( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends message of congratulations to President of Bangladesh

Yangon, 9 Sept - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of congratulations to His Excellency Dr Iajuddin Ahmed, President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh on his assumption of the high office of the President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

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( 2 ) Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than inspects development of Toungoo, Ottwin, Kyaukkyi

Yangon, 9 Sept - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, left here by air on 7 September morning for Toungoo.

Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Aung Min, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Thura Maung Ni, Brig-Gen Thura Myint Thein of Toungoo Station and officials. Accompanied by Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min and officials, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party arrived at Hinngokpin Camp of Kanbawza Pathfinder Industries Ltd which is constructing the Zeyawady-Yedashe road section between mile posts 146 and 194 on Yangon-Mandalay 6-lane Union Highway in Ottwin Township.

Chief Engineer U Bom Kyi reported on road construction, progress of work, maintenance of bridges and future tasks. The commander gave a supplementary report. Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave necessary instructions and inspected progress of construction tasks on Toungoo-Ottwin section. Afterwards, they inspected Minye cashew plantation being undertaken by Myanmar Singapore Plantation Ltd (MSPL) in Ottwin Township. Plantation Manager U Win Tin and officials reported on implementation of the cashew planting project. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party viewed samples of cashew seeds and inspected thriving of the plantation.

Next, they proceeded to Minye Dam near Mine village, western of Kywepwe village in Ottwin Township and inspected the spillway, the conduit and the sluice gate of the dam. At the briefing hall, Assistant Director U Zaw Htut Oo of Toungoo District Irrigation Department reported on facts about the dam, water supply and cultivation of summer paddy. The commander gave a supplementary report. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on the water supply system and cultivation of summer paddy and sugarcane in the irrigated areas. On 9 September morning, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party, accompanied by Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and officials, saw over the site for construction of Bawgata Dam project near Muthe village in Kyaukkyi Township. Director-General U Kyaw San Win of ID reported on location of the project and aims and facts of the project.

The commander and the minister gave supplementary reports. Bawgata Dam is located on Bawgata Creek, 11 miles from Kyaukkyi. The project will be implemented with the aims of storing water from Bawgata Creek in the 1,800 feet long and 230 feet high dam and generating 500 million kilo-watt hours annually. On completion of the project, the dam will contribute towards development of the region. Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party arrived back here by air.

( 3 ) MNCWA meets Kawkareik District, Myawady District and Kawkareik Township WCWAs

Yangon, 9 Sept - Member of the Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs and the Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs leader of the Field Study Group Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, accompanied by officials, left Hpa-an in Kayin State, for Kawkareik in Kawkareik District and arrived there on 7 September morning.

Leader of the Field Study Group Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and members of the Women's Affairs Work Committee attended coordination meeting of MNWCWA and Kawkareik District, Myawady District and Kawkareik Township Women's Affairs Work Committees at Township Hall on Panchan Road in Kawkareik Township.

Present were Brig-Gen Khin Maung Soe of local station, chairmen of Kayin State, District and Township Peace and Development Councils and members, departmental officials, International Committee of the Red Cross, members of War Veterans Organization, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, the chairmen of Kayin State/District/Township Women's Affairs Work Committee and members, members of Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigades, nurses, students and local national races totaling 560.

Secretary of MNCWA and MNWCWA Director-General U Sit Myaing of Social Welfare Department introduced members of MNWCWA to those present.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe explained the purpose of the field trip. She said the Union is home to over 130 national races. Now, insurgents and a group of unscrupulous persons cooked up fabrications, trying to disintegrate the Union that is developing due to cooperative efforts of the State and national brethren. So, we are to be united. All are to strive for non-disintegration of the Union as well as to cherish the State. Some people, thinking highly of other countries, went abroad for work.

But the condition did not come up to their expectations and they got into trouble. Officials of WCWA at different levels are conducting educative talks for youths in order not to be misled . The group was there to learn true current situations and to help, meet and hold discussions with girls in the states. Officials from the work committees at different levels and local authorities are to undertake appropriate measures for the young girls from border townships and rural areas not to get into trouble.

