YANGON, 24 Aug - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Leonid D Kuchma, President of the Republic of Ukraine, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Ukraine which falls on 24 August 2003.

YANGON, 23 Aug - A ceremony to open the new school building for No 2 Basic Education Middle School in Nyaungywa Village, Hlinethaya Township, Yangon North District, was held at the new building, attended by Chairman of the Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.

The new building was constructed by Department for Human Settlement and Housing Development under the Ministry of Construction.

Also present on the occasion were ministers, deputy ministers, the Yangon Mayor, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, members of the District and Township Peace and Development Councils, social organizations, construction entrepreneurs and wellwishers, officials of No 3 Basic Education Department, members of the School Board of Trustees and PTA, the school heads and teachers, guests and others.

First, Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe and Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung formally opened the new school building.

Next, Director-General U Arnt Kyaw of Department for Human Settlement and Housing Development explained the purpose of construction of the new buildings for No 2 BEMS and No 5 BEPS, saying that steps have been taken for upgrading the villages in line with the industrial development.

Nyaungywa Market being built at the junction will be opened soon and it will benefit the families of the eastern industrial zone, Panhlaing Golf Course and of hospital compound, he noted. The new building is facilitated with furniture, water and electric supplies. In order to meet the standard of middle schools, multimedia classrooms will be added to the new school building, he stressed.

In conclusion, he expressed thanks to the Integrated Engineering Group which constructed the new school building as well as to wellwishers who donated cash towards the welfare of the schools.

Afterwards, Deputy Director-General of DHSHD Col Tin Tun handed over the documents related to the new school building to Acting Director-General of No 3 BED U Aye Myint.

Next, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt presented 353 dozens of exercise books and 118 dozens of pencils for the No 2 BEMS through officials concerned.

Next, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and Minister for Education U Than Aung accepted cash donations-K 500,000 each by U Kyaw Naing-Daw San San Win of Integrated Engineering Group and U Tin Thein of FMI Garden Development Ltd and ANY Co; K 200,000 each by U Kyaw Aung, U Thein Han-Daw Thi Thi, U Kyaw Swe-Daw Zin Win Mar and Parami Construction; and K 100,000 each by U Tin Maung Win of Green Land Food Industries Co, U Khin Han, Dr Pwint San of Lamin Paper Mill and U Than Pe-Daw Thaung Tin-for the No 2 BEMS.

Next, the Secretary-1 handed over K 2.7 million donated to the No 2 BEMS through Headmistress Daw Khin Saw.

Headmistress Daw Khin Saw spoke words of thanks for the donation.

Afterwards, Minister U Than Aung made a speech. He expressed thanks to the DHSHD, Minzani Co, Annawahlwan Co and wellwishers for their contributions in building the new school building.

He said that there are altogether 40,099 schools in the whole country. Of them there are over 5,500 schools needed to be renovated. The government, enlisting the strength of Department for Human Settlement and Housing Development and wellwishers, has been renovating those schools. In launching the school enrollment campaign, the committees at different levels were formed for ensuring the school enrollment of school-age children. This being so, over 95 per cent of the school enrollment has been realized in 2002-2003 academic year.

At the same time, 98 per cent of the school enrollment has been realized in 144 townships where the special programme school enrollment for all school-age children was launched.

With the active participation of wellwishers, the school attending rate was on the increase. The government has upgraded 3,810 primary schools to the post-primary schools with a view to enabling the students of those schools to pursue the middle school education. In addition, arrangements are being made for the students to continue pursuing the high school education and higher education.

With the emergence of multimedia classrooms the length and breadth of the nation, the school lessons can widely be taught.

There were 5.2 million students across the nation and there are now over 8 million. In conclusion the minister thanked the wellwishers who made contributions for construction of the new school buildings. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the new school building.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party attended the ceremony to open the new school building for No 5 BEPS in Daingsu Village, Hlinethaya Township, Yangon North District.

The new school building was constructed by DHSHD under the Ministry of Construction.

First, the opening ceremony was held at the new school building.

Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe, Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Chairman of Minzani Co Ltd U Nyo Min and Managing Director of Annawahlwan Co Ltd U Khin Soe formally opened the new school building.

Next, Deputy Director-General of DHSHD Col Tin Tun handed over the documents related to the No 5 BEPS to Director-General of No 3 BED U Aye Myint.

