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ARCHIVE	Sunday,  6 July  2003	ONLINE  EDITION

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Secretary-1 attends the ceremony to mark International Cooperative Day

Constant efforts be made for success of co-operative movements in rural development endeavours

YANGON, 5 July - The International Cooperative Day was observed at International Business Centre on Pyay Road this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt who presented prizes to outstanding girl students of Yangon Cooperative Degree College and Central Cooperative College for 2002-2003 academic year.

First, Patron of the Leading Committee for Organizing the International Cooperative Day Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe delivered an address. He said:

The International Co-operative Day was being observed by the International Co-operative Alliance and its members all over the world while similar celebrations were held in various States and Divisions in honouring the co-operative movement in Myanmar.

In reviewing the causes of the emergence of the co-operative system, it can be found that - the co-operative system came into existence in the world in harmony with the turning of the domestically secured economic system without having external contacts apart from the family into the trade economic system. In addition, the production of goods manually with the strength of the people had changed into the mass production of goods with the use of machines. In other words, the manual production had changed into the mechanical one as the industrial revolution. Collective efforts were made to cope with food, clothing and shelter needs and social problems and there emerged co-operative movement.

It is still a pioneer of the co-operatives after passing over 160 years of time. As regards the co-operative evolution in Myanmar, we had had the good and noble practices of helping one another, of providing assistance to one another and of exerting collective efforts which are the characteristics of co-operatives before the emergence of the term "co-operative". These practices are Myanmars' traditional and cultural ones.

After the emergence of the co-operative movements in the world's nations in the 19th century, the very first co-operative movement took place in Myanmar with the formation of "Sagaing District Myinmu credit co-operative society" on 3 January 1905.

With the formation of the very first co-operative society in Myanmar, the socio-economic undertakings or Myanmar co-operative activities have been in existence in various forms continuously in line with the respective changing eras and systems. I would like to take pride in mentioning that endeavours for co-operative development in Myanmar have been making with momentum till today.
Soon, Myanmar's co-operative movement will reach 100 years of age and the Myanmar co-operative centennial ceremonies will be observed across the country on grand scales to honour the co-operative movement which shouldered the socio-economic duties continuously for 100 years.

Plans are also under way to accelerate the momentum of co-operative development activities.

By studying the co-operatives set up in the 19th century, the basic co-operative societies, the second level syndicates of co-operatives and the national co-operative unions were formed extensively in various countries of the world.

The International Co-operative Alliance was formed in 1895 in London, England, with the following aims:

- to safeguard the interests of the co-operatives formed in the global countries;
- to develop and invigorate co-operatives in various countries of the world;
- enhance economic co-operation by increasing friendly contacts among the international co-operatives.

In the ICA (International Co-operative Alliance), there are 234 co-operatives and international organizations from 103 member countries. Over 760 million co-operative members throughout the world are taking part in co-operative movement.

The 49th General Assembly of the United Nations Organization held in 1994 passed a resolution to designate the first Saturday of July as the International Co-operative Day in honour of co-operative activities in various countries of the world.

In Myanmar, the Central Co-operative Society is a member of the ICA and accordingly, it has been celebrating the International Co-operative Day ceremonies on grand scales all over the country since 1995 in honour of the co-operative activities. It has observed the International Co-operative Day ceremony for nine years.

Hence, to ensure the co-operative sector's participation in the national economic development endeavours to be in line with market-oriented economic system being practised by the State, the 1992 Myanmar Co-operative Society Law was promulgated.

Under the 1992 Myanmar Co-operative Society Law, there emerged more opportunities for business undertakings and the co-operative sector has been taking systematic measures for practically participating in the national economic development endeavours.

In Myanmar, there are 17,402 basic co-operative societies, 618 syndicates of co-operatives, 20 national co-operative unions and one Central Co-operative Society totalling 180,41 co-operatives.

The health care co-operative societies are participating in providing full health care services to rural people. At present, 333 co-operative clinics including three co-operative hospitals are providing health care services to the rural people.

As regards the promotion of living standards of the rural people, the co-operatives are extensively carrying out the supply of electricity. Electric power is being supplied to rural areas with 126 generators including hydro-electric power plants.

To be exact, these generators are supplying electricity to 119 villages in 93 townships in 12 States and Divisions. Plans are under way to supply more electricity to the rural areas.

