( 1 )  President of Republic of Indonesia Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri pays working visit to Myanmar

Yangon, 24 Aug- At the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe, the goodwill delegation led by President of the Republic of Indonesia Madame Mega-wati Soekarnoputri arrived here by special flight this morning to pay a working visit to Myanmar.

President Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri and delegation were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Win Myint, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Lt-Gen Tin Hla, 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, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Ambassador of Myanmar to Indonesia U Nyo Win, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet, heads of missions of ASEAN nations in Myanmar, Ambassador of Indonesia to Myanmar Mr Nasaruddin Koro, embassy staff and families.

The aircraft carrying the delegation led by Indonesian President Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri arrived at the airport at 10 am. Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and Ambassador of Indonesia to Myanmar Mr Nasaruddin Koro boarded the plane and welcomed President Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri and her consort Mr Taufiq Kiemas. Two Myanmar girls presented a bouquet to Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri and Mr Taufiq Kiemas. School girls waiting at the airport welcomed Madame Megawati Soekarno-putri and delegation waving miniature flags of the two countries and chanting slogans. Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri and Mr Taufiq Kiemas were greeted by Senior General Than Shwe. Senior General Than Shwe presented his entourage to the Indonesian President.

Afterwards, Senior General Than Shwe and party and Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri and delegation went to the reception hall of the airport. Madame Mega-wati Soekarnoputri and Senior General Than Shwe then proceeded to the saluting dais and took the salute of the Guard of Honour as the State Band played the national anthems of the two countries. Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri and Senior General Than Shwe inspected the Guard of Honour. Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri and Senior General Than Shwe were greeted by heads of missions of ASEAN nations and Ambassador of Indonesia to Myanmar Mr Nasaruddin Koro, embassy staff and families.

The Indonesian President and delegation, accompanied by Senior General Than Shwe, proceeded to Seinle Kantha State House in a motorcade. Teachers, students and the public totalling over 10,000 warmly welcomed the guests waving miniature flags of the two countries along the route from the airport to Seinle Kantha State House, and along the University Avenue wishing the Indonesian President and her consort and the Senior General good health and hailing the Myanmar-Indonesia friendship. As a gesture extending a grand welcome to the Indonesian President, an archway was put up at the entrance to the Yangon International Airport bearing the words both in Myanmar and English "We warmly welcome Her Excellency President of Indonesia Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri and her consort Mr Taufiq Kiemas.

Archways were also put up at the entrance to the airport on Pyay Road, at the corner of Inyalay and in front of the People's Square. The national flags of the two countries were hoisted at the airport, at the entrance road, at the 8th Mile junction, at Inyalay corner, on the Inya bund, at the entrance to the Seinle Kantha State House, along the University Avenue, at the Kamayut junction, at the Hanthawady Roundabout, U Wisara Roundabout and in front of the People's Square. The guests, together with the Senior General, arrived at Seinle Kantha State House at 10.25 am. The Senior General greeted the Indonesian President and delegation and left there at 10.35 am. Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri and Mr Taufiq Kiemas were accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr N Hassan Wirajuda and high-ranking officials.

State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Uruguay

Yangon, 25 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 Dr Jorge Battle Ibanez, President of the Republic of Uruguay, on the Independence Day of Uruguay which falls on 25 August, 2001.

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( 2 )  Senior General Than Shwe sees off Indonesian President Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri and delegation

Yangon, 24 Aug- President of the Republic of Indonesia Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri and delegation, who paid a working visit to Myanmar at the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe, left here by special flight this afternoon after conclusion of their visit.

The Indonesian President and delegation arrived at Yangon International Airport at 2.15 pm. Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri and delegation were seen off at the airport by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Win Myint, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Lt-Gen Tin Hla, member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of the Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Ambassador of Myanmar to Indonesia U Nyo Win, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet, Ambassador of Indonesia to Myanmar Mr Nasaruddin Koro, the embassy staff and families. The special aircraft carrying the Indonesian goodwill delegation took off at 2.30 pm. Senior General Than Shwe and party bade farewell to the guests from the VIP lounge.

