( 1 ) BA (BDh) degree conferred on graduate monks, nuns, lay persons at ITBMU

Yangon, 4 June - Under the guidance of the State Peace and Development Council, the first convocation of the BA (B Dh) degree for 2001-2002 academic year by International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University of the Ministry of Religious Affairs was held at the Convocation Dhammayon of State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon) on Thiri Mingala Kaba Aye Hill at 9 am today, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

 First, the Secretary-1 and party recited Namo Tassa three times at the opening ceremony. The graduate trainees took the Oaths in the presence of member of IBTMU Ovadacariya Sayadaws Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Maha Dhamma Kahtika Bahujanahitadhara Thitagu Sayadaw Bhaddanta „anissara, on behalf of the Rector of the University Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Dr Bhaddanta Silanandabhivamsa (D. Litt.). Then, on behalf of the Rector Sayadaw, Prorector (Academic) Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kumarabhimavsa conferred the degree certificates and the fans bearing emblem of the University on local and foreign trainees.

 Next, Sayadaw Bhaddanta „anissara conferred certificates of degree and the sash bearing emblem of the University on local and foreign nuns and lay persons. Afterwards, the Thitagu Sayadaw presented gold medal donated by Head of Department Sayadaw Dr Bhaddanta Adiccavamsa and mother Daw Aye Mya to first prize winner Nun Daw Yujanaani.

The Thitagu Sayadaw signed in the record book and read out the Ovadakahta of the Rector Sayadaw. Then, the ceremony ended with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam ‚ iram Titthatu. At the ceremony, degrees were conferred on six members of the Sangha, two nuns and 21 lay persons from local and 10 members of the Sangha, three nuns and one lay person from foreign countries.

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( 2 ) Mayor U Ko Lay receives Ambassadors

Yangon, 4 June - Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay received Ambassador of Malaysia Dato Cheah Sam Kip and Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Mr Lee Kyung Woo at his office at 9 am and 10.30 am today respectively.

( 3 ) Maj-Gen Maung Bo inspects regional development tasks in Hlaingbwe, Hpa-an

Yangon, 4 June - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by departmental officials, arrived in Hlinebwe, Kayin State, on 1 June morning and met Kayin State, district and township level departmental officials and townselders at the office of Township Peace and Development Council.

Speaking on the occasion, Maj-Gen Maung Bo said that the Government is endeavouring for development in the entire nation; in doing so, stability of the State and community peace and tranquillity play a vital role; hence, the Government will pay emphasis on making efforts for development of the State; for accelerating development in respective regions, departmental personnel should strive for exceeding the target of project tasks in respective sectors in cooperation with local people; and departmental officials are to make field trips right down to the grassroots level and to coordinate aims of the plans. He then cordially conversed with those present.

Next, Maj-Gen Maung Bo called on officers, Tatmadawmen and families of regional battalion at Dawna Hall of the local battalion. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Maung Bo inspected construction of the 300 feet long and 25 feet and 6 inches high retaining wall for prevention of erosion of Hlaingbwe Creek between mile posts 23/6 and 23/7 on Hpa-an-Hlaingbwe Road. Township Engineer U Saw Shwe Myaing Gyi of Public Works reported on tasks being carried out.

Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on timely completion of tasks and repair of roads and attended to their needs. He then inspected the site chosen for construction of the hospital (50-bed) near Daingpya village. In the afternoon, Maj-Gen Maung Bo saw over extended digging of fresh fish and prawn breeding ponds of U Aye Lwin at Kamamon field in Kawkyaik village-tract, Hpa-an Township. At the briefing hall, Head of Kayin State Fishery Department U Paw Lwin reported on completion of digging the ponds for mix breeding of fresh fish and fresh prawn and requirements in work. Kamamon field is a wetland area where fresh fish and prawn are being bred. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Maung Bo attended the collective ploughing ceremony for cultivation of monsoon paddy on 527 acres of land in Yetha wetland. Chairman of Hpa-an Township Peace and Development Council U Tin Aye reported on arrangements for reclamation of 1,000 acres of virgin land.

The state manager of Myanma Agriculture Service and the Kayin State Chairman gave supplementary reports. Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave necessary instructions. Next, Maj-Gen Maung Bo arrived at Basic Education School in Tayokhla Model Village and cordially met with Headmistress Daw Nang Hla Yin May, teachers, members of School Board of Trustees, health staff and members of Working Committee for Women's Affairs and Maternal and Child Welfare Association.

Maj-Gen Maung Bo then paid homage to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Abhijatasiri at Wenayathukha Sankyaung in the village and supplicated on religious affairs. Then, he went to Government Computer College (Hpa-an), He met with Principal Daw Lwin Lwin Maw and teachers and attended to their needs.

