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

Yangon, 17 July - 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 Saddam Hussein, President of the Republic of Iraq, on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Iraq which falls on 17 July 2002.

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( 2 ) Tikyit coal-burn power plant in Pinlaung Township being built to fulfil nation's power needs to certain degree
Government striving with goodwill for Kayah State to catch up with other states and divisions
General Maung Aye looks into requirements to implement Tikyit coal-burning power plant, development undertakings in Kayah State

Yangon, 16 July - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye inspected coal-burning power plant project (Tikyit) in Pinlaung Township and met departmental personnel in Loikaw, Kayah State, yesterday.

General Maung Aye left here by air for Heho Airport, Kalaw Township, Shan State, yesterday morning. On arrival at the airport, the General and party were welcomed by Chairman of Shan State Peace and Deve-lopment Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, Commander of Kalaw Station Commandant of General Staff College Brig-Gen Nyan Win, Deputy Commander of Eastern Command Col Myint Aung, senior military officers and officials.

Accompanied by Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, the General and party went to coal-burning power plant project (Tikyit) in Pinlaung Township by helicopter. At the briefing hall of the project, General Maung Aye and party heard a report on progress in carrying out the instructions given by the General during his tour of Shan State in September 2001, pre-engineering works of the project, arrival of imported machinery, availability of coal and power distribution plans presented by Managing Director of the Myanma Electric Power Enterprise U Yan Naing.

Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut reported to the General on smooth conveyance of heavy machinery including turbines and boilers to the project and the estimated cost of mining coal; and Director U Chit Khaing of Shan Yoma Nagar Company Limited, on pro-gress in constructing the related buildings of the project. General Maung Aye looked into their requirements, urging the Ministry of Electric Power to strive for building the power plant in accord with the required standard as it will fulfil the nation's power needs to a certain degree. The companies of the national races which are sub-contractors of the project will have to work with goodwill. The General then presented a fruit basket to Chairman of China National Heavy Machinery Corporation of the People's Republic of China, which is supplying machinery to the project. The project is located near Pyintha village in Tikyit region. In the first phase, the power plant will generate 120 megawatts of electricity with two 60-megawatt turbines. Efforts are being made to start power generation in September 2003.

The General and party inspected the project. On arrival at Loikaw in the afternoon, the General and party were welcomed by Col Thein Swe of Loikaw Station, Col Nyunt Lwin of Pekhon Station, senior military officers and division-level officials. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint and ministers met with members of Kayah State Peace and Development Council, division-level officials, chairmen and members of Loikaw District and Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental personnel and members of Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations at the town hall in Loikaw.

Maj-Gen Aung Htwe explained the aims of the inspection tour of General Maung Aye, speaking of the need to safeguard the Union, sovereignty and territorial integrity with strong Union Spirit and patriotism, which is the duty of all the national people. Secretary of Kayah State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Naing Win reported to the meeting on the area of the state, land use, crop cultivation including monsoon and summer paddy, edible oil crops and beans and pulses, economic growth of the state and development undertakings. Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha briefed the meeting on success in implementing of the short-term national economic plans, targets realized in the first-and second-year periods of the third five-year short-term national economic plan, the situation of the state and the requirements for its further progress. Minister Maj-Gen Tin Htut explained the progress of power projects to fulfil the nation's electricity need.

Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw briefed the meeting on arrangements being made to smooth the phone communications between the regions of the nation depending on the national economic growth. Then, General Maung Aye arrived at the meeting hall. General Maung Aye said due to the ardent and collective efforts in implementing the well-planned development undertakings, the entire nation is enjoying the fruits of these efforts. The nation will be able to catch up with the neighbouring countries only if accelerated efforts are made based on the favorable conditions achieved so far. Kayah State is enjoying more progress than it was in the past. The state will gain more progress only if the natural resources can be fully tapped. The state is a sparsely populated area. But hard work is necessary for the state to catch up with other states and divisions in terms of development. The State has been laying down plans for all-round progress of Kayah State. Twenty-four development zones have been designated for development of all the regions of the nation. Kayah State is also included in the development zones. Necessary measures have been taken to accelerate the efforts in developing the health, education and human resources sectors of Loikaw.

