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

Yangon, 1 Sept - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Mikulus Dzurinda, Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, on the occasion of the National Day of the Slovak Republic which falls on 1st September 2002.

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( 2 )  Secretary-1 attends cornerstone-laying ceremony for new building of Mandalarama Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Thanlyin, inspects regional development tasks in Kyauktan

Yangon, 31 Aug - A ceremony to lay cornerstones for construction of Sartaikkon Pariyatti Paripatti three-storey building of Mandalarama Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Thanlyin, Yangon South District, was held at the site to construct the building at 7.30 am today, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. 

The ceremony commenced with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Then, Staff Officer of Yangon Division Religious Affairs Department U San Thin Hlaing read out the stone inscription. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 put the casket with nine different kinds of gems at the centre of the foundation. At the auspicious time, the Secretary-1, the ministers and the deputy ministers laid cornerstones at respective places at the same time. After that, the Secretary-1 laid the stone plaque in the middle of the foundation.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party sprinkled scented water on the cornerstones. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the successful completion of the ceremony. Later, the cash donations presentation ceremony followed at Mandalayama Dhamma Beikman. Taikoat Sayadaw of Alodawpyi Kyaungtaik Bhaddanta Sucittabhivamsa administered the Five Precepts to the congregation. Members of the Sangha recited parittas. Then, the Secretary-1 and party presented offertories to the Sayadaws.

Next, wellwishers presented K 6,261,560 for construction of Sartaikkon Pariyatti Paripatti three-story building K 500,000 donated by Alodawpyi Sayadaw presented; K 500,000 by Pazundaung Shwe Phone Pwint Sayadaw Bhaddanta Byamasiri (Yangon); K 500,000 each by U SanTin-Daw San Mya Oo and family and Daw Sein Tha Phyu family; K 450,000 by Daw Sein Kyi and family; K 350,000 by Daw Myat Thin Shein and family; K 300,000 by U Shwe Tha-Daw Kyin Ti and family; and K 3,161,560 by others to the Secretary-1. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sucittabhivamsa delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained.

After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party went to Kyaikpadagyi Hsindawshin Pagoda all-round construction site in Kyauktan Township, Yangon South District. At the briefing hall, the Secretary-1 paid respect to U Soe Shein at the age of 101, of No 38, Strand Road, Eastern Ward, Kyauktan, and spoke words of encouragement to him. Then, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko reported on progress of construction of the pagoda, the scale model of Dagundaing to be put up in the pagoda precinct, axis of entrance lane to the pagoda, construction of the wall, arrangements made for planting Bodhi trees and construction of four prayer halls, Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council Office A Arnt Maung on organizing ceremony to hoist Htidaw atop Kyaikpadagyi Hsandawshin Pagoda, wellwisher Chairman of Yuzana Construction Group U Htay Myint on construction of religious edifices including the entrance lane and prayer halls, Myanmar handicraft designer U Hla Kywe on Dagundaing Myanmar artistic works, and Mandalay Thein Zaw on composing of religious songs on the pagoda.

The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions, which brought the ceremony to an end. Then, the Secretary-1 paid reverence to Buddha images in the temporary prayer hall. The Secretary-1 chose the site for construction of a Dagundaing and left instructions on construction of the prayer hall of the eastern stairway. The Secretary-1 inspected the axis for entrance lane of the eastern stairway. Next, the Secretary-1 inspected the ancient ordination hall near the pagoda and sought Ovada from the Sayadaws, and then gave instructions on renovation of the pagoda.

The Secretary-1 and party paid homage to the Padagyi Ngahtatgyi Pagoda and presented cash donations for the pagoda. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 paid respect to the Shwehtidaw to be hoisted atop the pagoda. Later, the Secretary-1 went to the basic education primary school of Padagyi Model Village in the township and fulfilled the requirements of construction of school buildings. The Secretary-1 also attended to the needs for the village development. Then, the Secretary-1 presented 210 exercise books and 35 dozens of pencils donated by wellwishers to Myanmar Education Council, to each of 204 schoolboys and schoolgirls of the primary school.

