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

 Yangon, 10 Aug- Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of congratulations to His Excellency Mr Seyed Mohammad Khatami on his re-election as President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

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( 2 ) Better foundations laid in education sector followed by implementation of working programmes
Special Refresher Course No 11 for Basic Education Teachers at CICS (Upper Myanmar) opens

Yangon, 9 Aug- The Special Refresher Course No 11 for Basic Education Teachers was opened at the Yadana Hall of the Central Institute of Civil Service (Upper Myanmar) in Pyin-Oo-Lwin Township yesterday morning, with an address by Chairman of the Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were State Peace and Development Council Members Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Central Command Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Chairman North-West Command Commander Maj-Gen Soe Win, ministers, the Chairman of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, deputy ministers, the Mandalay City Mayor, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, Divisional / District / Township Peace and Development Council chairmen and members, Rector of CICS (Upper Myanmar) Col Aung San Win, pro-rectors, faculty members, course instructors and trainee teachers.

In his address, the Secretary-1 said the government is now implementing significant education reform programmes after laying down systematic plans with the objective of uplifting the standard of national education. It is certain that the teachers' educational performance will improve as they have got an opportunity to attend the special refresher course conducted with lofty aims and they will come to clearly understand the State's educational objectives, national education policies, education promotion plans and related tasks, he said. In an effort to enable the nation to keep abreast with other nations in the international community and effectively use her own national forces, the State Peace and Development Council is systematically implementing the education reform programmes designed to produce highly-qualified human resources, he said. The education promotion programmes in the basic education sector were implemented beginning 1998-99 and success has been made.

In order to accelerate the momentum of success and strike a balance between the development of the basic education sector and that of the higher education sector, the special four-year national education promotion plan and long-term education promotion plans are being implemented, he said. In accord with the special plan for promotion of national education, the lofty objectives of the basic education sector Ñ promotion of efficiency of the basic education schools for nurturing the students to become qualified good citizens, getting opportunity to learn education through modern technique and keeping abreast with the education level of developed countries in South East Asia and then reaching international standard by creating a constant learning society have been implemented to some extent. So better foundations have been laid down in education sector in Myanmar, he said.

To implement these aims, working programmes were drawn up and are being implemented. These working programmes are designed to ensure the emergence of an educational system which contributes to the modernization and development of the nation, to enable every citizen to acquire basic education, to improve the quality of the basic education, to enable citizens to learn vocational education, to create opportunities of learning modern communication technologies and professional subjects, to turn out citizens who have acquired well-rounded education, to promote educational management efficiency, to contribute to the development of basic education with the participation of the public, to carry out nonformal education tasks and to conduct educational research. While efforts are being made to realize educational aims and to implement working programmes, over 200,000 teachers are teaching over 7 million students at over 39,000 basic education schools. In implementing working programmes of the basic education sector successfully, the concerted effort of the government, teachers, parents, students and wellwishers plays an important role.

Therefore, only when national education programmes are successful, can national interests be promoted and can the future of the nation be determined in accord with national requirements. Teachers need to organize wellwishers, students and parents to entertain that belief and to cooperate in implementing national education programmes. Therefore, with the aim of ensuring the emergence of stalwart persons who are capable of defending the nation, teachers are required not only to improve the education standard of students but also to nurture them to possess high moral character and instil in them a sense of love for national culture, nationalism, patriotism, national solidarity and Union spirit.

The Secretary-1 also urged them to strive for the perpetual existence of a good educational environment in which student youths can pursue education with peace of mind. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 exhorted teachers to strive for the successful implementation of education promotion programmes, development of human resources and emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation, to train students to become outstanding and efficient persons in accord with education promotion programmes and to instil in students a sense of patriotism and Union spirit.

