( 1 ) Titles, certificates presented to outstanding members of the Sangha in Tipitakadhara Tipitaka Kovida Selection Examination

Yangon, 28 May - A ceremony to honour outstanding members of the Sangha who passed the 54th Tipitakadhara Tipitaka Kovida Selection Examination held by the Ministry of Religious Affairs was held on a grand scale at Maha Pasana Cave on Thiri Mingala Kaba Aye Hill this morning, attended by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San.

Director-General Dr Myo Myint of RAD acted as master of ceremonies and supplicated on the agenda of the ceremony. Director U Tun Hla, Deputy Director U Tun Yi, Deputy Director U Mya Win and Assistant Director U Tun Shwe of RAD ushered member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee into the Cave. Assistant Director U Ohn Shwe, Staff Officer U Tun Naing, Staff Officer U Aung Htwe and Editorial Assistant-1 U San Tin Aung ushered Tipitakadhara Ovadacariya Sayadaws, Tipitaka-dhara Tipitaka Kovida Sayadaws and members of the Sangha who passed the Tipitakadhara Tipitaka Kovida Selection Examination to the designated places in the Cave.

Meanwhile, the State Mingala Orchestra played the religious song. The congregation paid homage to the Sayadaws. Then, the ceremony opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Next, Chairman of the Ovadacariya Group Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vijayabhivamsa administered the Five Precepts. Afterwards, on behalf of the Chairman Sayadaw Abhidhamma Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Myingyan Koehsaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita, Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa gave Sammodaniya Saraniya Ovadakatha. The Sayadaw said human came into being due to the meritorious deeds of the past. People thought that it was easy for them to live long, to receive sermon and to witness the Buddha's Sasana.

Those who passed the oral and written Tipitakadhara examination would be pleased to learn the teachings of the Buddha. All laymen and members of the Sangha must make efforts for propagation of the Sasana. The government safeguards the Sasana by providing the members of the Sangha prerequisites. He wished prosperity of the people and the nation. Then, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin supplicated on the religious Affairs. In his supplication, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin said he was pleased to pay respects to Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and members of the Sangha and to honour them at the ceremony. After the Buddha had attained Nirvana, members of the Sangha led by Ashin Maha Kassapa and Tri Pitaka Sayadaws edited the teachings of Buddha as Tri Pitaka. They safeguarded the Pitaka after the Buddhist Synods were held for the sixth time.Altogether 48 members of the Sangha passed the Tipitakadhara examination. Then, General Maung Aye offered the title and certificate to Mula Abhidhammika title recipient Sayadaw Ashin Vilasalankara of Pyinsanikaya Sasana Beikman Kyaungtaik in Yankin Township.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt offered the title and certificate to Digha Nikaya Kovida title recipient Sayadaw Ashin Silacara of Tipitaka Nikaya Kyaungtaik on Momeik Hill of Mingun Mountain Ranges in Sagaing Township. Then, Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann presented titles and certificates to two Dighabhanaka title recipient Sayadaws, Maj-Gen Soe Win to two Dighabhanaka title recipient Sayadaws, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein to two Dighabhanaka title recipient Sayadaws, Quartermaster General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo to one Visithadighabhanaka title recipient Sayadaw and one Vinayakovida title recipient Sayadaw, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than to two Vinayakovida title recipient Sayadaws, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win to two Vinayadhara title recipient Sayadaws, Brig-Gen Myat Hein to one Vinayakovida title recipient Sayadaw and one Vinayadhara title recipient Sayadaw, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe to two Vinayadhara title recipient Sayadaws, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing to two Vinayadhara title recipient Sayadaws, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung to one Ubhatovibhangakovida title recipient Sayadaw and one Ubhatovibhangadhara title recipient Sayadaw, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe to one Ubhatovibhangakovida title recipient Sayadaw and one Vinayadhara title recipient Sayadaw, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung to two Ubhatovibhangadhara title recipient Sayadaws, Minister for Labour U Tin Winn to two Ubhatobhangadhara title recipient Sayadaws, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin to two Ubhatovibhangadhara title recipient Sayadaws, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin to two Ubhatovibhangadhara title recipient Sayadaws, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung to two Ubhatovibhangadhara title recipient Sayadaws, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt to two Ubhatovibhangadhara title recipient Sayadaws, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa to two Ubhatovibhangadhara title recipient Sayadaws, Chief Justice U Aung Toe to two Ubhatovibhangadhara title recipient Sayadaws, Attorney-General U Tha Tun to two Ubhatovibhangadhara title recipient Sayadaws, Auditor-General Brig-Gen Tin Aye to two Ubhatovibhangadhara title recipient Sayadaws, Chairman of the CSSTB Dr Than Nyunt to two Ubhatovibhangadhara title recipient Sayadaws, and Mayor U Ko Lay to two Ubhatovibhangadhara title recipient Sayadaws. Then, Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained.

