( 1 ) General Maung Aye sees off Supreme Commander of Royal Thai Armed Forces and party

Yangon, 9 Feb- Visiting Supreme Commander of Royal Thai Armed Forces Admiral Narong Yuthavong (RTN) and wife Mrs Puntipa Yuthavong and party left here by special flight of Royal Thai Air Force this afternoon after visiting here. They visited here beginning 7 February 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 Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye.

Before departure of the Thai delegation, General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San cordially greeted Supreme Commander of Royal Thai Armed Forces Admiral Narong Yuthavong (RTN) and wife Mrs Puntipa Yuthavong at the VIP Lounge of Yangon International Airport. Then, General Maung Aye presented the documentary album and video tape on the goodwill visit to Supreme Commander of Royal Thai Armed Forces Admiral Narong Yuthavong (RTN). The special flight carrying the Supreme Commander of Royal Thai Armed Forces and wife and party left at 3.30 pm.

 They were seen off at the airport by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Military Intelligence Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Brig-Gen Hla Tun of the Ministry of Defence, Military Attach' of Myanmar to Thailand Lt-Col Ko Ko Maung and their wives, Minister of the Thai Embassy Mr Raden Suwannakorn and Military Attach' Col Kasem Nakpun and wife and officials.

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( 2 ) Cleansing of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image, enshrinement of bronze Parabaik bearing Maha Samaya Sutta, throne offering to two Arahat statues held

Yangon, 9 Feb- A ceremony to cleanse Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image, enshrine the bronze Parabaik bearing Maha Samaya Sutta and offer thrones to two Arahat statues was held at Gandakuti Kyaungdawgyi of the Image on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

 Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, deputy ministers, the vice-mayor, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, members of the work committee for holding the Buddha Pujaniya, members of the Mindhamma Hill Board of Trustees and wellwishers. Staff Officer of Yangon Division Religious Affairs Department U San Thin Hlaing acted as master of ceremonies.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt cleansed the Buddha Image. Then, the bronze Parabaik bearing Maha Samaya Sutta was conveyed round the Buddha Image. Next, the Secretary-1 enshrined the bronze Parabaik bearing Maha Samaya Sutta in the Buddha Image. At that time, Teingyar Htidaw Hoisting team beat the drum three times.

 Adviser to the State Calendar Committee Saya Kyaw recited ‚intamani Gatha. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party offered flowers, water and fruits to the Buddha Image and shared merits gained. Then, Patron of the Mindhamma Hill Board of Trustees Maha Saddhamma-jotikadhaja U Shein Aung Bo recited the Gatha on the offering of thrones to two Arahat statues. Next, the Secretary-1 sprinkled scented water on the Arahat statues.

Afterwards, the donation ceremony followed. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt accepted K 500,000 donated by Sri Chinmoy, the Peace Meditation at the United Nations, 5,000 bags of cement worth K 10 million by construction entrepreneurs of Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association, K 5 million by U Khin Shwe of Zaygabar Construction, K 11 million by U Maung Maung of Asia Express Construction, K 10 million by U Tint Hsan and family of ACE Construction, K 5.1 million by All Myanmar Gurkha-Hindu Dhamma Association, K 5 million by U Htay Myint of Yuzana Construction, K 5 million by U Kyaw Win of Shwe Thanlwin Construction, K 2.22 million by Dr Chit Nyunt, K 2 million by U Kyaw Nyunt and Dr Zaw Tun of Shwe Kyarbyan Construction, K 2 million by Ma Marlar Nyan and brothers and sisters, K 1.5 million by U Ko Ko Htwe of Tawwin Family Construction, K 1.5 million by FMI Group, K 1.3 million by Daw Kyaing Kyaing and family of Dagon Township and K 1 million from Thudawsin Sannan of Min-dhamma Hill.

