( 1 ) Alleged rape case involving Tatmadaw members conspiracy of expatriate groups opposing Myanmar, insurgent groups and some news agencies
If there are offenders who really committed said crime, severe action will be taken against them
Secretary-1 attends special meeting on women's affairs

Yangon, 31 July - The special meeting on women's affairs was held at the meeting hall of the International Studies and Research Department of the Ministry of Defence this morning, with an address by Patron of Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

In his address, the Secretary-1 said some big countries are launching slanderous accusations against Myanmar one after another concerning the cases narcotic drugs production and trafficking, oppression of the national races and trafficking in persons.

At present, a new slanderous accusation is being launched with the intention of destroying national unity, saying that the Myanmar soldiers raped Shan women. The accusation is a conspiracy of the expatriate groups opposing Myanmar, insurgent groups and news agencies. The matter was explained fully at the MNCWA meeting which was held on 17 July 2002 and at a press conference.

Although it is a military government, the Myanmar government is administering all the affairs of the nation in accord with the existing laws, bylaws, rules and regulations and principles. Actions are being taken against the offenders in accord with the existing laws.

If the case concerning the accusation is true, there would be a complaint from the Women's Affairs Committee spreading its branches and launching its operations from state/division, districts, townships to villages, police stations and camps stationed even in the rural areas, and social organizations including the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red Cross Brigades and Fire Brigades which have formed their branches down to the villages. The Women's Affairs Committee may have received a complaint about the said big case, as the committee has been solving all the problems the women are facing beginning from small cases including quarrels between husband and wife.

Personnel from administrative departments, law enforcement bodies, departments launching border area development programmes, organizations concerning the women's affairs have been invited to take part in the meeting. The participants will have to make extensive discussions on setting up an enquiry into the alleged case. If there are offenders who have really committed the said crime, severe action will be taken against them. Thus special duties will have to be assigned to set up the enquiry. As the Group for Prevention of Violence Against Women and Rehabilitation has been formed under the MNCWA, the group will have to order an enquiry into the matter down to the basic levels. The officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Attorney-General's Office and the Supreme Court are also invited to take part in their respective sectors.

Lt-Col Tin Oo of the Ministry of Defence explained the accusation concerning the said case in detail.

Member of MNCWA Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win said the US congresswomen, Ms Illeana Ros-Lehtinen and Ms Cynthia McKinney, presented the said case to the House of Representatives, Senator Mitch McConnell presented it to the Senate and the US Embassy in Yangon discussed the matter concerning the said case at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If the case is studied, it can be seen that the groups opposing the government are scheming to discredit the Myanmar government. The Ambassador of Myanmar to the United States U Lin Myaing is making necessary responses concerning the matter. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the US about the said case, vehemently denying the accusation which says that Myanmar Tatmadaw is committing such crimes on a wider scale. As is known to all, the government is giving priority to developing the national races and improving their living standard. It is a deliberate accusation to attack the nation from the political front. At present, the government is looking into the said case.

Attorney-General U Tha Tun said Myanmar has laws to take action against the persons molesting women. If a Tatmadaw member committed the crime, he is punishable not only by the military laws, but also by the civilian laws.

Complaints can be made about such said cases to humanitarian organizations including the Women's Affairs Committee, which is helping women in Myanmar, and the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association and the bodies of the local authorities which have been formed even at villages.

As there are laws and the bodies to record the case for taking action against the offenders in Myanmar, there will be complaints and punishments for all unlawful cases.

Chief Justice U Aung Toe said crimes concerning abuse and molesting of women are punishable by military laws and civilian laws. Directives have been issued to the all courts to hand down severe punishments on the offenders concerning such crimes. All the courts at different levels have to put on record all the hearings and sentences.

Minister Col Tin Hlaing said the International Committee of the Red Cross is informing the Ministry of Home Affairs about all significant events. As there is an ICRC branch in Kengtung, any significant incident will be informed. If the annual list of the occurrence of crimes in Myanmar is studied, it can be seen that the number of cases involving the abuse and molesting of women is so few. The number of crimes committed by the Tatmadaw members is also so few if they are compared with the total number of crimes. He then presented the annual list of the occurrence of crimes in Myanmar.

