( 1 )  General Maung Aye receives Chairman of Armed Forces Committee of Upper House of Thailand General Arthit Kamlang-Ek

Yangon, 26 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 Chairman of Armed Forces Committee of Upper House of Thailand General Arthit Kamlang-Ek,and party at the guest house of the Ministry of Defence at 9 am today.

Also present at the call together with General Maung Aye were Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, and together with General Arthit Kamlang-Ek were Ambassador of Thailand Mr Oum Maolanon and Military Attache Colonel Chaiwat Satondee.

General Maung Aye receives Commander of Eastern Command of Armed Forces of India Lt-Gen Kalkat

Yangon, 26 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 Commander of Eastern Command of Armed Forces of India Lt-Gen Kalkat, PVSM, AVSM GOC-IN-C and party at the guest house of the Ministry of Defence at 1 pm today.

Also present at the call together with General Maung Aye were Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, and together with Lt-Gen Kalkat were Ambassador of India Mr Vivek Katju and Military Attache Colonel Shakti Gurung.

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( 2 ) Secretary-3 attends ceremony to donate provisions to monasteries in Yangon East and West districts

Yangon, 26 Sept- A ceremony to present cash and provisions for Ngwekyayan Pariyatti Sarthintaik in South Okkalapa Township in Yangon East District was held at the Sarthintaik this afternoon, attended by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint.

Also present on the occasion were Member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Presiding Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Rewata and Sayadaws, the ministers, the deputy ministers, the vice-mayor, senior military officers from the Ministry of Defence, officials from the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental officials, chairmen and members of Yangon Division, Yangon East District and South Okkalapa Township Peace and Development Councils, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, donors and invited guests. The congregation received the Five Precepts from the Presiding Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Rewata.

Then, Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint, ministers, deputy ministers and officials presented offertories to the members of the Sangha. Camp Commandant of Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Hla Aung Thein, Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Soe Thein and Chief of Staff (Air) Col Myat Hein presented offertories donated by the families of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) to the Sayadaws. Afterwards, families of the Ministry of Religious Affairs presented rice bags, Ministry of Labour bags of rice, Myanma Salt and Marine Chemicals Enterprise and Yangon Division Salt Entrepreneurs iodized salt and bottles of fine salt, Traditional Medicine Department, Hman Cho medical house, Tun Shwe Wa medical house, Htet Lin medical house, Great Wall medical house, Kay Thi Pan medical house and Lubyandaw Padamya Abhaya Thukha medical house bottles of various kinds of medicine, South Okkalapa Township USDA, township Auxiliary Fire Brigade and No 3 Ward Peace and Development Council, U Aung Thein-Daw Aye Aye Myint family, township MCWA and Capt Aye Kyaw Win-Daw Aye Aye Myint family rice bags to the Sayadaws.

Then, Ministry of Commerce presented K 100,000, Ministry of Labour K 50,000, Yangon Division Peace and Development Council K 3,000, Township Peace and Development Council K 15,000, Myanmar Pyay Tha Hay KN Co 100,000, BTB Co K 50,000, Thamada Thingantaik family K 50,000, Win Yadana Travel Agency K 30,000, Great Wall medical house 100,000, U Thein Maung-Daw Pa Pa (Sandhi Traditional medicine) family K 30,070, Hman Cho medical house K 20,000, Tun Shwe Wa medical house K 20,000, Kay Thi Pan medical house K 10,000, Myanmar Rice Dealers' Association K 10,000, OK Rice Trading Co K 20,000, Myanmar Rice Millers Association K 10,000, Daw Hla Hla of Lanmadaw Township Development Services K 20,000, Lubyandaw Padamya Abhaya Thukha medical house 20,000, Shwe Construction Material Trading K 20,000, Sun Myanmar International Co K 15,000, departments and War Veterans Organization in the township K 24,490, ward Peace and Development Councils K 15,000, township Development Affairs K 50,000, U Myo Aye-Daw Htwe Htwe family K 50,000, Kyaw Kyaw Trading K 20,000, Daw Sein Sein family K 15,000, No 8 Ward Industrial Zone families K 15,000, township MCWA, township Video Association, township Slow comving Vehicle Association, U Khin Maung Oo-Daw San Mya family, Ma Myat Pyae Phyoe family, Ko Aung Kyaw Moe-Ma Sein Sein family and U Tun Win-Daw Molly family K 5,000 each to the ministers.

