( 1 ) Peace and stability contributes much to strengthening national solidarity

Government builds transport facilities for proportionate progress of all states and divisions

Yangon, 23 Nov - Chairman of Working Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt met with local authorities and departmental personnel in Thandwe today. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said the government has laid down and is implementing the 12 political, economic and social objectives to successfully realize the national policies  non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty.

 The government, while implementing its main task designed to maintain national peace and stability, is also striving to achieve national economic development and to further improve living standards of the people. Only when there is prevalence of peace and stability and the nation has strong economy, will it be free from foreign influence. In other words, the government is striving to keep independence intact, ward off foreign domination and perpetuate sovereignty. Moreover, it is making systematic arrangements to preserve and safeguard the national character, traditions and culture and cultural heritage.

 Due to the endeavours for political stability by the government, armed internal strife ended and almost all the border areas are enjoying peace and rapid development. Peace and stability has contributed much to the further strengthening of national solidarity and the safeguarding of the Union. In the past, Rakhine State had to rely mainly on air and water transport. It had to face difficulties at times when the weather was bad.

Ten large bridges, nearly 1,000 small- and medium-size bridges, tarred roads and gravel roads were built to link Rakhine State with other regions of the nation. Now Sittway can be reached from Yangon by car. A large amount of kyats as well as foreign exchange were spent on these mammoth tasks. Although these tasks may not bring about economic benefits, the facilities are contributing much to the proportionate progress of all the states and divisions resulting in the further strengthening of national unity. Regional authorities at different levels should organize local people and should play a leading role to boost production with respect to agriculture and livestock breeding.

Officials at different levels are required to implement the five major tasks  rural health, education, water supply, transport and economic development  for progress of the rural areas in the whole nation including Rakhine State. All should work with perseverance for the success of agriculture and livestock breeding projects and progress of the rural areas. Officials at township, district and state/division levels are required to take part in the activities of the government designed for the development of the youth, human resources, who will lead the nation in future.

The officials should lead and organize the public in implementing the State's national policy in unity. Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Aung Htwe reported on the hotel development project at Zeephyu-gon in Rakhine State, development of marine enterprises including prawn breeding, agriculture, salt production and regional development.

Accompanied by ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), the Chief of Staff (Air), deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department and officials, the Secretary-1 left Yangon by air this morning. On arrival at Thandwe Airport, the Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, Brig-Gen Kyi Thein of Taungup Station, local authorities, departmental personnel and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association.

 At Lontha Sea Prawn Hatching Centre, the Secretary-1 heard a report on the background of the centre, breeding and distribution of prawn fry by the Fisheries Department and Leo Export-Import Co Ltd under the technical cooperation programme presented by Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein.

Officials of the company also reported on the fry production method, collection of quality strains of prawns, hatching of prawn eggs, annual sea prawn production and nation-wide distribution. After giving suggestions, the Secretary-1 inspected the Centre. The ceremony to open the multimedia teaching centre of No 2 BEHS, Thandwe, Rakhine State, was held at the school. Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt addressed the opening ceremony.

Also present were Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, members of Rakhine State, District and Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental employees, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations, Rakhine State and township education officers, school heads, members of the school board of trustees and the parent-teacher association, the headmaster of No 2 BEHS and teachers, students, well-wishers and guests. Headmaster U Kyan Aung and member of the School Board of Trustees U Aye Than formally opened the multimedia teaching centre.

Then, the Secretary-1 formally unveiled the signboard of the multimedia teaching centre. Later, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the computer application and e-mail room, the computer-aided instruction room, the electronic media (video system) room, the visual presenter room, the language lab, the electronic media (audio system) room, the printed media (reading corner) room and watched the skill demonstration of the students. Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the art room and the painting room.

The schoolgirls presented souvenirs to the Secretary-1. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party watched the artistic skill of the students. The ceremony to mark the opening of the multimedia teaching centre was held in the hall of the school. Headmaster U Kyan Aung and member of the School Board of Trustees U Aye Than reported on concerted efforts for the emergence of the multimedia teaching centre. The Secretary-1 presented teaching aids including tapes and books to Headmaster U Kyan Aung.

