( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe and Vice-Chairman General Maung Aye send felicitations to Republic of Indonesia

Yangon, 17 Aug- On the occasion of the anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia which falls on 17 August 2001, messages of felicitations have been sent from Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, to Her Excellency Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri, President of the Republic of Indonesia and from General Maung Aye, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar to His Excellency Dr Hamzah Haz, Vice-President of the Republic of Indonesia.

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( 2 ) Government spends over K 43.39b on building 124 dams to irrigate 1.7 million acres Salin Dam added to network of irrigation facilities in Magway Division

Yangon, 16 Aug- Salin Dam in Salin Township, Minbu District, Mag-way Division, was commissioned into service yesterday morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of the Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of the Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, ministers, deputy ministers, Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, division level officials, local authorities of Minbu District, Salin Township and Pwintbyu Township, departmental personnel, members of the War Veterans Organization, the Union Solidarity and Development Association, the Red Cross, the Auxiliary Fire Brigade, the Maternal and Child Welfare Association and dance and music troupes and local people totalling over 10,000.

The Secretary-1 said the State has been laying down plans in systematically fulfilling the requirements for regional progress to develop Magway Division with greater momentum; it is giving priority to building irrigation facilities which are the main requirements for Magway Division in the dry zone. A series of dams are emerging in the division as the government is building a network of irrigation facilities at the suitable places; in 2001 alone, Laydaingsin Dam was opened in Yenangyoung Township in January, Yanpei Dam in Taungdwingyi in February, Sonchaung and Palin dams in Myothit Township in June and July. Today the Salin Dam is added to the network. Emergence of a series of dams clearly indicate the State's goodwill in uplifting socio-economy of the local people, and is also a firm foundation for the economic progress of the agro-based Magway Division.

The State Peace and Development Council is making all-round efforts for the Union of Myanmar to get abreast of the world nations, to develop the national economy and to further improve the living standard of the national people; in this manner, it is making systematic efforts to develop the agricultural sector which is the nation's main income source as well as the foundation of the national economy. The government is making strenuous efforts for rapid progress of the agricultural sector to effectively uplift the national economy; as the conventional methods alone are not enough to implement the task, arrangements are being made to introduce a modern agricultural method to effectively make use of the land, water and climatic conditions.

Thus, efforts are being made from all sectors to use high-yield and quality strains, modern methods and equipment, to extend cultivable land and to supply enough water to the fields in order to develop and modernize the agricultural sector. Land and water play a vital role in developing the agricultural tasks; in this context, dams are being built in dry regions like Magway Division to supply adequate amount of water to the fields, to irrigate the extended cultivation land and to harness the climate. Despite their proximity to the Ayeyawady River, the midland areas including Magway Division are included in the dry region; in this situation, priority has been given to implementing a cluster of river-pumped water stations and manual and mechanized tube-wells in various parts to ensure supply of irrigation water. As there are also creeks which are tributaries of the two major rivers, the Ayeya-wady and the Chindwin, networks of small and medium dams have been built in places where large dams cannot be built in order to extend the irrigated areas.

Palin Dam, opened in Myothit Township, is the final facility of the series of dams built on Yin Creek in the eastern sector of Magway Division. Salin Dam, which was built in the western sector of Magway Division in accord with the condition and requirement, is the highest dam among the dams built by the government. In combination with the Linzin Diversion Dam located about 20 miles downstream, Salin Dam will irrigate 33,000 acres. Linzin Dam was built since the time of ancient Myanmar kings, and has been renovated throughout the successive eras for use. Its canal system has been rebuilt at present. The government has built 124 dams including the Salin Dam to this date at a cost of K 43,390.53 million.

The dams are irrigating 1.7 millions acres. The government has built 24 dams or 20 percent of the facilities in the division alone. Built at a cost of K 10,870.77 million, the 24 dams in the division are irrigating over 165,000 acres of land. Mone Creek Dam in Sedoktara Township and Bwetkyi and Pade Dams in Aunglan Township are in construction stage at present. Plans are being made to build Kyion-kyiwa Dam in Sedoktara Township and Minletawya Dam in Hsaw Township. Emergence of the dams will lead to economic progress of the division whose economy is based on agriculture.