Director of Resettlement Brig-Gen Aung Thein of Ministry of Defence explained the donation. The Presiding Sayadaw delivered a sermon and the congregation shared the merits gained. Then, the ceremony came to a close. TodayÕs donation is 92 bags of rice, 25 viss of edible oil, 250 viss of iodized salt, 25 bottles of fine salt, 25 viss of gram, 1549 bottles of various kinds of traditional medicine and K 894,560. A similar ceremony was held at Maha Withuddayon Sarthintaik in Bahan Township in Yangon West District today, attended by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint. The congregation received the Five Precepts from Presiding Sayadaw Tipitakadhara Dhammabandagarika Agga Maha Pandita Pali Paragu Ashin Thiri Nanda Bhivamsa (Yaw Sayadaw).

Then, Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint, ministers, deputy ministers and officials presented offertories to the members of Sangha. Camp Commandant of Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Hla Aung Thein, Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Soe Thein and Chief of Staff (Air) Col Myat Hein presented offertories donated by the families of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy, and Air) to the Sayadaws. Afterwards, families of the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs presented bags of rice, Ministry of Religious Affairs bagsof rice , Yangon West District and Bahan Township Peace and Development Councils bags of rice, Myanma Salt and Marine Chemicals Enterprise and Yangon Division Salt Entrepreneurs iodized salt and bottles of fine salt, Traditional Medicine Department, Hman Cho medical house, Great Wall medical house, Tun Shwe Wa medical house, Htet Lin medical house and Lubyandaw Padamya Abhaya Thukha medical house bottles of various kinds of medicine, members of USDA of Yedashe Ward bagsof rice, and Kay Thi Pan medical house bottles of balm.

Then, Ministry of Commerce presented K 100,000, Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs K 50,000, Yangon Division Peace and Development Council K 3,000, Asia Express Construction family K 100,000, Myanmar Pyay Tha Hay KN Co 50,000, BTB Co K 50,000, Thamada Thingantaik family K 50,000, Sandhi Traditional medicine family K 30,070, Dr Pe Nyan family K 5,000, Natkhat Baydin family K 10,000, Win Yadana Travel Agency K 30,000, Great Wall medical house 50,000, Myanmar Rice Dealers' Association K 10,000, OK Rice Trading Co K 20,000, Saya San (South) Sanpya Ward Peace and Development Council K 3,000, Sun Myanmar International Co K 20,000, Lubyandaw Padamya Abhaya Thukha medical house 27,000, Nyein Chan Yay Bus Line Supervisory Committee K 10,000, Myanmar Rice Millers Association K 10,000, Htet Lin medical house K 10,000, Tun Shwe Wa medical house K 15,000, Hman Cho medical house K 10,000, Shwe Construction Material Trading K 20,000, Kay Thi Pan medical house K 10,000, Daw Hla Hla of Lanmadaw Township Development Services K 20,000 and township MCWA K 3,000 to the ministers. Director of Resettlement Brig-Gen Aung Thien of Ministry of Defence explained the donation. The Presiding Sayadaw delivered a sermon and the congregation shared the merits gained. Then, the ceremony came to a close. Today's donation was 50 bags of rice, 10 viss of edible oil, 30 viss of gram, 150 viss of iodized salt, 15 bottles of fine salt, 1175 bottles of various kinds of traditional medicine and K 716,070.

( 3 )  F&R Minister receives Vietnamese Ambassador

Yangon, 26 Sept- Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein received Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the Union of Myanmar Mr Pham Quang Khon at his office at 10 am today. Also present at the call was Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung.

Commerce Minister receives guests

Yangon, 26 Sept- Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Director Mr Rodney Stewart Curson and party of Yangtze Kiang Industries (Myanmar) at his office on Strand Road at 1 pm today. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director-General of Border Trade Department U Nay Win, Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and officials.

Minister receives Ambassador

Yangon, 26 Sept- Minister for Immigration and Population U Saw Tun received Ambassador of the Republic of India Mr Vivek Katju at his office at 3 pm today. Deputy Minister U Maung Aung and officials concerned were also present on the occasion.

Education Minister receives Ambassadors

Yangon, 26 Sept- Minister for Education U Than Aung at his office received Indian Ambassador Mr Vivek Katju at 11 am and Vietnamese Ambassador Mr Pham Quang Khon at 2 pm separately today. Present at the calls were Deputy Ministers for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and U Myo Nyunt.

Minister Col Tin Hlaing receives guest

Yangon, 26 Sept- Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing received joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Republic of Indian Mr. Surendra Kumar at his office at 5 pm today. Present were Deputy Minister  Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung and officials.

