( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe tours Kengtung, Bahtoo Tatmyo in Shan State

Yangon, 9 April -Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied by members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Soe Win, Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Maj-Gen Kyaw Win of the Ministry of Defense, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Chief of Staff (Air) Brig-Gen Myat Hein, ministers, the Deputy Minister for Health, Deputy Commander of Triangle Region Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments concerned, inspected development of Kengtung and completion of Government Technological College yesterday morning.

Then, the Senior General and party arrived at Government Computer College where they were welcomed by GTC Principal U Kyaw Kyaw Lwin, GCC Principal Daw Khin Sandi Bo and teachers.

At the briefing hall there, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung reported to the Senior General and party on construction of the Government Technological College and the Government Computer College in Kengtung, the students who are attending the colleges and arrangements being made to continue construction tasks at the respective colleges.

The Senior General gave necessary guidance and attended to their needs.

Next, the Senior General and party inspected buildings of GCC and sites chosen for to construct new buildings.

In the afternoon, the Senior General and party left Kengtung for Heho Airport in Kalaw Township by Tatmadaw aircraft. At the airport, the Senior General and party were welcomed by Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Commandant of Command and General Staff College Brig-Gen Nyan Win, Deputy Commander Col Myint Aung and senior military officers, members of Shan State Peace and Development Council and Shan State level departmental officials.

At the lounge of Heho Airport, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe reported on matters related to the runway extension project of the airport. The Senior General gave necessary guidance.

The runway of the airport is being upgraded to a 10,000 feet long and 200 feet wide tarred phase by phase.

At 1.30 pm, the Senior General and party arrived in Bahtoo Tatmyo in Yaksawk Township. The Senior General and party were welcomed there by Vice-Chief of Armed Forces Training Brig-Gen Aung Kyi, Commander of Bahtoo Station and Commandant of Defense Services (Army) Combat Training School (Bahtoo) Brig-Gen Kyaw Thu, senior military officers and departmental officials.

Then, the Senior General and party inspected development of Bahtoo Tatmyo and greening tasks by car.

Next, the Senior General and party left Bahtoo by helicopter and arrived in Taunggyi at 4.30 pm.

Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, other members of the State Peace and Development Council and the ministers, who accompanied the Senior General, met with members of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council, Shan State (East) level departmental officials, chairmen and members of Kengtung District and Township Peace and Development Councils, district and township level departmental officials and social organizations at Sibinthaya Hall in Kengtung at 1.30 pm on 6 April.

Secretary of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Soe reported on the area and land use of the Shan State (East), cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy and per-acre yield, sufficiency of rice in the region, extended cultivation of edible oil crops, pulses and beans and kitchen crops, development of meat and fish sector and progress of education, health and transport sectors.

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy in Shan State (East) and increase of per-acre yield, the need to extend cultivation with the use of quality paddy strains distributed by the ministry and extended cultivation of pulses and beans and edible oil crops.

Next, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung reported on opening of universities, colleges and institutes at the designated regions in States and Divisions by the Government with the aim of turning out technicians on whom the State can rely in accord with the education promotion programmers and the degree college, the college and the institute opened in Kengtung region, Shan State (East), to render more opportunities to enable the local youths to pursue higher education.

Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint reported on assistance being provided to States and Divisions by the Government for development of the national health sector and the plans to uplift the health standard being implemented in Shan State (East) by the Ministry of Health.

In his address, Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann said that significant progress has been achieved in states and divisions. He added that Head of State Senior General Than Shwe himself visited the region to inspect the development of Shan State (East) and to fulfill the requirements for expediting the development task with added momentum.

According to the reports, there has been regional rice sufficiency as paddy cultivation could be extended in Shan State (East), he said. Extension of beans and pulses and edible oil crops could also be made in the region and there was a growth in agricultural and livestock breeding sectors. Only when there is sufficiency in basic food, will the economy be strong, he said.