Constant efforts are also made by the co-operatives for supplying clean drinking water for the rural people. At present, 268 co-operatives in 69 townships are supplying clean drinking water from 273 tubewells to 440,000 rural people.

Constant efforts must thus be made for success of co-operative movements in rural development endeavours in various States and Divisions.

The International Co-operative Alliance has been sending messages to the International Co-operative Day ceremonies every year and this year's message carries a slogan "Co-operatives Make Development Happen".

Salient points mentioned in the ICA message are: "All over the world, millions of people have chosen the co-operative model of business enterprise to enable them to reach their personal and community development goals. ..... there continues to be room for significant co-operative development to enable people to rise out of poverty".

Hence, in accordance with the points stated in the ICA message, I would like to urge co-operative family members, as co-operative socio-economic builders, to make vigorised efforts year by year for fulfilling basic physical & spiritual needs as well as enhancing supply of natural and advanced requirements of the people.
Principal of Nationalities Youth Resource Development Degree College Chairman of GEC Cooperative Union U Sein Htay read out the message sent by International Cooperative Alliance.

Also present were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, the mayor of Yangon City, Deputy Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of Singapore Mr Simon Tensing de Cruz and diplomats of foreign missions, resident representatives of UN agencies, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads, officials, students of Yangon Cooperative Degree College and Central Cooperative College and guests.

Next, the Secretary-1 presented prizes to outstanding students - Ma Nilar Thein Tun and Ma Thet  Nu Htwe of Yangon Cooprative College and Ma Ei Myat Mon and Ma Le Le Wutyi of Central Cooperative College (Phaunggyi).

After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party viewed round the photos on the International Co-operative Day and co-operative movement displayed at the ceremony.

Later, Minister Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe presented the gem-studded painting to mark the 2003 International  Co-operative Day to Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt.

Secretary-1 addresses closing of Special Refresher Course for basic education teachers

Every nation must have full rights to follow the path of their choice within the framework of its national policy

YANGON, 5 July - The concluding ceremony of Special Refresher Course No 52 for basic education teachers, organized by Central Institute of Civil Service (Phaunggyi), was held at the Nawarat hall of CICS (Phaunggyi) in Hlegu Township here this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, the attorney-general, the auditor general, the chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the Yangon mayor, deputy ministers, members of CSSTB, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office, departmental heads, the rector of CICS, the pro-rector, heads of department, course instructors and trainees.

First, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt delivered a speech. In his address he said that at a time when knowledge and technology dominate all development sectors, all the teachers in the education sector are responsible not only for brighter future of the students but also for carrying out the tasks for emergence of a modern developed nation. Therefore, the role of education has become wider
and more important. The teachers are to teach their students and to discharge duties to accomplish national objectives of the national education promotion programme. He said efficiency of the education sector and building strong national strength through the education sector decide stronger future of the State. In other words, development of the motherland and perpetuation of the nation and its people depend on efficiency of the education sector. This is why the government has laid down education promotion programmes and national education promotion plans to establish an education system that can promote development prospects and exploit the existing resources of the State for long-term national interest and is implementing them.

The national education promotion plans are to be implemented for perpetuation of the national policy of non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty. In other words, the government is making efforts for establishing of stronger political, economic and social foundations through the education sector. Students are to be taught to become not only proficient in education but also intellectuals and intelligentsia with high knowledge and efficiency in accord with the objectives of the national education promotion plans. They are also to be nurtured to become the ones with high qualifications, knowledge and creative power who can make decision by themselves.

He said the teachers on their part are to actively train their pupils to be the ones who can choose their future career in accord with individual bent and prospects and better results of all-round development education system. He said the student youths are to be trained for using advanced technology to catch up with education of international standard. He also stressed the importance of nurturing the students to preserve Myanma social value, the norm of Myanma living standard and Myanma traditional customs.

He spoke of the need for the teachers to cultivate the students to possess spiritual maturity such as preservation of traditional culture, character and high morale and duties and codes of conduct toward the society.

He urged the teachers to teach the students to inculcate them with national solidarity spirit and the Union Spirit for perpetuation of the Union, preserving basic historical facts of the nation and its people and noble traditions of the history. He said now national development and to stand tall among the nations of the world mainly depend on own national strength. In international sphere, with the bases of differences in ideologies, human rights, religions and racism, global countries are treated with various kinds of practices namely flattering, putting pressures, coercion and imposing sanctions. In fact, these flattering and pressures are employed in the interests of their own despite whatever reasons they give. It is becoming clear with each passing day that though they are helping others, they do so in their own national interests.

