( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends message of congratulations to President of French Republic

Yangon, 7 May - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of congratulations to His Excellency Mr Jacques Chirac who has been re-elected as President of the French Republic.

State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe accepts credentials of Ambassador of Malaysia

Yangon, 7 May -  Dato' Cheah Sam Kip, newly accredited Ambassador of Malaysia to the Union of Myanmar, presented his credentials to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall at Konmyinttha at 10 am today.

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( 2 ) Myanmar-China Bilateral Agreements Implementation Committee discusses speedy implementation of cooperation programmers

Yangon, 7 May - The Myanmar-China Bilateral Agreements Implementation Committee held a meeting at Zeyathiri Beikman meeting hall here this afternoon, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The Secretary-1 said the President of the People's Republic of China Mr Jiang Zemin during his visit to Myanmar in December 2001, held cordial discussions with Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe.

It was learnt that when he arrived back home, the PRC President gave instructions to the departments concerned to undertake the matters relating to the cooperation programmers between the Union of Myanmar and the People's Republic of China. In addition, he urged the PRC delegations to Myanmar to implement the agreements reached between the two nations.

Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has also given guidance on speedy realization of the agreements reached between the two nations during the PRC President's goodwill visit to Myanmar.Time and again, the Senior General has given guidance on the tasks to be carried out by ministries concerned making contact with PRC.

In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, the meeting is to discuss speedy implementation of bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The progress of work has been known due to the presentations made by the ministries concerned at the specific times.

At the meeting, the ministries are to present progress in implementation of the programmers to the committee and the projects that will benefit the nation. Matters relating to the government's assistance should be presented at the meeting, he said.

Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung reported to the meeting on the discussions held by the two leaders and the bilateral agreements reached during the visit to Myanmar of PRC President Mr Jiang Zemin.

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for Industry-2  Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Able, Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe, Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Minister for Education U Than Aung and Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein presented the progress in implementing the cooperation programmers sector-wise, future projects and further discussions on the cooperation programmers.

The Secretary-1 gave the concluding remarks. Also present at the meeting were member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Chief of Staff (Air) Brig-Gen Myat Hein, ministers, deputy ministers, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department and officials.

Dinner hosted in honor of outstanding Red Cross youths

Yangon, 7 May - The outstanding Red Cross youths of States and Divisions attending the Outstanding Red Cross Get-together of Myanmar Red Cross Society were hosted a dinner in their honor at Mya Nyila Hall of Basic Education High School No 2 on Bogyoke Aung San Street in Latha Township at 7 pm today, attended by Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Outstanding Red Cross youth Ma Phyu Pyar Moe Myint of Hpa-an Township, Kayin State and President Dr Kyaw Win spoke words of thanks.

Then, the Secretary-1 had the dinner together with the outstanding Red Cross youths.

During the dinner, educative programmers were presented by MRCS and school Red Cross members. After the dinner, the Secretary-1 cordially met with the outstanding Red Cross youths.

( 3 ) SRV President and delegation members visit Mandalay, Bagan-NyaungU

Yangon, 7 May - President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong and delegation members, accompanied by Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Myanmar Ambassador U Khin Aung, Ambassador of Vietnam Mr Phan Quang Khon and embassy staff and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, arrived at Mandalay International Airport in TadaU Township at 8.20 am today.

The president and delegation members were welcomed by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, military officers, departmental officials, officials of Kyaukse District and TadaU Township Peace and Development Councils and Division and District Union Solidarity and Development Associations.

A young Myanmar girl presented a bouquet to the SRV president.

The SRV president and delegation members and Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint went to Mandalay by motorcade.

The president and delegation members arrived at the Mandalay Hill and they were welcomed by officials of Division Peace and Development Council, MCDC and District Peace and Development Councils, commanding officers and members of Hsutaungpyi Pagoda Board of Trustees.

The SRV president and delegation members offered flowers to the Hsutaungpyi Pagoda and poured water on Buddha images.

 The SRV president and delegation members viewed the scenic beauty of Mandalay from the hill.

The SRV president signed in the visitors' book and donated cash towards the fund of the Pagoda.

The SRV president and delegation members paid obeisance to the Hsutaungpyi Pagoda. The SRV president and delegation members went to Myanan Sankyaw Shwenandaw in Mandalay Nanmyo where they were welcomed by military officers of the Central Command and officials of Division Peace and Development Council and Archaeology Department.

