( 1 )  Pathaung Bridge on Dawei-Myeik-Taninthayi-Bokpyin-Kawthoung Road opens to develop road transport in Taninthayi Division

Yangon, 28 Dec - Pathaung Bridge on Kyaukphya River in Myeik Township, Taninthayi Division, was commissioned into service this morning, attended by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye.

The bridge was built by No 3 Works Regiment (Engineers) under the close supervision of Directorate of Military Engineers of the Ministry of Defence. Also present at the ceremony were members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Soe Win, Maj-Gen Maung Bo, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and Maj-Gen Tin Aye, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the Commander-in-Chief (Air), ministers, Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Maj-Gen Aye Kywe, deputy ministers, senior military officers, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Tin Latt, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, members of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council, division-level officials, departmental personnel of Myeik District and Township, officials and soldiers of the No 3 Works Regiment (Engineers), members of social organizations, entrepreneurs, members of band troupes and dance troupes and local people totalling nearly 10,000. Speaking on the occasion, Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo said the Pathaung Bridge across Kyaukphya River is located on Dawei-Myeik-Tanin-thayi-Bokpyin-Kawhtoung Road. Under the guidance of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, the bridge was built by No 3 Works Regiment (Engineers) under the close supervision of Directorate of Military Engineers and Quartermaster-General's Office of the Ministry of Defence.

In accord with the guidance of the Senior General, which said, "A facility can be used one day earlier and will benefit the people one day sooner if it can be completed one day ahead of the targeted period." Due to the extra efforts of the military engineers and officers and soldiers, the bridge was completed within a period of 18 months. Pile driving ceremony was held on 1 June 2000. The 810 foot-long bridge has a 28-foot wide motorway flanked by two four-foot wide pedestrian lanes. Its clearance is 20 feet high and 90 feet wide. It can withstand 60-ton loads. It is connected with two approach structures each with a length of 1,200 feet on both banks.

 The 709-ton bridge is installed with steel beams. Designing and production of the steel beams was conducted by No 2 Steel Plant at Myaungdaka, of the Myanma Economic Corporation of the Ministry of Military Affairs. The bridge cost K 724.95 million and US $ 395,000. The Tatmadaw opened not only Pathaung Bridge but also Dawlan Bridge, 1,000 feet long, in Hlinebwe Township, Kayin State, in 1999, and Ngamoeyeik Bridge, 660 feet long, in Yangon Division in February 2001.

The Tatmadaw is building bridges, which are of great importance for the further strengthening of ties of friendship among national races, the flourishing of trading activities and regional development. It is taking part in the community welfare activities as well as discharging national defence and training duties, thereby helping build a modern, developed nation. In conclusion, he thanked the Tatmadaw members, employees and departmental personnel for their contribution to construction of the bridge and urged all to safeguard and maintain the bridge. Then, Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Maj-Gen Aye Kywe made a speech. Taninthayi Division is situated in the southernmost part of Myanmar, comprising three districts and ten townships.

 The motor road from Yebyu in the northernmost part of Taninthayi Division to Kawhtoung Township is over 500 miles long, and bridges are being built on this road. In 1998, Winwa Bridge, Palauk Bridge and Palaw Bridge were inaugurated, and in November 2000, Taninthayi Bridge, 1,360 feet long, was opened. Kywegu-Kyaukphya Bridge and Laynya-Mandaing Bridge are still under construction, and arrangements have been made to construct Thamoaklutlut Bridge.

 When these bridges are opened, people can travel from Yebyu Township to Kawhtoung Township day and night in all weathers. Previously, the transport condition of Taninthayi Division was very difficult, and reliance had to be put on waterways and airways. Now people can go to Dawei, Myeik, Taninthayi, Bokpyin and Kawthoung by car. With the improvement of the transport condition, more efforts can be made for the development of the region. On behalf of the local people, representative U Moe Myint spoke words of thanks for the completion of the bridge which contributes to the development of the region. Then, Director of Military Engineers Col Tin Tun of the Ministry of Defence handed over the related documents to Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein.

 Next, State Peace and Development Council Member Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo presented gift of honour to Lt-Col Thein Naing of No 3 Works Regiment (Engineers) which constructed the Pathaung Bridge. Afterwards, General Maung Aye and party took place in front of the archway of the bridge. State Peace and Development Council Member Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Coastal Region Command Commander Maj-Gen Aye Kywe, Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein and Director of Military Engineers Col Tin Tun formally opened the Pathaung Bridge by cutting a ribbon.