( 4 ) School bus attacked in Yodaya designed to harm bilateral relations

Yangon, 4 June - Yodaya television news station reported that two Yodaya youths were killed and 15 wounded in an attack on a school bus by an unidentified armed group in Bankha Station in Rach Buri District, Yodaya. Officials said that it took place over 30 kilometres from Myanmar border. At the time of confused bilateral border issue, Yodaya might accuse Myanmar of involvement in the incident. The attack is nothing to do with Myanmar. With the intention of harming the bilateral goodwill relations, KNU or other insurgents based in Yodaya territory deliberately created problems and suspicions between the two countries.

Tatmadaw to launch attack to recapture military outposts and people's militia camps seized by SURA drug-trafficking terrorists
Will attack only SURA drug-trafficking terrorists who have seized outposts and camps
Will never intrude into Yodaya territory in launching attack If Myanmar soldiers are fired by heavy weapons during the attack, Myanmar side will return fire at place of firing

Yangon, 4 June - A press conference explained the Tatmadaw's attack to be launched to recapture the Tatmadaw outposts and people's militia camps which were lost to SURA during the joint attack launched by SURA drug-trafficking terrorist group and Yodaya army on 20 May.

The press conference which was held at Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road at 2.50 pm today was attended by Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw 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 Correspondents Club U Hla Htway, Secretary U Nyunt Tin and members and guests. First, Deputy Head of Department of the Ministry of Defence Col San Pwint said some of the Tatmadaw outposts and people's militia camps fell when SURA drug-trafficking terrorist group and Yodaya army jointly attacked them on 20 May. The press conference was held to inform the journalists that the Tatmadaw is going to recapture the outposts and camps.

The Tatmadaw outposts were stationed at the border between the two nations. These outposts were only 200 to 300 yards from the military camps of Yodaya. As the soldiers from the Tatmadaw outposts and the military camps in Yodaya could see each other daily, they could occasionally meet before the incident. As there was not any problem between the two sides, soldiers from both countries had cordial relations. But at 4.06 am on 20 May, Yodaya camps launched heavy weapons fire at the Myanmar outposts Panmaisun, Nyaungbingon, Pangangaw and Yanpaingsun. Simultaneously, the joint forces of the SURA drug-trafficking terrorist group and Yodaya army troops attacked the outposts. At 7.30 am, the tanks which arrived at the Yodaya military camps fired at Myanmar outposts to give supporting fire to the intruding forces. At 8.30 am, the tanks ceased firing, but the artillery shells from the camps continued falling on the Myanmar side. At the same time, SURA drug-trafficking terrorist group and Yodaya army troops attacked people's militia camps  Lekwe, Kyuhsankat, Tatpha-lain and Tantyan  which were stationed at the border for regional security and to safeguard the border.

The joint forces of SURA drug-trafficking terrorist group and Yodaya army troops attacked the Tatmadaw outposts with the help of heavy weapons fire provided by the Yodaya army. Due to the inequality in firepower and manpower, the Tatmadaw outposts  Panmaisun, Nyaungbingon, Pangangaw and Yanpaingsun  the police outpost at Panmaisun village and Lwehtwe forward people's militia camp fell at about 3 am on 21 May.

During the attack jointly launched by SURA drug-trafficking terrorist group and Yodaya army, one  Tatmadaw officer, 27 other ranks totalling 28 were killed in action or missing. The Tatmadaw also lost 33 assorted weapons. One police station commander and eight other ranks totalling nine also fell or missing in the battle at Panmaisun police outpost.

The police lost nine assorted weapons. Ten members of the people's militia fell and 16 others were wounded by the enemy attack. Of the missing Myanmar soldiers and police, 10 soldiers, five policemen, two women staff including the wife of the police station commander and four men staff totalling 21 were taken prisoner by the enemy.

Because of the joint attack launched by the SURA drug-trafficking terrorist group and Yodaya army, Myanmar lost soldiers, policemen, members of people's militia and arms and ammunition. Moreover, the attack has jeopardized the border security. Thus, the Myanmar Tatmadaw is going to launch an attack against the enemy troops to recapture the military outposts and camps occupied by the SURA drug-trafficking terrorists. As the Myanmar military outposts were located closely to the border, the Tatmadaw will take special care to ensure that none of the bullets fired by its troops land on the territory of the other nation in trying to recapture the outposts and camps. And if the bullets land on the other territory during the attack, the Yodaya army should not take it as an advantage to attack Myanmar soldiers from the SURA side or to give heavy weapons supporting fire.

