials of  Norwegian Ambassador

YANGON, 25 July-  Her Excellency Mrs Ragne Birte Lund, newly accredited Ambassador of the
Kingdom of Norway to the Union of Myanmar, presented her credentials to Senior General Than Shwe,  Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, at Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence at 10 am today. Also present on the occasion were State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and  Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department.

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(4) Wider production of antibiotics for malaria, diabetes, hypertension, tuberculosis, diahorrea and  dysentery stressed 

YANGON, 25 July The Committee to Produce Antibiotics for Six Main Diseases held the work coordination meeting 3/2001 at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Indus try-l this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development  Council Lt Gen. Khin Nyunt.

The Secretary-1 said that in accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, the  antibiotics for the six major diseases malaria, diabetes, hypertension, tuberculosis, diahorrea and dysentery  should be produced on a wider scale by using the raw materials available in the nation. Success has been  achieved to a certain degree in planting the tree species, cinchona and Artemisia, and systematic  conducting of the research work and experimental production of the drugs to produce an adequate amount  of the anti-malaria drug which is derived from the two tree species.

In addition to the present cinchona plantation areas, new places have already been chosen to extend cultivation of the tree species; thus, the ministries concerned should make cooperative efforts to produce  the medicine to cure malaria as targeted. It is required to do research to produce drugs, which are derived  from local herbal species, to cure the other five major diseases diabetes, hypertension, tuberculosis,  diahorrea and dysentery on a wider scale. Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen. Kyaw Win reported  on progress in realizing the minutes of the committee's meeting 2/2001. Minister for Industry-l U  Aung  Thaung explained conducting of research to produce the quinine sulphate from cinchona barks, efforts   being made to acquire technology, conducting of laboratory experimentation of the medicine, planting of  cinchona in Thandaunggyi region and plans to extend cultivation of the plant.

Deputy Factory Manager of the Myanma Pharmaceutical Industries U Win Aung reported on pilot-scale  production of the quinine sulphate pills from cinchona barks, quality of the antibiotic, condition of the  cinchona plantations at Thandaunggyi  region, plans to extend the plantations, requirements and the  target production of the medicine. Minister U Aung  Thaung and Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Kyaw Win  then joined in the discussions. Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and Deputy  Minister Brig-Gen. Khin Maung explained selection of  quality cinchona and Artemisia, sown acreage of  the plants, new regions to set up cinchona plantations, the amount of raw materials to be produced and  application of modern methods.

Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein explained conducting of research to produce medicines to cure the  six diseases. Director-General of Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar) Dr Paing Soe and  Director-General of Medical Research Department (Upper Myanmar) Dr Myint Lwin reported on the  finds of the research project, followed by a general round of discussions. The Secretary-l looked into their  requirements, saying that there are developments in systematically growing the herbal plants, from which  the medicine to cure malaria can be derived, and conducting research work. As the country already has  potent traditional drugs which can cure the other five major diseases namely, diabetes, hypertension,  tuberculosis, diahorrea and dysentery, in addition to malaria, research should be based on the traditional  methods.

Efforts should be made for the availability of the. raw materials in the nation to produce enough antibiotics to meet the domestic demand. Also present at the meeting were ministers, deputy ministers,  officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, members of the  Committee and guests. The Secretary-l and party then inspected the quinine sulphate pills, injections and  raw materials.

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(5) News in Brief

Minister receives Ambassador

YANGON, 25 July-  Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin received Ambassador of  Lao People's Democratic Republic to the Union of Myanmar Mr Ly Bounkhan at his office this morning  and discussed matters relating to promote cooperation in agriculture sector. Also present at the call were  Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen. Khin Maung and U Ohn Myint and officials.

Cooperatives Minister meets NITTO Director

YANGON, 25 July- Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San met Director of NITTO Corporation of Japan  Mr Takashi Kojima and party at his office this morning. Also present were Director-General of the  Cooperative Department Col Soe Win, Director-General of Cottage Industries Department U Sein Than,  Managing Director of Cooperative Export and Import Enterprise Daw Khin Swe Soe, Vice-Chairman of  the Cooperative Bank U Khin Maung Aye and officials of the ministry.

