( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Republic of Austria

Yangon, 26 Oct - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Thomas Klestil, Federal President of the Republic of Austria, on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Austria which falls on 26 October 2001.

Central Committee for Observance of 54th Anniversary Independence Day for 2002 meets

Yangon, 25 Oct - The Central Committee for Observance of the 54th Anniversary Independence Day for 2002 held a meting at the office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) of the Ministry of Defence this afternoon. Chairman of the Central Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the meeting.

Also present at the meeting were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, ministers, deputy ministers, the vice-mayor, senior military officers, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads and officials. In his address, the Secretary-1 said that the aim of the meeting was to coordinate work for the observance of the 54th Anniversary Independence Day for 2002 with full political essence.

The Independence Day is to be observed on a grand scale in accord with objectives laid down by the State  for all the national people to collectively safeguard the national independence and perpetuation of sovereignty; for all the national people to be united to ensure non-disintegration of the Union and non-disintegration of national solidarity; for all the national people to strive for the building of a new, modern and developed nation; and for all the national people to strive for the emergence of an enduring State Constitution.

The Secretary-1 called for systematic arrangements for holding the State flag-hoisting ceremony, the banquet, sports competitions and festivals as in the previous years. He said that essay competitions, poem competitions, TV quiz and computer art competitions are to be held in order to foster patriotism and Union Spirit of the youth. The Secretary-1 called on all to collectively work for the opening of the Independence Day exhibition which reflects patriotism and Union Spirit, and to make arrangements for holding the Independence Day celebrations in states and divisions.

He also noted that subcommittees are to be formed to make sure that the 54th Anniversary Independence Day is successfully held in accord with the national objectives. Secretary of the Central Committee Director-General of the Government Office U Soe Tint reported on formation of subcommittees. The committee approved formation of 10 subcommittees. Then, chairmen and officials of subcommittees reported on tasks to be carried out. Those present took part in the discussions. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the Secretary-1.

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( 2 ) Industry-1 Minister receives PRC delegation

 Yangon, 25 Oct- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung received Vice-President Mr Sun Zhi of Chengda Chemical Engineering Corporation of the People's Republic of China and party at his office at 2.30 pm today. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry.

Minister receives Yunnan Province delegation

Yangon, 25 Oct - Chair-man of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing received the delegation led by Director-General of the Public Security Department of Yunnan Province of the People's Republic of China Secretary-General of Yunnan Province Drug Control Committee Mr Sun Dahong at his office this afternoon. The delegation is currently here to discuss bilateral cooperation on drug elimination and alternative development tasks in Kokang region, Shan State (North).

 Also present were CCDAC Secretary Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win and officials. The Yunnan Province delegation and CCDAC also held a coordination meeting the Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of Hanthawady Road and Kyundaw Road in Kamayut Township this morning. The discussions between the Myanmar delegation led by Police Maj-Gen Soe Win and the Yunnan Province delegation focused on matters related to PRC's assistance for drug elimination, alternative development tasks to be carried out in Kokang region and bilateral cooperation. The Yunnan Province delegation visited the museum in the evening.

( 3 ) Dental equipment for Ministry of Health

 Yangon, 25 Oct-A ceremony to donate dental equipment to the Ministry of Health by Bunka Orient Corporation (Japan) of Japan was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Health this afternoon with an address by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.

Also present on the occasion were Col Thein Swe of the Office of Defence Services Intelligence Bureau and officials, directors-general, rectors, directors, medical superintendents under the Ministry of Health, Japanese Ambassador Mr Shigeru Tsumori, Chairman of Bunka Orient Corporation (Japan) Mr Masaru Iwasa and officials. Chairman Mr Masaru Iwasa explained the purpose of the donation. Ambassador Mr Shigeru Tsumori also spoke on the occasion. Chairman Mr Masaru Iwasa presented dental equipment valued at US$ 110,000 to Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein, who presented a certificate of honour to the donor. Next, Deputy Director-General of the Health Department Dr Soe Aung spoke words of thanks. After the ceremony, the minister and those present viewed the dental equipment.

Lectures of professors to be broadcast at Learning Centers

Yangon, 24 Oct- The Electronic Data Broadcasting System has been set up with a view to promoting the national education level. The Ministry of Education has opened Learning Centres at 203 universities, degree colleges, colleges and basic education schools since 1 January 2001.

