Changes in the assignment of duties in the National Convention Convening Commission

With a view to continuing the National Convention systematically and smoothly, the State Peace and Development Council has effected changes in the assignment of duties in the National Convention Convening Commission with the following personages:

(a) Lt-Gen Thein Sein Chairman Secretary-2 State Peace and Development Council (b) U Aung Toe Vice-Chairman Chief Justice (c) Maj-Gen Tin Htut Vice-Chairman Minister Ministry of Electric Power (d) Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan Secretary Minister Ministry of Information (e) Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint Joint-Secretary Director Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare

Sd/ Than Shwe

Senior General

Chairman State Peace and Development Council

YANGON, 6 Sept - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads and officials, left here by helicopter yesterday morning. The Prime Minister and party arrived at the 200-ton pulp factory project (Thabaung) being implemented by Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries of the Ministry of Industry-1 in Hlaygyidet Village in Thabaung Township at noon.

The Prime Minister and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Naing, senior military officers and division, district and township level departmental officials.

At the briefing hall, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung reported to the Prime Minister on facts about the project, construction of the factory with the aim of increasing the individual use of paper from 2.6 kg to 3.35 kg earning foreign currency by exporting 150 tons of pulp per day, producing quality paper to fulfil the local demand and development of the region, investment for the factory, installation of machinery and tasks being carried out. Managing Director of the MPCI U Than Shwe reported on completion of construction work, acquisition of raw materials, establishment of bamboo groves and wood plantations for newsprint mills, staff affairs and site chosen for construction of 12-mile long Daka-Hlaygyidet production road. Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi and officials presented supplementary reports.

The Prime Minister fulfilled the requirements on their reports and gave instructions, saying that arrangements are to be made systematically for operating the factory continuously. The PM called on officials of the Ministry of Industry-1 and the Ministry of Forestry and officials concerned to make field tours to collect correct data relating to the raw materials. Officials at different levels are to supervise the construction work for timely completion of the project and minimizing loss and wastage, he added.

Next, the Prime Minister presented a fruit basket to President Assistant Mr Xiangchun Xu and Project General Manager Mr Liu Hua of China Metallurgical Construction Group Corporation (MCC) of the People's Republic of China, who are discharging duty at the project. The two presented an honourary gift to the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister looked into the condition of the axis of 12-mile Daka-Hlaygyidet production road on the chart and progress of work.

The 200-ton pulp factory project (Thabaung) is located on 1,107.37 acres of land in Hlaygyidet Village in Thabaung Township, Ayeyawady Division, and construction started on 1 November 2001. Efforts are being made to complete the project by April 2004.

The Prime Minister and party proceeded to Pathein, where they were welcomed by Deputy Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Tint Swe, senior military officers and departmental officials.

Next, they arrived at Ngawun River-crossing Pathein Bridge construction project site.

At the briefing hall, Deputy Superintending Engineer U Khin Maung Win of the bridge construction project special group (8) of Public Works under the Ministry of Construction reported on facts about the project, work done and needs. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Minister U Aung Thaung, Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi and officials presented supplementary reports. The Prime Minister gave necessary instructions.

The Pathein Bridge is a reinforced concrete one and situated on Pathein-Shwemyintin-Wayachaung Road across Ngawun River. It is 2,140 feet long and can withstand 60 tons of load.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party left for the fish breeding project (Ngawun river side) in Mayanchaung village, Pathein Township, being implemented by Yuzana Co Ltd and inspected the breeding of about 2.2 million fishes with the use of 19 fish breeding cages. The company is making arrangements for extended fish breeding reaching up to 45 cages, it is learnt.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party proceeded to 750-ton cold storage, Yankintaung, Pathein Township and inspected processing of fish and prawn, production process of feedstuff and package items.

Next, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt signed in the visitors' book of Yuzana Co Ltd.

