( 1 ) Construction of 120-megawatt coal-burn power station under way to help fulfil nation's power requirement

103-mile Saikkhaung-Namhsan railroad scheduled to be completed October next year

Yangon, 19 Sept - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Ser-vices Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye attended a dinner marking the conclusion of the Under-Officers Course No 29 at the Tatmadaw (Army) Officers Training School in Bahtoo Tatmyo yesterday evening. General Maung Aye was accompanied by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Maung Bo, ministers, senior officers of the Ministry of Defence, the commander of Bahtoo Station, senior officers of Bahtoo Station, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department. Also present at the dinner together with the General and party were the under-officers and their relatives and guests. The General cordially greeted the under-officers individually. Then, the General and party enjoyed the dinner together with the under-officers and their relatives. After the dinner, the General and party watched entertainment programmes of the artistes of Myanmar Music Asiayon and the Defence Services TV Broadcasting Unit.

The next morning, the General and party inspected the Tikyit coal-burn power station project in Pinlaung Township. On arrival at the project, they were welcomed by Deputy Minister for Electric Power U Myint Thein, heads of the Myanmar Electric Power Enterprise and No 3 Mining Enterprise and officials. At the briefing hall, the General and party heard a report on plans to implement the project and selection of the project site presented by Managing Director of MEPE U Yan Naing. Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut explained plans to purchase the main equipment for the project, selection of the site, coal supply and efforts being made for completion of the project earlier than the targeted period. Deputy Minister U Myint Thein reported on coal deposits and Managing Director of No 3 ME U Hsan Tun the proven amount of the coal deposits in Pinlaung Township, the coal demand of the power station, plans to explore new coal deposits. Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint gave a supplementary report. After giving suggestions, the General said the present project is the first coal-burn power station project in Myanmar. Arrangements are being made to build the station to generate power in a short period.

As it is the first such project, systematic efforts should be made to prevent causing of environmental pollution and to complete the project earlier than the projected period. He then signed in the visitors' book and viewed the samples of the coal mined in Tikyit region. The General and party then inspected the mining site and arrangements being made to mine coal. The Ministry of Electric Power is implementing the project to build a 120-megawatt coal-burn power station as the first phase to help fulfil the nation's power requirement. The station will use coal mined in the Tikyit region. On arrival at Saikkhaung-Namhsan railroad project at Loiput village in Hsihseng Township, the General and party were welcomed by Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, Deputy Minister Thura U Thaung Lwin, Tactical Operation Commander of No 55 Light Infantry Division Col Aye Myint Maung and officials. Minister U Pan Aung explained progress in building the railroad, plans to build the bridges on the railroad and the condition of the heavy equipment of the project.

 Deputy Minister Thura U Thaung Lwin briefed the General and party on the work volume of the project, arrival of heavy equipment and progress in implementing the project. Commander Maj-Gen Maung Bo and Col Aye Myint Maung reported on participation of the Tatma-dawmen of the No 55 LID in the project. After looking into the requirements, the General inspected heavy machinery at work and participation of the Tatmadawmen in implementing the project. The General and party then went to Mongseik village in Namhsan Township where they were welcomed by Commander of No 55 LID Brig-Gen Sein Lin and officials. Brig-Gen Sein Lin explained progress in building the Namhsan-Ponchaung section of the project. Commander Maj-Gen Maung Bo and Minister U Pan Aung gave supplementary reports. General Maung Aye looked into their requirements and spoke of the need to strive for earliest completion of the project. He then inspected the map showing the axis of the railroad.

The 62.06-mile long Shwenyaung-Taunggyi-Saikkhaung section of the Shwenyaung-Taunggyi-Namhsan railroad has been completed. Efforts are being made to complete the 103-mile Saik-khaung-Namhsan section in October next year. Altogether 271 bridges including 500-foot long Ponchaung Bridge on Saik-khaung-Namhsan section will be constructed by the Myanma Railways. The Tatmadawmen of the battalions of the No 55 LID are building the railroad under the supervision of the Eastern Command. The General and party arrived back here at 4 pm.

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( 2 )  General Maung Aye pays obeisance to Konlon Sayadaw, Kangyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik Sayadaw in Shan State

 Yangon, 19 Sept - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, accompanied by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Maung Bo, ministers, senior military officers, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads, left Bahtoo for Konlon Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Pindaya Township by helicopter and visited the Konlon Sayadaw yesterday morning.

