Present on the occasion were Central Executive Committee members of USDA, executives of Shan State East USDA, members of district and township USDAs in Shan State (East), Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Working Committee for Women's Affairs, War Veterans Organization, Red Cross Society and Auxiliary Fire Brigade, faculties and students of Kengtung Degree College, Kengtung Government Technological College, Kengtung Government Computer College, trainees of Kengtung nursing school, departmental staff, workers and local people totalling 10,500.

Before the mass rally, Bayintnaung column comprising over 3,500 people led by Column Leader Head of state Immigration and Population Department U Kyaw Kyaw marched into the Myoma Sports Ground from Shan State I & P Office and took their designated places.

Similarly, Alaungphaya Column comprising over 3,500 local people led by Column Leader Executive of Shan State (East) USDA U Myint Naing marched into the Myoma Sports Ground from the junction of No 2 Basic Education High School and Taunggyi Road.

Likewise, Hsinbyushin Column comprising over 3,500 people led by Head of Kengtung District General Administration Department U Maung Maung marched into the Myoma Sports Ground from No 5 BEMS and took their designated places.

At the rally, Principal of Kengtung Degree College U Aung Nyunt presided over the mass rally together with Arkha national U Ma Tiya, Executive of Kengtung Township MCWA Daw Nan Kein Kham, Lahu national U Lu Ka La and Shan State USDA Secretary Dr Sai Saykaw as members. Executive of Kengtung Township USDA Daw Nan Yu Yu Swe and Kengtung District USDA Daw Nan San Hwom acted as masters of ceremonies.

First, the master of ceremonies announced the commencement of the mass rally.

Afterwards, Chairman of the mass rally Principal U Aung Nyunt of Kengtung Degree College made a speech. He said the mass rally was held in support of the Prime Minister's clarification on seven-point future policies and programmes of the State (roadmap) made on 30 August. The seven-point future policies and programmes is a roadmap that plays a key role in building a peaceful, modern and developed democratic nation that is the national goal. It is worthy to be proud that people from all walks of life in Shan State (East) actively support the roadmap with true sense of Union Spirit.

In the Prime Minister's speech, development in social, economic and political sectors and the measures to be taken by the public are clarified. The first part of the Prime Minister's speech, full of reliable statistics, dealt with all-round development of the nation. The second part of the speech touched on political developments in brief. The third part of the speech emphasized the seven steps of the political process to develop a modern and developed democracy in the future in accordance with the historical background of the nation, the customs and traditions of the people and the prevailing political, economic and social conditions.

There was no administrative mechanism and anarchy reigned the whole country and socio-economy was in the worst situation when the Tatmadaw government took over the responsibilities of the State. It had been able to re-establish the administrative machinery in accordance with the law in a short period. In addition, the momentum achieved in development of the State's socio-economy exceeded the expectations.

The government has laid down and implemented the border areas development project with momentum to promote the socio-economic life of national people since 1989. In so doing, it has spent over K 45,762 million plus US$ 506 million. As a result, some villages in border areas have developed like cities and national reconsolidation and Union Spirit have flourished there as all-round development has achieved in the border areas. Moreover, our national brethren have enjoyed the peace and tranquility which they have never experienced before.

For example, the remarkable development of Laukkai in Kokang region, Namtit, Mongmao and Pansan in Wa region and Mongla in Shan Sate (East) may be cited. As regards the development of the State, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe said at the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade on 27 March 2003 that with the aim of achieving development in each and every gion, 24 Special Development Regions have been set up to promote the economic, education and health conditions and the advancement of highly-qualified human resources. In addition, to ensure that there is no development gap, five rural development tasks are being vigorously implemented. As a result of these endeavours, economic and social indicators for the Union of Myanmar today show that the designated targets have been greatly surpassed. So all are urged to maintain the momentum in development of socio-economic life.

The Prime Minister also said that violent demonstration and terrible anarchy erupted in the country in 1988. The country was on the verge of disintegration and there was encroachment on the sovereignty of the State. That was why the Tatmadaw took over the responsibilities of the State unavoidably. It has systematically implemented national policies for the State to be a peaceful, modern and developed one. Emphasis has been placed on national reconsolidation, tranquility of the State and the development of socio-economic infrastructures.

Furthermore, based on mutual respect, understanding, belief and honesty among national races, the national unity and reconsolidation have been built up. As a result, altogether 17 national race armed groups have returned to the legal fold. As peace prevails in the nation, preparations for holding of the National Convention, that was held to shape the country to be a democratic one, started in 1992. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe highlighted that whatever system the nation is practising, a firm constitution, that serves the interests of all the national races, is required.

The National Convention which is essential for the State was convened in 1993 attended by political parties, representatives -elect, representatives of national races from states and divisions, national race leaders who have entered the legal fold, intellectuals and intelligentsia and service personnel and people of all strata of life. At a time when the National Convention had been able to coordinate and formulate necessary principles for very important constitution, it was temporarily suspended on 31 March, 1996 because of the acts to pay head to the interests of an individual person and that of the party belonging to that person. The Constitution is the life-blood for a country. So, the Tatmadaw government has made efforts for the State with the strength of national force in conformity with the right political objectives.

