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

Yangon, 2 Dec - On the occasion of the National Day of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, which falls on 2 December 2001, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent messages of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Khamtay Siphandone, President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and His Excellency Mr Boungnang Vorachith, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

( 2 ) Myanmar is committed to fighting HIV/AIDS as a national cause In Myanmar, social and cultural values, particularly Buddhist teachings play a very significant role in preventing spread of AIDS in society

Secretary-1 attends World AIDS Day ceremony

Yangon, 1 Dec-A ceremony to mark the World AIDS Day was held at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road here this morning, with an address by Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

 Also present on the occasion were ministers, deputy ministers, members of the National Health Committee, members of AIDS Prevention and Control Central Committee, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the ambassadors, representatives of UN agencies, directors-general of departments under the Ministry of Health, deputy directors-general, rectors, medical superintendents, members of the Work Committee for Organizing the Ceremony, chairmen and representatives of local and foreign organizations who are engaged in educational work for preventing AIDS, prize-winning students and guests.

 First, Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt made a speech on the occasion. He said: Every year, the World AIDS Day is commemorated throughout the globe on the first of December to remind the people of the menace of the dreadful disease AIDS, which has become a global public health problem. This year's theme is " I care ... do you?" and it is indeed most appropriate.

 This slogan is in fact a continuation of the year 2000 campaign "Men make a difference", which was chosen to discuss the central role of men in the fight against HIV/AIDS. But the slogan also has a broader underlying message that includes issues relevant to prevention and care, to both men and women, and to different age groups and populations. The campaign also aims to involve men, particularly young men, in the national responses to HIV/AIDS. This campaign calls upon men as leaders, heads of families and responsible care-givers to actively respond to the AIDS epidemic.

 All this does not mean that women and girls are less involved in the prevention and care programmes. We must work in a way that programmes enhance gender equity and focus on the needs of both sexes. We must design our own programmes that meet the needs of the national and local priorities. Myanmar is committed to fighting HIV/AIDS as a national cause.

Towards this end, a multi-sectoral National AIDS Committee comprising high-level officials from various sectors was formed in 1989. Since then, the Committee has laid down policy guidance, strategies and activities on AIDS prevention and control. Moreover, Myanmar is in the process of laying down a four-year Master Strategic Plan (2002-2005) for expansion and enhancing HIV/AIDS prevention, control and care activities. For the implementation of the Master Strategic Plan, the Ministries of Health, Social Welfare and Home Affairs will serve as focal points in partnership with other government sectors, NGOs and the international community.

 The social behaviour in the society can also have a strong impact on the spread of the disease. In Myanmar, the social and cultural values, particularly the Buddhist teachings play a very significant role in preventing the spread of AIDS in the society. Moreover, Myanmar people are by nature gentle and kind-hearted, being guided by loving-kindness and compassion. To look after and care for less fortunate individuals is imbued in our family and community spirit.

Therefore the slogan "  I care" is no stranger to Myanmar people. In speaking about our efforts in this field, it will not be complete without mentioning the valuable contribution made by NGOs like Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Myanmar Women Affairs Committee, Myanmar Red Cross Society and Myanmar Medical and Dental Associations.

 I wish to commend the NGOs for their noble work, which is largely implemented at the grass roots level. HIV/AIDS is a trans-border issue. Myanmar is therefore actively participating in bilateral, regional and international programmes. Therefore, Myanmar has attended HIV/AIDS fora such as Southeast Asian regional meetings, ASEAN Meetings on AIDS, ESCAP preparatory meetings, UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS held in New York as well as the First Asia and Pacific Ministerial Meeting on HIV/AIDS in Melbourne, Australia. Moreover, Myanmar hosted the 9th ASEAN Task Force on AIDS meeting in last September. Realizing the threat of the disease to the region, ASEAN countries including Myanmar adopted ASEAN Declaration on HIV/AIDS on 5 November 2001 at the Seventh ASEAN Summit held in Brunei Darussalam.

  In addition, Myanmar has also invited many missions like - European Commission, WHO Surveillance Mission, Second Generation Surveillance Group, UNAIDS Headquarters Deputy Executive Director, International organization for Migration, Asian Harm Reduction Association, JICA Mission, Aus AIDS Mission and many other international NGOs and UN Missions so that they can witness many effective and sustainable HIV/AIDS prevention and control activities being implemented in Myanmar.

