( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Bangladesh

Yangon, 26 March -On the occasion of the Anniversary of the Independence Day of the People's Republic of Bangladesh which falls on 26 March 2002, 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 Prof AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and to Her Excellency Begum Khaleda Zia, Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

Senior General Than Shwe inspects booths at Defence Services Museum

Yangon, 25 March -Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe inspected preparations for opening booths in commemoration of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, at the Defence Services Museum this morning.

Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Office of Military Intelligence Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence and officials arrived at the Defence Services Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road in Yangon at 9 am. Senior General Than Shwe and party were welcomed by members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Soe Win, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Chairman of Leading Committee for Observance of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Chairman of Management Committee for Observance of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, Chief of Staff (Air) Brig-Gen Myat Hein, ministers, the Yangon Mayor, deputy ministers and senior military officers.

The Senior General and party inspected the booth of the ministries at the entrance hall of the museum, where record books and booklets on the tasks undertaken by the respective ministries were displayed. Then, the Senior General and party also inspected the 12 State objectives booth. Director of Defence Services Museum and Historical Research Institute Col Ye Htut conducted the Senior General and party round the booth. Afterwards, the Senior General and party inspected the booths of the directorates of the Ministry of Defence. The Senior General left the museum later in the morning after giving necessary guidance to the officials.

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( 2 ) Minister for Foreign Affairs sends felicitations to Bangladesh

Yangon, 26 March - On the occasion of the Anniversary of the Independence Day of the People's Republic of Bangladesh which falls on 26 March 2002, His Excellency U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr M Morshed Khan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

( 3 ) Union Spirit is the will of national races to accept themselves as citizens of Myanmar regardless of their races and regions where they are living

We pledge to strive for ever developing of the Union which has already been constituted with 14 States and Divisions, with Union Spirit

Government's Project for Development of Panglong Region hailed in Panglong

Yangon, 25 March -A mass rally to hail the Government's Project for Development of Panglong Region where Union Spirit was conceived with a view to further consolidating the national unity and strengthening Union Spirit and Panglong Spirit, sponsored by the Union Solidarity and Development Association, was held at the Panglong Monument Grounds in Panglong, Loilem District, Shan State (South), yesterday morning. Those who attended the ceremony laid down the Panglong Pledges.

Present on the occasion were secretaries and executives of State and Division USDAs, those of Leikha, Mongkai, Kehsi, Mongshu, Namgsan, Kunhing, Mong-nai, Linkhe, Maukmai and Mongpan Township USDAs in Loilem District, those of Taunggyi, Hopong, Nyaung-shwe, Hsihseng, Yaksawk, Kalaw, Pindaya, Ywangan, Pinglaung and Phekhon Township USDAs in Taunggyi District, the secretary, executives and members of Loilem Township USDA, USDA members of four wards in Panglong Town, members of local cultural troupe and local people totalling over 3,000.

To attend the ceremony hailing the Government's Project for Development of Panglong Region where the Union Spirit was conceived, Anawrahta Column comprising over 1,000 members led by U Than Shwe representing Loilem District, Kyansittha Column comprising over 350 members led by U Aye Kyaw representing Ward 1 of Panglong Town, Bayintnaung Column comprising over 350 members led by U Law representing Ward 2 of Panglong, Aungzeya Column comprising over 350 members led by U Aung Hti representing Ward 3 of Panglong and Hsinbyushin Column comprising over 350 members led by U Sai Thein Oo representing Ward 4 of Panglong, took the designated places in the Panglong Monument Grounds in Panglong.

Executive U Sai Lon Kyaw of Shan State (South) USDA presided over the meeting together with members of the panel of chairmen Executive U Myint Naing of Shan State (East) USDA and Secretary U Sai Maung Hlaing of Muse Township USDA in Shan State (North). Panglong Town USDA members Daw Nang Khin Myo Myo Aung acted as master of ceremonies and Daw Nang Yein Wa Tein as co-master of ceremonies.

