( 1 )  Leading Committee for Perpetual All-round Renovation of Shwedagon Pagoda meets

Yangon, 24 Sept- The Leading Committee for Perpetual All-round Renovation of the Shwedagon Pagoda held a meeting at Ancient Museum Prayer Hall on the platform of the pagoda this morning. Patron of the Leading Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the meeting. The Secretary-1, accompanied by the officials of the State Peace and Development Council, arrived at the Shwedagon Pagoda at 6.30 am.

They were welcomed by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, the ministers, the mayor of Yangon, the deputy ministers, officials of the Leading Committee and the Working Committee, members of the Shwedagon Pagoda Board of Trustees and Myanmar technicians. Later, the Secretary-1 offered flowers, lights, incense sticks, "soon" and water, and paid homage to Hsutaungpyi Padamya Myetshin Pagoda on the upper terrace of the Shwedagon Pagoda. First, a donation cere-mony was held at Ancient Museum Prayer Hall.

On behalf of Hsin-phyushin Yeiktha Dhamma family of Hsinphyushin Yeiktha, 6 1/2 mile, Pyay Road, Col Wai Lin and senior officers presented K 900,000 for the perpetual all-round renovation of the Shwedagon Pagoda and K 200,000 for the all-round renovation of Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda. The Secretary-1 accepted the donations and presented a certificate of honour to the wellwishers. Then, the meeting of the Leading Committee was held at the same place. Chairman of the Working Committee for the Perpetual All-round Renovation of the Shwedagon Pagoda Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint reported on matters related to religious buildings on the platform of the Shwedagon Pagoda and all-round renovation work, and said that 870 gold plates received by the Shwedagon Pagoda Board of Trustees will be fixed to the lower edge of the bell-shape part of the Shwedagon Pagoda this open season. Out of four stupas on the upper terrace of the pagoda, one has been gilded, and the remaining three will be gilded soon.

He reported that the painting of the plinth of the tasks of pagoda, renovation of Naungdawgyi Stupa and small stupas encircling it and offering of bronze frames and bronze plates have been completed, and out of the 24 small stupas, 18 have been gilded and the remaining six will be gilded in the open season. The major renovation of the western stairways has been finished and installation of Myanmar handicraft, the gilding of posts inside the covered stairways and renovation of steps are being carried out, and arrangements are being made to complete these tasks by the end of October. Then, he reported on the casting of Panpaungson Buddha images, the offering of more electric lights to the Shwedagon Pagoda, publication of the book on the Shwedagon Pagoda, renovation of prayer halls, the moving of food stalls near the lift of the southern stairways to the new building near the car park of the northern stairways, construction of car parks and preparation of land. Afterwards, those present took part in the discussions on renovation of the pagoda.

Next, the Secretary-1 said that the Shwedagon Pagoda is regarded as highly sacred by Buddhists and Myanmar people. A new Shwehtidaw has been offered to the pagoda, and it is found that the tasks of renovating religious buildings are considerably successful. The perpetual all-round renovation tasks of the pagoda have been carried out and religious buildings on the platform of the pagoda renovated. But, some tasks remain to be done. While the archway of the western stairways were being renovated, the western stairways was inspected. It was found that the ceiling of the stairways needed to be renovated. While renovation work was being done, arrangements were made to see to it that bats living at  the stairways did not scatter. Construction work has been done, and it is only required to put finishing touches and it will soon be completed. Naungdawgyi Stupa has been renovated, and bronze and gold foils have been offered. The wonders of the Shwedagon Pagoda are spreading all over the world. It is an important place to visit for tourists who come to Myanmar.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged members of the Working Committee, subcommittees and the pagoda board of trustees to repair and renovate what needs to be repaired and renovated in time. Then, the Secretary-1 inspected renovation of U San Chein Prayer Hall, the small stupas and Pale Prayer Hall on the platform of the pagoda and the condition of Panpaungson Buddha images kept at Chanthagyi Prayer Hall and completion of gilding of Buddha images in Shin Ijjagona Prayer Hall. The Secretary-1 also inspected completion of gilding of Naungdawgyi Stupa and small stupas, and land preparation work near the eastern stairways, and left instructions. Shops, photo shops and food stalls near the southern stairways have been moved to the new shops near the car park at the northern stairways.

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( 2 ) Secretary-3 attends coordination meeting on display of showrooms

Yangon, 24 Sept- A coordination meeting on display of showrooms at the Defence Services Museum and Historical Research Institute was held at DSMHRI this afternoon, attended by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint. Also present were Member of the State Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, the deputy ministers, senior military officers and departmental officials.

