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

Yangon, 7 July - On the occasion of the Birthday of the King of Nepal which falls on 7 July 2002, 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 Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, King of Nepal.

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( 2 ) Shwehtidaw hoisted atop Gandakuti Pyatthat Kyaungdawgyi of Maha Muni Buddha Image in Mandalay

Yangon, 6 July - The ceremony to hoist Shwehtidaw atop Gandakuti Pyatthat Kyaungdawgyi, in which Mandalay Maha Muni Buddha Image is kept, took place at the Kyaungdawgyi at 7 am today, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the State Ovadacariya JointShwekyin Sasanabaing Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Waso Sayadaw Bhaddanta Agghiya, the State Ovadacariya Sayadaws, Joint-Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara, Vice-Chairman of SSMNC Masoeyein Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sirindavhivamsa and member Sayadaws, Ovadacariya Sayadaws of the Pagoda Board of Trustees and members of the Sangha.

The Secretary-1 and party paid reverence and offered gold foils to the Maha Muni Buddha Image.

Waso Sayadaw Bhaddanta Agghiya administered the Five Precepts to the congregation.

Then, members of the Sangha recited the parittas. The Secretary-1 presented Seinbudaw and offertories to the Sayadaws. Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the commander and the ministers presented offertories to the Sayadaws.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 supplicated on matters related to religious affairs. He expressed his pleasure to pay respects to State Obadacariya Sayadaws, led by Abhidhaja Maha Ratha Guru Waso Sayadaw, Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Ratha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Magway Sayadaw, Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Masoeyein Taikthit Sayadaw and Nayaka Sayadaw of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Chairman of Mandalay Division Sangha Nayaka Committee, Ovadacariya of Maha Muni Buddha Image Board of Trustees and members of the Sangha.

Gandakuti Pyatthat Kyaungdawgyi of Maha Muni Buddha Image was built in Waso in 1259 ME and the Htidaw was hoisted atop the Kyaungdaw on 8th Waxing of Tabodwe in 1260. The Htidaw fell to the ground by a storm on 5th Waxing of Kason in 1278 ME. The new Hitdaw was hoisted on 4th Waning of Wakhaung in 1280 ME. The Htidaw fell into ruin 80 years after it was hoisted. In 1361 ME, engineers and architects inspected the Htidaw and they supplicated on condition of the Htidaw to Ovadacariya Sayadaws of Maha Mini Board of Trustees.

The nine-tier Shwehtidaw made of stainless steel was built. Hngetmyatnadaw and Seinbudaw was made of gold. It was decorated with priceless nine gems donated by wellwishers including Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe. Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and Htidaw were decorated under the supervision of Agga Maha Saddhammajoticadhaja Yaydaw Sayadaw Bhaddanata Panavamsa.

Devotees offered water, flowers, alms and lights to the Buddha Image early in the morning.

The State Peace and Development Council is renovating historic, ancient famous pagodas and countless number of pagodas in ruin in all parts of the country and built new pagodas in townships, villages and border areas where there was no pagoda. The government also donated cash and kinds for construction of pagodas abroad according to traditional customs.

Efforts are being made for flourishing of Theravadha Buddhism in the country and in the world.

The Secretary-1 expressed a wish to make efforts for emergence of a peaceful, modern, developed nation and to provide assistance to flourishing of the Sasana.

Then, the Magway Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. After that, the Shwehtidaw hoisting ceremony followed.

Led by the Sasana Flag bearing troupe and flanked by the regal procession troupes, the Secretary-1 and party and wellwishers conveyed tiers of Shwehtidaw around the image clockwise three times and thence onto the decorated carriage and sprinkled scented water on them.

The Secretary-1 viewed the golden bells and various kinds of jewellery donated by wellwishers.

Next, the Secretary-1 and members, wellwishers and people hoisted tiers of Shwehtidaw, the Hngetmyatnadaw and Seinbudaw atop the Kyawdawgyi. Meanwhile, the people continued donating their jewellery in generosity. The Secretary-1 put them into the saves.

At the auspicious time, the tiers of Shwehtidaw and the Hngetmyatnadaw hoisted atop the Kyaungdawgyi Pyatthat.

The Secretary-1 and party then got onto the Gandakuti Kyaungdawgyi and fixed the pinnacle of the Shwehtidaw and Seinbudaw. And they laid the jewellery donated by wellwishers into the Seinbudaw and sprinkled scented water on the Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and tiers of Shwehtidaw. Meanwhile, the Sayadaws recited the Gatha, the beginning of which is "Jayanto Bodhiyamule". After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the successful completion of the ceremony.

The consecration ceremony of Mandalay Maha Muni Buddha Image will be held in conjunction with presenting offertories to 108 members of Sangha tomorrow morning.

