( 1 ) Plans made for once-useless wetlands to serve interests of State and entrepreneurs Cooperative efforts required for timely completion of major bridge projects
Senior General Than Shwe inspects bridge construction and wetland reclamation projects

Yangon, 28 Feb- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied by members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, senior military officers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads and officials, left here by car and arrived at Bo Myat Tun Bridge in Nyaungdon, Ayeyawady Division at 9.15 am today.

The Senior General and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Htay Oo and officials. The Senior General and party then proceeded to the work site of the Shwelaung Bridge Construction Project in Wakema Township, Ayeyawady Division. At the briefing hall, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun and Deputy Minister U Tint Swe reported on the project. Deputy Superintending Engineer of Public Works U Khin Maung Lay reported on tasks carried out to build the facility. The minister gave a supplementary report. Then, the Senior General gave guidance on conducting constant inspection and maintenance of roads to prevent damages during the rainy season as the bridge would be commissioned into service soon. Harmonious efforts should be made to build bridges on Wakema-Mawlamyinegyun road.

The Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems and experts should make cooperative efforts to maintain the roads and bridges in the entire nation and to take measures to prevent damages during the monsoon. Afterwards, the Senior General and party inspected the bridge. The bridge lies at mile post No 21/0 on Pantanaw-Shwelaung-Wakema road in Shwelaung, Ayeyawady Division. The lower structure of the bridge is constructed with reinforced concrete and the upper structure with steel frames. The main bridge is 500 feet long and approach structure 1,400 feet long. It has a 14-foot-wide motorway and two three-foot-wide pedestrian lanes. It can withstand 36 tons of load.

The bridge ensures easy transport link among Pantanaw, Shwe-laung, Wakema and Kyonmange. During the inspection of Wakema Bridge Project, the Senior General and party heard a report on salient points of the project, building of towers to support the main structure, construction of the approach structures and towers to control cables and installation of steel cables and steel frames presented by Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein and Deputy Superintending Engineer of Public Works U Khin Maung Hse. Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun presented a supplementary report. Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance saying that the South-West Command Commander and the Construction Minister will have to make cooperative efforts to complete the bridge in time. Priority should be given to meeting the set standards, he said.

The division should continue to build the roads which are covered by regional projects. Spanning Wakema River, the bridge will link Ywale ward on eastern bank and Htawkanok ward on western bank in Wakema Township, Myaungmya District, Ayeyawady Division. A bailey type bridge will be supported by reinforced piles. The main structure will be 600 feet long. The two approach structures will be 1,260 feet and 1,160 feet long. The motor way on it will be 24 feet wide, flanked by 4-foot pedestrian lanes. It can bear up to 36 ton loads.

At Mogok-Deedok (South) wetland in Patanaw Township, the Senior General and party inspected summer paddy cultivation at the agricultural project of Yuzana Farming Group. They then inspected preparations being made to distribute the yield of fish from the farms to the market, hatchery ponds, and samples of fish. Chairman of the company U Htay Myint reported on progress in land reclamation work at the wetland, digging of fish breeding ponds and cultivation of 4,338 acres of monsoon paddy, 124 acres of jute and 687 acres of summer paddy, setting up of 1,836 acres of fish breeding ponds, raising of fish in 24 ponds, setting up of 24 reserve ponds to store fish for reproduction, breeding prawn in two ponds, rice and fish production and distribution and plans to grow oil palm in Taninthayi Division.

The Senior General gave guidance, saying that it is required for the government and the people to make harmonious efforts with goodwill for rapid development of the nation. Plans are being made for the once-useless wetlands to serve the interests of the government and the entrepreneurs. Detail plans should be drawn to extend prawn breeding which has good potentials and markets for its products. The government will provide every necessary assistance to entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs should work together with local authorities in find new areas suitable to breed prawn on commercial scale. Fish breeding should be conducted at wetland areas where cultivation seems impossible and cage culture should be conducted in the rivers. Oil palm cultivation should be extended in accord with the projects to fulfil the consumer and industrial requirements. All should strive to build more finished-oil mills and semi-finished-oil mills. The Senior General and party arrived back Yangon in the evening.

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( 2 ) Pujaniya of Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda in Kanbalu Township, Sagaing Division, held

Yangon, 28 Feb- The second Pujaniya of Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda on Kammabala Hill, Kanbalu Township, Shwebo District, Sagaing Division, was held in conjunction with the merits-sharing ceremony for building Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda Pariyatti Sarthintaik at the pagoda this morning. Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San attended the ceremony.

Also present were 108 members of the Sangha led by Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadaja Bhaddanta Kavindacara, 108 novices, members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Soe Win, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Central Command Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Chairman North-West Command Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing, ministers, deputy ministers, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees, members of social organizations, donors and local people. General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party offered "soon", fruits, water and flowers to Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda at 5.30 am.