As the government has spent a large amount of cash to build the dams, the local people should effectively use them to help develop their agriculture work and socio-economy. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given the guidance to promote the rural development undertakings at his addresses at the opening of the courses of the Union Solidarity and Development Association. The Secretary-1 quoted the Senior General as saying, Agricultural progress is directly linked to the rural development. A goal has been set in the third five-year plan to develop the rural economy. Rapid progress in agriculture sector has helped strengthen the rural economy, and will contribute towards industrial advancement.

 In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, plans have been laid down and implemented phase by phase to ensure water supply in rural areas, to develop the rural transport sector, to uplift the education and health standards of the rural people, to develop the rural economy and further improve their living standard of the people; success have been achieved to a certain degree in implementing the plans. The assistance rendered by the government bodies and the efforts made by the local people should be combined for progress of the rural farming sector. The participation of the local people is also required in maintaining the existing dams, conserving the watershed areas and planting trees.

In the time of the present government, development has been achieved in the transport sector in Magway Division. Local people themselves are enjoying the fruits of development. Today Magway Division has access to the eastern bank of the Ayeyawady River due to Hsinbyushin Bridge across Chindwin River and Anawrahta Bridge across the Ayeyawady River. It can be calculated that on completion of Magway Bridge across the Ayeyawady River, transport and the flow of commodities will become smoother.

In addition, due to Pathein-Monywa Highway and Sittway-Yangon Highway, Magway Division has become a vital link of Rakhine State, Ayeyawady Division, Yangon Division, Chin State and Sagaing Division. Pyay-Aunglan-Hsatthwa-Taungdwingyi-Kyaukpadaung-Bagan-Myingyan-TadaU railroad and ChaungU-Pakokku-Gangaw-Kalay railroad link Magway with Bago Division, Mandalay Division, Sagaing Division and Chin State. Pakokku-Gangaw-Kalay railroad is being built through Pondaung-Ponnya ridge, and a tunnel which will be the longest in Myanmar is also being built for the railroad. As the government has spent large sums of money on transport infrastructure, dams and embankments in Magway Division, local people are required to make efforts for the development of their own region and improvement of socio-economic standard. Only when all the parts of the Union including rural areas are economically strong, will the education, health and social standard of the entire people improve all the more.

Therefore, all are required to take part in the activities designed for rural development. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 exhorted all to maintain and safeguard Salin Dam and irrigation network, to strive for the development of the agriculture sector in order to improve the economic and social standard and to make concerted efforts for the development of rural areas with the use of infrastructures built by the government in response to the goodwill of the Head of State. Then, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint said that in Magway Division, Mezali Diversion Weir was built on Mone Creek in 1910, Aingma Diversion Weir on Mann Creek in 1925 and Linzin Diversion Weir on Salin Creek in 1934. In 1998, Manchaung Dam was built upstream Aingma Diversion Weir.

Salin Dam has been built upstream Linzin Diversion Weir. Monechaung Multipurpose Dam will soon be completed upstream Mezali Diversion Weir. As dams have been built, it doesnŐt need to wait for rain, and water will be available in all weathers. The government inaugurated Yanpe Dam in February, Soonchaung Dam in June, Palin Dam in July and Salin Dam in August in 2001. They are, in fact, the victories of Magway Division. Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance on the development of the agriculture sector, the improvement of living standard of farmers, rice sufficiency and greening of the region. In Magway Division, altogether 24 dams including Salin Dam have been built, and Bwetgyi Dam Project, Pade Dam Project and Naga Dam Project will be implemented.

Next, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin said that efforts are being made to develop the agriculture sector and to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas, and in this regard, land and water resources and machinery and technology are being used. Out of one-fourth of over 167 million acres of land, only 25 million acres of land are under cultivation. Arrangements are being made to enable farmers to undertake cultivation on about 20 million of acres. Permits have been issued to reclaim 1.3 million acres of land all over the nation. In Magway Division including the area on the western bank of the Ayeyawady River, 24 dams are irrigating over 230,000 acres of land and 46 river-water pumping projects, 50,000 acres of land. The acres of crops cultivated with irrigated water account for 19 percent of over 2.7 million total cultivated acres. Therefore, local farmers are required to strive for the development of the agriculture sector.

Then, Secretary of Salin Township Union Solidarity and Development Association U Thet Lwin Khine of Minbu District, Magway Division, spoke words of thanks. Next, the Secretary-1 presented cash awards to the employees. Afterwards, the inauguration ceremony of Salin Dam was held. The Secretary-1 formally unveiled the stone inscriptions of the Salin Dam. Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin formally opened the Salin Dam. The Secretary-1 and party, together with local people posed for photos, and inspected the dam. The Secretary-1 and party paid homage to Yanaungmyin HseOo Pagoda built near the Salin Dam. The Secretary-1 and party from the platform of the pagoda observed the water storage of the Salin Dam. The Secretary-1 and party also inspected the control tower.

