( 1 )  Alms donated to members of the Sangha in Pathein

Yangon, 4 Sept- A ceremony to donate provisions to members of the Sangha and nuns in Pathein, organized by Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council and the Division Union Solidarity and Development Association, was held at Sasana Beikmandawgyi in Pathein yesterday. Present on the occasion were Chairman of Division Sangha Nayaka Committee (Thudhamma) Konetha-kyaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Vilasa and members of the Sangha, Chairman of Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and wife Daw Khin Thet, senior military officers, departmental officials, USDA members, wellwishers and guests. The Sayadaw administered the Eight Precepts. Members of the Sangha recited the parittas.

The commander and wife and wellwishers presented rice, edible oil, salt and gram to members of the Sangha. Secretary of Division Sangha Nayaka Committee (Mula Dwara) Sayadaw of Sandaryonkyaung Bhad-danta Indobhasa delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits gained. The commander attended cash presentation ceremony for the three-storey building under construction of Taikkyikyaung Pari-yatti Sarthintaik in Pathein. Presiding Nayaka Saya-daw of the Sarthintaik Bhaddanta „aninda invested the congregation with the Eight Precepts. Wellwishers presented cash donations for the project through the commander who presented certificates of honour to them. The Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw delivered a sermon. The merits gained were shared and the ceremony came to an end.

Commander meets delegates to annual general meeting of Shan State (East) USDA

Yangon, 4 Sept- Patron of Shan State (East) Union Solidarity and Development Association Commander of Triangle Region Command Maj-Gen Thein Sein met delegates to the annual general meeting of Shan State (East) USDA in Kengtung on 30 August. Present were staff officers of the command, members of Shan State Peace and Development Council, departmental officials, executives of Shan State (East) USDA and members. The commander spoke on the work of USDA and cooperation with local people and departments in regional development. The delegates of Tachilek, Mongphyat, Monghsat and Kengtung District USDAs reported on the work done by the associations. Secretary of Shan State Peace and Development Council took part in the discussions. The commander then fulfilled the requirements.

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( 2 )  Bangladeshi Ambassador calls on Commerce Minister

Yangon, 4 Sept- Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Ambassador of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Mr Ahmed Rahim at his office at 5 pm today. Also present at the call were heads of department under the ministry and officials.

Health Minister receives delegates of Austria

Yangon, 4 Sept-  Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein received two Board Members of United Nations International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), Vienna, Austria, Mr Chinmary Chakrabarty and Mr Nuzhet Kandemir and INCB Official Mrs Li Quin Zhu at his office on Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, Dagon Township, at 2 pm today. Also present were Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo and officials.

Industry 1 Minister receives PRC guests

Yangon, 4 Sept- Minister for Industry 1 U Aung Thaung received Ms Zhou Li and party of China National Machinery and Equipment Corporation of the People's Republic of China at his office at 2.15 pm today. The minister also received President Mr Chen Shou Ri and party of China Chen International Construction Contracting Co Ltd of PRC at 3 pm today. Also present at the calls were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Win and directors-general and managing directors of the ministry.

Minister receives foreign guests

Yangon, 4 Sept-  Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Vice-Mayor of So-Gu District Office Daejeon Metropolitan City Mr Roh, Jae Kun and party of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at his office this afternoon. Also present were departmental heads and officials of the ministry.

( 3 )  Surgical equipment donated to Insein General Hospital

Yangon, 4 Sept- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung and wife Daw Khin Khin Yee and wellwishers donated surgical equipment to Insein General Hospital at the meeting hall of the hospital this morning. Present were Minister U Aung Thaung and wife and family, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Director-General of the Health Department Dr Wan Maung and directors, medical superintendents, specialists, matrons, officials and well-wishers. Minister U Aung Thaung explained the purpose of the donation. Minister U Aung Thaung and wife and family, Daw Ein Pyi, Minister U Aung Thaung's mother, and family, Deputy Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office U Zaw Myint Pe and wife Dr Daw May Khin and family, Maj Moe Aung-Dr Daw Aye Khaing Nyunt and family and U Nay Aung-Daw Khin Moe Nyunt and family of Aung Yee Phyo Co presented surgical equipment to Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein who presented certificates of honour to them. Ma Khin Ngu Yee Phyo presented women's wear for the delivery ward to Medical Superintendent of the Hospital Dr Daw Khin Win Swe who spoke words of thanks. Today's donations amounted to K 1,911,500.