Afterwards, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party arrived the 16-bed traditional medicine hospital on Laykyun Yanaung PhaungdawU pagoda street, Pathein by car, where they were welcomed by Director-General of Traditional Medicine Department Dr Thein Swe, departmental heads at division level, the deputy medical superintendent of the hospital and officials.

First, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party heard reports by Head of Traditional Medicine Department of Ayeyawady Division U Thein Win on set-up of the hospital, strength of staff of the department, annual patients treated in the division, field tour treatment, location of the hospital, area of the hospital building, in-patients and out-patients treated yearly, mostly treated diseases and staff welfare.

Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo and Director-General Dr Thein Swe gave supplementary reports.

Concerning the reports, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt said that the government is striving for turning out traditional physicians and has built an institute of traditional medicine. Moreover, it held Myanma traditional medicine practioners conference and traditional medicines and medical equipment exhibitions. Foreigners also observed Myanma traditional medicines and they have been in foreign markets and rural people traditionally used Myanma traditional medicines for many years. He urged the officials concerned to make concerted efforts for promoting of health care with Myanma traditional medicines and the government will provide necessary assistance to raise Myanma traditional medicines standard.

After that , Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt comforted the patients undergoing treatment in the hospital.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt next met with departmental personnel and gave instructions on economy, social welfare and regional development at the meeting hall of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Office.

Present on the occasion were Member of 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 Soe Naing, ministers, Chief of Staff (Navy), Deputy Ministers, officials of State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, local authorities and officials of social organizations.

First, Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Naing reported on economy, health, agriculture, lifestock breeding, transport, communications and economic development rate in the division.

Next, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt made a speech. He said that they were there to inspect progress made in agriculture, industrial and fish and meat sectors for regional development of Ayeyawady Division.

He added that he had inspected the 200-ton pulp factory project and fisheries undertakings being implemented in the division. Being a granary of the nation, the Ayeyawady Division plays a leading role in self sufficiency in provision and is making efforts for realization of the national goals.

The government, on its part, is placing emphasis on development of Ayeyawady Division, building roads and bridges, making efforts for development of education, health, agricultural and livestock breeding sectors and human resources development. The division was difficult of access in the past due to many rivers and creeks although it was near Yangon. The division lagged behind in development as there was no security in the past.

In the time of the State Peace and Development Council, top priority has been given to development of the division. There were 400 miles of the roads in the division in the past and there are now 1300 miles of roads with an increase of over 800 miles. Altogether 39 bridges with a length of 180 feet-and-above including Bo Myat Tun bridge, Maubin bridge, Dedaye bridge, Shwe Laung bridge, Wakema bridge, Gon-nyindan bridge, Daka bridge and Myaungmya bridge were constructed.

In addition, Ngawun river crossing Pathein bridge and Pyapon bridge are under construction. Arrangements have been made for construction of three more bridges in the division. In future, bridges will also be constructed wherever necessary.

With better transport, one can easily travel from Yangon to Ayeyawady Division and vice versa, thereby contributing to regional development and boosting the living standard of the local people.

In the education sector, Pathein degree college and Hinthada college were upgraded into the universities.

To bring about harmonious development across the nation, the 24 development regions including Maubin development region have been designated and work is under way in accord with the guidance of the Head of State. That is why the Maubin University, the Maubin Technological College, the Computer College and the 200-bed specialist hospital were built.

In the health sector, a 250-bed hospital in Pathein, a 200-bed hospital in Hinthada, a 200-bed hospital in Maubin were constructed, providing more health care services to the local people.

In the agriculture sector, seven dams and 22 river water pumping projects were implemented, and three dams and four river water pumping projects are under implementation. Arrangements are being made for construction of more dams, diversion weirs and river water pumping stations.

The prime minister stressed the need for the farmers to boost the per acre yield of paddy up to 100 baskets, of black pulses up to 20 baskets, of green gram up to 20 baskets, of pigeon pea up to 25 baskets, of groundnut up to 50 baskets, of sunflower up to 50 baskets and of maize up to 80 baskets. In addition, local people are to make efforts for extended cultivation of jute and extended breeding of fish and prawn in the division.