The Tatmadaw will never intrude into the Yodaya territory in launching the attack. The Tatmadaw will attack only the SURA drug-trafficking terrorists who have seized the outposts and camps. If Myanmar soldiers are fired by heavy weapons during the attack, the Myanmar side will also return with heavy weapons fire to the place of firing. And even if the Myanmar Tatmadaw has to do so, it will be because of the nature of a war and an unavoidable situation. The Yodaya army should not intervene in the incident as such an attack only will ensure the recapture of the outposts and camps.

The attack to recapture the outposts and camps seized by SURA is informed in advance not to create any misunderstanding and not to draw slanderous accusations from the Yodaya side. There were fabrications concerning the joint attack launched by SURA and Yodaya army on the Myanmar outposts and camps, saying that the Yodaya army had to fire back heavy weapons at the Myanmar side as artillery shells fired by the Tatmadaw landed on the Yodaya territory. As no large cannons were deployed at the Tatmadaw outposts, Myanmar soldiers returned fired with only small weapons. Thus, it is totally false that the heavy weapons fired by the Tatmadaw landed on Yodaya side.

We would like to maintain friendly ties in peace in border areas of the two countries. Therefore measures were undertaken with care to avoid problems. In early May, we received information that Yodaya army would perform military exercise of SURA SI (143) Operation involving 30,000 soldiers in the border areas of the two countries. Misunderstanding between the two countries might occur because the military exercise was very close to the border involving a large number of soldiers in it. There might also occur border problem. So, Myanmar made an official protest at the 25th meeting of Tachilek/Maesai Township level border committee on 8 May. Despite our protest, the military exercise took place at the border. It was found that the military exercise was deliberately timed to coincide with the attack on our small Tatmadaw camps. They made arrangements to carry out the military exercise to attack our small Tatmadaw camps.

As we would like to maintain bilateral friendly relations, we explain this to the journalists in advance.

Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win elaborated on the clarifications of Col San Pwint. He said he would inform the Yodaya military attaché of the above-mentioned points on 5 June as he had explained to the newsmen about it. Launching attack on SURA insurgents to recapture the lost outposts in the border areas does not mean to intrude into the other country and create problems in the border. The problem, he said, occurred due to the attack on us by SURA drug trafficking insurgents in collaboration with Yodaya army. In the attack that took place on 20 May, Yodaya army officials and Yodaya media reported that they returned fire at the camps due to the fall of artillery shells from Myanmar side. Their accusations are totally false. We have to recover the losses and we will recapture the lost camps. With advanced knowledge Yodaya army does not have to intervene in the case.

Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and Deputy Head of Department Col San Pwint replied to the queries raised by the journalists. The newsmen observed the maps showing the strongholds of SURA drug trafficking insurgents in Yodaya.

The Yodaya army should not intervene in the incident as only with such an attack the outposts and camps will be recaptured

Attack to recapture the outposts and camps seized by SURA is informed in advance not to create any misunderstanding and not to draw slanderous accusations from Yodaya side

It is totally false that heavy weapons fired by Tatmadaw landed on Yodaya side

To maintain friendly ties of the two countries and peace in border areas, measures are taken with care to avoid problems

Launching attack on SURA insurgents to recapture the lost outposts in the border areas does not mean to intrude into the other country and create problems in the border

( 5 )  USDA Secretary-General receives Chinese guests

Yangon, 4 June - Secretary-General of the Union Solidarity and Development Association U Than Aung received visiting a six-member delegation led by council member Mr Wu Shumin of Association for Establishing International Understanding of the People's Republic of China at USDA Headquarters on University Avenue at 5 pm today.

The guests were accompanied by Mr Tang Ying of the Chinese Embassy. Secretary-General U Than Aung explained the aim of the association and tasks being carried out. They then discussed exchange of relations between the two associations.

Cooperatives Ministry holds coord meeting

Yangon, 4 June - The Ministry of Cooperatives held its first four-monthly work coordination meeting for the year 2002 at the meeting hall of the ministry this morning.

Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe made a speech on the occasion Then, Director-General of the Cooperatives Department U Soe Win presented certificates of honour to deputy directors of Cooperatives Departments of Yangon Division, Mandalay Division, Shan State and Mon State, who made efforts in earning foreign exchange through export in cooperative sector for 2001-2002, and chairmen of respective boards of directors.

Then, the chairman of the Central Cooperative Society, chairmen of cooperative syndicates, deputy directors of respective cooperative departments in States and Divisions presented reports on cooprative matters and the first day session ended. The second day session continues tomorrow.

