( 1 ) Secretary-1 attends opening of multimedia teaching centre at Maungtaw Basic Education High School

Yangon, 30 Dec- Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, the ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), the deputy ministers and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, left here by Tatmadaw aircraft yesterday morning and arrived in Sittway, Rakhine State, at 9.15 am the same day.

 The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Brig-Gen Maung Oo, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Brig-Gen Phone Swe of Sittway Station, Acting Commander of Danyawady Naval Region Command Cmdr Aung Thaw, members of State, District and Township Peace and Development Councils and departmental officials.

After that, the Secre- tary-1 and party, accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence and Commander of Western Command Brig-Gen Maung Oo, proceeded to Maungtaw by helicopter. In Maungtaw, Col Tin Naing Thein of Maungtaw Station, Commander of Base Tactical Operations Command Col Aung Naing Tun, the chairman of Township Peace and Development Council and officials welcomed the Secretary-1 and party. First, the Secretary-1 attended the opening ceremony of the multimedia teaching centre of Maungtaw Basic Education High School at 10.30 am yesterday.

 Also present on the occasion were members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo, the ministers, the deputy ministers, senior military officers, state, district and township authorities, departmental officials, social organizations, the headmaster, members of School Board of Trustees, Rakhine traditional cultural troupes and students. Headmaster U Maung Kyaw Sein and Chairman of SBT U Oo Shwe Tha formally opened the multimedia teaching centre of the school. Then, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt unveiled the signboard of the centre.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the language lab, the computer application and e-mail room, the computer aided instruction room, the electronic media (video system) room, the projected media room, the printed media (reading corner) room and skill demonstration of the students. Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the arts and wall magazine room and the domestic science room where students presented gifts to the Secretary-1. The Secretary-1 and party watched the skill demonstration of art and viewed religious verses recitation of the student wut association in the altar room. Then, the opening ceremony of the multimedia teaching centre of Maungtaw BEHS followed at the hall of the school.

 Headmaster U Maung Kyaw Sein reported on tasks of multimedia teaching centre carried out and Chairman of SBT U Oo Shwe Tha on efforts made for emergence of the centre. Afterwards, the Secre- tary-1 presented the teaching aid tapes and books to the headmaster. Then, the donation ceremony was held. At the ceremony, the Secretary-1 accepted K 1 million presented by Chairman of Maungtaw District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Soe Htwe. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe accepted K 150,000 for an air-conditioner presented by Commander of Border Area Immigration Inspection and Control Command U Aung Ngwe.

 Next, Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than accepted K 800,000 donated by the merchants association. On behalf of old students of Maungtaw BEHS resident in Yangon, Chairman of Merchants Association Chairman U Oo Shwe Tha presented K 1.5 million to Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo. Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt accepted K 175,000 for an air-conditioner donated by member of SBT U San Shwe. The Secretary-1 said since the government implemented the education promotion programmes for the improvement of the national education, multimedia teaching centres have been emerging in basic education high schools and middle schools all over the nation.

This can be attributed to the harmonious cooperation of local authorities, parents, school boards of trustees, wellwishers, the public, teachers and students. With the aim of enabling students to acquire all-round education, upgrading the national education up to the international standard and bridging the gap between the urban and rural education standards, education promotion programmes have been implemented step by step.

Due to the active participation of the public, considerable success has been achieved. Therefore, to accelerate the rate of success, a special national education promotion four-year plan and a long-term national education plan are being implemented. It is found that officials and parents have been rendering assistance for the improvement of education standard of student youths from Maungtaw Basic Education High School. Maungtaw being a border town, local authorities, departmental personnel and parents need to provide assistance for the promotion of education of students youths.

 In addition, organizing work is to be carried out continuously to see to it that all the student youths cherish and respect national culture and traditions. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 called on all to adopt the attitude that it is incumbent upon all to improve the education standard of student youths and to inculcate them with a sense of respecting and observing national culture and traditions. The Secretary-1 and party had photos taken together with teachers, members of the School Board of Trustees and students. The Secretary-1 and party inspected development works of Maungtaw Township.

The Secretary-1 and party arrived at border areas and immigration inspection and control headquarters in Maungtaw Township where they were welcomed by Commander U Aung Ngwe and service personnel. Commander U Aung Ngwe reported on measures undertaken by border areas and immigration inspection and control headquarters and economic, social sectors and law and order in the region.

