( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe receives President of LPDR National Assembly

Yangon, 16 Nov -Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe received President of the National Assembly of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Samane Vignaket and party in the Credentials Hall of the Pyithu Hluttaw this afternoon. Also present on the occasion were Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and Ambassador of Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Ly Bounkham.

( 2 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Defence Services Commander-in-Chief Senior General Than Shwe views white elephant

Yangon, 16 Nov - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe viewed the white elephant named " Yaza Gaha Thiri Pissaya Gaza Yaza " this evening. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, the deputy minister for foreign affairs, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office and officials, arrived at the temporary elephant-shed near Min-dhamma Hillock Garden in Insein Township at 3 pm.

 They were welcomed by State Peace and Development Council member Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, ministers, the Mayor, the deputy minister for religious affairs, heads of department and officials. State Peace and Development Council Chairman Defence Services Commander-in-Chief Senior General Than Shwe then viewed the white elephant. State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party reported on arrangements for construction of an elephant-shed. Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance and left there later in the evening.

( 3 ) LPDR National Assembly President Mr Samane Vignaket and delegation arrive

Yangon, 16 Nov - At the invitation of Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and Commander-in-Chief (Army) 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, accompanied by Madame Souvanh Vignaket and party, arrived in Yangon by special flight this morning on a goodwill visit to the Union of Myanmar.

 The visiting President of the National Assembly of the Lao People's Democratic Republic His Excellency Mr Samane Vignaket and Madame Vignaket and members of the goodwill delegation were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and wife, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and wife, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and wife, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of LPDR to Myanmar and Mr Ly Bounkham and wife, and staff of the Lao PDR Embassy and their family members. The visiting President of the National Assembly of the Lao People's Democratic Republic His Excellency Mr Samane Vignaket and Madame Vignaket and members of the goodwill delegation, together with General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, left the airport for the Inya Kantha State House in a motorcade and arrived there at 10.35 am.

Then, General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San left the State House at 10.45 am. His Excellency Mr Samane Vignaket and Madame Souvanh Vignaket were accompanied by Standing Committee Member and Chairman of Foreign Relations Committee Mr Saysomphone Phomvihane, Chairman of Laws Committee Mr Keyounh Yotxayviboune, Vice-Chairman of Economy and Finance Committee Mr Khamla Keoviboune and other high-level officials.

General Maung Aye receives President of the National Assembly of LPDR

Yangon, 16 Nov-Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye received President of the National Assembly of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Samane Vignaket at Zeyarthiri Hall on Konmyinttha at 11.30 am today.

Also present at the call together with General Maung Aye were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Soe Win of the Ministry of Defence, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and together with Mr Samane Vignaket were Standing Committee member and Chairman of Foreign Relations Committee Mr Saysomphone Phomvihane, Chairman of Laws Committee Mr Keyounh Yotxayviboune, Vice-Chairman of Economy and Finance Committee Mr Khamla Keoviboune, high-level officials and Ambassador of LPDR to the Union of Myanmar Mr Ly Bounkham.

General Maung Aye hosts dinner in honour of visiting Laotian delegation

 Yangon, 16 Nov - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting Laotian delegation led by President of the National Assembly of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Samene Vignaket and Madame Souvanh Vignaket at Zeyathiri Beikman, Konmyinttha, at 7 pm today.

Also present were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Soe Win of the Ministry of Defence, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, ministers, the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General and their wives, the deputy minister for foreign affairs and wife, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department, Dean of Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of LPDR Mr Ly Bounkham and wife and guests. Before and during the dinner, artistes of the Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture entertained the guests. After the dinner, a cultural variety show was presented to the guests in Thabin Hall.

( 4 )    NCCC Chairman meets members of LPDR delegation

Yangon, 16 Nov - Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission Maj-Gen Saw Lwin met Standing Committee Member and Chairman of Foreign Relations Committee Mr Saysomphone Phomvihane, Chairman of Laws Committee Mr Keyounh Yotxayviboune, who accompanied visiting President of the National Assembly of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Samane Vignaket and Madame Souvanh Vignaket, and First Secretary of Lao PDR Embassy Mr Khamsouay Keodalavong, at the President's House at 4 pm today. Also present at the call were NCCC Secretary Brig-Gen Aung Thein, and members U Aung Toe, U Tha Tun, Brig-Gen Tin Aye, U Aye Maung and U Thaung Nyunt. NCCC Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Lwin and members replied to queries raised by Mr Saysomphone Phomvihane, and presented documents related to NCCC to him.