Agriculture & Irrigation Minister tours Mon State

Yangon, 4 June - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin gave instructions on extended plantation of suitable and fertile oil palm strains, full capacity production of the oil mill and extended production of palm oil, and inspected the palm oil mill.

Accompanied by Deputy Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Myo Hla, the minister and party proceeded to the model Thitseint (Terminalia Belerica) plantation in the same township and inspected sample Thitseint saplings and seeds, planting of Thitseint saplings and the rubber nursery. In the afternoon, the minister and party went to the Kadaik Dam Construction Project site two miles upstream of Kadaik Village in Paung Township, Mon State, where officials of the Irrigation Department reported on progress of work.

The minister then inspected cleanliness of the bottom of the dam, and construction of the conduit pipe and left instructions on gathering of materials in advance. Later, the minister looked into pepper and mangosteen research farm in Kyonka, Paung Township, and called on those in charge of the farm to provide local growers with assistance to enable them to go on commercial scale and to disseminate agricultural methods.

Construction of roads, bridges inspected

Yangon, 4 June - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun and party arrived at Minkyaung Creek Bridge construction site. Senior Engineer U Tin Soe reported on progress of work.

The minister gave necessary instructions. Next, the minister and party proceeded to Deedok Creek Bridge and attended to requirements. Afterwards, they arrived at Londawpauk Bridge construction site. Deputy Superintending Engineer U Tin Htut reported on construction of bolt piles and tasks to be undertaken. At Sanepauk Bridge, Senior Engineer U Myint Oo reported on tasks being carried out, future tasks and requirement of heavy machinery.

The minister gave necessary instructions. Sanepauk, 789.34 feet long and 24 feet wide, has 2.5 feet wide pedestrian ways on each side. The lower structure of the bridge will be built of reinforced concrete and the upper structure of steel beams. In the afternoon, the minister inspected construction of Kyaukkyipauk Bridge.

"Thamadaw Special Clinic" of MWVO opened

Yangon, 4 June - "Thamadaw Special Clinic" of Central Organizing Committee of Myanmar War Veterans Organization was opened, MWVO (Headquarters) at 8th-mile junction in Mayangon Township here this morning.

Chairman of Supervisory Committee of 'Thamadaw Special Clinic" Deputy Minister for Labour Brig-Gen Win Sein and leader of treating group Director of Medical Services Brig-Gen Mya Thein Han formally opened the clinic. MWVO central organizing committee member Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe unveiled the clinic signboard and viewed round the clinic together with the guests. Then, the opening ceremony continued at MWVO Headquarters and Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe made an address. Next, Brig-Gen Win Sein briefed on the purpose of the opening of the clinic and arrangements for treatment.

There are the emergency unit, the X-ray room, the lab, the OG ward, the eye, ear, nose and general practice rooms, and sale counter in the "Thamadaw Special Clinic" and it will be opened from 9 am to 9 pm every day.

Transport Minister inspects Central Aviation Control Division

Yangon, 4 June - Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, together with Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, arrived at the Central Aviation Control Division of the Department for Civil Aviation this morning, and Director-General U Win Maung and officials reported on measures being taken to designate and control by radar system the coutes of international airlines using Myanmar air space.

Then, the minister gave instructions on seeking ways for machinery to be sophisticated and earning more foreign exchange and attended to the needs. Then, the minister and the deputy minister went to the studio for shooting TV weather reports of Meteorology & Hydrology Department. Director-General Dr San Hla Thaw and Director U Tun Lwin reported to the minister on shooting process of weather reports. The minister then inspected the editing room and fulfilled the requirements.

Cash assistance provided to children of staff

Yangon, 4 June - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone attended the ceremony to present cash assistance for 2002-2003 academic year and monthly cash assistance held at the ministry on Strand Road here this morning.

The minister, after his speech, presented cash assistance to directors-general and managing directors of the departments and enterprises. The deputy minister then presented extra cash assistance to them. Heads of department concerned handed over the cash assistance to respective departments.

CPT Minister arrives back from ROK

Yangon, 4 June - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw arrived back here at 11.30 am today after attending the Asia IT Ministers' Meeting held in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, on 31 May and 1 June. The minister was welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Ambassador of ROK Mr Lee Kyung Woo, officials and families.

Chief Engineer of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications U Tint Lwin also arrived back here on the same flight. The minister arrived at the Republic of Korea on 31 May morning. In the afternoon, Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and Minister of Information and Communications of ROK Mr Seungtaik Yang signed the Agreement for Cooperation in the Field of Information and Communications at the I&C Ministry. On 1 June, Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw attended Asia IT Ministers' Meeting at Lotte Hotel, Seoul.