Then, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe and Minister U Aung Khin accepted K 76,129,891 donated by 38 wellwishers including K 1 million each by U Aung Htwe of Golden Flower Construction, U Zaw Win of AryonU Construction, U Myat Min of Myama Ahla Construction, U Nyan Win of A-1 Construction, U Myo Win of Win Shweyi Construction, U Win Aung of Dagon International, U Than Myint of Ayeyeikmon, U Than Myint of High Rise and Tosta Group, K 800,000 by U Myat Thin Aung-Daw Khin Myint Myint and family, K 110,000 each by (U Pyu) of Thabawa Monhinga Shop, Daw Phwa Khin and family, U Ohn Tint-Daw Aye Than and family and U Win Thein-Daw Khin Tint Wai, K 103,800 by Daw San Thein and family, K 100,000 by Ko Min Min Aung-Ma Soe Soe Kyi, Writer Yuwady Daw Khin Sein Hlaing, U Khin Maung Than-Daw Hsu Mon Kyaw, Ma Jackie Teh and party of Malaysia, U Ba Ni and U Kyaw Myint of Myanma Thabawa International Co Ltd, K 103,800 by member of Shwedagon Pagoda Board of Trustees U Pe Than Lay, K 500,000 by Daw Tham Paw Tit and family, K 110,000 by U Tin Win-Daw Khin Mar Oo, K 100,000 each by Lt-Col Pe Thwin-Daw Thaung Thaung Aye and Maj Aung Kyaw Moe-Daw Myint Thidar, eight wellwishers in absentia and K 9,571,291 by the people from 7 January to 6 February 2002. Next, the Secretary-1 said that it is due to the donations of wellwishers that Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image can be built for public obeisance and all-round construction tasks of Mindhamma Hill can be carried out.

At present, the public can pay obeisance to the Image as a result of the goodwill of the wellwishers under the leadership of the Government; the Mindhamma Hill all-round construction tasks have been nearly cent-per-cent complete; and the Hill has become an area which reflects the flourishing of Sasana. Arrangements are being made for holding the consecration ceremony of the Image, and the merit-sharing ceremony of religious buildings will be held soon.

Theravada Buddha Sasana is now flourishing in the Union of Myanmar; people are undertaking religious and social affirs duties by joining hands with the Government as there is prevalence of peace and stability in the nation. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 thanked the wellwishers for their donations in building the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image and all-round construction tasks of Mindhamma Hill.

( 3 ) Most fundamental element for emergence of a modern, developed nation is national solidarity National solidarity, key to non-disintegration of the Union, perpetuation of sovereignty

Secretary-1 meets with Union Day delegates

Yangon, 9 Feb - Chairman of the Central Committee for Observance of the 55th Anniversary Union Day Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt met with Union Day delegates at National Indoor Stadium-1 in Thingangyun Township this afternoon. Also present were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, the ministers, the Mayor of Yangon, the deputy ministers, senior military officers, members of the Central Committee and the Management Committee for Observance of the 55th Anniversary Union Day and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office. The Secretary-1 expressed his pleasure for meeting with Union Day national delegates and said that it is as if meeting with brothers and sisters again.

On 12 February 1947 when Myanmar was striving for independence, leaders of national races put their signs to the Panglong Agreement, thereby expressing unity and Union Spirit. In the end, Myanmar managed to extricate herself from foreign domination.

Therefore, 12 February which is politically significant was designated as the Union Day. On that very day of every year, Union Day celebrations are held in accord Most fundamental element for emergence of a modern, developed nation is national solidarity  with national objectives full of political essence. Myanmar land was formed aeons ago. Research shows that Myanmar people were descended from highly-developed anthropoid primates which existed over 40 million years ago.

They migrated from place to place on the land of Myanmar. Although their races and languages are different, they are national brethren born on the soil of Myanmar. On the whole, Myanmar is a Union State made up of over hundred national races, and national races born in the Union have been living within the territory of the nation in the course of history sharing joys and sorrows. According to the geographical conditions of nation, mountain ranges and the sea serve as barriers and prevent foreign invasion. Myanmar national people living within the territory of the nation have been partaking of water from the Ayeyawady, which originates from Maykha and Malikha, and the Chindwin, the Sittaung and the Thanlwin.