If global events nowadays are considered, the hopes that a country will develop in reliance on others merely the dreams which can never be come true. Such a nation and its people will encounter the troubles of war, catastrophe and famine. In the Union of Myanmar, we will never let the people who are earning their livelihood peacefully within the framework of the law fall into the dangers. In other words, we will never let the disintegration of the national unity among the peoples who have been living together sharing weal and woe for thousands of years as well as the disintegration of Union.

Rights to exist as a country, rights to safeguard territory and perpetuation of sovereignty and rights to protect national interests without causing any harm to others are the most basic rights for every nation.

In order to safeguard these rights, every nation must have full rights to follow the path of their choice within the framework of its national policy. Being a member of the family of the world nations, the Union of Myanmar is actively participating in constructive international cooperation. Myanmar is promoting bilateral cooperation with neighbouring countries and she is making efforts for regional stability, regional development, economic progress in the region and preservation of significant culture and traditions of South East Asia and Asia in cooperation with the countries in the region including ASEAN members.

He said Myanmar is making efforts to realize true situations in the country in order to promote cooperation with the UN and international communities and is trying to become a good neighbour and dutiful one in thr field of international relations.

In the modern history of Myanmar, she never interferes in the internal affairs of others. It is many times that Myanmar has solved its own internal problems peacefully with great care without causing harm to the interest of the people. In the country, the government has made peace with armed groups and built consolidation. The people have enjoyed peace and stability in border areas, greater development and high living standard due to the peace made among national races.

Pleasure that the people now enjoy due to tranquillity and development is quite different from the terrible state of the people in the past. The people who have witnessed real situations know well. The people who reside in the cities where peace and stability prevails in successive eras including Yangon City experienced the lawless ordeal of 88 unrest that was dubbed Democratic Movement by the destructive elements.

The people who had practically experienced the ordeal of lawless acts and insurgency at the border areas and cities would not accept the acts leading to jeopardizing peace and stability of the State. At the same time, the government will have to choose the most suitable way to ensure the constant prevalence of law and order as it has to fulfil the wishes of the majority of the people.

Preventive measures will have to be taken to avoid the recurrence of the incidents in which the people were in a terrible state and of the ordeal of 88 unrest.

Efforts are now being made for boosting the already achieved peace and stability of the State. At the same time, steps are being taken for national development to ensure the emergence of a strong national economic life. In the process, measures will have to be taken to guard against the danger of the destructive elements.

The national development, the strong national economic life and higher living standard of the people will lead to restoring the long-lasting peace and stability for the people. Peace and stability could not be restored through pressure and getting the people into trouble but it could be done only through fulfilling the food, clothing and shelter needs of the people and enabling them to live with peace of mind.

In the course of Myanmar history, it can be seen that the nation lagged behind in development due to lack of unity among the national races. Similarly, progress has now been made in the country gradually in stark contrast with that of over 40 years ago when there was no peace and stability. At a time when the people are enjoying the fruitful results of peace and stability in the country, it is incumbent upon all the entire national people to safeguard the already achieved peace and stability in the interest of own nation and own races, and to enable the nation to exist as long as the world exists.

For enabling the nation to stand tall as a sovereign one among the international community and for the national interest in the future, efforts are being made using own resources to ensure the emergence of political, economic and social foundations and Myanmar wants the international community to know about it. If pressures were put and sanctions imposed on Myanmar flawlessly, the countries which did so amount to breaching laws and regulations the international community to abide by.

Nowadays, own national strength needed to be built in accord with own national objective and efforts will have to be exerted for the emergence of highly qualified human resources who will take the leading role in nation-building endeavours.

The teachers who nurture the youths that will shape the future are needed to strive for cementing the national strength and the national force while nurturing the students in accord with the national requirement. Likewise, the teachers are to nurture the students to be imbued with the national spirit and outstanding efficiency for constant emergence of highly qualified human resources who are capable of bringing about the long-term national interest as well as present interests of own nation and own races.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged the teachers to strive together with the entire national people in building the nation into a modern and developed one through the education sector, to make efforts to equip the students with patriotic spirit, nationalism, Union Spirit in accord with the fine traditions of Myanmar which have national prestige and integrity through the education sector and to strive with the people in guarding against the danger of destructive elements who are jeopardizing peace and stability of the State, national development and perpetuation of the Union.