After the ceremony, the General and wife, the Secretary-1 and wife, and party, members of the State Peace and Development Council, ministers and wellwishers presented offertories to Sayadaws who passed the exam.

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( 2 ) Development affairs committees now have enough manpower, financial power,
mechanical power to carry out tasks efficiently
Development Affairs Committees of Development Affairs Department hold annual meeting

Yangon, 28 May - An annual coordination meeting of Development Affairs Committees of Development Affairs Department of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs was held at the National Theatre on Myomakyaung Street this afternoon, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The Secretary-1 said nowadays the State Peace and Development Council has been making efforts for emergence of a peaceful, modern developed nation after laying down systematic plans. Success of functions of the Development Affairs Committees that are responsible for development of urban and rural areas are the same as national objectives. It is necessary for development affairs officers to discharge their duties conscientiously. He said the Union of Myanmar is made up of 14 States and Divisions and national races are living there. It is accepted by the government that only when equal development can be made in the states and divisions, will the life of national races in the Union improve. The government is systematically implementing the region-wise development programmes for equal development in all parts of the Union in accord with this concept, he said. Under the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, urban and rural development projects being undertaken in the whole country consist of border areas and national races development projects, 24 regions development projects and rural development projects, he said.

Regional development projects are being implemented in the regions for the progress of the Union. Staff of Development Affairs Committees working in the various parts of the Union are to undertake the projects for success. By doing so, the entire Union will develop equally, he said. Most of the works of regional development projects being implemented nationwide are to be undertake by Development Affairs Committees, he said. For example, of the five rural development tasks, the tasks to develop rural roads and to supply clean water to rural areas concern with the development affairs committees. They are partly responsible for success of the remaining three tasks which include the task to improve the health standard of the rural people, he said. At a time when the development projects are being launched in the whole nation with greater momentum, it is a must for the committees to successfully implement their tasks. The committees are the regional organizations which are laying down suitable plans to develop their regions.

They are directly or indirectly concerned with the work to ensure better food, clothing shelter, trade and transport conditions. Moreover, the tasks to make the towns and villages clean and pleasant, narrow the gap between the rural and urban, ensure smooth transport, prevent occupational hazards, establish systematic trading systems and ensure people a safe and pleasant recreation centres are the main duties of the committees. The successful implementation of the tasks will lead to improvement in the living standard of the people, he added. Thus, the committees should strive in accord with the aim "Rapid development of towns and villages" and to ensure the rule of law, public safety, health and happiness and high living standard for the people. The committees are depending on revenues for taxes to conduct development undertakings.

Thus they are required to collect taxes as targeted, to practice thrifty method and to ensure a balance between income and expenditure. The income of the committees was 5,492 million in fiscal 2001-2002 up from K 392 million in fiscal 1989-90. The State is providing cash assistance to committees in the remote towns as they were not able to stand on their own income yet. Now the Sebinthayayay Bank provided K 187.2 million to the committees of the remote towns from its profits. Thus, they should try to stand on their own income. Before 1988, the committee had only 60 rollers. At present they have 1,136 cars and 376 heavy machinery. They now have enough manpower, financial power and mechanical power to carry out their task efficiently. The 2001-2002 fiscal year was designated as the year for the construction of roads and bridges and water supply. This being so, priority was given to these works. A total of K 1,026.67 million was spent on the construction of 215 miles of urban roads and K 1,351.82 million on the construction of 1,372 miles of rural roads.