Madame Souvanh Vignaket visits MMCWA and Women's Development Centre

Yangon, 16 Nov- Madame Souvanh Vignaket, wife of the President of the National Assembly of the Lao People's Democratic Repu-blic Mr Samane Vignaket, currently here at the invitation of Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, accompanied by Daw San San, wife of the Minister for Mines, Mrs Onekeo Bounkham, wife of LPDR Ambassador to Myanmar, and officials, arrived at Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association at the corner of Parami and Thanthuma Roads in South Okkalapa Township at 11 am today.

They were welcomed there by Chairperson of MMCWA Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and CEC members. Chairperson Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe explained the salient points of the association. Then, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented souvenirs to Madame Souvanh Vignaket. Next, Madame Souvanh Vignaket presented cash donations for the association to the chairperson.

Afterwards, Madame Souvanh Vignaket, wife of President of the National Assembly of the LPDR Mr Samane Vignaket, signed in the visitors' book and viewed round documentary photos on activities of the association. She also visted the Youth All-round Development Centre and Domestic Science Training School. In the afternoon, Madame Souvanh Vignaket, accompanied by Daw San San, wife of the Minister for Mines, Mrs Onekeo Bounkham, wife of LPDR Ambassador to Myanmar, Daw Saw Mya, wife of the Director-General of Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and officials arrived at Women's Development Centre of Social Welfare Department on Thanlwin Road in Bahan Township, where they were welcomed by Daw San San, wife of the Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Director-General of Social Welfare Department U Sit Myaing, Adviser at the ministry Professor Dr Daw May May Yi, and officials. First, Adviser Dr Daw May May Yi explained the salient points of the centre. Then, Daw San San, wife of the Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and Madame Souvanh Vignaket exchanged gifts. After signing in the visitors' book, Madame Souvanh Vignaket viewed round the loom workshop, Art & Deco workshop and showroom of the centre and left there at 2.30 pm.

( 5 ) Industry-1 Ministry implementing projects to fulfil local paper requirement

Yangon, 16 Nov- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung inspected the 200-ton Pulp Mill Project of Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries at Hlaygyitet village, Thabaung Township, Ayeyawady Division this morning. At the briefing hall of the project, the minister heard a report on progress in implementing the project presented by Managing Director of MPCI U Than Shwe and officials with the help of maps and charts. Systematic efforts should be made to ensure that there are no weak points in implementing the major project, stressed the minister. Minister U Aung Thaung presented gifts to experts of China Metallurgical Construction Group Corporation of the People's Republic of China who are providing assistance to the project. Accompanied by officials, the minister inspected ground leveling work. He also gave instructions to officials.

After inspecting the project, he cordially met with PRC engineers. At 50-ton Paper Mill Project, the minister inspected the chosen sites to build the mill and a 60-ton newsprint mill. He spoke of the need to install proper drainage system at the mills. Of the projects being laid down and implemented by the Ministry of Industry-1 to fulfil local paper requirement, 200-ton Pulp Mill Project in Thabaung Township is the largest. It is located on a 1007.37-acre plot on the Ayeyawady River bank. At the briefing hall of the industrial tree plantation project of Forest Department in Thabaung Township, Pathein District, he heard a report on points of the project presented by officials.

The minister spoke of the need to extend eucalyptus plantations for industrial use. He then inspected the one-year-old and two-year-old eucalyptus plantations. At Hlaygyitet village, the minister inspected the sites to build a jetty and a brick factory. At the Glass Factory in Pathein, he inspected quality control, packaging and distribution units. He also visited the Winthuza Shop in the town.

Commerce Minister arrives back from WTO Ministerial Conference

 Yangon, 16 Nov - Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone attended the fourth Ministerial Conference of World Trade Organization at Doha in Qatar from 9 to 14 November. On 9 November, the minister attended the ministerial meeting of the least developed countries. He also attended in the meeting between US trade envoy Mr Robert B Zoellick and ASEAN economic ministers the same day. In the evening, the minister attended WTO Ministerial Conference. The next day, he attended the ceremony marking the entry of the People's Republic of China to WTO.

 On 11 November, the minister met with Mr Manuel A Roxas II, Secretary of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, and Mr Murasoli Maran, Secretary of Commerce and Industry of India. Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone delivered an address at the conference on 12 November. At the invitation of Dr Adisai Budharamik, Minister for Commerce of Thailand, he met with the Thai counterpart. On 15 November, he met with Mr Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Minister of Commerce and Industry of Bangladesh. The minister and delegation arrived back here at 7 pm yesterday.