Minister for Culture inspects maintenance of ancient pagodas in Innwa

Yangon, 4 Sept- Minister for Culture U Win Sein, Director-General of Department of Archaeology U Nyunt Han and officials inspected the wall paintings of the second Innwa period (Nyaungyan Period) near Shwezigon Pagoda in old Pinya, TadaU Township, Mandalay Division on 3 September. Director of Mandalay Department of Archaeology U Pauk Pauk reported on the maintenance work. The minister inspected the Buddha images in three Pinya caves built by King Tazishin Thiha Thu, glazed plates and substitution of damaged bricks. The minister inspected maintenance of the four Buddha images and ancient artifacts. The minister inspected stone inscriptions of the three Pinya Caves and wall paintings near Lawka Hteik-htaU Pagoda. The minister went to Bagaya Kyaungtaik in the old city of Innwa where rare ancient Myanmar architecture and sculpture are kept. He inspected the repair of pillars and other artistic works. The minister paid obeisance to the marble Buddha image in Lawka Tharaphu Pagoda and inspected other statues.

Factories in Mandalay Division inspected

Yangon, 4 Sept- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by officials, inspected the main building of No 3 Basic Education High School under construction and extended construction of the meeting halls being undertaken by Myanma General and Maintenance Industries of the Ministry of Industry-1 in Kyaukse, Mandalay Division, on 2 September and gave instructions. At the office of Kyaukse Cement Plant Project, the minister heard the reports presented by General Manager of Myanmar Ceramics Industries U Myint Thaung on wiring for the project and arrangements for construction of 100,000-gallon tank and Managing Director of MGMI U Thaik Tun on progress in construction of nine factories in the project site and civil work being carried out before arrival of machinery from abroad.

The minister discussed systematic planting of fast-growing shady trees in the project compound. He then inspected construction of the Kiln No 2, the foundation laying of the Kiln No 3, construction of the vacuum cleaner factory and construction of cement silo. The Chinese engineers and officials concerned reported on progress of work. The Minister inspected progress in construction of the bicycle factory, high grade asbestos brick factory, candy factory, vest factory, shoe factory, sewing machine factory, plastic wares factory and the planting of fast-growing shady trees and left instructions. Afterwards, he inspected Win Thuza Shop in Kyaukse and gave instructions. Later, he inspected Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries No 3 in Paleik, Singaing Township, and met with the staff and left instructions.

( 4 )  Minister inspects construction tasks at Wakema Bridge

Yangon, 4 Sept- Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by officials, arrived at the construction site of Wakema Bridge yesterday morning. At the briefing hall, Engineer In-charge of the project Deputy Superintending Engineer U Khin Maung Se briefed on construction of foundations for bore piles and approach bridges to the minister who gave necessary instructions and inspected the construction site. Two approach bridges on Yangon bank and Wakema bank are 1,260 feet long each and the main bridge is 3120 feet long. The bridge is of bailey type with reinforced concrete foundation and bore piles. The bridge has a clearance of 580-ft in width and 46-ft in height, and can withstand 60-ton loads.

Minister inspects preparations for Exhibition of IT Students' View on Myanmar

Yangon, 4 Sept- With the aim of presenting progress of Myanmar by using students' computer skill, the Exhibition of IT Students' View on Myanmar, sponsored by the Ministry of Education, will be held at the Tatmadaw Hall on U Wisara Road here from 6 to 10 September. Preparations are being made for the opening of the exhibition and Minister for Education U Than Aung attended the rehearsal of the opening of the exhibition this morning. Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and U Myo Nyunt, Leading Committee for Holding Exhibition Director-General of No 1 Basic Education Department U Tin Nyo, directors-general, chairmen of boards, rectors, officials and principals welcomed him there. The minister viewed booths on Networking, School Profile Project, Science Demonstration, Video Conference, Have Fun with Computers, Power point Presentation, Tele Conference, Computer Painting, Students' Web and Power Point. Afterwards the minister discussed matters on the booth with the officials.

