( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe sends message of condolences on passing away of Queen Mother of UK

Yangon, 1 April -Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, on the passing away of the Queen Mother on 30 March 2002. 

( 3 ) U Nyunt Maung Shein appointed as Ambassador to FRG

Yangon, 2 April - The Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar has appointed U Nyunt Maung Shein, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Republic of Korea, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Federal Republic of Germany.

( 4 )  Regular press conference held

Yangon, 1 April-A regular press conference was held at Tatmadaw guest house on Inya Road this evening.

 Present were Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, departmental heads, news and information officials of the Ministry of Information, U Sein Win of Kyodo News Agency, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Hla Htwe, President of MFCC U Sao Kai Hpa and correspondents and guests.

 Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Minister U Tin Winn, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win and officials met local and foreign journalists and replied to queries of newsmen.

Maj-Gen Kyaw Win said:

As regards the news released by Thailand that the Wa militia entered the territory of Thailand and attacked a Thai security force on 25 March, and that one member of the Thai armed force was killed and another sustained severe injuries, the officials were sent to the region to conduct investigation into the matter.

When leaders and members of the Wa militia were asked, it is learnt that the Wa militia did not at all transgress the Thai territory, and on 25 March, an armed clash broke out between the Wa militia from Kyu Sam Kut Camp and Ywet Sit's group inside the Myanmar territory.

Kyu Sam Kut Camp (estimated LY-5594) is situated inside Myanmar territory and about 50 Wa militia members are stationed there.

At 11 am on 25 March, a villager from Wan Ho Bi Village came to the Wa camp and gave information about the presence of a party of members of Ywet Sit's group between Kyu Sam Kut  Camp and Hway Yawn Camp of the Wa militia inside Myanmar territory, and their arresting the villagers of Wan Ho Bi Village who, at that time, happened to be near the border. Acting on information, three members of the Wa militia from Kyu Sam Kut Camp went to the place mentioned by the villager. That place is about 700 yards (estimated LY-5394) to the west of the Wa camp. Ywet Sit's group lay in wait at that place and attacked the three. The two fell on the spot, and the remaining one who had sustained injuries returned fire. As soon as the report of guns was heard from the camp, 30 members of the Wa militia went to the site and attacked them. The other force was made up of 20 members of the Thai security force in camouflage uniforms and about 40 members of Ywet Sit's group. The clash lasted from about 11.45 am to 1.00 pm. When Ywet Sit's group and Thai armed force members in camouflage uniforms withdrew from the site, one M-16 and one Icon walkie-talkie were seized. No one was arrested. Nor were other arms and equipment seized. Two members of the Wa militia fell and one member was injured. No arms and ammunition were lost. The site of the clash is about 700 yards from the camp where the Wa militia is stationed, and about 1,000 yards from the border between the two nations. At the very site of the clash, MTA of Khun Sa had been stationed before they laid down their arms. Evidently, it is inside the territory of Myanmar.

The report on the Wa militia's transgressing the Thai territory and its attack on the Thai security force was fabricated to give a misleading impression that the Wa militia entered the Thai territory. Then, the regular Press conference ended.

"Wa" did not transgress Thai territory Thai media reports are untrue

Yangon, 1 April - The following is the Press Statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today: It is learnt that U Thaung Tun, Director-General of the Political Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, today received Mr Oum Maolanon, the Ambassador of the Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 3.30 pm and handed him an Aide-Memoire regarding the fact that the Permanent Secretary of the Thai Foreign Ministry had received the Ambassador of Myanmar to Thailand, U Myo Myint on 28 March 2002 to express concern about reports that a "Wa" militia unit had entered Thailand and attacked a Thai security force.

It is learnt that the Aide-Memoire stated that investigations revealed that the"Wa" did not transgress Thai territory and that the Thai media reports are untrue. What transpired was that an armed clash took place between the "Wa" militia and the combined force of Ywet Sit drug traffickers and some Thai security forces who entered Myanmar territory. The armed clash occurred inside Myanmar and the"Wa" militia at no time transgressed Thai territory.