Chairman of the meeting Executive of Shan State (South) USDA U Sai Lon Kyaw said Myanmar is a pleasant and beautiful home to the national races living together in unity and in weal or woe. In other words, it is like a garden where multicoloured flowers are in blossom.

As a saying goes "Blood is thicker than water"(In time of test family is best), all the national brethren have warded off all the dangers against the State; they have safeguarded the sovereignty with Union Spirit and patriotism.

Despite many rivers and streams dividing the land and high mountain ranges posing as barriers, the national races have lived in unity and amity since time immemorial. The villages and wards have been formed into townships; the townships, into districts; the districts, into states and divisions; and the states and divisions, into the Union of Myanmar, that has been standing tall among the nations of the world.

Over 100 national races have been living like brothers born of the same womb in unity and harmony in all parts of the Union. Since the time of forefathers, there has been no region in the country where only a single race has resided.

For example, various national races are living in Shan State. The population of Shan State is over 4.4 million. Out of this, over 1.5 million are Shans; nearly 500,000, Bamars; virtually 309,000, Pa-Os; over 300,000, Danus, more than 380,000, Was; approximately 180,000, Lahus; about 140,000, Kokangs; about 170,000, Kachins; almost 120,000, Inthas; nearly 200,000, Taungyoes; about 100,000, Akhas; approximately 70,000, Lwelas; and more than 50,000, Kayahs. They are living in unison and amity.

In Kachin State, more than 400,000 are Kachin, Rawan, Jinghpaw and Lisu races; over 320,000, Bamars; over 260,000, Shans; and about 8,000, Chins are residing together in harmony. In Kayin State, over 700,000 are Kayins; over 220,000, Mons; more than 190,000, Bamars; and about 40,000, Shans. They are dwelling in concord.

In Mon State, over 800,000 are Mons; more than 790,000, Bamars; and over 340,000, Kayins. They are residing in unity.

In Yangon Division where the capital of the State lies, nearly 250,000 Kayins, almost 10,000 Chins, approximately 60,000 Rakhines, about 24,000 Shans are living together with Bamars and other national races.

These provide clear evidence for the fact that various national races are residing in concord in all the regions of the Union. A study of the history of the national races shows that the nation was powerful and strong, and earned respects of her neighbours during the periods when there was strong national unity.

The national races had lived in unity, amity and peace and with mutual understanding for one another for so many years. The colonialists launched three aggressive wars in 1824, 1852 and 1885, and enslaved the nation. The colonialists made attempts to break up national unity and to cause dissension among national races with every intention of prolonging their subjugation of Myanmar.

Taking account of the past experiences, the Government has, since assumption of the State duties, striven to restore national unity. For example, 17 armed groups have returned to the legal fold and are joining hands with the State. Panglong is the land of victory where Union Spirit and spirit of national unity were inspired and independence was conceived.

All the national races, together with the State, are keeping in the fore Our Three Main National Causes. They are giving top priority to ensuring non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty, bearing in mind that they are the national brethren living on the same land and pertaking of water from the same source and they must be united in times of emergency.

National unity and Union Spirit is the soul of the nation. He expressed his belief that those in attendance, on behalf of over 18 million USDA members, joined the mass rally with the spirit of national unity, patriotism and Union Spirit. The USDA is a national organization formed to serve the interests of all the people of the Union in cooperation with the State. Thus, the mass rally should lay down Ònon-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of the national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereigntyÓ as the Panglong Pledge with national outlook.

The USDA will have to lay the foundation to achieve historic victory at this land of victory of the Union where Union Spirit is the will of the national races to accept themselves the citizens of Myanmar regardless of their stock, race and the regions they are living in We pledge to strive for ever developing of the Union which has already been constituted with 14 States and Divisions, with Union Spirit national unity was forged and the struggle for independence launched. If the good foundation of the Union are assessed, it can be seen that it has good geographical condition, sound origin of the citizens, rich economic resources, sound social system, and good time and conditions. The Union of Myanmar has existed since time immemorial. Since the time of their ancestors, the national races have lived in unity and amity.