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

Yangon, 26 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,Myanma Shipyards and Institute of Marine Technology 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, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and wife, Deputy Minister U Pe Than, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, heads of departments and their wives, and staff. 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 Ministry of Transport for "soon" to Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thra Aung Ko, 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 Thandwe-Gwa-Ngathaingchaung Road Project

Yangon, 26 Sept- Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun inspected the condition of Thandwe-Gwa-Ngathaingchaung motorway on 24 September. On arrival at Daung-chaung camp, the minister was welcomed by Deputy Superintending Engineer of Special Road Group 2 U Soe Tint and officials. Deputy Superintending Engineer U Soe Tint briefed the minister on progress in building the motorway.

The project staff should strive to work in accord with the required standard as the facility serves as a link between Rakhine State and the central Myanmar, stressed the minister. Together with the officials, the minister went to Daka Bridge Project from Ngathaingchaung via Yekyi and Kanlay. After giving instructions to the project officials, the minister left there. The minister and party then inspected Daka-Kanlay-Setkaw-Danubyu-Zalun-Hinthada Road. On arrival at Hinthada, they were welcomed by Hinthada District Engineer Daw Khin Than Kyi and officials. At the district engineer's office, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun met with officials and discussed matters relating to repair of roads in Hinthada District. He arrived back here in the evening from Hinthada via Nyaungdon.

Home Affairs Minister meets staff

Yangon, 26 Sept- Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing met service personnel of General Administration Department (Head Office) and (Yangon Division)) at the Ministry of Home Affairs at 2 pm today. Also present were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, the deputy directors-general, the deputy director-general of Myanmar Police Force, advisers of the General Administration Department, officials of GAD (Yangon) and 400 staff. First, the Minister made a speech. Then, the deputy minister gave necessary instructions.

Experience of XXI SEA Games reviewed

Yangon, 26 Sept- A coordination meeting for reviewing the expereinces of the XXI SEA Games and laying down future plans was held at Padamya Hall of the National Indoor Stadium-1 this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of the Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint.

Also present on the occasion were officials of MOC, chairmen and secretaries of respective sport federations and guests. In his address, Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint said the meeting was to discuss preparation for the comming games based on the experience of the XXI SEA Games; in the Games, Myanmar won 86 medals 19 gold medals, 14 silver medals and 53 bronze medals; it is the highest level of success for Myanmar in 20 years; thus keep the momemtum of success and work hard unitedly and actively, that more success would be achived in the comming games. Then, Director-General of Sports and Physical Education Department U Thaung Htaik reported on future plans. The attendance also took part in the discussions. The minister gave necessary instructions and the meeting came to a close in the evening.

( 5 ) Appointment of Ambassador agreed

Yangon, 27 Sept- The Government of the Union of Myanmar has agreed to the appointment of Mr Marco Antonio Diniz Brandao, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Brazil to the Union of Myanmar. Mr Marco Antonio Diniz Brandao is accredited to the Union of Myanmar, with residence in Bangkok, Thailand.

FAO official presents credentials

Yangon, 26 Sept- Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar U Win Aung accepted the credentials of Mr Bhaskar Barua, the newly appointed FAO Resident Representative in the Union of Myanmar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 1 pm today. Also present on the occasion were U Thein Myint, Director-General of the Consular, International Law and Treaties Department and U Kyi Tun, Director of the Economic Division, International Organizations and Economic Department.

Ninth Meeting of ASEAN Task Force on AIDS opens

Yangon, 26 Sept- The opening ceremony of the Ninth Meeting of ASEAN Task Force on AIDS was held at Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road this morning with an address by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein. Present were the deputy ministers, the deputy attorney-general, Ambassadors of ASEAN member nations, resident representatives of the UN Agencies, the directors-general and the deputy directors-general of departments under the Ministry of Health, heads of departments, officials of Non-Governmental Organizations, Chairmen of ASEAN Task Force, officials of ASEAN Secretariat, delegates of ten ASEAN nations, observers and guests.

Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein delivered an address. He said: May I wish you all a very good morning and the best of physical and mental well-being on this auspicious occasion. On behalf of the Government and the people of Myanmar I would like to extend a warm welcome to all distinguished guests and delegations from the ASEAN countries attending the ninth meeting of the ASEAN Task Force on AIDS. It is a great pleasure for the Ministry of Health of Union of Myanmar to have the opportunity to host this important ASEAN Task Force on AIDS meeting for the first time in Myanmar. Myanmar became an ASEAN member country in 1997 and since then, Myanmar has participated in the regional events in combating HIV/AIDS problem in order to reduce the burden of disease in the region.