 The Secretary-1 then gave instructions. The Secretary-1 and party arrived at Aungthabye Sanpya Village in Maungtaw Township where they were welcomed by Myo nationals. The Secretary-1 presented cash award to Myo traditional cultural troupe. The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by departmental officials, Rakhine, Myo, Thet and Daingnet nationals, students, members of Village Peace and Development Council and the Union Solidarity and Development Association.

At the Bandoola Hall in the village Aungthabye camp-1 in-charge U Than Tun reported on requirements on education, health, law and order and regional development. The Secretary-1 then gave instructions. The Secretary-1 presented books and stationery, TV set, video deck and cassette for Aungthabye Sanpya Village Middle School to Headmaster U Kyaw Hla.

 Next, the Secretary-1 presented food and gifts to personnel and medical equipment for Village clinic. The Secretary-1 presented bags of rice and clothing for Aungthabye, Bandoola, Aungchantha, Tatchaung, Thupannaka, Yankha Zedi, Wailataung Villages to officials. The Secretary-1 and party went to Taungpyo Letwe Camp where they were welcomed by camp in-charge U Soe Myint Thein, departmental personnel, members of Village Peace and Development Council, members of USDA, Myo cultural troupe and villagers. The Secretary-1 fulfilled the requirements on education, health, law and order and regional development.

The Secretary-1 presented bags of rice and clothing for villagers and medical equipment for rural clinic, books and stationery and food for service personnel. The Secretary-1 and party went to Kaigyi Village. They were welcomed by Chairman of Maungtaw District Peace and Development Council Lt- Col Soe Htwe, officials, departmental personnel and villagers. At the basic education primary school, Chairman Lt-Col Soe Htwe reported on requirements on education, health, agriculture.

The Secretary-1 fulfilled the requirements. The Secretary-1 presented books and stationery for village primary school and bags of rice and clothing for Kaigyi, Thayaykonbaung, Mawyawady, Udaung, Kyaunkpantu, Pegon and Vassali Villages.

He also presented food for service personnel and medical equipment for clinic. The Secretary-1 and party left Kaigyi village for Sittway by helicopter and spent the night there. Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, inspected Maungtaw PeopleÕs Hospital yesterday. Deputy Director-General of Health Department Dr Hla Pe and Head of Township Health Deparment Dr Hla Tun and service personnel. The minister inspected operation theatre, labour room and wards and gave instructions on upgrading of the hospital and giving kind treatment to patients.

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( 2 ) Vietnamese guests visit Mongla region

 Yangon, 30 Dec- The visiting goodwill delegation led by Chairman of the Council of Nationalities of Vietnam National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Cu Hoa Van, accompanied by Director-General Col Than Swe of Border Areas and National Races Development Department and officials, arrived in Mongla, Shan State (East), yesterday. They were welcomed there by national race leader U Hsan Pay of Special Region-4 and departmental personnel.

At the meeting hall, national race leader U Hsan Pay and officials explained condition of Mongla region development tasks and answered the queries. Then, the visiting delegation paid obeisance to Dwe Nagara Pagoda and visited the Drug Elimination Museum of the region. After that, they visited the Myanmar-China boundary pillar and the archway. In the afternoon, national race leader U Hsan Pay and officials hosted a lunch in honour of the visiting delegation at Hlinetunt Hotel. Next, the guests visited the gems museum.

This morning, the Vietnamese delegation arrived at Border Area Youth Development Training School in Kengtung. They met the students and presented gifts to them. At the meeting hall, Director U Nan Aung of Education and Training Department reported on facts about the training school. Then, they exchanged souvenirs. The delegation visited the school and posed for documentary photos with the students. After that, the guests proceeded to Weaving Training School in Model Akha Village, Kengtung. The Akha cultural troupe led by U Peter welcomed them. Then, the guests viewed articles produced at the school, weaving work and the Akha national costume.

( 3 ) Sasana Takkasila Maha Dhammacariya title and Sasana Tekkasila Dhammacariya title conferred on 101 members of the Sangha

Yangon, 30 Dec - The Seventh Sasana Takkasila Maha Dhammacariya title and Sasana Takkasila Dhammacariya title conferring ceremony of the State Pariyatti Sasana Universities (Yangon and Mandalay) of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee took place at the State Pariyatti Sasana University Maha Convocation Dhammayon on Thiri Mingalar Kaba Aye Hill here this afternoon.

