( 1 )  Maj-Gen Aung Htwe inspects construction work in Kengtung

Yangon, 9 Aug -Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, together with Chairman of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Commander of Triangle Region Command Brig-Gen Khin Zaw and officials, visited the construction site of a 200-bed general hospital in Kengtung yesterday morning.

Engineer U Ye Win, Secretary of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Soe and Dr Than Maung reported on progress of work and requirements. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe gave instructions on construction work, the growing of shade trees and flowering plants and worksite safety. Then, he inspected the construction site. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and Brig-Gen Khin Zaw went to the construction site of the Town Hall in Kengtung. The officials reported on construction of the Town Hall, 224 feet long and 210 feet wide, which can hold 1,000 people. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe gave instructions and inspected the construction site. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, the commander and party proceeded to the airport extension project at Kengtung Airport. Deputy Engineer U Aung Kyaw Myint reported on construction work and requirements. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe attended to the requirements and inspected the construction site.

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( 2 ) MNWCWA meets Mongphyat District WCWA Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women held in Shan State (East)

Yangon, 9 Aug - Members of Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs led by Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, together with Daw Khin Pyone Win, wife of the commander of Triangle Region Command, and officials, left Kengtung by car and arrived at Mongphyat, Mongphyat District, on 7 August morning. Member of Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs and Member of Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and MNWCWA members attended the coordination meeting between MNWCWA and Mongphyat District WCWA at the Town Hall of Mongphyat Township at 9.40 am on that day.

Secretary of MNCWA and MNWCWA Director-General of the Social Welfare Department U Sit Myaing introduced MNWCWA members to those present at the meeting and then explained formation of MNCWA and MNWCWA. After that, member of MNCWA and Vice-Chairperson of MNWCWA Professor Dr Daw May May Yee delivered a speech. In her speech, she said that they had come to meet with members of Working Committees for Women's Affairs of Mongphyat and Mongyawng of Mongphyat District and to give necessary instructions. She continued that was very heartening to see the attendance of not only women but also men at the meeting. She added that she was pleased to see the presence of men at the meeting, for, it is required for men to understand the need to develop the women's sector.

The nation consists of various races. She said that she would like to present policies on development of women stated by Patron of MNCWA Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. The State Peace and Development Council, upholding Our Three Main National Causes, is striving for emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation. In this regard the Head of State has adopted and placed emphasis on the five tasks  ensuring smooth transportation, clean water, promotion of education and health care services, and development of economy  for equitable development of national brethren of rural regions in states and divisions. The task for development of national race women of Shan State (East) is a sector of the projects for development of women mass which is 50.3 per cent of Myanmar's population. The MNWCWA has come to make field tour of townships and villages in Shan State (East) for the government is paying special attention to development of women of Shan State (East).

So, efforts are to be exerted to make best use of consolidated forces of Myanmar national women in undertaking nation-building tasks. All are to work hard to be able to serve the interests of the nation, to be highly-qualified and to be able to provide correct leadership. Due to concerted efforts of the government and the national brethren, the Union is becoming peaceful and developing considerably. Insurgents and a group of unscrupulous persons are creating false and fabricated news with every intention of breaking up the Union.

Therefore, all are to be united so that instigative acts can be prevented. The duty to ensure non-disintegration of the Union falls on everybody. Therefore, Shan State (East) WCWA and committees at various levels, Shan national girls, townselders and non-governmental organizations need to cooperate in accord with the guidelines in striving for the development of the women in Shan State upholding Our Three Main National Causes.

Then, MNWCWA Education Group Leader Professor Daw Khin Aye Win and Health Group Leader Dr Daw Moe Moe Naing explained tasks being carried out by MNWCWA and respective associations.

