( 1 )  Athletes urged to participate in sports events with the aim of redounding to the honour of the nation and the people

Yangon, 25 Aug- A ceremony to hand over a flag representing the Union of Myanmar to Myanmar sports contingent which is going to participate in the XXI SEA Games was held at the National Indoor Stadium-1 in Thingangyun Township this morning, addressed by Chairman of Myanmar National Olympic Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were members of Myanmar National Olympic Council, the ministers, the deputy ministers, members of Myanmar Olympic Committee, members of the committee for ensuring the success of Myanmar sports team, leading patrons of Myanmar Women's Sports Federation, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the director-general of the Sports and Physical Education Department and heads of department, chairmen and officials of Myanmar sports federations, wellwishers, the leader of Myanmar sports contingent, managers, referees, coaches, officials of supporting groups and athletes.

The delegates of Myanmar sports team, managers, referees, coaches and athletes were introduced to the Secretary-1. The Secretary-1 said that at a time when the entire national people are making efforts to uplift the standard of national sports with the aim of achieving the goal "Myanma Sports Ñ the World to Conquer", athletes need to feel it a great honour to take part in the international sports competition representing the nation. So they are required to participate in sports events with all their might. With the attitude that the high standard of national sports and achieving success at international sports competitions reflect the honour and pride of the nation and the race, the government is implementing plans designed to improve the standard of national sports, as is known to all the athletes.

The standard of Myanma sports once ranked top not only in South-East Asia region but also in Asia. Myanmar athletes who could participate in the Olympic emerged, which has been recorded in the history of Myanma sports. Myanmar once won victories at football matches, which can be said to be a national sport of Myanmar, in the South-East Asia Peninsular Games and SEA Games. Therefore, in the time of the present government, all-out efforts are being made to achieve the standard of the once famous Myanmar sports with the encouragement and participation of the entire national people.

Today, the government is striving to uplift the standard of national sports as a national task, and at the same time, governmental departments, social organizations, literati, artistes, film stars, national entrepreneurs, wellwishers and sports fans are actively participating in this task. Winning sports events depend on health and fitness of athletes, systematic practices, use of modern sports equipment, experience in international sports competitions, the opportunity of devoting their time to sports and public encouragement. While the government and wellwishers in cooperation are attending to necessary requirements, successful national entrepreneurs have come to share the duty of the government and are contributing to the improvement of sports standard. Therefore, new sports events which are internationally popular can now be held in Myanmar.

Modern sports equipment can now be used. Sports teams can be sent for training to other nations which are taking the lead in particular sports events. International invitation sports competitions can be held. Obviously, it is also the time when the people are active in sports, encourage athletes most and are aspiring most to success in international sports competitions. The encouragement of the people at sports events is very great, and their aspiration to success in international sports competitions is very intense, too. Therefore, at a time when the entire national people are encouraging the success of Myanma sports, athletes need to adopt the attitude that participating in an international sports competition means assigning a national task to them by the people. There are 32 sports events in the XXI SEA Games, and Myanmar will participate in only 24 sports events. So, bearing in mind that they are sent to take part in sports events as they are likely to win success, all the athletes are required to participate in sports events with all their might to gain success for the nation and the people.

All the athletes are required to take part in sports events with national determination that their winning of success amounts to redounding to the dignity of the nation. All the athletes need to be in unity and harmony, to behave well, to stay systematically in order to keep fit  and to encourage one another in order to bolster the morale of one another throughout the sports competition. While in a foreign country, athletes need to behave well in accord with the traditions of Myanmar people, thereby enhancing the honour of Myanmar.

As the people are looking forward to seeing Myanma flag flying high at international sports competitions, athletes need to take part in sports events with industry, perseverance and national determination, bearing in mind that it is a must to win success at every sports event. The State and the people are waiting to present prizes to the athletes who win victories. The Secretary-1 then thanked national entrepreneurs, wellwishers and sports fans who have provided all-round assistance to enable Myanmar athletes to enter the XXI SEA Games. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged all the members of Myanmar sports team to take part in sports events with all their might and national determination with the aim of redounding to the honour of the nation and the people, to carry out the national task designed to uplift the prestige of the nation and to strive to ensure that Myanmar flag is flying high among others.

The Secretary-1 presented the national flag to leader of Myanmar sports team, which will participate in XXI SEA Games, Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu spoke words on ensuring victory of Myanmar sports team.