The Secretary-1 cordially greeted the teachers and left the CICS. The five-week course is being attended by 1,023 teachers from states and divisions in Upper Myanmar. Before the opening ceremony of the course, the Secretary-1 was reported by Rector Col Aung San Win andChairman of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyunt on the progresses in constructing buildings at CICS (Upper Myanmar); and by Minister for Social Welfare, Relief & Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing on the training schools at Zeebingyi in Pyin-Oo-Lwin Township. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt gave neccessary instructions and urged to grow pepper and maize successfully in vacant and fallow lands at the training schools. After the opening ceremony of the course, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected the construction of main building of CICS (Upper Myanmar) and greeing of its environs.

( 3 ) UDNR students urged to strive with firm determination for regional development and perpetuity of Union
Secretary-1 attends opening of UDNR Convocation Hall, inspects Yeywa Hydroelectric Power Project

Yangon, 9 Aug- Chairman of the Working Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the cere-mony to open the Convocation Hall of the University for Development of National Races in Ywathitkyi, Sagaing Township, Sagaing Division, yesterday.

The Secretary-1 formally unveiled the plaque. Chairman of the UDNR Council Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Win and Vice-Chairman of the Council Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyunt formally opened the hall. In his meeting with the UDNR students at the hall, the Secretary-1 said UDNR is like a garden blossoming with multicoloured flowers. The anthropoid primates lived in Myanmar millions of years ago. The national people of Myanmar have lived as close relatives since thousands of years ago.

The Union of Myanmar had passed through the Stone Age, the Bronze Age and the Iron Age; despite the diversity in dialects, costumes and traditions due to the different regions they are living in the country, the national people are of the same family residing in the same territory. Thus, the entire national people should discharge the State's duties with national solidarity bearing in mind that development of the Union constitutes progress of the entire ethnic races of the country. As the students are the good sons and daughters of the Union born and brought up in the nation, they should always uphold the determination "the perpetual existence of the Union" instilled in them by the university.

The national people had faced the ill consequences of the instability as armed conflicts occurred among the national races once. Dissension among the ethnic people had destroyed unity; and due to outside interferences, the nation lacked development in the past. The Tatmadaw government since its assumption of the State power has given priority to the national solidarity as it knows that lack of economic and social progress of the people is the result of the loss of unity. As the government is able to end the internal strife, peace and stability is prevailing in the entire nation. The regions where peace has been restored are enjoying unprecedented progress within a short period. Chinshwehaw in Kokang region and Namtip in Wa region are developing like the urban areas.

Within a period of over tens years, Namtip has become a major town where not a single hut can be seen; large stretches of thriving lychee and rubber plantations have occupied the surrounding areas of the town which is enjoying economic prosperity at present. The national people have come to understand that they were not able to develop their social situation as they had launched the armed struggle against the government due to the instigation of the Burma Communist Party; thus, they have never accepted the instigations that may destroy the national solidarity, and are striving without fail for regional progress and uplift of the social standards of the people.

In this context, the UDNR students have the duty to maintain the good conditions as the heritage and strive with zeal to gain better results and to further develop their regions and the living standards of the people by applying their knowledge gained at the university. They should study hard to be able to discharge the noble duties with full ability and strength. Based on the Union Spirit and the spirit of national solidarity, which is the belief that despite of the diverse dialects and costumes, they are of the same ancestors residing in the same land, they should strive for the perpetuation of the Union and indivisible unity.

After cordially greeting the students, Secretary-1 inspected modern library including the e-library of the UDNR. Accompanied by members of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint and Commander Maj-Gen Soe Win, ministers, the CSSTB chairman, deputy ministers, the Mandalay mayor, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department, the Secretary-1 left PyinOoLwin for the university in Ywathitkyi. On arrival at the university, they were welcomed by CSSTB member U Aung Myint, Director-General of Civil Service Selection and Training Department U Hla Kyi, local authorities, the UDNR rector, the pro-rector, faculties and students. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the No 1 Kywegan Test Oil Well of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise in Ngazun Township, Myingyan District.