He then quoted the Patron of USDA as saying, "Thanks to our forefathers who have lived in unity, togetherness and farsightedness, the nation has never broken up into small states, instead, it has existed as a united and consolidated Union since over 2000 years ago. We will have to inherit the historical heritage to firmly build the national solidarity and to protect and safeguard the Union till the end of the world."

The national races residing in the nation sacrificed lives and blood with the Union spirit during the anti-colonialist struggles, the anti-Fascist struggles and the national independence struggles from 1885 to 1948.

The colonialists tried to leave out the hill regions in granting independence to Myanmar. But the national races, never accepted the colonialists" sinister scheme. Instead, they firmly laid the foundation of the independence struggle by signing the Panglong Agreement.

Concerning Union Spirit, the Patron of the association said "The Union Spirit is the will of the national races to accept themselves the citizens of Myanmar regardless of their stock, race and the regions they are living in."

The State is carrying out the national development endeavours to narrow the development gap between rural and urban areas and to ensure their proportionate progress.

At present, peace and stability is prevailing in the Union. Due to the cooperation of the national race leaders, the government is able to implement the national and rural development programmes with greater momentum.

During his visit to Panglong on 1 March, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said that in accord with the guidance of the Head of State and Patron of USDA, the development projects for the whole Panglong region where Panglong is located will be launched soon.

In honour of the Panglong region, the Panglong University, the Panglong Technological College and the Panglong Computer Science College will be set up in the region. The Loilem People's Hospital will be extended to a 200-bed facility. The Panglong Station Hospital will be upgraded from 16-bed facility to a 25-bed one.The State will also implement the Panglong region development projects.

The USDA heartily hails the Panglong region development projects which will begin in the near future.

In conclusion, he read out the Three Panglong Pledges as follows:

* "We pledge to safeguard the heritage of the Union of Myanmar which has been in existence since time immemorial where our ancestors have lived together in unity and harmony.

* "We pledge to discharge as national duty the Three Causes - non-disintegration of the Union; non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty - as historic duty.

 *"We pledge to strive for ever developing of the Union which has already been constituted with 14 States and Divisions, with Union Spirit.

" Daw Nang Yu Yu Lwin/NLM 11/NO Member of Panglong USDA of Shan State (South) Daw Nang Yu Yu Lwin said that Union Spirit means the spirit of regarding the entire Union as a family. To be exact, it encompasses the spirit of regarding Union-born national races such as Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan as national brethren, the spirit of living on the same soil and partaking of water from the same source, the spirit of helping one another in times of emergency, the spirit of sharing joys and sorrows, the spirit of inspiring unity in times of emergency and the spirit of regarding the plans and the hills as the same.

So far, the Union of Myanmar has stood tall in the world. It can be attributed to the fact that the national races of the Union live together through thick and thin. As is known to all, the Panglong Agreement, which evinced the unity of the national races in wresting the nation free from subjugation, is the foundation for independence.

She then expressed her pleasures for having an opportunity to speak at the ceremony hailing the Government's project for development of Panglong region sponsored by the USDA.

Shortly after the regaining of independence, those who fought for independence together entertained different ideologies due to sectarianism. Then, there was dissension among national brethren, and national unity collapsed. Consequently, armed struggles broke out in the nation, and the living standard was low.

After assumption of duty under unavoidable circumstances, the Tatmadaw got down to a national reconsolidation task.As the Government strove with patience to achieve peace and unity, 17 armed groups entered the legal fold and has been working together with the Government. Since stability and peace and tranquillity were achieved in the nation, the Government has built economic infrastructures with added momentum. There are signs of development all over the nation.

Only when the effort to build a peaceful, modern and developed nation is based on Union Spirit, will the nation be able to exist for ever. In retrospect, among those who fought valiantly at the risk of their lives against colonialists were Shan women. They did so because of Union Spirit.

The colonialists drove a wedge among national races and arranged to set aside the hills when independence was about to be granted. Without accepting the scheme of the colonialists, the national races laid down the foundation for independence with the Panglong Agreement. Therefore, whether one was born in any state or division or of any race, one would like to regard oneself as Myanmar.