Next, General Maung Aye formally unveiled the plaque of the new bridge. Then, General Maung Aye and party strolled along the bridge and cordially greeted those present at the opening ceremony. Afterwards, General Maung Aye and party posed for a documentary photo in front of the archway of the bridge.

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( 2 ) Vice-Chairman of State Peace and Development Council General Maung Aye inspects extension of Myeik airport

Yangon, 28 Dec-Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, accompanied by members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Soe Win and Maj-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and Maj-Gen Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, deputy ministers, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads, left here for Myeik, Taninthayi Division, by air yesterday afternoon.

On arrival at Myeik Airport, the General and party were welcomed by Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Maj-Gen Aye Kyway, deputy ministers, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Tin Latt and high-ranking military officers of the command, division-level departmental officials and entrepreneurs who grow oil palms. At the briefing hall of the airport extension project, Director of Military Engineers Col Tin Tun of the Ministry of Defence explained extension work and plans to be implemented to the General.

 The General gave necessary instructions. Afterwards, Commander Maj-Gen Aye Kyway reported to the General on outbreak of fire at Alekyun (Kyaung Nge) Ward in Myeik on 23 December morning, losses, resettlement and arrangements made for security and health. Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa gave an account of previous cases of fire outbreak in Myeik and resettlement work. Next, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan reported to the General on assistance being provided for resettlement. General Maung Aye gave necessary instructions. Later, the General and party inspected extension work of the runway at Myeik Airport. Afterwards, they inspected the fire-ravaged wards in Myeik. The General and party proceeded to Shwe Kyaung in Myitnge Ward where a temporary camp for fire victims is opened.

The General cordially met the fire victims and gave them encouragement. The General then inspected the clinic opened there. A fire broke out in Alekyun (Kyaung Nge) Ward in Myeik at about 11 am on 23 December. The fire spread to Myeik Taung Ward and Naukle Ward. Over 1,000 houses were destroyed by the blaze and relief measures are being taken.

( 3 ) Secretary-1 receives Thai Minister

Yangon, 28 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Minister of University Affairs of Thailand Mr Sutham Saengpra-toom and party at the Guest House of the Ministry of Defence at 4 pm today. Also present on the occasion together with the Secretary-1 were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt and Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet.

Secretary-1 receives Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand

 Yangon, 28 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Mr Tej Bunnag and party at the Guest House of the Ministry of Defence at 4.30 pm today. Present on the occasion were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and Ambassador of Thailand Mr Oum Maolanon.

( 4 ) Myanmar-Thai Friendship Trade Fair 2002 to be held in Tachilek

Yangon, 28 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt discussed the holding of Myanmar-Thai Friendship Trade Fair 2002 in Tachilek under the Myanmar-Thai cultural and economic cooperation programme.

The meeting held at Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) of the Ministry of Defence this afternoon was also attended by ministers, deputy ministers, senior military officers, the director-general of Myanmar Police Force, heads of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments, the president and the secretary of Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association, the president of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and officials. Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone reported to the meeting on coordination work carried out with Thailand to hold the fair, the number of booths, the kinds of goods to be exhibited by the ministries and enterprises and preparations to the hold the fair.

 Officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the Ministry of Home affairs and the Ministry of Health explained the kinds of goods to be displayed by the respective ministries. The Secretary-1 gave suggestions and explained the types of the booths to be opened by other departments in accord with the aims of the fair.

Secretary-1 inspects progress of construction of Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge No 2

Yangon, 28 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt this morning inspected progress of construction of Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge No 2, which links Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township and Thanlyin Township. Accompanied by ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, and departmental heads, the Secretary-1 arrived at the construction site of Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge No 2 on the bank of Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township, where they were welcomed by Managing Director of Public Works U Nay Soe Naing and officials. At the briefing hall of the project, Managing Director U Nay Soe Naing reported on progress of work and future tasks. The Secretary-1 gave instructions. The Secretary-1 then inspected progress of construction of the bridge from the observation tower and left the construction site in the afternoon. The six-lane reinforced concrete bridge is 4,540 feet long and 72 feet wide. It has two six-foot-wide pedestrian lanes on either side. Its clearance areas under the bridge is 130 feet wide and 18 feet high. It can bear 60-ton loads.

( 5 ) Uplift of national integrity, preservation and protection of traditions and culture lifeblood for nation and race

Yangon, 28 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the conclusion of Myanmar and International Music Notes Course No 3/2001 and opening of Course No 4/2001 at Myanmar Music Asiayon building in Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township this morning.