The Secretary-1 and party heard a report by Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin on implementation of the project in accordance with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe and benefits to be gained from the dam. Director-General of the Irrigation Department U Kyaw San Win reported on construction of the embankment, water supply, extension of the spillway, the sluice gate and canal and targeted irrigated areas. Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min reported on progress in cultivation of summer paddy after opening the dam and the organizing work of Magway Division Peace and Development Council for cultivation of oil crops and beans and peas. The Secretary-1 gave instructions. The Salin Dam has been built 22 miles upstream Linzin Diversion Weir near Shwedwintoo Village. The earthern embankment, is 2,770 feet long and 220 feet high, and the water storage capacity of the dam is 133,000 acre-feet. It can irrigate 33,000 acres of land including 28,431 acres which were previously irrigated by Linzin Diversion Weir.

Secretary-1 inspects river-water pumping projects and development tasks

Yangon, 16 Aug- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt visited Tanyaung River-Water Pumping Project of the Water Resources Utilization Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation in Salin Township, Minbu District, Magway Division, on 15 August morning.

The Secretary-1 was accompanied by Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, ministers, deputy ministers, the chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department. On arrival at the project site the Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by senior military officers of the local station, members of Magway Division Peace and Development Council, the director-general of the Water Resources Utilization Department and employees.

In the briefing hall of the project, the Secretary-1 and party heard a report by Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin on the condition of the cluster of dams already opened in Magway Division, the acres of land which will be irrigated by the river-water pumping project and the acres of land to be irrigated on completion of Tanyaung River-Water Pumping Project. Director-General of WRUD U Win Shwe reported on the location and purpose of the project, implementation of the project, acres of land to be irrigated by the project, construction of irrigation canal, arrival and installation of machinery and requirements. Managing Director of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise U Yan Naing reported on power supply for the river-water pumping projects.

Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min reported on cultivation of monsoon paddy and summer paddy in Magway Division and in Salin Township, extension of cultivation of cotton, oil crops and beans and peas, arrangements for water supply and assistance being provided by Magway Division Peace and Development Council. Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun reported on cultivation of 10,000 belleric myrobalan plants in Seikphyu Township for the greening of the township. The Secretary-1 gave instructions on the project and cultivation of oil crops like belleric myrobalan plants. Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the project.

On completion of the project, 15,000 acres of land will be irrigated by the main canal, 8 feet wide, 8 feet deep and 48,500 feet long, and seven outlet canals 45,000 feet long. Next, the Secretary-1 and party left for Pakokku by helicopter. On arrival at Pakokku, the Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by 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, district and township authorities and officials. Later, the Secretary-1 and party went to 200-bed General Hospital in Pakokku by car. They were welcomed by Director-General of the Health Department Dr Wan Maung, Head of Mandalay Division Health Department Dr Kyaw Hla Myint, Medical Superintendent Dr U Htay and physicians, medical staff and officials.

The Secretary-1 and party heard a report by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein on the background history of Pakokku General Hospital, the layout of wards, arrangements to build new wards and a ward for members of the Sangha. Medical Superintendent Dr U Htay reported on matters pertaining to the set-up of the hospital, patient wards, construction work, treatment and construction of a two-storey building for outpatients. The Secretary-1 attended to their requirements. The Secretary-1 inspected the child ward and the laboratory. Then, the Secretary-1 selected a site for construction of a ward for members of the Sangha and a two-storey building for outpatients. Next, the Secretary-1 inspected the site designated to implement construction tasks designed for the development of Pakokku and human resources.

At Ngathayauk Pumped-Water Project, the Secretary-1 heard a report on the points of the project, progress in implementing the project and the prospected benefits presented by Director-General of Water Resources Utilization Department U Win Shwe. Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin gave a supplementary report. Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Deputy Minister U Kyaw Tin and Managing Director of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise U Yan Naing reported on the assistance being rendered to the project.

