( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe inspects roads, bridge, dams and town and village development undertakings in Ayeyawady Division
Eight more dams will emerge on west bank of Ayeyawady River in Division

Yangon, 14 Aug- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe left Pathein by car for Hinthada in Ayeyawady Division on 12 August morning.

The Senior General was accompanied by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla, Chairman of Ayeya-wady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, the ministers, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department.

Along the 98-mile long Pathein-Dahka-Yekyi-Kyonpyaw-Ahtaung-Neik-ban-Hinthada motorway, the Senior General and party observed the thriving crop fields, condition of the roads and bridges on it, the Dahka River Bridge Project and town and village development undertakings. On arrival at Hinthada at noon, the Senior General and party were welcomed by Deputy Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Tint Swe, division level officials, the chairman of Hinthada District Peace and Development Council and district and township level officials.

Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint met with division level officials and departmental personnel of Hinthada District and Township at the meeting hall of the Irrigation Department in Hinthada. Chairman of Hinthada District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Win Htein reported on cultivation of paddy, beans and pulses and edible oil crops, livestock breeding undertakings and economic growth of the district. Head of the District Settlements and Land Records Department Office U Win Aung reported on progress in reclamation of land in the region. Manager of Division Myanma Agriculture Service Office U Ohn Than and Head of Division Fisheries Department Office U Myint Oo explained the efforts being made to develop the farming sector. Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin explained arrangements being made to cultivate cotton in the district and plans to supply irrigation water.

Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein briefed the Secretary-3 on the condition of land and water resources in the division, the favourable conditions to develop livestock breeding work and the ministry's plans to provide requirements such as feedstuff and medicines. The commander said the district is the largest beans and pulses cultivation region in the division; mixed-cropping can be further extended when the dams and pumped-water projects are completed; the State is fulfilling requirements of all sectors including health and education sectors for progress of the district; the personnel of the division will do their utmost in all sectors for regional and national development.

The Secretary-3 attended to the requirements and explained plans to boost productivity of the region. The next morning, the Senior General and party left Hinthada for Ingapu by car. Along the road, they observed teak plantations, the condition of the road, development of villages and success in paddy cultivation. At the briefing hall near Ngawun River Railroad and Motorway Bridge, the Senior General heard a report on the condition of the bridge linking Hinthada and Ingapu townships, survey work to build the new Ngawun (Myokwin) Bridge and the area of the projected site to build the bridge, the proposed designs of the bridge and the approach structure presented by Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun. Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe reported to the Senior General on the river current and dredging work near the existing Ngawun Bridge.

After giving guidance to them, the Senior General inspected the chosen site of the Ngawun (Myokwin) Bridge Project. The existing Ngawun River Bridge is over 90 years old, arrangements are being made to build the new Ngawun (Myokwin) Bridge to ensure greater safety for the growing traffic on the bridge. The Senior General and party then inspected the condition of the 52-mile-long Ingapu-Myanaung-Kyangin Road in a motorcade.

They also inspected crop cultivation, forest reserves and town and village development undertakings along the road. On arrival at Kyangin Cement Plant, the Senior General and party were welcomed by Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, the managing director of Myanma Ceramic Industries and officials. Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung reported to the Senior General on the natural gas and electricity requirement for the plant, the plant's productivity, distribution of cement, production of parts for the machines by the engineers and staff of the plant, progress in implementing the major renovation project of the plant, farming in the plant compound and staff welfare programmes. Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann explained plans to lay the gas pipes provided to the plant. Senior General Than Shwe and party then inspected the plant.

At the briefing hall of the Kyunchaung No 2 Dam Project near Tatkon village in Kyangin Township, the Senior General heard a report on points of the project, dam projects to be implemented along the Ayeyawady River west bank and the projected irrigation acres. Director-General of Irrigation Department U Kyaw San Win presented a report on progress in implementing the dam project. The commander explained the collective efforts being made for completion of the dam and the irrigation network at the same time. After giving guidance, the Senior General inspected the chosen site to build the main dam. When completed, the dam will irrigate 20,000 acres of land.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation is building irrigation facilities at every possible places in all states and divisions for progress of the agricultural sector. Irrigation projects will be implemented along the Ayeyawady River west bank in the division. Nankathu (North) Dam is the first ever completed dam of the nine reservoirs covered by the project. Other dam projects, which are, Kyetpaung Dam and Kunchanung (South) Dam in Yekyi Township, Mezali and Jutchaung dams in Laymyithna Township, Kanyin Dam in Ingapu Township, Ma Mya Dam in Myanaung Township and No 1 Kyunchaung Dam in Kyangin Township will be built. The Senior General and party inspected the project and proceeded to Kwinkauk in Ingapu Township on Pathein-Monywa Road. Along the way, they observed the road's condition and wetland reclamation projects.