All of the missions acknowledge that Myanmar Government is doing its utmost to combat the HIV/AIDS disease. I am happy to note that these Agencies have now become our coordinating partners and are advocating for us. At the moment, we are relying mostly on our resources.

However, I am confident that with the support and assistance from our foreign partners, our capacity to tackle the issue will be much more enhanced. I also would like to thank to take opportunity to express our appreciation to all the local as well as international partners including international NGOs who are working together with us in this noble task. As part of our commitment, the World AIDS Day activities are being commemorated all over the country.

 There will be nation-wide activities carried out by National AIDS /STD Control Programme, State , Division , District and Township Health Departments, other government sectors and also by national and international NGOs. There will also be radio talks, television spots and documentaries, essay competitions, drawing contests, debates and educational talks in all the States and Divisions. We have also translated this theme appropriately into Myanmar and have distributed it throughout the country. Therefore, in conclusion, allow me to congratulate all the people involved in preparing and carrying out the activities of the World AIDS Day for their excellent work and to wish them every success.

 May the concerted efforts of all the nations of the world in preventing and controlling HIV/ AIDS with a caring spirit make the world a safer and better place to live. Thank you. Then, UNAIDS Theme Group Chairman Dr Agostino Borra read the massage of UNAIDS Theme Group. This was followed by the prize presentation ceremony.

Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented prizes to Maung Kyaw Hsan of No 1 Basic Education High School in Yankin Township, who stood first in high school level essay competition to mark World AIDS Day, to Maung Kyaw Swa Lin of No 1 BEHS in Dagon Township, who stood first in middle school level poster competition and to Ma Thazin Thet Su Tin of Basic Education Middle School in Kyauktan, who stood first in primary school level painting competition.

 Next, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein presented prizes to Ma Myint Myint Than of No 2 BEHS in Lanmadaw Township, Ma Hnin Ei Ei Phway of No 1 BEHS in Kyauktan, and Maung Htet Naing Lin of No 1 BEHS in Dagon Township, who stood seconds in high school level essay competition, middle school level poster competition and primary school level painting competition.

Afterwards, Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo presented prizes to Ma Aye Theingi Aung of No 4 BEHS in Ahlon, who stood third in high school level essay competition, Maung Zin Ko Ko of No 4 BEHS in Ahlon, who stood third in middle school level poster competition, and Ma Hsu Myat Noh Nwe of No 2 BEHS in Dagon Township, who stood third in primary school level painting competition.

Then, Deputy Minister Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint presented prizes to Ma Thazin Soe of No 2 BEHS in Latha, MA Thinza Lwin of No 2 BEHS in Latha, and Maung Nay Myo Oo of No 6 BEPS in Kyauktada Township, who won consolation prizes-1 in high school level essay competition, middle school level poster competition and primary school level painting competition.

Next, UNAIDS Theme Group Chairman Dr Agostino Borra presented prizes to MA Myat Su Mon of No 1 BEHS in Kyimyindine Township, Ma Kaung Myat Min Soe of Institute of Education's Practising School, and Maung Kaung Nyunt of IEPS, who won consolation prizes-2 in high school level essay competition, middle school level poster competition and primary school level painting competition and the ceremony came to a close. After the ceremony, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party and guests viewed round the World AIDS Day commemorative booths.

( 3 ) Myanmar National Olympic Council Chairman honours victorious athletes

Yangon, 1 Dec-A ceremony to honour athletes who won victories in the 6th World Wushu Championship Contest, the third South East Asia Canoe Race and the 55th World Amateur Men's Bodybuilding Championships was held at the Karaweik Palace this evening, attended by Chairman of Myanmar National Olympic Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, the ministers, members of Myanmar Olympic Council, members of Myanmar Olympic Committee, the deputy ministers, Leading patrons of women's sports federations, officials of the State Peace and Development Council, heads of departments, officials of sports federations, managers and victorious athletes. President of Wushu Federation U Khin Maung Lay reported on participation in the 6th World Wushu Championship Contest and Vice-President of Myanmar Rowing Federation Leader of Canoe team U Tun Oo on victory in the third South East Asia Canoe Race.