He said that it was necessary to build roads and bridges linking villages for the rapid development of rural areas. The tasks of municipalities and district councils in former times are now the fundamental duties of township development affairs committees. Nowadays, development of urban areas has begun gaining momentum and therefore emphasis is being placed on rural development. For this reason, improvement of roads linking towns and villages and construction new ones is a must, the secretary-1 said. In this connection, the secretary-1 urged responsible personnel of Development Affairs Department to build roads on self-reliance basis and in coorperation with people.

As the staff of the Development Affairs Departments are having to deal with local populace, they would achieve success in carrying out their duties only when they could get the active participation of the locals. Township Development Affairs Departments are responsible for supply of safe drinking water. The secretary-1 said, according to reports, in the fiscal 2001-2002, a total of K 322.19 million was spent on water supply projects in rural areas and, as a result, 2,735 villages have now water supply systems. A ten-year plan has been drawn up and is being implemented to supply water to villages in Sagaing, Magway and Mandalay Divisions. It was encouraging to learn that people were making generous donations and actively participating in water supply projects in rural areas, he said. Up to now, total amount of money donated by well-wishers for water supply had reached K 147.55 million and 325 tube wells had been sunk in villages. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on completing the water supply projects ahead of schedule by encouraging people to actively participate in these works. At the current pace of progress, it was estimated that the ten-year plan could be accomplished within five years.

Therefore, secretary-1 called for continued and relentless efforts by all those responsible and the people. If development affairs committees carry out their duties with goodwill, they will succeed in their work and will be able to improve the living standard and socio-economic life of local people. He said the functions of development affairs committees and national development and happiness of the people are related directly. He urged development affairs officers to serve the interest of the people and the nation with goodwill and to organize and lead the people for public participation in urban and rural development tasks while implementing them. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged them to implement the border areas and national races development projects, 24 regions development projects and rural development projects in combination with regional development projects for equal development of the entire Union, to make efforts for rural development and uplift of socio-economic life of rural people with goodwill upholding the guidance of the Head of State and to work hard for development of the towns, uplift of quality of life of local people, strong economic lives and happiness of the people as a national duty.

The Secretary-1 observed documentary photos on roads and bridges, rural water supply projects undertaken with the donation of the well-wishers, rural water supply projects and measures undertaken for development of the towns. Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt and Director-General of Development Affairs Department Col Myo Myint reported on keeping the records of construction of roads and bridges in rural areas and water supply projects by computers and drawing maps.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected drilling machines that can dig from 400 feet to 1,600 feet, devices used sinking artesian wells, air compressors, pile-driving machines and stone crushing machines. The Secretary-1 then gave instructions.

Secretary-1 presents exercise books and pencils to monastic education schools

Yangon, 28 May - A ceremony to present exercise books and pencils to monastic education schools in Yangon West District was held at Wizaya Mingalar Dhamma Thabin on Kaba Aye hill here this afternoon, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Then, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt made an opening speech. He said the State has implemented plans to nurture human resources in all sectors. At primary school level, efforts are being made for at least 80 per cent of students to complete primary education. There are basic education schools as well as monastic education schools in basic education sector. It can be seen that monastic education schools help students who could not attend schools for different reasons. Plans to render assistance to these students are being carried out under the leadership of the State and presenting exercise books and stationery purchased with money donated by well-wishers is one of the plans, he added.

Last year, exercise books and stationery were presented to the needy students at Basic Education Primary Schools in Yangon Division. This year, plans have already been made to give assistance to students at monastic education schools. Last Sunday, books and stationery worth over K 7 million had already been presented for over 7,000 students at 42 monastic education schools in Yangon North District. Now, books and stationery worth over 1.7 million would be presented to 4,000 students at 23 monastic education schools in Yangon West District, he said. Well-wishers under the leadership of the State have also made donations for needy students at over thousands of primary schools all over the country. Donations made during last year and this year have amounted to over K 40 million and it is believed that with the assistance of the public there will be more donations in future.