The Senior General and party inspected the 30-mile Kwinkauk-Myokwin-Hinthada Road and arrived back Hinthada in the evening. This morning, they inspected the town in a motorcade and cordially greeted the towns people. On their way to Zalun, they inspected the Hinthada-Zalun Road. On arrival at Man-aung-myin Pyi-daw-pyan Pagoda in Zalun, they were welcomed 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, Deputy Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Tint Swe, officials and the Pagoda Board of Trustees.

They paid homage to the Man-aung-myin Muni Buddha Image and offered "soon" fruits and Shwethingan to it. The Senior General presented cash donations to the pagoda. The Pagoda Board of Trustee presented a picture of the Buddha image to the Senior General. Those who accompanied the Senior General also presented cash donations. Senior General Than Shwe then inspected renovation of the Gandakudi chamber and a stairway. In Nyaungdon Township, the Senior General and party inspected Bo Myat Tun Bridge and its surrounding areas.

Along the Zalun-Danubyu-Nyaungdon Roan, the local people waved at the Senior General and party from both sides of the motorway. They arrived back here at 3 pm. Chairman of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Central Organizing Committee Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint, accompanied by Vice-Chairman of the MWVO Central Organizing Committee Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun and members, met with Chairman of Hinthada District WVO Supervisory Committee Lt-Col Win Htein and members, Township WVO Organizing Committees of the six townships in the district and war veterans at the town hall in Hinthada on 12 August. Lt-Col Win Htein explained functions of his committee.

Chairman Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun and members Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe and Minister U Aung Thaung gave speeches. The secretary-general of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and Central Executive Committee members, who accompanied the Senior General, also met with USDA members of the division, the district and Hinthada, Zalun, Laymyithna, Myanaung, Kyangin and Ingapu townships at the town hall. In-charge of Ayeyawady Division USDA U Aung Phone gave a speech. Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Kyaw Myint also inspected the Hinthada District People's Hospital on 12 August afternoon.

State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Republic of Korea

Yangon, 15 Aug- 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 Kim Dae-Jung, President of the Republic of Korea, on the occasion of the anniversary of the Liberation Day of the Republic of Korea which falls on 15 August 2001.

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( 2 ) Secretary-3 receives Malaysian delegation

Yangon, 14 Aug- Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Win Myint received Malaysian delegation led by Secretary-General of UMNO and Minister for Information Mr Tan Sri Khalil Yaakob at the guest house of the Ministry of Defence at 10 am today. Also present at the call were Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Than Shwe, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology Dr Chan Nyein, Director-General of Political Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Thaung Tun and Malaysian Ambassador Mr Dato Mohamad bin Noh.

Deputy Prime Minister receives Swiss Ambassador

Yangon, 14 Aug- On behalf of the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin received Ambassador of Switzerland to the Union of Myanmar Mr Bernard Freymond who has completed his tour of duty here, at Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence at 10:30 am today. Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet.

( 3 ) Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung sends felicitations to Republic of Korea

Yangon, 15 Aug- On the occasion of the anniversary of the Liberation Day of the Republic of Korea which falls on 15 August 2001, U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Han Seung-soo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea.

Minister U Tin Winn receives French mediamen

Yangon, 14 Aug- Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Tin Winn received a three-member delegation led by Mr Philippe Agret of AFP News Agency of France at his office at 2 pm today.

Minister receives British Ambassador

Yangon, 14 Aug- Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Tin Winn received British Ambassador Dr John Jenkins LVO at his office at 11 am today.