General Maung Aye and party paid reverence to member of the State Ovadacariya Presiding Nayaka of Konlon Pariyatti Sarthintaik Sayadaw Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Tejaniya. The General then asked after the Sayadaw.

 The General presented offertories to the Sayadaw. The Secretary-3 and party also presented offertories to the Sayadaw. Later, the General and party helicoptered to Nyaung-shwe, where they were welcomed by Deputy Commander of Eastern Command Col Myint Aung, Secretary of Shan State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Win Maung and Shan State, District and Township level departmental officials. They headed for Kangyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Nyaungshwe Township by helicopter at 7.45 am and paid homage to Presiding Nayaka of the Sarthintaik member of the State Ovadacariya Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Chairman of Shwekyin Nikayadhipati Maha Nayaka Dhamma Senapati thirteenth Shwekyin Sasanabaing Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vimalabhivamsa. After asking after the Sayadaw, the General and party offered robes to the Sayadaw.

( 3 ) Secretary-1 attends ceremony to donate treatises on Theravada Buddhism to International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University

Yangon, 19 Sept-A cere-mony to donate treatises on Theravada Buddhism to the library of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University of the Ministry of Religious Affairs by Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja recipient Sayagyi U Thu Kha (D. Litt) was held at the ITBMU in Mayangon Township this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Present were the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Deve-lopment Council Office, heads of departments, Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja recipient Sayagyi U Thu Kha (D. Litt), the Pro-rector (Admin) of ITBMU and officials.

U Thu Kha said he had many books including Pariyatti literature on Theravada Buddhism and wished to donate them to a suitable centres. He said international community rely on Myanmar concerning Theravada Buddhism and ITBMU has come into existence in Myanmar. He said he would donate 110 treatises to the library for those wishing to learn literature on Theravada Buddhism.

 The Secretary-1 accepted the treatises and presented a certificate of honour to the donor. The Secretary-1 said Sayagyi U Thu Kha donated valuable books on Theravada Buddhism he had collected for years. His donation was very noble and a valuable fcontribution to the religion, he said. Though Sayagyi U Thu Kha is a nonagenarian, he has made his contribution in the interest of the State based on his rich experiences and knowledge so far.

He produced educational films and video plays and gave many lectures on race, religion and national culture, he said. In spite of being a nonagenarian and his poor health, he has still strong desire to serve the interest of the State, the people and culture. He donated treatises that are suitable for ITBMU and it is his noble deed, he said. The books will be useful for those who learn Buddhist literature at ITBMU and will contribute towards the propagation of Theravada Buddhism not only in the country but also in the world. The Secretary-1 expressed thanks for his donation. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 inspected the books and graduation certificate to be conferred and the sample of the hood and gown.

( 4 )  Minister receives Ambassador

Yangon, 19 Sept-Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San received Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Phan Quang Khon at his office at 11 am today. Also present at the call were Director-General Col Soe Win of Cooperatives Department, Director-General U Sein Than, of Cottage Industries Department Managing Director Daw Khin Swe Soe of Cooperatives Export and Import Enterprise, Adviser Dr Than Htaik and Advising Officer U Hla Kyu and officials.

Minister receives guests

Yangon, 19 Sept- Mr Peter Conlan and Mr Peter Capell from Doulos International Project called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin at the Minister's office on Sule Pagoda Road at 1 pm today. They discussed matters relating to M.V. Doulos book ship which will arrive at Yangon for the second time in January 2002. Present at the call were Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Managing Director U Kyi Tun of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services and officials.

Minister U Aung Thaung receives guests

 Yangon, 19 Sept - Minister for Industry 1 U Aung Thaung received Chairman of Yunnan Machinery Import and Export Corporation Mr Chen Fang and party at his office at 3 pm today. Similarly, the Minister also received Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Union of Myanmar Mr Vivek Katju at his office at 4.30 pm today. Present at the calls were Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win and the heads of departments.

Myanmar delegation leaves for PRC

Yangon, 19 Sept -At the invitation of Chinese Association for International Understanding, a seven-member Myanmar goodwill delegation led by Union Solidarity and Development Association CEC member U Than Shwe left here for the People's Republic of China by air at 1.45 pm today. They were seen off at the Yangon International Airport by USDA Secretariat member U Khin Maung Thein, CEC member U Thaung, Counsellor of the Embassy of the PRC to Myanmar Mr Tang Ying and officials, USDA officials and their families. Members of the delegation are USDA CEC member Brig-Gen Khin Maung, Chief Officer of the USDA Headquarters Daw Aye Myint, Kayah State USDA secretary U Kyaw Swe, Ayeyawady Division USDA secretary U Than Tun, Kachin State USDA Executive Daw Lazat Lwannywe, Mandalay Division USDA Executive U Soe Aung and Mon State USDA Executive Dr Khin Maung Thwin.