Therefore, it is said that national races residing in the Union have been dwelling on the same soil and partaking of water from the same source. Since prehistoric time, they have been living through thick and thin and they have many things in common in terms of tradition and character. The Union of Myanmar is noted for its rich underground and marine resources. Valuable trees such as teak and hard wood grow well all over the nation. There are a large number of acres of fields and farmlands where various kinds of crops can grow well. The land also abounds in oil, natural gas, minerals and precious stones. As fish and prawn and natural gas deposits are in plenty in Myanma sea, it attracts the interest of international investors. If these natural resources can be tapped fully and effectively, the Union of Myanmar will be able to stand as a developed nation. Since there were no national unity, stability and peace and tranquillity in the nation, efforts for development of the nation could not be made.

 As a result, the nation lagged behind neighbouring nations in development. During the period of 40 years from 1948 when Myanmar regained her independence to 1988, successive governments employed various ways and means to build national unity and to achieve stability and peace and tranquillity. However, foreign instigation and wrong ideologies made impossible efforts for national reconsolidation. Since its assumption of duty of State in 1988, the Tatmadaw government have exerted efforts for national reconsolidation and national solidarity which are essential for development of the nation. Due to the correct stance of the government and the Tatmadaw and efforts of responsible officials at different levels and peace negotiators, armed groups have been entering the legal fold. Peace and tranquillity prevails all over the nation except in a few areas. During that period, the government has been implementing short-term economic plans on self-reliance so that the country can stand tall in the world. To exploit underground and marine resources, technologies and investments are necessary.

Therefore, economic plans have been designed to attract local and foreign investments and technologies. In addition, human resources development programmes are being implemented to produce technicians. By making use of land and marine resources and agricultural methods, production of crops is being promoted. Conservation of forests, livestock breeding and fisheries industry, exploration of oil and natural gas, minerals and gems and generation of power are being undertaken on self-reliance. At the same time, the industrial sector is being extended to produce value-added products, thus promoting the production value of the State. With an increase in the income and investments in the agriculture sector and the industrial sector, plans are being made to develop the technological sector. These are a brief account of plans for building a modern, developed nation. The most fundamental element for emergence of a modern, developed nation is national solidarity.

Taking the lesson from the past when the nation and the people fell behind others in development due to deterioration of national solidarity, all are to adopt the attitude that 'we all constitute a family or household in the Union; we, national races, never let ourselves be divided" and to build up and safeguard national solidarity. It is the duty of all the national races to maintain and safeguard the Union forever while building up national unity. National solidarity is the key to non-disintegration of the Union, perpetuation of national sovereignty, national requirements and national goals.

( 4 ) Secretary-1 attends opening of ordination hall of Maha Santisukha Buddhist Missionary Kyaungdawgyi in Tamway

Yangon, 9 Feb - The opening ceremony of the ordination hall of Maha Santisukha Buddhist Missionary Kyaungdawgyi was held in conjunction with the concluding of Foreign Missionary Course No 1 for Monks at the Kyaungdawgyi in Natchaung Ward, Tamway  Township, this morning.

Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt- Gen  Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and presented offertories to members of the Sangha.

Also present were Secretary of the State Sangha Committee Abhidhaja  Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhihaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Magway Saydaw Bhaddanta Kumara and member Sayadaw, Presiding NMayaka of the Kyaungdawgyi Foreign Missionary Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Pannavamsa and members of the Sangha and trainee monks and nuns, Brig- Gen Myint Swe  ministers, deputy ministers and  the chairman of Upatthaka Committee and executives, wellwishers and guest.

First, the opening of the ordination hall was held on the tenth floor of the Kyaungdawgyi at 9 am. The Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw formally opened the ordination hall. Then, the Secretary-1 formally unveiled the signboard of the ordination hall.

The Magway Sayadaw administered the congregation with the Five Precepts. Members of the Sangha recited the parittas. Next, the Secretary-1 supplicated matters related to religious affairs. Later the concluding of Foreign Missionary Course No 1 for Monks followed at the convocation hall on the third floor at 10 am.

Then, the Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw presented certificates to the trainees-20 local and foreign monks and six nuns. Afterward, the trainees took oaths. The Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw read out Sammodaniya Sandesa Katha. The concluding came to an end with three times recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciramtitthatu.  After the ceremony the Secretary-1 presented offertories to the trainees.