Due to the assistance, the school enrolment of primary students has increased to over 92 per cent this year and continued efforts are to be made for cent per cent enrolment. The undertakings of the people with the leadership of the State are meant for development of human resources. Efforts are to be continued for the children whether rich or poor to become intellectuals and intelligentsia who will shoulder the duty of the State in future, he added. Well-wishers are urged to continue making noble donations and students are urged to try hard with diligence based on IQ to be outstanding intellectuals and intelligentsia in line with the hope of the State.

Afterwards, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin presented 2,106 dozens of exercise books and 500 dozens of pencils being purchased with the money donated to the Chairman of MEC to representatives of respective schools for 4,211 students including 1,377 novices and 228 nuns at 21 primary schools and two middle schools in Yangon West District. Then, Teacher U Soe Lwin of Padauk Shwewa Monastic Education School in Ward 5, Mayangon Township, on behalf of monastic education schools, spoke words of thanks.

The Secretary-1 and party also presented offertories to member Sayadaws of the Supervisory Committee for Monastic Education Schools. The ceremony came to a close with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu.

( 3 ) Japanese Ambassador calls on H&T Minister

Yangon, 28 May - Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar Mr Shigeru Tsumori at his office at 3 pm today.

NPED Minister receives Japanese Ambassador

Yangon, 28 May - Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha received Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar Mr Shigeru Tsumori at his office at 9.30 am today.

F&R Minister receives Malaysian Ambassador

Yangon, 28 May - Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein received Ambassador of Malaysia to Myanmar Mr Dato Cheah Sam Kip at his office this morning. They cordially discussed matters related to bilateral cooperation.

Cuban Deputy Minister calls on Ministers

Yangon, 28 May - Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung received Deputy Minister of Investment and Economic Cooperation of the Republic of Cuba Mrs Noemi Benitrezy de Mendoza and party who attended the First Working Meeting of the Joint Government Commission of Myanmar and Cuba for Economic Technological Cooperation held in Yangon, at the Ayeyawady Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 2 pm today.

The visiting deputy minister and party also called on Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone at his office at 5.30 pm today. Also present were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director-General of the Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye, Director-General of the Border Trade Department U Nay Win and officials of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading. 

( 4 ) Prize presentation of Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award and Scholarship Award held in Pakokku

Yangon, 28 May - A ceremony to present Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Awards and Scholarship Awards to winners for 2001 was held at Pyithaya Hall in Pakokku at 9 am today, attended by Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung.

Literary Award Scrutinizing Committee Chairman U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin) read the message of MWJA. Wellwisher Pakokku U Ohn Pe explained the purpose of the donation. Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung presented Pakokku U Ohn Pe Life-long Literary Award for 2001 to Sayagyi U Hla Kyaing (Paragu) through Chief Editor U Maung Hlaing (Maung Swe Nge) of Sarpay Beikman. Then, the minister presented first, second and third prizes in selected short poem genre to Maung Lun Myaing (Pinlebu), U San Htay for Maung Myint Than (Magway) and Than Aung (Anyamyay) respectively; first, second and third prizes in selected short story genre to Myaylat Min Lwin, Pathein Yan Naing Soe and Min Beda (Pwintbyu) respectively; first, second and  third prizes in treatise genre to Maung Maung Nyunt (Mann-Tekkatho), U Aye Min Latt for U Than Tun and U Ohn Lwin for Ba Tint (Datu-Anupyinnya) respectively; first, second and third prizes in research literature genre to Maung Thitsa (Historical Research), Maung Kyi Pan (Myingapa) and Aung Nyein Chan (Mann-Tekkatho) respectively.

