( 1 )  Secretary-1 greets contestants for Performing Arts Competitions

Yangon, 14 Oct- Patron of the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt greeted contestants of states and divisions for the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street this evening.

Also present were member of the Panel of Patrons of the Ninth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Chairman of the Leading Committee member of the State Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and members, ministers, deputy ministers, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein and departmental heads, chairmen of the Work Committee and Sub-committees and members of the central panel of judges, judges from states and divisions, supervisors and contestants. State peace and development Council Secretary-1 Lt-gen Khin Nyunt greeted the supervisors and contestants of states and divisions. The Secretary-1 then greeted members of the central panel of judges and judges from states and divisions.

up
___________________________

( 2 ) Secretary-1 gives instructions on upgrading of curricula of IMT

Yangon, 14 Oct - The Ministry of Transport held a coordination meeting on the upgrading and teaching of marine technology at the Institute of Marine Technology on Bayintnaung Road this morning. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and gave instructions. Also present were ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, technicians and guests.

The Secretary-1 said that the Institute of Marine Technology of the Ministry of Transport is producing technicians and officers for the maritime transport sector. The State Peace and Development Council is making all-out efforts to enable the Union of Myanmar to stand shoulder to shoulder with other nations and to improve the national economy. At the same time, the maritime transport sector of Myanmar is also improving. Today there are more dealings with other nations by means of maritime transport, and sea ports of international standard and modern container yards have emerged.

The efforts to improve the maritime transport services are being accelerated. Likewise, the building of sea-going vessels and ships has been improving in the nation, and there is an increase in the number of orders for ships received from foreign nations. As the maritime transport sector is improving with added momentum in the nation, a large number of mercantile cadets, engineers, ship-building engineers, architects, sea port management officers are needed.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 encouraged all those present to contribute to the discussions on the upgrading of curricula of the Institute of Marine Technology. Afterwards, the ministers, the deputy ministers, heads of department and technicians took part in the discussions. Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe reported on the condition of buildings of the institute and construction of new buildings. The Secretary-1 gave instructions. After the meeting, the Secretary-1 inspected construction of buildings in the compound of the institute.

Secretary-1 inspects works of general-purpose assembly hall construction project and 500-bed City General Hospital Project

 Yangon, 14 Oct- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected works of general-purpose assembly hall construction project and 500-bed City General Hospital Project this morning. The Secretary-1, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at the site of general-purpose assembly hall construction project on Mindhamma Road in Mayangon Township this morning.

They were welcomed there by Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo, Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa and officials. Deputy Chief Engineer (Architect) of Public Works U Aung Kyee Myint, Chairman of Nagani Construction Group U Thein Zaw and Architect Dr Kyaw Latt reported on work done and progress of work with the aid of scale models and charts. The Secretary-1 then gave instructions. The Secretary-1 inspected the scale model of the project and work undertaken. The Secretary-1 and party went to the site of 500-bed City General Hospital Project on Tawwin Road in Mayangon Township. Architect U Win Zaw reported on the project. The Secretary-1 then gave instructions and inspected the site.

( 3 ) Secretary-3 attends donation ceremony of Tatmadaw families, wellwishers at Thathanazeya Mingala Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Tamway

Yangon, 14 Oct- Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint attended the provisions donation ceremony of Tatmadaw families (Army, Navy and Air) and wellwishers to Thathanazeya Mingala Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Natchaung Ward, Tamway Township, this afternoon.

 Also present on the occasion were Presiding Nayaka of the Sarthintaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Paninda and members of the Sangha, the ministers, the deputy ministers, the vice-mayor, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental officials, district and township authorities, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Auxiliary Fire Brigade members and wellwishers. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Paninda administered the Five Precepts.

The Secretary-3 and the ministers donated provisions to the members of the Sangha. Then, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Soe Thein and Colonel Air Staff (Mechanical) Col Ye Chit Pe offered rice, edible oil and gram donated by Tatmadaw families to the Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw.

 Afterwards, staff of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Yangon City Development Committee, Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, Yangon East District and Township Peace and Development Councils, Myanma Salt and Marine Chemicals Enterprise, Yangon Division Salt Millers' Association, Traditional Medicine Department and wellwishers offered rice, edible oil and traditional medicines to the Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw. Similarly, dations were presented to the ministers and the deputy ministers.

