( 1 ) National Assembly President of LPDR to visit Myanmar

Yangon, 15 Nov - At the invitation of Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services and Commander-in-Chief (Army) of the Union of Myanmar His Excellency General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, President of the National Assembly of the Lao People's Democratic Republic His Excellency Mr Samane Vignaket and Madame Souvanh Vignaket will pay a goodwill visit to the Union of Myanmar in the near future.

( 2 )  Secretary-1 inspects progress in building City General Hospital, Multipurpose Assembly Hall, MICT Park, Bagan Teleport

Yangon, 14 Nov - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected 500-bed City General Hospital Project and Multipurpose Assembly Hall Project in Mayangon Township and MICT Park Project and Bagan Teleport Project in Hline Township this morning. Accompanied by ministers, deputy ministers, the vice-mayor and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the Secretary-1 arrived at City General Hospital Project on Tawwin Street. The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by officials at the project.

At the briefing hall of the project, the Secretary-1 and party heard a report on points of the project presented by Architect U Win Zaw. The Secretary-1 looked into the requirements. During the inspection of the Multipurpose Assembly Hall Project of Yangon City Development Committee on Mindhamma Road, the Secretary-1 and party were conducted around the project by Deputy Chief Engineer of Public Works U Aung Kyee Myint, Chairman of Nagani Construction Group U Thein Zaw and officials. The Secretary-1 gave counsel. He then inspected the scale model of the hall and construction work.

On arrival at MICT Park Project and Bagan Teleport Project, Chairman of Myanmar Computer Science Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party were welcomed by Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win and officials.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected an advanced computer science course at Myanmar-Japan e-Learning Centre at the MICT Park. At the briefing hall, the Secretary-1 and party heard a report on progress in implementing the project and arrangements being made to open the park presented by Managing Director of CE Technology U Pyone Maung Maung. Lt-Col Tin Oo of the Ministry of Defence explained progress in constructing the Bagan Teleport building. After giving suggestions, the Secretary-1 inspected the projects.

Secretary-1 inspects all-round construction works at Mindhamma Hill

Yangon, 14 Nov - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township, where Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image is kept, at 9.30 am today.

The Secretary-1 was welcomed there by the ministers, the deputy ministers, the Vice-Mayor, officials, experts and members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees. The Secretary-1 paid homage to the Image. Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and officials reported on all-round construction of Mindhamma Hill, and Managing Director of ACE Construction Co Ltd U Tint Hsan on construction of Hmankyaung Glass-walled Hall, in which the Image is to be kept.

 Then, Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun and officials reported on construction of Mindhamma Hill Garden and the White Elephant Hall near the garden for the white elephant, which was discovered in Ahtetnanya Village, Yathe-daung Township, Rakhine State, and progress of work in construction of the temporary White Elephant Hall. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 left instructions and inspected all-round construction works of the Hill and progress of work in construction of the temporary White Elephant Hall. Later, the Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions and left the Mindhamma Hill.

( 3 ) Traffic Rules Enforcement Exhibition opens

 Yangon, 14 Nov - Traffic Rules Enforcement Supervisory Committee sponsored an exhibition on traffic rules as a public education campaign on the first floor of Yankin Market, Yankin Township, Yangon Division, this morning. Present were patrons of the supervisory committee Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing and Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Chairman of the committee Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, vice-chairmen and committee members, Secretary of Yangon City Development Committee Col Myint Aung and YCDC members, members of the committee to hold the exhibition, officials and guests. Ministers Col Tin Hlaing and U Pan Aung and Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo formally opened the exhibition. The ministers and party then inspected the booths of the exhibition. Wireless Unit and Traffic Police Division of Myanmar Police Force, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Road Administration Department of the Ministry of Rail Transportation and YCDC are opening booths at the exhibition.