The Secretary-3 said there are 59 booths at DSMHRI. There are also Commands' showrooms and departments' showrooms. He called for display of booths on a grand scale. Minister U Aung Thaung, Director of DSMHRI Col Ye Htut and Commander Maj-gen Khin Maung Than took part in the discussions. The deputy ministers and officials discussed display of the ministries' showrooms and extended display of new showrooms. The Secretary-3 gave instructions on suggestions. The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by the Secretary-3. The Secretary-3 inspected the showrooms of the ministries and left at 2.15 pm.

Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint drives stake for construction of Myanmar Banks Association Office

Yangon, 24 Sept- Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Win Myint attended a stake-driving ceremony of the office for construction of Myanmar Banks Association at the corner of Hsethmu Street and Saya San Road in Yankin Township this morning. Also present on the occasion were ministers, the Yangon Mayor, Panel of Patrons of Myanmar Banks Association, deputy ministers, the governor and executives of the Central Bank of Myanmar, directors-general and managing directors of the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, chairmen and officials of private banks, representatives of foreign banks and invited guests. Master of ceremonies Daw Than Than Win of MRTV read out the agenda of the ceremony.

At the auspicious time, Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint drove a stake at the designated place. Patrons of Myanmar Banks Association Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing and Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung also drove stakes at designated places. Then, the Secretary-3 and ministers sprinkled scented water on the stakes. Minister U Khin Maung Thein explained matters related to construction of the office building at the hall of the CBM. Officials reported on facts about the building. Lt-Gen Win Myint and Minister U Khin Maung Thein then accepted the donations for construction of the building. Chairman of Construction Sub-committee U Thein Tun spoke words of thanks and the ceremony came to a close.

( 3 ) Minister meets Malaysian economic mission

Yangon, 24 Sept- Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein received a 15-member economic mission led by Deputy State Secretary Dato' Mohd Sinon Mudzakir of Selangor State Government of Malaysia at his office this afternoon. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries U Aung Thein, directors-general and managing directors of the ministry, the head of Office of the ministry and officials.

Minister meets Malaysian delegation

Yangon, 24 Sept-  Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone met Deputy State Secretary of Malaysia Selangor State Government Dato' Mohd Sinon Mudzakir and party at his office at 10 am today. Present were Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director- General of the Border Trading Department U Nay Win, Managing Director of the Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and departmental officials.

Minister receives guests from PRC and Malaysia

Yangon, 24 Sept- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung received Vice-Chairman Mr Yan Dongsheng and party of Shenzhen Hubei Baofeng Industrial Co Ltd of the People's Republic of China and Deputy State Secretary Dato' Mohd Sinon Mudzakir and party of Selangor State Government of Malaysia at his office seperately his afternoon. Also present together with the minister at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, the directors-general and the managing directors of the ministry.

( 4 )  Chief Justice meets Indian Ambassador

Yangon, 24 Sept- Chief Justice U Aung Toe meets Ambassador of India Mr Vivek Katju at his office at 10 am today. Also present at the call was Director-General of the Supreme Court U Tin Aye.

Minister for CPT meets Vice-Chairman of ZTE Corporation

Yangon, 24 Sept- Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw received Vice-Chairman Mr Ji Biao (Ph D) of ZTE Corporation of the People's Republic of China at his office this noon. Present were General Manager of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications U Tha Oo and officials.

Minister for H & T receives guest

Yangon, 24 Sept- Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received representative Mr Saso Kunio of World Forum, Japan, at his office this afternoon. They discussed organizing more tourist arrivals. Present 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, General Manager Dr Phone Win of Shambhala Co Ltd.

( 5 ) Transport Minister inspects development tasks and prevention of erosion in Myitkyina

Yangon, 24 Sept- Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, accompanied by Deputy Minister U Pe Than, Director-General of the Department of Civil Aviation U Win Maung and officials, arrived at Myitkyina Airport on 22 September morning. Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and the minister heard the report on completion of runway-repavement and programmes to be carried out at the VIP lounge of the airport. Then, the minister and party went to Putao Airport, Director-General of DCA U Win Maung and officials reported on extension of passenger lounge and repair of damaged fences. The minister gave instructions and inspected the construction site.

The minister and party arrived at the work site for all-round renovation of Kaunghmulon pagoda, which is built on Malikha bank in Machanbaw Township, and Chairman of District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Myo reported on the history of the pagoda and condition of all-round renovation. Then, officials of the Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems reported on tasks to be carried out to prevent the pagoda from erosion. Deputy Minister U Pe Than made supplementary reports. The minister inspected arrangements for prevention of erosion, current speed and sedimentation by motor-boat. The minister and party went to Myanma Airways office in Putao and gave instructions to the responsible personnel.