It has been found that the report of the alleged incident was fabricated by some elements and the Thai media who do not wish to see the good relations prevailing between the two countries. Moreover, the Director-General informed the Thai Ambassador that it may be seen that some elements at the lower level are trying to put obstacles in the way at the time the leaders of the two countries are endeavouring to promote Myanmar-Thai relations.

( 5 ) China Yunnan Airlines spreads its wings between Kunming and Mandalay

Yangon, 1 April - China Yunnan Airlines of the People's Republic of China launched its air services between Kunming in Yunnan Province of PRC and Mandalay in Myanmar today. The ceremony to inaugurate the Kunming-Mandalay-Kunming flight was held at Mandalay International Airport in TadaU Township, Mandalay Division, this morning. Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint and Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe formally opened China Yunnan Airlines.

Also present were Mayor of Mandalay Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and senior military officers, officials of the Ministry of Transport, Secretary-General of Yunnan Province Mr Zou Gangren, Chairman of China Yunnan Airlines Mr Luo Chaogeng and party, officials of the Chinese Consulate and guests. Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Secretary-General of Yunnan Province Mr Zou Gangren and Chairman of China Yunnan Airlines Mr Luo Chaogeng formally opened China Yunnan Airlines. Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe said that as China Yunnan Airlines starts Kunming-Mandalay-Kunming flight today, it is the first step taken to link Mandalay International Airport and foreign airlines.

In building a new, modern and developed nation, economic development plays a crucial part. The launching of new foreign airlines will help promote tourism industry and extend freight transport services. In other words, it can contribute to economic development. Mandalay International Airport was inaugurated on 17 September 2000. The international airport is manned by one general manager, four deputy general managers and 344 employees of Civil Aviation Department under the Ministry of Transport.

During the period from the day when the airport was opened till now, services have been provided for 7,103 local flights, 19 foreign chartered flights, local flights for 242,489 passengers and foreign flights for 133,527 passengers. The employees attended Civil Aviation Academy in Canada, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia, Civil Aviation Management Courses, Ramp Operation Course and Ground Services Equipment Training Course conducted by Thai Airport Ground Services Co Ltd.

Those who completed the approach control and aerodrome control (radar/non-radar) courses have been assigned to the duty of air traffic control. Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint said it was the day to launch the inaugural flight of China Yunnan Airlines between Mandalay and Kunming. He expressed thanks to the Secretary-General of Yunnan Province, officials and the chairman of China Yunnan Airlines. He said the Union of Myanmar is building a new peaceful, modern developed nation phase by phase.

Friendly relations with international community and transport play a vital role in development. Mandalay is the second largest city in Myanmar and it is also the second important commercial centre. Export and import business for local and foreign entrepreneurs can be undertaken widely through Mandalay International Airport. This flight is a bridge between tourists and Myanmar citizens and contributes towards mutual cooperation. It opens a new air route to bring about international business and wide economic undertakings.

He said development of the transport sector plays a pivotal role in nation-building tasks. In connection with air transport, construction of modern airports and use of safe planes based on advanced technology are characteristics that indicate modernization and development. Under the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, the meeting No 1/94 of Special Projects Implementation Committee passed a resolution to construct Mandalay International Airport on 8 February 1994. On 21 March 1994, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt laid the foundation of the airport.

He thanked officials concerned for their assistance to opening of Kunming-Mandalay-Kunming flight.

Mr Luo Chaogeng explained the purpose of opening the Kunming-Mandalay-Kunming air route. Then, the commander, the minister and the guests exchanged gifts and posed for documentary photos.

China Yunnan Airlines will run Kunming-Mandalay-Kunming flight two days a week on Monday and Friday. After the ceremony, Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, departmental officials and officials of China Yunnan Airlines discussed matters related to air services.

Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than inspects upgrading of road sections

Yangon, 1 April -ember of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by officials from the State Peace and Development Council office and departmental heads, arrived at Wanbawdat bridge at the border of Yangon and Bago divisions, where he was welcomed by Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Aung Min and officials on 30 March. Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party proceeded to the office for upgrading the Yangon-Mandalay Highway project of Shwe Than Lwin Highway Co Ltd in Bago Township.