The booths display the tables showing traffic mortality and injury rates, traffic rules enforcement procedures, documentaries on traffic rules enforcement task, traffic rules educative cartoons, the equipment used by police of Wireless Unit and Traffic Police Division, passenger buses of the successive eras, maps showing the city bus routes, documentaries on violation of traffic rules, prize winning works in poster, cartoon, photo, short story and article contests on the traffic rules, the number of cars licensed in states and divisions, the types of car licences, inspection of durability of cars and driving tests, traffic signs, location of traffic lights in the ten townships within Yangon city, types of signalling lights and guides of traffic rules. A computer quiz on the traffic rules is being held at the exhibition. Vocalists including Yadana Oo, Thiri Ko Ko, M Li Li Hsan, Tin Oo Lay, Than Myat Soe and Ketu Win Htut are entertaining the public in turn to the accompaniment of the MPF music troupe. Entertainments will be presented daily at the exhibition. Private companies also open booths there. The exhibition opens daily from 9 am to 5 pm till 18 November.

Minister inspects overpass and bridge

Yangon, 14 Nov - Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, accompanied by officials, inspected Pyidaungsu overpass and gave instructions on repair of the overpass. Then, the minister arrived at Thanlyin Bridge and inspected the it. He gave instructions on techniques to repair the bridge and tasks to be carried out to the general manager of Myanma Railways, division engineer and officials.

Intermediate English course concludes

Yangon, 14 Nov - The intermediate English course (regular) of the PBM English Centre concluded at the centre at No 14/B, Baho Street, Thamaing Ward 2, Mayan-gon Township, this morning, attended by course instructors, trainees and their parents. Intermediate English and post Intermediate English courses will be opened on 17 November. The contact number is 666407 for details.

( 4 )    Minister inspects construction of Ayeyawady Bridge (Dedaye)

Yangon, 14 Nov-Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun and officials of Public Works inspected Dalla-Twantay-Kawhmu-Kungyan-gon Road this morning. The minister gave instructions on repair of road sections in the open season, stockpiling of gravel, extension of Kanbe-Pyawbwelay-Dalla road and Twantay-Kungyangon road and levelling of Twantay-Kun-gyangon Road.

 The minister inspected deterioration of steel beam of the bridge No 1/19 at the entrance to Kawhmu and gave instructions on speedy repair of the bridge and Kungyangon-Dedaye road. The minister and party went to the site of Ayeyawady Bridge (Dedaye). Deputy Superintending Engineer U Khin Maung Win reported on progress of work on approach bridges on Kungyangon and Dedaye banks and work to be done. The minister gave instructions on completion of the bridge in time and fulfilled theÊ fuel requirements.

The Ayeyawady Bridge (Dedaye) is being built on Yangon-Dalla-Kanbe-Kawhmu-Kungyangon-Dedaye-Pyapon Road. The two-lane bridge with six-foot wide walkways on both sides is 4,088 feet long and 28 feet wide. The lower structure of the bridge will be built of reinforced concrete piles and RCD bole piles, the main bridge of girders. The bridge withstands 60-ton loads and its clearance is 390 feet wide and 36 feet high. The minister and party inspected Dedaye-Pyapon-Maubin Road and maintenance of Yangon-Pathein Road.

Nippon Foundation President visits hospitals in Hlegu Township

 Yangon, 14 Nov - Visiting President Mr Sasakawa of Nippon Foundation of Japan and party, together with Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, arrived at Hlegu People's Hospital this morning and studied health care services there. Then, they went to the Station Hospital in Mayan-chaung Village where they were welcomed by Director-General of Health Department Dr Wan Maung and officials, Chairman of Yangon North District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col San Matu and officials.

Head of Yangon Division Health Department Dr Tin Maung Win reported on tasks being carried out for leprosy elimination and rehabilitation. Afterwards, they went to the Basic Education Middle School and presented gifts to students. They then proceeded to Mayanchaung Parahita Geha, and were conducted round the Geha by Director-General of Social Welfare Department U Sit Myaing and officials. Deputy Minister Professor Dr Kyaw Myint and Mr Sasakawa and party presented gifts to the Parahita Geha and left there.

( 5 )  Construction of Ayeyawady River (Mandalay) Bridge coordinated

Yangon, 14 Nov - The Supervisory Committee for Construction of Ayeyawady River (Mandalay) Bridge held its coordination meeting at the meeting hall of the Central Command on 12 November. Present on the occasion were Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, senior military officers, Secretary of the Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Ohn, and departmental officials.