The Head of State has given guidance, calling for efforts for strengthening the national economy.

In consonance with the guidance, the respective ministries are striving for extended production, minimizing loss and wastage.

Meanwhile, efforts will have to be made for successful implementation of seven future policies and programmes laid down by the State while striving for strengthening the economy of the State.

To successfully implement of the future policies and programmes, officials at different levels are to make field trips right down to grassroots level and fulfil the needs in economic, education, health and social sectors. Only then officials at different levels in the States and Divisions are to make efforts in unison will the future policies and programmes be fully implemented.

He called on officials concerned to have correct data in the sectors they are implementing. Serious attention is to be paid to collect correct data as economic projects have to be implemented based on correct data.

Officials at the States and Divisions including Ayeyawady Division are to strive together with the people for the emergence of a modern developed democratic nation with the spirit of national unity and Union Spirit, producing more intellectuals and intelligentsia in the nation.

Next, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party arrived at the guest house of the South-West Command in Pathein and spent the night there. Accompanied by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party this morning left Pathein by helicopter and arrived at the agricultural project site of Shwe Ayeya Co in Kwinkauk Village, Ingapu Township, Ayeyawady Division, at 8.30 am.

The Prime Minister and party were welcomed there by senior military officers, Chairman of Hinthada District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Pyone and departmental officials.

At the briefing hall, In Charge Maj Aung Min reported on cultivation of 424 acres of 78000 cashew trees, 50 acres of soy bean, 100 acres of corn, 3.5 acres of pepper (3500 saplings), 100 acres of pigeon pea.

The Prime Minister, Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing and officials explained the extended cultivation of crops and assistance to be rendered.

The Prime Minister gave instructions to extend the cultivation of corn and soy bean on 500 acres of land in order to create job opportunities for the local people and implement the rural development work. Next, he stressed the need to cultivate more new crops after surveying the land condition with the help of experts from the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.

The Prime Minister next inspected the samples of maize and soy bean produced by the 2000-acre farm of Shwe Ayeya Co and thriving of cashew tree plantations.

Next, the Prime Minister and party, from the helicopter, viewed the thriving plantations of cashew trees, maize and monsoon paddy on both sides of Pathein-Monywa motor road and arrived at the project site for construction of Ma Mya Dam in Hmyinwataung Village, Myanaung Township being undertaken by the construction-9 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. They were welcomed there by Director-General U Kyaw San Win of the Irrigation Department and officials.

At the briefing hall, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on irrigation projects on the west bank of Ayeyawady being implemented by the A&I Ministry and facts about Ma Mya Dam; and Director-General U Kyaw San Win on progress in construction of the dam and future tasks.

The Prime Minister urged officials of the departments concerned to give assistance in cultivating seasonal crops such as cashew, durian and pomelo and perennial crops in the area of the dam. The Prime Minister inspected the construction progress of the dam and gave necessary instructions to officials.

Ma Mya Dam is an earthen one which is 11800 feet long and 150 feet high. On completion, the dam will irrigate 10000 acres of farmland. About 26.6 percent of construction work has been completed.

The Prime Minister and party went to Kunchaung-2 dam project near Tatkon Village in Kyangin Township, Hinthada District, undertaken by the construction-2 of the Irrigation Department.

At the briefing hall, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on data of dam and reservoir projects in lower reaches of Ayeyawady River and Kunchaung-2 Dam. Director-General U Kyaw San Win also reported on progress of work in construction of the dam, other dam and reservoir projects and irrigated acres of land. The commander, the minister and officials gave supplementary reports.

The Prime Minister next called on officials to get the farmers to understand the results of cultivation of the three crops, monsoon paddy, pulses and beans and summer paddy in cooperation with departmental staff and local authorities.

Afterwards, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt looked into the construction of the conduit pipe of the dam and earth work.