At the briefing hall, the Secretary-1 heard a report on the geological situations of the well and Nawarat and Aing-to regions in the surrounding area, drilling of the well and its natural gas output potential presented by Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi with the help of maps and charts. The Secretary-1 inspected drilling work and also cordially greeted the employees of the project. He then presented medical equipment to Chinthelet village health care centre in the township. At the Yeywa Hydroelectric Power Project in Kyaukse Township, the Secretary-1 heard a report on survey work of the dam which will be built on Myitnge, a tributary of the Ayeyawady River, plans to supply 3,316 kilowatt hours of electricity from the 700 megawatt capacity plant, points of the projects and progress of work presented by Deputy Minister for Electric Power U Myo Myint. Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint also gave a supplementary report. Managing Director of Myanmar Electric Power Enterprise U Yan Naing explained the power generation capacity.

After giving suggestions, the Secretary-1 inspected the scale-model of the project, rock and sand samples, the site to build the concrete dam, heavy equipment at work and test tunnelling at the left bank of Myitnge River. Back in Mandalay, the Secretary-1 and party visited Masoeyein Taikthit and paid respects to Patron Sayadaws led by Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented medicines and offertories to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa. The commander and ministers presented offertories to the patron Sayadaws.

The Secretary-1 looked into the requirements of the monastery. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the progress in building the Kanna road section of the Mandalay city belt road and the Pyigyimon Barge. At the Maha Myat Muni Pagoda, they paid obeisance to the Buddha image, offered Shwethingan and donated cash to the Pagoda Board of Trustees. They also inspected the greening of Mandalay Hill. The then paid homage to the Kyauktawgyi Buddha Image and donated cash to the pagoda. The Secretary-1 and party arrived back here this morning.

( 4 ) Provisions donated to Five Nikaya Pitakat Thonbon Sarthintaik in Dagon Myothit (South) Township

Yangon, 9 Aug- The families of Defence Services (Army, Navy, and Air) and wellwishers donated rice, edible oil, salt, medicines, gram and cash to Five Nikaya Pitakat Thonbon Sarthintaik in Dagon Myothit (South) Township, Yangon East District, at Pyilonchantha Maha Theindawgyi of the sarthintaik this afternoon, attended by Secretary 3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint.

Also present were Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of the Sarthintaik Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Sobhita and member Sayadaws and members of the Sangha, member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, ministers, deputy ministers, the vice-mayor, senior military officers, officials of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council, departmental heads, local authorities, wellwishers and guests.

The Secretary-3 and congregation received the Five Precepts from Vice-Chairman Sayadaw of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Lashio Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kavindacara. Then, the Secretary-3, the commander, the ministers, the deputy ministers and wellwishers presented offertories to members of the Sangha. After that, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Soe Thein and Colonel General Staff (Air) Col Khin Maung Tin presented rice and edible oil donated by the families of Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) to the Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw. Yangon East District and Dagon Myothit South Township Peace and Development Councils, Myanma Salt and Marine Chemical Enterprise of the Ministry of Mines, Yangon Division Salt Factory Entrepreneurs' Association, staff families of the Traditional Medicine Department of the Ministry of Health, U Kyaw Kyaw Htay of Dagon South Hmancho Traditional Medicine House and proprietor of Htet Lin Traditional Medicine House U Khin Maung Tun presented 58 bags of rice, 14 viss of edible oil, 150 viss of iodized salt, 15 tubes of toothpaste, 30 viss of gram and 550 bottles of different kinds of traditional medicines to the Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw. Under the patronage of the Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd, traders presented K 100,000 for the trust funds of the Sarthintaik; the families of the Ministry of Religious Affairs K 100,000; Myanmar Rice Dealers' Association K 15,000; Myanmar Rice Millers' Association and Thiha Thudama Manizawtadara U Tin Win-Daw San Win and family of Myanmar Pyithahae KN Co K 100,000 each; U Thaing Win-Daw Htay Htay Nyunt and family of BTB Co and proprietor of Thamada Thingantaik Thiha Thudama Manizawtadara U Than Naing-Daw Kyi Kyi Swe and family K 50,000 each; U Tin Maung-Daw Hla Hla Nwe and family of Win Yadana Travelling Services K 30,000; proprietor of Hmancho Traditional Medicine House traditional physician U Hla Htay-Daw Tin Nwe Oo and family K 20,000; Sandi Traditional Medicines family K 100,090; Myanmar Beans and Pulses and Sesamun Dealers' Association K 50,000; U Nyein-Daw Ohn Kyin of OK Rice Trading K 30,000; Proprietor of Htet Lin Traditional Medicine House U Khin Maung Tun and family K 50,000; U Myo Aung-Daw Khin Yi Mon and family of Sun International Impact K 15,000; Daw Mya Thein and family K 10,000; U Aung Mon-Daw Hla Hla Maw of Myakhwanyo Housing of Thakayta K 10,000; U Yan Naing (Sayagyi Co) and family K 5,000; U Maung Maung and brothers (Great Wall Traditional Medicine House) K 50,000; traditional physician U Bo Gyi-Daw Than Than of Pyilonchantha Traditional Medicine House K 50,000; Ward Peace and Development Councils in Dagon South Township K 50,000; the departments in the Township K 30,000 and others to the commander and the ministers. Director of Directorate of Defence Services Resettlement Brig-Gen Aung Thein supplicated on the purpose of the donation. Joint-Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaza Meiktila Sayadaw Bhaddanta Candima delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained, and then the ceremony came to a close.