Indonesian President calls on Senior General Than Shwe

Yangon, 24 Aug- President of the Republic of Indonesia Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri called on Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe at the Credentials Hall of the Pyithu Hluttaw Building at 11.15 am today.

Also present at the call together with the Senior General were Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Win Myint, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Lt-Gen Tin Hla, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Ambassador of Myanmar to Indonesia U Nyo Win and Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet. The Indonesian President was accompanied by Mr Taufiq Kiemas, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr N Hassan Wirajuda, high ranking officials and Ambassador of Indonesia to Myanmar Mr Nasaruddin Koro.

Senior General Than Shwe hosts luncheon to Indonesian President Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri

Yangon, 24 Aug- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe hosted a luncheon to the Indonesian delegation led by President of the Republic of Indonesia Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri at the Pyithu Hluttaw Building on Pyay Road this afternoon.

Also present were Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Lt-Gen Tin Hla, 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, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, senior military officers, Ambassador of Myanmar to Indonesia U Nyo Win, Ambassador of Indonesia to Myanmar Mr Nasaruddin Koro and embassy staff and heads of department.

( 3 )  Secretary-1 receives Malaysian guests

Yangon, 24 Aug- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received President and Chief Executive Officer of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) of Malaysia Mr Tan Sri Dato' Mohd Hassan Marican and party at the guest house of the Ministry of Defence 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 for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and Ambassador of Malaysia Dato' Muhammad Bin Noh.

( 4 )  Secretary-3 presents prizes to winners of performing arts competitions

Yangon, 24 Aug- The prize-presentation ceremony for the performing arts competitions, Anyeint competition and magic show competition of the Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare under the Ministry of Defence was held at Yannyeinaye Hall on Parami Road in Mayangon Township this evening. Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint attended the ceremony. Also present were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Soe Thein and senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, members of the panel of judges, guests, artistes and competitors. The Secretary-3 made a speech, and presented prizes to winners. Then, the audience was entertained with magic shows.

( 5 )  Deputy Prime Minister receives Malaysian guests

Yangon, 24 Aug- Deputy Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin received Chairman of Petronas Company Mr Tan Sri Dato' Mohd Hassan Marican and party of Malaysia at his office at 3 pm today. Also present at the call were Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi and officials of the Government's Office.

Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung sends felicitations to Uruguay

Yangon, 25 Aug- U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Dr Didier Opertti, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uruguay, on the Independence Day of Uruguay which falls on 25 August, 2001.

Commerce Minister receives guests

Yangon, 24 Aug- Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Managing Director Mr Ryoichi Azuma and party of Myanmar Sai Steel Industry Co Ltd, Japan, at his office this afternoon. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director-General of Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye, Director-General of Border Trade Department U Nay Win, Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and officials.

F&R Minister receives Japanese delegation

Yangon, 24 Aug- Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein received Senior Vice-President of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Mr Toshikazu Suzuki and party of Japan at his office at 10 am today. Also present at the call were Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung and Adviser to the ministry U Kyi Shein.

AMDA, Japan, donates medicines

Yangon, 24 Aug- The AMDA, a social organization from Japan, donated medicines to Health Department of Meiktila Township, Mandalay Division, at Ministry of Health on Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Street here this morning. The donation ceremony was attended by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister Prof Dr Kyaw Myint, directors-general of departments under the ministry, Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Shigeru Tsumori and officials of AMDA. First, the ambassador gave an account of health cooperation programmes between Myanmar and Japan. Then, representative of AMDA Mr Tetsuya Kobayashi explained the purpose of donation. Later, Mr Tetsuya Kobayashi donated medicines worth K 9.2 million to the minister who presented a certificate of honour to the donor.

( 6 )  Minister meets industrialists

Yangon, 24 Aug- Chairman of the Myanma Industrial Development Committee Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung met industrial entrepreneurs who are implementing tasks by CMP system at Kanaung Hall of Management Office of Hlaing Thayar Industrial Zone this morning. Also present were Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Thein Tun, Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw, Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen Than Tun, directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministries and industrial entrepreneurs. First, the minister urged the entrepreneurs to openly discuss the needs and difficulties of their work. Only then, could difficulties be overcome in cooperation with departments concerned, he said. Later, the minister attended to the requirements presented by the entrepreneurs.

