( 1 ) General Maung Aye receives Pakistani defence attache

Yangon, 21 Sept- Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye received Defence Attache of Pakistan to Myanmar Col Ihsan Ul Haq at the guest house of the Ministry of Defence at 9 am today. Also present at the call were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies Chief of Defence Services Intelligence Bureau Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min and Chief of Staff (Air) Col Myat Hein.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt receives Ambassador of the Russian Federation

Yangon, 21 Sept- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Union of Myanmar Mr Gleb A Ivashentsov at the guest house of the Ministry of Defence at 5 pm today. Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win and Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet.

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( 2 ) Roads, bridges being built, repaired to overcome natural barries of Rakhine State

Secretary-3 addresses inauguration of Pyichaung Bridge in Rakhine State

 Yangon, 21 Sept - Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, accompanied by ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments, left here for Thandwe, Rakhine State, by air yesterday afternoon. On arrival at Thandwe Airport at 2.45 pm, the Secretary-3 and party were welcomed by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, Brig-Gen Kyi Thein of Taungup Station and officials.

The Secretary-3 and party attended the inauguration ceremony of Pyichaung Bridge built by Bridge Construction Project Special Group 13 of Public Works under the Ministry of Construction near Myonpyin Village, Thandwe Township, at 8.15 am today. Also present on the occasion were departmental officials of Rakhine State, chairmen and members of Thandwe District and Thandwe, Taungup and Gwa Township Peace and Development Councils, district and township level departmental officials, local people from Thandwe Township and 40 wards and village-tracts, teachers and students, members of non-governmental organizations and Rakhine traditional drum and dance troupes totalling about 20,000.

The Secretary-3 said that Pyichaung Bridge lies on Thandwe-Taungup motor road and it is the 21st bridge to be opened in Rakhine State. As transportation is very difficult in Rakhine State, the government is building roads and bridges using large sums of money with the aim of bringing about development of Rakhine State and enabling it to keep abreast with other states and divisions in terms of development. Recently, Lamu Bridge on Taungup-Maei motor road, a section of Yangon-Kyaukpyu Highway, has been inaugurated. According to the geographical condition, Rakhine State abounds in rivers, creeks and marshes. It is also a coastal region. In addition, Rakhine Yoma ranges pose a barrier to Rakhine State. Furthermore, the rainy season is long, and the region gets heavy rains. So most of newly-built roads are damaged, and it is difficult to repair them. When a new road is built, it is not easy to find the axis for the road. As the region is not the plains, a large number of bridges have to be constructed when a new road is built.

 On Yangon-Sittway Highway and Sittway-An Section, ten big bridges and over 800 bridges of small and medium size have been built. On Taungup-Kyaukpyu Section in course of construction, 14 big bridges and over 680 bridges of small and medium size will have to be built. No matter how difficult it is, new roads are being built and old ones renovated in Rakhine State. Bridges on old roads have been built into strong ones. On Thandwe-Taungup motor road, Dwayawadi Bridge and Shwehlay Bridge have been opened before construction of Pyichaung Bridge.

Thandwe-Taungup motor road serves as a link between Taungup mountain pass in the southern part of Rakhine State and Thandwe-Gwa-Ngathaingchaung road. The more Taungup-Oakshitpin-Padaung motor road and Thandwe-Gwa-Ngathaing-chaung motor road improve, the better the condition of the trading and commercial activities between Rakhine State and Bago Division and Ayeyawady Division will become. In addition, those who wish to visit beach resorts will be able to do so easily, and the number of visitors will be on the rise.

The government is building Sittway-An-Padan motor road to link between the northern part and the southern part of Rakhine State, to join it with the routes to the southern exits of Rakhine State and to ensure emergence of a

coastal highway comprising Taungup-Maei motor road, Maei-Kyaukpyu motor road and Maei-An motor road. On completion of this highway, Thandwe District, Kyaukpyu District and Sittway District can be reached by land routes and they will become adjacent to one another. The transportation in Rakhine State will become smooth and it can have easy access to other states and divisions.

Up to now Public Works of the Ministry of Construction has built roads with a total length of over 880 miles and the previous total length of motor roads in 1988 was over 440 miles, and the total length of motor roads has increased two-fold. The better the transport condition of Rakhine State becomes, the more Rakhine State will improve not only in the economic sector but also in the education, health and social sectors. At the end of 2000-2001, the second short-term five-year plan was already implemented, and a brief study of the development of Rakhine State shows that the contribution of Rakhine State to the gross national product was about 4.3 percent.