Deputy Director-General of Archaeology Department U Aung Kyaing explained the facts about Myanan Sankyaw Shwenandaw. The SRV president and delegation members observed the documentary photos of Myanan Sankyaw Shwenandaw. They were conducted round Myanan Sankyaw Shwenandaw by officials.

The SRV president and delegation members visited Shwenandaw Cultural Museum and the president signed in the visitors' book. The SRV president and delegation members arrived at Mandalay International Airport. At the airport lounge, Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint presented  gifts and album. The president presented gifts to the commander.

The president and delegation members were seen off at the airport by Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, military officers, Secretary of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Ohn and departmental officials and Division and District USDAs.

The special aircraft carrying the SRV president and delegation members left Mandalay for Bagan-NyaungU.

The SRV president and delegation members, accompanied by Minister Col Thein Nyunt, Myanmar Ambassador U Khin Aung, Ambassador of Vietnam Mr Pham Quang Khon and embassy staff and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, arrived at Bagan-NyaungU at 12.30 pm today.

Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min welcomed the SRV president and delegation members.

A young Myanmar girl presented a bouquet to the SRV president.

The SRV president and delegation members were welcomed by Chairman of NyaungU District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Khin Maung Oo and departmental officials.

The SRV president and delegation members, accompanied by Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min, went to Tatmadaw guest house in Bagan Archaeological Zone by motorcade.

Chairman Col Zaw Min hosted a luncheon in honor of the president and delegation members at the Tatmadaw guest house. Chairman Col Zaw Min presented a lacquer ware painting to the president and the president presented a souvenir to Col Zaw Min.

The president and delegation members visited Bagan Archaeological Museum where they were conducted round the museum by Director-General of Archaeology Department U Nyunt Han and officials.

The president and delegation members posed for souvenir photos together with Chairman Col Zaw Min and Minister Col Thein Nyunt. The president signed in the visitors' book.

The president and delegation members visited Ananda Temple and observed Buddha images in the temple. The president signed in the visitors' book and donated cash toward the funds of the temple. Ananda Temple Board of Trustees presented a lacquer ware painting depicting Ananda Temple to the president.

Afterwards, the president and delegation members went to Bagan-NyaungU Airport.

The president and delegation members were seen off at the airport by Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min and Chairman of NyaungU District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Khin Maung Oo and members and departmental officials.

The president and delegation members arrived back here in the evening.

( 4 ) Regional development tasks inspected in Pathein

Yangon, 7 May - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defense, together with officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads, left here by car and arrived at Bo Myat Tun Bridge in Nyaungdon yesterday morning.

They were welcomed there by Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Chairman South-West Command Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo, Maubin District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Thein Hlaing and officials. Accompanied by Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected earth work, paving gravel and tarring from mile post 23/7 to 24/7 at Pathein-Daka-Thongwa section of Pathein-Monywagyi Road in Kyaunggon Township.

At the briefing hall of Daka Bridge Construction Project, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than heard reports on progress of work presented by Superintending Engineer U Kyaw Lin and Deputy Superintending Engineer U Ounzapa and Chief Engineer (Building) U Soe Myint. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than spoke of the need for timely completion and meeting the standards set and then inspected progress of construction of Daka Bridge and left necessary instructions. The 1,400 feet long bridge links Kyaunggon Township and Kangyidaunt Township in Ayeyawady Division.

The main bridge and approach structures are being built with reinforced beams and the foundation with reinforced piles and pre-stressed piles. It has a 28-foot motorway and two five-foot pedestrian lanes. It can withstand 60-ton loads. Later, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than headed for the ferry boat construction site on Kyaukngu port in Kyaukngu Ward, Pathein. Construction entrepreneur U Aung Myint reported on progress of construction of boats and future tasks. Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo gave a supplementary report. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions. Then, Maj-Gen Khing Maung Than inspected the ferry boat which can hold 100 passengers and gave necessary instructions.

The boat is 100 feet long, 14 feet wide with the depth of five feet and the draught of three feet. It is equipped with three 226-horse power engines. It plies between Pathein and Hainggyi Island once a day with the permission of the Marine Administration Department. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than arrived at Polan warehouses office of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading in Pathein. Division Manager U Toe Aung Myint reported on matters related to purchase, transport and milling of paddy and transport of paddy to warehouses; General Manager U Tin Shwe on conditions on production of paddy in the Division; Police Col Than Tun on storage of paddy in the warehouses; Secretary of Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Sein Maung on purchase and storage of paddy district-wise.

Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo gave a supplementary report. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than left necessary instructions. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party went to No 17 Bran Oil Mill of Pathein MAPT. Next, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected oil refinery, raw oil factory and laboratory and gave necessary instructions. The mill produces 50 tons of refined bran oil a month. Later, he inspected development of Pathein.

Iron beams fixed to Kyweku-Kyaukphya bridge

Yangon, May 7 - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defense attended the ceremony to install iron beams to Kyweku-Kyaukpha Bridge in Myeik and fixed the golden nuts in the Main Bridge Iron Beam No 1. 

At the auspicious time, Maj-Gen Maung Bo fixed the golden nut to the Main Bridge Iron Beam No 1 while Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun fixed the golden nut to the Main Bridge Iron Beam No 2 and Commander Brig-Gen Tin Latt to the Main Bridge Iron Beam No 3. Then, Maj-Gen Maung Bo together with Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Tin Latt and officials inspected construction of bridges and drains, extension of the bypass Mazawpyingyi, Nandawya, Dhathwe, Dawlan Section and Daw-Pin-O-Kyaukpha Section in Myeik. Then, Maj-Gen Maung Bo urged all concerned to make efforts for durability of the roads and to ensure smooth transport all seasons.

( 5 ) Health Minister inspects hospitals in Loilem District

Yangon, 7 May - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, accompanied by Brig-Gen Thein Lwin of Loilem Station, Deputy Commander of Eastern Command Col Myint Aung and officials of the Health Department, inspected Mongpun Station Hospital in Loilem Township on 5 May morning.

The minister inspected wards, the operation theatre and delivery room, the medical warehouse and fulfilled the requirements of the installation of X-ray. Then, the minister gave necessary instructions to doctors and staff. Next, he inspected Loilem District Hospital. He then proceeded to the site for upgrading the hospital to (200-bed) one and saw over the topographical condition and the scale model of the building.

After inspecting the hospital, he chose the site for staff quarters. In the afternoon, he went to Panglong Hospital and fulfilled requirements of the staff. Yesterday, the minister and party inspected the medical warehouse, X-ray room, wards, operation theatre and delivery room at Namghsan Hospital. Then, he met with service personnel at the meeting room of the hospital and gave instructions. On 5 May, Deputy Director-General Dr Hla Pe of Health Department and party inspected Hokheik Leprosy House in Naunghu village.

Meeting on operating more airlines held

Yangon, 7 May - A meeting on operating more airlines to Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan in Myanmar by Bangkok Airlines based in Bangkok, was held this morning at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Transport on Merchant Street here.

It was attended by Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, the directors-general and managing directors of the Department for Civil Aviation, Myanma Airways, Directorate of Hotels and Tourism, and the Immigration and National Registration Department, the vice-governor of the Central Bank of the Union of Myanmar and officials, the chairman of the Myanmar Airways International and representatives of Bangkok Airlines.

First, the minister delivered an opening address on the occasion. Then, the representatives of Bangkok Airlines reported to the minister on arrangements for their flight operations. Heads of the departments took part in the discussions concerning the roles their departments could play. Afterwards, the meeting came to an end with concluding remarks by the minister.

Myanmar delegation leaves for New York

Yangon, 7 May - A three-member Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and Minister for Labour U Tin Winn as deputy head left here by air yesterday afternoon to attend the 27th United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children to be held from 8 to 10 May in New York, USA.

They were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population U Maung Aung, Deputy Minister for Labour Brig-Gen Win Sein, directors-general of departments under the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, directors-general of departments under the Ministry of Immigration and Population, heads of department under the Ministry of Labour, the Director-General of Fine Arts Department and officials and their families.

Minister sees over railroad, bridges

Yangon, 7 May - Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, accompanied by officials, inspected signals system, railroad, sleepers, gravel and bridges along the railroad from Yangon Railways Station to Theinseik Station yesterday.

The minister saw over repair of the Sittoung Bridge for safely transportation of heavy vehicles. This morning, member of Central Executive Committee of the Union Solidarity and Development Association U Pan Aung arrived at Bago Division USDA Office and gave an address at the opening ceremony of Executives Multiplier Management Course No 10 and the traditional medicine course and the music and art course of Bago Township USDA.Then, the CEC member presented prizes to outstanding trainees of the culture and moral character course.