Secretary-1 inspects Micro-organism Blue-green Algae Pharmaceutical Factory, Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadanabon)

Yangon, 6 July - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt,  left here by Tatmadaw aircraft yesterday afternoon and arrived at Mandalay International Airport in TadaU, Mandalay Division, at 2.30 pm.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Naing, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, senior military and civilian officers and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association.

Next, they arrived at Micro-organism Blue-green Algae Pharmaceutical Factory (Yekha-Sagaing) of Myanma Pharmaceutical Industries of the Ministry of Industry-1 in Sagaing, Sagaing Division, where they were welcomed by local authorities, USDA members, the managing director of the MPI and personnel.

Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Kyaw Win reported on progress in production of blue-green algae at Twintaung in Budalin Township, Taungpyauk Lake and Twinma Lake in Kani Township and Yekha Lake in Sagaing Township, tasks being carried out for boosting production of high quality medicines and construction of the factory (Yekha).

Managing Director U Myint Oo reported on the purpose of building the factory (Yekha-Sagaing), the lay-out plan, installation of modern machines and conditions for production of the medicine from quality strain of blue-green algae with the use of advanced technologies.

General Manager Dr Min Thein also reported on selection of the quality strains of blue-green algae, production, research and findings, test on the dry method, boosting production of blue-green algae and extension of exporting dried powder of blue-green algae and Provimin tablets. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected medicines made of blue-green algae and personal goods.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected running of machines at the blue-green algae cleaning room and production of dried blue-green algae powder.

Afterwards, they proceeded to Micro-organism blue-green algae medicine production camp (Yekha) and saw over condition of the Yekha Lake.

The Secretary-1 and party viewed the Photoplate Bio-reactor. Officials conducted them round the site.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party visited the Arid Region Herbal Nursery and the blue-green algae ponds.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected Maha Nanda Lake built together with the Stupa, the Bell and the Lion Statues by King Bodaw U Waing in 1179 ME near Shwekyetdaunt village, Sagaing Township, and gave instructions on marinating the lake in its original form as it is an ancient heritage.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the site of Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadanabon) construction project on Khawataung bank of Mandalay.

At the briefing hall there, Deputy Superintending Engineer U Htay Myint of Public Works reported on facts about the bridge construction project, progress of work and requirements. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe gave supplementary reports.

Then, the Secretary-1 attended to their needs and inspected progress in building the approach bridge on Mandalay Bank.

Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadanabon) is of steel frame one to link Khawataung on Mandalay bank and Tagaungyat on Sagaing bank. The bridge will have 5,614 feet long and four-lane 49 feet wide motor way and it can withstand 60-ton loads.

Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadanabon) is being built 2,000 feet upper area of Inwa Bridge with the aim of fulfilling traffic requirements and better transportation in accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the guest house in Nanmyo, Mandalay, and spent the night.

( 3 ) Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspects development tasks in Kyaukse, Myittha

Yangon, 6 July - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence,  left Mandalay for Kyaukse by car yesterday morning and inspected construction of Kyaukse-Minsu-Myittha Road at mile post 1/4 in Tazoe village near Kyaukse Township.

Mandalay Division Superintending Engineer U Sai Thein Maung reported on progress in construction of roads and bridges. Then, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected construction of earth road at the mile post 2/6 in Tonlon village, two miles and six furlongs far from Kyaukse. Afterwards, they arrived at Htongyichaung Bridge. Division Superintending Engineer U Sai Thein Maung reported on construction of the 20 feet wide and 90 feet long wooden bridge which can withstand 13-ton loads.

Next, they left for Myittha. Kyaukse-Minsu-Myittha Road is 12 miles and two furlongs long and 24 feet wide one mile and six furlongs longs tarred road section, two miles and four furlongs long gravel road section and eight miles long earth road section. The road is being built by Public Works of Kyaukse District linking Kyaukse and Myittha through Tazoe, Konlon, Tawtwin-Ngamwegon-Minsu, Layhsegon, Htongyichaung and Kathegon villages. On completion, the road will contribute towards better transportation, education, health and trading of villages of its route.

Then, they arrived at National Parahita Geha and the monastic education middle school in Myittha and inspected extension of 60 feet by 30 feet two-storey wooden building. Next, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party paid homage to Abbot of the monastery U „anadhaja and U Sumangala and fulfilled the requirements of the children.

Mon State MPF holds work co-ordination meeting

Yangon, 6 July - Mon State Myanmar Police Force held the work co-ordination meeting at the office of Mon State Peace and Development Council on 4 July morning, with an address by Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence.