Next, member of Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs Vice-Chairperson of Myanmar National Work Committee for Women's Affairs Professor Dr Daw May May Yi said prevention of violence against women and rehabilitation group and young women group were formed under the MNCWA and MNWCWA. The groups carry out matters relating to prevention of violence against women and development of the lives of young women including rape case with special care.

The committees at different levels in states and divisions send monthly report on those issues and letters of complaint. According to the reports no rape cases occurred in Shan State and there were no complaints.

Next, member of Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs leader of prevention of violence against women and rehabilitation group Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe said after formation of the MNCWA on 3 July 1996, respective women's affairs committees were also formed in wards and villages.

She said the group lays emphasis on undertaking the matters relating to prevention of violence against women. Monthly reports of states and divisions and letters of complaint are under study. The group conducted a research on marital violence among the couple and it will continue to make research on rape cases, she added.

She said priority is to be given to cases in Shan and Kayah States according to the recent conditions. Field trips to grassroots levels have been made.

Regarding the accusations of anti-government organizations, she said the second WomenÕs Conference was held in 2000. Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) made an accusation about violence against women after the conference. The violence did not really take place but DVB broadcast a made-up story.

She said the group would effectively prevent violence against women.

Next, member of MNCWA Chairman of Work Committee for prevention against trafficking in person Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung and those present at the meeting reported on matters relating to inquiry of rape case in Shan State.

Patron of MNCWA Secretary-1 took part in the discussions. In conclusion, he said officials had discussions on the accusation regarding the fact that Myanma Tatmadaw members raped Shan women from the point of views of legal, administrative, social and international affairs. He said the slanderous accusation on Myanmar can be pressure. Whatever it may be, investigation is to be made for that, he said.

In Myanmar there are complete laws that safeguard women more than there should be. If the report on cases of raped Shan women were real, effective action would have to be taken against those who committed such crime according to existing law.

The Secretary-1 called on respective departments, regional authorities concerned and social organizations such as MNCWA, group for prevention of violence against women and rehabilitation, Work Committee for prevention against trafficking in person to look into the case after formation of investigation teams.

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( 2 ) Minister U Tin Winn receives Chairman of ASEAN COCI

Yangon, 31 July - Minister for Culture U Tin Winn received Chairman of ASEAN Committee of Culture and Information Vice Minister of Culture and Information of Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Tran Chien Thang who was here to attend the Fourth ASEAN Culture Sub-Committee Meeting, accompanied by Ambassador of Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Myanmar Mr Phan Quang Khon at the meeting hall of the minister of the ministry.

Japanese FM to visit Myanmar

Yangon, 1 Aug - At the invitation of U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, Ms Yoriko Kawaguchi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, will pay an official visit to the Union of Myanmar in the near future.

( 3 ) Fourth Meeting of ASEAN COCI Sub-committee on Culture commences

Yangon, 31 July - The fourth meeting of ASEAN COCI Subcommittee on Culture, hosted by Myanmar, commenced at the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road this morning.

It was attended by dele-gates of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar, officials of the ASEAN Secretariat and observers of Myanmar. Chairman of Myanmar ASEAN National Committee on Culture and Information Director-General of the Department of Cultural Institute U Myint Thein Swe presided over the meeting and explained the agendas.

Then, the leaders and members of the delegations from ASEAN member countries discussed progress in implementation of cultural projects nation-wise and tasks being carried out in respective countries. The meeting ended in the afternoon.

The meeting will continue till 2 August. Minister for Culture U Tin Winn hosted a dinner in honour of the dele-gates and officials to the meeting at the Karaweik Palace in Kandawgyi in the evening.

Cultural Minister addresses Fourth Meeting of ASEAN-COCI Sub-Committee on Culture

Yangon, 31 July - Minister for Culture U Tin Winn attended the opening ceremony of the Fourth Meeting of ASEAN-COCI Sub-Committee on Culture, hosted by the Union of Myanmar, at Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road here this morning and delivered an opening speech.

Also present on the occasion were Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, the deputy ministers, ambassadors from embassies of ASEAN member nations and officials, delegates from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar, officials from the Office of ASEAN Secretariat, observers and invited guests.

In his address, Minister for Culture U Tin Winn welcomed the ASEAN-Committee on Culture and Information chairman and dele-gates from different countries. He said the State, having laid down 12 objectives for political, economic and social development and the Three Main National Causes, are commitments for the development of our nation.

The emergence of a peaceful, modern development nation, the State has been making earnest efforts for turning the nation into a peaceful, modern and developed one.

