( 1 )  State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Costa Rica

Yangon, 15 Sept- Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Miguel Angel Rodriguez Echeverria, President of the Republic of Costa Rica, on the Independence Day of the Republic of Costa Rica which falls on 15 September, 2001.

State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe accepts credentials of Ambassador of Ukraine

Yangon, 14 Sept- His Excellency Mr Rostislav Mitrofanovich Bilodid, newly accredited Ambassador of Ukraine to the Union of Myanmar, presented his credentials to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar at Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence at 10 am today. Also present on the occasion were State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department.

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( 2 )  National entrepreneurs urged to boost palm oil production as foreign exchange used to import edible oil can be saved for national progress

Yangon, 14 Sept- A meeting was held to coordinate cultivation of oil palm in Taninthayi Division this afternoon at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. Chairman of the Leading Committee for Development of the Agricultural Sector Region-wise Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an address.

Also present at the meeting were ministers, deputy ministers, members of the leading committee, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, the secretary of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council, national entrepreneurs and officials. The Secretary-1 said the national entrepreneurs have been invited to take part in the perennial oil palm cultivation project in Taninthayi Division, and land has been allotted to them. As it will take time to carry out the task, all are to make every effort not to lose sight of the aims of the project. During his trip to Taninthayi Division in June, he had met with local authorities and looked into the requirements of the national entrepreneurs to grow oil palm, making arrangements to build palm oil mills and reprocessing plants.

Myanmar consumes edible oil most; as the domestic edible oil production cannot meet local demand, the country has to import edible oil annually. If the country can produce enough edible oil to meet domestic demand, foreign exchange used to import edible oil can be saved, and it can be spent on building factories and bridges, thus helping to accelerate the rate of progress in implementing nation-building tasks. In this regard, the State has drawn a project to assign duty to national entrepreneurs to extend oil palm cultivation in accord with the target in order to help meet local demand. Although the national entrepreneurs have been engaged in the task for about three years, oil palm cultivation has not met the target yet. As the government will provide assistance to the most possible degree, the entrepreneurs are required to strive on self-reliance basis to make further progress in implementing the oil palm cultivation project.

Difficulties should be put forward to the meeting. Duty has been assigned to extend cultivation of perennial crops, belleric myrobalan, in addition to seasonal oil crops, in the upper and central regions of Myanmar. All are required to exert efforts to produce enough oil to meet domestic demand. The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and the respective committees are to strive to accelerate the momentum of work. Secretary of the Leading Committee for Development of the Agricultural Sector Region-wise Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe reported on the target to put 500,000 acres of land under oil palm in Taninthayi Division, the participation of the national entrepreneurs in the oil palm cultivation project, progress of cultivation work, the target production capacity from the existing oil palm fields and plans to build oil mills and reprocessing plants. Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on measures taken for local sufficiency of edible oil, extension of cultivation of groundnuts, sesame, sunflowers, Niger, mustard and oil palms, the granting of permits to private entrepreneurs for cultivation of oil palms, provision of quality strains and research on production of oil palms.

Then, the national entrepreneurs reported on the granting of permits for cultivation of oil palms in Taninthayi Division, allotment of acres of land for oil palm cultivation and progress of work. Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and officials replied to their reports. Afterwards, those present took part in the discussions. Next, the Secretary-1 said that the present meeting is fruitful as departmental officials and entrepreneurs have exchanged their view and coordinated work. There are quality oil palm strains in the nation, and it is necessary to use these strains more and more. It is also necessary to acquire modern technology from experts. All are required to work hard depending on the strengths of investment, labour, materials and skill so that they can achieve more success year after year. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged all to strive for the interests of the State as well as economic interests of their own, as oil palm cultivation is a State project.

( 3 )  Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung sends felicitations to Costa Rica

Yangon, 15 Sept- U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Roberto Rojas Lopez, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Costa Rica, on the Independence Day of the Republic of Costa Rica which falls on 15 September, 2001.

Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin receivesVietnamese Ambassador

Yangon 14 Sept-  Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the Union of Myanmar Mr Pham Quang Khon called on Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin at the minister's office this morning. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister U Ohn Myint, heads of department and officials.