A study of the annual economic growth rate of Rakhine State shows that the economy grew by 7.2 percent in 1998-99, by 8.2 percent in 1999-2000 and by 10.5 percent in 2000-2001. It is found that the economy has grown year after year. It is because all those concerned made concerted efforts. If the transport condition is better than at present, more progress will be achieved. Although Rakhine State is endowed with land and marine resources, it lagged behind in development. It is because development tasks could not be carried out due to various reasons.

The Secretary-3 quoted Head of State Senior General Than Shwe as saying that Rakhine State was difficult of access, and the majority of the people had to rely on waterways; in the time of the present government, tasks are being implemented to develop every region and to bridge the gap of development among regions; therefore, Yangon-Sittway Highway has been built. After construction of Yangon-Sittway Highway, the Head of State assigned a duty to build Yangon-Kyaukpyu Union Highway with the aim of further promoting the development of Rakhine State. Pyichaung Creek, which is opened today, lies on Thandwe-Taungup motor road and is covered by Yangon-Kyaukpyu Highway.

 Adopting the attitude that efforts are to be made for the equitable development of all the states and divisions, the government is building roads and bridges all over the nation for the long-term interests of the national people, not for the sake of profit. Up till now there are 139 big bridges including Pyichaung Bridge all over the Union.

These bridges have been built by Public Works, Myanma Railways and military engineering units. Military engineers are taking part in the construction tasks of the State as much as they can and sharing the responsibility of the State together with the State and the people. The better the condition of transport becomes, the more national races will deal with one another and will understand one another. Moreover, national brethren who have been living together through thick and thin will understand and trust one another more and more, and Union Spirit will flourish all the more.

Only when there is Union Spirit, national brethren will be able to embrace a sense of patriotism and become more and more united. In addition to these roads and bridges, a peaceful, modern and developed nation is to be built for national brethren. It is the affair of the entire Union to which the entire national people are required to pay high regard. Therefore, the successful opening of Pyichaung Bridge is not only the success of Public Works of the Ministry of Construction but a victory of the Union as well.

 In future, the State, the people and the Tatmadaw are to strive in unity for victory upon victory. In conclusion, the Secretary-3 thanked all who took part in construction of the bridge and urged them to safeguard and maintain the bridge. Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe said Rakhine State put 940,157 acres of land under paddy at present up from 856,000 acres in the past. The present paddy output of the state is over 59.3 million baskets which exceeded the local demand, and helped raise the living conditions of the local farmers. There are now 82,986 acres of prawn breeding farms in the state at present; in the past there were only about 20,000 acres of farms. Development in agriculture and livestock breeding has led to increase in the per capita income of the state. In this manner, all should strive to further develop the farming sector.

The expenditure of the government for progress of Rakhine State can be known if the cost of every bridge built in the state is calculated. The State is using the largest amount of money in building bridges in Rakhine State, Yangon Division and Ayeyawady Division. Twenty-one major bridges including the Pyichaung Bridge have been built in the state. Understanding the goodwill of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe in building a large array of roads and bridges for social progress of the regional people, the entire people of Rakhine State should collectively strive for development of their region. Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun said the project began on 15 September 2000.

 As the engineers and the staff of the project strove in accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, saying, " A bridge can be used a day earlier, if it is completed one day ahead of the schedule and will benefit the people one more day ", the facility was completed within a ten-month period. Public Works built the bridge located on the important Yangon-Pyay-Padaung-Taungup-Thandwe Road with an aim of ensuring further smoothness and speed in the flow of goods. The government has built 133 bridges of 180-foot and above including the Pyichaung Bridge since 1988 to date, spending over K 50,850 million and US $ 129 million.

 Of the 133 facilities, 21 is built in Rakhine State, seven in Kachin State, five in Kayin State, one in Chin State, 11 in Bago Division, seven in Magway Division, two in Mon State, four in Mandalay Division, eight in Sagaing Division, four in Taninthayi Division, seven in Shan State, 22 in Yangon Division, and 34 in Ayeyawady Division. Four more bridges Ñ Tanhlwe Bridge, Maei Bridge, Kyaukkyipauk Bridge and Minchaung Bridge Ñ are under construction in the state. Preparations are being made to build Sanepauk Bridge, Londawpauk Bridge, Deedok-pauk Bridge, Thanthamagyi Bridge, Thanthamashe Bridge, Thazinpauk Bridge and Onephaik Bridge. Executive of Thandwe Township USDA U San Naing, on behalf of the local people, spoke words of thanks.

 Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint presented a gift of honour to Deputy Superintending of the bridge project U Soe Myint. Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun formally opened the bridge. The Secretary-3 unveiled the plaque. The Secretary-3 and party then inspected the bridge and cordially greeted the local people. Pyichaung Bridge is 440 feet long and 10 feet and ten and a half inch wide. The bridge is supported with reinforced concrete pillars. The bridge can be extended to a two-way facility in the future. The bridge can bear up to 30 tons of weight. The clearance is eight feet and the waterway under it is 86 feet wide. The facility was built at a cost of K 196 million and US $ 0.17 million.