The Secretary-1 accepted cash donations for the school. The donations included K 12 million by Chairman of Minzani Co Ltd U Nyo Min-Daw Ohmma Lwin and family and K 12 million by Managing Director of Annahlwan Co Ltd U Khin Soe-Daw Aye Aye Maw and family.

Next, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and Minister U Than Aung accepted K 3 million for the trust fund of No 5 BEPS including K 1 million donated by U Moe Kyaw Thu of Shwethanlwin Co; K 500,000 by FMI Garden Development Ltd; K 200,000 each by U Tin Thein, U Kyaw Aung, U Thein Han-Daw Thi Thi and U Kyaw Swe-Daw Zin Win Mar, K100,000 each by U Khin Maung Oo, U Yi Shin, Dr Sein Win, Dr Khin Maung Oo and U Myint Win and others.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 handed over K 3 million donated by wellwishers for the No 5 BEPS to Headmaster U Shwe Win.

Next, Headmaster U Shwe Win spoke words of thanks. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the new school building.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the dockyards of A nnawahlwan Co Ltd in Daingsu Village, Hlinethaya Township and inspected the building of trawlers.

Next, they inspected processing of fish and prawn and weighing of prawn and the computer control rooms at the cold storage of the Annawahlwan Co Ltd.

At the meeting hall of the Jetty for sale of Fish and Prawn, Managing Director U Khin Soe reported on the salient points of the company, extension of fishery tasks with the assistance of the government, extended building of trawlers, sending of fish to the tax-free markets and running of the company with 1,850 staff members.

Next, the Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions to officials and left the company later in the morning.

YANGON, 23 Aug - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence held discussions on agricultural sector with members of Mandalay Division and District agricultural supervisory committees and departmental officials at the Central Command Headquarters in Mandalay yesterday. Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Division Secretary Lt-Gen Tin Ohn, local authorities, departmental heads and officials.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint delivered a speech on the occasion, saying that the purpose of the meeting was to deal with extension of paddy sown acreage and implementation of dam and water pumping projects for agricultural purpose in accordance with the guidance of the Head of State on rice sufficiency in Mandalay Division. He also discussed matters on turning some farmlands where sufficient water is available to paddy fields.

In the process, efforts are to be made for extended land reclamation as much as possible with the water from Samon canal, dams in Mongmao region, Sunye Lake, Shwehlanbo Lake and Minhla Lake, he said. Sown acreage must be extended for ensuring rice sufficiency. He called for systematic data collection of vacant and virgin lands, farmlands and paddy fields. He called on local authorities and respective officials to participate in the tasks.

Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint reported on measures taken for land utilization for cultivation of paddy, arrangements for extension of paddy sown acreage, translation of the guidance of the Head of State adopting two phases, implementation of the project for turning some suitable farmlands to paddy fields, places chosen for paddy cultivation, water resources and arrangements for supply of water.

Next, officials reported on agricultural tasks being carried out in Sunye, Shwehlanbo, Meethwephok and Natyaykan regions in Sagaing Township, and land resources utilization in Kyaukse District, cultivation of crops, land reclamation, water supply, reclamation of land with the water pumping projects, irrigation of paddy fields in Meiktila District with Kinda Dam, Hsintaung Creek and Samon canal.

The commander and Deputy Director-General of the Irrigation Department U Khin Zaw gave supplementary reports.

Regarding the reports, Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave instructions on systematic data collection of farmlands and sown acreage.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party attended the merit-sharing ceremony of Dhamma Beikman of Tipitaka Thandawatha at the corner of 62nd and 16th Streets in Aungmye Thazan Township, Mandalay. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Chairman (Shwekyin) of Division Sangha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw of Dahattaw Monastery Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Sujarasara, Tipitaka Thandawatha Monastery Sayadaw Tipitakadhara Dhamma Bhandagarika Yesagyo Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vayaminda Bhivamsa and members of the Sangha. Also present were Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, local authorities, departmental officials, wellwishers Chairman of Chan Hein Co U Kyaw Hein-Daw Mya Da Yu and family, lay persons and guests.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint formally opened the new archway of Tipitaka Thandawatha Monastery. Members of the Sangha consecrated the Buddha image of Dhamma Beikman of the monastery.