In the third part of the speech, the Prime Minister clarified the roadmap of Myanmar to build a modern and developed discipline-flourishing democratic country in accordance with the historical background ofthe nation. The seven steps of the political reforms are -

(1) Reconvening of the National Convention that has been adjourned since 1996. (2) After the successful holding of the National Convention, step by step implementation of the process necessary for the emergence of a genuine and discipline-flourishing democratic system. (3) Drafting of a new constitution in accordance with basic principles and detailed basic principles laid down by the National Convention. (4) Adoption of the constitution through national referendum. (5) Holding of free and fair elections for Pyithu Hluttaws (Legislative bodies) according to the new constitution. (6) Convening of Hluttaws attended by Hluttaw members in accordance with the new constitution. (7) Building a modern, developed and democratic nation by the state leaders elected by the Hluttaw; and the government and other central organs formed by the Hluttaw.

As the seven-point future policies and programmes of the State are our own roadmap that have been laid down in the interests of the State and the national people by the State Peace and Development Council, we warmly welcome them. Representatives-elect as well as all the entire national people are to take part in the important procedures for successful holding of the National Convention and the emergence of a firm Constitution.

In conclusion, I would like to urge the people in Shan State (East) to actively and unitedly take part in the endeavours for successful implementation of the seven-point future policies and programmes included in the Prime Minister's speech step by step with true sense of Union Spirit.

Tabling a motion calling for the active participation of the entire people by doing their every bid in implementing the seven-stage future policy and programme of the State with true sense of Union Spirit, U Sai Shan, Joint Secretary of Tachilek District USDA, said that as said by the presiding chairman, Prime Minister of the State General Khin Nyunt delivered an address crucial for the State on 30 August.

In the first part of the Prime Minister's speech, explanations were made with full data concerning the accelerating progress of the political, economic and social sectors during the period from the time of the assumption of the State's responsibility to this day. It is encouraging to note those achievements.

The Prime Minister in his speech made it clear that marching towards a peaceful, modern and developed nation is the national goal.

Prevalence of stability and tranquillity in the nation is based on the emergence of national consolidation, just as the national economic development on the calm and peaceful environment. A glance at the economic condition of the country during the period from 1986 to 1988 will reveal that GDP then stood at its lowest stage. Thanks to the relentless efforts of the Tatmadaw Government since its assumption of the State's duties, there had been gradual progress from the year 1990. The 2002-03 fiscal year has seen 11.1 percent increase while the per capita income exceeds K 100,000. In accordance with "Development of agriculture as the base and all-round development of other sectors of economy as well", one of the four economic objectives of the State, the annual paddy output in 1988 was 654 million baskets. It is however heartening to see the target of annual paddy output reaching up to 1000 million baskets from the 2000-01 fiscal year.

The Government has spent over 63 billion kyats on construction of 150 irrigation facilities in a bid to produce more paddy like this. At present, 39 irrigation projects are under construction and another 84 under planning stage.

The fish and meat sector also plays a critical role in the economic sector of Myanmar. In this sector, this 2002-03 fiscal year saw up to 12 percent increase, up from an average of 4.6 percent increase during the period from the 1992-93 to 1995-96 fiscal years. Therefore, the production of more than 1.5 million tons of fresh water and sea fish and prawn in the 2002-03 fiscal year resulted in local sufficient consumption and more income of foreign currency.

Myanmar is a country which suffers little environmental degradation. In addition to the preservation of existing forests, the nursery plantations and special teak plantations, the acreage of forest plantations have now been extended to nearly 1.1 million. Therefore, it can be said that the forest constitutes 52.28 percent of the whole area of Myanmar.

At the time of the State Peace and Development Council, the efficiency of State-owned factories is being promoted for the emergence of economic life based on modern industrial enterprises, while 18 industrial zones were established all over the divisions and states and other industrial extended to develop industrial sectors regionwise and create more job opportunities.

At present, 257 State-owned factories and over 24,000 private factories were extended for the mass production of import-substitute goods. There have now been a total of 52,000 factories. The number of factories have been nearly doubled when compared with over 27,000 factories in 1988.

When it comes to the smooth and secured transport sector, a network of roads and bridges, the basic infrastructure of the transport sector, have emerged across the country more quickly than expected.

In 1988, there were a total of 461 roads with 13,600 miles in length. But, there have now been constructed 55 new roads with some 2,000 miles in length. For bridges, there only existed the Ayeyawady river crossing Sagaing Bridge and the Sittaung river crossing Sittaung Bridge before 1988. But now, 161 bridges with over 180 feet in length in addition to seven major bridges, two Chindwin river crossing bridges, three Thanlwin river crossing bridges were built by the Government along the Ayeyawady river. Moreover, the Thanlwin bridge (Mawlamyine) and the Ayeyawady bridge (Yadanabon), both of them will be the longest bridges in Myanmar, and another 35 bridges are under construction. There are also another 23 bridges are being planned to be built. With the smooth and fast flow of commodity, there will also prosper friendship among national brethren.

The Prime Minister explained the efforts made by the Government phase by phase for political progress. The Tatmadaw Government convened the national convention starting from January 1993 to draw up a constitution to be practised in shaping the future State as democracy. Political parties, representative-elects, representatives of national races from states and divisions, leaders of national races returning to the legal fold, intellectuals and intelligentsia, government employees and representatives from all walks of life participated in the National Convention. Political parties and politicians were also granted rights for open discussions and revelation of frank desire.

However, the ongoing convention has fallen into abeyance since 1996 owing to one group bent on placing their interest before the national cause.

It is only in the National Convention where the constitution can be drawn up. Therefore, the entire mass of people are very delighted to hear that the national convention will resume in accord with the seven-stage future policy and programme of the State as mentioned in the Prime Minister's speech.