Then, Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung presented scholarship awards to two students of University of Culture; outstanding awards in Myanmarsar to four students of Taunggyi University (UDE branch), Eastern Yangon University (UDE branch), Yadanabon University (UDE branch) and Dagon University (UDE branch); and first, second and third prizes in Myanmarsar, English, Mathematics, Coordinated Science and Social Science to the respective winners. On behalf of Pakokku U Ohn Pe Life-long Literary Award winner Sayagyi U Hla Kyaing (Paragu), U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin) spoke words of thanks.

Afterwards, on behalf of the all winners, Selected Short Story Award first prize winner Myaylat Min Lwin spoke words of thanks.

After the ceremony, Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung and Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung posed for documentary photo together with the winners.

Minister meets with departmental heads in Pakokku

Yangon, 28 May - Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, together with Chairman of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) and U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin), left here by air and arrived at Bagan-NyaungU Airport in Mandalay Division yesterday morning.

The minister then proceeded to Pakokku in Pakokku District, Magway Division, where he was welcomed by Chairman of Pakokku District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Soe, Lt-Col Ye Myint of No 101 LID Commander of Magway Division Police Force Police Col Ye Myint, departmental officials, Pakokku U Ohn Pe and officials. At the office of District Information and Public Relations Department, the minister met with staff officers of IPRDs of Pakokku, Magway, Bagan-NyaungU, Myingyan, Meiktila, Mandalay, Monywa, Sagaing and Shwebo districts and heads of IPRDs of Pakokku, Pauk, Myaing, Yesagyo and Seikphyu townships and gave instructions. Then, the minister inspected Pakokku District IPRD and left instructions and presented publications to offices under Pakokku District IPRD.

MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin) and Pyay Tun Shwe gave literary talks at Pakokku BEHS No 2 from 8 pm to 11 pm on that day.

Internal Revenue Department holds annual coord meeting

Yangon, 28 May - The annual work coordination meeting of the Internal Revenue Department of the Ministry of Finance and- Revenue was held at the hall of the department this morning with an address by Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein.

Minister U Khin Maung Thein made a speech. He said the department has collected revenues to be used in the development tasks of the State and efforts are to be made to exceed the target in collecting revenues in the coming fiscal year, and the staff of the department are to realize that their undertakings play a key role in the development tasks of the State and are to abide by rules and regulations and instructions. Then the meeting came to a close.

Ministers inspect CAB 2000 X-ray Scanning Equipment installation

Yangon, 28 May - Chairman of the committee for ensuring full capacity loading and unloading Lt-Gen Min Thein, Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun, Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung, Director-General of the Customs Department Col Khin Maung Lin and departmental heads arrived at the Container Inspection Centre at Bo Aung Kyaw Wharf this afternoon and inspected the installation of CAB 2000 X-ray scanning equipment imported from Germany.

Col Khin Maung Lin and officials reported on the installation of the equipment. Then, the ministers attended to the needs. CAB 2000 X-ray scanning equipment will help detect the import and export containers at the Bo Aung Kyaw Warf.

Cash donated for renovation of ancient pagodas in Bagan

Yangon, 28 May - A ceremony to present cash for renovation of ancient pagodas in Bagan was held at the repair and Ministry of Culture at Kanbawza Yeiktha on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here this morning, attended by Minister for Culture U Tin Winn.

