( 1 ) Military engineers to perform duty to build Tatmadaw into modern one, and
 nation into modern, developed one

Need to devote their life to doing research for development of science and technology
 Senior General Than Shwe addresses graduation parade of 4th Intake of Defense Services Technological Academy

Yangon, 14 April -The graduation parade of the 4th Intake of Defense Services Technological Academy was held at the parade grounds of DSTA in PyinOoLwin on 12 April, with an address by Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Senior General Than Shwe.

At the ceremony, the Senior General inspected the cadet companies.

Then, the Senior General took the salute of the graduate cadet companies.

Next, the Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services presented Best Cadet Award to Cadet Thutan Tun, Excellent Training Award to Cadet Phone Wai and Excellent Study Award to Cadet Min Thant Ko.

Afterwards, the Senior General said that on the day when the 4th Intake of Defense Services Technological Academy is going to conclude, what should be noted will be told to all the engineering cadets.

As all the engineering cadets have successfully learnt and trained in military science and various branches of technology, they are going to be assigned duty as military engineering junior leaders.

All the engineering cadets are going to discharge duty related to science and technologies, which means that at the same time, they will have to perform the duty to build the Tatmadaw into a modern one and the nation into a modern, developed one. Therefore, it is imperative that they need to be outstanding and dynamic Tatmadaw engineers.

The nation lagged behind in science and technologies. To enable the nation to keep pace with the times, national plans designed to turn out highly-qualified human resources are being implemented. The plans aim at producing scientists. All-out efforts are being made to produce human resources who are well-versed in science and technologies. Arrangements have been made to award medals to those who excel in science and technologies. Honorary medals are being presented to those who are taking the lead in doing common good by using their academic knowledge, those who are making relentless efforts for the socio-economic development of the nation and those who are contributing to the development of human resources. In addition, the Maritime University and the Aerospace Engineering University will soon be opened to produce technicians who are needed for the nation.

 Today is the age of knowledge. New findings of science and technologies are emerging one after another. Therefore, the age of knowledge is developing and changing at a tremendous rate. A new technology is popular just for a while. In a short time, it is replaced with new technologies. This calls for the building of a constant learning society.

At the age when new things need to be invented, fresh ideas do count. By taking account of a phenomenon which can be seen every day, it is important to reveal the secret of the Nature. In this regard, the youth who take great interest in science and technologies and are earnest to conduct experiments are to be nurtured. A study of lives of scientists shows that when they were in their prime, they discovered the things which later became famous in the world. So, all the engineering cadets need to devote their life to doing research for the development of science and technology. If they fail once or twice, they have to carry on no matter how many times they fail. They must have such a spirit. Only then will they be able to create and invent new things.

The study of all the important academic fields demand strenuous efforts. During the 20th century, atomic energy has emerged due to advances in science. More-over, transistors, laser and computers have come into existence with the result that electronics has become more and more popular. Information technology contributes greatly towards the development of science and technology. On account of advances in science and technology, the military and economic sectors are improving.

Therefore, all the engineering cadets are to work hard so that they can improve the national defense and economic sectors with their knowledge of science.

In the national defense sector, efforts are to be made so that all the military equipment needed for the Tatmadaw (Army), (Navy) and (Air) can be manufactured in the country. In doing so, they are to study other related academic subjects in earnest as well. Only when one can think of things properly, will one be able to come up with new ideas. All are to make greater efforts and shouldn't be satisfied with the old findings and inventions. Many things can be derived from a fundamental concept. A new scientific finding can be made best use of in combination with other related subjects and technologies. Therefore, all need to consider all the things from various points of view and to find new solutions. Only then can a modern Tatmadaw be built step by step. If one step after another can be taken swiftly, the gap of science and technology will be able to be bridged. If no step is taken, the gap will become wider.

In the world today, every Tatmadaw is striving to create sophisticated technologies. Some new technologies will be kept in secret. Therefore, to defend the motherland, military science and technology sector is of great importance.