Minister receives UNICEF official

Yangon, 14 Sept- Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung received Resident Representative of UNICEF Mr J Bertrand Mendis at the Myanma Radio and Television on Pyi Road here at 3 pm today. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director-General of MRTV U Khin Maung Htay, Director-General of Information and Public Relations Department U Chit Naing, Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, Managing Director of Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Myint Thein, Adviser to the Ministry of Information U Kyaw Min and officials.

( 4 )  H&T Minister receives guests

Yangon, 14 Sept- Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received Director of Sai Travel Service (Myanmar) Co Ltd Mr Ota Katsuya at his office at 10 am today. The minister also received Mr Hitoshi Sakai and Mr Shiho Nishikawa of Nomura Research Institute of Japan at the same venue at 11 am today and discussed promotion tourism services. Also present at the calls were Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt, Managing Director of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services U Kyi Tun and officials.

Information Minister receives Indian Ambassador

Yangon, 14 Sept- Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung received Ambassador of India to Myanmar Mr Vivek Katju at the Myanma Radio and Television on Pyay Road at 2 pm today. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director-General of MRTV U Khin Maung Htay, Director-General of Information and Public Relations Department U Chit Naing, Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, Managing Director of Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Myint Thein and Adviser U Kyaw Min.

( 5 )  Families of Ministry of Information offer "soon" to Sayadaws and members of Sangha

Yangon, 14 Sept- A ceremony to present offertories and to offer "soon" to Rector Sayadaw of State Pariyati Sasana University (Yangon), teaching/administrative Sayadaws, trainee members of the Sangha totalling 407 by staff families of the Ministry of Information was held at the Mogok Soonsarhsaung of the University on Kaba Aye Hill in Mayangon Township at 10 am today.

Present on the occasion were Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director-General of Myanma Radio and Television U Khin Maung Htay, Managing Director of Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Myint Thein, Director-General of Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Sann Lwin, the advisers, the deputy directors-general, the general managers, the directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry and officials. First, Rector Sayadaw of the University invested the congregation with the Five Precepts. Then, Minister Maj-Gen Kyi Aung presented offertories to the Rector Sayadaw. Afterwards, the minister presented K 100,000 for offering "soon" to the members of the Sangha to Director-General U Sann Lwin. Later, Rector Sayadaw Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Vannita delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. Then, the minister, the deputy minister and officials offered "soon" to members of the Sangha.

Cash awards and gifts presented to 38th Florence Nightingale Medal Award winner

Yangon, 14 Sept- A ceremony to present cash awards and gifts to midwife Daw Thein Yee, the 38th Florence Nightingale Medal Award winner, was held at the building of Myanmar Red Cross Society on Strand Road at noon today, addressed by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.

Also present were Deputy Ministers for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo and Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, heads of department, President of MRCS Dr Kyaw Win and executives, Chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe and Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Vice-Chairperson of Women's Affairs Committee Professor Daw May May Yee, personnel of social organizations, officials of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Crescent, wellwishers and guests. Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein said that the ceremony sponsored by Myanmar Red Cross Society is to present cash awards and gifts to winner of the 38th Florence Nightingale Award Daw Thein Yee.

The medal presentation ceremony had been attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, who had presented the medal and the certificate of honour to her. The Ministry of Health also presented a gold medal and promoted her. Now the wellwishers will present cash awards to Daw Thein Yee to be able to use them for health, social affairs and education of her children. It is an act of auspiciousness to honour those who are worthy of honour. The Red Cross spirit means extending help to those who are in misery and who are in trouble with full kindness and a sense of consideration. There are a lot of persons who have been honoured at home and abroad for their self-sacrificing spirit. Some have lost their lives for good purposes. Daw Thein Yee has been deservedly awarded Florence Nightingale medal. She is still receiving medical attention for the injuries which she sustained while saving a human life in a burning house.

She must be regarded as Role Model. Red Cross societies have been formed in 176 nations, and they are carrying out Red Cross activities. In Myanmar, MRCS is consistently carrying out its activities related to health and prevention of disease and providing assistance to those who are struck by disaster in accord with its seven fundamental principles. Red Cross activities cover health services, and Red Cross members have been taking part in the activities of the Ministry of Health. In conclusion, the minister urged all to nurture humanitarian workers. Then, the minister presented K 1,423,750 and 230 FECs donated by departments and organizations and K 247,000 by the wellwishers to Florence Nightingale Medal winner Daw Thein Yee. Dr Kyaw Win, Mr Marco J Emeby of ICRC and Ms Magarette Robert of IFRC presented gifts to her. Then, Dr Kyaw Win and the officials presented certificates of honour to the departments, the organizations and the wellwishers. Daw Thein Yee spoke words of thanks.