The Ministry of Education, in cooperation with the Ministry of Information, is making arrangements to give lectures for respective subjects of professors (chief examiners) to the students of basic education high school level (10th Standard) who will enter the matriculation examination for 2001-2002 academic year through Electronic Data Broadcasting System at the Learning Centres of the basic education schools during Thadingyut holidays this year. The lectures for respective subjects of professors (chief examiners) to the students of basic education high school level (10th Standard) will be broadcast from 10 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 3 pm daily from 2 to 6 November 2001.

Myanmarsar and English will be broadcast in the morning and afternoon on 2 November, Maths and History on 3 November, Physics and Geography on 4 November, Chemistry and Additional Myanmarsar on 5 November and Biology and Economics on 6 November. The test-run will start at 10 am daily from 27 to 30 October. Preparatory tasks are to be made to enable the students to learn the lectures at the basic education schools, at which the learning centres have not been opened yet, with the sponsorship of Departments of Basic Education and State/Division Education Officer's Offices.

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( 4 ) Buridat Drama Marionette Contest continues for fourth day

Yangon, 25 Oct - The professional-level Buridat Drama Marionette Contest of the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued for the fourth day at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township at 7 pm today.

The Yangon Division drama troupe-2 took part in the contest. Present on the occasion were member of the Panel of Patrons for Organizing the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Chairman of the Leading Committee for Organizing the Competitions member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and wife Daw Marlar Tint, member of the Panel of Patrons Minister for Culture U Win Sein, Vice-Chairman of the Leading Committee Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt and members, Chairman of the Working Committee for Organizing the Competitions Commander of No 3 Military Region Col Yan Naing Oo and members, subcommittee members, members of the Panel of Judges, diplomats and their families, doyen artistes, departmental officials and enthusiasts. The drama troupe of Ayeyawady Division will take part in the contest at the National Theatre on 26 October.

Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continue

Yangon, 25 Oct-The Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued for the eleventh day at the respective venues today. The song competition of the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions was held at the National Museum on Pyay Road, the song composing competition at the Kanbawza Theatre of the Fine Arts Department on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road and the music competition at the Padonma Theatre in Sangyoung Township and the National Theatre this morning.

Present were member of the Panel of Patrons Chairman of the Leading Committee member of the State Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Vice-Chairman of the Leading Committee Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Chairman of the Work Committee Commander of No 3 Military Region Col Yan Naing Oo and members, teachers, students and enthusiasts. Altogether 11 contestants took part in the higher education level (women's) song competition at the National Museum with the song "Mezataunggye'. In the afternoon, 15 contestants took part in the basic education level (boys') song competition with the song 'Shinthiwali'. Chairperson of the panel of judges Daw Tin Tin Mya and party supervised the competition.

The professional level (men's ) classical song competition and the higher education level (women's) religious song competition will be held on 26 October at the same venue. The song composing competition was held at the Kanbawza Theatre. Sixteen contestants participated in the amateur level song composing competition. Chairman of the panel of judges Bogalay U Tint Aung and members supervised the competition. The professional level song composing competitions will be held at the same venue on 26 October.

The music competition was held at Padonma Theatre. Ten contestants participated in basic education level (boys aged 10-15) individual saing competition. In the afternoon, nine contestants took part in basic education level (boys aged 5-10) individual saing competition. Nine contestants participated in basic education level aged 15-20 boys' individual saing competition. Member of panel of judges U Sein Hla Myaing and party supervised the competitions.

The amateur level (men) music competition and basic education level (boys aged 5-10) music competition will be held on 26 October. Piano competition was held for the fourth day at the National Theatre. Pianist Sandaya U Chit Swe and party supervised the competition. Altogether 13 contestant took part in the amateur level (men) (women) piano competition in the morning. In the afternoon, 11 contestant took part in the basic education level (girls aged 10-15)piano competition. Professional level (men) and basic education level (girls aged 5-10 ) piano competition will be held at the same venue on 26 October.