Minister receives Ambassador 

YANGON, 25 July- Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen. Thein Zaw met Ambassador of Lao PDR Mr Ly Bounkham at his office at 1.30 p.m. today. The minister also met Chairman of Shin Satellite Public Co. Ltd of Thailand Mr Dumrong Kasemset and party at the same venue at 2 p.m. Also present at the calls were Managing Director of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications U Maung Maung Tin and officials.

Minister Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone meets national medicine entrepreneurs

YANGON, 25 July- Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone met with national medicine entrepreneurs of Myanmar Medicine and Medical Equipment Traders and Entrepreneurs Association at  the meeting hall-1 of the Ministry of Commerce on Strand Road this morning. Also present on the  occasion were Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Kyaw Hsan, Deputy Minister for Health  Professor Dr Mya Oo, Director-General U Nyunt Aye of Directorate of Trade, Chairman of the association  and officials. Minister Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone gave instructions on import of medicine and medical  equipment and Deputy Minister Professor Dr Mya Oo gave instructions on fruitful results of import of  medicine and medical equipment. Then, the minister replied to queries raised by those present and made  the concluding remarks.
 
Minister inspects auto exchanges 

YANGON, 25 July- Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen. Thein Zaw arrived at  the Directorate of Telecommunications in Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township this morning. Director-General U Kyi Than reported on organizational set-up of the department, responsibilities and functions, office, residential buildings for service personnel and greening works and officials on installation of wind speed indicators and tasks to be undertaken. The minister inspected installation of the machines and houses for service personnel. The minister went to the auto exchange in Dagon Myothit (South) Township where the Chief Engineer reported on installation of equipment and organizational set-up. The minister inspected the equipment and power supply. He proceeded to satellite communication ground station in Toegyaung-galay, and inspected the site for construction of houses, cultivation of crops and gave instructions. He also inspected installation of equipment for auto exchange and postal services at the post office in Dagon Myothit (North) Township.

Cultivation of oil palm in Taninthayi Division coordinated

YANGON, 25 July- A coordination meeting on cultivation of oil palm in Taninthayi Division was held at  the Prime Minister's office on Shwedagon Pagoda Road this afternoon. Secretary of Leading Committee  for region-wise development of the agricultural sector Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Lt-Gen. Tin  Ngwe delivered an address. Also present were Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Kyaw Hs,  Secretary of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Khin Maung Nyo, officials and  national entrepreneurs. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Kyaw Hsan reported on providing assistance for  cultivation of oil palm. Secretary of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Khin  Maung Nyo and national entrepreneurs reported on cultivation of oil palm and tasks to be undertaken.  Those present took part in the discussions. The meeting came to an end with the concluding remarks by the minister.

Energy Minister attends opening of filling station

YANGON, 25 July- Minister for Energy Brig-Gen. Lun Thi attended the opening of No 0217 Filling  Station this morning. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Energy U Tin Tun and  departmental heads and guests. Yangon Division Marketing Officer Major Tha Tun Zan of Myanma Petroleum Products Enterprise explained the purpose of opening of the filling station. Then, Managing Director of MPPE Col Sein Tin Win formally opened the filling station. The filling station has been moved from Botahtaung Pagoda Road in Botahtaung Township to Maha Bandoola Street (between 55th and 56th Streets) in Pazundaung Township due to traffic jam.
 
Yangon Division to put 1.18m acres under monsoon paddy

YANGON, 25 July- 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 inspected regional development undertakings and crop cultivation in Htantabin Township, Yangon North District, this afternoon. At Asugyi Agricultural Education Camp, the Yangon Command Commander met departmental personnel and farmers. He urged the officials to collectively maintain the Yangon-Nyaungdon Road and to grow trees along the road. Farmers should strive to cultivate monsoon paddy as targeted, he stressed.

Chairman of Htantabin Township Peace and Development Council U Thaung Han reported to the commander on progress in cultivation of monsoon paddy in the township, planting of trees and regional development undertakings. The farmers also presented their requirements. The commander and officials gave suggestions. The Commander then inspected monsoon paddy cultivation, tree plantation and repair of the Yangon-Nyaungdon Road. Yangon Division has put 1,004,147 acres of land under monsoon paddy to this date against the target of 1,180,000 acres. It has also targeted to cultivate 276,500 acres of summer paddy, 322,128 acres of beans and pulses and 126,500 acres of edible oil crops. Up to now Htantabin Township has cultivated 48,891 acres of monsoon paddy against the target of 86,800 acres.