In transport sector that contributes to economic development, significant progress has been achieved in comparison with the past and it is only three and half hours drive from Kengtung to Tachilek.

Concerted efforts are being made with the plans to improve Kengtung-Mong-pyin-Takaw Strategic Road, Mongphyat-Mongyawng Road, Kengtung-Mongkhat-Mongyan Road, Tahsan-Mongton-Monghsat Road step by step.

There will be an improvement in transport sector in Thanlwin East region, that was difficult of access, in the near future and at the same time, the government is making efforts to boost education and health sectors in the regions. The Kengtung General Hospital was extended to a 200-bed one and the degree colleges and colleges have been built.

In addition, millions of kyat have been invested to raise the living standard of the national races as a special programmed for development of border regions. The huge investment was aimed at facilitating the long-term development of the national races of the region, he noted.

Requirements were fulfilled to the most possible degree to bring about equitable development throughout the nation and at present, based on the correct policies and leadership of the Government, development has been achieved in states and divisions as a result of active participation of regional authorities, service personnel and regional people.

Based on the national strength, the Government will continue to make efforts for further national development with goodwill.

He urged service personnel to make earnest efforts in cooperation with the national races and the people so as to reach the national goal by correctly realizing the catena of the Head of State and policy of the Government. Then, he cordially greeted those present at the ceremony.

Similarly, member of the State Peace and Development Council member of the Panel of Patrons of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Maj-Gen Soe Win, who accompanied the Senior General, met with the secretary and executives of Shan State (East) USDA, secretaries and executives of Kengtung District and Township USDAs, organizers and members at Shan State (East) USDA Office in Kengtung at 1.30 pm on 6 April.

Secretary of Shan State (East) USDA Dr Sai Hsay Kaw reported on the strength of (East), USDA tasks being carried out by the association and  participation of USDA members in rural development tasks.

Then, Maj-Gen Soe Win attended to their needs and gave necessary instructions.

Members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein and Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo of the Ministry of Defence met with Tatmadawmen and their families of Kengtung Station at the Pyi Nyein Aye Hall of Triangle Region Command Headquarters in Kengtung at 1.30 pm on 7 April. They explained the general staff, the adjutant and the quartermaster affairs and cordially met the Tatmadawmen and families.

Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing offer rice to monasteries in Kengtung

Yangon, 9 April - A ceremony to offer rice to Sarthintaiks in Kengtung Township, Shan State (East), was held at the Sasana Beikmandawgyi in Kengtung at 10.30 am yesterady.

Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing attended the ceremony and presented rice and offertories to the Sayadaws.

Present on the occasion were Presiding Nayaka Sayadaws of Sarthintaiks in Kengtung Township, members of the State Peace and Development Council, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the Chief of Staff (Air), the ministers, senior military officers, the Deputy Minister for Health, departmental heads and officials.

The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Then, member of Shan State Sangha Nayaka Committee Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Dhammodaya Sarthintaik in Kengtung Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Arjeya invested the congregation with the Five Precepts. Members of the Sangha recited the partitas.

Afterwards, the Senior General and Daw Kyaing Kyaing presented rice and offertories to Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Arjeya.

The Senior General and Daw Kyaing Kyaing presented rice, offertories and nun robes to Presiding Nun of Kengtung Dhamma Rakkhita Nunnery Daw „anavati (Dhammacariya) and nuns.

The members of the State Peace and Development Council, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the Chief of Staff (Air), senior military officers and the ministers also presented offertories to members of the Sangha.

The Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of the Dhammodaya Sarthintaik delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits.

The Senior General and Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party shared merits gained and the ceremony came to an end with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciramtitthatu.

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( 2 ) Myanmar Red Cross Society standing as true national force formed with offspring of people

MRCS needs to organize and nurture members to become consolidated and qualified force actively participating in nation-building endeavors

Yangon, 9 April - A ceremony to open the Seventh Conference of Myanmar Red Cross Society was held at the Assembly Hall at the Institute of Nursing on Bogyoke Aung San Street here at 9 am today, with an address by Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an address.