In building up the economy of the nation, science and technology are essential in the agriculture and livestock breeding sector and the mining and mineral sector. The nation is to be industrialized on the basis of agriculture. This being the case, the agriculture and livestock breeding sector is to be improved with the use of new technologies. By using profits which can be gained in this way, industries are to be developed. In industrializing the nation, the energy sector and the mining and mineral sector are of great consequences. Necessary raw materials can be produced inside the country. Then, finished goods are to be produced by use of technology. In addition, electronics which can be put in the international market can be manufactured. Only then will the nation become affluent. Large sums of money are required to get new findings of science and technology. Only when the nation is wealthy, can scientists who can keep abreast with the times be produced. In making the nation affluent, science and technology do count. Therefore, all the fields are to be explored. It is important for all to get rid of the idea that things  which are common in everyday life needn't be studied. Everybody needs to think how things can be made best use of for the economic development of the State.

As all the engineering cadets are technicians as well as Tatmadaw members, they all are to have good morale, to abide by discipline, to be loyal, to be in unity and to possess three capabilities.

The fundamental spirit of the Tatmadaw is esprit de corps. The nationalistic spirit is Our Three Main National Causes. The military duty is to be discharged with no regard for life. Therefore, morale plays a crucial role. They all are to have courage and the spirit of risking their lives. They all are to possess the fighting spirit. If and when needs arise, they all are to be able to perform duty with undaunted spirit like those from light infantry divisions. Besides, the Tatmadaw is an organization. Only when there is unity, will the organization be strong.

Likewise, only when everybody observes discipline, will the organization have dignity and be strong. Therefore, when it comes to discipline, it is to be observed even for trivial matters. All the engineering cadets need to make sure that their subordinates abide by discipline.

Only when all have good morale and observe discipline, will they be able to stick to the four oaths of loyalty. Loyalty is the significant and noble attribute of the Tatmadaw members. Therefore, all are to keep loyalty in the fore.

The Tatmadaw which is in unity and harmony, which strictly follow the prescribed discipline applying to all the members, which is loyal to the nation, its citizens and the Tatmadaw, can be said to have fundamental attributes. If divergent ideas arise within the Tatmadaw, its unity will collapse. Therefore, all are to adopt an ideology of national politics unanimously. Our Three Main National Causes, the concept of national politics, is an ideology which, to the entire national people, will always be true. By safeguarding Our Three Main National Causes, the Tatmadaw will be able to stand strong in any era and to keep the nation in unity.

To keep the Tatmadaw efficient and dynamic, every Tatmadaw member is to possess three capabilities. With regard to the military capability, being technicians, all are to be well-versed in science and technology so that they are able to build up the Tatmadaw as well as being able to promote the military capability. The duty of building the Tatmadaw into a modern one falls on all the engineering cadets.

Concerning the organizational capability, all are to have the ability to build up the organizational capability inside and outside the Tatmadaw on the basis of belief in the national cause. Only then will there be unity within the Tatmadaw. Moreover, the Tatmadaw and the people will be in harmony and unity as well.

As regards the administrative capability, all are to work hard to be able to invent modern equipment which is of great help to administration. To turn the Tatmadaw into an efficient and dynamic one, all are to possess five basic attributes  morals, discipline, loyalty, unity and three capabilities.

The basic military concept of the nation is a militia strategy. But it needs to be a modern strategy. When the entire nation and the people use the militia strategy, modern arms and equipment which are in consonance with the concept of the strategy are needed. This being the case, all are to know the militia tactics and strategies. Taking possible future challenges into account, all are to work hard to be able to manufacture modern equipment needed for the militia strategy. All are to invent military equipment which can be manufactured by the factories, workshops and industrial zones which have already existed.

All the cadets are going to be assigned duty as junior leaders. Therefore, all are to conduct themselves in accord with the attributes of a junior leader. All are to strive to be able to set an example individually or in companies. All are to study management concerning science and technology as well as military leadership qualities. In the science and technology sector, all are to invent new things individually or in groups or through the concerted efforts of the Tatmadaw (Army), (Navy) and (Air). Only when all are to bear in mind and put into practical use what has been told, will all become good leaders who can serve the interests of the nation.

In conclusion, the Senior General said that to be able to defend the nation, all are to undergo training constantly, to have military vigil constantly and to get prepared constantly to go into battle. These three Constants are to be kept for ever. All are to nurture the spirit of maintaining the 12 fine traditions of the Tatmadaw at risk to themselves. To build a modern Tatmadaw and a modern nation, all are to make best use of time which can be called life.

Then, Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Senior General Than Shwe left the parade grounds.