Next, Member of MNWCWA Leader of Group for Prevention of Violence Against Women and Rehabilitation Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe elaborated on tasks for prevention of violence against women and trafficking in women and children. Then, Economic Group Leader Daw Sein Sein, Culture Group Leader Daw Thein Thein Nyunt, Women and Environmental Group Leader Daw Yin Yin Lay, Women and Information Group Leader Daw Mya Mya and Young Women Group Leader Daw Khin Myo Myint explained tasks being undertaken by respective groups. Legal Studies and Consulting Group Leader Daw Aye Aye Kyi explained the laws protecting Myanmar women and their rights.

After that, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented exercise books and pencils to students in Mongphyat District, medicines to Mongphyat and Mongyawng Townships Health Departments, and Group Leader Daw Sein Sein K 100,000 for fund-raising committee of Mongphyat District WCWA through Daw San San Wai, wife of Brig-Gen Phone Swe of local station and District WCWA Patron. After the ceremony, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, together with local girls, posed for a documentary photo and cordially greeted those present, and then viewed photos on drug elimination activities and tasks of Mongphyat District and Township WCWAs at the Town Hall.

Later, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party left Mongphyat by helicopter and arrived at Kengtung at 1.50 pm. They spent the night there.

On 8 August, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party went to the hall of Township Development Affairs Committee, where they were welcomed by members of Shan State (East) WCWA. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was held at the hall of Kengtung Township Development Affairs Committee on 8 am on that day, attended by Member of Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs and Member of Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe. Also present were Daw Khin Pyone Win, wife of the commander of Triangle Region Command, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe and wife Daw Khin Mya Mya Ohn, MNWCWA members, Shan State, District and Township level departmental officials, members of MNWCWA, War Veterans Organization, the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross Society, Auxiliary Fire Brigade, nurses, local national girls and townselder totalling over 250.

Member of MNCWA Vice-Chairman of MNWCWA Professor Dr Daw May May Yee make an address on the occasion.

In her address, she said that the purpose of the second meeting of MNWCWA members and Shan State (East) WCWA members is to enable committee members who will implement Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) to convince the convention. Being a member country of the UN, Myanmar signed the CEDAW in 1997. It is therefore essential for all to understand and implement the prescriptions described in the CEDAW. These prescriptions are only the tasks which are being carried out by WCWAs at various levels and NGOs together with the Government for the advancement of women and women's rights. In other words, it is the tasks designed to enable women to enjoy their rights included in human rights. CEDAW is to be explained so that the mass of women and the public can understand it. One of the prescriptins is to educate; therefore, the meeting has been arranged. It is necessary for members of Shan State (East) Working Committee for Women's Affairs to educate the mass of women and the public.

For this purpose, books on CEDAW in Myanmar version have been given. The second report on CEDAW is to be submitted to UN CEDAW Committee in 2003; therefore, Shan State (East) Working Committee for Women's Affairs need to submit a report to Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs. Joint Secretary of MNWCWA Daw Khin Htar May and leader of the girl-child group Daw Khin Myo Myint explained paragraphs 1 to 8 and paragraphs 9 to 16 of the convention on elimination of discrimination against women respectively. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe donated K 10,000 to the fund of Kattaung Model Village Middle School in Kengtung Township; Col Khin Aung of the Ministry of Defence and Daw Kyi Thinn May doanted K 50,000. A work coordination meeting between MNWCWA and Shan State (East) WCWA was held at Sibinthaya Hall. MNWCWA outlined future tasks for members of Shan State (East) WCWA. In the afternoon, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party visited Khemarahta Buddha Image in Kengtung. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe doanted lights, flowers and scented sticks to the Buddha image, signed in the visitors' book and made cash donation.

They proceeded to the weaving training school at Yankhan Model Akha Village. They viewed traditional clothes and bags. Akhar national girls presented an entertainment programme, and gifts to them. Afterwards, they went to the child care centre under the Social Welfare Department in Kengtung. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, MNWCWA, Col Khin Aung and wife, leaders of MNWCWA, Thiha Thudhamma Theingi Daw Sein Sein and the Commander and wife donated K 10,000 each to the fund of the child care centre. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party presented gifts to 25 children from the centre. Then, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party went to Maha Myatmuni Pagoda to pay homage to the Maha Myatmuni Image and offered flowers, lights and joss sticks to the Image. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party donated K 40,500 to the pagoda and singed in the visitors' book. At Sasana Veponla Pariyatti Sarthintaik, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party paid homage to Presiding Sayadaw U Vijaya (Maha Dhammacariya) (MA) and received the Five Precepts.