They offered dawn "soon" to the Sayadaws, members of the Sangha and novices. Then, the Sayadaws went to the cave of the pagoda to consecrate Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda. The 108 members of the Sangha led by Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kavindacara consecrated the pagoda. General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party paid homage to them. A merits-sharing ceremony for the Sarthintaik was then held at the Sarthintaik. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kavindacara administered the Nine Precepts. Buddhist monks recited Parittas. The laymen also recited religious verses. General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San presented offertories to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kavindacara.

The State Peace and Development Council members, commanders, ministers and donors presented offertories to the monks. Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Vimalabhivamsa delivered a sermon. General Maung Aye and Daw Mya Mya San and party shared the merits gained. The wellwishers also donated cash to the trust fund of Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda, the trust fund of Pariyatti Sarthintaik of Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda and the educational trust fund of Kanbalu Township. Then, a provision donation ceremony followed. General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party, the families of the wellwishers, officials of departments and organizations and the people offered rice and alms to 108 members of the Sangha led by the Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Myole Kyaungtaik Sayadaw of Lashio. Afterwards, a ceremony to donate a fire-engine and an ambulance to Kanbalu Township by Shwethanlwin Company was held within the precincts of the pagoda. General Maung Aye and party attended the ceremony. Chairman of Shwe-thanlwin Company U Kyaw Win handed over documents related to the fire-engine and the ambulance to Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing, who in turn presented a certificate of honour to the donor. General Maung Aye and party inspected the fire-engine and the ambulance and had a cordial meeting with members of the fire brigade and red cross and nurses.

General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party offered "soon" to 108 members of the Sangha and 108 novices. A ceremony to novitiate 108 boys in commemoration of the second Buddha Pujaniya of Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda was held at Sasana Beikmandaw of the pagoda on 27 February evening. General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San attended the ceremony. Also present were members of the State Peace and Development Council, commanders, ministers, deputy ministers, senior military officers, heads of department and officials, parents and relatives of novices-to-be, wellwishers and families. After the ceremony, General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party performed the ritual of silver and golden showers. General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party paid homage to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha led by the Myole Kyaungtaik Sayadaw of Lashio. On 27 February night, General Maung Aye, wife Daw Mya Mya San and party looked round the pagoda, religious buildings and pandals, which were illuminated in commemoration of the Buddha Pujaniya of the pagoda. The second Buddha Pujaniya of Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda was held from 25 to 28 February.

General Maung Aye inspects sugar mill (Kanbalu)

Yangon, 28 Feb- Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, together with members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Soe Win, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads, left here by Tatmadaw aircraft, and arrived at Mandalay International Airport in TadaU Township at 11.45 am yesterday.

Accompanied by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, the General and party then proceeded to the sugar mill (Kanbalu) by helicopter. They were welcomed there by Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Naing, Director of Supply and Transport of the Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Than Htay and officials. At the briefing hall, the General and party heard a report presented by Brig-Gen Than Htay on establishment of the sugar mill (Kanbalu) project, construction of the mill, test-running of the mill, production of sugar on a commercial scale and arrangements to obtain sugarcane for the mill. Then, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on cultivation of black pulse, green gram and tomato in the sugarcane plantations.

The General gave instructions on land reclamation for cultivation of sugarcane as soon as possible and the growing of possible crops in the sugarcane plantations, and inspected the sample sugar of the mill. Afterwards, the General and party inspected production process of sugar at the mill. The sugar mill (Kanbalu) was established near Zeegon Village, Kanbalu Township, in February 2001. After completion, the mill started test-running for three months beginning 27 September 2001, and it is now producing sugar on a commercial scale. It can crush 2,800 tons of sugarcane per day. It can produce 70 percent EEC grade II finished sugar and 30 percent brown sugar. The General and party next arrived at Kanbalu by helicopter in the afternoon.

They were welcomed there by Commander of No 33 LID Col Tin Tun Aung, Secretary of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Ye Htut and officials. General Maung Aye inspects Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, who accompanied the General, together with Managing Director of the News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, inspected Pyinnya Alin modern library of Kanbalu Township Information and Public Relations Department and met with officials and gave necessary instructions. Then, the minister inspected the new office of the IPRD in Ward 2, Kanbalu. Later, the minister inspected TV retransmission station and fulfilled the requirements.

( 3 ) Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt receives delegate of ICRC

Yangon, 28 Feb- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received delegate of Asia, Pacific and Latin America Regional Representative of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), based in Geneva, Switzerland, Mr Jean-Michel Monod at the Guest House of the Ministry of Defence this morning.

Also present at the call together with the Secretary-1 were Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet. Together with the visiting delegate, Mr Michel Ducraux, Resident Representative of the ICRC to Myanmar, was also present.