The Secretary-1 presented a presented a TV set and a viedo set for the school. The Secretary-1 proceeded to the Padagyi Model Village rural health care centre (branch) and attended to the needs for extended construction of the health care centre. The Secretary-1 presented medicines and cash assistance for the centre to nurse Daw Amy Win in-charge of the clinic. Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the primary school being opened by Village Maternal and Child Welfare Association.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions on construction of a new primary school and presented cash assistance for the construction. After that, the Secretary-1 inspected the Thauktaw (water resource used for drinking), which was used by successive kings of Pada Nation over 2,000 years ago, and gave instructions to the officials on cleanliness of the compound of the Thauktaw. The secretary-1 and party paid homage to ancient Hsutaungpyi Parda MyoU Pagoda. Then, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the rural health care centre in Myaingthaya Kwethit, Kyauktan Township, and the Secretary-1 made arrangements for the availability of water in Myaingthaya rural health care centre and day-care nurseries.

The Secretary-1 donated cash to the nurseries founded by Ward Maternal and Child Welfare Associations and medicines to the rural health care centre in Myaingthaya. Then, the Secretary-1 and party left there in the morning.

Secretary-1 inspects nationalities village construction project in Thakayta Township

Yangon, 31 Aug - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by ministers, deputy ministers, the vice-mayor, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department and officials, arrived at the construction site of nationalities village project of the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs in Thakayta Township this morning.

The Secretary-1 took part in the discussions. He said arrangements were made for implementation of a nationalities village project portraying the reality and essence of the Union of Myanmar where different national races reside in the amicable atmosphere. Firstly, Pyidaungsu Ayeyeiknyein reflecting the traditional customs of different national races was constructed in People's Square and People's Park, he said.

Next, the typical houses of nationalities were built on the land which is shaped like the map of the Union of Myanmar in the People's Square and People's Park, he added. In order to widely display culture and customs of national races, arrangements were made to construct a major nationalities village in Thakayta Township, he said. He also said arrangements were made for creation of natural surroundings and construction of cultural buildings which are significant features of the regions of different national races in the Union. The nationalities village is to be constructed with natural and cultural symbols such as Indawgyi Lake or Mt Khakaborazi in Kachin State, Innlay Lake in Shan State, Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda in Mon State and Zwegabin hill in Kayin State, he said.

He said typical houses depicting the nature of the nationalities in different regions would be built and arrangements are being made to display culture, customs, ways of living, arts and handicrafts and modes of dress, he added. He said the nationalities village is being built to enable national youths to study the village so that they can vividly realize the nature and essence of the Union where national races live in unity and Union Spirit and the spirit of national solidarity can be further strengthened. He called on officials concerned to take systematic measures for successful implementation of the lofty aims of the project that reflect the essence of the Union.

Next, the Secretary-1 inspected construction of typical houses of Rakhine, Bamar, Kayin, Mon, Chin, Kachin, Shan and Kayah nationalities in the respective villages and their traditional household goods. The Secretary-1 then gave instructions. In the afternoon, the Secretary-1 and party left the construction site.

( 3 ) Achievement in enrolment of all school-age children for year 2002 honoured in Taninthayi Division

Yangon, 31 Aug - A ceremony to honour the achievement in enrolment of all school-age children for year 2002 in Taninthayi Division was held in conjunction with a ceremony to present prizes to outstanding students at No 3 Basic Education High School, Dawei in Taninthayi Division yesterday with an address by member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence.

Maj-Gen Maung Bo made a speech on the occasion. He said that as it is known to all, the government is redoubling its efforts for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation after laying down the 12 political, economic and social objectives. In accord with the guidance of Chairman of State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, measures are being taken for development of highly-qualified human resources and regional human resources in the basic education sector beginning 2000-2001 fiscal year.

Those measures are being undertaken with the aim of turning out intellectuals and intelligentsia. Only when more intellectuals and intelligentsia emerge, will the nation develop, he said and urged students to pay serious attention in the study to become outstanding technicians on whom the State can rely.