Next, the ceremony to present prizes and completion certificates to the trainees continued. The Secretary-1 presented outstanding training awards to senior assistant teacher U Than Gyoung of Madauk Basic Education High School in Nyaunglaybin Township and SAT Daw Thin Thin Naing of Thuwunna BEHS in Thingangyun township; diligence awards to Principal U Maung Maung of Tawwi Sanpya Village BEPS in Nyanunglaybin Township, Principal Daw Kyi Than of Ward-1 BEPS in Thegon Township and JAT Daw Mya Wai of Ziphyukwin BEMS of Thabaung Township; and model hostel awards to other trainees.

Afterwards, the trainees and instructors donated K 145,000 to the Chairman of Myanmar Education  Committee. The Secretary-1 presented certificates of honour to the trainees. The Secretary-1 cordially greeted the trainees and left there in the evening.

Secretary-1 accepts educative books on SARS

YANGON, 5 July - Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended a ceremony to donate educative books on SARS written by Dr Tin Tun Oo to the NHC at the Tatmadaw guest house at No 20 on Inya Road this morning.

Also present on the occasion were the ministers, the Yangon mayor, the Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence, members of the NHC, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental officials.

Writer Dr Tin Tun Oo spoke on the occasion. The Secretary-1 accepted 500 copies of educative books on SARS worth K 600,000 donated by Dr Tin Tun Oo and Dr Khin Moe Moe family and presented a certificate of honour to the donors.

The Secretary-1 delivered a speech. On behalf of the government and the NHC, he expressed thanks for donation of the books on SARS.

Some nations in Asia suffered losses in social and economic sectors due to SARS and many lives were lost. Moreover, healthcare staff such as doctors, nurses who closely treated SARS victims lost their lives. In some countries schools and markets were closed. Economic and social conditions and travelling decreased. Economic enterprises including tourism industry suffered much losses. Although there is no outbreak of SARS in Myanmar, SARS preventive measures were undertaken systematically. Social organizations and the people are actively taking part in anti-SARS activities as a national task.

Systematic measures are being taken against the spread of SARS from other countries at the international airports, seaports and border checkpoints. At the same time, the UN agencies including WHO and ASEAN member countries are actively participating together with the international community in preventing against the outbreak of SARS.

Head of State Senior General Than Shwe himself attended the ASEAN leaders special meeting on SARS and ASEAN-China leaders special meeting held in Thailand on April 2003. In accordance with joint declaration and joint announcement of the meeting, Myanmar is taking systematic arrangements for the future tasks on preventing against the outbreak of SARS.

In addition, Myanmar attended ASEAN health ministers meeting on SARS and ASEAN high-ranking officials meeting held in Malaysia, ASEAN+3 meeting on aviation held in the Philippines and ASEAN+3 high-ranking officials meeting on control of SARS held in China, and are striving together with the international community in control of SARS.

WHO, at the same time, is giving education and knowledge to the countries in which there are no outbreak of SARS. Although Myanmar is not struck by an outbreak of SARS preventative measures are being taken up to this day.

Educative talks for the public including health care services are being given on a wider scale at the capital and cities as well as rural areas including border regions.

He expressed thanks to writer Dr Tin Tun Oo who compiled books on prevention of SARS to enable the pubic to know about SARS that is now posing a threat to the people, and wished him to continue to compile more books that benefit the people and carry out the public welfare tasks all the more, and the ceremony ended.

Region

Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win meet with agriculture & livestock breeding entrepreneurs in Ayeyawady Division

YANGON, 5 July - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, accompanied by Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein, Vice-Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Thein Swe, Vice Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Director of Resettlement Maj-Gen Aung Thein of the Ministry of Defence, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads, left here by car on 4 July morning and arrived at the office of Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Project of Myanmar Billion Group Co Ltd in Zeebyukyun Village, Nyaungdon Township, Ayeyawady Division, at 7.30 am. They were welcomed there by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Htay Oo, ministers, deputy ministers and departmental heads.

Next, they met with national entrepreneurs who are undertaking agriculture and livestock breeding tasks in Ayeyawady Division.