Kunchaung-2 Dam on Ahlon (North) Creek is an earthen one. It is 16720 feet in length and 135 feet in height. Upon completion of the project, the dam will irrigate 20000 acres of land. About 61.62 percent of construction work has completed.

The Prime Minister and party proceeded to Kyangin Cement Factory of Myanma Ceramic Industries, the Ministry of Industry-1, in Kyangin Township in Ayeyawady Division, by helicopter.

The Prime Minister and party were welcomed there by Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Thein Tun, Managing Director Col Soe Yi of Myanma Ceramic Industries, factory manager U Kyi Maung and officials.

Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung reported on location, area, construction and production capacity of the factory, investment and providing of supply; and Director of Myanma Ceramics Industries Col Soe Yi, on production process, distribution of the products, tasks for raw materials, annual supply and demand of raw materials, marketing and innovative measures. Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing and Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi gave supplementary reports.

The General gave instructions on efficient use of machinery and fuel, and interrelation of sectors for production to the full capacity, and inspected the factory.

Operating 300 days a year, the factory produce 320,000 tons of cement in three eight-hour shifts.

The General and party met with township level departmental officials and members of social organizations at the office of Kyangin Township Peace and Development Council. At the meeting, the General attended to the needs, saying that during their inspection tour of Ayeyawady Division, requirements have been fulfilled for the development of Kyangin Township.

He added that after the assumption of the State's duties, the government has been making all-out efforts without sparing day and night for the development of the nation and ensuring higher living standard of the people. The General spoke of the need for those in charge of respective townships to discharge duties with the concept that they are the most responsible for regional development and improvement of the living standard of local people. Only when township level officials take innovative measures, will respective townships make progress, he noted.

Being blessed with natural resources, Kyangin region cultivates monsoon paddy and beans and pulses. The government has been constructing irrigation facilities for development of the agricultural sector and double and triple cropping. The Lunchaung Dam is under construction in the township and in near future, local farmers can cultivate summer paddy in addition to monsoon paddy and beans and pulses.

The government has formed systematic administrative bodies at State and Division, district, township and village levels. Those in charge of respective townships play the main role in development of the townships. Making field tours right down to the rural regions, they are to fulfil the requirements and the cases they cannot solve must be reported to the superiors. Regarding the reports, the superiors are to take action timely. If so, the people will place greater reliance on them, he pointed out.

In conclusion, he called on the officials to lay emphasis on successful implementation of the five rural development tasks in accord with the guidance of the Head of State.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party arrived back here in the evening.

YANGON, 6 Sept - A ceremony to launch Diesel Multiple Unit 304 produced by Diesel Locomotive Shed (Ywahtaung) of Myanma Railways under the Ministry of Rail Transportation and Diesel Multiple Unit 303 produced by Insein Locomotive Shed was held at No1 Platform of Yangon Central Railway Station at 11 am today, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein.

Also present on the occasion were Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min, Deputy Ministers Thura U Thaung Lwin and U Pe Than, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry, staff of the ministry and others.

Reporting to the Secretary-1 and the Secretary-2, Minister Maj-Gen Aung Min said that there are 13 locomotives and 13 coaches are being used in running the Yangon Circular trains in the suburban areas at the rate of 152 runs daily.

Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance, saying that Myanma Railways is to make earnest efforts to be able to produce the locomotives and coaches internally and not to rely on the imported locomotives and coaches.

In consonance with the guidance, two coaches of DMU first generation, have been produced and are being used in Yangon-Ywathagyi railroad section. Continued innovation led to producing of two coaches of DMU second generation. Two wheels drove in the DMU first generation whereas four wheels are used in the DMU second generation. That is why the capacity of the second generation is two times greater than the first generation.

The first generation DMU can carry only 390 passengers and the second generation DMU can carry more passengers than the first generation.

In the latest DMU generation, every part except the engine, is produced locally.

Production of one second generation DMU costs only K 100.57 million, saving a large amount of funds. If it is to be ordered from abroad, it will cost about US$ 2 million.