Malaysian delegation concludes visit

Yangon, 14 Aug- The Malaysian delegation led by Secretary-General of the UMNO and Minister of Information Mr YB Tan Sri Khalil Yaakob and party, visited here at the invitation of Central Executive Committee member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association U Thaung, left here for home this afternoon.They were seen off at Yangon International Airport by CEC members of USDA U Thaung and U Than Shwe, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology Dr Chan Nyein, officials concerned and Malaysian Ambassador Mr Dato Mohamad bin Noh.

( 4 ) Minister for Rail Transportation inspects Mandalay Station

Yangon, 14 Aug- Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung arrived at Mandalay Station on 12 August and inspected construction of offices, stalls, halls and hotel rooms. The minister gave instructions on completion of the project. The minister went to Myitnge coach workshop and inspected repair of coaches and construction of new coaches and construction of DRC and DMU trains at Ywahtaung Locomotive Shed. He gave necessary instructions. On 13 August, the minister met the Principal of Central Transport and Communications Training School, heads of departments, engineers and officials of Road Administration Department, Transport Planning Department and Road Transport at the Mandalay Station.

Minister inspects dry cell factory in Dagon Myothit (South)

Yangon, 14 Aug- Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Deputy Minister Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw and officials inspected dry cell factory in Industrial Zone in Dagon Myothit (South) this morning. Managing Director of Myanma Machine Tools and Electrical Industries U Kyaw Win reported on installation (See page 7) machines for production of National UM-1 dry cells, trial run of the machines and maps for construction of warehouses for LPG Cylinder Plant. The minister inspected plans for construction of LPG Cylinder Plant and installation of machines for production of dry cells.

( 5 ) No 11 Basic Education Primary School in Lashio gets new building

Yangon, 14 Aug- A ceremony to hand over new Shwe Ingyin building of No 11 Basic Education Primary School to the Ministry of Education was held in Lashio on 11 August. Present were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council (North) Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, senior military officers of North-East Command, departmental officials, teachers, students, wellwishers and guests. Lashio District Education Officer Daw Hnin Kyi, Chairman of the School Board of Trustees U Sai San Tun and Headmistress Daw Nany Shwe Hla formally opened the new building.

Commander Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo formally unveiled the signboard of the new school building. Chairman of School Board of Trustees U Sai San Tun reported on construction of the building. Wellwishers presented donations to the commander. Chairman U Sai San Tun handed over documents related to Shan State Additional Education Officer U San Shwe. The commander then spoke on the occasion. The commander and guests inspected the new building and education promotion activities.

( 6 ) Books donated to IPRD libraries

Yangon, 14- A ceremony to present books, journals and magazines donated by wellwishers to the libraries of the Information and Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Information was held at IPRD (Head Office) on Pansodan Street, here, this morning. It was attended by Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Managing Director of the Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Myint Thein, Deputy Director-General of IPRD U Aung Hsan, Deputy Director-General of the Myanma Radio and Television Lt-Col Thein Aung, Director (News) of the News and Periodicals Enterprise U Hla Tun, Director of IPRD U Tun Min, officials and wellwishers.

The wellwishers presented various kinds of books, journals and magazines to the deputy minister who presented certificates of honour to them and expressed words of thanks. Today's donations of the six wellwishers included 1,536 books, 300 magazines and 320 journals worth K 375,300. A total of 257 wellwishers have donated 295,177 books valued at K 23,661,275 to IPRD (Head Office) from 1 January 1998 to 31 July 2001. Those wishing to donate books to IPRD libraries may contact IPRD (Head Office) on Pansodan Street.

13th ceremony to honour parents of Youth Apostolate (Yangon) held

Yangon, 14 Aug- The 13th ceremony to honour parents of Youth Apostolate (Yangon) was held at the Strand Hotel here on 12 August. Present were Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Soe Thein, Vice- Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Ambassadors, Charge d' Affaires ai of Embassies, Director-General of the Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint, Archbishop Youth Apostolate (Yangon) Gabrial T Mahn Gaby, Youth Chaplain Father Edwin David and executives, youths of Youth Apostolate (Yangon) and guests.

Youths and Catholic youths from university sang songs to honour parents and Youth Apostolate Chairperson Ms Geraldine Williams spoke. Next, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and Director-General Dr Myo Myint also spoke. Refreshments were then served and Catholic youths entertained the guests to the accompaniment of Century Music Band. Youth Chaplain Father Edwin David spoke words of thanks. Archbishop Youth Apostolate (Yangon) Gabrial T Mahn Gaby and Youth Chaplain Father Edwin David blessed the gathering.

