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

Yangon, 26 July- On the occasion of the 37th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Maldives, which falls on 26 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 Excellency Mr Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President of the Republic of Maldives.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 receives CITIC Chairman and party

Yangon, 25 July - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received visiting Chairman of the China International Trust and Investment Corporation (CITIC) of the People's Republic of China Mr Wang Jing and party at Zeyathiri Beikman in Konmyinttha this afternoon.

( 3 ) Traditional medicine health care course for missionaries opens

Yangon, 25 July - The Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Health jointly opened the basic course No 1/2002 on health care with traditional medicine for lay persons discharging Theravada Buddhist missionary duties in border and hill regions at the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana this afternoon.

Speaking on the occasion Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin said although it is a short-term course, it will lecture subjects on the basic principles of traditional medicine, outbreak of seasonal diseases, local herbal plants and the science of indigenous medicine, which will benefit the trainees much.

The trainees should strive to gain knowledge on the traditional medicine. Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein said it is an important duty for all to preserve the traditional medicine as the nation's own heritage. Due to various reasons, the ancient records on traditional medicine are vanishing. Thus, all will have to render assistance to final the traditional medicine. As the traditional medicines are derived from plants, aquatic products and natural elements, they have no ill effects. The subjects at the course include history of indigenous medicine, basic principles of traditional medicine, seasonal diseases, herbal plants and their potency, hygiene, sanitation and therapies.

Instructors who are experienced in practical and theoretical fields will give lectures at the course. Six nuns and 29 lay persons are attending the course.

Diplomacy Course No 4/2002 concludes

Yangon, 25 July - The Diplomacy Course No 4/2002 for officers, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, concluded at Wunzin Minyaza Hall of Shin Dithapamauk Building of the ministry this morning.

On the occasion, Minister U Win Aung delivered an address and presented course completion certificates to trainees. Afterwards, the ceremony came to an end. A total of 40 trainees from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, the Ministry of Commerce, Yangon University, the Supreme Court, Paunggyi Central Institute of Civil Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs attended the course which lasted 16 weeks.

Maj-Gen Tin Aye, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspect tax-free markets in Yangon

Yangon, 25 July -Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, together with Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, inspected tax-free markets this morning. On arrival at the tax-free market at the corner of Hanthawady and Kyundaw Roads in Kamayut Township this morning, Maj-Gen Tin Aye and Maj-Gen Myint Swe were welcomed by Commander of No 3 Military Region Col Yan Naing Oo, Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein and officials.

Then, Maj-Gen Tin Aye and Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected the vegetable shops of the ministries, regiments and units under Yangon Command and departments, private vegetable shops, meat, fish and egg shops of the ministries, Yangon City Development Committee, Yangon Command and the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd and companies and private meat and fish shops, palm oil shops of UMEHL and rice shops of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council and Myanmar Rice Wholesalers Association and the personal goods shops of the Ministry of Industry-1.

Afterwards, Maj-Gen Tin Aye and Maj-Gen Myint Swe visited the tax-free markets on Pantra Road in Dagon Township, on Kyaikkasan Road in Tamway Township, on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Yankin Township, on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Mayangon Township and on Konmyinttha in Mayangon Township. Maj-Gen Tin Aye gave instructions on sale of fresh, wholesome vegetables and meat, keeping the markets clean and supervising the sale of goods.

( 4 ) Transport Minister attends seminar on ship safety and management

Yangon, 25 July - Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe attended the seminar on ship safety and management held at the Sedona Hotel this morning and addressed it. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and officials of the ministry. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said with the SOLAS 74 being practised in Myanmar, International Safety Management Code (ISM) must be adopted to ensure that ships can navigate safely.

According to the code, ship owners and organizations need to obtain the certificates issued by the authority concerned, he said. Services can be improved by following the instructions, and so can the standard of ships' security, he said. The seminar was sponsored by Ferriby International (UK). The minister, together with the deputy minister, arrived at Myanma Aviation Mechanical Division, where he inspected the repairs of Fokker F-28 XY-ADW jet aircraft and F-27 XY-AEQ.