( 4 ) Myanmar-Thai border region health cooperation meeting held

Yangon, 28 Feb- The opening ceremony of the central level meeting on Myanmar-Thai border region health cooperation was held at the Thahtaykyun Hotel in Kawthoung on 26 February evening. It was attended by senior officials of the health departments of the two countries led by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, and Minister for Public Health of Thailand Madam Sudarat Keyuraphan, delegates of the World Health Organization (WHO) and officials. First, Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein and Minister Madam Sudarat Keyuraphan delivered addresses.

Then, the two health ministers signed the proposal of health cooperation programme to combat AIDS, TB and malaria at the border areas between the two countries which will be submitted to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) and the opening ceremony came to a close. Afterwards, the central level meeting followed at the Andaman Room. Director-General of the Health Planning Department Dr Kyi Soe presided over the meeting. Then, project managers of the two countries reported on implementation of tasks for combating AIDS, TB and Malaria and the meeting came to an end in the evening. The second day meeting was held yesterday morning and work schedules of health cooperation programme were drawn and approved.

Cyberenglish course concludes

Yangon, 28 Feb- The conclusion ceremony of Cyberenglish courses and Diploma in Communicative English courses organized by Human Resources Centre of Yangon University and Myanmar-Newzealand Education Centre was held at the Yangon University Diamond Jubilee Hall this afternoon. It was attended by Minister for Education U Than Aung, Deputy Minister U Myo Nyunt, directors-general of the departments under the ministry, officials, invited guests and trainees.

First, Chairman of the Human Resources Centre of Yangon University Pro Rector Dr Khin Zaw made an address and presented prizes to the outstanding students. Then, Dr Khin Zaw and Manager of Cyberenglish Centre Daw Khin Mar Kyi presented certificates to the trainees. Cyberenglish courses were opened on 21, May 2000 and a total of 533 trainees attended to the courses. A total of 515 teachers of universities, colleges and 176 teachers of Basic Education Schools in the Yangon Division attended to the courses from June to December 2001.

( 5 ) Minister visits factories in Thingangyun and South Okkalapa

Yangon, 28 Feb-  Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, together with Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, visited Soap Factory No 2 of Myanma Pharmaceutical Industries in Thingangyun Township here this morning. The minister inspected production of soap and gave instructions on taking innovative measures for production of Thabyenyo soap, finding new ways and means to cool soap in a short time and extension of production lines for Shwewah soap.

Then, the minister and party inspected storage of crude oil for production of soap in the compound of the factory, the site chosen for extension of the factory, condition of boilers and warehouses, and gave instructions on future tasks. Afterwards, the minister and party proceeded to Myanma Garment Factory of Myanma Textile Industries on Lutlatye Street in Thingangyun Township. The minister inspected the production of napkins and towels, packaging process, installation of sewing machines and condition of boilers. The minister and party also inspected South Okkalapa Biscuit Factory of Myanma Foodstuff Industries, and South Okkalapa Win Thuza Shop in South Okkalapa.

Minister inspects railroads and bridges

Yangon, 28 Feb- Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, accompanied by officials, inspected maintenance of railroad on Hsinbyushin bridge, Pakokku-Kyaw railroad section, repair of a pile under Minkaing bridge and levelling of railroad-slope on 24 February and gave necessary instructions. On 25 February, the minister inspected tunnel digging site on Pakokku-Kaley railroad section, laying of a new railroad linking Kyaw and Myatmyaung and construction of bridge on Kyaw creek and gave instructions on systematic maintenance of machinery. Then, the minister inspected along the axis of the new railroad and arrived in Hnongyi Village. He met with local people at the monastery of the village.

( 6 )  Briefing for heads of diplomatic mission held

Yangon, 28 Feb- A briefing was held for heads of diplomatic mission here at the Winzin Minyaza Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 4.30 pm today. It was attended by Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Ly Bounkham and heads of the missions. Briefing on the recent visit paid by an experts team of the International Labour Organization, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win said: A four-member expert team led by Mr Francis Maupain, Advisor to the Director-General of ILO, visited Myanmar from 19 to 25 February. The team was invited for the purpose of promoting cooperation between Myanmar and ILO.

Myanmar had made constructive proposals with genuine sincerity during the discussions. Moreover, the Myanmar side demonstrated its spirit of cooperation by trying to be as flexible and accommodating as possible. However, it is regrettable that the ILO team took an adamant stand and pressed on with its demand while ignoring Myanmar's constructive and positive gesture. Moreover, it was found that in addition to labour matters, the technical team also brought in politically-related matters. Nevertheless, Myanmar hopes that ILO will gradually come to appreciate her constructive initiatives. Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win concluded by saying that Myanmar is confident that she will receive the understanding and support of friendly and like-minded countries for the sincere and just stand taken by her. Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win answered queries from the heads of mission after which the briefing ended.