Offertories were also presented to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha and left there in the evening. As a reception in honour of Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, the Commander of Triangle Region Command and his wife held a cultural variety show at Pyi Nyein Aye Hall of Triangle Region Command, Kengtung, Shan State (East), at 7 pm yesterday. After the show, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented cash awards to Lahu cultural troupe, Akha cultural troupe, Lishan cultural troupe, Taingnay cultural troupe and Golden Triangle modern music troupe and vocalists. Then, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party went to the Kengtung Degree College and the cottage and vocational training school of the Education and Training Department of the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs and inspected there today morning.

At Kengtung Degree College, they were welcomed by college principal U Aung Nyunt and teachers. The college principal then gave an account of the location, area and strength of teachers and students of the college at the meeting hall. At the cottage and vocational training school, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party were welcomed by shool head Daw Thida Khine and trainees. Daw Thida Khine then gave an account of the historical background of the school and conditions of trainees who are studying in the basic and higher courses, to which Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and the commander gave instructions. Next, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party viewed round finished clothes, works of trainees, and encouraged the trainees.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party later arrived at Kengtung Airport to leave for Yangon. They were seen off at the airport by the commander and wife, the deputy commander and wife, senior military officers, departmental personnel, Shan State (East) WCWA members, MWVO members, USDA members, MMCWA members, Red CRoss Brogade members, Auxiliary Fire Brigade members and local populace. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party arrived back in Yangon in the afternoon.

( 3 ) Yodaya media makes fabrications saying Myanmar Tatmadaw is going to conduct manoeuvres at places opposite Yodaya territory
 Myanmar summons Yodaya military attach', and explains news reports on manoeuvres and military operations untrue
Regular press conference held to refute slanderous news reports concerning democracy, human rights, forced labour, narcotic drugs, national races, human trafficking, alleged rape case of Shan women

Yangon, 9 Aug - A regular press conference was held at the Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road here at 10 am today. Present were Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, 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 Htwe, President U Sao Kai Hpa and members and guests.

Deputy Head of Department of the Ministry of Defence Col San Pwint explained the conspiracies of the armed terrorist insurgents including SURA, KNU and KNPP, the opposition groups, expatriates taking refuge in some western countries and Yodaya, Yodaya-based news agencies and media of the western group in launching fabrications. He said that they are manufacturing one slanderous news report after another in connection with democracy, human rights, forced labour, narcotic drugs, national races, human trafficking and alleged rape cases against Shan women. The two so-called NGOs  Shan Human Rights Foundation and Shan Women's Action Network  issued a slanderous report under the title " License to Rape". The report said that during the period from 1996 to 2002, Myanmar soldiers raped 625 Shan women; that there were 173 rape cases in which the youngest victim was a five-year-old girl; that there were also tortures; that 25 per cent of the rape victims were killed and their bodies displayed to frighten the people; and that 61 per cent of the victims were subject to gang rapes.

Concerning the alleged cases, Yodaya media issued a news report. On 12 July 2002, Yodaya TV Channel 7 said that Shan women who were the victims of bully and rape of Myanmar soldiers were warded at Weinhin Township Hospital, Chiangmai District. When the Myanmar authorities looked into the matter, they found that only four doctors led by medical superintendent Dr Suphat Lin (a) Aik Lu and three nurses were working at the hospital; that up to 15 July there were only 12 men warded at the hospital; that the 12 men were from the SURA drug-trafficking terrorist insurgent group who were wounded during the Myanmar Tatmadaw's attack on Pangangaw and Panmaisun; that there was not a single woman patient at the hospital. It has become clearer that the SURA and the Yodaya media wish the world to have a wrong view on Myanmar. When they were making the slanderous accusations concerning the alleged rape cases, they were also creating news reports, saying that the Myanmar Tatmadaw was launching large-scale military exercises at the border.