The Secretary-1 said at present, the State Peace and Development Council is striving with the united force of the entire nation and with added momentum for harmonious progress of all the sectors to enable the nation to stand shoulder to shoulder to the world nations.

In doing so, the government is nurturing the national forces in all the fronts and systematically laying down the political, economic and social foundations with the participation of the national forces under the leadership of the State.

The participation of the national forces is of vital importance for progress of the social sector in harmony with peace, stability and the national economic strength for all-round development of the nation.

The government is making efforts for development of the foundations of the spiritual sector including vitalization of the patriotism and the will to adore, promote and preserve the traditional culture to improve the social standard of the people. It is also organization the national forces to become a united strength.

Of the many social organizations cooperating with the government for national progress, the Myanmar Red Cross Society is the one that is taking the front row with great strength.

The MRCS has a fine tradition of serving the interests of the State and the people throughout the successive eras.

Thus, the Tatmadaw government has given honor to the national forces that are taking part in the national development undertakings, and made arrangements for them to participate in the task. Thus, the government has re-organized the MRCS in accord with the time and situation.

The tasks of the Red Cross were born in the European nations. However, in Myanmar the social welfare activities of the Red Cross are flourishing with greater momentum in combination with the original spirit of the Myanmar people to serve the majority's interests, humanity, goodwill, loving kindness and sympathy. As the Red Cross activities are related to the Myanmar way of life and culture, they have borne the significant characters till now.

The MRCS is enhancing its efforts in launching primary health care tasks, uplifting the health and social standard of the nation and taking part in national development undertakings in accord with its aims, which are, to promote the health care activities, to control diseases and to help the victims of the disasters.

The State is giving encourage to the society to become a strong and consolidated national force. It has also designated the MRCS as a reserve force of the nation, and assigned extra national duties.

The society is also accepting the duties assigned to it and the encouragement given to it by the State. It is also cementing its strength and training Red Cross youth at the townships to serve the national interests.

One of the significant characters of the society is that it is organizing the majority of the students to become Red Cross members keenly serving the interests of the State and the people.

In other words, the MRCS will have to organize and steer the student youth to take part as the valuable force in the nation-building endeavors and humanitarian activities. The society is required to continue to organize and nurture its members to become a consolidated and qualified force actively participating in the nation-building endeavors.

It will have to train and lead the Red Cross youth to possess humanitarian spirit, the national spirit and brilliant Red Cross qualifications till old age, and to become persons serving the national interests. Thus, the MRCS is endowed with the essence of a consolidated force, unity, obedience, sacrificing spirit, selflessness, humanity and noble conviction. It is standing as a true nation force formed with the offspring of the people.

The Secretary-1 spoke of the need to lay down systematic plans and tasks for utilization of significant national force effectively and for successful implementation of the tasks and lofty aims of the society. He urged officials to lead the society to be able to discharge national duties with the development of the society in accord with the desire of the State.

As a national level society, he said arrangements are to be made to assign duties at different levels among the state, division, district and township societies and Red Cross Brigades to be able to link them through effective management and communication channel.

He said Red Cross activities must be in accord with political, economic and social objectives and national health policies. He spoke of the need for officials to make concerted efforts to bring about Red Cross activities that could safeguard and promote the already-achieved better political, economic and social foundations.

He said Red Cross societies are to be prepared any time for discharging duties of peace and tranquility and for stability of the State, development of township and raising of education, health and social standards of the people.

He said it is believed that Red Cross youths who carried out social welfare and humanitarian tasks would discharge national development and peace and tranquility duties at any time according to their concept and natural bent.

The Secretary-1 urged members of central council of MRCS and executives who led the valuable national force to make efforts for progress of the society and for serving the national interest with the concept of discharging a significant national task.