The government is striving with goodwill for Kayah State to develop together with other regions although it is a thinly populated area and its production capacity is small. The government has made arrangements to narrow the development gap between the regions and to ensure a proportionate progress in the entire nation to the most possible degree. Efforts are required for significant progress of Kayah State based on the favorable conditions created by the government. It is required to successfully implement the five rural development tasks to improve the living standard of the rural people in Kayah State. It is important for the local authorities, service personnel and local people to harmoniously strive for progress of the entire Kayah State in accord with the working programmes. Basically, regional peace and stability is required for progress. Absence of peace and stability can be a hindrance to development.

Thus, collective efforts are needed to ensure peace and stability in the whole Kayah State. The national brethren have lived in weal or woe since time immemorial. Thus, they will have to give priority to ensuring national and regional development and safeguarding Our Three Main National Causes with Union Spirit and patriotism. General Maung Aye then cordially greeted those present at the meeting. The General and party inspected development of Loikaw by car.

General Maung Aye offers Waso robes to Sayadaws of monasteries in Loikaw

Yangon, 16 July - A ceremony to donate Waso robes to 32 monasteries in Loikaw, Kayah State, was held at Sasana Beikmandaw in Loikaw at 7 am today, 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.

Then, the General donated Waso robes, books on wut recitation verses in Kayah language and provisions to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kesaradhaja. Next, members of the Sangha of the monasteries, members of the State Peace and Development Council, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the Commander-in-Chief (Air), the commander, the ministers, senior military officers and departmental officials offered Waso robes and provisions to the Sayadaws.

Then, the Kayah State Sangha Nayaka Committee Chairman Sayadaw delivered a sermon. The General and party and the congregation shared merits gained.

Afterwards, the ceremony ended with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam ‚iram Titthatu. Before the ceremony, Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin and officials offered dawn "soon" to members of the Sangha at the Beikmandaw.

( 3 ) Secretary-1 attends interim meeting of National Health Committee

Yangon, 16 July - An interim meeting of National Health Committee was held at meeting room of NHC at the Ministry of Health this morning, with an address by Chairman of NHC Secre-tary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an address. He said: the interim meeting is to discuss recent matters and pass the resolutions. Firstly, the National Poison Control Centre is to be established. The poison control centers were formed in the nations of the world to prevent poisoning. In our country, arrangements are being made to establish the National Poison Control Centre under the guidance of the Head of State.

Nowadays developed nations are manufacturing medicines and personal goods with the use of various kinds of chemicals, biological elements, gas and rays. Poisoning can cause due to those chemicals and biological agents. Various kinds of goods manufactured in the developed nations are widely used in the developing countries. Fertilizers, pesticides and medicines used in agriculture and health sectors contain a great deal of chemicals and biological elements. They may cause dangerous consequences to mankind and environment.

Moreover, anti-government insurgents and unscrupulous persons are attempting to cause poisoning using chemicals and biological agents. Such attempts may pose harm to the people. Recently, drug-trafficking Ywet Sit insurgent group retreated due to the offensive of the Tatmadaw. During their retreat the insurgents poisoned the creeks where they camped, with the intention of giving trouble to the Tatmadawmen. Therefore speedy measures are to be undertaken in Myanmar for prevention of poisoning caused by chemicals, biological elements, gas and other rays. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on speedy implementation of the task. In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, measures are to be undertaken for formation of a National Poison Control Committee and establishment of a poison control centre. Secondly, matters relating to launching of anti-HIV/AIDS campaigns in Myanmar with greater momentum will be discussed. Systematic arrangements were made for launching of anti-HIV/AIDS campaign with national outlook. However, international community did not know it well because of lack of publicity.

The anti-HIV/AIDS activities are being carried out widely in the world. Unless we effectively prevent HIV and AIDS from spreading, they will become dreadful diseases causing adverse affects on the national cause. That is why Myanmar is undertaking the activities as a national concern. The anti-HIV/AIDS campaign is the national concern. Weaknesses and shortcomings are to be reviewed and remedied. The present tasks are to be implemented effectively in the interest of the people and ardent public participation is required. The Secretary-1 called for concerted efforts for successful implementation of health policies of the State and policies on anti-HIV/AIDS campaign in cooperation with departments concerned and social organizations at grass-roots levels. 