In his address, Maj-Gen Maung Bo said that the government is striving for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation. In so doing, it has been implementing the twelve objectives of the State upholding Our Three Main National Causes. Stability of the State, community peace and tranquility, prevalence of law and order play a key role in national development. He stressed the need for MPF members to strive together with the local people and departmental officials in carrying out tasks for warding off the danger of narcotic drugs. He said systematic efforts are to be made region-wise for community peace and tranquility, prevalence of law and order. He called on all MPF members to co-operate in unity in nation-building endeavours and to undergo constant Training to be ready in time of emergency for national defence.

Then, the commander made a speech, urging the MPF members to successfully implement the objectives and to extend agriculture and livestock breeding for the welfare of the families. Afterwards, Police Col Thein Lin reported on work being carried out by Mon State MPF, future tasks and requirements to Maj-Gen Maung Bo, who fulfilled the needs. Then, the ceremony came to a close.

( 4 ) Delegation from Nauru concludes visit

Yangon, 6 July - The visiting delegation from the Republic of Nauru led by Minister for Education, Transport, Telecommunications, Economic Development and Environment (Acting President) Mr Remy G Namaduk and Minister for Health and Sports Mr Nimrod Botelanga left here by air this afternoon. The delegation was seen off at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet, Director-General of the Political Department U Thaung Tun and officials. This morning, Minister for Health and Sports Mr Nimrod Botelanga and party visited National Museum on Pyay Road. They were welcomed and conducted round the museum by Director of the Department of Cultural Institute of the Ministry of Culture Daw Nu Mra Zan, Curator Daw Mi Mi Thet Nwe and officials.

( 5 ) International Day of Cooperatives observed

Yangon, 6 July - The International Day of Cooperatives was observed at International Business Centre on Pyay Road at 9 am today.

Present on the occasion were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, the Attorney-General, the Auditor-General, deputy ministers, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Ly Bounkham and diplomats of foreign missions, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments concerned, local authorities, officials of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations, directors-general and the managing director of departments and the enterprise, officials of Central Cooperative Syndicates, Yangon Division General Business Cooperative Syndicates, principals of the Cooperative Degree College and colleges, wellwishers, outstanding students and guests.

First, Minister for Co-operatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe delivered an address. In his address, Minister for Co-operatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe said: In honouring the co-operative movements, The United Nations General Assembly in 1994 designated the first Saturday of July as the International Day of Co-operatives .

Accordingly, member nations of the ICA (International Alliance of Co-operatives) all over the world have been observing the International Co-operative Day celebrations on that day every year since 1995 as a gesture hailing the co-operative movements.

The Central Co-operative Society of Myanmar, being a member of the ICA has been observing the International Co-operative Day every year since 1995 on a grand scale in States and Divisions like other ICA members. It has been observed the day for eight times. In reminiscence of the history of the co-operative, it is found that the Co-operative emerged in 19th century from collective endeavours to struggle from food, clothing, shelter and social difficulties caused by economic depressions in some European countries.

While there comes out a new economic pattern in the world at the on-set of the third millennium, gaps among strata of the global people are great and so are social inequalities. All members of the Co-operative Family firmly believe that the co-operative way which can turn energy to synergy can remedy these inequalities. Since coming into existence over 150 years ago, the co-operative movements which has been able to solve and tackle the difficulties encountered in meeting food, clothing, shelter and social needs, are still developing. I would like to describe that the co-operative system as the one which can face and overcome the challenges of the future. On the occasion of the 8th United Nations International Co-operative Day, the ICA (International Co-operative Alliance) sent a message.

The message call upon its member co-operatives to adopt "Concern for Community", the newest one of the Seven Co-operative Principles being practiced by the co-operative societies in the world as the slogan for all co-operatives. In accordance with the exhortation of the ICA, I would like to urge the co-operative family members to practically discharge the duty to fulfil the needs of social communities. The State Peace and Development Council has laid down five rural development tasks and been implementing them with momentum in view of ensuring the development of all the regions in contiguity. In this regard, 7760 agricultural producers co-operatives, 975 livestock breeding producers co-operatives and 102 fishery producers co-operatives are contributing towards the rural development tasks.

There are also trading co-operatives fulfilling the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter for rural people. In this way, they are participating in bringing about economic development of rural people by co-operative means. Moreover, co-operatives are also engaging in endeavours for supplying safe water and electricity for rural people as well as providing rural health care services. As international co-operatives are developing with the assistance, support and encouragement of respective governments, the co-operatives in Myanmar are also achieving developments due to the assistance, support and encouragement of Myanmar government.

The State has ensured the development of the co-operative sector by enacting the 1992 Co-operative Society Law with the aim of creating broader business opportunities in harmony with the changed market-oriented economic system. In addition, the State-owned banks provided the monetary assistance to co-operatives in doing their businesses. The State has been ensuring the development of co-operative movement by providing yearly loans, short-term loans and long-term loans since the 1973-74 fiscal year. Moreover, co-operative training schools, co-operative regional colleges, co-operative college and co-operative degree colleges were established to ensure the development of co-operative human resources by spending the State fund.

