Myanmar has right to freely choose and shape future of nation and people in accordance with its own traditions and culture exercising sovereign powers YANGON, 16 Aug - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, accompanied by ministers, the chairman of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads, left here by air and arrived at Mandalay International Airport in TadaU Township, Mandalay Division, yesterday. They were welcomed there by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan

The students are being trained and nurtured through education sector to be equipped with skills and morale for enabling them to face and brave the challenges and to survive among them. He called on the teachers to train and nurture the students to become ones who can enhance national interests in line with the noble aims of the government. Correct efforts, genuine goodwill and high qualifications of the teachers play a key role in the process, he noted. Especially, the teachers themselves are to be equipped with the concept of national interests and with strong and lofty beliefs and they are to nurture the students imbued with the concept of national interests. In addition to the academic duties, the teachers are make efforts to enable the students to broaden scope of horizons and to safeguard the national interests realizing the international affairs. The youths themselves are to try their best to pursue international level education and advanced technologies. 

They are also to nurture themselves to be equipped with the concept of keeping the nation to stand tall among the nations of the world. Myanmar lagged behind in development. Therefore efforts are to be made to keep abreast with nations of the world. If there are no efforts and diligence or skills, the nation will still remain behind the development. With these concepts, the teachers are to organize the youths to enable the students to make efforts with diligence in the interests of the State and the people. Only then, can the new generation youths avoid destructive acts leading to jeopardizing the nation. The government enlisting the strength of the entire national people is making efforts with goodwill for keeping development momentum of the State and for emergence of the brighter future that can guarantee the national interests.

But, internal and external destructive elements in collusion with some Western countries is making attempts to hamper the national development drive resorting to various ways and means. Some Western countries also imposed sanctions and put pressure on Myanmar to weird their influence accepting fabricated news manufactured by the national traitors regarding them as the truths. Actually, as an independent country, Myanmar has the rights to choose the future of own State and people in accordance with its own traditions and culture and sovereignty. 

According to the international codes of conduct and the UN Charter, it is obvious that violation of the basic rights of a country by other country amounts to unlawful manner between one country and another. In reality, economic sanctions are the unilateral actions taken only by the big powerful countries on developing countries, ignoring the equality among the nations which the international community accepts. With the ill intention of hindering the economic, trade and manufacturing sectors of a developing country, the sanctions imposed by a big country on a developing country which is trying to stand on its own feet are inhuman acts. Especially, it is aimed at outbreak of unrest following the difficulties faced by the people and falling a nation in a state of anarchy. 

Only when there are economic development and high living standard of a country, will there be progress in education, health knowledge and social sectors. Genuine democracy will flourish only if efforts are being made based on the knowledge of the people and stability of the State. Causing economic disturbances and the people to get into trouble, especially causing instability of the State and the people to be frightened by committing destructive acts and terrorist acts will never bring about democracy. With the aim of emerging the stable political environs and strong national economic life, the Government, while trying to raise the living standard of the people, is trying to build good foundations for political, economic and social infrastructures that will bring about discipline flourishing democracy. For the emergence of a democratic country and market oriented national economic life, it is necessary to emerge national private economic sector. 

The flourishing of national economic life which is based on national private economy will contribute much towards the emergence of genuine democracy and education, health and social development. There have been many examples that countries have been on the verge of disintegration because they have been trying to transform into democracy before there has been no strong economic foundation and economy based on national entrepreneurs. For the emergence of democracy, there needs to be such good foundations as stability of the State, abiding by the rules and regulations, giving priority to national economy, refraining from seeking self-interests and such good morale as serving the State and the people with positive attitude. 

Moreover, efforts are to be made for consolidation of friendship among national brethren who have been living in the Union in weal and woe for the years countable by the thousands and for flourishing of the concept that perpetuation of the Union as long as the world exists. In addition, it is necessary to create better foundations to emerge democracy that is in conformity with culture and traditions, morale and history of Myanmar and historical traditions of Asia which are based on anti-colonialist spirit. It is incumbent upon all the entire national people for the emergence of firm political, economic and social foundations that will guarantee the long last genuine democracy. After emerging these strong and correct foundations and fulfilling the national requirements, a democracy that will be able to guarantee the national economy will flourish. Therefore, in building own national forces for the future of the State, I would like to urge the teachers to train the students who are the resource of all the national forces in line with the national goal.