In the bid to establish a peaceful, developed, modern, democratic nation by reviewing the bitter hardship suffered half a century ago, the emergence of the discipline-flourishing democratic system is of vital importance. Therefore, to have drawn up the firm constitution in conformity with the national policy of the State is the national concern crucial for the public as equally as lifeblood. the emergence of the discipline-flourishing democratic system is of vital importance. Therefore, to have drawn up the firm constitution in conformity with the national policy of the State is the national concern crucial for the public as equally as lifeblood.

In order to build a modern, developed, new democracy, I would like to table a motion earnestly for the active participation of the entire mass of national people by doing their every bit with the full sense of Union Spirit in the successful implementation of the seven-stage future policy and programme of the State as described by the Prime Minister.

Member of Mongkhat Township Women's Affairs Committee Daw Nan Phaung seconded the motion calling on the entire national people to actively participate in any sectors for the successful implementation of the seven-stage future policy of the State with full sense of Union Spirit.

She said benefits of all-round development of the State in the economic, social and political sectors achieved during the time of the Tatmadaw Government can be perceived in the first part of the speech of the Prime Minister. Especially in our border regions, it can be seen that hospitals, dispensaries, schools and markets that could not be constructed because of the lack of tranquillity have emerged overnight together with opium free zones and poppy-substitute crop fields, Due to the stability and tranquillity, human settlements have become thick and developed, overwhelming the region, where darkness and sounds of gunfire and explosions existed, with electric lights and traditional song, music and dances. These are the essence of stability and tranquillity.

Being able to cooperate with the national races armed groups is the historic achievements in the efforts for the stability and tranquillity of the State. A total of seventeen armed groups of the national races, returning to the legal fold, are earnestly participating in the nation-building endeavours of the State hand in hand with the Tatmadaw Government. In common sense, it can be perceived that return of the national races armed groups to the legal fold is a difficult process of transformation. As efforts were exerted with mutual respect, confidence, understanding and relations based on honesty, achievement could be made out of the disunity of 40 years ago. As the Government was able to build national unity successive governments could not do, national people cannot stop thanking the government for its farsightedness. After restoring stability and tranquillity, the Government systematically laid down development projects for equitable development of the State. It implemented, first of all, border area development projects for the national races, followed by 24 development zones project for harmonious development of the Union and five-rural development tasks for the promotion of the social economic life of rural people. As a result, achievements that exceed expectation can be seen all over the country.

Thanks to relentless efforts of responsible personnel and cooperation of the national people, a total of 151 irrigation facilities and 265 river water pumping projects, expanding 2 million acres of paddy fields and increasing the yearly paddy production of the country from 654 million baskets to over 1000 million baskets. In the industrial sector, the number of factories surprisingly increased from over 27,000 to over 51,000.

In the education sector, number of basic education schools, which stood at over 33,000 in the past, reached over 40,000. The number of universities and colleges increased from 32 to 154 and literacy rate of the country rises from 78 percent to 92.2 percent. For the further development of the State, it is required to nurture the highly qualified human resource. The number of basic education students now exceeds 7.5 million, up from 5.2 million in 1988. Likewise, the number of university students now increases to over 890,000, up from more than 130,000 in 1988. And there were 9,474 masters degree holders and 206 doctorate degree holders during the period from 2001 to 2002.

For the health sector, there were 617 hospitals in 1988 and the number has now risen to 757. Similarly, the number of medical universities increased to 14, up from 4 in 1988. The development of social and economic infrastructures are vital for the development of the State.

As the Government spent some 2,000 million kyats on the border area development undertakings in Shan State (East), the region has now undergone marked progress of socio-economic infrastructure. Thanks to the endeavours made by the Government, the border areas which lagged behind development owing to lack of stability are now enjoying the fruitful results of development in every sector.

The national convention is something in which the institution is drawn up to shape the future democratic nation. However, as one group of representatives walked out the national convention without considering the future of the State, the national convention had to be adjourned temporarily. Moreover, some powers can now be seen interfering in the internal affairs of our country without having any consideration for the interest of over 52 million national people. Under these circumstances, the State Peace and Development Council Government firmly laid down the seven-stage future policy and programme of the State without deviating from the original political goal.

Keeping in the fore Our Three Main National Causes - Non-disintegration of the Union; Non-disintegration of National Solidarity; and Perpetuation of sovereignty, Shan State (East) has been determined to brave any kind of hardship encountered in any circumstances and continues to march hand in hand with the Government towards the goal without fail in building a peaceful, modern, developed democratic nation.

To sum up, Shan State (East) heartily supports the seven-point policy. She emphatically seconded the motion of U Sai Shen calling for the active participation of the entire people with every sense of Union Spirit in the successful implementation of the seven-point future policy and programme of the State.

Akha national U Ah Pha of Kengtung seconded the motion calling on the entire mass of people to participate in any sector for the successful implementation of the seven-point future policies and programmes of the state with full sense of Union Spirit, saying that Shan State (East) is home to various national races. Due to the armed insurgency, the region had lagged behind social and economic development in the past. However, during the time of the Tatmadaw government, its efforts for national unity led to the prevalence of peace in the region, and there are fruits of development thanks to the State's projects.

As it is the hill region there is poor transportation. Although it took days to use Kengtung-Tachilek Road in the past, now it has been upgraded into the tarred one which can be reached in three hours in any season. Kengtung-Mongla Road was also upgraded and can be reached in two hours. So, the region is accessible to the neighbouring countries. With the emergence of Nantmwe Bridge which was opened on 15 September, communications between Tarlay and Kyainglat are better. He said that due to the upgrading of already-existing roads and construction of new ones, the roads which once could be used only in the open season can be travelled in all seasons now, and every township is accessible.