Since the 1994-95 fiscal year, the State has spent over K 583.9 million in developing the co-operative human resources. In conclusion, I would like to urge the co-operatives of respective regions
- to practically abide by co-operative ethics, essence and principles;
- to make earnest efforts for realizing the Myanmar Co-operative Aim and Myanmar Co-operative Objectives which are meant for sustainable development of the Myanmar Co-operative Movement; and
- to strive to become the co-operatives beneficial to the people with a view to actually serving the interest of human society in line with the exhortation mentioned in the ICA message.

Then, Vice-Chairman-2 U Khin Maung Aye of the Central Cooperative Union read out the message of the International Cooperative Alliance. Next, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe presented outstanding prizes to first year student Ma May Than Nwe and third year student Ma Ei Phyu Khin of Yangon Cooperative Degree College Thanlyin); and first year student Ma Su Myat Mon of and second year student Ma San San Htay of Central Cooperative College (Phaunggyi). After the ceremony, the commander, the ministers, the diplomats and the guests viewed photos related to the International Cooperative Day and cooperative movements at the main parlor of the IBC.

Minister meets staff in Ayeyawady Division

Yangon, 6 July - Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, accompanied by officials, met with officials, engineers and supervisors of Myanma Railways in Ayeyawady Division yesterday. The minister spoke of the need for better transportation, skill of the staff and engineers in repair of rail lines and reduction of accidents. Then, the minister and party inspected the laying of concrete blocks at the base of Myokwin bridge and measures taken to prevent erosion of piles and gave necessary instructions.

( 6 ) Measures for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport in Yangon Division coordinated

Yangon, 6 July - A Weekly Work Coordination Meeting on Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport in Yangon Division was held at the head office of Yangon Division All Bus Lines Control Committee yesterday. Chairman of Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe made a speech.

Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe explained the arrangements and supervision of the passenger bus lines for ensuring smooth and secure transport for convenience of staff, students and people. Then, those present including chairmen of the bus lines and officials of Yangon City Development Committee and departments concerned reported on the work done and requirements. Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe gave instructions on action taken against those who violate traffic rules and reduction of traffic accidents.

Commander inspects sanitation tasks in Yangon City, monsoon paddy cultivation in Hlegu

Yangon, 6 July - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, this morning. At 7 am, the commander, the vice-mayor and party inspected sanitation works at Katwe Creek along Lower Mingaladon Road in Insein Township, the compound of Insein Hospital, Ywama Creek along Lower Mingaladon Road, Danyingon Station in Insein Township and Thamaing Creek along Mindhamma Road in Mayangon Township.

Head of Engineering Department (Road/Bridge) U Bo Htay reported on tasks being carried out. After hearing the reports, the commander gave instructions on supervision of officials for carrying out sanitation tasks and proper drainage and emphasis to be put on hygiene and cleaning work. Then, the commander, accompanied by No 1 Military Region Commander Col Khin Maung Soe, Lt-Col Kyaw Tint and party, viewed the collective sloughing and cultivation of monsoon paddy near Ohnnegon village, Hlegu Township, where they were welcomed by Indaing Station Commander Col Hsan Aung and departmental officials. Next, the commander and party inspected process of making EM bokershi fertilizers and EM super bokershi fertilizers. Yangon Division Agriculture Service Manager U Aung Hsan reported on making process of the fertilizers and use of it. The commander gave necessary instructions.

Afterwards, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and party inspected the collective ploughing work near the left canal of Ngamoeyeik Dam, cultivation of the monsoon paddy and broadcasting of EM super bokershi fertilizers at the paddy fields and fulfilled the requirements. At the agricultural technological education camp, the commander met with local farmers and explained timely cultivation of monsoon paddy on vacant and virgin lands for exceeding the target to increase income of the farmers, coordination work to be carried out between the farmers and personnel of MAS for boosting production and undertaking of five rural development tasks for the local people laid down by the State. After hearing the requirements reported by local farmers, the commander attended to their needs. Next, the commander attended the collective Thithseint tree planting ceremony in Yemon Tatmyo, Hlegu Township.

Then, the commander and those present planted 1,000 Thithseint trees. Then, the commander inspected digging of about 10 miles long canal linking the main canal of Lagoonbyin Dam and the left canal of Ngamoeyeik Dam in Hlegu Township and gave necessary instructions to officials. Afterwards, the commander paid homage to member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Hlegu Yadana Beikman Pariyatti Sarthintaik Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa. He then donated provisions and supplicated on religious affairs and left the Sarthintaik.