Speaking on the occasion, Commander Maj-Gen Htay Oo reported to meet the target of the economic plan of Ayeyawady Division for 2003-2004, efforts will be made for carrying out agriculture and livestock breeding tasks in cooperation with local breeders and agriculturists. In the agriculture sector, the land resources in wetland and low-lying areas will be turned into cultivable lands and the places where cultivation tasks could not be undertake will be changed into fish and prawn ponds.

With regard to the fresh water prawn breeding task, a total of 837 acres of prawn breeding tasks are being undertaken and opportunities to extend breeding tasks have been provided. Over 35,000 acres of sea prawn are being developed. Over 60,000 acres of fish breeding ponds in the past were added with 20,000 acres of ponds this year. Efforts are being made to exceed the target of producing monsoon and summer paddy and other crops.

Afterwards, Head of Ayeyawady Division Settlement and Land Records Department U Aung Tin Myint reported on agriculture and livestock breeding tasks being carried out in Ayeyawady Division by 28 agriculture and livestock breeding entrepreneurs, cultivation of monsoon paddy and 3 million acres of land to be put under monsoon paddy at the end of July and growing of monsoon groundnut, sesame and maize.

Next, officials of MMC, Asia Might, Myanmar Billion Group Co Ltd, Panglong Yadana Co, Asia Thar Co, All-charge Co, SI Co and Pho La Min Co reported on agriculture and livestock breeding tasks of respective companies and requirements.

Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein gave a speech. He said that agricultural projects got started after gaving permissions on reclamation of wetland to the entrepreneurs in 1999. The entrepreneurs concerned were allowed to carry out fishery tasks at lakes connected with their agricultural areas for achieving success of the projects. In addition, the fishery revenue has been reduced. As a result of giving encouragement to the entrepreneurs on beneficial turning of the areas where agricultural tasks could not be carried out into fish and prawn ponds, the entrepreneurs extended fish breeding works in their areas.

At present, the entrepreneurs got good opportunities in the fish breeding sector. However, it is necessary to systematically use the existing lakes and not to decrease the fishery revenue and goods. The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries will provide assistance to those who upgrade the natural lakes into fish ponds as much as possible. Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win also delivered an address. He said that encouragement is being given for fully utilization of land and water resources not only for food sufficiency of all the people but also for surplus. Therefore, today's net agricultural areas of the State increased. The sown acreage of paddy increased from 12 million of acres to 14 million. Likewise, cultivated areas rose in Ayeyawady Division. As capital and technology are required for thoroughly reclaiming and utilizing land resources, the State allotted lands to the entrepreneurs for emergence of agriculturalists.

Nowadays, as the entrepreneurs gained considerable benefits fom their agricultural tasks plus livestock breeding ones. The entrepreneurs are to correctly realize that they participate in a noble sector in carrying out development of the State economy and to harmonously perform their benefits and the benefits of the region and the State.

He said that in carrying out agricutltural tasks, difficulties and problems should be solved through co-ordination. Regional authorities and departmental officials are to encourage and closely supervise the entrepreneurs to achieve greater success. He spoke of the importance for the entrepreneurs to make efforts.

Next, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann made a speech, saying that Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on development of agriculture and livestock breeding sectors during his tour of Ayeyawady Division last month. The purpose of the meeting with the entrepreneurs engaging in production sectors is to effectively realize the guidance, he added.

Since 1998-1999, national entrepreneurs have been invited to carry out agricultural tasks in the wetlands and low-lying areas in Ayeyawady Division. The entrepreneurs are making investments in these projects, he said.

As agricultural tasks depend much on climate, farmers find it difficult in cultivating crops at the fields especially in wetlands and low-lying areas. However, the national entrepreneurs have been cultivating crops with perseverance and carrying out fish breeding works where crop cultivation couldn't be made.

The Head of State also gave guidance on making efforts for turning natural ponds into fish breeding  ones. He also called for exerting collective efforts in building rural roads and drainges. He also urged 28 private companies to effectively reclaim over 80,000 acres which have been allotted to them.

Later, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann signed in the visitors' book of Myanmar Billion Group and inspected the cultivation of Manawthukha paddy strain by the company.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party went to Shwehintha monastery. They paid obeisance to Patron Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamajotika Bhaddanta Pannasami, 90, and Sayadaws and presented offertories to them. Then, they went to Zalun and paid homage to Man Aung Myin Buddha Image. Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann made cash donations for the Image and signed in the visitors' book. Pagoda board of trustees presented him photographs of the Image.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party went along Zalun-Hinthada road and inspected the growing of shady trees along the road and transplanting in paddy fields.