At the meeting, Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and the ministers from other nations in Asia who attended the meeting signed the Seoul IT Declaration. The minister viewed IT Industry exhibitions displayed at Olympic Plaza in the afternoon. In the evening, the minister held talks on communication matters with the delegations of Samsung Electronic Co and Daewoo Mercury Corporation at Koreana Hotel.

Minister U Tin Winn inspects departmental works

Yangon, 4 June - Minster for Labour and Culture U Tin Winn inspected Workers' Hospital in Mandalay on 1 June. Medical Superintendent Dr Tin Aye Naing and specialists reported on conditions of warded patients and medical treatment and Chairman U Aung Ba Kyi on managerial and financial affairs to the minister who gave necessary instructions.

Then, the minister met with departmental personnel under the ministry at the National Theatre (Upper Myanmar) in Mandalay and explained political and economic affairs and urged them to make efforts for successful implementation of departmental tasks. On 2 June, the minister inspected the clinic of SCB, offices of SCB and Labour Department in PyinOoLwin. Officials reported on medical treatment, obtaining of medicines to the minister who attended to the needs. In the afternoon, the minister inspected Inwa Archaeological Museum under construction in Tada-U Township where the Director-General and the Superintending Engineer reported on fund raising, progress of work and future tasks.

The minister then viewed round antiques kept at old Archaeological Museum and gave necessary instructions. Next, he inspected all-round construction of Sanda Muni Pagoda in Mandalay. Officials reported on fund raising, work being carried out and future tasks to the minister who gave instructions. This morning, the minister arrived at Mandalay University of Culture. At the briefing hall, Rector U San Win reported on academic matters and Project Director of Myanma Industrial Construction Ser-vices U Tin Tun Aung on construction of more buildings for the university.

After giving instructions, the minister called on faculty members, staff and students to nurture nationalist spirit and to make efforts to become outstanding artistes.

Course instructors and trainees of NCMC course honoured

Yangon, 4 June - The ceremony to honour the course instructors and trainees of the National Culture and Moral Character Course, organized by Mandalay Division USDA during summer holidays, was held at the National Theatre in Aungmyaythazan Township in Mandalay on 27 May morning.

Present on the occasion were USDA Secretary-General U Than Aung, CEC member U Aung Khin, Director-General Dr Thein Myint of the Higher Education Department (Upper Myanmar), Director-General Lt-Col Win Htain of No 2 Basic Education Department, local authorities, departmental personnel and others. Mandalay Division USDA Secretary U Tin Maung Oo explained the salient points of summer courses and the national culture and moral character. USDA Secretary-General U Than Aung spoke words of honours and presented certificates of competence to trainees.

Then, CEC member U Aung Khin presented first, second and third prizes to Tazi, Mahlaing and Wundwin townships respectively. Eight grader Ma Swe Than of Mandalay BEHS-16 spoke of the benefits of attending the course and Daw May Than Si of the school, on behalf of course instructors, spoke words of thanks. Altogether 639,630 youths attended the courses conducted in Mandalay Division this year.

( 6 ) Commander visits poultry farm in Mingaladon

Yangon, 4 June - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, together with Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein and officials, inspected the pedigree poultry farm (Paungngu) of the Livestock, Feedstuff and Dairy Products Enterprise under the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in Mingaladon Township this afternoon.

At the briefing hall, the minister reported on aims of the farm and Managing Director of the LFDPE U Khin Maung Aye on conditions of the farm and breeding of chicken. Then, the commander and the minister inspected the farm and fulfilled the requirements. They proceeded to the pilot chicken strains breeding camp in Pyinmabin, Mingaladon Township. General Manager of the LFDPE U Than Shwe reported on breeding of pedigree chicken and plans to be carried out to produce new strain broilers and layers. Afterwards, the commander and the minister inspected breeding of pedigree chicken and attended to the needs. The commander and the minister proceeded to Pyinmabin pigs breeding farm under LFDPE in Pyinmabin, where the manager of the farm reported on production of DYL strain pigs.

After inspecting the farm, they gave instructions and attended to the requirements. They next headed for the central incubator in Pyinmabin, where the manager reported on production process at the incubator. The incubator produces 35,000 broiler chicks, 15,000 layer chicks and 15,000 ducklets a week. The commander and the minister went to the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department in Insein, where they were welcomed by Deputy Minister for L & F U Aung Thein and officials.

 The director-general of the LBVD reported on preventive measures of chicken against new castle disease. The minister gave a supplementary report. Later, the commander, the minister and the deputy minister gave I2 vaccine eyedrops to chicken.