Next, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Ministers Professors Dr Mya Oo and Dr Kyaw Myint and heads of departments reported on arrangements for establishment of National Poison Control Centre, raising momentum in matters relating to anti-AIDS activities being carried out in Myanmar and appointments of doctors and nurses according to 1:3 ratio in treatment. Those present took part in the discussions. Next, the Secretary-1 gave instructions on the discussions.

( 4 ) Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung sends felicitations to Iraq

Yangon, 17 July - On the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Iraq, which falls on 17 July 2002, U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Naji Sabri Ahmed, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq.

H&T Minister receives guests

Yangon, 16 July - Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received Egyptian Ambassador to Myanmar Dr Farouk Riad Hassan Mabrouk, who has completed his tour of duty, at his office this afternoon. Similarly, the minister received new General Manager of Sedona Hotel (Yangon) Mr Saman Sarathchandra at his office at 1.30 pm today.

L&F Minister receives guests

Yangon, 16 July - Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein received Chairman of International Association for Control of Veterinary Disease to Asia and Pacific Region of the Office International of Epizooties (OIE) Dr Gardner Murray and party at his office this afternoon.

F&R Minister receives Japanese guests

Yangon, 16 July - Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein received Managing Director of Sompo Japan Insurance Co Ltd Mr Koji Otsuka and party at his office this afternoon.

( 5 ) Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspects Yeywa Hydel Power Project, attends Waso robes offering of Masoeyein Taikthit in Mandalay

Yangon, 16 July - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, together with officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments, arrived at Inyaung Village in Kyaukse Township yesterday. Then, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party visited Lawka Manaung Shwegugyi Pagoda in the village and offered flowers, lights and incensed sticks to it. Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave instructions to officials on growing flowering plants in the precinct of the pagoda and greening of the precinct, and viewed the Bo tree.

Later, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party attended the ceremony to hand over the newly-constructed school building to Minsu model village and inspected the post office and station hospital. They then saw over the 36 miles long Belin-Yeywa road constructed by Myanma Electric Power Enterprise. They also inspected the well of the monastery of Thamantha Village in Kyaukse Township. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party proceeded to the office of the Yeywa Hydel Power Project of Myanma Hydro Electric Power Department. At the briefing hall, Director (Project) U Win Kyi reported on location of the project, construction of the factory entrance roads, land preparation, construction of the diversion tunnel and supply of construction materials.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint attended to the needs and elaborated on avoiding unscrupulous acts in cutting down trees in inundated areas, conservation of forests in the project areas, placing emphasis on ensuring keeping workers healthy, extension of village entrance roads, and ensuring security and worksite safety. Then, Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspected the site chosen for construction of the embankment, tasks being carried out with the use of heavy machinery and construction of the diversion tunnel. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party went to the quarry of the Central Command near Salin-Kywenapha road in PyinOoLwin District. At the briefing hall of the camp, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win reported on layout plan of the camp, strength of the workers, receiving heavy machinery and spare parts, requirements, supply of fuel oil and others.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave necessary instructions and fulfilled the requirements. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party then attended the second Waso robes offering to 2,756 members of the Sangha of Masoeyein Taikthit by Dr Tha Yin Myat-Daw Nwe Nwe Aye and their daughter Chaw Su Myat held at the Dhamma Mahiddhi four-storey refectory of the Taikthit in Mahaaungmye Township. Present on the occasion were Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint and wife, Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win and wife, well-wishers and their relatives and guests. Masoeyein Taikthit Rector Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa administered the Five Precepts. Members of the Sangha recited the parittas. Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the commander, well-wishers and senior military officers offered Waso robes to members of the Sangha. The rector Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained.

Then, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party left the Masoeyein Taikthit for Nanmyo.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint attends opening of BEHS (branch) in Minsu Sanpya Village, Kyaukse Township

Yangon, 16 July - The handing over ceremony of new Basic Education High School branch was held in Minsu Sanpya Village of Kyaukse Township, Kyaukse District, yesterday morning, with an address by Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence.