( 5 ) Cash donated for respect-paying ceremony of MWJA

 Yangon, 25 Oct - A ceremony to present cash for respect-paying ceremony to doyen literati to the Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association was held at Sarpay Beikman Building on Merchant street, Kyauktada Township at 10.30 am today. It was attended by Chairman of MWJA U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), Secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay), CEC members and wellwishers. Myanmasar Gondu U Thein Naing and wife Daw Kyi Kyi Tin (Gonduyadana) donated K 100,000 and Ahlon Township MWJA K 10,000. U Thein Naing explained the purpose of the donation. MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) received the donations and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. Afterwards, MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) and CEC member U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin) spoke words of thanks.

Performing Arts Working Committee holds meeting

Yangon, 25 Oct - The chairman of the Working Committee to Hold the Ninth Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions met with members of the subcommittees and the managers of the state and division teams at No 1 Transit Centre in Bayintnaung here this evening. Chairman of the working committee No 3 Military Region Commander Col Yan Naing Oo gave a speech. The subcommittee members and team managers then took part in the discussions. The working committee chairman gave suggestions and gave the concluding marks.

( 6 )  No 6 Sugar Mill (Yedashe) in Bago Division inaugurates sugarcane milling season

 Yangon, 25 Oct-A ceremony to inaugurate sugar milling season of No 6 Sugar Mill (Yedashe) was held at the sugar mill in Yedashe, Taungoo District, Bago Division, yesterday morning, with addresses by Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Maj-Gen Tin Aye and Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin.

Also present on the occasion were directors-general and managing directors of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, members of division/district/township Peace and Development Councils and Union Solidarity and Development Association, the mill staff and sugarcane growers. Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin gave instructions on boosting per acre yield, double and multiple cropping and production of the quality sugar. Then, Managing Director U Myo Myint made a speech. Next, Mill Manager formally storted operation.

Afterwards, the commander and the minister inspected the production process of the mill. The minister then inspected storage of the bags of sugar and transportation of 10,000 tons of sugar to Yangon for export. In the evening, the minister and party inspected storage of water, spillway and conduit of Mazin Dam in Bago Township and gave instructions on maintenance work, construction of another small dam so as to be able to effectively use the irrigation water.

Symposium on Tuberculosis to be held

Yangon, 25 Oct - The Symposium on "An Update on Reemerging Tuberculosis' organised by the Microbiology Society of Myanmar Medical Association will be held at MMA building at No 249, Theinbyu Road, at 9 am on 3 November. Physicians and specialists will give lectures on "An Update on Reemerging Tuberculosis". Those wishing to attend the symposium may register at MMA office, Institutes of Medicine 1 and 2, the National Health Laboratory and the Department of Medical Research (Lower Myanmar) during office hours beginning 29 October.

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( 7 )  Deputy Ministers on tour of Kachin State

Yangon, 25 Oct -Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung together with Deputy Minister for Livestock Breeding and Fisheries U Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Brig-Gen Than Tun, the directors-general from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Public Works arrived at Laiza border area village in Momauk Township on 21 October.

They met with national race leader U Lamon Tu Jai and party at Laiza Guest House and discussed matters related to development of agriculture, livestock breeding, education, health, transportation and tasks for progress and development of border area and national races. They were conducted around Laiza Market, Laiza Hotel which is under construction, school, hospital and health care tasks by the national race leaders.

The deputy ministers and party arrived at Pandaung Village in Waingmaw Township on 22 October and made discussions for extension of paddy fields and development of local people. They also inspected orange plantations on Myitkyina Road and made preparations for growing of orange strains suitable to the region. Yesterday, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Khin Maung together with members of Kachin State Agriculture Supervisory Committee inspected Kazunkha weir in Mogaung Township and gave instructions on sufficient supply of water for paddy fields.

Afterwards, the deputy ministers proceeded to Namtee sugar mill and inspected the mill, sugarcane plantations and Namtee ideal paddy plantations, and gave necessary assistance. Deputy Minister U Aung Thein together with Director-General of the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department U Maung Maung Nyunt and officials from Kachin State Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department inspected poultry farms of Dr Moe Sithu, U Kya Sein and U Myint Oo of Myitkyina, Shwe Myitmo Feedstuff and Veterinary Trading and poultry farm of U Poram Lasai and gave necessary assistance yesterday morning.