Arrangements are being made for production of more DMU second generation, and they will be used in Yangon-Bago and Yangon-Toungoo road sections.

Next, the Secretary-1 and the Secretary-2 inspected the DMU coaches.

Next, the Secretary-1 and the Secretary-2 rode the DMU train from Yangon Railways Station to Thingangyun Station and greeted the passengers aboard the train.

YANGON, 6 Sept - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, met Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Deputy Minister U Myint Thein, departmental heads and officials at the ministry on Thitsar Street, Yankin Township, this afternoon.

The minister reported on organizational set-up, strength and functions of the ministry, measures being taken for realizing the aims, mining precious stones and minerals in States and Divisions, exploiting the mineral resources, and tasks being joint carried out in cooperation with local and foreign companies. Officials reported on organizational set-up of mines, functions, mining of minerals, joint mining of the State and private entrepreneurs at gem mining blocks, sales of gems and jade at the emporiums, production and sales of pearls, production of salt and oral rehydration salt, and geological surveys in States and Divisions.

The deputy minister reported on salient points about mining enterprise, changes in the mining sector and suggestions for development of mining sector.

The Secretary-1 delivered a speech, saying that the Ministry of Mines plays an important role in the economic development of the State, adding that according to the reports, the mining sector is making progress. He said that the reports can be now assessed to fulfil the requirements.

The staff with the concept that they play a deserving role in the development of the nation are to make endeavours in order to achieve greater success. They should deal with private entrepreneurs and the people and encourage them with goodwill, he noted.

Only when economic development is achieved in the nation, will the social sector develop and the staff realizing the tasks for building a democratic nation are to participate in the tasks. And they are to put emphasis on emergence of an economically strong nation and raising per capital income. As economy and politics are interrelated, all are responsible for all-round development of the nation, he said.

Next, the Secretary-2 said that thanks to the correct leadership of the government and collective endeavours of respective ministries, States and Divisions and the people, cumulative success is made in the State's economic sector.

After peace and tranquillity had been restored with prevalence of law and order, the government kept on implementing short-term economic plans for the economic development of the State. Remarkable success was made in the first four-year short-term plan and the second five-year short-plan. Now, the third five-year short-term plan is being implemented and efforts are being made for achieving success. The ministry is making concerted efforts for helping the State become economically strong and earn foreign exchange. Continuous efforts are thus to be made to realize the plans adopted by the State. At the same time, measures should be taken to strike a balance between income and expenditure, he noted.

Ways and means are to be sought for extended mining of mineral resources and earning more foreign exchange, while systematic measures are being taken for minimizing loss and wastage.

After the meeting, the Secretary-1 and the Secretary-2 viewed pearls produced by Myanma Pearl Enterprise, salt and oral rehydration salt at Thiri Yadana Hall.

YANGON, 6 Sept - 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 and Yangon City Development Committee Chairman Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin inspected sanitation works collectively carried out in various districts, townships and wards by Tatmadawmen, policemen, staff of Yangon City Development Committee, non-governmental organizations and town dwellers this morning.

First, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin arrived at the corner of Myoma Kyaung Street and Sagawah Street, Dagon Township, Yangon West District where they were welcomed by Secretary of YCDC Col Myint Aung, No 3 Military Region Commander Col Tint Hsan, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint and members, Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein and officials.

Next, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin inspected sanitation works and encouraged the volunteers.

Afterwards, they proceeded to the corner of Waizayanta Street and Laydaunkkan Street, Thingangyun Township, Yangon East District where they were welcomed by No 2 Military Region Commander Brig-Gen Myo Myint, Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Pyi. After that, they inspected sanitation works there.

Later, they arrived at the corner of Kantawmingala Street and Yadana Street, Dagon Myothit (South) and inspected sanitation works there.

Similarly, they inspected sanitation works at the corner of Baho Street and Setmu Saywa Street, Insein Township and Hline-thaya Township.