( 5 ) Textbooks Printing and Publishing Committee meets

Yangon, 9 Aug- The first coordination meeting of the Textbooks Printing and Publishing Committee was held at the Sarpay Beikman Press on Pyay Road here this afternoon with an address by Chairman of the committee Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung. Also present on the occasion were deputy ministers, committee members and departmental heads. Minister Maj-Gen Kyi Aung delivered an address. Then, Secretary of the committee Managing Director of the Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Myint Thein explained plans for forming the Textbooks Printing Committee, and the Textbooks Publishing Sub-committee. Afterwards, Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, Deputy Minster for Rail Transportation U Pe Than, Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Brig-Gen Than Tun, Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and departmental heads held discussions on printing and publishing of the school textbooks. The minister gave closing remarks.

Invitation scroll for XXI SEA Games presented

Yangon, 9 Aug- A ceremony to hand over the invitation scroll to Myanmar for XXI SEA Games was held at the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road here at 6.30 pm yesterday. Present on the occasion were Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Vice Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo of Ministry of Defence, Director Brig-Gen Mya Thein Han of Medical Services, the ASEAN ambassadors in Yangon, members of ASEAN goodwill delegation and distinguished guests. Director of Sports Training Institute Dr Ahmad Bin Othman of Malaysia extended greetings. Then, he, on behalf of the Minister of Youths and Sports, Malaysia, presented the invitation scroll for XXI SEA Games to Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint. Afterwards, Ambassador of Malaysia Dato Muhammad Bin Noh and wife hosted dinner in honour of the attendance.

( 6 ) CPT Minister receives foreign guests

Yangon, 9 Aug- Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw received Senior Executive Vice-President of LG Electronic of the Republic of Korea Mr Charles Kang and party at his office at 1 pm today. The minister also received Senior Sales Director (South-East Asia) of Converse Network System of the United States of America Mr Avi Petlz and party at his office at 2 pm and Managing Director of Myanmar Daewoo Limited Mr Jeong-hwan Park and party at the same venue at 3 pm today. Also present at the calls were Managing Director of Myanma Posts and Telicom-munications U Maung Maung Tin and officials.

U Tin Latt appointed as Ambassador to South Africa

Yangon, 10 Aug- The Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar has appointed U Tin Latt, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Republic of India, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Republic of South Africa.

Delegates arrive to attend drug control meeting

Yangon, 9 Aug- The delegates from the People's Republlic of China, the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Thailand arrived here by air this evening to attend Senior Officials Meeting on Narcotic Drugs Control to be hosted in Myanmar. They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Police Col Sit Aye of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control and officials.