Health Minister opens 10th Medical Specialities Conference

 Yangon, 16 Nov - The 10th Medical Specialities Conference of Myanmar Medical Association was opened at the building of the association at 9 am today. Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein gave an opening speech. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Ministers for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo and Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, Director of the Directorate of Medical Services of the Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Mya Thein Han and directors-general, rectors, departmental heads and medical specialists of the Ministry of Health. Chairman of MMA (Central) Professor Dr Myo Myint, Chairman of the Leading Committee for Organising Medical Conference Professor Dr Saw Naing and Chairman of the Reception Committee Professor Dr Tin Tin Maw spoke of the purpose of the conference. Then, the minister, the deputy ministers and those present viewed the medical exhibition. The conference will continue till 19 November and altogether 48 papers will be submitted to the conference.

Myint Thaung leads Myanmar London Golf Tour

Yangon, 16 Nov - Myint Thaung (KM Golf Centre), champion of first leg of this year's Myanmar London Golf Tour, led second day play of the fourth leg with 144 strokes in professional level today. Previous year's champion Aung Win (YCDC) was at the second place with 146 strokes, Win Aung (Pan West), champion of the third leg, third with 148, and Soe Kyaw Naing (Wilson), the champion of the second leg, fourth with 150. Zaw Zaw Latt led the amateur level with 152 strokes, followed by Zaw Zaw Win with 154 and Soe Moe Aung with 155. Co-sponsored by Myanmar Professional Golfers' Association and Myanmar Golf Federation, the tour is being held at Ayetharyar Golf Resort in Taunggyi, southern Shan State, from 15 to 18 November.

President of MGF Brig-Gen Win Hlaing, Vice-President U Chit Khaing and executives, senior military officers of Eastern Command, guests and golf fans were present. The main promoter of the fourth leg is Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd. Yangon Airways, Kan-bawza Bank Ltd, Eden Group Co Ltd, Ping, Wilson, KM Golf Centre, Callaway, Cannon and Accel International Co Ltd are official co-sponsors. Organized by Han Golf Masters Pte Ltd, Myanmar London Golf Tour is being held with the aim of promoting the Myanmar golf standard and bringing out talented golfers from all over the country.

Yangon, 16 Nov - General Manager of Mitsubishi Corporation in Yangon Mr Shuho Yamanokuchi and wife donated K 15 million for sinking a tube well in Yangon General Hospital at the Ministry of Health on Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road in Dagon Township this afternoon. Present on the occasion were Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, the director-general, the deputy director-general, wellwishers Mr Shuho Yamanokuchi and wife, and officials. The wellwishers presented the cash donation to the minister, who spoke words of thanks and presented a certificate of honour to them.

Press Conference on 55th Mr Universe Contest held

Yangon, 16 Nov - A Press Conference on 55th Mr Universe Contest was held at City Hall of Yangon City Development Committee here this afternoon. The contest will be hosted by Myanmar in Yangon from 21 to 26 November. Chairman of Working Committee to Host the Contest President of Myanmar Body Building and Physical Culture Federation Secretary of YCDC Col Myint Aung said a decision was made at the 54th Mr Universe Contest, which was held in Malaysia, to hold the 55th contest in Myanmar.

Of the 63 countries which have registered to take part in the contest, confirmations have been received from 58 so far. Some of the nations may not be able to take part in the contest due to flight difficulties. There will be seven divisions in the contest, and nine contestants of Myanmar will take part in the four events  four in 60-kilo class, two in 65 kilo class, two in 75-kilo class and one in 80-kilo class.

The list of 75 managers, 156 body builders and 52 supporting members of the teams from the 58 countries has been received at present. Mr Paul Chua, Vice-President (Asia region) of International Body Building Federation and General Secretary of Asian Body Building and Physical Culture Federation, explained points of the contest. Vice-President of MBBPCF U Tin Maung Swe reported on the programme to host the contest. Col Myint Aung and Mr Paul Chua replied to queries raised by the journalists. Col Myint Aung gave the concluding remarks. Also present were members of the working committee, Director (News) of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Hla Tun, Adviser U Maung Maung Nyo, executive editors, editors and correspondents of Myanmar News Agency and dailies, officials of Myanma Radio and TV, members of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club, officials of Ministry of Sports and YCDC, journalists and guests.