Then, the Secretary-1 thanked wellwishers, members of the school board of trustees and teachers for their contribution to the opening of the multimedia teaching centre at No 2 BEHS, Thandwe, Rakhine State. Systematic plans are being implemented for the improvement of national education, and due to participation of the people, the success that has been achieved is greater than expected. It is satisfying to see that students are working hard at their studies using teaching aids installed with the contributions of the public. Development of the nation depends on that of human resources.

 The basis for the development of human resources is schools. This being the case, the government has opened new primary, middle and high schools at the basic education level and universities and colleges at the higher education level, and old ones have been upgraded.

Moreover, encouragement is being given to installation of modern teaching aids. These efforts are aimed at ensuring the emergence of a modern nation. Education promotion programmes are being implemented step by step with the aim of ensuring the all-round development of students, providing education of international standard and bridging the gap of development between the rural and urban areas.

The government is implementing the four-year national education promotion plan, and if its aim is achieved, the nation will be able to keep pace with the ASEAN nations which are taking the lead. To achieve the aim, participation of the people, members of the school boards of trustees and teachers is essential.

The Secretary-1 urged teachers to teach students by using modern teaching aids and called on students to work hard at their studies. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 called for the continuous participation of the people and members of the school boards of trustees in implementing the plans of the State. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party, together with members of the school board of trustees, the headmaster, the teachers and the students, posed for documentary photos. Next, the Secretary-1 and party left for Thandwe Airport and proceeded to Yangon by air. They arrived back here in the evening.

( 2 )  Director-General meets with hoteliers, inspects hotels

Yangon, 23 Nov - Director-General of the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt inspected the beverages division of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services in Pathein on 16 November. He also met with the employees and discussed matters related to the work. Then, he met with hoteliers in Pathein and gave instructions on the upgrading of the hotel standard, improvement of hotel services and cultural matters. Afterwards, he inspected the Pathein Hotel and the Pammawady Guest House. Later, the director-general met with the hoteliers at the Chaungtha Hotel and gave instructions on the cleaning of the environment of hotels, upkeep of hotels and improvement of hotel services. He also inspected the Chaungtha Hotel, the Min Min Soe Hotel, the Luxury Hotel, the Golden Beach Resort Hotel, the Thiri Guest House, the Grand Hotel, the Ayeya Oo Hotel and other hotels and gave instructions.

Meeting of MWJA held

Yangon, 23 Nov-The Central Executive Committee of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association held its meeting 11/2001 at the meeting hall of Sarpay Beikman on Merchant Street here at 1 pm today, attended by MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), Vice-Chairman-1 U Tin Kha (Tekkatho Tin Kha), Vice-Chairman-2 U Than Maung (Than Maung), Vice-Chairman-3 U Myint Thein (Myint Thein Aung), Secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay), and the central executive committee members. Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) presided over the meeting while U Khin Swe (Shwe Son Nyo) acted as master of ceremonies. Meeting Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) made a speech on the occasion. Secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay) presented progress of work in implementing the decision made at the previous meeting, followed by a general round of discussion. Vice-Chairman-1 U Tin Kha (Tekkatho Tin Kha) and Joint Secretary U Myint Kywe discussed matters related to organizing the ceremony to pay respects to doyen literati on Sarsodaw Day and holding of Book Fair. Dr Tin Tun Oo (Thuta Swezon Literary House) presented K 210,000 for the association through Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung). The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by the chairman at 3 pm.

Yangon, 23 Nov  Sayadaw of Pitakat Taikkyaung Bhaddanta Visitha of Myan-aung Kyaungtaik, Ngahtatgyi North Ward, Bahan Township, donated 28 bundles of palm-leaf writings and 19 packages of palm-leaf writings which are over 100 years old to the Office of the Chief of Military Intelligence on 3 November. The donations were handed over to Director-General of the Department of Cultural Institute Col Myint Thein Swe.