The commander stressed the need for construction of the bridge with added momentum. Deputy Chief Engineer of the bridge project U Htay Myint reported on future tasks and requirements, and Deputy General Manager of Myanma Timber Enterprise U Tin Maung Myint on condition of the raft jetty of MTE. The commander fulfilled the needs. After that, the commander paid reverence and presented offertories to the Sayadaws of Masoeyein Taikthit in Mahaaungmye Township, Masoeyein Taikhaung, Zayamaydani Wasokyaung of Maha Withuddayon Taikthit, and Thudhammawady Ok-kyaung of Moekaung mona-stery in Chanayethazan Township at the respective monasteries.

Commander attends communal Kathina ceremony

Yangon, 14 Nov - The 40th communal Kathina robe offering ceremony of Eastern Command was held at Thanlwin Hall of the Command, on 11 November morning. Present were State Ovadacariya Agga Maha Pandita Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Kangyi Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vimalabhivamsa and members of the Sangha, Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Maung Bo and wife Daw Khin Lay Myint, senior officers of the command, family members of officers and other ranks, departmental officials and guests. The commander and officials offered " soon " to the Kangyi Sayadaw and members of the Sangha. Then, the Kangyi Sayadaw invested the congregation with the Five Precepts and the Sayadaws recited Parittas. Later, the commander and officials presented Kathina robes and offertories to members of the Sangha. The Kangyi Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. Afterwards, the cere-mony came to a close.

( 6 )    Regional development tasks inspected in Ngaphe

Yangon, 14 Nov - Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min, together with division level departmental officials, Chairman of Minbu District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Maung Win and District/Township level departmental officials, inspected the road section between Minbu-An-Tattaung Road and mile post No 54/7 of Minbu-Padan-Natyaykantaung Road, and maintenance of roads and bridges, digging of sluice gates and drains, and construction of spillways along Natyaykan Hill bypass on 10 November. He then inspected the cinchona tree plantation being undertaken by the Myanma Agriculture Service near Suntat Village, and Nat-yaykan coffee plant farm of MAS near Gotegyi Village. After hearing reports presented by officials concerned, he attended to the needs. Col Zaw Min viewed model monsoon paddy plots of farmer U Chit Tin at the plot No 1110 in Hsinchidaing Village, Ngaphe Township, experimental plots of paddy which are thriving, and the harvest of paddy at Manawthukha model paddy plot of farmer U Moe Lin. Later, Col Zaw Min gave instructions to the officials.

Prizes presented to outstanding students

 Yangon, 14 Nov- A prize presentation for outstanding students of basic education schools for 2000-2001 academic year was held at the city hall in Pathein on 13 November. Present were Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and wife, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Tint Swe, senior military officers, members of Division Peace and Development Council, Director-General of No 1 Basic Education Department U Tin Nyo, chairmen of District and Township Peace and Development Councils, headmistresses, teachers and outstanding students.

The commander spoke on the occasion. Director-General U Tin Nyo reported on endeavours for promotion of education. The commander and officials presented prizes to outstanding students. The commander cordially greeted teachers and students. In the afternoon, the commander attended a coordination meeting on education of Division Education Officer, Township Education Officers and school heads. Director-General U Tin Nyo and Rector of Pathein University U Cho reported on education promotion programmes. The commander urged TEOs and the school heads to make efforts for narrowing the gap between urban and rural education, high pass rate in the matriculation examination and to produce brilliant intellectuals and intelligentsia.

Set-se Beach Festival opens

 Yangon, 14 Nov-A ceremony to open Set-se Beach Festival was held at the beach in Thanbyuzayat Township in Mon State on 13 November. Present were Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe and wife, senior military officers, commanding officers, Secretary of Mon State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Maw Maw and departmental officials, Chairman of Myanmar Music Asiayon U Ohn Kyaw and musicians, film stars, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and social associations, local people and guests. Chairman of Leading Committee for holding of Set-se Beach Festival Col Khin Maung Si and Chairman of Mawlamyine District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Thaw Zin formally opened the festival. Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe formally unveiled the archway of the beach festival. The commander and party released hot air balloons to mark the festival. He teed off to open the golf tournament. Tactical Operations Commander Col Hla Moe formally opened the festivities.