With the progress of transportation sector, other sectors also harmoniously have developed, with the result that the region is now enjoying fruits of stability and development. All the national people of the region are happy to see the extended construction of Kengtung and Tachilek airports, where even jets can land, and extension of communications links.

In communications sector, there are 20 telegraphic offices compared to two in the past and 26 post offices compared to 11 in the past. Two satellite communications stations and 11 microwave communications stations have been opened, and the rural telephone system has been launched.

In education sector, new 224 basic education schools have been built in the region and national race youth students are pursuing education at 579 schools. Some of the schools have been equipped with 18 multi-media classrooms and 11 e-libraries. As Kengtung Degree College and Computer College have been opened, students can learn higher education in their own region. With regard to the health sector, a new 200-bed general hospital was built in Kengtung. In Shan State (East) there are now three 50-bed hospitals, six 25-bed hospitals, eight 16-bed hospitals, six border area hospitals, two border area dispensaries, six rural health care centres, 72 rural health care centres (branch), nine maternal and child health care centres one school health care centre, one traditional medicine clinic and one nursing and midwifery training school.

As for the agriculture sector, the shifting cultivation method, which can harm the natural environment, has been changed into highland cultivation method. And there have emerged crops plantations and chicken and pig breeding farms in parallel with the peace and tranquillity of the region.

These are the fruitful results of endeavours made by all the national people with full national force under the correct leadership of the present government in order to stable and develop the region. We have to keep on this development momentum. Although our State is made up of over 100 national races who had been living in unity and amity for years countable by the thousand, we all had witnessed the loss of our independence due to the aggression of colonialists and outdated national defence method. So we should draw the lessons from these. In endeavouring to regain independence lives, blood and sweat of our national brethren had to be sacrificed. In the present period also we all are required to crush any internal and external destructive acts, he added.

He quoted Head of State Senior General Than Shwe as saying in his message of the 46th anniversary of Union Day Ceremony, "Like a saying, which goes, "100 fruits from the common stem" however traditions and cultures, languages and social systems seem to be different from each other in form, in essence, the ethnic races living in Myanmar are the descendants of a single family, having the courage and Union Spirit. Therefore, based on historical experiences and lessons, we have to build national unity and national reconsolidation without fail.

After the assumption of the State's duties, the Tatmadaw government is implementing political programmes step by step to transform it into a true multi-party democratic system. Our national objective is emergence of a peaceful modern developed nation. This objective must be implemented in conformity with the firm constitution.

Due to the weaknesses of the State's constitution drafted in 1947 the Union had been on the verge of disintegration. The 1974 constitution was also not in accord with the times which had been changing. As it was needed to draft a firm constitution, the National Convention was convened in 1993 and arrangements were made for drafting the constitution. But it had to be adjourned since then in that some persons with dogmatic views neglected the national cause and opposed the National Convention.

All the people of the country have now welcomed the seven future policies and programmes laid down by the Prime Minister. It is incumbent upon all the national people with the Union Spirit to build a peaceful modern developed democratic nation, and priority is to be given to successfull implementation of the national political programmes.

That is why Patron of USDA Senior General Than Shwe said at the conclusion ceremony of the course of the Union Solidarity and Development Association held on 4 August in 2000 that perpetuation of the Union today is due to the strength of the nation. If the Union broke up, the strength of the State would die down. So, it is required to organize the people to be equipped with Union Spirit. If the people love the country and have patriotic spirit, Union Spirit will also develop.

All in all, he said endeavours are to be made to reach the national goal without diminishing the prevalence of peace and tranquillity, unity and development of the State which were achieved by the national people hand in hand with the government. He enthusiastically supported the motion calling on the entire mass of people to participate in any sector for the successful implementation of the seven-point future policies and programmes of the state with full sense of Union Spirit.

Afterwards, the chairman sought the approval of the mass rally concerning the motion for active participation of the entire national people by doing their bit for the successful implementation of the seven future policies and programmes tabled by U Sai Shan. The master of ceremonies announced the resolutions of the mass rally for active participation of the entire national people by doing their bit for the successful implementation of the seven policies and programmes. The mass rally concluded by chanting the slogans.

YANGON, 14 Oct - The opening ceremony of the 11th Myanmar Traditional CulturalPerforming Arts Competitions was held at the National Theatre this morning, with an address by Patron of the Committee for holding of the 11th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions are held with the six objectives- to vitalize patriotism and nationalism in all citizens, to preserve and safeguard Myanmar cultural heritage, to perpetuate genuine Myanmar music, dance and traditional fine arts, to preserve Myanmar national character, to nurture spiritual development of the youths and to prevent of alien culture.

Present on the occasion were Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, wife of Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win, members of the panel of Patron of the Committee for holding of the 11th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions, Chairman of Leading Committee for holding of the competitions Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife, the ministers and their wives, the chief justice, the attorney-general, senior military officers, the deputy ministers, members of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, members of Leading Committee for holding of the competitions, Chairmen and members of Work Committee and Sub-Committees, Ambassadors, Charge d' Affairs ai of the embassies, military attaches, resident representatives and officials of the UN Agencies, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, panel of judges, managers and contestants of states and divisions, students of the University of Culture and guests.

The first session of the opening ceremony was held at the facade of the National Theatre. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, members of the Panel of Patrons, Chairman of Leading Committee and members, members of Committee for holding of the competitions, Chairmen and members of Committee and Sub-Committees, guests, managers and contestants of states and divisions, contestant women in traditional costumes and contestants of 16 dance troupes took their designated places.