Rice offered to monasteries in Hinthada Township

YANGON, 5 July - Rice was offered to Sayadaws of all Ganas and Pariyatti monasteries in Hinthada, Ayeyawady Division, in conjunction with cash donations presentation and the stake driving for construction of Hinthada District Sasana Beikman at Maha Atula Sakkyaramsi Hsehtatgyi Buddha Image in Hinthada this morning.

Present on the occasion were Sayadaws of All Ganas led by Hinthada Mahitayon Monastery Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Maha Dwara Nikaya Sasanabaing Bhaddanta Indriyasabha and Sayadaws from 18 Pariyatti monasteries, Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, deputy ministers, Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear Admiral Soe Thein, senior military officers, officials, departmental heads, members of social organizations, wellwishers and townselders.
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indriyasabha administered the Five Precepts.

Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann presented offertories, rice and edible oil and stakes to the Mahitayon Monastery Sayadaw; and the Secretary-2, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, the commander, the ministers, the deputy ministers and senior military officers, offertories to the Sayadaws.

Next, the Secretary-2, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and the commander accepted the donations of K 125.725 million for construction of the Sasana Beikman building including K 5 million donated by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and family; K 1 million by Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council; K 500,000 by Commander Maj-Gen Htay Oo and wife Daw Ni Ni Win and family; and K 1 million by Minister Maj-Gen Tin Htut and wife Daw Tin Tin Nyunt and family.

The Mahitayon Monastery Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained.

Then, the stake-driving ceremony was held. And the stakes were driven at the designated places.

After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the successful completion of the ceremony.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspects irrigation facilities, development tasks in NyaungU, Myingyan districts

YANGON, 5 July - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs and the Ministry of Electric Power, left here by air on 4 July morning and arrived at Bagan-NyaungU Airport in Mandalay Division at 7 am.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min and officials.

At 9.30 am, Lt-Gen Ye Myint arrived at Model Domestic Poultry Farm of Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department in NyaungU.

He heard reports on the farm and service personnel affairs by officials and gave necessary  instructions. Next, he went to Inbinwa Domestic Poultry Farm and inspected poultry farming tasks.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint saw over Lawkananda River Water Pumping Project  and gave necessary instructions. Next, he inspected construction of NyaungU-Myingyan Road between mile posts 0/0 and 2/2 in the afternoon.

At Letpanchaypaw River Water Pumping Project, Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspected water pumping facilities of the project and repair of the canal for cultivation of paddy.

At Ngathayauk River Water Pumping Project, they inspected installation of two transformers, pumping of water and flow of water through the canal. The project will irrigate 1,000 acres of monsoon paddy, 1,000 acres of cotton and 6,700 acres of pulses and beans.

At the briefing hall of Kyawzi River Water Pumping Project, Lt-Gen Ye Myint heard reports on construction of the main canal and feeder canals, installation of machines and power supply by officials and attended to their needs.

Kyawzi River Water Pumping Project will supply water for growing of 4,000 acres of monsoon paddy, 1,000 acres of cotton and 3,000 acres of pulses and beans.

On arrival at Seiknyan River Water Project in Myingyan Township, Lt-Gen Ye Myint heard reports and gave necessary instructions to officials.

At the site for construction of Myingyan Degree College, officials of Aden Group Construction Ltd reported on laying of cornerstones for the main building and lecture halls, drawing of designs and construction works with the use of heavy machinery.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave necessary instructions and inspected the project site.

At 7.30 pm, Lt-Gen Ye Myint met departmental officials and persons of social organizations of Myingyan District and Townships at Mani Kinsana Hall in Myingyan.
Officials reported on agricultural sectors, requirements, livestock breeding tasks, local food sufficiency, cultivation of edible oil crops and pulses and beans. Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint reported on accomplishments of works in Mandalay Division and Myingyan District.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint attended to their needs. Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint delivered an address.

He said that emphasis is placed on the agriculture sector in Mandalay and Magway Divisions in accord with the guidance of the Head of State.

Dams and river water pumping projects are being implemented.

In addition, five rural development tasks are being carried out.

In building a peaceful, modern and developed nation, departmental officials, social organizations and local people are to guard against destructive elements.

In the morning, Lt-Gen Ye Myint met with officers and other ranks at the local battalion in Bagan-NyaungU Station.