Also present were ministers, deputy ministers, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the deputy director-general of Myanmar Police Force, officials, chairmen and members of NGOs, the chairman and executives of Myanmar Music Asiayon, course supervisors, course instructors and others. The Secretary-1 said uplift of national integrity and preservation and protection of traditions and culture are vitally important like the lifeblood of a nation and a race. Absence of protection and preservation of traditions and culture will lead to the dwindling of national pride and loss of the race. Hence, the task to preserve and protect the heritage, traditions and culture is being carried out with greater momentum to ensure existence of the race and to uplift national prestige and integrity.

 In retrospects, high-standard civilizations did emerge in Myanmar for years countable by the thousand. The finds of the historical artifacts of Pyu and Srikhestra eras indicate that Myanmar possessed a high-standard civilization and culture and music. The finds are being displayed at the National Museum. The records of the Tan dynasty in China which was contemporary with the Pyu period show that a Myanma cultural delegation of high standard visited China. A study of the history of Myanmar people shows that evidence of anthropoid primates which developed into human beings over forty million years ago has been discovered. International palaeontologists conducted study tours of that region and found fossilized primates, and the discoveries were carried in international research publications. Therefore, the Myanmar people have existed in Myan-mar and have had a civilization of high standard for many years countable by the thousand. Therefore, the dignity of the Myanmar people has been high in the course of history.

 Today, rapid changes and developments are taking place all over the world; some are constructive and some destructive at the same time. With the use of advanced technology, some big nations are attempting to influence every nation for their self-interests. There is also penetration of alien culture, and if one gets carried away in the modern trend, one's national culture and lineage will disappear. At such a time, Myanma traditional performing arts competitions are being held to ensure that traditional culture is not on the wane and to enhance national pride and dignity.

It is found that a large number of youths have taken part in the competitions. Under these good circumstances, the opening of Myanma traditional and international music basic courses by Myanmar Music Asiayon amounts to preserving and developing traditional culture. The Myanmar people have five kinds of musical instruments and genuine typical Myanmar music.

It is found that when Myanmar music is played with foreign musical instruments, it is done so in accord with Myanmar culture. Therefore, Myanmar Music Asiayon, while preserving and promoting typical Myanmar classical music, is opening basic international music courses. Therefore, Myanmar Music Asiayon needs to open one Myanma music and international music course after another and to strive for the development of Myanma music and culture. Then, Chairman of Myanmar Music Asiayon Accordion U Ohn Kyaw explained the purposes of the course and spoke words of thanks.

Next, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented special prizes to mandolinist Daw Tin Tin Mar, aged 65, trainee of basic international music course; and to accordionist U Win Kyi, aged 64, trainee of basic international music course; to Ma Nilar Shunlet, aged 5, trainee of Mahagita basic singing course; and to Maung Htet Naing Aung, aged 6, trainee of basic Myanmar harp course. Aftewards, the Secretary-1 presented prizes to outstanding trainees.

 Later, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone presented prizes to first, second and third prize winners in basic Myanma Music harp course; Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung to first, second and third prize winners in basic Mahagita course; Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung to first, second and third prize winners in advanced Mahagita course and first, second and third prize winners in basic piano course.

Then, Minsiter for Hotels & Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin presented prizes to first, second and third prize winners in basic international music course, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein to first, second and third prize winners in advanced music course, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint to first, second and third prize winners in basic keyboard course, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt to first, second and third prize winners in basic music course, Deputy Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thaik Tun to consolation prize winners in Mahagita course and those families who attended the course.

 After that, Chairman Accordion U Ohn Kyaw presented prizes to first prize winners in harp competition of the ninth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions, Vice-Chairman Hinthada Myint Ngwe to first prize winners in composing contest, and second prize winners in mandolin contest, Secretary Gangawdaw U Myo Aung to third prize winners in harp contest. Then, the chairman presented completion certificates to the trainees.

 Next, the trainees demonstrated their music skills. Later, master of ceremonies Daw Khin Sanda Myint of Myanma Radio and Television read out accounts of cash donations and key boards donated by wellwishers for the conclusion of Myanmar Music Asiayon training course No 3/2001 and opening of course No 4/2001.

 Then, Vice-Chairman Hin- thada Myint Ngwe, Secretary Gangawdaw U Myo Aung and executives presented a portrait to Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and the ceremony ended. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 inspected the portraits of outstanding persons in music, thabin and motion picture to be displayed at Myanmar Music Asiayon Museum, and gave necessary instructions to officials.