A&I Minister inspects paddy fields

Yangon, 24 Sept- Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin arrived at Myanma Rice Research Centre in Hmawby Township, Yangon North District, and inspected the fields of Lon-thwal-hmway and Nant-tha-mmway paddy strains. General Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service Dr Myo Aung and the farm manager explained reproduction work for quality seeds at 6 central agricultural farms including Hmawby farm, and per-acre yield of paddy. The minister gave instructions on reproduction of quality seeds. Then, the minister arrived at the belt factory of Myanma Perennial Crops Enterprise in Pyinmabin, Mingaladon Township, and inspected production of belts, and gave necessary instructions on production of belts and quality control.

Construction Minister inspects Ma-ei Bridge

Yangon, 24 Sept- Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, together with officials, inspected Tanlwe-Ma-ei section of Taungup- Ma-ei road and then went to Ma-ei Bridge Project on 22 September. At the briefing hall of the project, the minister heard a report on progress of work in building the foundation of the bridge, piers, approach bridges on An bank and Ma-ei bank, and the reinforced concrete frame and floor presented by Project Engineer Deputy Superintending Engineer U Tin Htut and gave necessary instructions.

Afterwards, the minister and officials inspected the approach roads and approach bridges on Taungup and Ma-ei banks and stopped for the night at the project site. The foundation of the Ma-ei Bridge is constructed with reinforced concrete piles. Main piers and approach structures are built with reinforced concrete. The bridge is 940 feet long and 24 feet wide. On either side of the bridge, there will be two 3-foot-wide padestrain lanes. The clearance under the bridge is 75 feet wide and 15 feet 7 inches high. It can withstand 60-ton loads.

( 6 ) Ministry of Home Affairs honours athletes, presents cash assistance to students

Yangon, 24 Sept- The Ministry of Home Affairs honoured outstanding athletes and presented cash assistance to students in the hall of the ministry this afternoon. Present were Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing and wife, directors-general, the deputy director-general of Myanmar Police Force, officials of departments under the ministry, athletes and students. The minister said that the Ministry of Home Affairs has produced athletes on whom the State can rely. The athletes from the Ministry of Home Affairs representing the nation took part in the XXI SEA Games in Malaysia, and they won one silver and 17 bronze. There are altogether 180 athletes who enhance the dignity of the nation both at home and abroad. The presenting of cash assistance to 93 persons who are outstanding in education and 139 students shows the goodwill of the Ministry towards the students who will lead the State in future.

While efforts are being made to reach the goal of emergence of a new, modern and developed nation, all are to try their utmost in promoting their skills in education and sports. The minister presented awards to eight athletes who won gold, silver and bronze at Myanmar-Lao goodwill boxing match, Indonesia President's Cup Boxing Match, Thai Tiger Cup Soccer Match and sports events at home and abroad and five managers; Daw Khin Hla Hla, wife of the minister, to 11 women athletes who won gold, silver and bronze at the XXI SEA Games, international invita-tional sports matches, Asian archery matches in Thailand and the Republic of Korea and sports events at home and abroad; officials to eight athletes who won gold, silver and bronze at Indonesian Independence Day Commemorative Soccer Match, Thai Tiger Cup Soccer Match, the XXI SEA Games and sports events at home and abroad and men and women athletes who won gold, silver and bronze at sports events at home and abroad. Then, the minister, wife of the minister and officials presented cash assistance. The amount of cash presented to the outstanding athletes is K 821,500 and the cash assistance amounted to K 2,804,000. The total amount of cash presented to the athletes and students was K 3,625,500.

Refresher Course No 17 for Law Officers opens

Yangon, 24 Sept- The opening ceremony of Refresher Course No 17 for law officers was held at the meeting hall of the Attorney-General's Office at 9 am today. Present were Attorney-General U Tha Tun, Deputy Attorney-General U Khin Maung Aye, Director-General Dr Tun Shin, directors, deputy directors, the Yangon Division law officer, head of the Attorney-General's office, instructors and 57 trainees. Trainees were introduced to the Attorney-General. The Attorney-General delivered a speech. The course will last four weeks.

Minister Maj-Gen Tin Htut inspects power plant

Yangon, 24 Sept- Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, accompanied by Managing Director of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise U Yan Naing and officials, inspected generating of electricity at full capicity by No 1 Power Plant and the test-run of No 2 Power Plant at Thaton Power Plant Extension Project in Mon State on 21 September. The minister instructed the officials to inspect machinery, the supply of electricity by the two power plants. In meeting with the officials at the briefing hall, the minister said that the two power plants have been installed ahead of schedule.