We have common goals and views in the areas of prevention of transmission, provision of care and support services and alleviation of socio-economic and other consequences. Recalling the efforts to operationalise the first ASEAN Regional Programme on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control (1995-2000), and Myanmar's participation in the adoption of the first medium term work programme, I would like to express again our utmost enthusiasm to join the future regional collaborations. Today, people are getting increasingly infected with HIV infection in many parts of the world. The increase, in most instances, is attributable to risk taking behaviours of the people who lack health education and skills to protect themselves and their families. Globally, UNAIDS-WHO has estimated that a total of 36 million people were infected with HIV by the end of year 2000. More than 20 million people have died of AIDS. In the year 2000 alone 5 million new infections occurred with about 4 million concentrated in Africa, and about eight hundred thousand in South and South-East Asia.

Realizing the negative impact of the problem, the leaders of the countries all over the world met at the UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS in New York this year and made a declaration of commitment on HIV/AIDS. It was declared that multi-sectoral approach with the involvement of government, UN organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, community and private sector will enhance HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, care and treatment issues. It also called on all agencies to provide international assistance to countries and regions more affected by HIV/AIDS. Myanmar has recognized the nature and seriousness of HIV/AIDS problem in the South-East Asia Region and is taking necessary actions at the national level as well as at the regional level. To respond effectively at the national level, we have instituted proactive measures against HIV/AIDS since a decade ago. The multi-sectoral National AIDS Committee was formed by our Government in 1989 comprising of high-level officials from various sectors. Since then clear and concise policy, strategy and activities on AIDS prevention and control have been laid down in line with the National Health Policy.

The Chairman of the National Health Committee, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council, Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt, at the National Health Committee Meeting on 10th October, 2000, has exhorted us to upgrade and expand our HIV/AIDS prevention and control activities countrywide. He highlighted the need for a multi-sectoral response in a well-planned manner, with increased community participation. A Master Strategic Plan for the upgraded and expanded response to HIV/AIDS infection was then developed with the objectives of expanding the existing programme activities reaching to all areas and population groups of the country. At the 33rd National Health Committee Meeting held on 15th September, 2001, the chairman of National Health Committee urged all concerned departments to work closely with the international agencies and to cooperate with the regional and extra-regional partners in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The education programmes for different population groups aim for changing risk behaviour and adoption of a healthy lifestyles. Groups of voluntary blood donors have been formed in each and every township to ensure safe blood supply while the National Programme has ensured universal HIV free blood supply in all townships of the country. Sexually Transmitted Infections are treated not only by the AIDS/STD Teams but also by all the basic health staff in (264) townships using syndromic management approach. Doctors and nurses in the States and Divisions have been trained for proper care and management of AIDS patients. More than eight hundred counsellors have been trained to provide counselling services for the persons infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.

A school curriculum has been developed to teach school children on HIV/AIDS prevention, drug use prevention and to promote life skills for healthy living. Prevention of mother to child transmission and 100% condom use programme among targeted populations has been implemented in selected townships and is being expanded with great momentum. HIV sentinel surveillance is carried out in every State and Division of the country and has now embarked on the second generation sentinel surveillance for better understanding of the situation in the country. In addition to these programme activities, Myanmar is determined to expand collaborative activities with the neighbouring countries for the control of Malaria, TB and HIV/AIDS. Myanmar and Thai Ministries of Health are conducting joint border programmes and exchanged information and visits in the main border points. Myanmar and Thailand will conduct a joint week-long Health exhibition in the eastern border towns to Tachileik and Maesai in end of this September this year.

Myanmar is committed to take part in the regional and international effort to fight against HIV/AIDS. Myanmar is also determined to mobilize more resources to fight HIV/AIDS in next four years according to the Special Four Year Plan 2001-2004, already approved by the National Health Committee. I am very glad to know that the second work plan (or) the ASEAN work plan on HIV/AIDS will be adopted in the near future after making final discussions. Consecutive discussions have been made in two consultative meetings to reach a consensus by all member countries. I appreciate all these efforts made by the ASEAN secretariat and the member countries so as to express the unity and friendship among the ASEAN members. As the nations of Asia, we have our own cultural heritage and traditions that are still valuable for the people. While we are trying to preserve our cultural and moral values especially among the younger generation, we are taking appropriate measures at the same time to combat HIV/AIDS. We believe that our own methods for preventing HIV/AIDS among our people are effective, appropriate and fulfilling the needs of the community. ASEAN Spirit is the Spirit that binds all ASEAN countries in unity no matter in which section, in which part or region they may reside.