Daw Tin Tin Mya and Daw Thida Swe of Myanma Radio and Television acted as masters of ceremonies. Chairman of Leading Committee Maj-Gen Myint Swe explained about the arrangements for the competitions.

He said the Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions have been held for 11 times since 1993. The competitions will be held from 14 to 31 October. The categories of the competitions are professional level, amateur level, higher education level, basic education level (15-20 age group) level, basic education level (10-15 age group), and basic education level (5-10 age group).

He said altogether 2,445 contestants will participate in the competitions and handsome prizes will also be given to winners.

Next, member of Panel of Patron of the competitions Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung formally opened the

Afterwards, the second session of the opening was held in the National Theatre.

U Hla Win and Daw Thida Swe acted as masters of ceremonies. Patron of the Committee for holding of the 11th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt delivered an opening address. (reported separately.)

Next, artistes sang a song composed by Gitalulin U Ko Ko in honour of the 11th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions. Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and guests watched dance contest (professional level).

Prime Minister inspects cultural sites, industries in Magway, Mandalay Divisions

YANGON, 14 Oct - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party on 12 October morning arrived at the construction site of King Anawrahta's Bagan Palace in NyaungU. At the briefing hall, he heard the report on construction tasks presented by U Thaw Ka, an archaeologist.

The Prime Minister urged the officials to carry out construction tasks systematically for existence of the palace for many years.

Next, he inspected the scale model of the palace and pressed the button to drive the pile of Myaynan Pyathad building. Afterwards, the Prime Minister saw over excavation site of King Kyansittha's palace. Deputy Director-General of Fine Arts Department (Upper Myanmar) U Aung Kyaing reported to the prime minister.

Later, General Khin Nyunt and party went to Pakokku Textile Mill project site of Myanmar Textile Industry under the Ministry of Industry-1 where Industry-1 Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun welcomed them.

At the briefing hall, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung reported to the Prime Minister. In his report, he said the factory is constructed to fulfil the domestic needs, to substitute the imports, to upgrade the social standard of local people, to create jobs and to upgrade the technical methods by installing modern machinery at the factory. Moreover, he also reported on location of the factory, investment, domestic consumption and the production of textile by the factories in the country, requirements of raw materials, tasks being undertaken for cultivating 155,000 acres of cotton and production capacity of the factory.

Next, Managing Director of the Myanma Textile Industries U Oo Thein Maung also reported on progress of construction, installation of machinery and arrangements for electricity and water. Next, the Prime Minister urged the officials to make arrangements systematically for cotton cultivation for continuous supply of raw materials as well as to coordinate with the ministry concerned for supply of fuel.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister presented fruit baskets to Chinese technicians and inspected construction site where an official concerned reported to him on installation of machines.

Now, over 56 percent of construction work has been carried out. The construction tasks, are targeted to complete by September, 2004, and installation of machinery by May 2005 and the factory will come into operate on October 2005.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party arrived at Government Technical College (Pakokku).

At the meeting hall, Principal Daw Aye Myint reported on location of the college, courses being conducted there, buildings, faculties, staff and administrations. Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge also gave a supplementary report.

Next, the Prime Minister attended to the needs. Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party proceeded to Government Computer College (Pakokku) where Principal Daw Moe Ma Ma Tin and faculties welcomed them. After hearing reports on the college, courses being opened at the college and administrative affairs of it presented by the principal and U Nyi Hla Nge, the Prime Minister fulfilled the requirements. Next, they inspected learning of the students using teaching aids equipment.

The Prime Minister and party arrived at Education College (Pakokku) where Minister for Education U Than Aung reported on installation of Internet and V-Sat at the universities and colleges. Afterwards, they left for Myingyan, Mandalay Division, by helicopter and arrived at construction site of Degree College (Myingyan). At the briefing hall, Director-General of Higher Education Department (Upper Myanmar) Dr Thein Myint reported on progress of main building number of students, subjects taught, number of rooms and installation at IT centre rooms. Education Minister U Than Aung also gave a supplementary report.

Managing Director of Eden Group Co Ltd U Chit Khaing also reported on construction of two-storey building and three-storey main building to the Prime Minister. The General gave instructions on tasks to be carried out under the supervision of respective officials for meeting the set standard and timely completion of the project.

The General also inspected construction of the main building and left instructions on meeting the standard set.

The Prime Minister and party proceeded to the Government Technical Institute (Myingyan) Construction Project being undertaken by Eden Group Co Ltd. Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge reported on courses conducted in the institute and requirements; Managing Director of the company U Chit Khaing, on progress in constructing the two-storey lecture hall and the three-storey main building. The Prime Minister gave necessary instructions and inspected construction of the main building.

Next, the Prime Minister and party arrived at Popa region in Kyaukpadaung Township. They inspected the tasks for greening of the region and left instructions. The Prime Minister inspected extended construction of the runway of NyaungU Airport and tasks carried out for greening the region.

They also inspected Win Thuzar Shop under the Ministry of Industry-1 in Bagan-NyaungU region and Bagan Golf Course. Officials reported on maintenance of the golf course. Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave a supplementary report. The Prime Minister inspected the tasks for upgrading of the golf and maintenance work and gave instructions.

Yesterday morning, they headed for NyaungU District People's Hospital (100-bed), where they were welcomed by Head of District Health Department U Myo Swe and medical staff. They inspected TV X-ray room, dental unit, paediatric ward, obstetric and gynaecological ward, X-ray room, operation theatre, men's ward, women's ward and intensive care unit. Director-General of the Health Department Dr Wan Maung and officials conducted the General round the hospital. The Prime Minister gave instructions, saying that hospitals and clinics are to carry out community health services with goodwill, and measures are to be taken for greening and beautifying the hospital and its environs. Sanitation work is to be carried out daily for ensuring inside and outside of the hospital and wards free from bad smell as a matter of routine, he added.