A study of construction work in each sector of the Union of Myanmar shows that after 1988, there are 132 dams including Bawbin Dam opened in Gyobingauk Township, Bago Division, in the agriculture sector. The acres of irrigated areas have increased from 2.5 million acres to 4.9 million acres by 2.5 million acres. In addition to dams, there are 262 river-water pumping projects and underground water tapping projects. As a result, 15.5 million rural people get drinking water. As more dams, the agricultural infrastructure, have been constructed, the total acres of cultivated land have increased from 2.8 million acres in 1988 to 37.14 million acres. Moreover, motor roads, railroads, ports and airports have been upgraded and extended.

New motor roads and railroads have emerged as Union Highways, which now serve as a link of friendship among the national races.

A study of roads shows that there were 13,635 miles of roads in 1988-89. Now there are over 17,874 miles. The total length of roads has increased by 4,239 miles.

Shwenyaung-Taunggyi-Saikhaung-Monhsit-Namsan Railroad and Namsan-Mohne Railroad contribute significantly to regional development.

Emergence of a peaceful, pleasant, modern and developed nation is the goal both of the Government and the people. Security and stability are essential for peace and tranquillity of the nation. The basic requirement for pleasantness is fulfilment of needs of food, clothing and shelter.

To modernize the nation, measures are to be taken to ensure that the nation lags behind others and to keep pace with time. The requirement for development is knowledge, skill and experience, and they are to be made best use of in developing the nation. Efforts to build a peaceful, modern and developed nation are gathering momentum. Motor roads and railroads have been built all over the nation, and in this way, the transport sector has been improved. Mandalay International Airport and Hanthawady International Airport have emerged. Before 1988, there were only six airports where jets could land. Now there are 12 airports where jets can touch down. Another six airports are under construction.

The Government has promulgated a law for progress of border areas and national races. The Central Committee for Progress of Border Areas and National Races, the Work Committee and subcommittees have been set up. The Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs has been constituted. There are more and more benefits which national races born in the Union including Shan State can enjoy.

Altogether K 12,188 million was spent till the end of 2001 on construction and repairs of roads and bridges in the border areas including Shan State. In the education sector of border areas, after 1988, 366 primary schools, 48 middle schools and 19 high schools have been opened. To enable poor and needy national youths in border areas to pursue education, 17 youth training schools have been opened. Altogether 12 domestic science schools for women have been opened. A study of provision of health care for the people in border areas shows that after 1988, 46 hospitals, one station health centre, 74 clinics, 18 rural health centres and 30 rural health branches have been opened.

 In addition, eight hydro-electric power projects have been implemented; 85 TV relay stations, post offices, telegraph offices and satellite stations have been built; radio telephones have been installed. To expedite agricultural development in border areas, 31 agricultural offices, 113 agricultural stations, 40 dams, 17 dams to be built, four canals and 11 tractor stations have been opened.

As the Union of Myanmar is made up of various national races, national unity is the lifeblood of the nation. Internal peace and national reconsolidation, which could not be achieved in the time of previous governments over 40 years from 1948 when independence was regained up to 1989, have now been achieved.

Panglong region is a land of victory where Union-born national races pledged their unity to fight for independence.

In conclusion, she said that at the Panglong Meeting, a pledge is to be made to strive for peace and tranquillity and development of the Union upholding Our Three Main National Causes- non-disintegration  of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty.

Executive of Namhsam Township Union Solidarity and Development Association U Sai Laung Kham said the government is making efforts for emergence of a peaceful, modern developed nation, the main objective.

The government carried out the tasks for harmonious development of townships and villages in various parts of the country and it also upgraded hamlets in the border areas into towns. Progress has been made because of national solidarity and peace and stability in the State.

National unity was consolidated at the Panglong Conference so that the Union of Myanmar became an independent and sovereign State.