The donations were: the Ministry of Commerce K 100,000, YCDC K 100,000, Yangon Division Peace and Development Council K 3,000, Tamway Township Peace and Development Council K 10,000, Ward Peace and Development Councils K 5,000, Myanmar Pyithahay KN Co K 100,000, BTB Co K 50,000, Thamada Robe Shop K 50,000, Great Wall traditional medicine industry K 100,000, Win Yadana Transport Service K 30,000, Dagon Myanmar International Ltd K 50,150, U Thein Maung-Daw Pa Pa (Sandi Traditional Medicine) K 50,050, Myanmar Rice Wholesalers Association K 10,000, OK Rice Trading of Bayintnaung Brokerage K 20,000, Daw Hla Hla of Lanmadaw Township K 20,000, Abayathukha Clinic K 27,000, Hmancho Clinic K 20,000, Tun Shwewa Clinic K 20,000, Hsan Myanmar International Co K 20,000, Shwe Construction Materials K 15,000, Myanmar Saw Millers Association K 10,000, Daw Kyin Thein of Kyaukmyaung Road K 30,000, Lt-Col Win Myint-Daw Mya Mya Khaing K 20,000, Myintmyat Paddy Cultivation K 10,000, Adviser to the Ministry of Culture Dr Pe Nyan K 5,000, Executive of Township USDA U San Shein K 3,000, Township MCWA K 5,000, U Thein Nu-Daw Khin Mya of Thatipahtan Road K 30,000, Township Myanmar Pyithar General Trading K 10,000, Sayagyi Co K 5,000, Tamway Township Women's Sports Group K 5,000, Township Auxiliary Fire Brigade K 5,000, U Aye Lwin-Daw Khin Nu K 5,000 and U Maung Nyo-Daw Mya Yi K 5,000. Director of Resettlements Brig-Gen Aung Thein supplicated on the purpose of the donations. The Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw delivered a sermon and the congregation shared merits gained. Today's donations included 43 bags of rice, 18 viss of edible oil, 21 viss of gram, 100 viss of iodized salt, 10 tubes of tooth paste, 980 bottles of traditional medicines and K 958,200.

( 4 )  South East Asia Write Award winner Literati U Htin Gyi (Tekkatho Htin Gyi) honoured

Yangon, 14 Oct- A ceremony to honour winner of national literary award member of Myanmar Language Commission and Literati U Htin Gyi (Tekkatho Htin Gyi) who won the 2001 South East Asia Write Award was held at Karaweik Palace, Kan-dawgyi, this afternoon.

Present were Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Deputy Minister U Thein Sein, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Chairman of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) and CEC members, heads of departments, members of Myanmar Language Commission, members of National Literary Award Scrutiny Board, Literati who won international literary awards, specially invited literati, family of Literati U Htin Gyi and guests. Secretary of MWJA U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay) acted as master of ceremonies. Chairman of MWJA U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) spoke on the occasion. Member of CEC of MWJA U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin) gave an introductory speech about U Htin Gyi. U Htin Gyi recounted his experience of the 2001 South East Asia Write Award presentation ceremony. Chairman of MWJA U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) presented certificate of honour of MWJA to U Htin Gyi.

( 5 ) Tatmadaw families, wellwishers donate provisions to nunneries in Mayangon

Yangon, 14 Oct- Families of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and wellwishers donated provisions and cash to Dhammethaka Nunnery in Ward 5 of Mayangon Township this morning. Present on the occasion were Presiding Nayaka of the nunnery Agga Maha Ganthavaaka Pandita Nun Daw Dhammesi and nuns, Chief of Staff (Air) Col Myat Hein, Brig-Gen Aung Thein Cmdr Tin Htut Thein and senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, chairmen of district and township authorities, departmental officials, members of Working Committee for Women's Affairs, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Union Solidarity and Development Association, students and wellwishers.