Construction of Thabbyinnu Pagoda inspected

Yangon, 24 Aug - Chairman of Leading Committee for Construction of Thabbyinnu Pagoda Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe arrived at Thabbyinnu Pagoda construction site here this morning. Managing Director of Myanma Industrial Construction Services of the Ministry of Industry-2 U Ye Tun and officials reported on arrangements to construct a replica of Thabbyinnu stupa at 108-foot height on the Pagoda. The minister and party then inspected the site for construction of the replica of Thabbyinnu stupa. The minister inspected progress in construction of Dhammethaka Sarthintaik and the pagoda circular road from the Pagoda. The minister paid reverence to ancient Buddha images in the Pagoda. A total of 80 per cent of concrete work, 50 per cent of laying bricks and 25 per cent of Myanmar artistic work have been completed. The height from the foot to the Htidaw of the Pagoda is 203 feet and six inches.

K 2.46 million distributed to medical units of North Okkalapa General Hospital

Yangon, 24 Aug- A ceremony to distribute K 2.46 million, interests which have accrued from K 1 million donated by Chairman of Myanmar National Health Committee and over K 17 million by wellwishers, to medical units of North Okkalapa General Hospital was held at the hospital this morning.

Present were Minister for Livestock Breeding and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Than Shwe, officials of the Ministry of Health, medical superintendents of hospitals in Yangon, professors and heads of department, specialists, senior nursing officers, township authorities, departmental officials, the chairmen of Township and Ward Health Committees, employees of the hospital and wellwishers.

Medical Superintendent of North Okkalapa General Hospital Professor Dr Myint Maung Maung explained the purpose of providing medical expenses for needy patients. Then, Minister U Than Shwe and Professor Dr Myint Maung Maung presented K 300,000 to the medical science unit, K 300,000 to the surgery unit, K 260,000 to the obstetrics and gynaecology unit, K 300,000 to the child health care unit, K 260,000 to the orthopaedic unit, K 100,000 each to the legal medical science unit, the heart unit, the pathology unit and the laboratory, the blood bank, the neonatal ward, the X-ray unit, the anaesthesia unit and the ward for members of the Sangha, K 60,000 each to the physiology unit, the oral health unit, the socio-medical relations unit and the trust fund for needy patients. Daw Nwe Nwe Kyi, wife of Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun, donated K 900,000 to the trust fund. After the ceremony, the ministers and guests viewed modern medical equipment.

( 7 )  Course on export and import procedures opens

Yangon, 24 Aug- Course No 20 on export and import procedures of Ministry of Commerce was opened at the ministry on Strand Road this afternoon. It was attended by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director-General U Nyunt Aye of Directorate of Trade, Director-General U Nay Win of Border Trade Department, Director-General U Min Hla Aung of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading, officials, guests and trainees. First, the minister made a speech. He said; the objectives of opening of the course are to enable the entrepreneurs to do trading systematically and effectively in accord with policy, regulations and procedures laid down by the State and to know procedures for applying for company registration and import and export licenses. Altogether 90 trainees are attending the six-week course.

Term paper supervisors for doctorate degree paid homage

Yangon, 24 Aug- Students who acquired PhD degrees in Engineering and Architecture Course No 1 and Applied Science Course No 1 paid homage to the term paper supervisors at the assembly hall of Department of Advanced Science and Technology on Thanlwin Road this morning. The ceremony was attended by Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Deputy Ministers U Nyi Hla Nge and Dr Chan Nyein, heads of departments, rectors, officials and PhD degree holders. First, the minister spoke. Then, the students paid homage to the faculty members, term paper supervisors.

Cash donated for renovation of ancient Bagan pagodas

Yangon, 24 Aug- A ceremony to present cash donations for renovation of ancient pagodas in Bagan was held at the parlour of the Ministry of Culture at No 131, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, here, this afternoon. Present were Minister for Culture U Win Sein, Deputy Minister U Soe Nyunt, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Institute U Myint Thein Swe, Director-General of Archaeology Department U Nyunt Han, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department U Kyaw Win, Rector of the University of Culture (Yangon) U Tin Soe, Rector of the University of Culture (Mandalay) U San Win and officials of the departments under the ministry and wellwishers. Under the patronage of member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Division, District and Township Peace and Development Councils presented K 2.7 million to the minister who presented certificates of honour and expressed thanks. The donations received from the public to date totalled K 523 million and US 8 dollars.