The Prime Minister and party left NyaungU by air and arrived back here in the morning of 13 October. The Prime Minister inspected the tasks for extension of Yangon International Airport, where he was welcomed by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, and officials of Asia World Co Ltd. Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe reported to the General on the airport extension project; Managing Director of the company U Tun Myint Naing, on schedules of the project.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister inspected the construction tasks with the use of heavy machinery and left necessary instructions.

The annex of the airport is 492 feet long and 200 feet wide. It can accommodate four Jumbo Jets and can provide services to 1,800 passengers at the same time with the use of modern facilities.

YANGON, 14 Oct - The following is the address deliverd by General Khin Nyunt, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, at the opening ceremony of the 11th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions held at the National Theatre on 14th October 2003:

To all personages of State responsibilities, departmental heads, diplomats, special guests, maestros on judges committees and competing artistes who have come to attend this 11th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions, I would like to extend my greetings with the best wishes "May you have freshness and peacefulness in mind and body", and "May you be the ones capable of cherishing, respecting and uplifting one's own national culture and safeguarding and promoting one's national pride and integrity to new levels of grandeur and resplendence."

It has now been a year after a decade that the Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions have been held successfully with the participation of the entire nation on a grand and resplendent scale. As a result of that, it may be seen, there has been a greater upsurge in youths of the nation, that means those of the coming generations, of a great tradition of the history of Myanmar and a high culture it has come to have, and also the vital spiritual base of nationalism that serves to raise the urge to value and safeguard the motherland as well as national culture.

Today is the time of the entire nation joining hands and striving for development of a modern developed democratic State in the Union of Myanmar with a united and fair Myanmar society based on strong and profound Myanmar history, deep and delicate Myanmar cultural traditions and customs, firm Myanmar civics and human values, and most extensive Myanmar ways of thinking.

At such a time as the present, the most powerful national might for emergence of a nation most suited to our national cultural heritage and national characteristics par excellence is the high level of clarity and dynamism of national spirit and national way of thinking of the citizenry.

Today, as all nations of the world are becoming linked as one in a global expanse due to development of communications in the international scene, some major nations with superiority in wealth and technology are taking advantage of the situation; and the Union of Myanmar is having to face coercive pressures to Western-style, social systems and human values in utter disregard of differences in cultural traits and historical traditions and with one-sided interferences and dominations in political, economic, social and cultural spheres. At a time when our citizens are having to staunchly withstand such oppressions and coercions from some nations of higher physical powers, to build by our own selves a nation based on the already rich cultural traditional, national values and national characteristics, the need to have strong patriotic immune efficiency is the vital lifeline for the nation of Myanmar.

Accordingly, every citizen is duty-bound to raise the patriotic efficiency of the people, especially the youths of the future generations. And that is why the Government of the State has been undertaking management and endeavours to promote Myanmar cultural mores and cultural fine arts that reflect Myanmar norms, values and characteristics for revival and further promotion of Myanmar ways that had been evolved through interaction among the indigenous races of Myanmar.

In other words, I would like to say, the Government has been annually holding these competitions so as to build national self-defence powers while reviving the grandeur of Myanmar history, high level of Myanmar culture, deep and profound nature of Myanmar fine arts and such fine qualities.

It is indeed a matter of pride for every Myanmar that Myanmar's traditional cultural performing arts had developed for years by the thousand with no blemish on its national character but staunchly in its national style and today it stands as purely Myanmar culture in the world.

Myanmar music and dances, classical music, the grand dramatic performances and the marionette theatre that is also called the high theatre that are being reflected in the Myanmar traditional cultural performing arts are in fact repositories of the rich experiences, advanced and profound Myanmar ways of thinking, literature, poetry and songs Myanmar have had in the past history countable by the thousand.

Moreover, Myanmar maestros are found to be expanding on this treasure house of culture to the point of being inexhaustible in various ways and means.

Accordingly, it is a distinct quality of Myanmar culture and fine arts that it is so broad and profound so much so that the more you study the more you have to explore its deep and profound nature.

The State, with the participation of the maestros of Myanmar traditional cultural fine arts, has been holding the competitions to bring out the essence and proliferate them; it has been doing better each year, and it can be seen with satisfaction that the success of these competitions has been growing all the more.

This year, the significant point is that the story of Saddan, the king of elephants, once prescribed for the marionette theatre, has been prescribed for the great dramatic theatre; and vice-versa, the story of Maha Zanekka, once prescribed for the great dramatic theatre, has now been prescribed for the marionette theatre.

I would like to say it is believed that the viewers will be able to discern well the differences between the great theatre and the marionette theatre even as the arts of singing, crying and speaking with one another in a way linked to one another. It will be seen with delight that Myanmar traditional cultural fine arts inclusive of the great theatre and the marionette theatre are not just limited to pure entertainment but are imbued with powers to educate and organize the viewers to be fully qualified physically as well as mentally, with due respect for subtle, delicate and cultured sense of justice and fairness, involving one and all with the Myanmar sense of traditional ways of behaving and thinking towards all as taught by Myanmar Theravada Buddhist practices, national values and social ethics and civics and most subtle and noble courtly ways.

So, viewers of the dramatic performances will see the object lesson given by the story of Saddan the king of elephants-namely as to how Queen Sula Thubadda made the wrongful wish because of her egocentrism, her great haunghtiness and her grudge, and how she suffered in the end because of the consequence of her own anger, haughtiness and her grudge.