On behalf of the Tatmadaw families, Chief of Staff (Air) Col Myat Hein and senior military officers presented provisions to Nun Daw Dhammesi. Then, Nun Daw Dhammesi accepted rice donated by Yangon West District and Mayangon Township Peace and Development Councils, iodized salt and tooth paste by Myanma Salt and Marine Chemicals Enterprise, Yangon Division Salt Millers Association, traditional medicines by Traditional Medicine Department, K 100,000 by Ministry of Commerce, K 3,000 by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, K 30,070 by Sandi traditional medicine, K 10,000 by Myanmar Rice Wholesalers and Brokers Association, K 10,000 by OK Rice Trading, K 20,000 by BTB Co, K 5,000 by Myintmyat Paddy Agriculture Service, K 2,000 by Mayangon BEHS No 1 and K 10,000 by Daw Hla Hla of Lanmadaw Sanitation Service.

Then, Nun Daw Dhammesi delivered a sermon and nuns recited metta paritta. Lt-Col Than Swe explained the purpose of the donations. TodayÕs donations for Dhammethaka Nunnery included 46 bags of rice, 17 viss of edible oil, 34 viss of gram, 150 viss of iodized salt, 15 tubes of tooth paste, 75 bottles of traditional medicines and K 190,070. Similarly, Tatmadaw families and wellwisher people presented offertories to Shwemyaing Thiri Nunnery on Masoeyeinkyaung Road in Ward 5, Mayangon Township, this morning.

The congregation took the Eight Precepts from Joint-Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Presiding Nayaka of Naga Cave Tawya Kalaywa Sarthintaik Dwipitakadhara Dwipitaka Kovida Mula Arbhidhammika Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Jagara-bhivamsa. Director of Resettle-ments Brig-Gen Aung Thein of the Ministry of Defence and senior military officers offered provisions to the Sayadaws. Then, Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Cmdr Tin Htut Thein and Lt-Col Than Swe presented provisions donated by Tatmadaw families to Presiding Nun of the nunnery Nun Daw Indaari.

 Nun Daw Indanari, Brig-Gen Aung Thein and Col Win Than of the Ministry of Defence accepted K 56,950 for the funds of the nunnery donated by 23 wellwishers including rice by Yangon West District and Mayangon Township Peace and Development Councils, K 100,000 by Ministry of Commerce, K 5,000 by Directorate of Supply and Transport, iodized salt and tooth paste by MSMCE and Yangon Division Salt Millers Association, traditional medicines by staff of Traditional Medicine Department, provisions by 15 wellwishers, K 20,000 by BTB Co, K 10,000 each by Myanmar Rice Wholesalers and Brokers Association, OK Rice Trading and Daw Hla Hla of Lanmadaw Sanitation Service, K 15,090 by Sandi traditional medicines, K 11,000 by Theingyi Market A & B Complex, K 5,000 by Myintmyat Paddy Agriculture, and K 11,980,000 for construction of new building donated by 72 wellwishers including K 2.1 million by U Thura Shwe-Daw Nwe Nwe Htwe and family, K 1.5 million by U Tin Aung-Daw Khin Thwe Thwe and family, K 1.1 million by Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Khin Kyi of Latha Street, K 1 million by U Than Aung family and K 2 million by actresses Ma Soe Myat Kalyar and Ma Soe Myat Nandar. Col Win Than of the Ministry of Defence supplicated on the purpose of the donations.

Joint-Secretary Sayadaw Bhaddanta Jagarabhivamsa delivered a sermon and the congregation shared merits gained. Today's donations for the Shwemyaing Thiri Nunnery were 299 bags of rice, 82 viss of edible oil, 82 viss of gram, 100 viss of iodized salt, 10 tube of tooth paste, 50 bottles of traditional medicine, K 569,590 for the funds of the nunnery and K 11,980,000 for the construction of the new building.

Trust fund for Dhanyawady Kyaungtaik set up

Yangon, 14 Oct - A ceremony to set up a trust fund for members of the Sangha at Dhanyawady Missionary Kyaungtaik was held at the Monastery on U Htaungbo Road, Yangon, at 7 am today. It was attended by Director-General of Information and Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Information U Chit Naing, officials of News and Periodicals Enterprise, executives and members of Dhanyawady Missionary Association, Ambassadors of foreign embassies in Myanmar and officials, wellwishers U Aung Shwe Oo, wife Daw Ni Ni and family members and guests.