( 3 ) Minister received Ambassador

Yangon, 21 Sept-Minister for Culture U Win Sein received Ambassador of India Mr Vivek Katju at his office this afternoon. They cordially discussed matters related to promotion in cooperation of bilateral cultural exchange sector. The Minister also received Ambassador of Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Pham Quang Khon at his office at 10 am today. Also present at the calls were Deputy Minister U Soe Nyunt, directors-general, rectors and officials of departments and the University of Culture under the ministry.

Minister for Sports receives Ambassadors

Yangon, 21 Sept-Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint receives Ambassador of India to Myanmar Mr Vivek Katju at 11 am and Ambassador of Vietnam to Myanmar Mr Pham Quang Khon at noon at his office today. Also present on the occasions were officials of the Ministry of Sports. They discussed matters relating to sport between the two countries.

( 4 )  Publications to be donated to Senate Library of Cambodia

Yangon, 21 Sept-The authorities concerned today reminded that a ceremony to donate publications for Senate Library of Cambodia will be held in the near future. The well-wishers, literary houses and members of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Associations wishing to donate English version of publications on Myanmar may contact the Chairman of MWJA, No 529-531 Merchant Street, Yangon (Tel: 252417), U Maung Hlaing, Chief Editor, Sarpay Beikman (Tel: 252560) and U Than Tun, Deputy Director (Production), Information and Public Relations Department, Pansodan Street (Tel: 287599) not later than 6 October 2001 (Saturday).

Japanese tourists arrive

Yangon, 21 Sept- A total of 31 Japanese tourists arrived here by air yesterday evening, under the arrangement of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services and Myanmar Japan Supporting Service Organizing Co. They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt, Managing Director of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services U Kyi Tun, Chairman of Myanmar Japan Supporting Service Organizing Co Mr Keiichiro Fujii and officials. Managing Director U Kyi Tun and Mr Keiichiro Fujii cut the ribbon to open the Information Counter. The tourists will visit Bagan today and then leave for home via Bangkok on 24 and 25 September. More Japanese Tourists will arrive and receptionists of the Information Counter of Myanma Tourism Services in cooperation with staff of the company will welcome them.

( 5 ) "Soon" offered to members of the Sangha

Yangon, 21 Sept-A ceremony to present provisions and offer " soon " to the rector Sayadaw, teaching and administrative Sayadaws and members of the Sangha of State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon) by the Ministry of Transport was held at Mogok Soonsarhsaung of the university on Kaba Aye Hill in Mayangon Township this morning.

 It was attended by Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe and wife, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and wife, Deputy Minister U Pe Than, managing directors and directors-general and their wives, Director-General of Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U San Lwin and officials. Rector Sayadaw of the university Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Wunnita invested the congregation with the Five Precepts.

Then, Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe and wife presented offertories to the rector Sayadaw. Afterwards, Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe presented K 100,000 donated by Myanma Port Authority and Directorate of Water Transport for " soon" to Minister U Aung Khin, who gave away a certificate of honour. Later, the rector Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. After that, Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe and wife, the deputy ministers and officials offered "soon" to members of the Sangha.

Minister inspects irrigation of crops in Mandalay Division

 Yangon, 21 Sept - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin inspected cultivation of crops with water supplied from the main feeder canal of Hsedawgyi Dam in Patheingyi Township, Mandalay District, on 19 September. Accompanied by officials and members of Mandalay Division Agricultural Supervisory Committee, the minister visited Htandaw Water-Pumping Station. Director-General of the Water Resources Utilization Department U Win Shwe explained points of Kangyi Water-Pumping Station, Htandaw Water-Pumping Station, Zeetaw Water-Pumping Station and GyogyaU Water-Pumping Station. After giving instructions to the departmental personnel and members of Mandalay Division Agricultural Supervisory Committee, the minister observed cultivation of long-staple cotton with irrigation water.

At Zeetaw Water-Pumping Station, the minister discussed with officials irrigation of crops. Zeetaw Water-Pumping Station is pumping water from the main feeder canal of Hsedawgyi Dam. During the inspecting of a 1,000 acres of pre-monsoon cotton field at Minganzon region in Patheingyi Township, the minister met with cotton farmers and looked into their requirements individually. At the meeting, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin also discussed conducting of mixed-cropping in the region, irrigation of crops in the upper areas of the region, supplying of water through water-pumping stations, cultivation of at least one major crop in the irrigated areas. He said that designation of special zones and provision of technological and other necessary assistance will lead to an increase in the yield of quality cotton.

Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin then inspected maintenance of the main feeder canal. In Singaing Township, the minister looked into the requirements in dredging Soonye-inn lake. Officials of the Irrigation Department explained dredging of the lake with heavy machinery and cultivation of crops. The minister gave instructions to the officials. At Soonye-inn farm, he heard a report on cultivation of crops and application of new methods to boost per-acre yield presented by officials. The minister gave suggestions. The minister then inspected the Myanma Farm Machinery Factory Project at Inngon in Kyaukse Township. Officials reported on salient points of the project. He inspected the laying of the foundation. During the inspection of a paddy research farm in the township, the minister heard a report on functions of the farm presented by researchers. Together with officials, the minister inspected Palintaung Water-Pumping Station extension project. Officials explained points of the project.

 Yangon, 21 Sept - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, together with Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, arrived at Myanmar Pharmaceutical Factory of Myanmar Pharmaceutical Industries on Pharmaceutical Factory Road, Gyogon, Insein Township, this morning. The minister inspected Manawthukha strain paddy fields and roselle plantations in the factory compound, fish breeding ponds and the site chosen for construction of a new factory. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Win reported on matters related to construction of the factory. The minister gave instructions on agriculture and livestock breeding work and preparatory work for construction of the new factory.

 The minister and party inspected production of special glue and storage of raw materials and left instructions. The minister then met with officials at the Development Centre for Pharmaceutical Technology at the corner of Pharmaceutical Factory Road and Yangon-Insein Road in Insein Township. Assistant Director Dr Myo Myint reported on the work being carried out in production of medicines. The minister gave necessary instructions. The minister inspected the granulating room, the compression room, the coating room, and production of injection, and left instructions. In the afternoon, he attended the ceremony to honour athletes of the Ministry of Industry-1 who won medals in XXI SEA Games held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The minister presented cash awards to the medal winners. A total of 10 athletes of the Ministry of Industry-1 took part in the SEA Games. Of them, eight athletes won two golds, one silver and five bronzes.

Course on Basic Diplomatic Skills concludes

Yangon, 21 Sept-A ceremony to conclude Course No 4/2001 on Basic Diplomatic Skills organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was held at Shin Ditha Pamauk Hall of the Ministry this morning. Present on the occasion were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, Myanmar ambassadors, veteran diplomats, rectors and professors, departmental officials, instructors and trainees. Minister U Win Aung delivered an address and presented certificates to the trainees. Altogether 132 trainees including who are interested in international affairs, businessmen dealing with foreign firms, employees of companies and service personnel attended the 12-week course.

( 7 )  Mayor inspects agricultural and livestock breeding work

Yangon, 21 Sept-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay inspected agricultural and livestock breeding tasks in Uto-Kya-in Region in Taikkyi Township, Yangon Division this morning. Accompanied by officials, the mayor first inspected hatchery of fresh water prawn and culture of Artemia, and gave instructions on breeding five million of fresh water prawn, marketing and digging more breeding ponds. Then, the mayor inspected the No1 25-ton Rice Mill and gave instructions on minimising loss of wastage and making supervision at different level. Afterwards, the mayor inspected construction of the second nine-hole golf course at City Farm and Recreation Centre and gave necessary instructions to officials.

( 8 )  Press conference on London Myanmar Golf Tourney held

Yangon, 21 Sept - A press conference on holding London Myanmar PGA Championship Golf Tournament (special programme), organized by Myanmar Professional Golfer's Association and Asian Professional Golfer's Association (APGA) and mainly sponsored by Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd, was held at Anawrahta Hall of the Novotel Hotel in Mandalay on 19 September morning. It was attended by sports columnists in Mandalay and invited guests. Director of Tour Development (APGA) Mr David Parkin, Group Brand Manager of Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd Mr Bob Ortega and General Secretary of Myanmar Professional Golfer's Association U Chan Han gave speeches. In his address, Mr David Parkin expressed thanks to London for wonderful continued sponsorship of Golf in Myanmar.

 He also noted that London and MGF will be responsible one day for producing a world champion for Myanmar. U Chan Han said, the local golf scene will celebrate another international event. The London Myanmar PGA Championship to be held at Yedagun Taung Golf Club in Mandalay looks forward to tremendous growth of the game in Myanmar. He continued to say that, from just one main pro event, the Myanmar Open till 1995, Pro golf in Myanmar can now boast of a London Myanmar Open. A London Myanmar PGA Championship and the ever popular London Golf Tour which has 5-8 events, he observed. From a membership of about 3 Pros (Mya Aye, Kyi Hla and himself) it now stands at over 50, he added. He expressed thanks to Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd. (London), APGA, Yangon Airways, Novotel Hotel, KM Golf centre, Wilson, Accel International Co Ltd. (Canon), Callaway Golf, Ping and Sunfar Travels and Tours.