The Secretary-1 also urged the teachers to nurture their students to become patriotic force on which the State can rely at a time when efforts are being made, facing various difficulties, for the nation to stand tall among the nations of the world and for the perpetuation of the Union. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged the teachers to build national strength through the education sector for the perpetuation of the Union; to take a leading role in the education sector for uplift the patriotic spirit, nationalist spirit and Union Spirit of the entire people including the students; and to guard against the danger posed by the saboteurs who are perpetrating the stability, development and perpetuation of the State. 

After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 cordially greeted the trainee teachers. Altogether, 1,000 teachers of basic education schools from states and divisions are attending 5-week course.

YANGON, 16 Aug - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt and party, accompanied by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint yesterday morning arrived at Kangyigon Village in PyinOoLwin Township, Mandalay Division, by Tatmadaw helicopter. PyinOoLwin Station Commander Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and officials welcomed them. 

The Secretary-1 attended opening of the hostel of Doebinaung Kantha Youth Development Parahita School in Kangyigon Village. Also present on the occasion were member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, ministers, the chairman of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, deputy ministers, the Mandalay mayor, senior military officers of PyinOoLwin Station, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, wellwisher Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Hse, local authorities, teachers and students and local people. First, hostel donor Daw Hse explained the purpose of the donations. Next, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and Daw Hse formally opened the hostel of the school by cutting a ribbon. 

The Secretary-1 formally unveiled the stone inscriptions of the school. The Secretary-1 and party then viewed round the hostel. Next, followed a ceremony to donate cash and kind for the school. The Secretary-1 and party first paid homage and offered provisions to Doebin Parahita Monastery Presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannava and members of the Sangha. Students and Chairman of the supervisory committee for the Youth Development Parahita School U Tu accepted 155 dozens of exercise books and 52 dozens of pencils donated by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt; 185 steel plates by Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint; 150 uniforms by Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa; blankets, pillows and uniforms for 200 students by Daw Hse; and 500 bags of rice by Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhaja U Sein Tin-Thudhamma Theingi Daw Khin Thein (Shwe Kyabyan Cheroots) and U Khaing Min-Daw Mi Mi Win (Daung Shwe Wah cheroots).

Then, the Secretary-1 and Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint accepted K 10.1 million donated by wellwishers including K 1 million by Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannavaka delivered a sermon, and members of the Sangha, novices and students recited parittas. The hostel was built at a cost of K 11.5 million donated by Daw Hse. Afterwards, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party went to the Nan Myint Tower construction site in National Kandawgyi Gardens in PyinOoLwin. At the briefing hall, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi reported to the Secretary-1 on construction tasks. Architect Dr Kyaw Latt reported on lay-out design of the tower which can withstand earthquakes and natural disasters.

Next, Asia World Co Ltd Managing Director U Tun Myint Naing reported on construction of Nan Myint Tower, restaurant and souvenir shop, Myanmar architectural works, installation of lift and construction of car park and approach road. The Secretary-1 gave instructions on durability of the tower and inspected round the construction site of the tower. Nan Myint Tower has 215 feet in height and 56 feet in diameter. At the level of 120 feet, some 100 people can visit it by lift to view the environs. Moreover, restaurants and souvenir shops will be constructed and two lifts will be installed. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the upgrading of National Kandawgyi Gardens. The Secretary-1 and party arrived at Shwe Thitsa Aung coffee farm at the YaychanO region extended coffee cultivation project site in PyinOoLwin after viewing round the thriving coffee plantations of national entrepreneurs in the town. 

At the briefing hall, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and officials reported on acreage of coffee plantations in states and divisions and per acre yield, completion of cultivation of coffee on 4897.20 acres of land out of 5457 acres plotted to national entrepreneurs for cultivating the coffee in the town, completion of cultivation of coffee on 1975.41 acres of land out of 2915.3 acres allotted in Banbwegon region in Nawngkhio Township, reclamation of 59,242 acres of land in PyinOoLwin Township and 55,000 acres in Nawngkhio Township to cultivate coffee between the two townships to meet the target of 100,000 acres of coffee plantations in accordance with the guidance of the Head of State, allotted of land to organizations and private entrepreneurs, measures being taken to cultivate 20,000 acres of coffee for this year on 100,000 acres in the townships where coffee will be cultivated within three years and distribution of coffee saplings. 