The Dahattaw Sayadaw administered the Five Precepts. Members of the Sangha recited the parittas. Lt-Gen Ye Myint presented offertories to the Sayadaw. Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the mayor, the deputy commander, the wellwishers presented offertories to members of the Sangha.

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

After the ceremony, 'soon' was offered to members of the Sangha.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint, the commander and party, together with the mayor, the deputy commander and officials, inspected Yadanabon Bridge (Mandalay) Construction Project. Officials reported on work progress and arrival of construction materials.

They headed for Sagaing bank, where they were welcomed by Commander of No 33 LID Brig-Gen Tin Tun Aung, Deputy Commander of Sagaing District Peace and Development Council Col Sein Ya. Officials reported on progress of work on Sagaing side of the bridge and arrival of construction materials. Deputy Superintending Engineer (Upper Myanmar) U Sai Thein Maung gave a supplementary report. Lt-Gen Ye Myint attended to the needs and left necessary instructions.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspected progress of work on Sagaing bank. Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party arrived back here this evening.

YANGON, 23 Aug - The Ministry of Industry-1 held its meeting to review work done during the first four months of 2002-2003 fiscal year and to coordinate tasks to meet targets for the year 2003-2004 at the training hall of the ministry yesterday, with an address by Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung.

Present on the occasion were Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, Directors-General, Managing Directors and Directors of the departments and enterprises under the ministry, General Managers, Assistant Directors and Assistant General Managers and Factory Managers from States and Divisions.

First, Factory Managers of the Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries, Myanma General and Maintenance Industries, Myanma Ceramics Industries, Myanma Pharmaceutical Industries, Myanma Foodstuff Industries and Myanma Textile Industries reviewed undertakings of the first four-monthly for the year 2003-2004 and reported on ensuring successful production in the second and third four months and the managing directors reported on measures taken for enterprises concerned.

Next, Director-General of the Regional Industrial Cooperation and Industrial Inspection Department U San Kyi and Director-General of Directorate of Industries U Tin Hlaing reported on measures taken.

Afterwards, the minister presented the shield and the first prize for outstanding factory to Thayawady Ceramics and Tile Factory, the second to Myanma Pharmaceutical Industries and the third to Cosmetics Factory and consolation prizes to No 20 Blanket Factory of Insein, No 3 Paleik Newsprint Paper Factory and No 1 Shoe Factory.

After that, the minister presented prizes for annual drawing accounts to prize-winning factories.

Next, the minister presented prizes of honour to columnists and photographers for the Ministry of Industry-1 Deputy Chief Editor U Tin Aung Shwe of Kanaung Journal, Chief Editor of The New Light of Myanmar daily U Maung Maung Aye, Editor of Myanma Alin daily U Sein Shew Hlaing and U Aung Myat Kyaw of the Ministry of Industry1.

Afterwards, the Minister, Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win presented prizes for innovation to factory managers.

YANGON, 23 Aug - President of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party left here by car on 21 August morning and arrived at Thayawady in Bago Division (West) at 8.30 am. At Menin Creek Bridge, they were welcomed by wife of Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Ko Ko, Chariman of Bago Division (West) Peace and Development Council Col Tin Maung Win and wife , the chairman of Thayawady District Peace and Devlopment Council and wife and officials.

Next, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party proceeded to Pyay 200-bed General Hospital and viewed operations on cleft lip and palate patients performed by Head of Department of Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgery Professor Dr Khin Maung Lwin of Yangon General Hospital and party. At the surgical ward, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe comforted the patients and presented cash and presents to them.

At the meeting hall of the hospital, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party attended the cash donation presentation ceremony for cleft lip and palate patients. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe made a speech on the occasion.

Afterwards, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented cost of operation K 1,145,675 for 90 patients to Professor Dr Khin Maung Lwin and cash donation K 180,000 for the patients to Medical Superintendant Dr Win Ko Ko. Dr Win Ko Ko spoke words of thanks.

After that, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party inspected delivery room of Pyay Township MCWA and comported of patients and presented cash assistance to them.

They processed to Pre-Primary School of the association and viewed the children learning lessons and gave instructions to officials. They gave presents to the children.