General Manager of Myanma Airways U Phone Maung, the chief engineer and officials reported to the minister on progress of work and test flying. Then, the minister gave instructions. Later, the minister, the deputy minister and party went to the machinery unit of Myanma Airways and inspected the machinery and vehicles concerning flight services. Officials reported to the minister on the use of machinery and the condition of the machinery which needs to be repaired. Afterwards, the minister left instructions to them.

Road and bridge construction works inspected in Ayeyawady Division

Yangon, 25 July -Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials, yesterday inspected the maintenance of road sections between Wakema Bridge and Wakema-Shwelaung, Shwelaung-Pan-tanaw, Yangon-Pathein and Pantanaw-Daka, undertaken by Road Special Group-4 and Pathein District and gave instructions to engineers. At Daka Bridge construction project, the minister heard reports on the progress of the bridge construction and material and machinery requirements by Project Deputy Superintending Engineer U Oun Za Pa. Then, the minister gave instructions on timely completion of the bridge, meeting the set standard and the need of close supervision.

( 5 ) Home Affairs Minister honours outstanding staff, presents stipend to outstanding students

Yangon, 25 July -Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing attended the ceremony to honour outstanding staff of the ministry who were awarded honourable medals by the State and to present prizes to outstanding students and stipend to university students of the ministry held at the hall of the ministry here at 1 pm today.

Minister Col Tin Hlaing made an opening address. He said those who striven for implementation of nation building tasks, who have made strenuous efforts for prevalence of law and order and stability with great perseverance and diligence were awarded honourable medals by the State. Now the ministry holds a ceremony to award them again.

This ceremony is held to present prizes to outstanding children of the staff who are discharging duties to implement the four tasks of the ministry and to present stipend to university students, he said. All are to strive for promoting national interest for the future nation and youths are to be nurtured to possess good character, national spirit and Union Spirit, he added.

 Then, Minister Col Tin Hlaing presented prizes to two staff members who were awarded the Medals for Excellent Performance in Administrative Field (Second Class) and two staff members who were awarded the Medals for Excellent Performance in Social Field (First Class); Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung to two others who were awarded the Medals for Excellent Performance in Administrative Field (Third Class) and another who was awarded Ye Thurein Title, and the directors-general and the deputy director of MPF to nine staff who were awarded the Medals for Excellent Performance in Administrative Field (Third Class) and ten staff who were awarded the Medals for Excellent Performance in Social Field (Third Class).

Then, the minister presented stipend to sixth year Chemical Engineering student Ma Thit Thit Win of YTU who got six distinctions and Ma Ei Cho Thwe Soe who got four distinctions in the Matriculation Examination, 2002; the minister's wife Daw Khin Hla Hla to five distinctions winner Ma Nwe Mar Win and four distinctions winner Maung Maung Kyaw Oo; the deputy minister to three students, and wives of the directors-general to the students. On behalf of the outstanding students, fourth year student Ma A Thwe Kyawt of YTU spoke words of thanks.

Myanmar-China Border Trade Fair 2002 to be held

Yangon, 25 July - Officials discussed holding of Myanmar-China Border Trade Fair 2002 today at meeting hall of the Ministry of Commerce. Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan discussed preparations being made to hold the fair in Muse and the task of the subcommittees to hold the fair. Director-General of the Border Trade Department U Nay Win reported to the meeting on the points of the fair, followed by a general round of discussions. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the deputy minister. Also present at the meeting were adviser at the Ministry of Commerce, heads of department and officials of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

( 6 ) Commander inspects agricultural projects

Yangon, 25 July - Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, together with officials, inspected construction of feeder canal and the chosen site for cultivation of paddy and other crops at the agricultural farm in Nyaungshwe on 22 July morning. The commander then went to the nursery in Heho, where nursery in-charge U Soe Naing Oo reported on nurturing of 173,500 saplings.

The commander gave necessary instructions. The commander proceeded to the agricultural farm (central) of Myanma Agriculture Service in Heho. At the briefing hall, officials reported on distribution of quality strains of crops and cultivation of crops with the use of advanced agricultural methods. Then, the commander looked into the soya bean, corns, paddy and sunflower plantations and fulfilled the requirements.

