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

Yangon, 25 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 Excellency Mr Educardo Duhalde, President of the Argentine Republic, on the occasion of the National Day of Argentina, which falls on 25 May 2002.

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( 2 ) Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung sends felicitations to Argentina

Yangon, 25 May - U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Adalberto Rodriguez Giavarini, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Argentine Republic, on the occasion of the National Day of Argentina, which falls on 25 May 2002.

H & T Minister receives Malaysian Ambassador

Yangon, 24 May - Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received Ambassador of Malaysia to Myanmar Dato Cheah Sam Kip at his office this morning.

A&I Minister receives guests

Yangon, 24 May - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin received Ambassador of Malaysia to Myanmar Dato Cheah Sam Kip at 10 am and Resident Representative Mr Bhaskar Barua of FAO at 10.30 am today at the ministry.

NPED Minister receives Malaysian Ambassador

Yangon, 24 May - Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha received Ambassador of Malaysia to Myanmar Dato Cheah Sam Kip at his office this afternoon.

PBANRDA Minister receives Ambassador

Yangon, 24 May - Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt received Ambassador of Malaysia to Myanmar Dato Cheah Sam Kip at his office this afternoon. They cordially discussed matters related to development of border and rural areas.

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

Yangon, 24 May - The staff families of the Cottage Industries Department under the Ministry of Cooperatives presented offertories and offered "soon" to the rector Sayadaw of the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon), Sayadaws (Academic and Admin) and 450 members of the Sangha at Mogok Soonsarsaung on Kaba Aye Hill in Mayangon Township at 10 am today.

Present on the occasion were Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry and officials. Rector Sayadaw Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Vunnita administered the Five Precepts. Then, the minister presented offertories to the rector Sayadaw. Director-General of the CID U Sein Than presented K 100,000 for a day's meal to members of the Sangha through Director-General of the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Sann Lwin. Afterwards, the rector Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. After the ceremony, "soon" was offered to members of the Sangha.

Work coord meeting of Construction Ministry concludes

Yangon, 24 May - The first four-monthly work coordination meeting for 2002 of the Ministry of Construction continued for the third day at the meeting hall of Public Works (Head Office) this morning.

After the meeting, the Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun,  made a concluding speech. Then, the minister made a speech at the ceremony to honour the staff who won honorary awards and public service awards held at the same venue. The minister and the deputy ministers presented prizes to 67 members of the staff. In the afternoon, a demonstration on properties of solution used in concrete-mixing, organized under the arrangement of the ministry by Techno Mart Co Ltd and W R Grace (S) Pte Ltd, was held. Deputy Minister U Tint Swe made a speech.

Then, technician of Grace (S) Pte Ltd Mr Jason Tan explained matters related to concrete technology. Next, officials of the companies replied to queries raised by those present.

Ministry of Health holds work coordination meeting

Yangon, 24 May - The first four-monthly work coordination meeting of the Ministry of Health was held at the meeting hall of the Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar) in Dagon Township this morning, with an address by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said in the task to implement the economic undertakings of the State, the Ministry of Health is assisting it in the health sector. In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, the ministry is translating the plans such as the 30-year long-term plan, the special four-year national education promotion plan and the national health plans into reality. It is needed for officials of the ministry to take measures in advance to prevent outbreak of diseases due to change of weather, to treat patients and to give health education. For the development of rural health, health staff are required to combine their skills with the cooperation of local authorities.

The staff who are assigned in border areas are to discharge their duties with patriotic spirit and conviction, he stressed. Then, Deputy Minister Prof Dr Mya Oo reported to the minister on projects being implemented by the ministry in health care services, and directors-general, officials, health officers and medical superintendents on respective tasks being carried out by their departments and hospitals. Afterwards, the meeting came to an end with concluding remarks by the minister.

( 4 ) Forestry Ministry to plant 64 million saplings

Yangon, 24 May - The four-monthly meeting of the departments and enterprises under the Ministry of Forestry and Forest Products Joint-Venture Corporation was held at the Forest Department this evening.

Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone delivered an address at the meeting. The Minister said the project to plant 64 million saplings in the whole nation is under way. The project also covers plantations of the Forest Department and Dry Zone Greening Department and distribution of 16 million seedlings to be planted in the rainy season through mass movement. Thus, arrangements will have to be made to plant the saplings in time. The ministry will plant 6.8 million thitseint Terminalia belerica seedlings. According to the FAO report (2001), 52.3 per cent of the nation's surface area is covered by forests.