Working Committee for holding Traditional Medicine Practitioners Conference meets

Yangon, 14 Sept- Meeting of Working Committee for holding Traditional Medicine Practitioners Conference and Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition was held at the meeting hall of Ministry of Health this morning, attended by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein. Also present were members of the committee Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Kyaw Myint, directors-general of departments under the ministry, directors-general and managing directors of ministries, officials and guests. First, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein delivered a speech.

He said: This is the first meeting of the committee. All are to make efforts for successful completion of the conference and exhibition taking good points from last year's experiences into consideration. Members of the committee need to organize traditional medicine practitioners and traditional medicine producers. Efforts are to be made for making Myanmar traditional medicines gain popularity in the world and win the respect of the people. He urged the officials to make use of traditional remedies preserved for ages, bringing out Myanmar traditional remedies lost in obscurity. He also urged the officials to make concerted efforts for successful completion of the conference. Afterwards, member of the committee Acting Director-General Dr Myat Moe of Traditional Medicine Department gave an account of plans to be carried out for the conference. Then, a general round of discussions followed.

( 6 )  Reverence paid to Sayadaws of Mayangon Township All Ganas of the Sangha

Yangon, 14 Sept- The seventh respects-paying ceremony to aged Sayadaws of Mayangon Township All Ganas of the Sangha was held at the prayer hall on Kaba Aye Hill this afternoon. It was attended by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Director-General of the Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint, Commander of No 3 Military Region Col Yan Naing Oo, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint and members, chairmen of District Peace and Development Councils, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association and wellwishers. Chairman of the Committee for Holding the ceremony Kyaikwaing Gandayon Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vannita explained the purpose of holding the ceremony. Secretary of the Committee Joint-Secretary of Yangon Division Sangha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw of Sanpya Kyaungtaik Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kosalla read out the brief biographies of the Sayadaws.

Those present paid reverence to the Sayadaws. Joint-Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Candima gave an Ovadakatha to the congregation. The commander supplicated on religious affairs. The commander and officials presented offertories to the Sayadaws. Sayadaw of Paukzedi Kyaungtaik Bhaddanta Sumit-tabhivamsa delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits gained and the ceremony came to an end.

Commander inspects agricultural work in Pathein, Kangyidaunt Townships

Yangon, 14 Sept- Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann inspected Thayaung Chaung Farm of Myanma Agriculture Service in Pathein Township on 13 September morning. Accompanied by officials, the commander arrived at the farm where he was briefed by the Farm Manager and officials on conducting research on harvesting of different kinds of paddy and on use of biological and natural fertilizers. The commander attended to the needs of officials.

At the meeting hall the commander met with officials of MAS and members of Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Boosting of Farm Produce. Officials reported on work being carried out. Then, the commander gave instructions on distribution of quality seeds, work on maintaining quality seeds, use of advanced agricultural techniques, conducting training, seminar and fruit exhibition to officials. Afterwards, the commander inspected Shanywa Affiliated Basic Education Middle School in Kangyidaunt Township and Ayeyawady Division Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department, and attended to the needs of officials.

( 7 )  UMFCCI Vice-President leaves for Vietnam

Yangon, 14 Sept- Vice-President of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Htein Win and executive U Myint Aung left here for Hanoi, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, by air last night to attend AEM-ASEAN-CCI Informal Consulation Meeting. They were seen off at the Yangon International Airport by General Secretary U Zaw Min Win and officials.

MWSF leading patrons visit "Legacy of Bagan" exhibition

Yangon, 14 Sept- Leading Panel of Patrons of Myanmar Women's Sports Federation Leader Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, leading patrons and patrons visited "The Legacy of Bagan" exhibition organized by the Archaeology Department of the Ministry of Culture at the National Museum on Pyay Road this morning. They were welcomed there by Daw Khin Thein Yee, wife of the Minister for Culture, Director-General of the Archaeology Department U Nyunt Han and officials. The director-general explained the purpose of holding the exhibition and Director Daw Sandar Khin facts about Myanma artistic handicrafts of the Bagan period and pagodas and stupas renovated and to be renovated. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe signed in the visitors' book. The students of the University of Culture presented Bagan cultural dances to them.