IFBB Judges Committee meets

Yangon, 23 Nov - The Judges Committee of the International Federation of Body Builders held a meeting at Royal Yangon City Hotel here at 4.30 pm today. The judges of the 55th World Amateur Men's Bodybuilding Championships also held a meeting at the hotel at 5 pm and the team managers at 5.30 pm.

( 4 )  Ayeyawady Naval Region Command holds communal Kathina

Yangon, 23 Nov - The 49th communal Kathina of Ayeyawady Naval Region Command Headquarters, under the patronage of Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min and wife Daw Aye Aye, was held at the headquarters this morning. It was attended by Sayadaw of Aletawya Mingalar Zingyan Kyaung-taik Professor of the State Pariyatti Sasana University Abhidhamma Department Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Ganda-mala Bhivamsa and members of the Sangha, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) and wife, senior officers of the Office of Commander-in-Chief (Navy) and wifes, commanders and wifes, officers, other ranks and families. First, the ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa, and the Sayadaw invested the congregation with the Five Precepts. Then, the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha recited the parittas. Afterwards, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) and wife and officers presented the Kathina robes and offertories to the members of the Sangha. After that, the congregation shared merits.

Home Affairs Minister attends Kathina ceremony

 Yangon, 23 Nov - The Ministry of Home Affairs held its eighth communal Kathina robes offering ceremony at the Assembly Hall of the ministry at 9 am today. Present were Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing and wife Daw Khin Hla Hla, directors-general of Myanmar Police Force and departments under the ministry, deputy directors-general and their wives, departmental officials and the staff families. First, the ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Joint-Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Meiktila Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Candima administered the Five Precepts and the members of the Sangha recited Metta Sutta. Afterwards, the minister and wife and the congregation presented Kathina robes and offertories to the Joint-Secretary Sayadaw and the members of the Sangha. Then, Joint-Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Pyay Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kundalajotika delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits gained. The ceremony came to an end with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciramtitthatu. Later, " soon " was offered to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha.

( 5 ) Defence Services (Air) holds communal Kathina

Yangon, 23 Nov - Under the patronage of Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife Daw May Yi Tin, the families of Defence Services (Air) held the communal Kathina ceremony at Maintenance Air Base in Mingaladon at 5.30 am today. Present on the occasion were members of the Sangha led by Chairman of Shwepyitha Township Sangha Nayaka Committee (Shwekyin) Sayadaw Bhadanta Pan–acakka, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife Daw May Yi Tin, Chief of Staff (Air) Col Myat Hein and wife, senior military officers of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Air) and their wives, the commanders of air bases in Mingaladon and Hmawby Stations, squadron leaders, officers and other ranks and their families. The congregation received the Five Precepts from Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannacakka, and members of the Sangha recited parittas. Then, the Commander-in-Chief and wife offered Kathina robes to Sayadaw of Shwepyitha Kyaungtaik Bhaddanta Mala. This was followed by sharing of merits gained. After the ceremony, " soon " was offered to members of the Sangha.

H&T Ministry holds communal Kathina

 Yangon, 23 Nov - The 9th communal Kathina robes offering ceremony of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism was held at the Dhammayon of the ministry on Arzarni Road at 10 a.m today. Present on the occasion were Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Aungmyebonsan Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panindabhivamsa and members of the Sangha, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, departmental heads and families of the staff. The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. The congregation received the Five Precepts from the Vice-Chairman Sayadaw and the members of the Sangha recited the Parittas. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu and departmental heads presented Kathina robes and offertories to the members of the Sangha. Then, the Vice-Chairman Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits gained. Later, " Soon " was offered to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha.

 Yangon, 23 Nov -More representatives and contestants to the 55th World Amateur Men's Bodybuild-ing Championships arrived here by air this morning. Today's arrivals were two contestants from Greece and five contestants from Switzerland. At the invitation of IFBB, representatives of the World Anti-doping Agency Ms Kerry Jane Knowler (Australia) and Mr Antl Singh (India) arrived here by air. They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by officials of the Reception and Accommodation Subcommittee of the the 55th World Amateur Men's Bodybuilding Championships .