After regaining independence, nation-building tasks could not be implemented according to the set objectives. Despite the rich natural resources in the country, internal armed struggle occurred due to instigations of the imperialists. Many lives and property were lost. Therefore, the State lagged behind in development in the absence of peace and stability.

 It is found that it was the divide-and-rule policy of the colonialists that caused disintegration of national solidarity at that time.

 Shan, Kachin, Chin and Kayah regions were governed separately by the colonialists. They discriminated the plains and hilly regions and instilled narrow racism in the national people, sowing distrust and doubt among them. The colonialists enacted and practised law restricting border crossing in order to break up amicable relations among the national people. They schemed to cause destruction to national solidarity, encouraging national races to live in isolation and entertain suspicions.

 Though Myanmar regained her independence, there was no national unity and there emerged armed groups in the country due to the imperialist scheme. Successive governments made efforts to end armed oppositions and tried to build national reconsolidation, but without success.

The Tatmadaw government with sense of duty that is always loyal to the State assumed the State duties in 1988. The government forged national solidarity and reconciliation as a historic task and as a result 17 armed groups have returned to the legal fold and are now participating in national development tasks. It was put on record as historic undertakings in Myanmar history. The government has been building roads, bridges, schools and hospitals for all-round development of the majority of the national people. In connection with the national development tasks, the government built roads, railroads, major bridges, general hospitals and rural dispensaries in Shan State starting from 1989 and also built a great number of universities, colleges and institutes for human resources development.

 He elaborated on construction of 471 miles of rural gravel road and 531 miles of earth road, 173 small bridges, construction of 865 miles of earth roads, 899.4 miles of gravel road and 98.4 miles of tarred road, construction of Tarhsan Bridge and Namhsam Airport in transport sector for progress of border areas.

Twenty diversion weirs, 8 dams, two canals, 53 embankments and other 13 dams were built for agricultural development.

 Concerning hydro-electric power generation, power plants were built at Zawgyi-1 and Zawgyi-2, Pakyauk-maw, Hnamhmyaw, Nam-hsanchaung and Namsaung-paung regions.

 In health sector, the government built 17 township hospitals, seven station hospitals, 62 rural dispensaries and 25 rural health care centres and upgraded eight 16-bed hospitals to 25-bed ones and three 25-bed hospitals into 50-bed ones. It also built border region development hospitals and nurses training schools.

 In education sector, five new high schools, nine new middle schools and 139 new primary schools were opened. Under the border areas development programme, one high scools, five middle scholl and five primary schools were opened. Kengtung Degree College, three Government Technical Colleges and three Computer Colleges were also opened.

In livestock breeding sector, 12 offices of Livestock and Veterinary Department were built. In communication sector, the government opened 12 post offices, 10 telegraph offices, six radio telephone offices, 12 local exchange units, 12 satellite communication stations and 56 miles of trunk call lines. Moreover, it also built a Drug Elimination Museum.

 Tube-wells were sunk in 30 villages in 15 Townships and 58 other water supply facilities were implemented at a cost of K 17.7 million.

Aungban, Shwenyaung, Heho, Pwayhla, Naungtaya, Tikyit and Kyauktalon Villages and other 15 hamlets were upgraded to urban regions under the arrangements of the government.

 In Shan State, Mandalay-Lashio-Muse Road, Hsenwi-Kunlong-Chinshwehaw Road and Laukkai Road were built as the Union Highways. Thazi-Shwenyaung-Taunggyi-Hseikkhaung-Namhsam-Monai railroad was under construction. These measures are the goodwill of the State towards development of Shan State.

The government built Namhsam airfield for ensuring smooth transport in the country including Shan State and there are now flights twice a week. Kengtung and Tachilek airports were extended to handle jet aircraft.

 New roads and railroads were built for regional development in Shan State. Upgrading of roads contributes toward the development of Panglong-Loilem region. He thanked for construction of Namhsam airport and operation of the flight.

 Under the guidance of Patron of USDA Senior General Than Shwe, universities, colleges and hospitals will be built soon honouring Panglong where the Union Spirit was conceived. He expressed his pleasure for efforts for development of Panglong region.