( 7 )  Laotian guests visit Uto-Kya-in region

Yangon, 9 Aug- The Laotian goodwill delegation led by Chairman of Champasak Province of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Oneneua Phommachanh and wife Mrs Bounmy Phommachanh, visiting here at the invitation of Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, arrived at Uto-Kya-in region in Taikkyi Township this morning. Mayor U Ko Lay and officials explained agricultural and livestock breeding tasks being carried out in the region to the guests. At Shwewatun Hall of the City Farm and Resort in the region, member of YCDC Chairman of Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Committee Col Thaung Wai briefed on the agricultural and livestock breeding tasks with the help of charts. The mayor then explained economic condition of the State and condition of the tasks of the committee, and answered the queries raised by the guests. The mayor and the guests inspected the region by car. The delegation also visited the poultry farm of the YCDC in Mingaladon Township where officials briefed them on condition of the poultry farm and distributing of eggs at the markets.

Medicine, medical equipment donated to DSGH, No 2 Military Hospital (500-bed)

Yangon, 9 Aug- A ceremony to donate medicines and medical equipment worth K 600,000 to the Defence Services General Hospital (Mingaladon) and No 2 Military Hospital (500 bed) was held at the office of the Defence Services Medical Research and Development Committee on U Wizara Road here this morning. Present on the occasion were Deputy Director of Medical Services Lt-Col Than Aung, Col Tin Thein Lwin of DSGH, Col Min Naing of No 2 Military Hospital (500-bed), Lt-Col Thein Soe of No 1 Advanced Medical Store Depot, officials of the Directorate of Medical Services, donor Daw Kyin Kyin and family of 873, Thumana 3rd Street, Thingangyun Township. The donor explained the purpose of the donation and presented medicines and hospital equipment to Col Tin Thein Lwin of DSGH who accepted the donation and spoke words of thanks.

( 8 )  Hockey team recounts experience, accepts equipment

Yangon, 9 Aug- The regular meeting 8/2001 of the Myanmar Hockey Federation and a ceremony to recount training experiences in Pakistan of the Myanmar Selected Hockey team was held at the hall of MHF at Theinbyu Pitch here yesterday, with an address by President of MHF Commander of No 4 Military Region Commander of Yangon Station Commandant of Defence Services Records Office Brig-Gen Myo Myint. During their training in Pakistan, the Myanmar Selected Hockey team was trained by three grade-1 coaches and three international referees. The team played 12 matches against high-class Pakistani teams and won five matches and lost four. Joint-Secretary of the MHF the leader of the team Capt Aung Kyi Win recounted experiences. Also present on the occasion were the Vice-President, executives and officials of the MHF. Then, U Maung Htoo (Bo Ma - Rice Shop) and U Ba Tun (A-1 Machine & Machinery Trading Ltd) presented hockey equipment worth K 250,000 each, and Director U Nyan Moe Myint (Kaba Alinyaung Co) equipment worth K 50,000 to President Brig-Gen Myo Myint who accepted the donation and spoke words of thanks.

Myanmar beat China 3-0 in friendly volleyball match

Yangon, 9 Aug- The first day of the Myanmar-China-Korea Volleyball friendly matches were held at National Stadium-1 here this afternoon. Among the spectators were Chairman of the Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Ambassador of Korea Mr Chung Jung Gum, Charge d' Affaires ai of Embassy of China Mr Tiang Ying and embassy staff, officials form the Ministry of Sports, members of Leading Panel of Patrons of the Myanmar Women's Sports Federation, the President of Myanmar Volleyball Federation and executives, specially invited guests and fans. The players from the teams of the three countries took position in the ground, and the Minister, the Ambassador, the Charge d' Affaires ai and officials from MVF greeted the players. Then, the players shook hands and exchanged badges. In today's match, Myanmar Selected Volleyball team beat the China Jiang Su Volleyball team 3-0. The China Jiang Su Volleyball team will play against the Kyong Gi University Volleyball team for the second day at 4 pm tomorrow.