After the parade, Senior General Than Shwe met with three outstanding cadets and their parents in the guest room of the Academy and spoke words of encouragement.

Excerpts from the Address of Senior General Than Shwe

- To enable the nation to peace with the times, national plans designed to turn out highly-qualified human resources are being implemented.
- All-out efforts are being made to produce human resources who are well-versed in science and technologies.
- All the engineering cadets are to work hard so that they can improve the national defense and economic sectors with their    knowledge of science.
- All are to make greater efforts and shouldn't be satisfied with the old findings and inventions.
- To defend the motherland, military science and technology sector is of great importance.
- In making the nation affluent, science and technology do count.
- The fundamental spirit of the Tatmadaw is esprit de corps.
-All are to nurture the spirit of maintaining the 12 fine traditions of the Tatmadaw at risk to themselves.

Senior General Than Shwe attends dinner in honor of graduates of 4th Intake of DSTA

Yangon, 14 April - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Senior General Than Shwe, together with members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Soe Win, Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defense, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Chief of Staff (Air) Brig-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, ministers, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defense, the Deputy Minister for Health, the Mandalay Mayor and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments concerned, attended a dinner in honor of the graduates of the 4th Intake of the Defense Services Technological Academy at the ground of DSTA in PyinOoLwin at 7 pm on 12 April.

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( 2 ) Senior General Than Shwe pays homage to Maha Arnthtoo Kantha Image

Yangon, 14 April -Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Senior General Than Shwe,  inspected development of PyinOoLwin Station and PyinOoLwin Town at 10 am on 13 April.

Then, the Senior General and party arrived at Maha Arnthtoo Kantha Hsutaungpyay Buddha Image on Dhammarati Hill in Yenge Village, PyinOoLwin Township and paid obeisance to Maha Arnthtoo Kantha Buddha Image. Next, the Senior General made cash donation. The Secretary of the Pagoda Board of Trustees presented a replica of Maha Arnthtoo Kantha Hsutaungpyay Pagoda to Senior General Than Shwe.

The Senior General inspected the compound of the pagoda and its environs. Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defense and members of the State Peace and Development Council, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint and Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, who accompanied the Senior General, inspected the multimedia rooms of the Defense Services Academy in PyinOoLwin on 12 April afternoon.

Senior General Than Shwe inspects renovation of National Kandawgyi Gardens

Yangon, 14 April- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Senior General Than Shwe,  left Taunggyi for Heho airport by helicopter on 10 April.

Senior General Than Shwe and party then proceeded to Mandalay Division by Tatmadaw aircraft and arrived at Mandalay International Airport in TadaU Township at 11.15 am that day.

Senior General Than Shwe and party were welcomed at the airport by member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defense, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Mayor of Mandalay Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, senior military officers and departmental officials.

Senior General Than Shwe and party went to PyinOoLwin and inspected Mandalay-PyinOoLwin dual carriageway, greening of the areas and successful cultivation of summer paddy and other crops. On 11 April morning, Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected National Kandawgyi Gardens in PyinOoLwin. Senior General Than Shwe and party and Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone inspected construction of Kandawgyi guest houses in the Gardens.

Senior General Than Shwe also inspected construction of the Rock Garden and Swamp Walkway, the planting of seasonal flowers, display of Ingyin stones, the growing of various kinds of bamboo, a collection of orchids and renovation of the Gardens.

Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on future tasks concerning National Kandawgyi Gardens to Minister U Aung Phone and officials. The Forest Department in cooperation with the Woodland Co implemented the first phase of the construction tasks of National Kandawgyi Gardens.

The Gardens was opened on 8 April 2001. As the second phase, the planting of more flowers, extended planting of seasonal flowers, display of Ingyin stones, construction of Rock Garden and Orchid Garden, display of rare species of animals such as taken and construction of guest houses have been undertaken.

More and more holiday-makers are visiting the garden. Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defense, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Kyaw Win met Tatmadawmen and their families of regiments and units in PyinOoLwin station at the convocation hall of DSA on 11 April morning.