 The government is making concerted efforts for harmonious development of 14 States and Divisions. Because of the Union Spirit, efforts are being made for development of the motherland.

 The government is simultaneously implementing the national development tasks, five rural development tasks and border area development tasks.

 The USDAs held mass rallies to support the national development tasks and five rural development tasks in States and Divisions. At the rallies, the resolution calling for USDA participation in the national and rural development tasks was passed.

 The Panglong region development tasks were stated during the Loilem inspection tour of Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt in accord with the guidance of Patron of USDA Senior General Than Shwe. Members of USDA are to participate in Panglong region development tasks.

 The government is implementing the development tasks for Panglong region to honour it where the Union Spirit was born. Let's dedicate ourselves at this Panglong mass rally for turning the Union of Myanmar which has been constituted with 14 States and Divisions, into a peaceful, modern and developed nation.

 Then, meeting chairman Executive U Sai Lon Kyaw of Shan State (South) USDA announced the Three Panglong Pledges:

"-We pledge to safeguard the heritage of the Union of Myanmar which has been on existence since time immemorial where our ancestors have lived together in unity and harmony,

-"We pledge to discharge as national duty the Three Causes' non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty"as historic duty, and

-" We pledge to strive for ever developing of the Union which has already been constituted with 14 States and Divisions, with Union Spirit.

All the representatives present at the meeting also committed themselves to the Three Panglong Pledges.

Next, USDA representatives at the ceremony chanted slogans hailing the Government's Project for Development of Panglong Region. Those who attended the ceremony laid down the Panglong Pledges.

Afterwards, local people performed cultural dances to the audience.

Then, the ceremony to hail the Government's Project for Development of Panglong Region concluded with releasing of coloured gas balloons.

Festivities hailing the Government's Project for Development of Panglong Region where the Union Spirit was conceived were held on a grand scale at the Myoma Sports Grounds in Panglong, Loilem District, Shan State (South), from 22 to 25 March.

The flags representing States and Divisions, USDA flags and miniature flags were put up around the Panglong Monument Grounds where the multi-coloured lights were illuminated. Similarly, the banners bearing "We hail Development of Panglong Region where the Union Spirit was conceived"were put up at Panglong Market, along the Panglong Myoma Road and at the exits of Panglong to Leikha and Loilem.

 In the evening, departmental buildings, offices, schools and roads were illuminated with multi-coloured lights. No 1 Mobile Public Relations Unit presented dances, songs, Anyeint and magic show to the local people at nights from 22 to 24 March and Taunggyi branch of Documentary Film of the Ministry of Information csreened the film entitled Pan-myaing-le-ga Uyinhmu on 22 March, Bagan-hmar-tha-de-la on 23 March night and Thu-kyun-ma-khan-byi on 24 March. Similarly, local cultural troupe and vocalists presented cultural dances and songs on 23 and 24 March nights. On 24 and 25 March nights, entertainments were performed by Mandalay Thein Zaw Drama troupe.

 The town was alive with songs on the national unity beginning 22 March. The local people visited the festivities at the Myoma Grounds every night.

( 4 ) Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspects renovation of Bhamo-Myitkyina road

Yangon, 25 March - State Peace and Development Council member Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, currently in Bhamo, accompanied by Kachin State Peace and Development Council Chairman Northern Command Commander Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Brig-Gen Than Tun and officials, inspected construction of Bhamo Degree College in Bhamo on 23 March morning. Bhamo District Peace and Development Council Secretary U Hla Myint reported matters on construction of four lecture halls and staff housing quarters and roads in the college compound.

He also reported matters on installation of electric power and telephone lines as well as construction of the lane linking Computer College and the Technical College. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected round the construction sites and gave necessary instructions. Afterwards, they proceeded to the model plantations of edible oil crops such as groundnut, sunflower and maize by the Myanma Agriculture Service.