A team led by President of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Industry-2 Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, accompanied by Bago Division (West) Peace and Development Council Chairman Col Tin Maung Win and officials yesterday morning arrived at No 1 Machine and Machine Tool Factory of Myanma Machine Tool and Electrical Industries, the Ministry of Industry-2, in Nyaung Chedauk, Padaung Township. They were welcomed there by Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, factory general managers under the ministry, executives of MCWAs (branches), factory doctors and factory staff.

At the briefing hall of the factory, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe met with officials of the factories in Nyaung Chedauk, factory doctors, health staff, executives of Padaung Township and Factory MCWAs. The officials and doctors reported on giving medical treatment to factory staff families and townspeople, giving health talks, prevention of infectious diseases, supply of medicines and assistance rendered by the factories. Officials of Padaung Township and Factory MCWAs also reported on their respective tasks.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe gave instructions on full appointment of health staff at the factories, holding health talks and conducting courses for the control of AIDS and prevention of malaria, keeping records on abortion and miscarriage and giving medical treatment to the people from the surrounding areas of the factories.

Afterwards, Chief Medical Officer Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented gifts for the daycare nurseries and pre-primary schools of the respective factories to officials concerned.

Next, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe inspected the daycare nursery of No-1 Machine and Machine Tool Industries and presented gifts to the children. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe also went to the pre-primary school of the industries where she inspected the teaching and taking care of children and gave necessary instructions to the teachers and officials. The gifts were presented to the children.

In the afternoon, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party arrived at the pre-primary school of No-2 Automobile Industries (Htonebo) of Myanma Automobile and Diesel Engine Industries. They viewed the skill demonstration of reciting of poem by the children. Afterwards, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe asked the teachers on discharging of their duty and gave instructions. Snacks and toys were presented to the children.

Afterwards, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party viewed the taking care of children at the daycare nursery of the industries and presented gifts to the children and asked the officials on discharging of their duty.

Next, they inspected the arrangements for work site safety and prevention of malaria.

Later, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party visited patients receiving treatment at the clinic of the industries and comforted to them. They also inspected the extension of the delivery room and signed in the visitors' book.

YANGON, 23 Aug - Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, together with Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein and officials, arrived at Central Press of Printing and Publishing Enterprise on Theinbyu Road yesterday afternoon.

The minister and party inspected the condition of the building and security of surroundings of the building and gave instructions to the officials on security affairs.

Next, they inspected the place for distribution of newspapers of News and Periodicals Enterprise on 45th Street.

Afterwards, the minister and party inspected round the security of The Mirror Daily on 52nd Street and The New Light of Myanmar Daily on Strand Road and gave necessary instructions to the officials. The minister and party looked into the warehouses of the Ministry of Information and condition of the staff-quarters and gave instructions to the officials on security affairs.

Next, the minister and party arrived at Myanma Alin Daily on Natmauk Lane-1. The minister inspected distribution of newspapers, receiving of advertisements, condition of the press and storage of materials and gave necessary instructions.

Afterwards, the minister and the deputy minister arrived at Myanma Radio and Television on Pyay Road. At the meeting hall, Director-General U Khin Maung Htay reported on security measures of the MRTV. The minister gave necessary instructions.

Later, the minister and the deputy minister inspected the security condition of Yegu Transmission Station in Kaba Aye and left instructions to the officials on security arrangements of the station.

YANGON, 23 Aug - U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Anatoly Maksimovich Zlenko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ukraine, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Ukraine which falls on 24 August 2003.

YANGON, 23 Aug - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw received Vice-Chairman Mr Narendra Kumar Mohapatra of Midas Communication Technologies Pvt Ltd of India and party at his office at 10 am today.

Also present at the call were Managing Director of Myanma Posts Communications U Maung Maung Tin and officials.

YANGON, 23 Aug - Members of local intelligence unit and Muse Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on a tip-off, stopped and searched a Honda Supercub motorbike ridden by Yan Artae on Mantnin Village Road in Naunglaung Village heading for Muse-Namkam road on 3 August. The authorities nabbed him and his accomplice Ma Archint together with ten blocks of heroin weighing 3.5 kilos.

In connection with the case, Muse Police Station is taking action against Yan Artae, son of U Yan Shwe of Namhsam Godown Village, Muse Township, and Ma Archint, daughter of U Aiktae under section 15/19(A)/21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.