( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Norway

Yangon, 17 May - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Majesty King Harald V of Norway, on the occasion of the National Day of Norway which falls on 17 May 2002.

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( 2 ) Work coordinated for development of Shan State (East) region

Yangon, 16 May - The Work Committee for Progress of Border Areas and National Races held a work coordination meeting on development of Shan State (East) region at Zeya Thiri Beikman of Konmyinttha at 4 pm today. Chairman of the Work Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt addressed the meeting.

The Secretary-1 said that emphasis has been placed on border area development tasks; as Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance on development tasks for Shan State (East) region, a group has been formed with those on the Central Committee for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and the Work Committee and assigned the duty to make a field tour.

In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, the group has made a tour of Shan State (East) region and presented a report on requirements for the betterment of transport, agriculture, livestock breeding and economic sectors, improvement of education, health and social standards and development of rural areas.

In addition to these regional development tasks, the highland cultivation plan is to be implemented in accord with the guidance of the Head of State. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged all to cooperate in striving for the development of Shan State (East) region in accord with the guidance of the Head of State.

Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt reported on requirements for the development of Shan State (East) region. Then, the ministers, the chairmen and officials of the subcommittees reported on requirements of roads and bridges, health, education, agriculture, energy, public relations, social welfare, development affairs, sports and other matters.

The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the Secretary-1.

( 3 ) U Hla Myint appointed as Ambassador to Brazil

Yangon, 17 May - The Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar has appointed U Hla Myint, as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Federative Republic of Brazil.

Deputy Minister receives guests

Yangon, 16 May - Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan received Mr. Ang Boon Jong and party of Boon Hong Fishery, Malaysia at his office here at 9 am today. Also present were Director-General U Nyunt Aye, Managing Director U Min Hla Aung and officials.

Transport Minister meets with pilots

Yangon, 16 May - Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Mint Swe met with pilots from Myanma Airways, Air Mandalay and Yangon Airways at the meeting hall of the Civil Aviation Training Institute in Mingaladon at 6 pm yesterday.

In his speech, the minister said that as the weather changes during the monsoon season are very quick and bad, it is needed for pilots to follow the instructions for the flight safety and convenience of the passengers. The purpose of his meeting with them was to prevent the loss and wastage of the State's finances, and occurrence of life-threatening accidents to passengers. He also spoke of the need for pilots to control the planes in accordance with the standard operating procedure in order to make this year an accident free year like the previous one.

CPT Minister receives Chinese delegation

Yangon, 16 May - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw received General Representative of Shanghai Bell Co Ltd of the People's Republic of China Mr. Liu Peng Cheng and party at his office this afternoon.

Sports Minister meets selected Myanmar women football team

Yangon, 16 May - Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint met with the selected Myanmar women football team, which will take part in the 2002 Hanoi International Women Invitational Soccer Tournament to be held in Hanoi, Vietnam, from 17 to 30 May this year, at the National Indoor Stadium-1 this afternoon.

Then, the minister made a speech. The manager and officials of the Myanmar team reported on preparations for the tournament. The minister gave necessary instructions and greeted the players. The Myanmar team comprises Dr Pandora Aung Gyi as manager, U Aye Maung Lay as chief coach, U Tun Tint Aung and Daw Mi Mi Maw as assistant coaches and 18 footballers. A total of five teams three teams from host Vietnam, the selected Shanghai team of the People's Republic of China and the Myanmar team will participate in the tournament.

The Myanmar team will be in action against selected Vietnam (Hanoi) team on 20 May, selected Vietnam (Haiti) team on 22 May, selected PRC (Shanghai) team on 26 May and selected Vietnam team on 28 May.

Measures for enrolment of school-age children co-ordinated

Yangon, 16 May - The meeting 1/2002 of the Central Leading Committee for Enrolment of School-age Children was held at the meeting hall of the Universities' Central Council of Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar) this afternoon, with an address by Minister for Education U Than Aung.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and U Myo Nyunt, deputy ministers from the ministries concerned, directors-general and chairmen from departments and organizations, chairmen and officials from Myanmar Red Cross Society, Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association and Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Association.

Chairman of the central leading committee Minister U Than Aung said according to the education promotion programmes, School Enrolment Week has been designated in the last week of May in townships since 1999-2000 academic year. Tasks for enrolment of school-age children have been implemented all over the country. Due to active cooperation of the State, the people and social organizations, the enrolment of children under 5 has increased from 91 per cent in 1999-2000 and 91.5 per cent in 2000-2001 to 92.05 per cent in 2001-2002, he said.

This year 55 townships have been designated for enrolment of cent per cent Performance and the Programme will be extended year after year, he added. Last year, altogether 696 primary schools were upgraded and 1,704 primary schools will be upgraded this year and the number will amount to 2,400. Students can pursue education up to the sixth standard at the post-primary schools and there are sufficient well-qualified teachers, he said. Enrolment of school-age children has increased year by year and the State, educational staff, members of social organizations, school boards of trustees, parent-teacher associations, and people will join hands for the success of the programme.