The 13 July 2002 issue Phukyakan daily said the Eastern Command and the Triangle Region Command of the Myanmar Tatmadaw would launch war games at the places opposite Maehonsun, Chiangmai and Chiang Rai in Yodaya; that the military exercises were a big challenge to Yodaya as they coincided with 12 August; that the shells might fall on Yodaya villages; that the No 3 Army of Yodaya had already made necessary preparations to control the problem that might come out. As 12 August is the Birth Day of the Queen of Yodaya and also the Mothers Day in Yodaya, the slanderous news was reported with the intention to cause misunderstanding and problem between the two nations.

The 14 July 2002 issue The Bangkok Post daily said that the Myanmar Tatmadaw was mobilizing a large number of troops and artillery units to launch war games in the areas opposite Maehonsun, Chiangmai and Chiang Rai provinces; that it was assumed that the manoeuvres will be conducted at the end of July and the start of August before launching a large-scale military operation against SURA; that it could be the response to the Surasi 143 war games conducted by the Yodaya army; that the 13 battalions of the Myanmar Tatmadaw, tanks, armed carriers and patrol vehicles had arrived at the areas bordering Weinhin District in Chiangmai Province and Maephalaung District in Chiang Rai Province; that Wa armed groups would also take part in the manoeuvre together with the Myanmar soldiers.

On 15 July 2002, Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) radio station broadcast a fabricated news report under the heading " Air Force will take part in the manoeuvre launched by Myanmar along the Myanmar-Yodaya border ", saying that the Myanmar Air Force would participate in the coming manoeuvres; that the air bases located near the zone of the manoeuvres were making large-scale reinforcement of military aircraft and stockpiling ammunition and fuel.

The 27 July 2002 issue Daily News also featured a fabrication. The newspaper quoted the security council visiting the border as saying that the Myanmar Tatmadaw was mobilizing fighter jets, artillery pieces, military machinery and regional troops in Shan State to launch a large-scale military exercise; that the Myanmar Tatmadaw would use 50 fighters, artillery battalions, 30 light infantry regiments and local infantry battalions, and two parachute companies in its combined military exercise.

The 31 July 2002 issue Daily News featured a news report under the heading "Myanmar troops arrive Shan State to launch attack on Shan military base", that a large number of Myanmar troops arrived at Shan State on 24 and 25 July to attack the military base of Shan armed group in Monghstat Township; the Myanmar troops would launch military exercises at the area in Shan State bordering the northern region of Yodaya; that it was still uncertain whether the military exercise could be launched on the scheduled date; that the Myanmar army acknowledged the local people of Mongton that it would launch the military exercise on 12 August or on 5 October; that the Myanmar army was making arrangements to conduct compulsory military training for all boys and girls of ages between 15 and 16 in the Golden Triangle Region in Shan State.

The Yodaya military attach' had already been summoned on 1 August, and explained that the news reports saying that the Myanmar Tatmadaw would launch manoeuvres and military operations were not true. Similarly, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met with the Minister Counsellor at the Yodaya Embassy in Myanmar and informed him of the matter. Later, the media made further concoctions to hide their lies.

On 6 August 2002, BBC broadcast a news report under the title "Yodaya Foreign Minister's visit to Myanmar", quoting the Yodaya officials as confirming a report saying that the Myanmar Tatmadaw cancelled one of its regular border war games; that the border situation between Myanmar and Yodaya were about to be normalized as the Myanmar side cancelled its manoeuvre scheduled to be launched on the Yodaya Queen's Birth Day which falls on 12 August.