ASEAN Spirit Engenders members to love, cherish and value a unique brotherhood, to work together for prosperity. ASEAN Spirit is that of oneness and unity of nationals who have descended from kin who have lived together in this region for a very long time. We must strengthen ASEAN Spirit, use it as a guiding light, and work unitedly to fight against the common enemy of HIV/AIDS and strive towards the development of the nation. Before concluding my appreciation, I would like to wish all the participants of the meeting to have an enjoyable time in Myanmar and contribute actively in the discussions to enhance the activities of the ASEAN Task Force on AIDS.

I strongly believe that the outcome of the meeting will be very beneficial for reducing the HIV/AIDS situation in the region. It will also contribute to the reduction of HIV/AIDS problem in the world. I would like to thank ASEAN Secretariat and the UNAIDS-Myanmar for providing necessary assistance to convene this meeting. I am also grateful for the presence of delegations from all the member countries, resource persons and the observers from the collaborating agencies. Last, but not the least, I would like to wish you all to have a memorable stay in our golden land and enjoy the hospitality of Myanmar people. Chairmen of ASEAN Task Force Dr Loreto Bun Roquerto extended greetings. The minister then cordially greeted the Chairmen of ASEAN Task Force and the delegatee. The ministers and guests observed booths on anti-AIDS activities of ASEAN nations. The meeting continues till 28 September.

National Convention Convening Commission meets

Yangon, 26 Sept- National Convention Convening Commission held meeting at the commission office this afternoon. Present on the occasion were Chairman of NCCC Maj-Gen Saw Lwin and commission members, Chairman of NCCC Maj-Gen Saw Lwin presided over the meeting. National Convention Convening Work Committee and National Convention Convening Management Committee reported on matters relating to National Convention. Members of the National Convention Convening Commission took part in the discussions.

( 6 )  Workshop on survey of hygienic city programme opens in Mandalay

Yangon, 26 Sept- A workshop on survey of hygienic city programme was opened at Mandalay Division Maternal and Child Welfare Association Office in Chanayethazan Township in Mandalay on 24 September. Present were Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Conuncil Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Secretary of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Conuncil Lt-Col Tin Ohn, departmental officials, Patron of Mandalay Division MCWA Supervisory Committee Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint, Secretary of Mandalay City Development Committee Lt-Col Maung Pu, Head of Mandalay Division Health Department Dr U Than Tun Oo, social associations and guests. The commander spoke on the occasion. The commander also delivered a speech at the course on health care services to housewives through Myanma traditional medicine.

Construction of fish breeding ponds inspected

Yangon, 26 Sept- Chairman of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Commander of Triangle Region Command Maj-Gen Thein Sein and departmental officials inspected construction of ten fish breeding ponds near Kengtung Golf Course on 22 September. Project in-charge Chairman of Shan State (East) fish and meat production supervisory committee Joint Police Commander of Shan State Police Force Col Tin Maung Maung and U Than Soe Naing of Irrigation Department reported on land survey, progress of work and requirements. The commander fulfilled the requirements. He explained extended breeding of fish, construction of 100 fish ponds, arrangements for breeding of fish and cooperation in agriculture and livestock breeding. The commander inspected the sites for breeding of fish.

Construction work inspected in Toungoo

Yangon, 26 Sept- Bago Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Southern Command Commander Maj-Gen Tin Aye, together with Secretary Lt-Col Aung Min and departmental officials, inspected construction of the new building of the out-patient ward of Toungoo People's Hospital, renovation of the old building and construction of Town Hall in Toungoo on 24 September. Toungoo District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Tun Aye and departmental officials reported on progress of work sectorwise. The commander fulfilled the requirements. The commander then visited the Shwe Sandaw Pagoda in Toungoo and inspected progress in all-round renovation of the pagoda. Later, the commander attended to the needs.