Then, Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye spoke. Then, Director-General U Saw Lwin of Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar) reported on matters being taken for education sector. Next, Taninthayi Division Education Officer U Thaung Sein reported on matters related to the ceremonies. Then, Maung Aung Ko Thet of Kyauktwin Village, Launglon Township, and Ma Ei Ei Phyo of Thayetpintet Village in Panpin-in Village-tract spoke words of thanks for their access to school under the programme of the enrolment of all school aged children.

This was followed by cash donation ceremony. Maj-Gen Maung Bo, Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye and Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein accepted the donations K 700,000 by the school board of trustees; K 500,000 by U Kyaw Myint of Kanaingda Village in Dawei Township; K 500,000 by U Aung Theik of Dawei; a TV set worth K 370,000 by Managing Director U Kin Sein of Annawa Soe Moe Trading; K 100,000 by U Ahmee of Myanmar Sunrise Co; K 100,000 by U Zaw Lwin of Dawei; K 100,000 by U Kyaw Thet of Dawei and K 100,000 by U Htay Win of Wekyun Ward, Dawei. Next, Director-General U Saw Lwin and Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein presented prizes to outstanding students for 2002 academic year.

Then, Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye presented prizes to the school heads of Dawei No 1 BEHS, Yebyu BEHS and Lower Yebyu affiliated BEHS in Launglon Township that stood third, second and first in pass-rate. Then, on behalf of the prize winning students, an outstanding student spoke words of thanks which brought the ceremony to a close.

Maj-Gen Maung Bo inspects development tasks in Dawei

Yangon, 31 Aug - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence, left here by air and arrived at Dawei at 7.30 am on 30 August.

Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party were welcomed at the Dawei Airport by Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen Tha Aye and senior military officers, divisional level departmental officials and officials of social organizations. Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party, accompanied by the commander and departmental officials, proceeded to Dawei Railway Station by car. Maj-Gen Maung Bo inspected the station and gave instructions on sanitation and beautifying tasks for the station and the surrounding areas.

Then, Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party went to Khamaunghla Dam project near Maungmeshaung Village on Ye-Dawei railroad. Deputy Director of Taninthayi Division Irrigation Department U Khin Swe reported on preliminary survey of the project. The commander reported on arrangements for the project. Then, Maj-Gen Maung Bo heard a report on the prospects of irrigating 4,000-acre summer paddy and generation of 2.5 megawatts of hydro-electric power by expanding the water supply canals of the dam presented by the commander and fulfilled the requirements. Khamaunghla Dam will be 75 feet high and 1,660 feet long. It will have an earthen embankment and can hold 45,000 acre-feet of water. It can irrigate 2,000 acres of land and supply 12.5 million gallons of drinking water for 500,000 people every day.

Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party went to the site chosen for construction of Dawei Government Technological College and the Government Computer College on Ye-Dawei motor road between Dawei and Yebyu Townships. Chairman of Dawei Township Peace and Development Council U Aung Kyaw Oo reported on the selection of the site. Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye gave a supplementary report. Then, Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions.

Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party went to Thabyechaung village-tract in Dawai Township on Ye-Dawei motor road. They observed the spraying of EM fertilizer in 300 acres of fields which belong to 72 farmers. Manager of Dawei District Myanma Agriculture Service U Than Tun reported on arrangements to grow paddy and other crops on 300 acres of model fields in Thabyechaung village in Dawei Township in 2002-2003 and the use of EM fertilizer and EM liquid. Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on the growing of paddy of quality strain, use of EM fertilizer and EM liquid and cultivation of crops, and had a cordial meeting with local farmers.

Afterwards, Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected the fish, pig and duck breeding farms Dawei Station and Shwewaiaye Rice Mill and gave instructions. Next, Maj-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected arrangements to open multimedia classrooms at the affiliated basic education high school in Nyaungyantaung, Dawei Station. Maj-Gen Maung Bo called on all to cooperate in opening the multimedia classrooms.

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

Yangon, 1 Sept - U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Eduard Kukan, Foreign Minister of the Slovak Republic, on the occasion of the National Day of the Slovak Republic which falls on 1st September 2002.