The 27 July 2002 Daily News featured an editorial under the title "Myanmar demands bath 60 million to open border gate", saying that the Myanmar government demanded baht 60 million to open the border gate; that the Myanmar delegation made a coordination asking the Yodaya merchants at the border to collectively pay the money; that when the Yodaya merchants said that the price was so expensive, the Myanmar side reduced the amount to baht 45 million; that agreement was reached between the two sides.

The 31 -7- 2002 issue Matichun daily featured a news article under the title "Myanmar demands payment to open border gate" to discredit Myanmar. The article said that the Myanmar side asked baht 60 million to open the Myanmar-Yodaya border gate; that if the Yodaya side did not gave response to the demand, the price might increase to baht 120 million; that any delay from the Yodaya side owing to the high price would push Myanmar to demand more. The 27 July 2002 issue Phukyakan daily quoted Maesai administrator as saying that over 100 Yodayas were arrested in Myanmar for illegally entering the country; that although it was difficult to get information about them, he was closely looking into the matter.

The Daily News published in Yodaya on 1 August carried a news report with the headline saying that Myanmar Tatmadaw arrested 13 Yodayas for gathering intelligence. The news said that up to 28 July, Myanmar Tatmadaw arrested these 13 Yodayas who stealthily sneaked into Tachilek, Myanmar; they always went to the bank of Tachilek to work; after Myanmar closed the border and they did not come back to Yodaya, Myanmar Tatmadaw arrested and kept them in custody in Kengtung Prison; they were accused of possessing narcotic drugs and gathering intelligence for Yodaya army. The true event is as follows: after Yodaya-Myanmar border problem arose on 20 May 2002 and the friendship bridge was closed, there were 19 Yodayas who were arrested. Out of 19, Sone Chai Set Ein, 40, of Samphathawon Township, Bangkok, Wi Chai Set Taya, 21, of Phatonwan Township, Bangkok, and Ohphat Pa Mut, 21, of Phakhado Township were staying at Room 106 of the Golden Triangle Hotel; when their room was searched on 7 June, about 10,000 stimulant tablets, one gun, one magazine and three bullets were seized; action is being taken against them according to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotrophic Substance Law; their case is being heard at Tachilek District Court; Wein Tun (a) Gee Saung, holding Yodaya national registration card number 357900333804, of 334/54, Ward-8, Meihi, Chiangmai District, is being charged with drug trafficking and murder.

The Yodayas in Myanmar were sent back from Kyauktaw jetty after the friendship bridge was closed. However, as the remaining 15 persons were found to have been living illegally again, action is being taken against them according to the Immigration Act. Out of these 15, Aik Chan Htan, 47, son of U Aik Kan Tein, Aik Hton Chain, 37, son of Aik Chwe, Aik Kyan Ti, 41, son of Aik Tun, Aik Kyan Pi, 33, son of Aik Pit Khapu and Aik Su Htaw, 44, son of Aik Chin, have been sentenced to five years' imprisonment under section 13/1 of the Act by Mongton Township Court. The remaining 10 persons have been kept in custody at Tachilek Police Station according to section 13/1 of the Immigration Act, and Tachilek Township Court is hearing their case.

They are Naing Sa Wat, 51, son of Naing Hmat, Ward-7, Mae Sai, Zin Phone, 45, son of Naing Mi Yan, Nanson Ward, Siman, Sun Khit, 44, son of Naing Hon, Nansun Ward, Siman, Naing Hlyan, 22, son of Naing Laung, Nansun, Siman, Naing Phi Htat, 21, son of Naing Pi Loh, Nansun Ward, Siman, Naing Wan Pyin, 24, son of U Naing Rai, Nansun Ward, Siman, Naing Pati, 25, son of Sai Sutit, Nansun Ward, Siman, Naing Nalon, 24, Nansun Ward, Siman, Aik Sao, 42, son of Inn Khan, Maiswe, and Ar Phai, 49, son of Naing Khan, Titsaphan, Chaingrai.