( 7 )  Commander attends merit-sharing ceremony for Dhammayon

Yangon, 26 Sept- A ceremony to share merits for the Sanpya Ward Dham-mayon was held at the Dhammayon in No 13 region, Pathein Township, Ayeyawady Division, on 25 September. It was attended by Divisional Sangha Nayaka Committee Secretary of Sandayon Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indobhasa and Sayadaws, Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and wife Daw Khin Lay Thet, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Tint Swe and military officers, members of Division Peace and Development Council, departmental heads, townselders, well-wishers and guests.

The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namotassa. The Presiding Sayadaw administered the Five Precepts, and the Sayadaws recited the parittas. Then, the commander and officials presented offertories to members of the Sangha. Afterwards, the Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits gained, and the ceremony came to an end.

Agriculture and regional development work inspected in Magway Division

Yangon, 26 Sept- Magway Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Col Zaw Min, accompanied by departmental officials, inspected progress in construction of Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway) and growing of shady trees and landscaping trees in the surrounding areas of Minbu bank on 19 September. On 20 September, he discussed matters related to agriculture and rural development work with local authorities, departmental officials and members of social organizations at the office of Kanma Township Peace and Development Council. He inspected the main building, classrooms and arrangements of multimedia teaching centre of Kanma BEHS work done for beautifying the town, progress in construction of Kanma-Po Oo Taung earth road section, fitness of bridges, completion in cultivation of monsoon paddy in Kanma Township and Duyingabo river water pumping project in Aunglan Township.

On 21 September, he discussed regional development work and extension of cultivation with the chairman of Township Peace and Development Council, departmental officials and town-selders in Sinbaungwe. Later, Chairman Col Zaw Min inspected Taungdwingyi-Taungnyo-Pyinmana road constructed through Bago Yoma mountain range, maintenance of bridges in Taungdwingyi Township road section, conservation of forest reserves, irrigation from Yanpe Creek on self-reliance near Kukkogwa Village for about 600 acres of paddy fields in Kukkogwa, Pyatu,Yanpegwa and Nyaungdon villages, and fulfilled the needs.

( 8 )  Malaysian delegation meets Myanmar entrepreneurs

Yangon, 26 Sept- The 12-member delegation led by Deputy State Secretary of the Selangor State Government of Malaysia Dato' Mohd Sinon bin Mudzakir held a meeting with Adviser at the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Dr Kyaw Htin, Secretary General U Zaw Min Win and the central executive committee members at the federation yesterday.

They discussed promotion of investment, economic cooperation and trade and export of wood-based goods, marine products, livestok products and beans and pulses. The delegation also met with Vice-Chairman U Sein Win Hlaing of Myanmar Beans and Pulses and Sesame Merchants Association and members, Chairman U Aung Lwin of Myanmar Forest Products and Timber Merchants Association and members, Vice-Chairman of Myanmar Livestock Breeding Federation U Ohn Lwin and members. The delegation will visit Mandalay to meet with members of Mandalay Division Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Myanmar delegation arrives back from China

Yangon, 26 Sept- A Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint arrived back here by air this afternoon after attending the China Mining Conference 2001 held in Xian, the People's Republic of China. They were welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Industry - 2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister for Immigration and Population U Saw Tun, Ambas- sador of the People's Republic of China to the Union of Myanmar Mr Li Jinjun and officials, heads of department under the ministry and their families. Members of the delegation Director-General of Mining Department U Soe Mya, Director-General of Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration Department U Win Ti and Assistant Director of No 1 Mining Enterprise U Kyaw Win also arrived back on the same flight.

Myanmar delegation leaves for Japan

Yangon, 26 Sept- At the invitation of ASEAN-Japan Centre, a Myanmar delegation led by Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt left here this morning for Osaka, Japan, to attend the Workshop for the Visit ASEAN Campaign to be held from 28 September to 1 October. The delegation was seen off at the airport by Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Managing Director U Kyi Tun and officials. Members of the delegation are Director of Tourism Promotion Department of DHT Daw Nyunt Nyunt Than, Sale Manager of Myanma Tourism Services U Aye Min Oo, Chairman of SM Tours and Transport Co Ltd U Maung Maung Swe, Managing Director of Myanmar Nara Apex Travels and Tours Co Ltd U Kyaw Shin and Director of Karaweik M&J Travels Co Ltd Daw Khin May Myint.

UMFCCI official leaves for PRC

Yangon, 26 Sept- Executive Officer of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Myint Aung left here by air for Kunming, the People's Republic of China, this morning to attend the Third Meeting of the ASEAN-China Joint Research Team in the city. He was seen off at Yangon International Airport by Secretary General U Zaw Min Win of the federation, the central executive committee members, executives officers and officials.