It is believed that there will be no conclusion other than the fact that viewers will feel a great regret about the Hunter Thawnotto who erred in doing wrong to an innocent one of nobility because of the fires of greed burnt by the wrong, the rudeness, and the cruelty of the king of Bayanathi who was duped senseless by the guiles of Queen Sula Thubadda in great anger.

Likewise it is expected that performing of the Maha Zanekka story in the marionette theatre will certainly bring out the principle that good results will be brought about by the interests of perseverance based on truth and justice coupled with righteousness on the basis of noble integrity.

As regards introduction of new instruments in playing music in the competitions, this year's instrument is the Donmin, which as in the cases of the Mandolin and the Myanmar guitar in the previous years, will serve to bring out how Myanmar maestros will illustrate their sense of patriotism and their wonderful artistic abilities, like their predecessors.

It is also believed that, as the donmin is an instrument full of all diverse notations on the scale, like the western piano and Myanmar saing waing, it will add a great variety to the musical performances.

Throughout the ages, Myanmar artistes have been able to bring out the best of Myanmar performing arts as that even today we are proud to belong to these culture and customs of national character, national way of thinking and a high level of culture, going from one generation to the next.

Such endeavours in an immensely rich cultural heritage, national way of thinking have enabled the people to repulse the dangers of infiltration of alien cultural ways and have contributed a great deal to safeguarding of our own cultures, and efforts for further promotion of our own traditional customs.

So, I would like to urge all the maestros on judges committees and competitors in various genres to keep up the work of further heightening the degree of success of the competitions with full consciousness of their national spirit.

I would like to urge all, in accordance with the noble objectives of the competitions, to strive for a strong stand of our performing arts, to keep flowering from them without any blemish on its national character and to further promote Myanmar traditional cultural performing arts with greater purity.

In conclusion, I would like to urge all maestros and competitors - to strive artistically to further Myanmar pride, integrity staunchly with Myanmar's own arts and national character till the end of the world - to strive artistically to keep up the strength of Myanmar history, grandeur of her image, and high level of culture, and - to strive artistically to further strengthen patriotic immune efficiency of national spirit of the people including the youths of the new generation, so as to prevent infiltration of alien cultural ways, decadent culture and indecorous dress and for everlasting protection of national characters.

YANGON, 14 Oct - Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, accompanied by officials, inspected the training school for development of border areas and national races under Education and Training Department of the ministry in Kengtung Township, Shan State on 11 October morning. The minister met with officials at the hall of the school and gave necessary instructions.

Next, the minister proceeded to the women's vocational training school in Kengtung where he met with officials and fulfilled the requirements. Afterwards, the minister inspected garments tailored by the trainees of the school and gave instructions.

YANGON, 14 Oct - Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, accompanied by officials, inspected Nyaungdon oil and natural gas field in Ayeyawady Division this morning. At the briefing hall, officials reported on digging of Nyaungdon oil well No 18 and production of oil and natural gas. The minister gave necessary instructions to them and fulfilled the needs.

The minister presented cash awards to the staff and inspected the oil well. The oil well produces 5.6 millon cubic feet of natural gas and 120 barrels of condensate per day. About 78.5 million cubic feet of natural gas and 1205 barrels of condensate are being produce per day at 14 wells of Nyaungdon oil and natural gas field.

YANGON, 14 Oct - The ambassadors of foreign embassies in Yangon, diplomats, military attaches' and those of UN agencies visited the Mid-year Myanma Gems Emporium, organized by Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee, held at Myanmar Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda this afternoon.

Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Myanma Gems Enterprise of the Ministry of Mines welcomed and conducted round the emporium.

YANGON, 14 Oct - A press conference on the 2003 Mid-Year Myanma Gems Emporium was held at the Myanma Gems Mart here today.

Present were members of Public Relations and Information Committee of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director-General of Myanma Radio and Television U Khin Maung Htay, Director-General of Information and Public Relations Department U Chit Naing, Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, Director (News) of NPE U Hla Tun, U Sein Win of Kyodo News, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Hla Htwe, President U Sao Kai Hpa and member correspondents, officials of the respective dailies and others.

At the press conference, Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein made a speech. He said that a number of high quality jade, gems and pearl lots are to be sold at the 2003 Mid-Year Myanma Gems Emporium, adding altogether 500 gems companies of 27 countries had been invited to attend the emporium and a total of 160 gems merchants from 60 companies of five countries have now arrived in addition to 140 local gems merchants numbering 300, he added.

In the previous gems emporia, the gems merchants, especially those from the People's Republic of China, used to arrive without replying the invitations. Over 400 gems merchants are expected to attend the emporium, he noted.

Altogether 1,397 lots of jade, gems and pearl with the floor price of Euro Currency 24.1 million will be sold through competitive biding/tender system, he stressed.

Afterwards, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein made a speech.

Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein, Managing Director U Khin Oo replied to queries raised by the local and foreign journalists and the press conference ended. Jade lots will be sold from 17 to 19 October, gems lots on 20 and 21 October and pearl lots on 22 October through tender system/competitive bidding.

YANGON, 14 Oct - The Naga Hna Kaung Monastery in Tachilek held a Maha Kathina-robe-offering ceremony on a grand scale at the Dhammayon of the monastery in Hsanhsaing (Ka) Ward, Tachilek, on 12 October morning.