The purpose of giving an explanation is to make known to all the fact that SURA, KNU, KNPP, terrorist insurgents, opposition groups and Yodaya media are continuously spreading concocted news with the intention of misleading the world, discrediting Myanmar and fomenting border problems. Director-General of the Directorate of Road Transport under the Ministry of Rail Transportation U Hla Thaung Myint explained the matters related to the rumour that small and old vehicles which have been registered for over 20 years would be sent to districts. He said that there is no plan to send to districts any vehicles which have been registered in Yangon Division; this rumour is not true; the vehicles which have been registered for over 20 years are very old; as they have been used for a long time, it is found that the level of their capacity has decreased; when these old cars are driven in the city of Yangon, they produce a lot of smoke and it can cause air pollution; moreover, they break down and move very slowly on busy streets, traffic congestion occurs and car accidents happen; this matter has been put forward at the meetings of the traffic discipline maintenance supervisory committee every month with the aim of reducing the number of accidents in the city of Yangon.

There were 111,683 registered vehicles all over Myanmar in 1982; there are 474,930 registered vehicles up to July, 2002. Therefore, 363,067 vehicles have increased for a period of over 20 years. The number of vehicles which have been registered has increased by 324.6%. There are 152,916 registered vehicles in Yangon Division including 145,545 in the municipal area of Yangon and 7,371 out of that area. The above-mentioned matter was discussed at the 96th meeting of the traffic discipline maintenance supervisory committee on 5 August 2002 to prevent accidents in Yangon, to make sure that the city has typical characteristics of a capital, to ensure secure and smooth transport, to ease traffic congestion in the streets of Yangon and to prevent an increase in the number of old vehicles; the meeting decided to put forwards to the management committee of the Ministry of Rail Transportation the matter of not allowing vehicles which have been registered in districts for over 20 years to enter Yangon.

The matter was presented to the management committee of the Ministry of Rail Transportation on 24 April 2002. As the committee gave permission, an order was issued to state, division and district offices not to allow vehicles such as saloon, van, station wagon, light van, pickup and microbus which have been registered for over 20 years to register to enter the municipal area of Yangon. This measure is not to send the vehicles in Yangon to districts but to prevent an increase in the number of vehicles from districts in Yangon. Instructions have been given to state/division and district offices to pin the order on the notice board. There are 45 townships in Yangon Division. Thirty-three townships are inside Yangon municipal area and twelve townships are outside. Altogether 9,269 vehicles have been registered in Yangon Division; they include 8,342 registered vehicles in Yangon municipal area and 927 registered vehicles outside the municipal area. There are 17,370 vehicles which have been registered for over 20 years in other states and divisions. To inform the public of the rules and regulations concerning vehicle registration and to dispel rumours, the questions about the matter are being answered by phone or in person; moreover, interviews and articles are also stated in journals. The vehicles which have been registered for over 20 years include up to the vehicle with number plate Nagyi/1735. However, the Ministry of Rail Transportation has reduced the number of the vehicles down to Nya/9999. It is not that these vehicles are not allowed to enter Yangon Division. They are not allowed to enter only Yangon municipal area. This measure does not restrict the vehicles from entering Yangon Division. They are allowed to register outside Yangon municipal area; the measure is aimed at reducing the number of vehicles which are going into and out of Yangon. Then, the Press conference ended at 10.35 am.

( 4 )   Trial run for broadcasting of surgical operation of conjoined twins

Yangon, 9 Aug-Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, accompanied by Deputy Minister Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, the directors-general of department under the Ministry of Health and officials, inspected trial run for broadcasting of preparations for the surgical operation of the conjoined twins sisters in Mandalay with the use of Satellite Link & Broad Band Wireless System at the meeting hall of the National Health Committee at the Ministry of Health on Pyidaunghsu Yeiktha Street here this afternoon.