First, Maj-Gen Ye Myint formally opened the new school building. Then, the opening ceremony was held at the hall of the school branch. Maj-Gen Ye Myint delivered an address. He said that the State Peace and Development Council is striving with added momentum for all-round development of the State with a view to keeping abreast of international standard. Plans are under way for strengthening of economic infrastructure and use of natural resources. In the education sector, arrangements are being made for development of human resource, upgrading of education standard at international level, turning out of outstanding students and narrowing of education gap between rural and urban regions.

The 30-year long-term education plan is being implemented in the basic education sector. In implementing the education promotion programmes led by the Government for development of the national level education, the multimedia teaching centres have been opened with donations of the well-wishers and active participation of the people. It can be seen that the number of school buildings donated by well-wishers to the Ministry of Education increased. Today, the new school building was built at a cost of K 16.1 million. The well-wishers donated school equipment and teaching aids to the school. Therefore, the donations will contribute to development of human resource of the State. There are many donations of school buildings in Mandalay Division. He said he believed that intellectuals and intelligentsia nurtured by the school will emerge in future.

The teachers were urged to systematically apply modern electronic apparatus and the students should try to become efficient youths in the future. In conclusion, Maj-Gen Ye Myint thanked the well-wishers for their donations and urged the people to cooperate with the State for achieving success in development of the national education promotion programme. Then, the commander gave a speech. He said that the Government Primary School was opened in Minsu Sanpya Village BEPS in 1936. Nowadays, the school was upgraded into the BEHS (branch). The Minsu Sanpya Village BEHS (branch) is a two-storey building comprising six apartments with school equipment and modern teaching aids.

The school was built at a cost of K 3.5 million by the Ministry of Education, K 2 million by Maj-Gen Ye Myint and wife Dr Daw Tin Linn Myint and over K 10.6 million by NGOs and local people. In conclusion, he said, efforts are to be made for achieving more and more success and development at the BEHS (branch) of Minsu Sanpya Village. Then, Brig-Gen Ye Myint handed over the documents relating to the new school building to Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung. Next, Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint presented three IBM computers donated by Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council to Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung.

Then, Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung presented one IBM computer, a set of 21 inches TV and VCR and apparatus of the language lab to Headmaster of Basic Education High School (branch) of Minsu Sanpya Village U Aung Tin, and Kyaukse District Chairman Lt-Col Aung Kyi Shein presented one IBM computer donated by Kyaukse District Peace and Development Council to Headmaster U Aung Tin. Afterwards, the well-wishers presented cash donations to Headmaster U Aung Tin. Then, Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung spoke words of thanks.

After the ceremony, Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint, the well-wishers and guests viewed the altar room, computer room and audio visual room. The new two-storey building measured 192 feet by 30 feet and had 12 classrooms. It cost over K 16.1 million  K 3.5 million provided by Ministry of Education and K 12.6 million donated by well-wishers. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected the Minsu Sanpya Village communication station.

They then arrived at the (16-bed) Station Hospital. Hospital in-charge Dr Sai Pann Ohm reported on the set-up of the hospital and treatments. Maj-Gen Ye Myint attended to their needs. Then, Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspected the medical wards for men and women and operation theatre and left Minsu Village.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint meets departmental officials in Mandalay

Yangon, 16 July - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence held a work co-ordination meeting concerning his tour of Mandalay Division from 13 to 15 July with officials of Mandalay City Development Committee and division level departmental heads at Nanmyo guest house of the Central Command this morning.

At the meeting, Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave instructions on speedy completion of upgrading of Zaga-in-Chaunggwa-Pyinsi section of western Yoma road and regional development tasks township-wise; arrangements to be made for enabling schools of rural regions in Mandalay Division to apply modern teaching aids as soon as possible; sending specialists for field trips to villages; fulfilling laboratory equipment to station hospitals in rural regions; speedy completion of eight-lane circular road being undertaken by MCDC; finding out axis section-wise in constructing Yangon-Mandalay Six-lane Highway; reporting difficulties to officials concerned; and systematic planting of trees on either sides of the highway.