 The Secretary-1 said at a time when the government and all citizens in Myanmar are enthusiastically giving encouragement to sports Myanmar athletes won victories in international sports contests. Their victories not only fulfilled the desire of the people but also raised the pride of the nation, he said. High standard of national sports reflects national development and high quality of life of the people. Sports promote national prestige and integrity.

 With this concept, the government is laying emphasis on the high standard of national sports as national duty, he said. National people have unprecedentedly encouraged Myanmar sports with enthusiasm and unity while the government is making efforts for promotion of national sports. This shows that the people have great expectation on Myanmar sports, he added.

 Moreover, he said, in promoting the national sports standard the government created opportunities not only for government departments but also for private sector to take part in sports. He said better foundations that can promote Myanmar sports standard have emerged due to effective assistance and encouragement of the private sector. Today, Myanmar athletes can do their practice with the aids of modern equipment and techniques and they have possessed better foundations to train in foreign countries that lead the respective sports due to various sports facilities, he said.

He said they can also compete in popular sports in the world and win victories in international contests. Such victories are to be attributed to significant encouragement of the State, departments concerned and private sector as well as to the ardent perseverance, zeal, diligence and enthusiasm of the athletes, he pointed out. Once, the success of Myanma sports extended beyond South-East Asia and Asia and reached up to the world standard.

 With regard to bodybuilding, U Zaw Weik won first prize at the bodybuilding contest held in 1935. In addition, U Tun Maung and U Ba Kun won third prizes in 1951 and 1957 respectively. At the Mr Universe Contest, U Ein Saing ranked tenth in 1948; U Than Tun, sixth, and U Kyaw Yin, 13th in 1952. At the world bodybuilding contests, U Ba Kun won fourth prize in 1954 and U Tun Maung, second prize in 1955.

 Therefore, bodybuilding sport has been encouraged and promoted today, and at the 1995 Asian bodybuilding contest (junior), Myanmar bodybuilder Tun Tun Aung won first prize; Myanmar bodybuilder Aung Naing, first prize in 1996; Myanmar bodybuilder Soe Moe Aung, first prize in 1997. Moreover, at the 19th SEA Games held in 1997, the Myanmar bodybuilding team won one gold, three silver and one bronze. At the second South-East Asian bodybuild-ing contest held in 1996, Myanmar bodybuilding team won championship.

As success has been achieved in Myanma body-building sport, Myanmar had the chance to host the 55th World Amateur Men's Body-building Championships in 2001. At the international-level contest, eight Myanma bodybuilders took part in the events. Four bodybuilders advanced the final called Top-6. Aung Naing stood second in the 60-kilo event and won the most improved bodybuilder award, and Tun Tun Aung also emerged third in the same event. In the 65-kilo event, Aung Naing Win stood fifth and in the 75-kilo event, Zaw Thein Naing stood third.

 Although Canoe sport started only in 1993, success has been achieved in so short a time. At the 12 canoe events of the 19th SEA Games held in 1997, Myanmar won 11 silvers and one bronze. Prizes were won at all the canoe events. Similarly, At the 32 events of the first South-East Asian Canoe Competition held in 1999, Myanmar bagged 31 golds and one silver. Prizes were won at all the canoe events. In addition, at the 24 events of the second South-East Asian Canoe Competition held in 2000, Myanmar won 17 golds, five silvers and two bronzes, and prizes were won at all the canoe events.

Out of the 50 events of the third SEA Games held in 2001, Myanmar took part in the 38 events, and won 22 golds, 15 silvers and one bronze. Prizes were won at all the events. Myanmar team also won the best championship. Moreover, Myanmar athlete Khin Maung Myint won the best man athlete award; Myanmar athlete Naw Ar Lelar Shi, the best woman athlete award. As Myanmar canoe team won medals in South-East Asia every year and prizes were won at all the canoe events in which it participated, it can be said that it is a great success of the team. Another successful sport is Wushu.

 Myanmar Wushu Federation was formed in 1993, and after four years of its formation, the federation won the first gold medal at the 19th SEA Games held in 1997. In 1997, the team stood fifth at the fourth World Wushu Championships held in Rome, Italy, in 1997, and the silver medal at the fifth Asian Wushu competition held in 2000. At the 21st SEA Games in 2001, three golds, two silvers and four bronzes were won. At the sixth World Wushu Championships held in Herivin, Armanear in November 2001, three Myanmar athletes took part in eight events, and it is found that medals were won. Success was achieved to such an extent that three golds, one silver and two bronzes were won and two certificates of honour were presented.