Arrangements are being made to enable the medical students in Yangon to view and study the surgical operation of conjoined twins sisters Moe Ma Ma Aung and Moe Pa Pa Aung to be done at Mandalay General Hospital on 11 August by broadcasting it live. In the process, the minister contacted the MGH asking the condition of the operation with the use of Video Conferencing and attended to the needs. The operation is jointly organized with Bagan Cybertech. The minister through the camera to broadcast the operation live assembled at the meeting hall contacted Director-General Dr Kyi Soe who was at MGH and officials for preparations being made to ensure the successful operation and requirements. The latter responded to the former.

The minister called on the officials to make earnest efforts as the operation will play a key role in the medical history and added the State will provide necessary assistance and all the people wish success of the operation. Under the programme, the physicians and medical students in Yangon will view and study the broadcast-live operation and the physicians in Mandalay who are doing the operation will lecture the salients points of the operation to the former.

( 5 ) Meeting on development of industrial zones held

Yangon, 9 Aug - A meeting on development of industrial zones of Myanma Industrial Development Committee was held at the training hall of the Ministry of Industry-1 this afternoon.

First, the chairman of MIDC made a speech. He said arrangements were being made to hold Myanma Industrial Exhibition in Mandalay from 6 to 12 January in 2003 and objectives of the exhibition were promotion of industrial development in all sectors of Myanmar based on the market-oriented economic system; development of industrial products and production of new items, participation of the industrial sector as a driving force in the implementation of four economic objectives of the State; promotion of the export market and building a new modern developed nation by industrialization. Then, Secretary of MIDC Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Win of the Ministry of Industry-1 explained formation of committees for industrial exhibitions and discussions and arrangements made for the exhibitions. Minister U Aung Thaung, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Deputy Minister for Transport U Pe Than and members of industrial zone management committees also took part in the discussions. Chairman of MIDC U Aung Thaung gave instructions.

Minister attends cash donation ceremony

Yangon, 9 Aug - Central Executive Committee member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association In-charge of Bago Division Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, accompanied by officials, viewed the work carried out for proper drainage by members of USDA, Red Cross Society and Fire Brigade, staff of the Border Areas Development Department and the local people in Panhlaing and Nyaungwaing Wards in Bago this morning and fulfilled the requirements.

Then, the minister and party proceeded to Kyaik-padaing Shwe Dagonlay Pagoda, where the minister and wife donated K 1 million to the fund of offering electric lights to the pagoda through the Sayadaw of Shwe Dagonlay Pagoda. Afterwards, the minister inspected the site chosen for a tube-well in the compound of Saiti monastery in Saiti Village and attended to the needs. In the afternoon, the minister and wife Daw Nyunt Nyunt Lwin presented K 1 million donated by the Ministry of Rail Transportation for the trust fund of Kyakhatwaing Pariyatti Sar-thintaik in Bago to the Sayadaw of the Sarthintaik. Wellwishers also presented donations including K 200,000 each by Myanma Railways, U Kyaw Win of Shwe Tharaphu Co, K 100,000 each by the Road Transport Administration Department, the Transport Planning Department, Road Transport, U Than Myint of Aye Yeik Mon Co, U Soe Myint of MFF Co and K 500,000 by U Toe Aung Cho of Hsaung Heyman Co. In the evening, the minister and party inspected all-round renovation of Maha Zetidaw in Bago and attended to the requirements.

Yangon, 9 Aug - Persons who rendered assistance in the respective sectors for successful observance of the 35th ASEAN Day on a grand scale were honoured at the National Museum today. The Ministry of Culture sponsored the ASEAN Day under the leadership of the ASEAN Steering Committee. Present at the ceremony were Chairman of the Central Committee to Observe the ASEAN Day Minister for Culture U Tin Winn, Vice-Chairman Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, directors-general, deputy directors-general, the rector of University of Culture (Yangon), directors, officials of the ASEAN committees, staff of embassies of ASEAN nations who took part in holding the ASEAN Day and guests. In his address, the minister thanked the persons who had taken part in observance of the ASEAN Day in the respective sectors. The minister and the deputy minister presented certificates of honour to the leaders of the bodies which took part in the ceremony.