After that, Secretary of the Central Leading Committee Director-General of the Education Planning and Training Department U Bo Win explained the programme and those present made suggestions. The School Enrolment Week for the 2002-2003 academic year is from 25 to 31 May.

( 4 ) Prizes presented to outstanding Township MCWAs

Yangon, 16 May - Under the sponsorship of Yangon Division Maternal and Child Welfare Association Supervisory Committee, a ceremony to present prizes to Township MCWAs for their outstanding performance in 2001 was held in conjunction with a workshop on tasks to be carried out for 2002 at the meeting hall of the Division Peace and Development Council this morning.

Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe delivered a speech and presented the first prize to South Okkalapa Township MCWA, the second to Ahlon Township MCWA, the third to Insein Township MCWA, the fourth to Kyauktan Township MCWA, and the special prizes to prize-winning Township MCWAs.

Then, Patron Daw Khin Thet Htay presented the first prize for delivery room to Hline Township, the second to Pazundaung Township, the third to North Okkalapa Township, the fourth to Kayan Township and the fifth to Thanlyin Township; and Chairman of the Supervisory Committee Head of the Division Health Department Dr Tin Maung Win presented prizes to mark construction of buildings to delivery rooms of Hlegu Township MCWA, Yangon Command MCWA, Yankin Township MCWA, Dagon Myothit (North) Township MCWA and Hline Township Ward 16 MCWA branch. Afterwards, Patron Daw Khin Thet Htay presented medicines and certificates of honour on efforts made by Township MCWAs to respective District MCWAs, and the first session adjourned. The workshop followed in the second session.

Patron Daw Khin Thet Htay made an address. Division MCWA Chairman Dr Tin Maung Win presented future tasks and Secretary Dr Nwe Ni Ohn keeping of records. Then, a general round of discussions followed and the ceremony came to an end.

Commander inspects regional development tasks

Yangon, 16 May - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected regional development tasks and met with local people in Aye Ywa Ward, Kyimyindine Township, Yangon West District, on the other bank of the Hline River, this afternoon.

The commander arrived at Aye Ywa Ward at 3 pm and heard reports on regional development tasks presented by Chairman of Kyimyindine Township Peace and Development Council U Tin Win and Police Lt-Col Tin Myint of Yangon West District.

The commander attended to the requirements. The commander and party met with chairmen of Aye Ywa, Sethsanya, Seikkyi U Mya Ngasin Ward Peace and Development Councils and local people at Thida Aye Monastery. The commander said that the Head of State has laid down five tasks for rural development.

One of the five tasks is water supply. With regard to this task, arrangements have been made to ensure sufficient water supply in the three wards. He also elaborated on regional development tasks and measures to be taken for economic development. Chairman of Aye Ywa Ward Peace and Development Council U Arn Kauk reported on regional development tasks.

The commander and party attended to the requirements. The commander and party paid respects and offered alms to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Dhammacara of Thida Aye Monastery and supplicated on regional development tasks.

Yanaungmyin Dam project inspected

Yangon, 16 May - Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, accompanied by Chairman of Yamethin District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyi Thein and officials, arrived at Yanaungmyin Dam project in Lewe Township on 14 May.

At the briefing hall, Project Director U Win Maung reported to the commander on work being undertaken. The commander inspected the site and attended to the requirements. The dam project is situated on Yanaungmyin Creek, Yanaungmyin Village, Lewe Township, and it measures 63 feet by 4060 feet. On completion, it can supply water to 3,000 acres of land.

Commander inspects regional development work

Yangon, 16 May - A ceremony to clarify implementation of tasks of 30-year long-term plan (basic education sector) was held at No 1 Basic Education High School in Pathein at 9 am on 13 May.

It was attended by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southwest Command Brig-Gen Htay Oo, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Tint Swe, Ayeyawady Division Secretary Lt-Col Sein Maung, Division Police Force Police Col Than Tun and departmental officials, Deputy Director Daw Nwe Nwe Khin of No 1 Basic Education Department and township education officers, headmasters and headmistresses and teachers.

The commander delivered a speech and had a cordial meeting with the teachers. Later, the commander accompanied by officials proceeded to Ma Mya creek dam project and Bon creek (2) dam project in Myanaung township. Officials reported to the commander on facts about the projects and progress of construction work. The commander inspected the work sites and fulfilled the requirements. He then visited Kyangin cement factory and gave instructions to the officials. Next, the commander arrived at Myanaung oil field. He met with Hinthada District Chairman Lt-Col Win Htein and departmental officials, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations at the Yeiktha of the oil field and explained regional development work and fulfilled the requirements.