YANGON, 6 Sept - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence inspected regional development projects in Mandalay Division yesterday. Accompanied by Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Nay Win, officials, local authorities, Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspected progress in constructing Panhsay Creek Bridge on the road leading to Mandalay International Airport in TadaU Township in the morning. Deputy Superintending Engineer of Road and Bridge Construction Special Group 14 of Public Works reported on work progress. Deputy Chief Engineer (Upper Myanmar) U Saing Thein Maung gave a supplementary report. The 200 feet long and 72 feet wide bridge can withstand 60-ton loads.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party viewed progress in constructing the six-lane road and cultivation of monsoon paddy along Mandalay-Madaya road. They proceeded to the 125 feet long Baunggyi bridge construction project on Sedawgyi Canal on Mandalay-Madaya road in Madaya Township. Officials reported on work being done. They inspected Karamet Diversion Weir near Karamet village in the township. Officials reported on salient points out the Karamet Diversion Weir, Karaket canal and Shwetachaung drain. The diversion weir is situated on Chaung-magyi Creek and benefits 16,822 acres of farmland.

In the afternoon, they inspected the agriculture and livestock breeding farm of the Central Command near Myakantha village in Patheingyi Township. Officials reported on tasks being carried out. Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspected pumping station Nos 1 and 2, the intake structure and left necessary instructions.

YANGON, 6 Sept - A meeting on development of agricultural sector and extended reclamation of cultivable land in Kachin State was held at the office of Kachin State Peace and Development Council in Myitkyina on 1 September. Present at the meeting were Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Secretary Lt-Col Myint Thein and council members, Kachin State Agriculture Supervisory Work Committee members, departmental officials and officials.

The commander briefed those present on full supply of irrigation water for cultivation, application of modern methods in agricultural work and extension of land reclamation for the cultivation of paddy, seasonal crops and perennial crops.

Next, officials presented their reports on agricultural tasks. The commander gave concluding remarks.

YANGON, 6 Sept - Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu met Myanmar delegation, which will attend Thai Tourism Exhibition-2003 to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, at Kandawgyi Palace Hotel yesterday.

Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt explained about Myanmar's participation in the Thai Tourism Exhibition-2003.

Officials of Myan-mar Marketing Committee (MMC) presented US$ 2,000 for holding of Myan-mar cultural night ceremony at the exhibition to the deputy minister.

YANGON, 6 Sept - The Course No 3 on Development of Technology for Myanmar Farmers, jointly conducted by Canaan Farmers' School of the Republic of Korea and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, was opened yesterday at the training school in Doekwin Village in PyinOoLwin Township.

Present were Managing Director of Myanma Farm Enterprise Col Myint Shwe, local authorities and Mr Kim Sang Ok of Canaan Farmers' School. Deputy Minister for A & I Brig-Gen Khin Maung made a speech and Mr Kim Sang Ok spoke words of thanks. A total of 36 trainees- 21 farmers and 15 service personnel are attending the course.

The deputy minister inspected 125 of acres coffee plantation and nurseries of private entrepreneurs in the village, Shwethitsar Aung coffee farm in YaychanO village and macademia plantations in Ohmmakha village in Nawngkhio Township and fulfilled the requirements.

YANGON, 6 Sept - Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa arrived back here by air yesterday evening after attending the Fourth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Youth held in the Philippines. The delegation was welcomed back at the airport by Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, Deputy Minister for SWRR Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population U Maung Aung, departmental heads, officials and families of the delegates. Members of the delegation Director-General of Social Welfare Department U Sit Myaing and Deputy Director U Aye Win also arrived back on the same flight.

The Myanmar delegates attended the Fourth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Youth held in Makati City of Manila on 3 and 4 September. Minister of Labour and Employment of the Philippines Ms Patricia A Sto Tomas made a speech at the opening of the meeting held at Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati City of Manila on 3 September morning. As Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa was president of the third ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Youth, he acted as acting president at the opening of the fourth meeting and extended greetings and elected the new president. The meeting was attended by ministers relating to the youth sectors, deputy ministers and the vice secretary-general of the ASEAN Secretariat. Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa made a speech at the meeting on endeavours being made for Myanmar youths.