Next, the commander inspected building of a canal near Heho-Aungban road in Heho. Officials reported on progress of work. The commander gave instructions on construction of bridges across the canal and building of a sluice gate and cultivation of seasonal crops such as niger, and then attended to the needs.

The commander saw over the crop plantations in Letpanbin agricultural farm in Heho Township. At the briefing hall, officials reported on cultivation of paddy, maize and pigeon pea and use of chemical and natural fertilizers. The commander left necessary instructions. At noon, the commander headed for highland crop research farm of MAS in Aungban. Then, the commander inspected the farm and fulfilled the needs regarding the reports presented by officials.

Applications invited to MMU and MAEU

Yangon, 25 July -The Myanmar Maritime University under the Ministry of Transport will be opened in December 2002. A total of 100 students each for six five-year courses for BE (Naval Architecture), BE (Marine Engineering), BE (Port & Harbour Engineering), BE (River & Ocean Engineering), BE (Marine Electrical System & Electronics) and BSc/ BSc (Hons) (Nautical Science) will be admitted to the university. The Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University under the Ministry of Science and Technology will be opened in December 2002.

The university will accept 100 students each for three five-year courses for BE (Aerospace-Propulsion & Flight Vehicles), BE (Aerospace-Avionics) and BE (Aerospace-Electrical Systems and Instrumentation). Male students who got 402 marks and above in the 2002 matriculation examination can submit applications.

The applicant must be the one who passed the matriculation examination with Myanmar, English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Economics; or with Myanmar, English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry and History; or with Myanmar, English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Additional Myanmar; or with Myanmar, English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. He must be Myanmar citizen and pass health test.

At the entrance examination, he is to sit for three two-hour questions  English, Maths and Physics & Chemistry  of the matriculation course. The date, time and venue of the entrance examinations will be announced later. There will also be a viva test. The applications are to be sent to the MMU and MAEU Application Scrutinizing Board (Higher Education Department of Lower Myanmar), from 1 to 23 August.

The photo copy of the mark list of the matriculation examination is also to be attached to the application and the original is to be brought along to the entrance exam. Other universities are also to be applied in case admission to the two universities fails. For more information, anyone may dial 503147 and 525612 of Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar), Thaton Road, Kamayut Township, Tel: 539473 and 539475 of MMU, Hsinmaleik, Kamayut Township and Tel: 064-22201 and 064-22202 of MMU and MAEU, Meiktila.

Books donated to libraries of IPRD

Yangon, 25 July - Books were donated to the libraries of the Information and Public Relations Department under the Ministry of Information at the meeting hall of the department this morning. Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein accepted the books.

The wellwishers donated the books, and the deputy minister accepted them and presented certificates of honour. The information and cultural sector of the Japanese Embassy donated 325 Japanese video tapes; U Aung Soe Thu (Chief Editor of the New Style Magazine), 375 new style magazines; Dr Tin Aung Khaing and Dr Sabai Tin of Ever Win International Ltd, 71,800 international news journals; U Zaw Min Aye (producer of Myanmar Thit Journal), 30,000 Myanmar Thit journals; Daw Po and family of South Okkalapa Township, 1,060 books; U Mya Thein (Moe Htet Myint  Delta region) and Daw Lay Ma of Insein Township 1,000 books; U Thaung and Daw Khaing of Loilem, 100 books entitled Ahnitthonze by Chit Naing (Psychology); Chairman of Pyinnya Tazaung Administrative Board U Than Oo, 700 Pyinnya Tazaung magazines; U Win Aung Thu and Daw Chein Zeri of Kyauktada Township, 100 books on the biography of Thaing Byaungbyan  Byaungbyan Maung Lay by Pwint Lan (Mining), U Kan Nyunt and family of Bahan Township, 300 books entitled the leader and the challenging future by Chit Naing (Psychology); U Aung Mon and Daw Thet Thet Khaing (Myat Su Mon Sarpay) of Pazundaung Township, 1,683 Myat Su Mon magazines; U Lwin Maung Maung (Bagan Computer), 343 books; and U Ba Saw and Daw Le Le Thein of Thingangyun Township, 260 novels and magazines. The four wellwishers explained the purpose of the donation. The deputy minister spoke words of thanks.