The minister accepted the donations K 900,000 by Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay and wife Daw Khin Khin and family, K 500,000 by U San Win and wife Daw Yi Yi Wai and family, K 11.4 million by Mayor U Ko Lay and wife and staff families of YCDC, K 1.25 million by staff families of Yangon City Bank Ltd, K 250,000 by Head of Factory and Automobile Department of YCDC U Min Lwin-Daw Tin Tin Aye and family, K 300,000 by Head of Factory and Automobile Department of YCDC U Min Lwin-Daw Tin Tin Aye and staff families, K 250,000 by Head of Veterinary and Slaughter Houses Department of YCDC U Lin Tun Myint-Daw Khin Swe Win and family, K 250,000 by Head of Veterinary and Slaughter Houses Department of YCDC U Lin Tun Myint-Daw Khin Swe Win and staff families, K 300,000 by Head of Coordination Department of YCDC U Than Tun and staff families, K 400,000 by Head of Public Relations and Information Department of YCDC U Hla Myint Swe-Daw Swe Swe Shein and staff families, K 500,000 by the Head of Production Department of YCDC and staff families, K 1.2 million by Head of Engineering Department (Water/Sanitation) of YCDC U Thaung Yin-Daw Tin Tin Myint and staff families, K 500,000 by Head of Engineering Department (Road/Bridge) of YCDC U Bo Htay-Daw Daw San San Aye and family, K 1 million by Head of Engineering Department (Road/Bridge) of YCDC U Bo Htay-Daw Daw San San Aye and staff families, K 600,000 by Head of Engineering Department (Building) of YCDC U Zaw Win-Daw Yi Yi Myint and staff families, K 500,000 by U Tun Shein-Daw Han Su and family of Parimi Yeiktha, Yankin, K 500,000 by Deputy Head of Engineering Department of YCDC Maj Aung Zin-Daw Win Kyi and family, K 500,000 by Deputy Head of Traffic Engineering Section of Engineering Department (Road/Bridge) of YCDC Maj Aung Zin and staff families, K 250,000 by Daw Shin Shin of Moemeik, K 250,000 by Daw Mya Thwin of Kyonmangay, K 600,000 by the Heads of Special Construction Group (four new townships) of Engineering Department (Road/Bridge) of YCDC and staff families, K 550,000 by Assistant Head of Engineering Department (Road/Bridge) of YCDC U Myo Myint and staff families, K 450,000 by the District Senior Engineer of Engineering Department (Road/Bridge) of YCDC and staff families, K 250,000 by Head of Traffic Engineering Section of Engineering Department (Road/Bridge) of YCDC U Maung Maung and family, K 500,000 by Assistant Head of Engineering Department (Road/Bridge) of YCDC U Han Shwe and staff families, K 500,000 by Aspidin Construction Co Ltd, K 500,000 by U Kyin Wan-Daw Mya Sein and family, K 500,000 by U Ko Ko Lay-Daw Kyi Kyi Soe and family, K 250,000 by U Min Aung-Daw Khin San Wai and family, K 500,000 by U Aung Myat, Dr Maung Maung Aye, U Thet Oo and U Tun Win (Mother Trading), K 350,000 by U Kyaw Myint, U Zaw Win Naing, U Myint Swe, U Thein Naing and U Aung Kyaw Soe, and K 400,000 by Assistant Administrative Officer U Myint Zaw of Botahtaung Township Development Committee and well-wishers.

Today's donation of 35 well-wishers for renovation of ancient Bagan Pagodas is 26.95 million, and donations up to date totalled K 592.2 million and US$ 37.

( 5 ) SURA and KNU trying to cause misunderstandings between Myanmar and Yodaya
Press conference clarifies perpetrations of SURA drug-trafficking terrorist insurgents and KNU terrorist insurgents

Yangon, 28 May - A regular press conference clarifies the perpetrations made by the SURA drug trafficking terrorist insurgents and the KNU terrorist insurgents to create problems at the border between Myanmar and Yodaya that may lead to occurring misunderstandings between the two nations.

At the press conference which was held at Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road at 11.20 am today, General Staff Officer (Grade-1) Lt-Col Min Lwin said the SURA drug trafficking terrorist insurgents in collaboration with the Yodaya army launched attacks against the Tatmadaw outposts and Wa camps in Shan State (North) Special Region-2 beginning May 20 and disturbed the community peace and the local people. The SURA has also committed destructive acts such as planting mines on roads and shooting and killing innocent people.

A group of the SURA drug trafficking terrorist insurgents fired heavy weapons at the border of Mongton town on 20, 22 and 26 May to cause disturbances in the area. Similarly, some innocent local people sustained injuries when a number of passenger cars hit mines planted by the SURA on Tachilek-Monghsat road. It was known that a Thai army truck transported the mines to SURA terrorists at Monphan in about November 2001. At 7.30 pm on 26 May, the Thai TV Channel 7 aired that a battled occurred about 30 minutes near Muwonna village in Chiangmai District as roundabout 30 Wa troops entered about one kilometre into Thai territory; and that the Wa troops retreated after the 30-minute battle.