The commander gave a supplementary report. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions and fulfilled the requirements of the private entrepreneurs. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party viewed the traditional medicine produced from mushroom and samples of various kinds of mushroom displayed at the briefing hall and thriving coffee plantations of private entrepreneurs. The Secretary-1 and party arrived at Mandalay in the evening. At 5 pm, the Secretary-1 and party paid homage to the Buddha Image at Chawmyatnwe three-storey building of Maha Gandayon Monastery in Amarapura. Next, the Secretary-1 and party paid obeisance to Chief Maha Nayaka Sayadaw of the monastery Agga Maha Pandita Maha Dhamma Kathika Bahujanahitadhara Bhad-danta Kundalabhivamsa and Maha Nayaka Sayadaws and presented Waso robes for the Nayaka Sayadaws and members of the Sangha of the monastery donated by the State Peace and Development Council. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at Nanmyo Guest House. The Secretary-1 and party inspected development works in Singaing and Kyaukse and arrived back here in the evening.

YANGON, 16 Aug - The Hospice In-Patient (Cancer) Care Centre Mandalay of U Hla Tun Hospice (Cancer) Foundation was opened at the centre in Patheingyi Township, Mandalay Division at 3.30 pm yesterday attended by Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt. Also present on the occasion were member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, ministers, the chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, deputy ministers, the Mandalay Mayor, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, Chairman of Hospice (Cancer) Foundation U Hla Tun and the foundation management committee members, local authorities, social organizations, wellwishers and guests. First, Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint, Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe and Chairman U Hla Tun formally opened the hospice. 

Then, the Secretary-1 unveiled the statue to mark the opening of the hospice. Next, Minister Dr Kyaw Myint made a speech. He said that the Ministry of Health has been implementing tasks for uplift of health, fitness and education standards of the entire nation in accord with the guidance of the National Health Committee. To implement the two objectives of the Ministry of Health, educative talks are given to the grassroots level, control and prevention of disease are conducted and effective treatment are given in case of outbreak of disease. Spending a large sum of money, the government has been opening new hospitals and dispensaries, upgrading the old ones, producing more human resources such as doctors, nurses, midwives, and health technicians and fulfilling the hospital equipment. Only when the people are fit and healthy, will the nation be built with might and main. With this concept, the government has been spending huge sum of funds on the health sector. U Hla Tun is the top of those who are dedicated to community work in the interest of the State and the people. U Hla Tun opened the Hospice In-Patient (Cancer) Care Centre Yangon in 2000. It could be put on record in the health care history of Myanmar. Today, the Hospice In-Patient (Cancer) Care Centre Mandalay could be opened again with the aims of providing health care services in Yangon and Mandalay equally. The Hospice (Cancer) Foundation is the non-profit charity organization and taking care of needy cancer patients to their last breath. The Hospice In-Patient (Cancer) Care Centre Mandalay is welcoming the cancer patients who are hopeless at the hospitals and providing them with food, shelter and clothing as well as health care service free of charge. 

The centre has also made arrangements for attending to all their needs free of charge before and after their last breath. The efforts and noble goodwill of U Hla Tun amount to the help provided to the Ministry of Health. This being the case, the Ministry of Health thanked U Hla Tun a lot and valued and praised him much. The Ministry of Health will provide the cancer specialists and physicians to the Hospice In Patient (Cancer) Care Centre Mandalay like that of Yangon. Next, Chairman U Hla Tun made a speech. He said that U Hla Tun Hospice (Cancer) Foundation, the first ever Hospice in Myanmar, was established five years ago in Yangon with the help of the State under Section 26 of Company Act. During three years, the centre with 33 staff took care of over 500 cancer patients to their last breath regardless race and religion. The significant fact is that there are hospices in developed nations. Thus, it is required to link Myanma hospices and world hospices. Myanma hospice was permitted to become a member of St Christopher's Hospice of England. The first hospice was established in 1967. Efforts were made for 19 years to be able to establish the hospice, according to Dr Dame Cecily Saunder. Some countries made efforts for 20 years to establish a hospice. In Myanmar, efforts were made only four or five months for establishing the hospice due to generosity of Myanmars and assistance of the Government. Myanmar hospice is included in the International Directory of Hispices. 