Then, the commander reported on tasks to be carried out in transport, education and health sectors. Afterwards, those present reported on future tasks. The meeting came to an end with concluding remarks by Maj-Gen Ye Myint. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party arrived back here in the afternoon. 

( 6 ) Tasks of Industry-2 inspected in Mandalay Division

Yangon, 16 July - Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, accompanied by officials, inspected the arrangements to conduct a welding course at the technical school (Mandalay) of the ministry on 14 July.

After hearing the reports by Managing Director of Myanma Automobile and Diesel Engine Industries U Soe Thein and Principal U Tin Shwe on the arrangements already made, the minister gave instructions on making arrangements to check the vehicles manufactured by industrial zones, at Mandalay car workshop and then inspected the construction of school buildings at the technical school. Later, Managing Director of Myanma Industrial Construction Services U Ye Tun and project engineer U Phoe Htoo made reports to the minister.

The minister then gave instructions on neat workmanship in construction of the buildings. On 15 July, the minister arrived at Myanma Industrial Development Bank (Mandalay Branch), where he inspected the functions of the bank. Bank Director U Hla Myint and Bank Manager U Sai Tun Oo presented reports to the minister, who later gave instructions on endeavors for further improving the banking service. In the afternoon, the minister inspected Institute of Culture (Mandalay) being constructed by MFBC at Shwesayan grounds in Patheingyi Township, Mandalay Division. Managing Director of MFBC U Ye Tun and project engineer U Tin Tun Aung reported to the minister on construction progress.

Later, the minister and party inspected the school buildings under construction and left instructions on constructing the buildings and roads of quality.

Construction works of Chindwin River (Monywa) Bridge inspected

Yangon, 16 July - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun,on 14 July afternoon, inspected progress of maintenance works of Sagaing-Monywa-YeU Road for 2002-2003 and work to be carried out.

After hearing the reports of the officials concerned, the minister gave instructions on the maintenance of the road and proper flow of water during the rainy season. Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Naing, the minister, the deputy minister and officials arrived at the Chindwin River (Monywa) Bridge construction project yesterday. At the briefing hall of the project, Superintending Engineer U San Nyein reported to Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing and Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun on progress of work and tasks to be carried out.

Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun urged the officials on timely completion, meeting the set standard, minimizing loss and wastage and supervision and attended to the needs. Then, the commander, the minister and party inspected the project site.

Industry-1 Minister inspects factories

Yangon, 16 July - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, together with Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun, inspected the production process of Yangon No 1 Cigarette Factory on Mesigone Street in Hline Township this morning and gave necessary instructions to the officials.

Then, the minister, the deputy minister and party arrived at Padetha Biscuit Factory of Myanma Foodstuff Industries in the town and inspected the production of biscuit and bread. Next, the minister met with officials at the briefing hall and gave instructions on production of new items and drawing plans to extend the factory. At 9 am, the minister arrived at Ahlon soft drink factory in Ahlon Township. He inspected the dismantling of old machine to be replaced with new one, and gave instructions on timely installation of the new machine without disturbing the production process.

The minister also inspected the carbon dioxide gas containers. The minister met with officials at the briefing hall and left necessary instructions.

Energy Minister inspects oil fields, fertilizer plants

Yangon, 16 July - Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, accompanied by officials, went to No 3 Fertilizer Plant (Kyawswa) on 13 July afternoon and inspected major repair of the plant. On 14 July, the minister attended the second quarterly coordination meeting of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise at the meeting hall of Mann Oil Field. Oil field managers reported on production of oil fields and the minister laid down the future plan for boosting oil and gas production.

In the afternoon, the minister inspected the solo bailing truck assembled by Mann oil field. On 15 July, the minister inspected drilling of Well No 3229 in Yenangyoung oil field. In the afternoon, the minister attended the coordination meeting of Myanma Petrochemical Enterprise at No 1 Fertilizer Plant (Sale). At the meeting, the minister discussed smooth running of fertilizer plants and laid down the plan on boosting production. Then, the minister inspected running of the plant, use of gas and power and fertilizer production.