The donations at the ceremony included K 100,000 by U Tin Aung and family of Diamond Dragon Co Ltd; five key boards each by Chairman U Zaw Zaw Naing of All Myanmar Tamil Hindu Foundation and wife Daw Yee Myint and family, and U Maung Maung of Asia Express Co Ltd; K 50,000 each by U Chan Hein of Yadanamyaing Enterprise, and U Aik Ohn of Nasar Enterprise; K 30,000 by U Cho and Daw Nilar Myint of Cho Kyi Tha Enterprise, K 20,000 each by U Kyaw Nyunt of Kyaw Furniture Mart and vocalist Hta and son Zaw Win Htut; K 11,000 by U Soe Moe of May Enterprise; K 10,000 each by vocalist Paing Lin, U Than Lwin of Zabai Oo, U Maung Maung Htwe of Heart Entreprise, U Htaik of Man Thiri Enterprise, U Aung Khaing of Gabagyaw Enterprise, U Inn of Htinyuyeik Enterprise, U Wunna Tin Soe of Khi Zabai Oo Enterprise, U Tin Maung Han of Music World Enterprise, U Zaw Zaw of EMG Enterprise, U Hla Htay of Master Enterprise, U Maung Maung Lwin of Excellent Entreprise, U Maung Maung of Oat Aw Enterprise, and U Aung Ngwe Thein of Thiha Myanmar Enterprise; K 5,000 each by Ko Zaw Win of Metalzone Enterprise, U Pyaw Pyaw of Chitthu Enterprise, U Zaw Latt of Lanpyakye Enterprise, U Zeya of Taungpan Enterprise, U Nyunt Wai of Pyonepantayar Enterprise, U Chit Khin of Yinmar Enterprise and U Ni of Mangalar Sein Enterprise; and K 3,000 by U Thiha Aung Myint of Aung Enterprise.

Yangon, 28 Dec - Minister of University Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand Mr Sutham Saengpratoom and party attended the opening ceremony of the 2001-2002 Academic Year School Family Day of the Ministry of Education at the Diamond Jubilee Hall at 7.30 am yesterday. The Thai minister and party visited the University of Foreign Languages (Yangon) and Yangon Institute of Economics yesterday morning and discussed matters related to education and cooperation between the universities of the two countries with the rectors. Then, the Thai minister and party proceeded to Bago, where they paid obeisance to Shwemawdaw and Shwetha-lyaung pagodas and visited Kanbawzathadi Palace. In the evening, the Thai minister and party, together with Minister for Education U Than Aung and Deputy Minister U Myo Nyunt, attended the dinner hosted by Chairman U Than Oo of the Myanmar Academy of Arts and Science at the Inya Lake Hotel.

School Family Day continues

Yangon, 28 Dec - The School Family Day of the 2001-2002 academic year continued for the second day at the Diamond Jubilee Hall on Pyay Road in Kamayut Township at 9 am today. Students, teachers and people visited the ceremony. At the education book fair, books, research papers and references of Yangon University, University of Distant Education, Eastern Yangon University, Institute of Economics, Yangon University of Education, University of Foreign Languages (Yangon) and Universities' Central Library were shown and book stores of the News and Periodicals Enterprise of the Ministry of Information and publishing houses were opened at the ground floor. Prize-winng paintings exhibition of the No-1,2 and 3 Basic Education Departments and booth of the Universities' Historical Research Department were shown at the first floor. Myanmar folk art exhibition, including five booths of cultural traditional paintings from prehistory to Yadanabon Era, presents from the Chairman of the Myanmar Education Committee booth and postcard painting demonstration of the basic education schoolgirls were shown at the second floor. At the exhibition hall of "Myanmar : Towards a Knowledge Dominant Society " Cyber English, University of Foreign Languages and Forever Group booths were shown. The activities will continue on 29 December as the third day.

Education Minister visits School Family Day

Yangon, 28 Dec -Minister for Education U Than Aung and Deputy Minister U Myo Nyunt arrived at the 2001-2002 School Family Day at the Diamond Jubilee Hall on Pyay Road this afternoon. They were welcomed there by directors-general, chairmen of departments and commissions under the ministry, and officials. The minister and party inspected the School Family Day commemorative book fair and book booths of Yangon University, Yangon Institute of Economics, Dagon University, Yangon University of Distance Education, Yangon Eastern University and the Central Universities' Library, bookshops of the Ministry of Information, and Myanmar Education Research Bureau, private bookshops, booths of Basic Education Departments, painting booths, and booths of Universities Historical Research Department, Myanma traditional painting booth, and painting demonstration booth of basic education students. Then, the minister gave instructions and left there in the afternoon.