Then, deputy leader of the field study group member of MNCWA and Vice-Chairperson of MNWCWA Professor Dr Daw May May Yi explained new organizational set-up of MNWCWA. She explained the new structure of the MNCWA. There are two work committees under the committee the Work Committee for Women's Affairs Development and the Work Committee for Preventing of Trafficking in Persons. The latter was established on 17-7-2002 and it is related to the sector of prevention of violence against women and rehabilitation. Moreover, the work committee is under the Ministry of Home Affairs and work committees for women's affairs at different levels are to cooperate with respective organizations.

Next, leader of the education group Professor Daw Khin Aye Win and leader of the health group Dr Daw Moe Moe Khaing explained matters related to their sectors. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe then explained the tasks in connection with the violence against women and with the illegal trafficking in women and children.

Afterwards, leader of the economic affairs group Daw Sein Sein, leader of the culture group Daw Thein Thein Nyunt, leader of the information and communication group Daw Mya Mya, leader of the international communications Professor Daw Yi Yi Myint, on behalf of the leader of the environmental conservation, leader of the girls and adult group Daw Khin Myo Myint and leader of the legal affairs and consultation group Daw Aye Aye Kyi explained matters related to their sectors.

Afterwards, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented medicines donated by the Ministry of Health and exercise books donated by MNCWA to Kawkareik BEHS-1 Headmistress Daw Kyin Kyin Win and Kawkareik District People's Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Thant Zin. The coordination meeting came to a close at 11.30 am.

After the ceremony, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe cordially greeted those present and viewed documentary photos displayed in the room.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party paid homage and presented offertories to Presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sasana of Dhammasukha monastery in Kyondoe in Kawkareik Township. In the evening, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe met Women's Affairs Committee of the neighbouring villages at the Dhammayon there.

Also present were members of District and Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials, members of USDA, WVO, Village WCWA, MCWA, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigades, nurses, townselders and local people numbering 400.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe explained the purpose of the field trip and presented medicines donated by the Ministry of Health and exercise books donated by MNCWA to Kyondoe BEPS-1 Acting Headmistress Daw Thin Kyu and Dr Tin Win of Kyondoe Station Hospital Members of MNCWA and Village WCWA, townselders and local people held discussions in friendly atmosphere.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party then proceeded to Nyeinchanyay Ywathit (Phayagon Village) in Hpa-an Township where Phado Aung San and wife welcomed them. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe met members of WCWAs from villages and local people.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe made a speech. She said it was heartening to see that the national groups were striving for development of the region hand in hand with the Government. After formation of a separate ministry for development of border areas and social life of national races, the government is making efforts for narrowing development gap between states and plain regions. Officials, members of WCWAs, MCWAs and NGOs are to strive for preventing the incidents in which girls from border and rural areas who, thinking highly of other countries, worked in other countries and got into trouble there, she said. Then, she presented medicines donated by the Ministry of Health and exercise books donated by MNCWA to Nyeinchanyay Ywathit (Phayagon Village) Post-Primary School Headmistress Daw Naw Balu May and Health Staff Daw Nan Saw Myint.

Next, WCWA member Phado Aung San's wife Daw Naw May Yi presented a flower basket to Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe. Director-General of the Information and Public Relations Enterprise U Chit Naing presented 200 magazines for opening a village library to Leader of the village Phado Aung San.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party arrived back at Annawa Guest House of South-East Command in the evening. The Mon State Peace and Development Council Chairman South-East Command Commander and wife hosted a dinner in honour of the group led by Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe at the hall of the command.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party, the deputy commander, the Kayin State Peace and Development Council Chairman and wife, senior military officers, departmental heads and invited guests attended the dinner. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party, together with the commander and wife and officials, visited Maha Myat Muni Image, Hsandawshin Kyaikthanlan Pagoda and U Khandhi Maha Myat Muni Hsutaungpyay Image in Mawlamyine and arrived back here yesterday morning.

( 4 ) Minister inspects cooperative work in Bago Division

Yangon, 9 Sept - Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, accompanied by departmental officials, at 9 am on 7 September arrived at Kantaya fish breeding cooperative society in Letpadan Township, Bago Division, where Chairman of Thayawady District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Ohn Myint, the chairman of the society and officials welcomed them.