Managing Director of Kan Baw Za Bank Ltd U Zaw Win Naing presented K 5.4 million and track-suits and football boots worth US $ 10,577 for selected Myanmar footballers; Managing Director of Asia World Co Ltd U Tun Myint Naing a track suit set each and two T-shirts each valued at K 4.5 million for each member of Myanmar sports team; Chairman of Pyi Sone Win Naing Co U Win Naing K 3 million for the information group of Myanmar sports team; Chairman U Soe Myint and executive board of Myanmar Billiards and Snooker Federation K 2 million for ensuring success of Myanmar billiard team; Mr Suravath Pinsuwanbutr of Milo Co Milo packets worth K 1.8 million; Chairman of Ruby Dragon Co Ltd U Nay Win Tun K 1 million and 600 SEA Game caps worth K 400,000; U Jonathan Myo Kyaw Thaung K 1 million and eight travelling services K 800,000 to the Secretary-1 who presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. Myanmar Women's Sports Federation presented track-suits worth K 718,000; Premier Petroleum Myanmar Ltd 1,000 FECs; Ambassador of Myanmar to South Africa U Kyaw Thu and family K 400,000 for selected Myanmar women's football team and K 200,000 for selected Myanmar women's Sepak Takraw team; Shwe Than Lwin Co US $ 5,000 and Vitron tonic worth K 600,000; U Soe Myint of FMI Group K 600,000 for Myanmar Billiard team; Chaungtha Beach Hoteliers' Association 450 hats worth K 500,000; Super One Co Ltd 3,600 Vitron tonic capsules and 120 bottles of edible bird-nest worth K 368,000 for selected Myanmar football team; U Maung Maung and Brothers Great Wall Traditional Embrocation Production Enterprise boxes of embrocation worth K 108,000; U Saw Lwin of Sabre Medical Co Ltd K 100,000 and Kyaw Traditional Medicines Production Enterprise 24 dozens of Shaukpaung lotion to Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint who presented certificates of honour to them. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 cordially greeted the wellwishers, referees, managers, coaches and athletes and inspected display of track-suits, sports equipment and sports aids.

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( 2 )  Construction of ITBMU main building and SPSU convocation hall inspected

Yangon, 25 Aug- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected construction of the main building of the International Theravada Buddhist University and the convocation hall of the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon) and gave instructions to responsible persons this morning. Accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the Secretary-1 arrived at ITBMU at 11 am, and they were welcomed there by ministers, deputy ministers, departmental heads and officials.

The Secretary-1 inspected the progress of earth work for the greening of the University. At the meeting hall of the University, the Secretary-1 heard a report by Pro-rector (Admin) of the University Dr Hla Pe on matters related to certificates of B.A (Buddha Dhamma) degree, M.A (Buddha Dhamma) degree and Ph.D (Buddha Dhamma) degree to be conferred at the convocation ceremony of IBTMU this year, models of dresses and selection of trainees and course instructors.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions. The Secretary-1 inspected reference reading rooms of the library at ITBMU and progress of construction work of the main building and the Dhamma Thabin Hall, and gave necessary instructions. The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the convocation hall of the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon) on Kaba Aye Hill where they were welcomed by the officials. Yangon West District Senior Engineer of Public Works Daw Tin Tin Win reported on progress of construction of the convocation hall of SPSU (Yangon) and Myanmar handicraft designer U Ohn Tin on progress of installation of Myanmar artistic works at the convocation hall. After fulfilling the requirements, the Secretary-1 inspected progress of construction work of the convocation hall. The Secretary-1 and party left the University in the afternoon.

( 3 )  Secretary-1 receives Vice-Foreign Minister of PRC

Yangon, 25 Aug- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Vice-Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China Mr Wang Yi and party at the Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence this evening. Present were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Li Jinjun.

( 4 )  Minister receives Vice-Foreign Minister of PRC

Yangon, 25 Aug- Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung received Vice-Foreign Minister of the People's Republic China Mr Wang Yi at his ministry this afternoon. Also present were Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, directors-general of the ministry, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Li Jinjun and members of the Chinese delegation.

Minister inspects bridge construction

Yangon, 25 Aug- Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung accompanied by officials inspected construction of Donthami Bridge between Kayin State and Mon State yesterday. He left instructions on meeting set standards, safety of the site, systematic work and control of waste.

( 5 )  Families of Ministry of Culture offer "soon" at Sasana University

Yangon, 25 Aug- The Families of the Ministry of Culture donated "soon" for a day to student members of the Sangha and lecturer Sayadaws of the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon) at Mogok Soonsarhsaung in Kaba Aye Hill this morning. On behalf of Minister for Culture U Win Sein, Deputy Minister U Soe Nyunt offered "soon" to the members of the Sangha. Rector Sayadaw Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Vannita administered the Five Precepts. Deputy Minister U Soe Nyunt presented offertories to the Sayadaws and donated K 100,000 for a day's meal. The Rector Sayadaw delivered a sermon. Deputy Minister U Soe Nyunt offered "soon" to the members of the Sangha.