Officials concerned reported on the work progress so far carried out and Maj-Gen Ye Myint fulfilled requirements. Next, they inspected extension of runway at Bhamo airport being undertaken by Thanlwin Highway Co Ltd. Officials reported on work progress and Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspected the construction of the runway with use of heavy machines. They proceeded to Myitkyina along Bhamo-Myitkyina road. Along the route, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected bridges and road conditions.

At noon, he inspected Nanhsanyan Creek diversion dam, reclamation of 300 acres of land near Bandawnyan village and construction of rural earthen road linking Bhamo-Myitkyina road and Bandawnyan region. Irrigation Department Director U Khin Maung Tin showed them round the construction sites. At the briefing hall, Commander Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe reported matters on reclamation of 300 acres of land in Bandawnyan region.

Next, Myitkyina District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Hla Thaung also reported on the work progress. Officials concerned also reported on the implementation of works. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun reported on allotment of land. Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave instructions for soonest undertaking of agriculture on allotted plots, extension of the existing rural earthen roads and cultivation of suitable oil crops in addition to paddy. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party proceeded to Maliyan bailey bridge.

They inspected the road construction works of Jade Land Co near the bridge. At the briefing hall of the company at Shwenyaungbin camp at mile post 468 of Bhamo-Myitkyina road, officials concerned reported them on work progress. Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave necessary instructions. He arrived back in Myitkyina at 7 pm. On 24 March, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party left Myitkyina for Yangon by air.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspects regional development tasks

Yangon, 25 March- State Peace and Development Council member Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Kachin State Peace and Development Council Chairman Northern Command Commander Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Brig-Gen Than Tun and officials, went to Nantmong Creek bridge in Mabein on 22 March morning and inspected it which was destroyed by erosion.

 Officials concerned reported matters on substituted wooden bridge and rebuilding a new suitable one. Next, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected Moemeik Township Hospital. Afterwards, they proceeded to Nantmeik Creek at the exit from Moemeik to Mabein and inspected the site for building a suitable bridge for the region. They also inspected Moemeik-Mabein Road and bridges along it. They next inspected Shweli Ferry Jetty. They arrived Mabein at 10 am. At the Mabein Township Peace and Development Council Office, Maj-Gen Ye Myint met with township level officials and gave instructions on regional development.

Also present at the meeting were Northern Command Commander Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Deputy Minister for PBANRDA Brig-Gen Than Tun, Tactical Operations Commander Col Aung Nyein, local authorities and local people. Officials concerned reported on geographical data, undertakings for regional development, upgrading of bridges and roads and requirements. The deputy minister discussed matters relating to assistance to be provided to rural development tasks in Mabein region. He urged the local people to participate in the tasks being undertaken by the Development Affairs Department.

Deputy General Manager U Kyaw Hlaing of Myanma Agriculture Service reported on extended cultivation of suitable crops for the region. Next, the commander gave a supplementary report. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave necessary instructions. He said that the Government is carrying out rural development tasks with momentum. He was assigned duty to make inspection tours all over the country. Roads are being built for ensuring smooth transportation of the region. The local people are to safeguard and maintain the roads.

He urged all to make efforts for achieving success in implementing five rural development tasks, conserving reserve forests and maintaining roads and bridges. He called for local people to participate in endeavours for development of the State with the Union Spirit while undertaking the regional development tasks. After the ceremony, he inspected Mabein Township Hospital. Officials conducted them round the hospital. Next, they inspected Mabein Power Plant of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected Mabein BEHS.

Officials concerned conducted them round computer skill room, language section, computer aided instruction room and audio lab. Maj-Gen Ye Myint attended to their needs. Later, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party left Mabein for Bhamo and inspected Nantpaw Bridge which was destroyed by erosion near Hsipein village and other bridges on Mabein-Mansi-Bhamo Road.

Maj-Gen Tin Aye inspects cement plant projects

Yangon, 25 March -Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence inspected Hsinmin-1 Cement Plant and Hsinmin-2 Cement Plant Projects near Nwalegauk Limestone Hill, Yephyadaw Village, Kyaukse Township, Kyaukse District, Mandalay Division, on 22 March. Maj-Gen Tin Aye arrived at Mandalay International Airport at 7.30 am on 22 March, and was welcomed by Deputy Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Nay Win, Tactical Operations Commander Col Thein Hlaing and officials.