( 5 ) Novitiation ceremony held

Yangon, 16 May - The first 101-member novitiation ceremony of the Engineering (Water & Sanitation) Department of Yangon City Development Committee was held at the hall of Phugyi Reservoir in Hmawby Township this morning, attended by Chairman of YCDC Mayor U Ko Lay and wife Daw Khin Khin.

The congregation received the Five Precepts from Dawei Sayadaw. Then, members of the Sangha recited Parittas. Afterwards, the mayor, vice-mayor, joint-secretary, committee members and well-wishers presented robes and offertories to the Sayadaws. Next, Dawei Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. Then, soon was offered to the members of the Sangha.

Fund Supervisory Committee for U Ohn Pe Literary Award meets

Yangon, 16 May - Meeting of the Fund Supervisory Committee for U Ohn Pe Literary Award (2/2002) was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Information on Bo Aung Kyaw Road in Kyauktada Township here this morning.

It was attended by Chairman of the Fund Supervisory Committee for U Ohn Pe Literary Award Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Chairman of the Scrutinizing Committee for U Ohn Pe Scholarship Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Chairman of the Scrutinizing Committee for Literary Award U Myo Thant, members of the committees, officials and guests.

Brig-Gen Aung Thein and Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung made speeches on the occasion. Fund Supervisory Committee for U Ohn Pe Literary Award Secretary News and Periodicals Enterprise Director (News) U Hla Tun explained matters related to holding the literary award-presenting ceremony in Pakokku, and U Myo Thant work done by the scrutinizing committee.

Then, those attending the meeting presented reports to Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Aung Thein and Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, who later gave necessary instructions. Afterwards, the meeting came to an end with concluding remarks by Brig-Gen Aung Thein.

Regional development work inspected in Shan State (North)

Yangon, 16 May - Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung, accompanied by Laukkai Station Commander Col Than Win and officials, inspected land preparations made for plantation of perennial crops and orange trees in Laukkai region on 14 May morning. The deputy minister met local national race leader U Phon Kya Shin and discussed distribution of opium substitute crop seeds provided by the State, plantation of perennial crops with the use of highland cultivation methods and development of Laukkai region. In the afternoon, the deputy minister and party and local national race leaders inspected fruit and crop plantations in surrounding areas of Laukkai and Yanlonkyaing Village, sites chosen for extended cultivation, Siton Dam and earth work being done for cultivation of perennial crops, and attended to the needs. Then, they inspected domestic science workshop which produces smoked rubber in Chinshwehaw region.

( 6 ) "ICT for all: empowering people to cross the digital divide"
Message on World Telecommunication Day from Mr. Yoshio Utsumi,
Secretary-General of International Telecommunication Union
(17 May 2002)

Dear Friends,

Information and communication technology (ICT) may be the most powerful tool for social and economic change since Gutenberg and the invention of the printing press. But we must not forget that much had to be done before people had access to books on a widespread scale. And so it is with access to ICT.

Access to information technology can help to launch small companies and groupings of artisans in the poorest and most isolated areas of the world and bring them into the mainstream of national and even global markets.

Information technology makes it possible to leapfrog poor infrastructures so that distance from markets is no longer a drawback and poor distribution channels a thing of the past.

ICT offers the possibility of delivering basic health and education services more efficiently because people can have access to them from their own homes and communities.

ICT can help in the agricultural area, with farmers and farming communities having speedy access to information on weather reports, new production techniques and markets, all of which can serve to improve productivity. Traders and entrepreneurs can also benefit from information and opportunities for promoting their businesses nationally, regionally and globally.

ICT can also be extremely effective in improving governance. It gives a voice to people in developing countries, who have been isolated, invisible and silent, and lets them speak out regardless of their gender and where they live.

But access to ICT has not been equitable. The use of the technology and the access to it varies greatly among countries, and within countries, too, between urban and rural areas, between the rich and the poor, between the educated and the illiterate, between men and women.

Much has already been done in the way of technology, but more action is needed by governments and by civil society if all humanity is to benefit from ICT. The technology is only the beginning and, in a sense, the easy part. The hard part is how the technology is used in the less tangible areas of politics, business, culture and law.

To address this complex issue, ITU Members have chosen as this year's theme for World Telecommunication Day: ICT for all empowering people to cross the Digital Divide.

Considering the enormous power of ICT for socio-economic development, it is essential that opportunities to access ICT be given to all those who have been unable to participate fully in a knowledge-based digital economy. We must use the power of ICT in such a way that people can improve their economic, social and cultural well-being.

We need strong government commitment to strategies that increase the spread of ICT. This is crucial for the success of any development initiatives and for the future of the millions of people in the world today who still have not heard a dial tone. The task is daunting, but we must overcome it if we are to keep the promise of the Information Society.