 Out of 43 nations which took part in the sixth World Wushu Championship, Myanmar team ranked fifth, thereby promoting the dignity of Myanmar in the world. Therefore, the State honours these outstanding athletes. As the entire national people under the leadership of the government have promoted and encouraged Myanma sports, the standard of Myanmar sports is improving and success has been achieved at the international sports competitions. Not only athletes concerned but also the people of Myanmar are to be proud of these achievements. The Secretary-1 thanked those from the private sector, presidents of sports federations, officials and all the departmental personnel who contribute to these achievements.

 In conclusion, the Secretary-1 said "May you all be able to strive for the further progress of national sports! May you all become athletes who can enhance the dignity of the nation and be able to achieve one success after another at the world sports competitions!".

 Then, the Secretary-1 presented prizes to Pyae Wai Phyoe who won one gold medal and one brass medal in the Sixth World Wushu Championship, Swe Swe Thant who won two gold medals and recipient of world's position 4 honorary certificate, Ma Khaing Khaing Maw who won one silver medal and recipient of world's position 4 honorary certificate, Khin Maung Myint who won five gold medals in the third SEA Canoe Rowing Competition, Myo Zaw won five gold medals and one silver medal, Phone Myint Teza won fours gold medals and one silver medal, Kan Shwe won four gold medals, Aung Lin won three gold medals, Moe Zaw won two gold medals and one silver medal, Yan Paing who won two gold medals and one silver medal, Tun Tun Naing who won one gold medal and two silver medals, Saw Sate Manu won one gold medal and one silver medal, Naw Ahle La Chee won three gold medals, Tin Tin Oo won three gold medals and one silver medal, Khin Mar Thin won two gold medals and three silver medals, Yin Yin Htwe won one gold medal and two silver medals, Chaw Su won one gold medal and two silver medals, Than Than Oo won five silver medals and one bronze medal, Yin Yin Su won five silver medals and one bronze medal, Khin Maung Myint who won five gold medals and the best sportsmanship award in the third SEA Canoe Rowing Competition, Naw Ahle La Chee won three gold medals and the best junior level women's sportsmanship award, leader of the team that won championship shield, Aung Naing who won one silver medal and the Most Improved Bodybuilder prize in 60 kilo category in the 55th World Amateur Men's Bodybuilding Championships, Tun Tun Aung who a bronze in 60 kilo category, Zaw Thein Naing who a bronze in 75 kilo category and Aung Naing Win who won fifth position in 65 kilo category. Later, the ceremony came to a close.

( 4 )  Commander inspects agriculture and livestock breeding, regional development in Hmawby and Taikkyi Townships

 Yangon, 1 Dec-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, accompanied by Brig-Gen Saw Hla Min of Phugyi Station, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint, departmental officials, Chairman of Yangon North District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col San Matu and members, inspected agricultural activities, livestock breeding and regional development tasks in Hmawby and Taikkyi Townships this morning.

Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party arrived at the briefing hall of Yangon Division Police Force Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Station in Myaung-daka Village in Hmawby Township this morning. Yangon Division Police Commander Police Col Aung Daing reported on cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy on 11.64 acres of land, cultivation of vegetables and perennial crops and breeding of fish, cattle and poultry.

 The commander gave necessary instructions and inspected fish breeding and cultivation of vegetables. The commander and party went to the pandel where a ceremony to open Okkan Creek wooden bridge linking Gonnyindan Village-tract and Kyweboke Village-tract in Okkan was held.

 The commander and party were welcomed there by Director of Yangon Division Development Affairs Department U Soe Tint, Executive Officer of Taikkyi Township Development Affairs Committee U Aung Kyaw Nyein and officials, Chairman of Taikkyi Township Peace and Development Council U Saw Thein and members, departmental officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, teachers, students, members of band troupe, members of Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade and local people.

Executive Officer U Aung Kyaw Nyein reported on data of the bridge and purpose of the construction of the bridge. Chairman of Taikkyi Township Peace and Development Council U Saw Thein and Secretary of Taikkyi Township USDA U Hla Win spoke words of thanks. Executive Officer U Aung Kyaw Nyein presented commemorative pennants to Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Station Commander Brig-Gen Saw Hla Min and members.