( 3 ) General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe enjoy Maha Thingyan Festival of Military Intelligence

Yangon, 14 April -The Maha Thingyan Festival of the Military Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense was held in the compound of Tatmadaw Guest House No 1 of the ministry on Inya Road here this morning, attended by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Military Intelligence Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Daw Khin Than Nwe, wife of Lt-Gen Tin Oo, member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defense and wife, members of the State Peace and Development Council and their wives, ministers and their wives, the Yangon Mayor, senior military officers, families of the Military Intelligence, military attaches and families of foreign missions.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife welcomed the guests and military attaches. Then, the military attaches and families cordially greeted General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San. A-1 Soe Myint Music Band Troupe in conjunction with artistes and families of the Military Intelligence entertained the guests and military attaches. Afterwards, the guests, military attaches and Military Intelligence families happily doused water on one another.

The guests and military attaches were served with refreshments and the ceremony came to a close. After enjoying the Maha Thingyan Festival of the Military Intelligence, General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San left the Tatmadaw Guest House.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, together with military attaches and families, arrived at the Yangon Mayor Pandal in front of the City Hall where they were welcomed by Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay and wife, Vice-Chairman of YCDC Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, the Secretary, the Joint-Secretary and committee members, heads of department and staff families.

The Secretary-1 and party were entertained with dances and songs on the first floor of the City Hall. Then, they were served with lunch. Then, the Secretary-1 and party enjoyed the entertainment programmed of the Yangon Mayor's Pandal. They happily took part in dousing water on one another and left there in the afternoon.

( 4 ) Secretary-1 receives ASEAN delegate leaders, Japanese Deputy Ministers,
 ASEAN S-G

Yangon, 14 April - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Permanent Secretary Dato Paduka Haji Suyoi Bin Haji Qsmann of Brunei, Permanent Secretary Dr Chem Widhya of Cambodia, Director-General Mr Makarim Wibsisono of Indonesia, Deputy Director-General Mr Prasith Xayasith of Lao People's Democratic Republic, Secretary-General Dato Ahmad Fuzi Hj Abdul Razak of Malaysia, Under-Secretary Mr Lauro L Baja.

Jr of the Philippines, Permanent Secretary Mr Tan Chin Tiong of Singapore, Permanent Secretary Mr Tej Bunnag of Thailand, Deputy Minister Mr Le Cong Phung of Vietnam Socialist Republic of ASEAN member countries, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (Economic) Mr Shotaro Oshima of Japan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (Political) Mr Toshiyuki Takano of Japan and ASEAN Secretary-General Mr Rodolfo C Severino Jr who were attending the 18th ASEAN-Japan Forum, at the Guest House of the Ministry of Defense at 8 am on 13 April. Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department. 

Secretary-1 receives Japanese Deputy Ministers

Yangon, 14 April - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (Economic) Mr Shotaro Oshima and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (Political) Mr Toshiyuki Takano of Japan who were attending the 18th ASEAN-Japan Forum, at the Guest House of the Ministry of Defence at 8.30 am on 13 April.

Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department. The Japanese guests were accompanied by Ambassador of Japan Mr Shigeru Tsumori.

( 5 ) Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attends 34th Meeting of National Health Committee

Yangon, 12 April- National Health Committee held its 34th meeting at the Ministry of Health on 12 April, with an address by Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The Secretary-1 said this meeting will lay down the measures to be undertaken according to the time and circumstance in addition to the tasks being carried out by the NHC. He said arrangements should be made to prevent outbreak of diseases caused by the heat as well as those which occurred between summer and monsoon.

Systematic measures have been taken for control of HIV/AIDS and responsible personnel and technicians are to provide supervision to the grassroots level for ensuring effectiveness and success in taking these measures, he pointed out. As there are accusations against Myanmar in this regard, serious attention must be paid to ensure success in implementing the control programmers.

The infectious diseases joint control programmers at Myanmar-Thai border is now meeting with success and it is necessary to enhance cooperation for achieving further successes. Especially, cooperative efforts should be enhanced in controlling malaria and HIV/AIDS there. Nowadays, under the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, development regions are designated and health and education sectors there are being promoted.

At those regions, district hospitals are upgraded to 200-bed ones for promoting the health standard of the regional people. Accordingly, specialists, physicians, modern equipment, etc are to be provided to those hospitals. In accordance with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, five rural development tasks are now being implemented. Hence, health care services for rural people must also be promoted to the grassroots level.

For instance, success is being achieved in treating cleft at rural areas with assistance of Japan. He also urged to make all-out efforts for achieving further successes in implementing the rural development tasks. At the same time, medical institutes are opened extensively. It is important to provide teaching aids sufficiently at those medical institutes.