At the meeting, Manila Declaration was approved. The delegates of the meeting made a resolution to hold the Fifth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Youth in Singapore in the year 2006.

YANGON, 6 Sept - The special observer delegation of Myanmar led by Vice-Chairman of National Convention Convening Commission Chief Justice U Aung Toe left here by air this afternoon to attend the 24th General Assembling of ASEAN Parliaments Work Committee to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 7 to 12 this month.

The delegation was seen off at Yangon International Airport by Attorney-General U Aye Maung, Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung, Deputy Chief Justice of Supreme Court U Thein Soe, Judge of Supreme Court U Khin Myint, Third Secretary of Indonesian Embassy in Yangon Mr Amin Maulana Wicaksono, Director-General of Supreme Court U Soe Nyunt and officials of the Supreme Court and National Convention Convening Commission Office.

The Chief Justice was accompanied by Joint-Secretary of National Convention Convening Work Committee U Thaung Nyunt and NCCWC member Dr Thaung Myint.

YANGON, 6 Sept - Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win arrived backed here by air this morning after attending the 35th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Meeting and its related meetings held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from 1 to 4 September, 2003. Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win was welcomed at Yangon International Airport by the Directors-General and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to Myanmar Mr Hul Phany.

Deputy Director U Aung Lynn of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also returned together with the Deputy Minister.

YANGON, 6 Sept - A Nutrition Promotion Week of Yangon North District was held in Insein Township General Hospital this morning.

Present were Patron of Supervisory Committee for Yangon Division Maternal and Child Welfare Association wife of Commander of Yangon Command Daw Khin Thet Htay and officials.

Daw Khin Thet Htay formally unveiled the billboard of Nutrition Promotion Week and Chairman of Yangon North District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col San Ma Tu made a speech. Daw Khin Thet Htay and officials presented prizes to winners of the essay competitions and fed Vitamin A tablets to children and this was followed by educative talks on health.

YANGON, 6 Sept - The first round match of Kaung Myat Golf Open Championship of Myanmar Golf Tour 2003, organized by Myanmar Golf Federation and Myan-mar PGA continued for the third day at Yaytaguntaung Golf Course in Mandalay this morning.

After the third day's match, Aung Win of YCDC led the tourney with 206 strokes in the professional division, followed by Soe Naing (Pan-West) with 208 strokes, Zaw Zaw Latt (Pen-West) with 213 strokes, Than Naing (Wilson) with 217 strokes. In the men's amateur division, Thein Zaw Myint led the tourney with 211 strokes, followed by Zaw Zaw Win with 220 strokes, Yin Aung Latt with 225 strokes and Myat Htut with 226 strokes.

The golf tour is mainly sponsored by RPMM with the help of K M Golf Centre, Air Mandalay, Grand Slam (Munsing Wear), Sedona Hotel (Mandalay), Loi-Hein (Alpine), Canon, UPG, Wilson, Ping, Tiger Beer and Mandalay Cement Industries Co Ltd. Han Event Management is providing assistance for successful completion of the first round event of MGT.

The fourth day match continues tomorrow.

YANGON, 6 Sept - A combined team comprising members of Local Battalion Unit searched suspects U Kyi and Ma Thet near Nyaungbintha village in Htantabin Township on 18 January, 2003 and seized them with 4.879 kilos of marijuana. In connection with the case, action was taken against U Kyi, son of U Thein of Nyaungbintha village in Htantabin Township and Ma Thet, daughter of U Aung at the same village under Section of 15/19(a)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Mon Police Station.

Toungoo District Court on 9 July handed down four years' imprisonment under Section 15 and 15 years' imprisonment under Section 19(a) to U Kyi and Ma Thet respectively.