Directives of Yangon Division supervisory committee for ensuring secure and smooth transport clarified

YANGON, 25 July- A clarification on the directives of Yangon Division supervisory committee for ensuring secure and smooth transport to car owners, drivers and conductors of Nyeinchanyay bus lines supervisory committee was given at the town hall in Ahlon Township, 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.

Also present were Chairman of Yangon Division supervisory committee for ensuring secure and smooth transport Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen. Hsan Hsint, Commander of No 3 Military Region Col Yan Naing Oo, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint, member Police Col Tin Win, Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein, chairmen of Township Peace and Development Councils in Yangon West 13istrict, officials of Nyeinchanyay bus lines, car owners, drivers and conductors, outstanding students.

Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than said that he would like to explain the disciplines of public transport to officials of bus lines and drivers and conductors of Nyeinchanyay bus line. He said Yangon Division Peace and Development Council is making arrangements for satisfaction and convenience of the passengers, welfare and road safety while discharging duty for ensuring secure and smooth transport in the division. Yangon Division supervisory committee for ensuring secure and smooth transport also supervises the various bus lines in cooperation with regional authorities and traffic police, he said. The commander pointed out the weakness in the discipline of the bus lines, violation of the traffic rules and actions taken.

He elaborated on cases of overcharging bus fares, rude behaviour towards passengers and government employees, racing each other to get more income, not stopping, parking at the bus-stops for long, and change of routes. He urged them to observe rules and regulations laid down by Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Secure and Smooth Transport, to accept the coupons willingly any time, not to overcharge bus fares and to be polite in dealing with the passengers, to take care of the easy and convenient transport for university students.

Commander of No 3 Military Region Col Yan Naing Oo and Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein also spoke on the occasion. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than presented prizes to outstanding children of personnel of Nyeinchanyay bus line. The deputy commander and officials also presented K 82,500 for 57 students to those in-charge of branches and gifts to car owners, drivers and conductors for their out-standing performance. Deputy Commander Brig-Gen. Hsan Hsint and Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein clarified the directives of Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Secure and Smooth Transport.

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(6) Cash donated for health care 

YANGON, 25 July-  Chairman of Cosmo Densetu Co Ltd Mr Manabu Okamoto and party of Japan called on Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein at the latter's office this afternoon and donated US $ 2,000 for health care work to the minister. The minister gave a certificate of honour to them and spoke words of thanks. Also present were Deputy Ministers Professor Dr Mya Oo and Professor Dr Kyaw Myint and officials.

Donations to MMCWA

YANGON, 25 July-  A ceremony to donate cash to Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association by wellwishers took place at the association at the corner of Thanthuma and Parami Roads in South Okkalapa Township this morning.

Present were Chairperson of MMCWA professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and CEC members and well-wishers. The donations included US$ 1000 by Chairman of Cosmo Densetu Co Ltd (Japan) Mr Manabu Okamoto, K 100,000 by Daw Khin Nwe Yi and family (Shwepazun) and K 100,000 by Sihasudhamma Manijotadhaja U Than Naing and Daw Kyi Kyi Shwe (Thamada Thinguntaik).Vice- Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to wellwishers.  Chairperson professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe spoke works of Thanks.

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(7)  Minister inspects construction of roads, bridges in Rakhine State

YANGON, 25 July- Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Myint  Thein and officials of Public Works inspected Tanhlwe-Lamu-Ma-ei road in Rakhine State on 20 July. The minister and party went to the construction site of Ma-ei Bridge Project where Project Engineer Deputy Superintending Engineer U Tin Htut reported on progress of work.

The minister said the bridge the major facility which lies on Taungup-Ma-ei-Kyaukphyu Road and gave instructions on completion of the bridge and supervision. He fulfilled the requirements and inspected the site. The minister and party inspected construction of Sanepauk Bridge on Ma-ei-Kyaukphyu Road. Senior Engineer U Myint Oo reported on progress of work. On 21 July, the minister and party inspected construction of Kyaukkyipauk Bridge on Ma-ei-Kyaukphyu Road.