He spoke of the need to run the power plants at full capacity and generating electricity as soon as natural gas is available. He also gave instructions on generation of electricity in coordination with No 3 Power Plant which is generating electricity, construction of power lines and supply of enough electricity to cement plants. The minister heard the reports presented by the officials and fulfilled their requirements. On 22 September, the minister and party went to Thaton Power Plant, which is currently generating electricity, and inspected three steam turbines there. The minister met with the officials and gave instructions on timely completion of repair of the No 2 Boiler, repair of another boiler to be kept ready for use, the storing of required machinery, innovative measures to be taken, practice of thrifty, worksite safety and welfare of the staff. Then, the minister proceeded to the construction site of Donthami Bridge which is being constructed by Myanma Railways and attended to the needs.

( 7 )  Minister Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe inspects local-made parts for oil-palm mill

Yangon, 24 Sept- Secretary of Leading Committee for Region-wise Agricultural Sector Development Chairman of Palm-oil Mill Construction Committee Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe inspected the second display of high quality local-made palm oil mill spare parts co-organized by Myanma Railways and the Technique General Engineering this morning.

The minister arrived at the factory of the Technique General Engineering at No 9 Yawmingyi Lane near Thamada Theatre where he was welcomed by Secretary of the committee Managing Director of Myanma Perennial Crop Enterprise U Myint Oo and general managers. Minister Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe and party inspected local-made parts for hydraulic pump group, elevator bucket group, press cage for continuous screw press, electrical component group, model of oil mill for manageable production, vibrating screen, crude oil tank, digester, fruit elevator, threshing machine and continuous screw press invented by Technique General Engineering. In-charge Engineer U Kan Kaung of Technique General Engineering conducted them around the booth. The minister met with the officials and gave instructions at the hall of the factory.

Courses opened at Telecommunications and Postal Service Training School

Yangon, 24 Sept- Computer Network Administration Course, S S Cable Construction and Maintenance Course and FETEX-150 CBT Maintenance Course were opened at the Telecommunications and Postal Service Training School of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications of the Ministry of Cmmunications, Posts and Telegraphs this morning. Present were Minister for CPT Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, the managing director of MPT, the director-general of Directorate of Posts and Telecommunications, the general manager of MPT, principal of the training school, course instructors and 27 trainees. Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw delivered an opening address. The minister then inspected the school.

Mayor inspects sea prawn breeding tasks

Yangon, 24 Sept- Chairman of the Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, together with officials, arrived at the sea prawn breeding camp in Kyauktan Township, Yangon Division, yesterday afternoon and inspected sea prawn breeding tasks there. Joint-Secretary of YCDC U Kyi Win and officials showed the size, quality and amount of the sea prawns bred in pond No A-2 to the mayor, who gave instructions on quality control, minimizing loss and wastage, and learning more breeding methods. The mayor and officials inspected the catching of sea prawns from pond No A-2 and the quality and size of sea prawns being bred in pond No A-1, gave necessary instructions and left there in the evening.

( 8 )  Books donated to Senate Library of Cambodia

Yangon, 24 Sept- A ceremony to donate books to the Senate Library of Cambodia was held at Sarpay Beikman Printing Press on Pyay Road this noon. Present were Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director-General of Myanma Radio and TelevisionÊ U Khin Maung Htay, Director-General of Information and Public Relations Department U Chit Naing, Managing Director of Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Myint Thein, Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, Managing Director of Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise U Bo Kyi, Chairman of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), Secretary of MWJA Director (News) of NPE U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay) and officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Today Publishing House.

Director-General U Khin Maung Htay presented 20 books, Director-General U Chit Naing 24 books, Managing Director U Myint Thein 55 books and two sets of CD-ROM, Managing Director U Tin Kha 30 books, Managing Director U Bo Kyi 20 books, on behalf of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Acting Director U Than Tun of IPRD 28 books and ten sets of CD-ROM, Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) 78 books and U Maung Maung Min Cho of Today Publishing House 32 books to the deputy minister who thanked the donors.

Malaysian delegation arrives

Yangon, 24 Sept- A twelve-member delegation led by Deputy State Secretary Dato' Mohd-Sinon Mudzakir of Selangor State Government from Malaysia arrived here to discuss commerce and trade affairs with the president and central executives of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry at 7:45 pm yesterday. The delegation was welcomed at Yangon International Airport by UMFCCI President U Win Myint, Vice-President U Htain Win and U Win Aung, Secretary-General U Zaw Min Win CEC members and officials.

Dinner hosted for Japanese tourists

Yangon, 25 Sept- A dinner was hosted in honour of Japanese tourists at the Yangon International Hotel yesterday. The tourists arrived here by air on 20 September under the arrangement of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services and Myanmar-Japan Supporting Service Organizing Co. Also present were heads of department of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services, Japanese Ambassador Mr Shigeru Tsumori and officials, the Japanese tourists, Director-General of the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt, Chairman of Myanmar-Japan Supporting Service Organizing Co Mr Fujii Keiichiro. During the dinner, the guests were entertained to Myanmar traditional dances. The tourists will leave for home via Bangkok on 24 and 25 September.