Maj-Gen Tin Aye and party proceeded to the project site. They were welcomed by Project Director Lt-Col Shwe Moe, project engineers, departmental officials and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association. Maj-Gen Tin Aye and Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint inspected construction of Nwalegauk Limestone Hill Development Road, project sites and machinery to be used at the cement plants. The project director and the project engineers reported on their work. Maj-Gen Tin Aye attended to the requirements of the projects, and gave instructions on construction of the cement plants, security and fire prevention and worksite safety.

CD hailing the Armed Forces Day comes out

Yangon, 25 March- The record CD of the speech delivered by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Patron of Union Solidarity and Development Association Senior General Than Shwe at the USDA Special Meeting (2002) held on 19-2-2002, came out today in hailing the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day. It was recorded by the Ministry of Information and published by USDA headquarters (education division).

( 5 ) Second Meeting of Fifth State Central Working Committee of the Sangha concludes

Yangon, 25 March - The third and final day session of the Second Meeting of the Fifth State Central Working Committee of the Sangha continued at 8 am today at Maha Pasana Cave on Kaba Aye Hill and concluded in the late afternoon. Present on the occasion were the Chairman Sayadaw of State Central Working Committee of the Sangha Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddammajotika Myingyan Koesaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita, Secretary Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddammajotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara and member Sayadaws of SSMNC, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council U Arnt Maung, Director-General of the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Sann Lwin, Director-General of the Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint, Pro-rector of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Dr Hla Pe and officials.

Kaba Aye Kyaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Sirindara of Ayeyawady Division, Brahmmamin Kyaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Arsabha of Mandalay Division, Mahavi-suddhayon Taikthit Zeyamaydini Waso Kyaung Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Agghiya of Mandalay Division, Myatheintan Kyaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma-jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Sobhana of Yangon Division and Zeyawady Kyaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sandavunsa were chosen Ovadacariya Saya-daws of the meeting. Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Panindabhivamsa chaired the meeting, and Joint Secretary Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Suddhammajo-tikadhaja Bhaddanta San-dima acted as master of ceremonies.

The Emcee Sayadaw announced the meeting open. At the meeting, the Sayadaws submitted matters relating to Tipitakadhara Selection Examination rules and then decisions were passed. The meeting later went into recess. When the meeting resumed, Joint Secretary Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma-jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Tejaniya sought the approval of the meeting for the annual report. Next, the presiding Sayadaw presented vinaya-dhura certificates to member Sayadaws of State Vinic-chaya Committee. Afterwards, work done at the meeting was documented by the respective Sayadaws. The Sayadaws present at the meeting then heard the Ovada Katha of the Chairman Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita.

Yangon, 25 March - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Soe Win of the Ministry of Defence attended ceremonies to unveil Myanma Education Goal stone inscription at Panglong Basic Education High School in Panglong region, Shan State (South), and No-1 and No-2 Basic Education High Schools in Loilem this afternoon. Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, ministers, deputy ministers, directors-general, departmental officials, headmasters and headmistress, teachers, members of the school board of trustees and students.

The ceremony to unveil the stone inscription of Panglong BEHS was held in front of the school at 1 pm. First, students of the school sang the National Anthem in chorus and saluted the National Flag. Then, outstanding students of the school formally unveiled the stone inscription. The ceremony came to a close with singing of a song by the students. Similarly, Myanma Education Goal stone inscription of No-1 and No-2 Basic Education High schools were formally unveiled at the respective places. Then, the collective programme of ceremonies of the three schools was held at the Nawade Hall of No-1 BEHS in Loilem. Minister for Education U Than Aung made a speech at the ceremony. Tenth standard student Ma Nan Hnin Oo Wai of BEHS-2 Loilem read out the twelve Myanma education goals and on behalf of the school heads, Headmistress Daw Khin Shein of Panglong BEHS spoke words of thanks.