Chairman of Yangon North District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col San Matu, Director U Soe Tint and Executive of Yangon North District USDA U Han Sein formally opened the bridge. The commander and party inspected the bridge. The wooden bridge is 220 feet long and 18 feet and 20 feet high. It can withstand 13 tons of loads. The bridge saves sugarcane growers in Okkan and Kyweboke Village Tracts about 20 miles in carrying sugarcane to Okkan Sugar Mill.

The bridge was constructed at a cost of K 8 million including five million from rural development fund. The commander and party inspected experimental cultivation of matpe as part of cultivation demonstration of cold season crops in Kungyangon aagriculture and education centre in Taikkyi Township.

The commander inspected preparations for opening of multimedia teaching centre in Basic Education High School in Taikkyi. The commander and party met township departmental officials at Taikkyi Township Peace and Development Council Office and discussed development on agriculture, education, health, water supply, transport and economy.

 Chairman of Taikkyi Township Peace and Development Council U Saw Thein reported on regional development and agriculture and officials on requirements. The commander fulfilled the requirements and left there in the afternoon. Altogether 117,299 acres of monsoon paddy were cultivated in 2001-2002. Out of the targeted 52,378 acres of oil crops and beans and pulses, over 20,000 acres have been cultivated. In summer paddy cultivation, out of 70,000, a total of 5,612 acres has been cultivated.

( 5 )  UMFCCI President and Vice-President receive foreign guests

Yangon, 1 Dec - President of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint, Joint-General Secretary-2 Dr Maung Maung Lay and members of the Central Executive Committee met with an eight-member delegation led by Deputy Secretary General of Jiangsu Provincial Government Mr Zhou Guang Ming of the People's Republic of China at the federation this morning. They discussed promotion of trade, cooperation in garment industry, import and export of medicines and border trade.

 A Malaysian delegation led by Mr Ng Swee Pow of Titi Latex Sdn Bhd called on President of UMFCCI U Win Myint, Vice-Presidents U Htain Win and U Win Aung, Secretary-General U Zaw Min Win and CEC members yesterday afternoon.

They discussed matters related to investment, joint venture, cultivation of rubber and manufacturing of rubber-based products. Vice-President of UMFCCI U Win Aung received Senior Investment Promotion Officer of the Board of Investment of Thailand Ms Pannee Chengsuttha. Their discussions focused on local and foreign investment.

Minister for Foreign Affairs sends felicitations to LPDR

Yangon, 2 Dec - On the occasion of the National Day of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, which falls on 2 December 2001, U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Minister Brig- Gen Abel receives Japanese guest

Yangon, 2 Dec - Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig- Gen Abel received Chairman of Asia Business Co Ltd of Japan Mr Kenji Takimoto and party at his office this morning.

Yangon, 1 Dec - The First Joint Meeting of Myanmar-Thai and Thailand-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Associations continued for the second day at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road this morning. Present were President of Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association Lt-Gen Kyaw Than (Retd) and executives, President of Thailand-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association Gen Pat Akkanibut and executives, and representatives of the ministries. The presidents of Myanmar-Thai and Thailand-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Associations made speeches. Then, the agreed minutes between the two associations were signed and exchanged. The meeting came to an end at 11 am.

UMFCCI meets with Thailand-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association

Yangon, 1 Dec - The CEC members, executives and members Myanmar entrepreneurs of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the president and executives of the Thailand-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association held a meeting at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road this afternoon. Present were President of Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association Lt-Gen Kyaw Than (Retd) and executives, UMFCCI President U Win Myint, CEC members and executives, President of Thailand-Myanmar Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association Gen Pat Akkanibut and executives. They discussed matters related to economic and trade cooperation between the two nations.

At 3 pm, the presidents and executives of the two associations visited the Mindhamma Hill where Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image is kept. They were wel comed there by members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees. Then, they paid homage to the image. They arrived at the Shwedagon Pagoda at 4 pm, and were conducted round the pagoda by members of the pagoda Board of Trustees. The opening of Mya Yeik Nyo Tazaungdaing lighting festival and funfair, organized by Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association, was held at the Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel at 6 pm today. The presidents and executives of the two associations and representatives of ministries attended the ceremony.