Thus, 1.7 million acres of land will be put under various species of trees to maintain the present forest cover and to increase one per cent of the nation's forests. The Survey Department has been introducing the UTM system, and efforts should be made to complete the project in six years. The minister also dealt with matters relating to boosting production of the State and sales of goods for export and domestic consumption speaking of the need to practice thrifty method, curb corrupt practices, carry out staff welfare activities and cooperate with other departments and the people in implementing rural development tasks. 

PBANRDA Ministry holds coord meeting

Yangon, 24 May - The coordination meeting of the Progress of Border Areas and National Races Department and the Education and Training Department of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs was held at the ministry this afternoon.

The Minister for PBANRDA Col Thein Nyunt made a speech on border area development and human resources development in border areas. Then, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun elaborated on administrative affairs. Director-General Col Than Swe of PBANRD reported on work done and future tasks in the border areas and regional development undertakings. Director-General Col Than Win of ETD reported on progress of work in the fields of the development of the resources of nationalities youth and vocational education for girls.

Afterwards, responsible officials fulfilled the requirements reported by the principals of the degree colleges and the regional development supervisors. The meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by the minister.

Rail Transportation Ministry holds coord meeting

Yangon, 24 May - The Ministry of Rail Transportation held its first four-monthly co-ordination meeting for the year 2002 at the meeting hall of the ministry this afternoon.

It was attended by Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, Deputy Ministers Thura U Thaung Lwin and U Pe Than, directors-general, managing directors, principals and advisers of the ministry, departmental heads, and officials from states and divisions. At the meeting, the minister said that this was a work co-ordination meeting of assessing strong and weak points in carrying out tasks; it was required to combine administrative and organizing ways for successful implention of the tasks; spending was to be expended in accord with the financial regulations; every employee was to exert efforts to perform duties; and all staff were to carry out work in unison.

National Education for All Workshop opens

Yangon, 24 May - A ceremony to open National Education for All Workshop was held at Summit Parkview Hotel here this morning with an address by Chairman of Leading Committee for Myanmar Education for All Minister for Education U Than Aung.

 In his speech Minister U Than Aung said: In the annals of Myanmar Education, Myanmars could be found enjoying long period of unique and steadfast education systems. Myanmar has initiated Education for All activities since 1990 in coordination with some UN agencies. Due to the ability to successfully carry out the tasked objectives, the following progressive successes had been achieved : adult literacy (15-45 years age group) had increased to 91.5 per cent and Basic Education Primary level school-going children's enrolment had also been increased to 92.05 per cent.

The vision of Myanmar Education is " To create an education system that can generate a learning society capable of facing the challenges of the Knowledge Age". Since time immemorial Myanmars have given top priority to Education. Education plays an important role not only in national development, but also for national well being and national security. As such we shall always keep education in the forefront of our plans, and shall pledge to develop it as national cause, and a national duty. In conclusion he urged all the participants to give their expert opinions, make constructive contributions, and call forth on their experience to make this "National education for All Workshop" a success.

Then, Resident Representative of UNICEF Mr J Bertrand Mendis delivered a speech. The ceremony then came to a close. Afterwards, the first day session of the workshop was held. The meeting adjourned at 1 pm. The workshop continues tomorrow.

Selected women weightlifters honoured

Yangon, 24 May - A ceremony to honour selected women weightlifters who won prizes in the 1st Doha Asian All Star Weightlifting Championship held in Doha, Qatar, from 12 to 14 May this year, was held at Ruby Hall of National Indoor Stadium-1 this afternoon, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint.

First, the minister made a speech. President of MWF U Aung Soe reported on the participation of the Myanmar weightlifting team in the championship. Afterwards, the minister presented K 200,000 to Ma Kay Thi Win, who stood first in the women's 85-kilo event, and K 100,000 to Ma Aye Mon Khin, who stood third in the above-75-kilo event. A weightlifter spoke words of thanks.

( 5 ) Commander attends conclusion of aviation courses

Yangon, 24 May - A ceremony to conclude Basic Aviation Course No 1/2002 and Advanced Aviation Course No 1/2002 for new generation youths, co-organized by the Union Solidarity and Development Association (Central) and the Office of the Com- mander-in-Chief's(Air) was held at No 1 Basic Education High School in Lanmadaw Township this afternoon.

Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Commander Brig-Gen Thein Myint delivered addresses. Then, the CEC member presented certificates to the trainees and Col Zin Yaw and Commander of Maintenance Air Base Col Khin Maung Aye prizes to outstanding trainees. Afterwards, Col Khin Maung Aye presented a certificate of honour to the Golden Star Co, which provided assistance to the courses. Later, Secretary U Aye Myint presented K 10,000 to the school through the headmaster and the ceremony came to an end.

( 6 ) Deputy Minister for Health attends 110th WHO Executive Board meeting

Yangon, 24 May - Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint arrived back here by air this afternoon after attending the 110th WHO Executive Board meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 20 to 21 May.

Delegate from Myanmar Professor Dr Kyaw Myint was elected as Chairman of WHO Executive Board. There are 191 member countries in WHO and 32 member countries on the executive board. Chairman is elected from the member countries on the board every year. Myanmar delegate Professor Dr Kyaw Myint was elected as chairman with the unanimous approval of all member nations. This is the first time for Myanmar to secure the chairmanship of WHO Executive Board as Professor Dr Kyaw Myint was elected as chairman representing Myanmar. The 110th WHO Executive Board meeting was held on 20 and 21 May. Chairman of WHO Executive Board Professor Dr Kyaw Myint presided over the meeting and made a speech. Members of the board Permanent Representative of Myanmar to the UN in Geneva Ambassador U Mya Than, Director-General Dr Kyi Soe of the Health Planning Department and Director-General Professor Dr Maung Maung Wint also attended the meeting as acting leaders.

At the meeting, the outcome of the 55th WHO Conference, matters related to technology and health, the staff affairs of WHO, management, finance and information were discussed. While in Geneva, the deputy minister attended the special meeting of international cooperation agency for elimination of leprosy held at the UN building in Geneva, Switzerland on 16 May. He jointly presided over the meeting with Deputy Minister of Brazil Dr Octavio Mercadante and delivered a speech. From the meeting, a resolution that Myanmar will host the third meeting of GAEL in January 2003 was made. The deputy minister attended the conference of help recipient countries from GAVI on 17 May.

The deputy minister together with Ambassador U Mya Than met Director-General Dr Harlem Brundtland of WHO and discussed matters related to the 110th WHO Executive Board meeting. Delegation members Director-General Dr Kyi Soe of Health Planning Department and Director-General Professor Dr Maung Maung Wint, Director U Aung Kyaing of Health Planning Department and Director (Prevention) Dr Ye Myint also arrived back on the same flight.

They were welcomed by directors-general and officials of departments under the ministry Acting Resident Representative Dr Stephen Joph and relatives.

MAWFA holds first annual general meeting

Yangon, 24 May - The First Annual General Meeting of Myanmar ASEAN Women's Friendship Association (MAWFA) was held at Wunzinminyarzar Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Pyay Road this morning.

It was attended by Leader of the Panel of Patrons of MAWFA Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and Members Daw San Yon, wife of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Daw Khin Swe Soe, wife of the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, executives and members who are officials from the embassies of the ASEAN nations in Yangon, officials of the ministry and members of the association. The leader explained the aims and objectives of the association and future tasks. Acting Chairperson of the Executive Committee Daw Khin Hnin Nyunt extended greetings. Then, the secretary read out the report of the Executive Committee for the year 2001-2002 and the treasurer, the financial statement, and both were approved. Afterwards, new executives and two internal auditors were elected for the year 2002-2003.

The meeting approved the amendment and the drawing of the constitution of the association. Daw Myint Myint Yee of Nay Lynn and Sons Co and the Hotel Nikko Royal Lake presented K 500,000 each for the association; and Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines Mrs Phoebe A. Gomez, Mrs Hun Sinath, wife of the Ambassador of Cambodia, Daw Phyu Phyu Myint, Dr Daw Mya Mya Win and Assistant Director of MRTV-3 Daw Cho Cho Thin Kalay K 100,000 each to the leader, who presented certificates of honour to them.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe also presented K 100,000 to Daw San Yon, who presented a certificate of honour to her. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the acting chairperson. Then, a luncheon was hosted to those present.