Now, ministries concerned are implementing rural development plans under the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe. The Secretary-1 said arrangements are to be made for active participation in the plans with the Red Cross motto making trip to villages.

The Secretary-1 said the society is carrying out its tasks in all parts of the country including rural areas. He spoke of the need for MRCS to take part in international Red Cross activities without losing the sight in accord with the attitudes of Myanmar that is actively participating in international humanitarian movement.

He urged MRCS to participate in Red Cross activities with added momentum with humanitarian spirit while preserving the tradition of cooperating with ICRC (International Committee of Red Cross) and IFRC (International Federation of Red Crescent).

At the same time, the MRCS is to increase its active cooperation's with International Red Cross Societies with a view to letting the world know its Red Cross movement and to convincing the international spheres its noble nationalist endeavors in line with the national policies of the State, he urged.

He continued to say that the MRCS is to utilize advanced science and technology of the world in the long term interest of the society and to take appropriate measures for bringing out international standard human resources in the sector of the MRCS. In conclusion, he urged all to render cooperative hands with Red Cross activities for ensuring emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation which is the national goal; to take systematic measures for ensuring the MRCS to continue to stand tall with glamorous prestige and tradition as well as to stand as a national force on which the nation can rely; to train and nurture properly for enabling the Red Cross Brigade and its units to always be ready to shoulder the national tasks steadfastly as an auxiliary force for peace and stability of the country, to mobilize and train youths to become a decent and noble Red Cross Brigade members with full of ardor in Red Cross activities and enabling them to shoulder the national tasks for peace and tranquility of the nation steadfastly and brilliantly.

After the ceremony, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt cordially greeted with guests. After the opening ceremony, the Secretary-1 cordially met the guests.

Secretary-1 addresses City Housing Project Supervisory Committee meeting

Yangon, 9 April-Chairman of the City Housing Project Supervisory Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the meeting 5/2002 of the City Housing Project Supervisory Committee held at the hall of the Department for Human Settlement and Housing Development of the Ministry of Construction on Bogyoke Aung San Street here this afternoon.

Chairman of the committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt made an address. He said the committee has to strive for the capital to meet the standard of a capital and to supervise city housing projects so that housing infrastructures will not be too expensive. Prices in real estate have been raised manifold by brokers and profiteers.

So, arrangements are to be made for the customers to be able to buy houses at reasonable prices. The committee is to see that real estate to be at stable prices and the Government will make arrangements for a decrease in the price of construction materials. All are urged to take part in the discussions in line with the objectives of the committee, he said. Then, committee members and officials discussed matters relating to development tasks for the city including housing projects and establishment of an industrial town. Afterwards, the meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by Chairman Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

( 3 ) Coop Minister arrives back from Nepal

Yangon, 9 April -Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe arrived back here by air yesterday evening after attending the Asia-Pacific Region Cooperative Ministers' Conference held in Kathmandu, Nepal, from 3 to 6 April. They were welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, officials of the Ministry of Cooperatives and Embassy of Nepal and families of the members of the delegation. Chairman of GEC (Education) Union Dr Tun Maung also arrived back here on the same flight.

 Minister attends Coop Ministers' Conference

Yangon, 9 April - The Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, together with Chairman Dr Tun Maung of GEC (Education) Union attended the Sixth Conference of Asia-Pacific Cooperative Ministers in Kathmandu, Nepal, from 3 to 6 April.

A total of 196 representatives from 18 countries and 10 international organizations attended the conference. Chairman Mr Vanskota of National Cooperative Federation and Mr Shil Kwan Lee of ICA Regional Office of Asia and the Pacific extended greetings. Chairman Mr Barberini of International Cooperative Federation delivered an opening address.

On 4 April, Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe gave a speech. On 5 April afternoon, Minister Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe presided over the conference. The representatives discussed development of agriculture sector, improvement of international markets in Asia and the Pacific regions and cooperation tasks to be enhanced among countries in the region.