Procurement and Export of Goods Course concludes

Yangon, 4 Sept- A ceremony to conclude Procurement and Export of Goods Course No 1/2001 of the Ministry of Mines was held at the Thiriyadana Hall of the ministry this morning. It was attended by Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Deputy Minister U Myint Thein, managing directors and directors-general of the ministry, deputy directors-general, directors, course instructors, trainees and guests. The minister sopke on the occasion and presented a prize to outstaning trainee U Soe Naing. Then the director-general of the Mining Department presented course completion certificates to 32 trainees.

( 5 )  Commerce Minister inspects No 03 Bran Oil Mill

Yangon, 4 Sept- Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone together with Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung arrived at No 3 Bran Oil Mill in Insein Township this afternoon. The minister heard the reports on production, raw materials and milling by the officials. He inspected the bran oil mill and gave instructions to the officials.

CPT Minister inspects communication stations in Yangon Division

Yangon, 4 Sept- Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, accompanied by officials from Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, inspected Thanlyin Auto-Exchange, Kyauktan Auto-Exchange and Microwave Station, Kyauktan Post and Telegraph Office, Thongwa Exchange and Post Office and Kayan Post Office, and construction of new building for Kayan Auto-Exchange and Microwave Station, and Thanatpin Exchange and Post Office, and gave instructions today.

( 6 )  WHO 54th Regional Committee Meeting of SEA region continues for second day

Yangon, 4 Sept- The WHO 54th Regional Committee Meeting of South-East Asia Region hosted for the fourth time in Myanmar continued for the second day at the Traders Hotel today. Present were WHO South-East Asia Regional Director Dr Uton Muchtar Rafei, delegates of Myanmar, Bangladesh, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, delegates of international social organizations and guests. Director-General of Health Planning Department Dr Kyi Soe presided over the meeting and spoke on the occasion.

The delegates discussed the work of WHO in the South-East Asia Region Biennial Report of the Regional Director for the period from 1 July 1999 to 30 June 2001 presented by Dr Uton Muchtar Rafei. They also discussed financial matters. The participants discussed the evaluation of implementation of the two intercountry priority programmes during 2000-2001Ń improving the health of the marginalized and vulnerable groups and tobacco free initiative and detailed work programme 2002-2003. In the afternoon session, spending of fund provided under the UN programmes  for anti AIDS activities among member nations was discussed. The delegates discussed the resolutions of topic on peace of mind and abuse of drugs including alcohol and matters relating to underground water that contains arsenic in some South East Asia countries. Health and environmental in national development, regional progress and preparations for Rio+ 10 conference were also discussed. Dr Uton Muchtar Rafei hosted dinner in honour of the delegates at the Traders Hotel.

UMFCCI officials meet Chinese delegation

Yangon, 4 Sept-  Prisident of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint, Adviser Dr Kyaw Htin, Secretary-General U Zaw Min Win, members of Central Executive Committee and executives met 18-member delegation led by Party Deputy General Secretary Mr Zhang Biwei of Kai Yuan, Yunnan Province, the People's Republic of China, at the office of UMFCCI this afternoon.

Japanese excursion groups visit MMCWA

Yangon, 4 Sept- A Japanese group led by Chairman of the Setagaya Asia Project Association, one of the NGOs in Japan, Mr Shikao Ishii and the students of Asia University Volunteer Centre (AUVC) of Japan arrived at the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association at the corner of Parami Road and Thanthumar Road, South Okkalapa Township, this morning. They were welcomed there by MMCWA Chairperson Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and CEC members. The chairperson and the vice-chairperson explained facts about the association and work being carried out, and replied to queries raised by the visitors. The chairman of the Setagaya Asia Project Association and party presented materials for the Child All-round Development Centre and observed the centre. The students of AUVC will pay a visit to the Day Nursery of Thakayta Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association tomorrow.

( 7 )  Rakhine State USDA holds preliminary meeting

Yangon, 4 Sept- The preliminary meeting of the Rakhine State Union Solidarity and Development Association for the USDA Annual General Meeting was held at the City Hall in Sittway yesterday morning, attended by Central Executive Committee members U Thaung and Brig-Gen Khin Maung, Vice-Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Phone Swe, members of state/district/township USDAs, departmental officials and delegates. Secretary of Rakhine State USDA U Oo Kyaw Yin extended greetings and representatives from district/township USDAs reported on the work done. Then, CEC member U Thaung made a speech and the meeting came to a close in the afternoon.