( 4 )   Maj-Gen Aung Htwe inspects regional development tasks in Shan State (North)

Yangon, 31 July - State Peace and Development Council member Maj-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence,  left Lashio at 6.30 am on 29 July and arrived at Yaypu Check Point at the entrance to Hsenwi. Accompanied by Col Soe Oo of Hsenwi Station, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party arrived at the hall of Hsenwi Station where Tactical Operations Commanders Col San Lin and Lt-Col Ohn Lwin and officers welcomed them.

Maj-Gen Aung Htwe met officers and other ranks and their families at the hall of Hsenwi Station and gave instructions on participating in regional development tasks and conducting agriculture and livestock breeding on a manageable scale for family income. He then cordially greeted those present.

Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party arrived in 39-Camp at the entrance to Kunlong. Accompanied by Tactical Operations Commander Col Sein Win, they proceeded to Pansamnant Village in Kunlong Township and inspected 36 acres of monsoon paddy fields of farmer U Shauk Sauk. At the temporary pandal there, Myanma Agriculture Service District Manager U Hla Myint Oo reported matters on the paddy cultivation. National race leader of Kunlong region U Haw Shauk Chan also reported matters on paddy cultivation in the region. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe gave necessary instructions and chatted with farmers.

Next, he viewed the voluntary service contribution by USDA members of Kunlong Township at U Shauk Sauk's paddy fields. Later, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party proceeded to Kunlong Township Border Areas and National Races Development School and inspected round the school. He signed in the visitors' book and gave instructions to the headmaster, teachers and officials concerned.

He presented a 21-inch TV set to the headmaster. Next, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party went to Kunlong Station Hall and discussed with Tatmadaw officers and other ranks and family members on national unity, regional development and undertaking agricultural and livestock breeding works on manageable scale. Next, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe met with departmental officials, service personnel and personnel from social organizations at Thanlwin Oo Hall in Kunlong.

Maj-Gen Aung Htwe gave necessary instructions. Thence, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing and party went to Kunlong monastery and paid obeisance to Township Sangha Nayaka Sayadaws headed by Chairman Sayadaw Bhaddanta Khemeinda. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, wife Daw Khin Hnin Wai and family donated 20 bags of rice and offertories. Merits so gained were shared.

At 3.30 pm, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party left Kunlong for Kutkai. They inspected the tea and coffee plantations of Kachin Special Region-5 in Kaungkha Myothit in Kutkai Township, Muse District. At the hall of the North-East Command, Tactical Operation Commander Lt-Col San Shwe Tha reported matters on 300 acres of highland cultivation; 300 acres of poppy-substitution crop cultivation; and 100 acres of tea by MAS there. Kachin Special Region-5 Chairman U Mahtu Naw reported matters on obtaining fertilizers. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe fulfilled requirements and gave a flower basket of honour to U Mahtu Naw who returned him a silver sword.

Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party were then conducted round the plantations by U Mahtu Naw and officials. Next, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party went to construction site of Maha Dhammayanthi Aung Zedi in Kaungkha Myothit. He also inspected the construction of station hospital in Kaungkha Myothit. Officials reported the work progress and Maj-Gen Aung Htwe fulfilled requirements. At 7.30 pm, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party left Kaungkha Myothit and arrived back in Muse to spend the night there. At 6.45 am on 30 July, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party left Muse by car for Namkhan.

They inspected the 440 feet long Shweli suspension bridge in Namkhan. They next proceeded to Shweli gem exploration camp of Asia World Co. At the briefing hall there, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing and officials reported matters on Shweli hydel power plant project. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe gave necessary instructions and fulfilled requirements. The Shweli hydel power project will be implemented for harnessing Shweli river whose source is in China. Feasibility study was carried out jointly by engineers of Ministry of Electric Power, Kunming Hydro-electric Investigation Design and Research Institute, Daewoo Co Ltd, YMEC, and Tokyo Electric Power Co of Japan.

After completion of the project, 200 megawatt will be produced in the first phase and 200 megawatts in the second phase. Electrical power generated will be distributed to Mandalay, Monywa, Muse, Namkhan, Kyugok, Lashio and Bhamo. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party inspected bridges and roads linking Shan State (North) and Kachin State. He also inspected paddy transplanting contest held at the fields of U Kham Swe Li Kyan of Kunlon Village-tract in Namkhan Township. He also inspected paddy transplanting contest held at the fields in Nawngseng village in Muse Township.