Strategic Planning Workshop for Women and Child Health Development (WCHD) begins

Yangon, 24 Aug-  Strategic Planning Workshop for Women and Child Health Development (WCHD) jointly conducted by the Health Department under the Ministry of Health and the UNICEF was opened at the Inya Lake Hotel this morning with an address by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, directors-general, deputy directors-general, rectors and directors of departments under the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, project managers, resident representatives of UNICEF and WHO, officials of UN agencies, chairmen of NGOs, officials of international non-governmental organizations and guests. In his speech, the minister said that the National Health Committee has laid down the National Health Policies including those relating to the role of NGOs and international cooperation. It has been clearly stated to augment the role of cooperative, joint ventures, private sectors and NGOs in providing health care in view of the changing economic system and to strengthen the collaboration with other countries for national health development.

The agenda of this workshop is quite full. The main objective is to enhance coordination and cooperation between projects with similar goals for effective use of available resources and manpower for maximum benefit. In order to reach the desired goal, strategies must be realistic and feasible, and based on the general plan of action. Then, Resident Representative of UNICEF Mr JB Mendis and Resident Representative of WHO Dr Agostino Borra made speeches. Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health Dr Soe Aung explained the background strategies of women and child health development. The workshop will continue till 26 August. Altogether 65 persons from the Department of Health, the Department of Medical Science and the Health Planning Department including project managers are attending the workshop.

( 8 )  Yangon Division USDA holds annual general meeting

Yangon, 24 Aug- Yangon Division Union Solidarity and Development Association held its annual general meeting for 2001 at the meeting hall of the association in Bahan Township this morning. It was attended by Secretary-General of USDA U Than Aung, member of the Central Executive Committee Col Thaik Tun, members of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, secretaries, executives and delegates of Division, District and Township USDAs, wellwishers and guests.

CEC member Col Thaik Tun spoke on the occasion. Prizes for excellent performance in organizing work, management, business and social and cultural matters to township associations concerned. Members of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commissioner of Yangon Division General Administration Department U Thein Swe and Commander of Yangon Division Police Command Police Col Aung Daing presented prizes to USDA members who won prizes at courses, extempore talks and computer quiz contests. Secretary of Yangon Division USDA U Aye Myint accepted K 560,000, two wall clocks and 300 books donated to the association. At the afternoon session, Secretary of Yangon Division USDA U Aye Myint made a speech. Reports on various sectors were submitted. The USDA executives and secretaries gave suggestions in connection with the reports. Then, decisions were made on four matters, and five matters were put on record.

Kayah State USDA annual meeting held

Yangon, 24 Aug- The annual general meeting for the Year 2001 of Kayah State Union Solidarity and Development Association was held at the office of Kayah State USDA on 23 August, with an address by CEC member of USDA Brig-Gen Thein Aung. The CEC member accepted 6,289 USDA membership applications from Loikaw Township USDA, 2,348 from Dimawhso Township USDA and 2,497 from Fruso Township USDA. CEC member Brig-Gen Thein Aung and Chairman of Kayah State Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Nyunt Hlaing presented honorary awards to outstanding students who passed 2001 matriculation exam. The meeting passed six resolutions and put two matters on record. Also present were departmental heads, commanding Officers of military stations and USDA members.

Mayor inspects Uto-Kyarin region

Yangon, 24 Aug- Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay inspected Uto-Kyarin region Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Project in Taikkyi Township here and gave instructions this morning. Accompanied by officials, the mayor inspected the pilot cultivation plots of ten paddy strains near the Paddy, Vegetables and Fruit Cultivation Research Centre in the Project and gave instructions on meeting the standards set and making research. He then inspected the raising of fish, construction of huts for breeding 1,000 pigs and cultivation of pigeon pea and left instructions. Later, he inspected the breeding of 20,000 ducks and gave instructions on extended breeding of ducks and systematic supervision for better production of duck eggs.