They were welcomed there by Secretary of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Min, Chairman of Bago District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myo Tint, Chairman of Bago Township Peace and Development Council U Kyaw Win and departmental officials and officials from Shwe Than Lwin Highway Co Ltd. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party were reported by Superintending Engineer U Saw David Tha on ex- tension of the Bago-Nyaunglebin road section of the Yangon-Mandalay Union Highway and future tasks. After giving instructions to the officials, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected construction tasks.

Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party visited Baingda bridge construction site in Nyaunglebin Township and heard reports on completion of construction tasks by Superintending Engineer U Kyaw Lwin. After leaving instructions, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than proceeded to construction site of Ye Nwe bridge in Pyuntaza. He gave instructions and then inspected upgrading of road in Kyauktaga Township by High Star Public Co Ltd, a member company of Olympic Co Ltd, and paving of road. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party heard the reports by Superintending Engineer U Kyaw Lwin on completion of construction tasks at the hall of Kwinchaung bridge construction site in Phyu Township.

He also inspected upgrading of Nyaunglebin-Zeyawady road section of the Yangon-Mandalay Union Highway being carried out by Olympic Co Ltd. After hearing reports by Director U Aung Zaw Naing of Olympic Co Ltd and Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min on completion of upgrading of 22 miles of road sections, repair of six bridges and future plans and he gave instructions.

He then inspected upgrading of Zeyawady-Yedashe road section in Oktwin being carried out by Kanbawza Pathfinder Industries Ltd and heard the reports on constructions tasks and future plans by Project Deputy Director U Than Lwin and Colonel General Staff Lt-Col Tin Maung Win of Southern Command. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected upgrading of road section and inspected stone-grinding of Dagon International Co Ltd at Kongyi and Thabyaydan villages in Yedashe Township. At the briefing hall of the site, Project Director U Than Shein reported to Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than on extension of Yedashe-Pyinmana road section of the Yangon-Taungoo-Mandalay road. He inspected construction tasks of Dagon International Co Ltd and arrived at Taungoo in the evening.

Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than inspects regional development tasks in DaikU, Waw

Yangon, 1 April-Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party, accompanied by Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Aung Min, left Toungoo for DaikU yesterday. They arrived there at 11 am.

They were welcomed by Chairman of Bago District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myo Tint, Chairman of DaikU Township Peace and Development Council U Chit Hlaing and departmental officials. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected Pha Aungwe-Thongwa-Mingalun-Pakaing Village earth road in DaikU. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected extension of Bonhsankwe Creek to prevent the farmlands near the creek from flooding in Hsarkyin Village and cultivation of Matpe. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party met farmers from Pha Aungwe, Panut, Mingalun and Thongwa villages, departmental officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, members of the Maternal and Child Welfare Association. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on rural development.

Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than said they came to Thongwa Village to fulfil the requirements for regional development in Bago Division, agricultural development and transportation. A study of the geographical condition of the regions in Bago Division shows that although there are a lot of cultivable lands in Bago Division, there is not sufficient water for cultivation. During the rainy season, the areas are flooded. But there is scarcity of water at the end of the monsoon every year, he said.

The Government has built 32 dams, regulating dams and canals for water supply. Therefore, the division now gets sufficient water for cultivation, he said. He said cultivation of crops including summer paddy is to be extended for exceeding the targets. He said in Bago Division, four major crops of the State namely, paddy, cotton, sugar-cane and peas and beans and other crops are grown. He spoke of the need to make concerted efforts for development of the agriculture sector.

Poultry and pigs are to be raised in every house on a manageable scale for local consumption and augmentation of individual income. By doing so, their individual income will increase and living standard of the people will also improve. Efforts are to be made for the raising of poultry and pigs on a manageable scale and cultivation of kitchen crops. He said in the country, the majority are rural people.

Emphasis is to be placed on uplift of living standard of rural people. In connection with rural development, five basic tasks concerning education, health, water supply, transportation and economic development are to be implemented. He called for cooperation with regional authorities, departmental officials and social organizations.

Arrangements are being made for construction of 20-mile Kyaungkhashe-Myitkyo-DaikU Road. With the better transportation and speedy flow of commodities, the rural areas will develop soon, he said. He urged the people to cooperate with the government for regional and national development.