Layers breeding camp inspected

Yangon, 25 Aug- Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, together with official, inspected Htaukkyant layers breeding camp of YCDC Production Department and installation of 200 KVA electric transformer in Mingaladon Township yesterday. The mayor then inspected the 40-ton feedstuff mixer under construction and installation of 325 KVA electric transformer near Pyinmabin Village, Mingaladon Township. Later, the mayor inspected the incubator and the poultry farm near Pale Myothit and left necessary instructions.

( 6 )  Cash assistance provided for war veterans and children in Rakhine State

Yangon, 25 Aug- The Central Organizing Committee of Myanmar War Veterans Organization provided cash assistance for war veterans aged 75 and above, disabled war veterans and children of war veterans who are outstanding in education at the City Hall in Sittway, Rakhine State, this morning. Patron of Rakhine State War Veterans Organization member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Aung Htwe addressed the ceremony.

Also present were member of the Central Organizing Committee of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Deputy Minister for Labour Brig-Gen Win Sein, Vice-Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Regional Control Commander Brig-Gen Phone Swe, Deputy Commander of Western Command Col Myo Lwin, member of COC Director-General of the Information and Public Relations Department U Chit Naing, senior military officers, heads of department, the chairmen and executives of Rakhine State/District War Veterans Supervisory Committees, executives of Rakhine State Union Solidarity and Development Association, chairmen and members of 17 Township Peace and Development Councils, members of Working Committee for Women's Affairs, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade, war veterans aged 75 and above in Rakhine State, disabled war veterans and children of war veterans who are outstanding in their studies. Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Win Sein made speeches.

Then, cash assistance provided by COC of MWVO was presented to respective townships. Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe presented K 3.05 million to Sittway Township, K 2.5 million to Kyaukpyu Township, K 2.05 million to Kyauktaw Township and K 1.9 million to Taungup Township; Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Sein Win, K 1.6 million to Thandwe Township, K 800,000 to Rathedaung Township, K 800,000 to Maungtaw Township and K 750,000 to Minbya Township; Brig-Gen Phone Swe, K 700,000 to Myebon Township, K 500,000 to MraukU Township and K 400,000 to Yanbye Township; Director-General U Chit Naing, K 400,000 to Gwa Township, K 300,000 to Pauktaw Township and K 250,000 to An Township; Chairman of Rakhine State War Veterans Supervisory Committee Secretary of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Thein Kyaing, K 150,000 to Ponnakyun Township, K 150,000 to Manaung Township and K 150,000 to Buthidaung Township. Chairman of An Township War Veterans Organizing Committee Captain San Hein (Retired) spoke words of thanks. Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe made a closing speech, which brought the ceremony to an end. A total of K 16.45 million was presented to 219 disabled war veterans, 82 war veterans aged 75 and above, four children of war veterans and 17 townships.

Bangladeshi delegation concludes visit

Yangon, 25 Aug- Bangladeshi delegation comprising trainees and course instructors of the Armed Forces War Course 2001 of the National Defence College of Bangladesh left here for home by air this morning. The delegation was seen off at the Yangon International Airport by senior military officers, Military Attache of Bangladesh Brig-Gen Salim Akhter and officials.

( 7 )  Families of Defence Services (Army, Navy, and Air) and wellwishers presents provisions to monasteries and nunneries in Yangon Division

Yangon, 25 Aug-The families of Defence Services (Army, Navy, and Air) and wellwishers donated rice, edible oil, salt, medicines, gram and cash to five Sarthintaiks at Dhamma Yaungchi Kyaungtaik on Shwephonepwint Pagoda Road in Kyaukyaydwin Ward in North Okkalapa Township this afternoon.

Present were members of the Sangha led by Presiding Nayaka of Dhamma Yaung-chi Sarthintaik Dipitakadhara Agga Maha Gandhavacaka Pandita Central Working Committee of the Sangha Bhaddanta Agga Dhamma, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, senior military officers, Managing Director of Myanma Salt and Marine Chemical Enterprise of the Ministry of Mines U Saw Win, Chairman of Yangon East District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Pyi, chairmen of Township and Ward Peace and Development Councils, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, wellwishers and guests.

Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo and officials received the Five Precepts from Presiding Nayaka of Dhamma Yaung-chi Sarthintaik Dipitakadhara Agga Maha Gandhavacaka Pandita Central Working Committee of the Sangha Sayadaw Bhaddanta Agga Dhamma. Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo and military officers presented offertories to the Sayadaws. Col Thein Htaik, Lt-Col Zaw Oo and Col Khin Maung Tin presented provisions to the Sayadaw. Myanma Salt and Marine Chemical Enterprise and Yangon Division Salt Factory Entrepreneurs' Association presented 450 viss of iodized salt, 45 boxes of fine salt, staff families of the Traditional Medicine Department of the Ministry of Health, 270 boxes of various medicines and 120 boxes of embrocation to the Sayadaw. Brig-Gen Maung Nyo accepted K 500,000 donated by merchants led by the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd, K 15,000 by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, K 100,000 by Daw Hla Myaing (Shwe Lin Yon Metal Industry), K 21,800 by Dagon U Tin Win-vocalist Daw Mya Yi Nanda of Dagon Myanmar Co Ltd, K 30,000 by U Tin Aung (Win Yadana Passenger Transport Service), K 3,000 by Kyaukyay-dwin MCWA and K 7,000 by other wellwishers. Col Khin Maung Tin of the Ministry of Defence supplicated on the purpose of the donations. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Agga Dhamma delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits. Today's provisions were 116 bags of rice, 450 viss of iodized salt, 47 viss of edible oil, 93 viss of gram, 45 boxes of fine salt, 390  boxes of various medicines and K 679,800. The families of Defence Services (Army, Navy, and Air) and wellwishers donated rice, edible oil, salt, medicines, gram and cash to 69 monasteries at Shin Ananda Library in Hsutaungpyi Mailamu Pagoda in Ward 2 in North Okkapala Township this afternoon. Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, senior military officers and wellwishers presented offertories to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nanadipajatila. Col Thein Htaik, Lt-Col Zaw Oo and Col Khin Maung Tin presented provisions to the Sayadaw. Today's provisions for 69 monasteries were 136 bags of rice, 54 viss of edible oil, 109 viss of gram, 550 viss of iodized salt, 55 boxes of salt for brushing teeth, 290 boxes of various medicines and K 266,800.

The families of Defence Services (Army, Navy, and Air) and wellwishers donated rice, edible oil, salt, medicines, gram and cash to three monasteries and three nunneries at Aletawya Sarthintaik on Dhammazedi Road in Bahan Township this morning. Present were members of the Sangha led by Sayadaw of Aletawya Sarthintaik Agga Maha Pandita Silasarabhivamsa and nuns of nunneries, Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Soe Thein, Brig-Gen Tin Soe and Col Ye Chit Pe of the Ministry of Defence, Chairmen of District, Township and Ward Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials, members of USDA, MCWA, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade and guests. Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Soe Thein and officials presented offertories to the Sayadaws and nun robes to nuns. Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Soe Thein and officials accepted provisions and K 751,000 donated by 12 wellwishers.

A similar ceremony was held at Yangon Kyaungtaik in Shwepyitha Township this morning. Wellwishers presented 66 bags of rice, 26 viss of edible oil, 52 viss of gram, 250 viss of salt, 26 boxes of salt for brushing teeth, 126 boxes of various medicines and K 448,000 for three Sarthintaiks in Shwepyitha Township. Similar ceremonies were held in Shwepyitha Township. Wellwishers presented 89 bags of rice, 36 viss of edible oil, 71 viss of gram, 350 viss of salt, 36 boxes of salt for brushing teeth, 75 boxes of various medicines and K 700,000 four Sarthintaiks and one nunnery.

( 8 )  Myanmar delegation attends coord meeting of Health Ministers of SEA region of WHO

Yangon, 25 AugÑ The Myanmar delegation led by Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo attended the opening ceremony of the coordination meeting of Health Ministers of South-East Asia Region of WHO held in Mali, Maldives, the coordination meeting of Health Ministers of the South-East Asia Region held in Bandos Island resort in Maldives and the consultant meeting. On 18 and 19 August, the Myanmar delegation led by Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo participated in the consultant meeting of the South-East Asia Region of WHO held in Bandos Island resort.

The opening ceremony of the coordination meeting of Health Ministers of South-East Asia Region of WHO was held at the city hall of Mali. President of Maldives Mr Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Minister of Health of Maldives Dr Abdul Azeez and WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia Dr Uton Rafer delivered speeches. The coordination meeting of Health Ministers of South-East Asia Region of WHO was held in Bandos Island resort from 20 to 22 August. The delegation led by Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo discussed health matters.

The meeting focused on health problems of the countries, fund for medical assistance and laying down health tasks to be implemented country-wise. During their stay in Maldives, the deputy minister visited the general hospital built in commemoration of Indira Gandhi in Mali, ADK private hospital, Thalassaemia hospital, the rehabilitation centre for drug addicts in Hinmafushi and rural health care centres. The Myanmar delegation arrived in Singapore on 23 August. The delegation met with the Minister of Health of Singapore and discussed opportunities for bilateral cooperation in health work. The delegation also visited Health Science Authority and observed functions of the food and drug administration in Singapore, poison control, research and work of the National Blood Bank. The delegation arrived back here yesterday.

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs meets Chinese Counterpart

Yangon, 25 Aug- Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win met Vice Foreign Minister of People's Republic China Mr Wang Yi at the ministry this afternoon. They cordially discussed and exchanged views on bilateral matters and cooperation. Also present were directors-general of the ministry, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Li Jinjun and members of Chinese delegation. Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win hosted a dinner at Karaweik Palace in honour of the delegation.