Later, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party arrived back in Muse and met with departmental officials, service personnel and social organization members at the Township Hall. Officials reported matters on agricultural, livestock breeding and constructions tasks and border trade. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe gave necessary instructions. He stressed the importance of self-sufficiency of rice in the region. He also dealt with rural development tasks for narrowing down the development gap between rural and urban areas. He also discussed matters on cultivation of poppy substitution crops and livestock breeding works for socio-economic uplift of regional people.

Afterwards, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party went to the construction site of Muse District War Veterans Organization Supervisory Committee where officials reported on construction tasks. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe gave instructions and attended to the needs. He also visited the construction site of Muse Guest House where officials reported him on work done and future tasks. Officials conducted Maj-Gen Aung Htwe around there. At 3 pm, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party left Muse for Kutkai and arrived at the plantations of Shan State (North) WVO at Khomon Village in Kutkai Township. Tactical Operations Commander Lt-Col San Shwe Tha briefed on cultivation of orange, sunkist, coffee, lychee, pomelo and papaya.

After giving instructions, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe looked around the plantations. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party arrived back in Lashio at 7 pm and spent the night there.

( 5 ) Coord meeting of Work Committee for MID held

Yangon, 31 July - A coordination meeting No (1/2002) of the work committee for Myanma Industrial Development and subcommittees was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Industry-2 on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road yesterday afternoon.

Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin made a speech on the occasion. Then, Secretary of the work committee Director-General of Directorate of Myanma Industrial Planning U Khin Maung reported the minister on progress of tasks being carried out by the work committee. Next, chairmen of nine subcommittees also made reports on their respective tasks, to which the minister gave instructions. Afterwards, the meeting came to an end with concluding remarks by Minister Maj-Gen Saw Lwin.

Paper reading session on development of hiking and mountaineering region held

Yangon, 31 July - A paper reading session on development of Myanmar Hiking and Mountaineering Region, with the supervision of Hotels and Tourism, with the sponsorship of Department of Foresty, Myanmar Travel Association and Universities Hiking and Mountaineering Sub-Committee was held at the Diamond Hall of Asia Plaza Hotel on Bogyoke Aung San Street here this morning.

At first, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin made an opening speech at the meeting. Next, the present wellwishers presented the cash donation to U Khin Zaw Chairman of MTA. Then the resource persons submitted their respective papers and the session went into recess for a while. The participants took part in the session. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu made the concluding remarks and the paper reading session ended.

( 6 ) Commander, Minister meet agricultural farms, police stations in Shan State

Yangon, 31 July - Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, together with Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, on 29 July inspected the agricultural farms of the ministry in Yaksawk and Nyaungshwe Townships, Shan State.

The minister gave instructions on land reclamation, application of scientific cultivation techniques, use of quality strains and fertilizers for local food sufficiency and boosting per acre yield, extended plantation of edible oil tree Thitseint, health care services and welfare.

Afterwards, the minister and the commander inspected generation of electric power in Bankan agricultural farm and left instructions on taking suitable innovative measures in development tasks such as construction of hydel power plant that contributes towards rural development.

The minister presented exercise books, pencils and magazines to the staff families. Later, they inspected the rice mill and production of natural fertilizers. They next proceeded to Taunglaylon Police Training Depot in Nyaungshwe Township. The minister spoke of the need for keeping patriotic spirit alive and dynamic, flourishing of the Union Spirit, training the policemen to become ones who are ready to sacrifice lives for safeguarding the sovereignty if necessary.

He then presented exercise books, pencils and magazines to the staff families. Yesterday morning, the minister, accompanied by Shan State Police Force Commander Police Col Thura Tin Hla, inspected Shwenyaung and Heho Police Stations.

Border development tasks implementation meeting held

Yangon, 1 Aug - The third meeting on implementation of border areas development tasks was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Home Affairs this evening attended by Chairman of the Supervisory Committee Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Secretary of the committee Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung and the deputy ministers, the deputy chief-justice, the deputy attorney-general, the directors-general and managing directors of the responsible departments. At the meeting, Col Tin Hlaing made an address. Then, committee members reported on the work plans to be carried out by the departments. The meeting came to an end at 5.30 pm with concluding remarks by Minister Col Tin Hlaing.