Myanmar gets 12 gold, 11 sliver and 30 bronze at XX1 SEA Games

Yangon, 14 Sept- Myanmar got a total of 53 medals 12 gold, 11 sliver and 30 bronze up to 13 September at XX1 SEA Games being held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Lashio Consumer Products Expo to be held

Yangon, 14 Sept-  With the permission of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council, Dragon Exhibition Ltd will hold Lashio Consumer Products Expo 2001 at the City Hall of Lashio from 19 to 23 September. Garments from home and abroad, cosmetics and personal goods, plastic wares, foodstuff, electrical and electronic goods, construction materials, household goods, stationery, papers, materials for packing, small gadgets, skin lotions, sports equipment and various kinds of service will be shown at the expo together with fashion show of Super Star Model Agency.

( 8 )  Japanese youth delegation continues excursion

Yangon, 14 Sept- The visiting Japanese youth dele-gation left Yangon for Bagan-NyaungU by air on 7 September. They were welcomed there by executive of Mandalay Division Union Solidarity and Development Association U Thein Tun and secretaries of District and Township USDAs, executives and members at NyaungU Airport. In the afternoon, the delegation members met with officials of USDA at the office of NyaungU District USDA. Then, they visited ancient pagodas in Bagan and the Archaeological Museum. On 8 September, they left for the Forest Department in Popa, Kyaukpadaung Township, and then visited the pagodas on Mount Popa. They proceeded to Japan (BAJ) and studied sinking of tube wells at Kanzauk Village and Nyaungpinkan Village.

They left NyaungU for Mandalay by air on 9 September and were welcomed at Mandalay International Airport by Acting Secretary of Manadalay Division USDA U Kyaw and executives, secretaries, executives and members of District and Township USDAs. They visited U Pein Bridge on Taungthaman Lake in Amarapura Township and Maha Myatmuni Buddha Image, silver embroidery workshop, Mandalay Palace and Museum, Maha Theindawgyi, Kaunghmudaw and the pagodas on Mandalay Hill in Mandalay. On 10 September, they went to Mingun and visited Mingun Bell, Mya Theintan Pagoda and Zaygyo Market. They left for the University for Development of National Races in Ywathitgyi, Sagaing Division, where they were welcomed and conducted round the university by Rector Col Zaw Min Thein, faculty members and students. Later, the delegation members visited Peikchin-mhyaung Cave and the National Gardens in PyinOoLwin Township on 11 September.

Japanese youth delegation visits Shan State

Yangon, 14 Sept- The visiting Japanese youth delegation arrived in Heho via Mandalay by air on 12 September. The delegation was welcomed at Heho airport by executives and members of state, district, township Union Solidarity and Development Associations. The delegation left Heho for Inlay Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda via Khaung Daing. They paid homage to the pagoda and studied weaving work. Then, they met with students at Basic Education High School in Nyaungshwe and studied multimedia classrooms. On 13 September, the delegation visited Karamoshia Training School opened at Taung Po Gyi village in Nyaungshwe with the assistance of Japanese government. They met with U Kyaw Moe of Shan State Forest Department, U Wai Phyoe of Shan State Irrigation Department, Officer In-charge of the school Mr Takayama and trainees. Officials gave an account of the school.

They proceeded to No 4 BEHS in Taunggyi where they were welcomed by Headmaster U Khin Maung Myint, teachers and students. They studied multimedia class rooms and a nursery school. The students enter-tainted them with dances. Afterwards, they paid homage to Shwe Phone Pwint Pagoda and enjoyed the scenic view from the pagoda. Next, the delegation met with executives and members of state, district and township USDAs and exchanged views at the office of Shan State (South) USDA . Executives of Shan State (South) USDA hosted a dinner in honour of the delegation. The delegation left Heho for Yangon by air and arrived here this morning. The delegation visited Kyaik Hmaw Wun Pagoda in Kyauktan township this afternoon. Officials of Pagoda Board of Trustees gave an account of history of the pagoda. The delegation made cash donations and paid homage to the pagoda.