Students of Meiktila Township Shwesitthe Village Affiliated BEMS honoured

Yangon, 14 Aug- A ceremony to honour the students who passed matriculation exam first from Affiliated Basic Education Middle School in Shwesitthe Village, Meiktila Township, was held at the Kandaw Mingalar Hall in the Township on 9 August, with an address by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt. Also present were Tactical Operations Commander of No 99 Light Infantry Division Col Han Nyunt, Chairman of Meiktila District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myo Myint and members, executives of Mandalay Division and Meiktila Township Union Solidarity and Development Associations, local authorities, the Township Education Officer, Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association, departmental officials, the headmistress of the school and teachers, parents and the students. On behalf of the teachers, Teacher Daw Yin Yin Myint spoke words of thanks.

Then, the deputy minister presented certificates of honour and cash awards to the teachers of the school and 26 students. Minister for Education U Than Aung attended the opening ceremony of the school and formally opened the school on 24 July 1999. A total of 26 students of the school from Shwesitthe, Wetkyauk, Kyapauk, Pyaw-bwelay, Ooyin, Nyaung-pinsho, Thedawlay, Chaungna, Myingan, Ingyinsu, Thangyatka, Tantaung, Kan-thaaye, Talingon, Wasuchay and Kyaukpon Villages passed the matriculation exam in 2000-2001 Academic Year. After the ceremony, the deputy minister posed for documentary photos together with members of the School Board of Trustees, the teachers and the students.

( 7 )  Permission for Legacy of Bagan presented

Yangon, 14 Aug- The Legacy of Bagan exhibition of the Archaeology Department of the Ministry of Culture to be held at multi-purpose hall of the National Museum on Pyay Road here was inspected by Vice-Chairman of the Libraries, Museums and Exhibitions Supervisory Committee Deputy Director-General U Aung Hsan of the Information and Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Information and committee members this afternoon. The vice-chairman and committee members inspected the display of the exhibition and viewed the Bagan dance of the students of the University of Culture. Then, the vice-chairman presented the permission for the exhibition to Director-General U Nyunt Han of the Archaeology Department. The exhibition will be open from 15 August to 15 September daily. Admission fees are K 10 for adult, K 5 for student and US $ 2 or FEC 2 for foreigners per head.

Symposium on Stroke held

Yangon, 14 Aug- The Symposium on Stroke, co-organized by the Neurological Society of Myanmar and the UCB Pharma Co Ltd, was held at the Traders Hotel here on 11 August, attended by professors, physicians and specialists. Prof Dr U Saw Naing of the Institute of Medicine-1 presided over the sym-posium, and Prof Niphon Poungvarin of the Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University of Thailand and Professor Dr Daw Mi Mi Cho of the Yangon General Hospital discussed matters on latest therapies and prevention of stroke. Dr Alain Huvenne of the UCB Pharma Co Ltd briefed on Piracetam (Nootropil) and answered the queries raised by the attendance.

( 8 )  Myanmar beat Korea 3-1 in volleyball friendly

Yangon, 14 Aug- The fourth round of Myanmar-China-Korea Volleyball friendly matches was held at the National Stadium-1 in Thuwunna here this afternoon. Among the spectators were member of Myanmar Olympic Committee Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Vice-President of MOC Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo and committee members, officials from the Ministry of Sports, members of Panel of Leading Patrons of the Myanmar Women's Sport Federation, the president of Myanma Volleyball Federation and executives, invited guests and fans. The Myanmar Selected Volleyball team beat the Kyong Gi University Men's Volleyball team of Republic of Korea 3-1.

Yangon Consumer Products Expo 2001 on 23-26 August

Yangon, 14 Aug- With the permission of the Ministry of Commerce, Yangon Consumer Products Expo 2001 of the Dragon Exhibitions Ltd will be held at Yangon Trade Centre on Pazundaung Road here from 23 to 26 August. Various kinds of textile from home and abroad, cosmetics, personal goods, plastic wares, foodstuff, electronic devices, construction materials, house wares, paper and stationery, gadgets, sport equipment, and general services will systematically be displayed there together with demonstration of goods.