Next, he accepted cash donated by Bago District Working Committee for Women's Affairs.

Industry-1 Minister receives guests

Yangon, 7 May - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung received Chairman Mr Yang Chang Heng and members of China Metallurgical Construction (Group) Corporation of the People's Republic of China at his office at 5 pm yesterday.

The Minister also received an eleven-member trading delegation led by Chairman Mr J M Gandhi of The Organization of Plastics Processor of India (OPPI) from India at his office at 9 am today. Also present at the calls were Deputy Ministers for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, director-general and managing directors of the departments and enterprises.

Cash and computers donated to schools and MCWA in Pabedan Township

Yangon, 7 May - A ceremony to donate cash and computers to four schools and Maternal and Child Welfare Association in Pabedan Township was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Industry-1 on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here yesterday evening.

Present were Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, directors-general, managing directors, the secretary of Pabedan Township Union Solidarity and Development Association and executives and heads of the schools.

First, Central Executive Committee member of USDA U Aung Thaung explained the purpose of donations. Then, the CEC member presented a computer each worth K 800,000 to Headmistress Daw Ahmar Kyi of No 2 BEHS, Headmistress Daw Ohn Mar Khin of No 3 BEHS, Headmistress Daw Mya Mya Thet of No 1 BEMS and Headmistress Daw Tin San Nwet of No 2 BEPS in Pabedan Township.

Next, the CEC member donated K 300,000 to the funds of the Township MCWA and K 120,000 for the annual expense of the office totalling K 420,000. Then, Pabedan Township Education Officer Daw Kyi Nyunt spoke words of thanks. At 7.30 am today, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung attended the opening ceremony of job efficiency course No 1/2002, organized by the ministry, and made a speech. A total of 40 trainees attend the course which will last six weeks.

GSM-Mobile Telecommunications Services demonstrated

Yangon, 7 May - Under the aegis of Myanmar Siemens Limited, Siemens Mobile Company demonstrated GSM-Mobile Telecommunications Services at MICT Park in Hline Township at 10 am today.

Present on the occasion were Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Managing Director of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications U Maung Maung Tin, Director-General of Directorate of Telecommunications U Kyi Than, the heads of department and chief engineers of MPT and others. Managing Director of MSL Dr Sepp Tietze extended greetings.

Then, representatives of Siemens Mobile Company explained techniques of GSM handsets, increased use of the handsets year-wise, usefulness and capability. Officials replied to queries raised by those present and the demonstration ended at 11.30 am.

Vietnamese Minister visits VHRDC of Myanmar Agriculture Service

Yangon, 7 May - Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Le Huy Ngo and party visited the Vegetables and Horticulture Development Centre of the Myanmar Agriculture Service under the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation at Yemon Village, Hlegu Township at 11.15 am today.

They were welcomed there by Managing Director of MAS U Tun Than, general managers and the staff and demonstrated the research of the centre. First, they studied the propagation of crops by the tissue culture method, fruits and vegetables of respective regions. Then, at the briefing hall, the managing director and general managers explained works on development of horticulture, research and reproduction of crops.

( 6 ) Health Education Course for missionary monks opens

Yangon, 7 May - A one-month Health Education Course on Basic Traditional Medicine, under the arrangement of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Health, was opened with a ceremony held at the Convocation Dhammayon of the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Mandalay) of the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana yesterday morning.

Present on the occasion were Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Vice-Chairman-1 of the Central Administrative Committee of the State Pariyatti Sasana Universities Thayet Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kesara, the Chairman of Mandalay Division Sangha Nayaka Committee the Rector Sayadaw of the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Mandalay) and members of the Sangha, 122 trainee monks, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Mayor of Mandalay Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Director-General of the DPPS U Sann Lwin, division level departmental heads and guests.

The congregation received the Five Precepts from the Myataung Kyaungtaik Sayadaw. The Vice-Chairman Sayadaw delivered ovadakatha, and the commander and the deputy minister supplicated on religious matters. Then, Pro-Rector U Wa Tun of Traditional Medicine University (Mandalay) supplicated on traditional medicine. Then, the commander, the deputy minister and departmental heads presented offertories to the Sayadaws, and the director-general presented treatises and exercise books for the trainees to the rector Sayadaw.

Later, Myataung Kyaungtaik Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits gained. The ceremony ended with three-time recitation of Buddha sasanam ciram tithatu.