Billboard hailing AGM of USDA erected

Yangon, 4 Sept- To hail the Annual General Meeting (2001) of the Union Solidarity and Development Association a billboard was erected in front of U Wamthumaung Sports Ground in Hakha, Chin State, yesterday morning. Present on the occasion were member of Central Executive Committee of USDA U Aung San, Chairman of Chin State Peace and Development Council Col Than Win and members, secretaries, executives and members of the state and district USDAs, members of Work Committee for Women's Affairs, Maternal and Child Welfare Association and War Veterans Organization, headmaster, teachers and students of Hakha Basic Education High School, members of Red Cross and Auxillary Fire Brigade, band troupe and pom troupe and local people. Secretary of Chin State USDA U Aung Min and member of Chin State Peace and Development Council Commissioner of State General Administration Department U Maung Maung formally unveiled the billboard.

After the ceremony, CEC member U Aung San proceeded to Myoma Missionary Sarthintaik and presented offertories to Sayadaw Bhaddanhta Tejosara and donated exercise books, pencils and school uniforms to the students of the Monastic Education School. Then, CEC member U Aung San attended the Annual General Meeting (2001) of Chin State USDA and made a speech. CEC member U Aung San presented prizes to the students who passed the matriculation examination of 2000-2001 academic year with distinctions. Secretary of Chin State USDA U Aung Min presented documents related to teaching aids worth k 520,000 donated by secretaries and executives of the state, district and township USDAs for the BEHSs of Matupi, Mindat, Tonzang, Thantlang and Kanpetlet to State Education Officer U Aye Thein.

USDA Annual General Meeting billboard put up

Yangon, 4 Sept- As a gesture of hailing the Annual General Meeting (2001) of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, a ceremony to unveil the billboard of USDA Annual General Meeting (2001) was held at the corner of Wayzayanta Road and Laydauntkan Road, Thingangyun Township, at 6.30 am today. It was attended by Chairman of the Organizing Group of Information Sub-Committee U Bo Kyi and members, Chairman of Yangon East District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Pyae, Chairman of Thingangyun Township Peace and Development Council U Nay Win, Secretary U Shwe Ei and members, Chairman of South Okkalapa Township Peace and Development Council U Mya Aung and members, Secretary of Yangon Division USDA U Aye Myint, Secretary of Yangon East District USDA U Tin Hlaing, Secretary of Thingangyun Township USDA U Khin Wai and members, departmental personnel, nurses, members of Maternal and Child Welfare Association, members of Ward Peace and Development Council, Red Cross and Fire Brigade exceeding 1500. Chairman of Thingangyun Township Peace and Development Council U Nay Win, Chairman of South Okkalapa Township Peace and Development Council U Mya Aung and Secretary of Thingangyun Township USDA U Khin Wai formally unveiled the billboard.

( 8 )  Japanese youth delegation continues Yangon visit

Yangon, 4 Sept- Under the international youths development programme sponsored by the Japanese government, a Japanese youth delegation led by Mr Taisuke Togashi, together with Executive of Yangon Division Union Solidarity and Development Association U Tin Maung Win and officials, toured Yangon this morning. The delegation visited the vegetable production and poultry farming special zone in Nyaunghnapin village, Hmawby Township, Yangon North District at 8 am. The officials explained to them facts about the zone. Then, the delegation visited the Hlawga Park in Mingaladon Township. The delegation arrived at the University of Culture (Yangon) at noon. Pro-Rector (Teaching) Daw Khin Hla Htay explained facts about the University. Then, the delegation toured the university. Yesterday, the Japanese delegation visited the City Farm of the Yangon City Development Committee in Uto-Kya-in Region in Taikkyi Township, and spent the night there.

Youth painting contest winners announced

Yangon, 4 Sept- Winners of youth painting contest portraying the similarities in the Myanmar-Thai cultures held at the University of Culture from 27 to 29 August were announced today. Sixty-six students from the University of Culture and State Schools of Fine Arts in Yangon and Mandalay participated in the contest. The prize-presentation ceremony will be held at the National Theatre on 15 September.