 Present were Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Chancellor of the State Pariyatti Sasana Universities Abhi-dhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Myin-gyan Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita, member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Theravada Buddhist Missionary Ovadacariya Sayadaws, Tipi-taka Ovadacariya Sayadaws, Tipitakadhara Dhamma Bandagarika title holder Sayadaws, treatise-examiner Sayadaws, Rector Sayadaws of the State Pariyatti Sasana Universities (Yangon and Mandalay) and lecturer and administrative Sayadaws, Sayadaws of Yangon Division Sangha Nayaka Committee, Mayangon Township Sangha Nayaka Committee and Abbot Training School, title-recipient members of the Sangha, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Than Shwe, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and their wives, heads of department under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint and chairmen of District Peace and Development Councils, officials of the work committee for organizing the title-conferring ceremony and subcommittees and guests. Director-General of the Department for the Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Sann Lwin acted as master of ceremonies. On behalf of Myingyan Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita, Secretary Sayadaw of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Vice-Chancellor of the State Pariyatti Sasana Universities Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara invested the congregation with the Eight Precepts. Then, the Secretary Sayadaw read the Ovadakatha of the Chairman Sayadaw. Chairman of the Central Administrative Committee of the State Pariyatti Sasana Universities Joint Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Osadhabhivamsa delivered an Ovadakatha. Registrar Sayadaw of the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon) Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhad-danta Kumara supplicated on matters related to the seventh title-conferring ceremony.

Then, Minister U Aung Khin supplicated on religious affairs. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Osadhabhivamsa signed the list of names of title-recipient members of the Sangha. Rector Sayadaw of the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Mandalay) Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Panditabhivamsa presented Sasana Takkasila Maha Dhammacariya title certificates to 14 members of the Sangha and Sasana Takkasila Dhammacariya title certificates to 38 members of the Sangha from the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Mandalay). Rector Sayadaw of the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon) Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhad-danta Vannita presented Sasana Takkasila Maha Dhammacariya title certificates to six members of the Sangha and Sasana Takkasila Dhammacariya title certificates to 43 members of the Sangha from the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon).

In the presence of the Chancellor of the State Pariyatti Sasana Universities, the title-recipient members of the Sangha took oath of missionary work. Afterwards, the commander, the ministers, the deputy minister and officials offered robes to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha. After that, Magway Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits. After the ceremony, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe and wife, Minister U Aung Khin and wife and wellwishers presented offertories to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha.

( 4 ) Annual meeting of MPPEA held

Yangon, 30 Dec - The tenth annual meeting of Myanmar Printing and Publishing Entrepreneurs Association was held at Jivitadana Sangha Hospital in Bahan Township at 1 pm today. Present were President of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint and executives, Chairman of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), Patrons of MPPEA, Chairman U Kyi Nyunt, executives and members and guests. First, Chairman U Kyi Nyunt delivered a speech.Then, UMFCCI President U Win Myint, on behalf of the guests, made a speech. Secretary U Maung Maung Soe submitted the reports and the financial reports of the executive committee of MPPEA, which were then approved. Afterwards, the association elected a new executive committee including Chairman U Maung Maung, Secretary U Tint Swe and 23 executives and Chairman U Maung Maung extended greetings. The meeting ended with a closing speech by U Kyi Nyunt.

MPBSMA annual general meeting held

Yangon, 30 Dec - A ninth annual general meeting of the Myanmar Pulses & Beans and Sesamum Merchants Association, took place at the Sofitel Plaza on Alanpya Pagoda Road in Dagon Township yesterday morning. It was attended by Managing Director of the Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung, President of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint and Vice-President U Htein Win, General Secretary U Zaw Min Win, Chairman of MPBSMA U Tun Aung, CEC members, executives and members. First, MPBSMA Chairman U Tun Aung spoke at the meeting. Then, Executive Committee member U Hla Han submitted the EC report and financial report. The reports were then approved afterwhich the meeting ended with concluding remarks by MBPSEA Chairman U Tun Aung.