In reality, the persons who are residing in the Thai territory at the border are the SURA drug trafficking terrorist insurgents. As usual, they are committing destructive and terrorist acts inside Myanmar territory and also launching armed attacks against targets inside Thai territory to cause misunderstandings between the two nations. Similarly, the Thai news agencies in collaboration with the KNU terrorist insurgents floated fabrications, saying that the KNU terrorist insurgents after firing heavy weapons at Minletpan village at Myanmar-Thai border on 15 May 2002, crossed Thaungyin River at the border from Meikok-kin village in Thai territory, and attacked Minletpan village; and that during the attack, the terrorist seized stimulant pills from a DKBA camp.

The true situation on the incident had already been explained. About 10 pm on 22 May, a KNU terrorist group fired at a DKBA camp near Kokko village at Myanmar-Thai border from other bank of Thaungyin River in Thai territory for 30 minutes.

A civilian was killed when a KNU terrorist group fired at Meitawthale village in Myawady Township at Myanmar-Thai border from other bank of Thaungyin River in Thai territory at 1.50 am on 25 May. During the attacks, the sound of gun-fire which came from two or three places on the other bank in Thai territory near Myawady Township was heard.

On 25 May, the iT TV of Thailand said in its news report that a woman was injured and eight houses destroyed when a RPG round landed and exploded at Tasai-luwut village in Maesot Township at 1 am; that for about 15 minutes, an unknown group attacked a Thai military camp at Mawke ward, Wole village-tract, Phokpha Township, where a company of No 13 Battalion of the Thai armed was stationed; and when the Thai army combed the area after the attack, it found a cap bearing the mark of the KNU and some blank cartridges.

The KNU terrorist insurgents based in Thai territory are committing destructive acts such as firing at villages, disturbing the traffic on Myawady-Kawkareik road and planting mines. They are also creating problems to cause misunderstandings between Myanmar and Thailand. The above incidents are a proof of the perpetration of the SURA drug trafficking terrorist insurgents and the KNU terrorist insurgents. The insurgents based in Thai territory are committing destructive acts inside Myanmar territory and also launching attacks against some Thai army camps in Thailand with intention to cause problems that may lead to occurring misunderstandings between Myanmar and Thailand.

Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and Lt-Col Min Lwin gave replies to queries raised by the journalists. The Press conference ended at 11.45 am. Also present were Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Brig-Gen Khin Aung Myint of the Ministry of Defence, senior military officers, heads of department, officials of News and Periodicals Enterprise of the Ministry of Information, U Sein Win of Kyodo news agency, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondent Club U Hla Htwe, Secretary U Nyunt Tin and members and guests.

The journalists also viewed the maps showing the Tatmadaw outposts and Wa camps in Shan State (North) Special Region-2 which were pounded by Thai heavy weapon fire and the attack made by SURA and the KNU at Myanmar-Thai border to cause misunderstandings between the two nations.

( 6 ) Commander meets with UDNR trainees

Yangon, 28 May - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe met with trainees of the University for Development of National Races and those who will attend the University who are from Yangon Division at the meeting hall of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Office this afternoon.

The commander called on the trainees to try their best to become qualified teachers equipped with nationalistic spirit. Then, the commander presented cash assistance to 12 trainees. Later, the commander attended the conclusion of the youths education and training camp No 4/2002 organized by Division Maternal and Child Welfare Association at No 1 Basic Education High School in Dagon Township.

Also present were Vice-Chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association (Central) Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and executives, Commander of No 4 Military Region Brig-Gen Myo Myint and military region commanders, Patron of Division MCWA Supervisory Committee Daw Khin Thet Htay and members, Secretary of Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint and members, local authorities, course instructors, trainees and guests. After giving concluding remarks, Patron Daw Khin Thet Htay presented a gift to Headmaster of Dagon Township BEHS No 1 U Kyaw Kyaw and certificates to the trainees.

After the ceremony, the Vice-Chairperson cordially greeted the trainees.