The motto of the foundation is '' Our duty is to care," "Care is to share". In accord with the motto, the Hospice In-Patient (Cancer) Care Centre Mandalay was successfully opened. He thanked the government and those who provided assistance for successful implementation of the hospices in Yangon and Mandalay. Next, Chairman U Hla Tun presented gifts in commemoration of the opening of the Hospice In-Patient (Cancer) Care Centre Mandalay to the Secretary-1 and party and guests. Siri Myanmar and Myanmar traditional group presented gifts to Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and Chairman U Hla Tun. Next, the Secretary-1 and Lt-Gen Ye Myint accepted cash donated for U Hla Tun Hospice (Cancer) Foundation-K 110 million by U Hla Tun, K 1 million by Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council, K 12 million by Managing Director of Shine Hope Co, K 2.5 million by U Than Win of Man Myanmar Construction, K 2 million by U Kyaw Wai-Daw Swe Thazin, K 1.3 million by U Ka Ka of Tea family, K 1 million by U Hla Tun-Daw San Wai, K 500,000 by Daw Aye Myat Nwe, K 500,000 by the Ministry of Cooperatives and others totalling K 142.8 million. Next, the Secretary-1 handed over the donations to U Hla Tun and the ceremony ended. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the hospice.

YANGON, 16 Aug - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected sanitation works carried out by Tatmadawmen, members of Myanmar Police Force and social organizations, YCDC staff and public. On arrival at Pinlon Street in Dagon Myothit (North) Township, the commander was welcomed by No 2 Military Region Commander Brig-Gen Myo Myint, the YCDC secretary, the secretary of Yangon Division PDC and members, the chairman of Yangon East District PDC and officials. The commander and party inspected dredging of ditches and clearing of weeds between Bosunpat Street and Bayintnaung Street in Dagon Myothit (North) Township. Then the commander gave necessary instructions. Next, they also looked into sanitation work being implemented for proper drainage along Myeik Street in Dagon Myothit (South) Township. The commander then viewed clearing of weeds and bushes in the princint of Aung Bawdi Pagoda and along Kandaw Mingalar Street. Officials reported to the commander on tasks being carried out for preventing against floods on the roads and in the wards in the rainy season. The commander offered flowers, water and lights to the Buddha images at the pagoda. The commander and party inspected dredging work at Kyaikkasan Pagoda Road in Thingangyun Township. Afterwards, the commander and party proceeded to East Shwegondaing Road in Bahan Township where they were welcomed by No 3 Military Region Commander Col Tint Hsan and officials. They then inspected sanitation work on both sides of East Shwegondaing Road and the surrounding areas of Chaukhtatkyi Pagoda.

YANGON, 16 Aug - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence, together with Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung and officials, met with local authorities and townselders at Kyaungywa village, Ye Township, on 12 August. Lt-Gen Maung Bo inspected Kyaungywa Station Hospital and left necessary instructions. He also inspected the agriculture and livestock breeding farms of local battalions and presented cash assistance to the families of Tatmadaw members. In the afternoon, he inspected renovation of Kyaikkhami Hsutaungpyae Hsandawshin Yele Pagoda and gave instructions on renovation tasks. Lt-Gen Maung Bo and the commander signed in the visitors' book and made cash donations to the pagoda. Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected the agriculture and livestock breeding farm of the South-East Command Headquarters in Binlaing village, Mudon, and left necessary instructions. The 178-acre farm distributes its produce at reasonable prices, it is learnt.

YANGON, 16 Aug - The Central Organizing Committee of the Myanmar War Veterans Organization offered Waso robes, rice, edible oil and gram to Thiri Gonwai Dhamma Beikman Monastery at Township WVO No 1 Agricultural Farm (Laydauntkan) in Dagon Myothit (South) Township here this morning, attended by Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of the central organizing committee Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Presiding Sayadaw of the monastery Tha-Sa-Ah Dhamma-cariya Vinaya Pali Specialist Bhaddanta Panñasiha Bhivamsa and members of the Sangha. Also present on the occasion were members of the central organizing committee Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint and deputy ministers, the vice-mayor of Yangon, senior military officers, WVO members, wellwishers and guests. The Sayadaw invested the congregation with the Five Precepts. Members of the Sangha recited parittas. The Adjutant-General offered Waso robes, rice, edible oil and gram to the Sayadaw. The ministers, deputy ministers and senior military officers presented offertories to members of the Sangha. Wellwishers donated K 1,203,000 for construction of the Mangala Siddhi Labhamuni Pagoda to the Adjutant-General and Director of Defence Services Resettlements Maj-Gen Aung Thein. The Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of the merits gained. Afterwards, the Adjutant-General viewed construction of the pagoda in the monastery precinct. The Adjutant-General and party inspected construction of low-cost housing project being undertaken by the Directorate of Defence Services Resettlements and the MWVO at WVO No 1 agriculture and livestock breeding farm village, and left instructions. Next, Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein attended the ceremony (2002-2003) of the MWVO to present prizes to outstanding students and cash assistance and pedagogical aids to the basic education high school of the village. At the ceremony, the Adjutant-General delivered an address. Next, prizes were presented to outstanding students and teachers. The Adjutant-General presented K 185,000 to the students, and K 17,000 and teaching aids to the school through the headmaster.