Then, they held a discussion on strengthening management for cooperative societies of the countries in Asia and the Pacific region and important role of cooperative societies in the developed and developing nations.

( 4 ) Seventh conference of Myanmar Red Cross Society held

Yangon, 9 April - The seventh conference of Myanmar Red Cross Society was held at Assembly Hall of Institute of Nursing on Bogyoke Aung San Street here at 10 am today.

Present were Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister Prof Dr Mya Oo, President of MRCS Dr Kyaw Win and executive members, MRCS Central Council members, representatives of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, chairmen of State and Division Red Cross Supervisory Committees, Red Cross commanders from States and Divisions, delegates of the conference, and guests. MRCS President Dr Kyaw Win presided over the conference and Deputy Executive Director U Hla Myint acted as master of ceremonies.

Executive Director U Aung Than read out the minutes of the Sixth conference and reports of the Central Council. The new executive members including President Dr Kyaw Win and 21 executive members were elected to the first meeting of the central council of the conference.

( 5 ) "Soon" offered to members of the Sangha

Yangon, 9 April - The families of the Ministry of Energy offered a day's meal to the rector Sayadaw and members of the Sangha of the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon) at the Mogok Soonsarhsaung on Kaba Aye Hill here this morning. Rector Sayadaw Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Vannita invested the congregation with the Five Precepts.

On behalf of the Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Deputy Minister U Tin Tun presented offertories to the sayadaw. Then, the deputy minister presented K 100,000 for a day's meal of members of the Sangha through Director of the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Tun Mya Aung. Then, the deputy minister, departmental heads and staff families shared merits gained and offered "soon" to the sayadaw and members of the Sangha at Sein Brothers Soonsarhsaung.

Minister inspects communication stations

Yangon, 9 April - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw accompanied by officials, gave instructions on connection of trunk call telephone line in Thabeikkyin Township, Mandalay on 5 April. He inspected post offices, telegraph and telephone stations and the site chosen to build microwave station in Momeik, Shan State (North) on 6 April. CEC member of USDA Brig-Gen Thein Zaw met with the USDA members at Shwegu Township Peace and Development Council Office in Shwegu on 7 April.

Then, he inspected telephone exchange, posts and digital microwave stations in Shwegu. In the afternoon, he formally opened new office building of Mansi Township USDA. Afterwards, he inspected digital telephone exchange and microwave stations in Bhamo. He accepted membership applications at the Bhamo Township USDA office. Yesterday, he inspected work being carried out for installation of auto telephone line to schools in Bhamo.

Yangon, 9 April -Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe and Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, together with departmental officials, arrived at Seinpan Myaing All-round Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Farm being undertaken by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thudhamma Road, North Okkalapa Township this afternoon.

They were welcomed there by officials of the farm. At the briefing hall, Commander of Yangon Division Myanmar Police Force Police Col Aung Daing reported on cultivation of vegetables and breeding of fish in the farm. The commander and the minister gave instructions and attended to the needs. After inspecting the farm, they gave instructions on making concerted efforts for marketing vegetables and fish in any season. The 9.7-acre farm is producing vegetables as well as fish and meat and sending them to producers' tax-free markets and other markets in Yangon.

Thence, the commander and the minister proceeded to integrated model plantations being run by the Yangon East District Myanmar Police Force and the General Administration Department in Htawunbe Ward of North Okkalapa Township. At the briefing hall, officials concerned reported on progress of works so far carried out. The commander and the minister fulfilled the requirements and gave necessary instructions.

They also inspected round the vegetable patches and fish breeding ponds. The 10-acre integrated farm is supplying vegetables, fish and meat to family members free of charge and is sending its vegetables, fish and meat to producers' tax-free markets. The General Administration Department has cultivated vegetables in 190 acres and the Divisional Police Force in 120 acres.