After giving suggestions, the Secretary-1 inspected the chosen site to build the floating pumped-water station and the water tank and preparations being made to lay the main pipeline. The floating water-pump will lift water from the Ayeyawady River to 17 sub-stations. During inspection of the Hongpan Tropical Model Farm at Bagan Farm in NyaungU, the Secretary-1 heard a report on setting up of the Bagan Farm, experimental cultivation of crops, future programmes and requirements presented by the officials.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions and later inspected vineyards and other fruit plantations. The farm should disseminate techniques to the local farmers, stressed the Secretary-1. He then observed supplying of pumped water from the Ayeyawady to the farm. The Hong Peng Company has cultivated two acres of grapevines, nine acres of pomelo, nine acres of durian. It will also cultivate three acres of hnin fruit trees, 8.14 acres of coconut palm, 8.24 acres of seasonal fruits, 19.82 acres of pomelo and 4.21 acres of grapevines. The Secretary-1 then cordially greeted the teachers and students of Ganga Basic Education Middle School in NyaungU Township. In Bagan, the Secretary-1 and party paid obeisance to Dhammayazaka Pagoda. They presented the cash donated by Mongphone Sayadaw to the pagoda board of trustees. They arrived back here by air in the morning .

( 3 ) Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt receives Japanese guests

Yangon, 16 Aug- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received President Mr Hisashi Owada of the Japan Institute of International Affairs and party at the Guest House of the Ministry of Defence here at 5 pm today. Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Chief of the Office of the Strategic Studies Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and Ambassador of Japan Mr Shigeru Tsumori.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt receives Korean guests

Yangon, 16 Aug- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Deputy Minister Mr Kim Dong Wong of Energy Resources Policy of the Ministry of Commerce, Korea, and party at the Guest House of Ministry of Defence here at 4 pm today. Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and Ambassador of Korea Mr Chung Jung-Gum.

( 4 ) Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung sends felicitations to Republic of Indonesia

Yangon, 17 Aug- On the occasion of the anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia which falls on 17 August 2001, U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Dr N Hassan Wirajuda, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.

Ministry of Industry-1 holds coord meeting

Yangon, 16 Aug- The Ministry of Industry-1 held a coordination meeting on implementation of plan targets for 2001-2002 fiscal year at the Ministry for the second day this morning. The co-ordination meeting was attended by Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, directors-general and managing directors of industries and departments, directors, general managers and managers of factories in States and Divisions.

First, the factory mangers and heads of state/division offices reported on progress of work. The directors-general and managing directors concerned also gave supplementary reports. Afterwards, Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win made assessments of the reports. Minister U Aung Thaung made the concluding remarks. He urged the officials concerned to boost productivity, raise the quality of products and make concerted efforts for achieving success in implementing the plan targets. The second-day meeting came to a close in the evening.

( 5 ) Minister U Pan Aung inspects railroads

Yangon, 16 Aug- Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung met with officials of Meiktila, Myingyan, Bagan, Pakokku and Magway Division Road Transport Departments of Myanma Railways at Bagan Yeiktha on 13 August evening. The minister said: as the ministry plays a vital role in transportation for the safety and convenience of the public, all are to strive for not losing lives of the public and the state-owned property, to abide by the rules, regulations and instructions, to keep away from bribery and to minimize the wastage of the funds of the State. The minister inspected the Magway-Pyay railroad and bridges between Magway Station and Pyay Station and gave instructions to the officials on 14 August. He also inspected the railroad from Pyay Station to Phalon Station and gave instructions on maintenance of the railroad yesterday.

Minister inspects power plant in Mon State

Yangon, 16 Aug- Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, accompanied by Adviser to the Ministry U Bo Kyin and officials, arrived at Natural Gas Power Plant Extension Project in Thaton, Mon State, yesterday. The minister, together with Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe and officials of the project, inspected the test-run of the No 1 Power Plant and the installation of No 2 Power Plant and gave instructions on generating electricity to the full capacity, extension of existing power lines to supply electricity, systematic operation and maintenance of the machines, cultivation of seasonal and perennial crops on the vacant land in the compound of the power plant and prevention of occupational hazards.

He also urged those responsible to finish the installation of the No 2 power plant ahead of schedule. Then, the minister presented cash award to the service personnel. Afterwards, the minister and party proceeded to the construction site of Donthami Bridge which is being constructed by Myanma Railways and discussed progress of work and attended to the requirements.

( 6 ) Industry-1 Minister receives Chinese guests

Yangon, 16 Aug- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung received Reputation Director Mr Cheng Shouhai of the China Chen International Construction Contracting Co Ltd, China and party at 1.30 pm and President Mr Sun Longping of the Shandong Boshan Pump Science and Technology Co Ltd, China and party at 2 pm at his office today separately. Also present at the calls were Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, the directors-general and managing directors from the ministry.

Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone receives Korean guest

Yangon, 16 Aug- Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Deputy Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy Mr Kim Dong Won and party of the Republic of Korea at his office at 3 pm today. Also present at the call were Director-General of Border Trade Department U Nay Win, Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and officials.

( 7 )  Commander and CEC member meet secretaries and executives of USDAs in Shan State

Yangon, 16 Aug- Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and member of the Central Executive Committee of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Col Tin Hlaing met with local national people and USDA members in Pankum Village on 13 August morning.

The Commander and the CEC member then inspected Kyaukme-Monglone motor road, the site chosen for construction of Chaungku Bridge near Kantkan Village and Monglone Dam. The Commander and the CEC member and party also met with local national people and USDA members in Monglone Village, Kyaukme Township.

CEC member Col Tin Hlaing donated publications to Monglone Village USDA. The Commander and the CEC member met with secretaries, executives and members of Momeik and Mabein Township USDAs at the office of the association in Momeik on 14 August morning. Township executive Daw San San Htay accepted 1,012 USDA membership applications of Momeik Basic Education High School, Nyaungbinsauk Basic Education Middle School and Letkhokepin Education Department and 358 of North Ward. The Commander presented prizes to USDA member Ma Khin Win Chit who passed the matriculation examination for 2000-2001 with three distinctions. The CEC member donated publications to Momeik and Mabein USDAs. The Commander and the CEC member also met with departmental officials and personnel from non-governmental organizations from Momeik and Mabein Townships in Momeik. They presented cash assistance. The Commander and the CEC member attended to the requirements presented by local authorities.

New building of Shwesewady Home for the Aged opened

Yangon, 16 Aug- Chairman of the Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay attended the ceremony to open new building for the aged (women) of the Shwe-sewady Home for the Aged in Thayawady Township, Bago Division, donated by the staff families of the Engineering (Water & Sewerage) Department of the YCDC this morning.

At the auspicious time, Head of the department U Thaung Yin explained the donation, a member of Board of Trustees of the Home for the Aged spoke words of thanks, and Mayor U Ko Lay and wife Daw Khin Khin formally opened the new building. U Thaung Yin presented commemorative pennants to the mayor, and officials of the Board of Trustees, township Peace and Development Council and Township USDA. On behalf of the staff families, U Thaung Yin handed over the document related to the building to the Board of Trustees and Secretary of the board U Hla Aung presented certificates of honours to him. After the ceremony, the mayor and wife, and attendance went around the new building and other buildings. They served the aged with lunch, and presented cash and personal goods to them.

( 8 )  Training on Implementation of ATS Abuse Management and Control opens

Yangon, 16 AugŃThe opening ceremony of Training on Implementation of ATS Abuse Management and Control sponsored by Ministry of Health and World Health Organization was held at the hall of Myanmar Medical Association on Theinbyu Road this morning. It was attended by Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo, member of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Police Brig-Gen Zaw Win of Myanmar Police Force, Joint-Secretary Police Col Kham Aung, directors-general of departments under the Ministryof Health, rectors and officials, officials of WHO, Chairman Dr Nay Win of Myanma Anti-Narcotics Association, course instructor specialists, professors of departments, directors-general and directors, trainees from states and divisions and guests.

First, Deputy Minister Professor Dr Mya Oo made a speech. He said; successive governments of Myanmar have been striving for combating narcotic drugs. The State Peace and Development Council is making efforts for drug elimination as a national task. Myanmar signed the agreement to be a member of UN Convention on Drugs in 1961, 1971 and 1988. Moreover, Myanmar is cooperating with neighbouring countries in drug control work. And tasks have been carried out for building the country a peaceful, modern and developed one free from drug since 1999-2000 drawing 15-year plan according to the guidance of the Head of State Senior General Than Shwe.

As a result, Mongla region was announced as a drug free region in 1997. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt instructed to make efforts towards total drug eradication at the CCDAC meeting 5/2000 held on 15 December 2000, he said. Then, Training on Implementation of ATS Abuse Management and Control was held. The deputy minister presided over the training. Joint-Secretary Police Col Kham Aung, Specialist Dr Thi Wa Tin and Specialist Dr Ba Thaung of Department of Treatment of Drug Related Diseases and Research in Yangon gave accounts of drugs, treatment and prevention. The training will continue till 18 August. Altogether, 60 trainees are attending the course.