Outstanding students honoured

Yangon, 25 Oct - The Ministry of Labour honoured the children of the staff who were outstanding in their studies in the 2001-2002 academic year and outstanding service personnel at Main Medical Depot of the Social Security Board on Thakin Mya Park Road here this afternoon. It was attended by Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Tin Winn, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Win Sein, departmental heads, students, staff and invited guests. The minister made a speech on the occasion. The minister, the deputy minister and the departmental heads presented K 491,000 for 15 outstanding students, K 1,801,300 for 1,827 children of the staff, K 90,000 for four outstanding service personnel who won prizes at the Central Institute of Civil Service totalling K 2,382,300.

( 8 )  Third leg of Myanmar London Golf Tourney opens

Yangon, 25 Oct-The opening ceremony of the third leg of Myanmar London Golf Tournament 2001-2002, jointly-organized by Myanmar Golf Federation and Myanmar Professional Golfers' Association and mainly sponsored by Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd, was held at Ngan Tay Golf Club in Mawlamyine, Mon State, this morning.

 It was attended by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, senior military officers, executives of MGF, distinguished guests and enthusiasts. After the golfers took position at the 10th Tee, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, executive of MGF and MPGA U Ko Ko Lay and Brand Manager of Rothmans of Pall Mall Pte Ltd U Min Tala Nyan teed off to open the tourney. After the first round, Min Naing, who stood at the third place and Myint Shwe, who stood at the 20th place in Mandalay Professional Golfers Tourney, were leading with 70 strokes each in the Professional Golfers' level. The runner-up was Soe Kyaw Naing, champion of Mandalay Professional Golfers tourney, with 71 strokes, followed by Win Aung with 72, and Myint Thaung and Yin Htwe sharing the fourth place with 74 each.

 In the amateur level, Than Naing was leading with 74 strokes. Nanda Kyaw (YCDC) stood at the second place with 76 and Thein Aye and Ne Lin Tun, third with 78 each. With the aim of promoting Myanmar golf standard and turning out outstanding new generation golfers, the tourney was co-sponsored by Yangon Airways as official airline, Canon (Accel International Co Ltd) as official office equipment supplier, and KM Golf Centre, Wilson and Callaway Golf as official golf equipment suppliers. Han Golf Masters Pte Ltd also sponsored the third leg. The second round continues at the same venue tomorrow morning.

Winners of Photo Contest announced

Yangon, 25 Oct Ñ Winners of the black and white, colour and digital photo contest sponsored by the News and Periodicals Enterprise of the Ministry of Information were announced by the Competition Organizing Committee yesterday. In black and white photo contest (professional), U Hla Myint (Hla Myint Naing) stood first, NyaungU Than Htay second and Thet Naing (Bermuda) third. Ko Zin Min (Man Tekkatho), Tun Tun Naing (Thazin) and Kyaw Zeya stood first, second and third respectively in the black and white photo contest (amateur).

 In the colour photo contest (professional), Shwe Intha Khin Maung Win, AK Moe (Zoology) and U Than Wai (Taunggyi) were first, second and third respectively. In the colour photo contest (amateur), U Tin Win (Myanmar's Image), Khun Cho Thahlaing (Thilawamye) and Myint Thein Oo (Shweli) respectively stood first, second and third. In digital photo contest (amateur), U Tin Win (Myanmar's Image), U Kyaw Win and U Soe (Myanmar's Image) stood first, second and third respectively. The prize-presentation ceremony will be held in November 2001 and the venue, date and time will be announced later. The committee will present handsome prizes to the winners.

( 9 ) Drug traffickers sentenced

Yangon, 25 Oct - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Yangon Anti-Drug Squad, acting on information, searched Super Guest House in Nantthagone Ward, Insein Township, on 11 April evening, and seized 2,400 stimulant tablets weighing 326.4 gms from Soe Win and Si Thu who were putting up there.

Insein Police Station filed Soe Win, 39, son of U Tun Shein of Aungmingalar 4th Street, Aungmingalar Ward, Hlegu Township, and Sithu, 24, son of U San Lwin of 120th Street, Mingalar Taungnyut Township under Section 15/19(A)/21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. The Yangon (North) District Court heard the case and handed down 20 years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A) on Soe Win and 20 years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A)/ 21 on Sithu on 3 September.