He said that discharging national defence duty, Tatmadawmen are to join hands with the local people for gaining success in undertaking five rural development tasks.

Then, manageable agricultural and livestock breeding tasks are to be carried out.

Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspected vegetable patches of companies and the goat breeding farm.

Measures for keeping Yangon City clean and pleasant inspected

YANGON, 5 July - For keeping Yangon City clean and pleasant and ensuring proper drainage, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, accomapnied by officials, inspected sanitation works collectively carried out in various districts, townships and wards by Tatmadawmen, policemen, service personnel of YCDC, members of social organizations and local people this morning.

First, the commander went to Sangyoung Township and inspected sanitation works on either side of the Bagaya Road. Officials reported to him the work progress.

Afterwards, the commander and party arrived in Hlinethaya Township and inspected sanitation works on either side of Bogyoke Aung San Road and condition of Hlinethaya creek. The commander gave instructions on unblocking drains and sluice gates to officials.

Next, they inspected Danyingon vegetable market in Insein Township and inspected sale of vegetables and market's environs and sanitation works on Shwe Phone Shein Road in Shwepyitha Township.

Youth Training Schools inspected

YANGON, 5 July - Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Brig-Gen Than Tun inspected the domestic science training school in Muse in northern Shan State on 30-6-2003.

The minister also inspected the domestic science training school in Lashio on 1-7-2003 and gave necessary instructions to the officials.

Wellwishers invited for sinking tube-wells

YANGON, 5 July - The Development Affairs Committees under the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs are making concerted effforts in sinking the tube-wells in order to get sufficient fresh water in rural areas in States and Divisions where water is scarce.

One 200 feet deep two-inch diameter tube-well costs K 250,000; one 400 feet deep two-inch diametre tube-well costs K 500,000; and one 200 feet deep four-inch diametre tube-well costs K 500,000.

Those wishing to donate cash for the tube-well sinking projects for rural areas may contact the Department.

No-honking zones extended

YANGON, 5 July - Six townships in Yangon have been designated as no-honking zones as of 22 April 2003 and action was taken against the motorists who sounded their horns in the townships. Now, Mayangon Township, Dagon Township and Bahan Township are also scheduled to be designated as no-honking zones from 1 to 7 July and the townships of Seikkan, Ahlon, Kyimyindine, Sangyoung, Kamayut, Hline, Mingala Taung Nyunt, Tamway and Yankin from 5 to 31 July. Within those periods action is to be taken against the motorists who sound their horns in the respective townships.

The Traffic Rules Supervising Committee has warned the motorists not to sound their horns to reduce the traffic accidents.

Health

Fourth national level malaria control week launched

YANGON, 5 July - The ceremony to launch the fourth national level Malaria Control Week was held at Myanmar Medical Association on Theinbyu Street here this morning. Present on the occasion were President of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, UN officials, departmental personnel, those of NGOs and guests.

Meeting chairman Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint first made an address. In his address, he said discussions on the fourth national level Malaria Control Week are very beneficial to controlling malaria. The WHO has designated Weeks for TB, leprosy and AIDS, but it has not designated the Week for malaria yet. However, in Myanmar, the Ministry of Health has designated the national level Malaria Control Week and been launching it to prevent and control the disease. The third national level Malaria Control Week was launched in June 2002 successfully, he said. Malaria is one of the major health problems in Myanmar. Data show that over 600,000 people are infected with malaria annually and about 3,000 die of the disease every year.

The State is now implementing rural development projects and the Ministry of Health is taking part in them by carrying out the rural health development project. In combating malaria, partnership is important and sustained efforts are needed. In accordance with the guidance of the State leaders, plans are under way to produce medicines for six major diseases in Myanmar. Research works on curing malaria with traditional medicines are also meeting with success. After the ceremony, the minister and guests viewed round the exhibition on the malaria week displayed there.

Opium dust seized

YANGON, 5 July - Members of Mawton Police Station in Taninthayi Township, Taninthayi Division, on 14 June searched two suspects, Shwe Toe and Sein Than, near Htonnwe Village in Taninthayi Township and seized 160 packets of opium dust weighing 13.0637 kilos from the former and 72 packets of opium dust weighing 5.8785 kilos from the latter.

In connection with the case, Taninthayi Police Station is taking action against Shwe Toe, son of U Aung Ba Shin, and Sein Than, son of U Maung, under Section 15/19(A)/21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances law.