In Mandalay, the Institute of Traditional Medicine has been opened and it is the very first one of its kind in Southeast Asia. Officials concerned are to make concerted efforts for ensuring the institute to be of high standard. Ways and means are to be sought for reducing medical costs at hospitals.

Doctors, nurses and health staff are to treat patients warmly and kindly for winning trust and reliance of the public. The Ministry of Health is to provide assistance to NGOs for enabling them to meet success in their health related tasks. Nowadays, it can be seen in the world that health care services are undertaken by NGOs rather than the Government. In Myanmar, NGOs are cooperating in national tasks under the leadership of the Government.

The ministries concerned are thus to provide necessary assistance to the NGOs. In Myanmar, nation- building tasks are meeting with success without having foreign assistance. It is to be attributed to the collective efforts of the entire people including those NGOs under the aegis of the Government, he observed.

Next, NHC Secretary Director-General of the Health Planning Department Dr Kyi Soe reported on implementation of the resolutions of the 33rd meeting, opening of the Institute of Traditional Medicine, and construction of hepatitis (B) vaccine factory.

Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister Dr Mya Oo and heads of department reported matters on 109th WHO EC meeting, the 8th Health Plan Development Executive Meeting, further studies of doctors and health staff, cooperation of NGOs, the Myanmar-Thai Joint Border Control of Infectious Diseases central level meeting's health exhibition and health week, etc. Then , Dr Kyi Soe sought the approval for the resolutions of the 34th meeting after which the meeting ended with concluding remarks by Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Yangon, 14 April - People enjoyed the water throwing festival of 1363 ME Maha Thingyan Festival at the Yangon Mayor's Pandal on Akya Day today. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defense and wife, the Ministers and their wives and Military Attaches of Foreign Embassies and their wives arrived at the Ynagon City Mayor's Maha Thingyan Pandal at noon today.

Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, the YCDC secretary, the joint-secretary and members of YCDC welcomed the Secretary-1 and party there. Then, the Secretary-1 and party, together with the mayor, enjoyed the festival and entertainments of dance troupes.

The Secretary-1 presented K 500,000 cash award each to Mee Mee Lay and Di Aywei Ma Ma doh Aywei yein troupes of Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon and the Ponnadaw yein troupe of the Revenue Department. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party participated in the festival of the pandal and left there in the afternoon.

Film stars, artistes and musicians, together with the staff families of YCDC, entertained the audience at the pandal, where people enjoyed the entertainment and doused water at each other. Entertainments were presented from 8 am to 5 pm by Santawwin yein troupe of No 3 Basic Education High School in Mingala Taungnyunt-1, Mingalamay yein troupe of Mingala Market, yein troupe of the General Administration Department, Yinthuza yein troupe of Defence Industry-1 pre-primary school, Pabu Thuza yein troupe of BEHS-3 Mangala Taungnyunt-2, Bayintnaung Hteikhta yein troupe of Bayintnaung Brokerage, Hlathuza yein troupe of pre-primary-5 Tamway, yein troupe of South Okkalapa Township day nursery, yein troupe of BEHS-1 Yankin, Shweyamin yein troupe of Sawbwagyigon Highway Bus Terminal, Phupwint-waysi yein troupe of YCDC Water and Sanitation Department, yein troupe of No 4 Basic Education Middle School in Mayangon, yein troupe of North Okkalapa Township day nursery, Manawhari yein troupe of Bo Cho-1 Quarter in Bahan Township, yein troupe of Pazundaung Market, Myanma Shwe Thingyan yein troupe of the Engineering Department (Buildings) of YCDC, yein troupe of Thuwunna day nursery, Thingyan Tawwin yein troupe of BEHS-5 Mayangon, NweU Gabya yein troupe of markets in Thaketa Township, yein troupe of the Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Department, yein troupe of Dagon Myothit (South) day nursery, yein troupe of No 6 Basic Education Primary School of Kyauktada-1, Dagonmay yein troupe of Dagon Myothit (North) Maternal and Child Welfare Association, yein troupe of Dagon Myothit (South) MCWA and yein troupe of the Production Department of YCDC.

The Lazy Club music band and famous vocalists of Myanma Music Asiayon also entertained the public from 7 pm to 10 pm.