( 5 ) Supreme Commander of Royal Thai Armed Forces and wife and party tour Mandalay

Yangon, 9 Feb- Visiting Supreme Commander of Royal Thai Armed Forces Admiral Narong Yuthavong (RTN) and wife Mrs Puntipa Yuthavong and party, accompanied by Brig-Gen Hla Tun of the Ministry of Defence, Military Attach¸ of Myanmar to Thailand Lt-Col Ko Ko Maung, Military Attach' Col Kasem Nakpun and their wives, left Yangon International Airport by special Tatmadaw aircraft on 8 February afternoon and arrived at Mandalay International Airport at 2.30 pm.

The Thai delegation was welcomed at the airport by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint and wife Daw Myat Ngwe, Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win and their wives and members of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council. The Thai Supreme Commander and party proceeded to Myannan Sankyaw Golden Palace by car. Officials of Archaeology Department welcomed and conducted them round the Palace. Next, they visited the Archaeological Museum. Officials of Department of Cultural Institute conducted them the museum. Thence, the delagtaion proceeded to Mandalay Maha Myat Muni Buddha Image. The Thai Supreme Commander and wife and party paid homage to the Buddha Image. The Thai Supreme Commander made cash donations and signed in the visistors' book. Next, the visiting Supreme Commander and wife and party paid obeisance to Hsutaungpyay Pagoda on Mandalay Hill and offered water to the Buddha images.

They signed in the visitors' book, viewed scenes of Mandalay and posed for documentary group photo. In the evening, Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint and wife hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting Supreme Commander and wife and party on the lawns of Nanmyo Guest House. During the dinner, Myoma music troupe and the cultural troupe presented Myanmar songs and dances to the audience. After the dinner, the commander and wife and the visiting Supreme Commander and wife exchanged souvenirs.

Then, the visiting Supreme Commander and wife presented the flower basket to the artists and had documentary group photo taken. At 1.30 pm, the visiting Supreme Commander and wife and party left Mandalay for Yangon. They were seen off at Mandalay International Airport by Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint and wife, Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win and their wives, senior military officers and Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council members.

( 6 )  Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspects construction of Yangon-Mandalay Highway

Yangon, 9 Feb-Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence inspected construction works, industrial zones and national and rural development tasks in Kyaukse and Mandalay in Mandalay Division and met with industrialists and district-level departmental officials and gave instructions on 6 February.

 Together with Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge, Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspected the bicycle tyre and tube factory of the Flying Wheel Industrial Co Ltd in the Industrial Zone No 1 in Pyigyi-dagun Township at 7 am. He was conducted round the factory by the manager of the company.

Then, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected the Super Mandalar Jeep Assembling Plant on Thabye Street in Mandalay Industrial Zone No 1, Pyegyidagun Township. He met with industrialists at Kanaung Hall of the zone and gave necessary instructions. Next, Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint reported on functions of the industrial zone; the deputy minister on assistance provided by the ministry for courses on industrial technology and quality maintenance; the mayor on arrangements being made for disposal of industrial water; and support work committees of the industrial supervisory group on progress of work and tasks being carried out. Next, they inspected construction of Paleik-Shaukkwin road of Mandalay-Meiktila road section being undertaken by Hong Pang Co.

Then, they inspected progress of construction of Government Computer College (Mandalay) where the principle and officials reported on progress of work and academic measures to Maj-Gen Ye Myint. At the briefing hall of the six-lane highway construction project site near Thagon Village, Singaing Township, Managing Director U Khin Myint of Hong Pang Co reported on earth work and conditions of tarring the road. Maj-Gen Ye Myint attended to the needs. Maj-Gen Ye Myint met with departmental personnel in Kyaukse District at Myinsaing Hall in Kyaukse and gave instructions on regional development. Also present were Chairman of Kyaukse District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Kyi Shein, district level departmental officials and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association. Chairman Lt-Col Aung Kyi Shein reported on agriculture and regional development and the commander gave a supplementary report. In response to the reports, Maj-Gen Ye Myint urged departmental officials to fully participate in implementation of five rural development tasks and in building a peaceful, modern and developed nation with Union and nationalistic Spirits.