National Convention Convening Commission meets

 Yangon, 19 sept-A meeting of National Convention Convening Commission was held at the meeting hall of NCCC at 2 pm today, attended by Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Vice-Chairmen Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and members of the commission. The secretary of NCCC, National Convention Convening Work Committee and National Convention Convening Management Committee reported on matters relating to the National Convention. Members of the commission took part in the discussions. Then, the meeting ended with concluding remarks by Chairman of the commission Maj-Gen Saw Lwin.ÑMNA Minister receives Chinese guests and Indian Ambassador Yangon, Sept 19 Ñ Minister for Industry 1 U Aung Thaung received Chairman of Yunan Machinery Import and Import Corporation Mr Chen Fang and party at his office at 3 pm today. Similarly, the Minister also received Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Union of Myanmar Mr Vivek Katju at his office at 4.30 pm today. Present at the call were Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win and the directors-general and managing directors of departments.

( 5 ) Industry-2 Minister inspects plants

Yangon, 19 Sept-Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin together with Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin and Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw arrived at South Dagon Industrial Zone of the ministry in South Dagon Myothit township yesterday morning. At the briefing hall of the zone, Managing Director of Myanma Machine Tool and Electrical Industries of the ministry U Kyaw Win reported on test run of Gas Container Plant and test production of National UM-1 dry cells to the minister and party. Then the minister and party inspected machinery jointly installed by the experts from India and Myanmar engineers, and test run of the Gas Container Plant and greeted the Indian experts. He viewed the test production of dry cells and gave instructions there.

 In the afternoon, the minister arrived at Indagaw Industrial Zone in Indagaw region in Bago Division. Managing Director U Soe Thein of Myanma Automobile and Diesel Engine Industries, Managing Director U Than Tun of Myanma Agricultural Machinery Industries, Managing Director U Ye Tun of Myanma Industrial Construction Services and officials reported on power supply, installation of machinery together with experts from the People's Republic of China, preparation for test run, construction of the factory, building and roads, greening tasks, and chosen sites for new buildings. The minister and party also inspected installation of machinery at Radiator Workshop, test production of radiator for cars, installation of 1600-ton pressing machine, construction of Inlet & Exhausted Valve, chosen site for construction of Aluminium Cable Plant, Ball Bearing Plant, and Steel-melting Plant and construction of Power Tiller Installation Workshop. He gave instructions on power supply, test run, timely completion of plants and greening tasks for the plants to the officials.

Ministers attend meeting for holding "Myanma Marine Products and Livestock Breeding Produce Expo 2002"

Yangon, 19 Sept-The first coordination meeting for holding "the Myanma Marine Products and Livestock Breeding Produce Expo 2002", jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Commerce on Strand Road here this afternoon.

 It was attended by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Deputy Minster for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries U Aung Thein, departmental heads from the ministries, officials from the union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Myanmar Livestock Breeding Federation and Myanmar Fisheries Federation. Patrons of the Committee Ministers Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein delivered addresses and Chairman of the Central Committee Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan explained matters to be carried out. Then the chairmen of work committees for holding the expo briefed the tasks of respective committees. The meeting came to an end with the concluding remarks by Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone in the afternoon.

Minister Brig-Gen Abel attends ASEAN meetings

Yangon, 19 Sept - Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel and party attended the 33rd ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting and related meetings at the invitation of Chairman of the 33rd ASEAN Economic Ministers' and Minister of Trade of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Vu Khoan, and arrived back here by air yesterday morning.

 The minister left here for Hanoi, Vietnam, by air on 11 September. Myanmar delegation led by Minister Bri-Gen Abel attended the 2nd AEM + EU Informal Consultations, the 4th AEM + China, Japan, Korea Meeting, the 8th AEM-METI Consultations and the 4th AMEICC Meeting held on 12 September, ASEAN China (MOFTEC) Consultations on 13 September, the 4th AIA Council Meeting and the 15th AFTA Council Meeting on 14 September, the 33rd AEM Meeting on 15 September and the 6th AEM + CER Consultations, AEM-ASEAN CCI Informal Consultations and AEM-US ASEAN Business Council Consultations on 16 September. Myanmar delegation, together with other ASEAN delegates, visited Hanoi Expo' on 13 September evening, signed the agreement on the Protocol to Amend the Framework Agreement on the ASEAN Investment Area on 14 September and paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister of SRV Mr Phan Van Khai on 15 September. Myanmar delegation attended the opening ceremony and the 33rd ASEAN Economic MinistersÕ Meeting on 15 September. They took part in the 6th AEM-CER Consultations, AEM-ASEAN CCI Informal Consultations and AEM-US-ASEAN Business Council on 16 September.