Minister for Foreign Affairs leaves for South Africa

Yangon, 31 Aug - Chairman of the National Commission for Environmental Affairs and Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung left for South Africa today to attend the high-level segment of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) to be held from 2 to 4 September in Johannesburg.

Minister U Win Aung was seen off at Yangon International Airport by Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Lt-Gen Min Thein, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Mr Patrice Coeur Bizot, Resident Coordinator, United Nations Development Programme and the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. U Naing Htun, Director, Myanmar Missions Abroad Department, accompanied the minister. The Environment Summit is held every ten years since 1972 to review the state of the world environment and to set concrete tasks for the future for protecting the Earth and the Environment.

The present summit is the fourth of its kind and will be attended by the Heads of States, Ministers responsible for the environment, representatives from UN bodies, international organizations, NGOs and multi-stakeholders. A political declaration and Plan of implementation of Agenda 21 are to be adopted at the summit. Myanmar delegation to the summit also includes Ambassador of Myanmar to Pretoria, U Tin Latt, Director-General of the Consular, International Law and Treaties Department U Thane Myint, Director of the National Commission for Environment Affairs Daw Yin Yin Lay and the Minister-Counsellor of Myanmar Embassy in Pretoria U Hla Myint. They are attending the Summit which began on 26 August.

( 5 ) Minister inspects unloading of imported machinery

Yangon, 31 Aug - Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin inspected the unloading of machinery imported form India from Mandalay vessel of Myanma Five Star Line at Bo Aung Kyaw jetty at 5 pm today.

Director-General U Khin Maung of the Ministry of Industry-2, Managing Director U Soe Thein of Myanma Automobile and Diesel Engine Industries and Managing Director U Khin Maung Kyi and officials of Myanma Five Star Line reported on arrangement for the transportation of machinery from the ship to Indakaw Industrial Zone.

The minister gave necessary instructions. Today's arrival , packed in 1756 boxes inside 14 containers, were out of the machinery purchased from India and worth over US$ 700,000.The machinery are to be installed in the ball-bearing factory, iron smelting workshop and power distribution station in Indakaw Industrial Zone.

Minister U Tin Winn inspects departmental work in Mandalay Division

Yangon, 31 Aug - Minister for Culture U Tin Winn, accompanied by Director-General of the Department of Archaeology U Nyunt Han and Director-General of the Fine Arts Department U Kyaw Win, inspected U Pein Bridge with the length of 7.8 furlongs and 1,086 posts in Amarapura Township, Mandalay Division, donated by clerk U Pein in 1211 ME and instructed the officials to maintain the bridge.

The minister then inspected Amarapura city wall and entrance, Amarapura Era Menei Lake and the indigo factory, Nanmyint (the watch tower of the palace) donated by King Bodaw Mintaya in 1145 ME and Shwetaiktaw and gave instructions to the officials on preserving the ancient cultural edifices. Afterwards, the minister visited Thanthaykatkyaw Pagoda built in the reign of King Bodaw Mintaya and inspected excavation of the platform at the pagoda and stone inscriptions which date back to 697 and 716 ME.

Then, Minister for Labour U Tin Winn met with doctors, nurses, officers and staff of divisional level Inland Freight Handling Committee at the Workers' Hospital of Mandalay Social Security Board and urged them to strive for discharging duties assigned. The minister then inspected round the hospital and comforted the patients.

( 6 ) USDA Executives Management Multiplier Course concludes

Yangon, 31 Aug - The conclusion ceremony of Executives Management Multiplier Course No 2 of the Union Solidarity and Development Association organized by Yangon (South) District USDA was held at the district USDA office in Thanlyin this morning. Central Executive Committee member of USDA Col Tin Hlaing made a speech. Also present were secretaries and executive committee members of division/district/township level USDAs, local authorities, members of social organizations and the trainees. The CEC member and the secretary of the division USDA presented prizes to the outstanding trainees. The secretary of the district USDA presented completion certificates to the trainees.