Mandalay Mayor's trophy golf tourney opens

 Yangon, 30 Dec - The opening ceremony of year 2001 second Mayor's trophy golf tournament was held at the Yedaguntaung Golf Course in Mandalay on 27 December morning. It was attended by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, senior military officers, members of Mandalay City Development Committee, contestants and guests. Chairman of MCDC Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein teed off the smoke ball to open the tourney. A total of 20 professionals and 41 amateurs are taking part in the tourney which lasts till 30 December. The commander proceeded to the junction of Nanshei 19th Street and Patheingyi Street in Aungmyethazan Township, and inspected condition of the axis chosen for construction of Mandalay circular road, and construction of the axis and earth work of Mandalay-Madaya road. Then, the commander gave necessary instructions to the officials and fulfilled the requirements.

( 5 ) Meeting of e-National Task Force held

Yangon, 30 Dec- The e-National Task Force held a meeting at the Communications and Postal Training Centre of the Myanma Posts and Telecommunications here at 10 am today. It was attended by Chairman of e-National Task Force Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Vice-Chairman Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win and chairmen and members of Working Committees of the Task Force: Working Committee for Legal Infrastructure Drafting, Working Committee for ICT Infrastructure Development, Working Committee for ICT Education, Working Committee for ICT Application, Working Committee for ICT Standardization, Working Committee for ICT Liberalization. Chairman of the Task Force Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw addressed the meeting. The chairmen of the respective committees reported on work done. After the discussions, the meeting came to a close.

Minister for Construction inspects unloading of steel trusses

 Yangon, 30 Dec-Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by Managing Director U Nay Soe Naing of Public Works and officials, inspected the unloading of steel trusses from MV Sittway of Myanma Five Star Line at No 5 Sule Wharf this afternoon. The steel trusses were imported from China National Constructional and Agricultural Machinery Import and Export Corporation by Public Works for bridge construction projects. A total of 4,865.559 tons of steel trusses  3,030.429 tons for Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway) and 1,835.13 tons for Ayeyawady Bridge (Dedaye) arrived here today. The minister inspected the unloading of the steel trusses onto the tugs and gave instructions on work site safety, systematic storage of the steel trusses and transport of the steel trusses to the projects. Out of 9,200 tons of steel trusses needed for Ayeyawady Bridge (Ma-gway), 6255.464 tons have arrived here. With the use of the steel trusses which arrived here as the last batch, the remaining construction work of the bridge will be done. Fixation of trusses for Ayeyawady Bridge (Dedaye) will begin after the arrival of the steel trusses at the work site. A total of 2,756.832 tons of steel trusses for Kyweku-Kyaukphya Bridge project were unloaded from MV Sittway of Myanma Five Star Line at Myeik on 19 December.

Yangon, 30 Dec- Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, accompanied by staff officers of the command headquarters, inspected poultry farms of Yangon Command this morning. At 11 am, the commander arrived at No 1 Poultry Farm in Sawbwagyigon, Insein Township. In-charge of the farm Capt Win Zin Maung reported to the commander on the raising of chicken and sale of chicken at tax-free markets and other markets in Yangon. Secretary of Yangon Command Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Committee Lt-Col Thein Hsint reported on production of eggs and chicken at the poultry farms of the command headquarters. The commander gave necessary instructions. Then, the commander inspected the incubators, the briquette factory and the farming of broilers and gave instructions on cultivation of vegetables at the surrounding areas of the poultry farm. After that, the commander proceeded to Taing Shwegon Meat, Fish and Vegetables Shop, inspected sale of vegetables and kitchen goods, and gave instructions on sale of fresh meat, fish and vegetables. Yangon Command is breeding livestock and sells meat, fish and vegetables at the tax-free markets and other markets. A total of 10,000 eggs, 500 viss of chicken and 1,500 viss of fish are sold the markets everyday.

Yangon, 30 Dec -A ceremony to open the 33th Inter-State/Division Track and Field Tournament was held at Aung San Stadium at noon today. Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint made an opening speech and formally opened the ceremony. Altogether 15 teams from states and divisions are participating in the tournament, which will continue till 4 January 2002.

Commander inspects construction site of General Hospital

Yangon, 30 Dec - Chairman of the Shan State Peace and Development Council (East) Commander of the Triangle Region Command Brig-Gen Chit Than, accompanied by officials, arrived at the construction site of the General Hospital (200- bed) in Kengtung, Shan State (East) on 27 December. Medical Superintendent Dr Than Maung, Additional Head of Shan State Health Department Dr Win Myint and officials reported to the commander on work being carried out with the aids of the chart there. Then the commander fulfilled the requirements and went round the construction site.