U Aung Shwe Oo, Daw Ni Ni and family handed over the cash donation of K 100,000 for the fund of the Kyaungtaik to Presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Aggadhaja. Then, Counsellor of the Embassy of Cambodia Mr In May donated cash for the fund and Ambassador of Sri Lanka Mr Ubhayasekara Mapa and wife presented robes and offertories to the Presiding Sayadaw. Later, the Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing the merits gained. The wellwishers offered "soon" to the Sayadaw, members of the Sangha and nuns.

( 6 )  Minister inspects warehouses

Yangon, 14 Oct - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, together with Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and officials, inspected warehouses to be rented from Myanma Port Authority for storage of export crops this morning. The minister and party proceeded to Lanmadaw warehouse complex and discussed matters on minimizing loss and wastage and prevention of crops from natural disasters. He inspected round the warehouses and left necessary instructions.

Mid-year Gems Emporium earns over US $ 9.5 m

 Yangon, 14 Oct - Altogether 28 gem lots were sold at US $ 3,507,223 through competitive bidding on 13 October evening. Gem merchants bought 70 gem lots at US $ 5,032,675 up to 13 October. Altogether 58 pearl lots fetched US $ 179,642 through tender and competitive bidding systems this morning. Sales amounted to US $ 9,556,442  199 jade lots fetched 4,106,319; 70 gem lots 5,032,675; 58 pearl lots US $ 179,642 and jade carving and figurines, gems and jade sold at fixed prices US $ 237,806  from the beginning to the end of the emporium. Altogether 616 gem merchants  302 from 121 foreign companies and 314 from local companies  attended the emporium.

( 7 )  Deputy Minister attends Ministerial Meeting on Control of AIDS in Asia-Pacific Region

Yangon, 14 Oct - A Myanmar delegation led by Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo attended the Ministerial Meeting on Control of AIDS in Asia-Pacific Region in Melbourne, Australia, on 9 and 10 October.

Australian Foreign Minister Mr Alexander Downer chaired the meeting. Ministers and deputy ministers from 33 nations in Asia and the Pacific region and officials of the World Health Organization, UN agencies, the European Commission, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and other non-governmental organizations attended the meeting and discussed problems related to AIDS and poverty.

 Leader of the Myanmar delegation Professor Dr Mya Oo spoke about efforts of Myanmar to control AIDS as a national duty, the laying down of health policies by the government, concerted efforts of the National Health Committee and the National AIDS Committee, ministries, non-governmental organizations at home and abroad, UN agencies and the people and Myanma's cooperation with neighbouring nations such as Thailand and China and ASEAN nations. He also said that equal assistance should be provided to AIDS and health funds established by UN in Asian and Pacific nations.

The declaration on AIDS in Asian and Pacific nations was approved on 10 October. Deputy Minister Professor Dr Mya Oo also met with Australian Foreign Minister Mr Alexander Downer, Australian Health Minister Mr Michael Wooldridge and officials of Australian Agency for International Development and discussed health matters and promotion of cooperation between Myanmar and Australia. The deputy minister also visited La Trobe University Nursing School, the royal surgery college and the royal children's hospital in Australia and discussed matters related to development of human resources in the health sector, specialist training courses and cooperation on a mutually beneficial basis.

Winner of poetry competitions honoured in Muse

Yangon, 14 Oct- A ceremony to unveil the signboard of Muse Township Writers and Journalists Association of Shan State (North) and to honour the winner of the Armed Forces Day Commemorative Literary and Arts Competitions was held in Muse on 28 September. Secretary of Muse Township Peace and Development Council U Han Soe formally unveiled the signboard. Member-2 of Muse District Peace and Development Council Police Maj Pyay Nyein and Chairman of Shan State (North) Cooperation Committee of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association U Hla Maung Latt (Hsipaw Ko Latt) spoke on the occasion. U Hla Maung Latt and Chairperson of Muse Township WJA Daw Win Win Myint (Makyitan-Loikaw) presented a certificate of honour and gifts to U Ohn Maung (Shwenyatha Myat Min), who won the fourth prize for two consecutive years in the poetry competitions of the 55th and 56th Armed Forces Day Commemorative Literary and Arts Competitions.