Deputy Superintending Engineer U Tin Htut reported on progress of work and work ahead.  The minister and party went to the worksite where modern technique was applied in road construction. Deputy Superintending Engineer U Soe Tint and officials reported on geo-textile system. The minister then gave instructions. The minister also inspected construction of Minkyaung Creek Bridge.
 
Cash assistance presented to aged and disabled war veterans in Kayin State

YANGON, 25 July- A ceremony to present cash assistance for war veterans of 75 years and above and disabled war veterans by Myanmar War Veterans Organization Central Organizing Committee was held at Zwegabin Hall in Hpa-an on 23 July morning, with an address by Chairman of Kayin State War Veterans Organization Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen. Myint Swe.

Also present on the occasion were member of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Central Organizing Committee Managing Director of Inland Water Transport U Tun Aung Myint, members of State Peace and Development Council, members of State and District War Veterans Organization Supervisory Committee, Chairman and executives of Townships War Veterans Organization, Organizing Committee members, members of WVO and guests. Commander Brig-Gen. Myint Swe and MD U Tun Aung Myint presented the cash assistance to war veterans of Kayin State. On behalf of the war veterans, member of Hpa-an War Veterans Organization Captain Saw Tun (Retd) spoke words of thanks. Cash assistance totalling K 5.45 million was presented to 21 aged war veterans and 85 disabled war veterans.

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(8) Myanmar London Golf Tour 2001-2002 - 30 July

YANGON, 25 July- A press meet on the Myanmar London Golf Tour 2001-2002 was held at Renaissance  Inya Lake Hotel this afternoon. The tourney will be held under the sponsorship of the Myanmar Golf  Federation and with the assistance of the Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd. Present were President  of MGF Brig-Gen. Win Hlaing, Vice-President U Tha Tun Aung, General-Secretary U Aung Kyi and  executives, Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, Director (News) U Hla  Tun, Deputy Managing Director of Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd Col Aung San, foreign  correspondents and guests. Brig-Gen. Win Hlaing said the third tourney of the Professional Golfers  Association (PGA) will be held in Bagan, Mandalay, Mawlamyine, Taunggyi, Bago and Yangon. Col  Aung San explained the aims of the tourney. U Chan Han, on behalf of Mr David Parkin, Director of Tour  Development Asian PGA and PGA Representative, also gave a speech. Officials replied to queries raised  by the journalists. The tourney will be held from 30 July 2001 to 3 February 2002.

MWJA holds meeting

YANGON, 25 July- Central Executive Committee of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association held  its 7/2001 meeting at the MWJA office this afternoon. Chairman of MWJA U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) reported on work done. Secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay) reported on implementation of the resolutions passed at the previous meeting and future tasks to be undertaken. Those present took part in the discussions. The meeting ended with the concluding remark by the MWJA chairman.

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(9)  Raw opium seized in Kutkai

YANGON, 25 July- A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police  Force, acting on information, searched the house of Daw Wu Hsaing, daughter of U Wu Shaung Chike, of  Ward 3, Nantpheka Village in Kutkai Township, Shan State (North) on 30 June. The authorities arrested her together with 17 packets of raw opium weighing 26.122 kilos. Action is being taken against her under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by the police station concerned.

Stimulant tablets seized

YANGON, 25 July- A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Yangon Special  Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, searched a white van (Ba/6229) at the junction of Thanthuma and Gandhama Roads in South Okkalapa Township on 19 January 2001. The authorities arrested Win Myint and Thet Tun together with 113 packets each containing 200 stimulant tablets and 14 packets each containing 100 stimulant tablets totalling 127 packets containing 24,000 stimulant tablets weighing 3.26 kilos. The stimulant tablets bearing "WY" were hidden in the vehicle. Action was taken against Win Myint, 50, son of U Wan Eh, of No 242/243, A Street, Ward 10, PyinOoLwin and Thet Tun, 32, son of U Htay Maung, of A Street, Ward 11, PyinOoLwin under Section 15/19 (A)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. Win Myint was sentenced to 25 years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A) and Thet Tun to ten years' imprisonment under Section 19(A)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Yangon East District Court on 4 June 2001.

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