At the briefing hall, Chairman of the society U Kyaw Kyaw reported to the minister on tasks being carried out and future tasks. The minister then gave necessary instructions and inspected Kantaya fish breeding ponds. Next, the minister and party inspected Shwe Lun Byan weaving production cooperative society in Paungde Township where they were welcomed by Chairman of Bago Division (West) Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Soe Nwe and officials. At the meeting hall of the township Cooperative Department, the minister met chairmen of township cooperative societies, departmental personnel and explained facts about and objectives of the cooperatives.

The minister and party proceeded to Chanmyae general business cooperative society Ltd (Innma) in Thegon Township and gave instructions after hearing reports made by officials. They then inspected Shwe Theingi weaving producers cooperative society. The minister formally opened Shwe Theingi traditional medicine clinic. Then, the minister and party inspected Lawka Pala special clinic of Aung Myanmar health care cooperative society in Pyay and edible oil production process at Laykyun Mandaing edible oil factory of No 3 Wholesaler Cooperative Society and manufacturing of machine parts of the factory.

The minister attended and addressed the coordination meeting on cooperatives development at Khittaya, Yadana City Hall, Pyay, yesterday. Also present at the meeting were Chairman of Bago Division (West) Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Soe Nwe, Chairman of Pyay District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Khin Win, Director of the Cooperative Department U Kyaw Thein, Managing Director of Central Cooperative Society U Kyi Tint, Chairman of Cooperative Development Bank U Hla Kyu, the deputy director of Bago Division Cooperative Department. At the meeting, the minister explained tasks being carried out by the Ministry of Cooperatives and objectives of cooperatives.

The minister then made a speech. Then, U Kyi Tint and U Hla Kyu explained progress of work and banking procedures. The deputy director of Bago Division Cooperative Department explained condition of cooperative tasks being carried out in Bago Division (West). Afterwards, those present took part in the discussions. The minister then gave instructions on opening of camps for breeding fingerlings, construction of feedstuffs factory and extension of the acreage of fish ponds.

Junior Engineer-2 (Civil) course opens

Yangon, 9 Sept - The opening ceremony of the course on Junior Engineer-2 (Civil) of Public Works was held at the Central Training School in Thuwunna this morning. Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun gave a speech and cordially conversed with the trainees. A total of 31 trainees are attending the 11-week course.

10th SEAMEO RIHED Governing Board Meeting begins

Yangon, 9 Sept - A ceremony to open the 10th SEAMEO RIHED Governing Board Meeting, hosted by Myanmar, was held at the Diamond Jubilee Hall at 9 am today.

Present were Minister for Education U Than Aung, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and the chairman of the SEAMEO RIHED Governing Board and delegates of member countries Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, the director from the SEAMEO Secretariat, the director and staff of the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Higher Education and Development-RIHED, directors-general and chairmen of departments and boards, rectors and guests.

At the ceremony, Minister for Education U Than Aung delivered an opening address. Then, SEAMEO RIHED Governing Board Chairman Dr Varodej Chandarasorn, Director of SEAMEO Secretariat Dr Arief S Sadiman and Director of RIHED Dr Padoongchart Suwana-wongse and Rector of the University of Yangon Dr Soe Yin gave speeches. . Then, the 10th SEAMEO RIHED Governing Board Meeting commenced and the first day-session was concluded in the evening.

Altogether 23 delegates one from Brunei, one from Cambodia, one from Laos, two from Malaysia, one from Myanmar, one from the Philippines, five from Thailand, one from Vietnam, the director of the SEAMEO Secretariat, the director and six staff of RIHED are attending the meeting. The meeting continues tomorrow.

F&R Minister attends opening of loan course

Yangon, 9 Sept - Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein made an address at the opening ceremony of the loan course No (1/2002) for managers of branches of Township Myanma Economic Bank under the ministry at the training hall of No 1 Myanma Economic Bank (Branch-1) on Pensodan Street at 9 am today.

A total of 50 trainees are attending the course which lasts lasts up to 27 September. Next, the minister together with officials inspected the lectures of the Basic Banking Service Course No (1/2002) sponsored by Myanmar Banks Association at Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank on Merchant Street and met with the trainees from the private banks.