Commander attends tree planting ceremony of Yangon Station

Yangon, 1 April-Under the leadership of Yangon Command, the tree planting ceremony was held at the local battalion in South Okkalapa Township at 6 am today, attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe.

Also present on the occasion were Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint, No 4 Military Region Commander and Yangon Station Commander Brig-Gen Myo Myint, military region commanders, commanding officers of regiments and units in Yangon Station, officers, Tatmadawmen, family members and guests. The commander gave a speech. Director of Yangon Division Forest Department U Ko Ko reported on planting of saplings and benefit of planting trees.

Yangon Station Commander Brig-Gen Myo Myint reported on collection of seeds and saplings at the regiments and units of Yangon Station. The staff officer of Thingangyun Township Forest Department and Myepadetha Park Manager U Myint Oo demonstrated the process of cultivation of Thithseint (belleric myrobalan) and pepper saplings.

Then, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe and guests planted Thithseint, neem and tamarind saplings. They inspected saplings of regiments and units. Next, the commander and the deputy commander planted Thithseint, toddy, tamarind and neem trees. A total of 25,000 tamarind, 15,900 neem, 24,100 Thithseint, 58,500 pepper and 2,156 toddy trees, 2,420 trees on commercial scale, 9,690 shade trees and 3,400 flowery plants, totalling 141,166 will be grown in Yangon Station this year.

Ayeyawady Naval Region Command holds ordination and novitiation ceremony

 Yangon, 1 April- Under the auspices of Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min and wife Daw Aye Aye, the 17th ordination and novitiation ceremony of Ayeyawady Naval Region Command Headquarters was held at Mararizaya Yan Myo Aung Dhammayon of the headquarters at 6 am today.

Present were Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min and wife Daw Aye Aye, the wife of Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein, Officiating Captain Naval Staff Cmdr Nyan Tun and wife, commanders of headquarters, senior naval officers and guests.

 They took the Five Precepts from Aletawya Mingalazingyan Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Professor of Abhidhamma Department of State Pariyatti Sasana University Agga Maha GanthavaŤaka Pandita Bhaddanta Gandhama-labhivamsa. Then, Vice-Admiral Kyi Min and wife Daw Aye Aye and officers donated provisions to 10 members of the Sangha. Afterwards, 42 Tatmadaw-men were ordained and 15 boys were novitiated. Later, they presented offertories to the newly-ordained monks.

Yangon, 1 April - The Myanmar-Japan goodwill delegation led by U Khin Shwe which left here for Tokyo, Japan, was seen off at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing on 31 March evening. During their one-week visit to Tokyo, members of the delegation will hold discussions with their Japanese counterpart.

Yangon, 1 April -`Senior officials of three dialogue partners, People's Republic of China, Japan and Republic of Korea, arrived here by air today to attend the Meeting of the ASEAN+3 Study Group, a preliminary meeting for the 6th ASEAN Finance Ministers' Meeting to be hosted by Myanmar. They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by officials of the Ministry of Finance and Revenue. Coordination meeting on financial assessment of ASEAN and the three dialogue partners will be held at the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road here on 2 April.

Yangon, 1 April-- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun and officials, inspected factories in Yangon Dvision and disussed fire prevention measure and boosting production this morning. The minister inspected production process at the garment factory of Myanma Textile Industries in Mayangon Township.

The minister then inspected Textile Factory No 17 of MTI in North Okkalapa Township and sales at Win Thuza Shop in front of the factory. At the bandage factory in Mayangon Township, he inspected the production process of fresh cloth towel and others. The minister gave instructions to officials on boosting production and distribution of quality fresh cloth towel.

Minister attends course concluding ceremony

Yangon, 1 April- Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein attended the concluding ceremony of Administrative Officers Course No 8 of the Customs Department at the training school of the department on 50th street this morning. Also present were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun, Governor U Kyaw Kyaw Maung of the Central Bank of Myanmar, Director-General Col Khin Maung Lin of the Customs Department and departmental heads, course instructors and trainees. The minister made a speech at the ceremony and urged the trainees to systematically discharge their duties. Altogether 22 officials attended the 8-week course.