 Yangon, 19 Sept- The 48th Myanmar Medical Conference of Myanmar Medical Association will be held in January 2002 in Yangon. A meeting of members of Organizing Committee and Medicine and Medical Equipment Representives will be held at 1 pm on 22 September at the meeting hall of the association at No 249 Theinbyu Street in Mingala Taungnyunt Township. Interested persons are invited to attend the meeting.

Cash presented for victorious Myanmar athletes

Yangon, 18 Sept-A ceremony to present cash for the victorious Myan-mar athletes, who took part in the XXI SEA Games held in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, was held at Myanmar embassy in Kuala Lumpur on 29 August evening. Myanmar families in Malaysia and Malaysian entrepreneurs totalling over 100 attended the ceremony. Daw Ei Ei Khin Aye of Ministry of Foreign Affairs acted as master of ceremonies and Counsellor U Thant Kyaw of Myanmar embassy on behalf of the ambassador explained holding the ceremony. The donors presented cash to Ambassador U Hla Maung who accepted the donations and presented certificates of honours to them. After the ceremony, the ambassador hosted a dinner in honour of those present at the embassy.

( 7 )  Producers Cooperatives inspected

Yangon,19 Sept - Director-General of the Cottage Industries Department of Ministry of Cooperatives U Sein Than, accompanied by officials, Programme Manager U Hla Phyu Chit of UNDP (Yangon), Project Manager Mr Bishnu B Silwal of the UNOPS (Asia) inspected financial services and social development work being undertaken in cooperation with the UNDP at 462 villages in Kyaukpadaung, Magway and ChaungU townships from 8 to 12 September. The director-general gave necessary instructions to officials concerned. He also inspected producers co-operative societies in Yenangyoung, Pakokku, Monywa and Amarapura townships.

13th Eye Surgeons Conference to be held

 Yangon, 19 Sept - The 13th Eye Surgeons Conference of the Myanmar Medical Association will be held at Myanmar Medical Association Auditorium on Theinphyu Road from 28 to 29 November 2001. Doctors wishing to submit papers to the conference and companies wishing to participate in the medical exhibition are to contact Dr U Thet Naing, Joint-Secretary of Eye Surgeons Association of Eye Hospital, Tel: 553955, not later than 31 October.

Prizes presented to winners of "Fish and Myanma Customs" painting competition

Yangon, 19 Sept-A ceremony to present prizes to winners of painting competition for youths under 18 in Myanmar entitled "Fish and Myanma Customs' organized by Fisheries Department was held at the Fisheries Department in Ahlon Township this afternoon. The competition wasÊheld under the ASEAN-SEAFDEC Millennium Conference Drawing Contest. Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Deputy Minister U Aung Thein and the directors-general presented prizes to the winners. Director-General U Than Tun presented gifts to those from Myanma Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon, the Fine Arts Department and the State School of Fine Arts. The minister and guests observed prize-winning paintings. The paintings will be sent to the ASEAN-SEAFDEC Millennium Conference Drawing Contest.

( 8 )   Sports Minister and Myanmar athletes arrive back

 Yangon, 19 Sept-Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, who was specially invited to attend the opening and closing ceremonies of the XXI SEA Games held in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia from 8 to 17 September, members and Myanmar athletes arrived back here yesterday evening. They were welcomed back at the airport by Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa and committee members, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, officials from MOC and the Ministry of Sports, members of Panel of Patrons of Myanmar Women's Sports Federation, departmental officials, their families and members of band troupes. The last contingent comprising Chairman of MOC Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Chairman of Committee for Ensuring Success of Myanmar Sports Mayor U Ko Lay, Leader of Myanmar Sports team Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Vice-Chairman of MOC Vice Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, General Secretary of MOC Director-General of Sports and Physical Education Department U Thaung Htaik, victorious athletes, supervisors and coaches totalling 147 arrived back here.