( 5 ) Cash donations for Performing Arts Competitions held

Yangon, 9 Sept -Wellwishers donated cash to Finance Sub-committee of the Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions at the city hall here this afternoon. Chairman of the Leading Committee for holding the Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe accepted the donations.

The wellwishers donated K 3,665,000 including K 1 million donated by Myanmar Music Asiayon for the second time, K 100,000 by Myanma Thabin Asiayon, K 1 million by City Bank, K 900,000 by AWB Bank, K 400,000 by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, K 100,000 by the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraph. K 100,000 by Golden Dragon Co for the second time, K 100,000 by Myanmar Rice Millers Association, K 100,000 by Rice Merchant Association, K 100,000 by U Nyein-Daw Ohn Kyin (OK Rice Brokerage), K 100,000 by Yoma Bank and K 100,000 by the Union of Myanmar Travel Association.

The commander and officials accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to the donors. Next, the commander thanked the donors. A total of K 27,780,200 have been received so far.

Commander inspects development of beach in Kayan Township

Yangon, 9 Sept - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, went to Kayan Township, Yangon South District, on 8 September afternoon and inspected development of the beach in the township.

First, the commander and party arrived in Kayan where they were welcomed by Yangon South District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Sein Hlaing and officials. Then, the commander and party left Kayan for Bogale Hsingyun village by boat. Patron of Yangon Division Union Solidarity and Development Association Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe met with USDA members of Bogale Hsingyun, Yekyaw and Palu villages and explained the implementation of five rural development tasks in accord with the guidance of the Head of State and emphasis to be laid on the agricultural sector.

Then, the commander heard reports on requirements of regional development presented by the Bogale Hsingyun Ward Peace and Development Council Chairman and local people. The commander attended to their needs. Next, the commander inspected thriving paddy plantations surrounding the village and left there in the afternoon.

Commander attends prize presentation ceremony for Boxing Tournament

Yangon, 9 Sept - A ceremony to present prizes for the Commander's Championship Shield Boxing Tournament and its final event was held at Hline Gymnasium in Yangon West District at 3 pm today, attended by Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe who presented the Championship Shield to the winner.

At first, the athletes competed in final event of boxing. Station commanders and commanding officers of battalions and units presented the first and second prizes to the winners of novice classes, C class, B class and A class in the tournament and Commander of No 3 Military Region Col Yan Naing Oo, the best boxer awards in novice class and C class, Commander of No 1 Military Region Col Khin Maung Soe, Championship Shield for the novice class to Hmawby Station, Commander of No 4 Military Region Brig-Gen Myo Myint, prizes and Championship Shields for C class to Defence Services Self-Defence and Sports Institute and Mingaladon Station Commander Col Win Naung, souvenirs to the referees of Myanmar Boxing Federation.

Next, the commander presented the championship shield to Defence Services Self-Defence and Sports Institute team.

( 6 ) Myanmar-Korea meeting held

Yangon, 9 Sept - The one-on-one business meeting between Myanmar and Korea sponsored by the commercial section of Embassy of Republic of Korea was held at Traders Hotel this morning. At the meeting, representatives from the 5 member companies of Chungnam Trade Mission and entrepreneurs from 23 Myanmar companies discussed matters relating to investment and trading. Present on the occasion were Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea Mr Lee Kyung-woo, Commercial Attaché Mr Kim Jae-chan and the embassy staff.

MRTV Director-General and delegation leave for Brunei

Yangon, 9 Sept - Chairman of Information Sub-Committee under the Myanmar ASEAN Culture and Information Committee Director-General of Myanma Radio and Television U Khin Maung Htay and delegation members left here for Brunei by air this afternoon to attend the 4th Meeting of the ASEAN-COCI Sub-Committee on Information to be held in Brunei from 10 to 12 September.

 The delegation comprises Deputy Director of Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise ( Inspection) U Tun Tin, Editor of Myanma Alin Daily U Nyunt Aung, Staff Officer (Newscaster) of Myanma Radio and Television U Kyaw Soe Oo.