YANGON, 16 Aug - The Waso robes offering and respect-paying ceremony organized by Kyaukpadaung Township Association (Yangon) took place at Kyaukpadaung Pariyatti Sarthintaik of Thayettaw Monastery in Lanmadaw Township this afternoon. Present on the occasion were patrons led by Vice-Chairman of the Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, Chairman of Kyaukpadaung Township Association (Yangon) and executives, members and dwellers of Township. First, the congregation received the Five Precepts from Kyaukpadaung Pariyatti Sarthintaik Presiding Sayadaw Bhadanta Janaka. Members of the Sanhga recited patittas. Those present offered Waso robes and offertories to the Sayadaws and shared merit gained. Next, those present paid respects to the elder persons aged above 75 years. Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa delivered concluding ramarks.

YANGON, 17 Aug - On the occasion of the 58th anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia which falls on 17 August 2003, U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Dr N Hassan Wirajuda, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia

YANGON, 16 Aug - Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and officials went to No1 Basic Education High School in Dagon Township this morning. They viewed the commemorative booth on school health activities week. Headmaster U Kyaw Kyaw and officials conducted them round the booth. Next, the deputy minister and party attended the prize presentation ceremony on school health activities week at No1 BEHS in Dagon. The headmaster explained functions of the school health activities week. Next, the deputy minister and the headmaster presented prizes to the prize-winners.

YANGON, 16 Aug - The educative talks for nurses, jointly organized by Myanmar Nurses Association and EAC-Dumex were held at Myanmar Medical Association this morning. Vice-President Daw Khin May Win of the Myanmar Nurses Association (Central) accepted K 100,000 presented by EAC-Dumex Nutrition Manager Dr Beauty Kyi to the association. Next, member of the association Daw Phyu Win gave talks on importance of right nutrition for brain development of the child; Assistant Director (Nursing) Daw Aye Nyunt on emergence of satisfactory youths through proper care of the parents and Dr Pyone Myint Hlaing on to bring up nutrition to be a dynamic youth.

YANGON, 16 Aug - The Myanmar-Bangladesh friendly boxing tournament, under the aegis of Myanmar Olympic Committee and organized by Myanmar Boxing Federation, will be held at National Indoor Stadium-1 in Thuwunna at 2.30 pm on 18 August. Before the tournament, the stereo vocalists will present entertainment with songs. Loi Hein Co Ltd also co-sponsored the tournament.

YANGON, 16 Aug - The 26-member AIA (Athletic In Action) women football team of Canada led by Mr Blair Garnet Whitmarsh arrived here by air this evening to play soccer friendly with selected Myanmar women football team. The team was welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Assistant Director of Sports and Physical Education Department U Win Htut and officials, U Nyi Nyi Latt of Myanmar Football Federation in-charge of holding the tournament and officials. The soccer friendly of Myanmar and Canadian women football teams will be held at the Youth Training Centre (Thuwunna) at 4 pm tomorrow.

YANGON, 16 Aug - A combined team comprising members of Local Intelligence Unit, Local Police Force and Bago Special Anti-Drug Squad, acting on information, keeping await, searched suspect Kyaw Gyi in front of the Shwegayha tea shop, Thahtaykon village, Kyauktaga Township on 16 July evening and seized 81.6 grams of marijuana. Further investigation led to the arrest of Tun Tun. In connection with the case, action is being taken against Kyaw Gyi, son of U San Bwa of Kwinnauk Ward, Kyauktaga Township and Tun Tun, son of U Maung Mya of Sartaik Ward under Section of 15/19 (A) /21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Kyauktaga Township Police Station.