Vice Sangha Raja Sayadaw of the Saragace Monastery in Bangkok, Thailand, Bhaddanta Upasena together with members of the Sangha of Thailand and laity arrived at Tachilek-Maesai Friendship Bridge on Myanmar side at 9.20 am by car. Chairman of the Myanmar-Thailand Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association Lt-Gen Kyaw Than (Rtd) and executives, Thai Chairman of the Thailand-Myanmar CECA General Sanan Kajornklam (Rtd) and officials, local authorities, and local populace paid respects to the Sayadaw and party and invited them to the Dhammayon. The ceremony started at 10 am and the congregation received the Five Precepts from State Ovadacariya Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma-jotikadhaja Naga Hna Kaung Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Dhammasiri. Next, officials offered Kathina robes and provisions to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Upasena and Sayadaw Bhaddanta Dhammasiri donated by Prime Minister of the State General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and family to the Thai Sayadaw.

Later, Lt-Gen Kyaw Than (Rtd) and General Sanan Kajornklam (Rtd) and officials, Thai Princess' Per-sonal Secretary Khunying Araya Pibolnakarintr, Chaingrai District Governor Mr Narin Panichkit and officials offered Kathina robes and provisions to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha. The ceremony ended with the sharing of merits gained. "Soon" was also offered to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha, and the congregation was also served with lunch.

The Thai Sayadaw also visited the Shwedagon Pagoda in Tachilek, made a donation of cash to the pagoda and signed in the visitors' book. Afterwards, the Thai Sayadaw and members of the Sangha and laity left Tachilek at 1.30 pm.

YANGON, 14 Oct - The Department of Religious Affairs announced that State Ovadacariya Shwe Kyin Nikaya Sasanabaing Shan State (South) Nyaungshwe Kangyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Abhidaja Maha Ratha Guru Abhidaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Vimala Bhivamsa (age 93, vasa 73) has passed away yesterday (3rd Wanning of Thadingyunt 1365 ME) at 9.02 pm.

YANGON, 14 Oct - A ceremony to open the 24th Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD) was held at the Grand Plaza Parkroyal Hotel on Alanpya Pagoda Road here this morning, attended by Chairman of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Secretary of CCDAC Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi, senior military officers, ambassadors of the ASEAN countries to Myanmar, charges d' afaires, Deputy General-Secretary of ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta Mr Wilfrido V Villacorta, Resident Representative of UNODC regional office in Bangkok Mr Sandro Calvani, the representatives of NGOs and others.

First, CCDAC Chairman Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing made a speech. He said this meeting of Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD) is part and parcel of the whole ASEAN structure and accordingly, an important one. It is important because it is an immediate response to the 1976 Declaration and a forum for ASEAN cooperation in drugs and narcotics control. It is also important because the ASOD meeting also formulated strategies to enhance mutual cooperation for the implementation of the ASEAN Declaration of Principles to combat drugs and drug problems in the region.

Long before we became an ASEAN member, Myanmar participated at these meetings as an observer and only in 1997, after becoming a full fledge member we were able to participate fully.

Hence, I would first like to express Myanmar's delight and pride for having a turn to host this important meeting within the region after becoming an ASEAN member State.

Drug Free ASEAN 2015 is a very significant objective and I would like to reiterate our earnest pride - as a member State - to be able to participate steadfastly in exemplifying this laudable objective. Being a country that stands out within ASEAN's midst for its illicit production of narcotic drugs ,allow me to take this opportunity to explain briefly Myanmar's endeavours in eradicating drugs.

As a matter of fact, Myanmar adopted a 15-years drug eradication program with an objective to be totally freed from drugs by the year 2014 and this precedes Drug Free ASEAN 2015 campaign. Since 1999, we have launched the program in three 5-year phases and we are now in the last year of its first 5-year phase.

Myanmar's main problem in the field of narcotic drugs is the illicit cultivation of poppy that eventually led to production and trafficking of opium and heroin. To end this undesirable chain, we included crop substitution programs and integrated regional development schemes of the border areas within our 15-year eradication program. This indeed resulted in annual decline in poppy cultivation and opium production.

To enhance this 15-year core program, we launched the New Destiny Project in April 2002 as a pilot project and soon after, poppy growers have been surrendering their poppy seeds voluntarily. Consequently, more than 167 tons of poppy seeds have been burnt and destroyed through 11 different occasions. This prevented poppy cultivation of more than one hundred thousand acres. In other words, it prevented 45 tons of heroin reaching the international market. We have now embarked on a full scale program of the New Destiny Project, subsidizing farmers who have stopped poppy cultivation with rice and other basic needs.

The CCDAC and UNODC initiated the Illicit Crop Monitoring Program as a pilot project in 2001. The survey estimated that a total of 105,000 hectares of cultivation and an average production of 1,097 metric tons of opium. Surveys of this year estimated 62,200 hectares of cultivation with a potential production of 810 metric tons of opium. This report indicated a 41% reduction in cultivation and a 26% reduction in opium production within a 3-year span.

There is no question on the fact that these two surveys undertaken independently but in conjunction with international organizations clearly indicates a significant and definite decreasing trend and should no doubt be the answer to the problem.

The declines in both cultivation and production of drugs emanate from Myanmar's Initiatives where own resources have to be utilized in the absence of assistance from outside.

However, we are confident that, had Myanmar receive assistance from the international community our drug eradication program would surely meet its objective earlier than the targeted year 2014.

Though there are declines in poppy cultivation on one end, production and trafficking of amphetamine type stimulants (ATS), which never existed in Myanmar before, is found to be on the rise here from 1996 up till 2001. Joint efforts among neighbouring countries with emphasis on this problem led to a decrease in 2002-2003 according to seizure figures.

I am happy to state also, there are close cooperation among neighbouring countries like India, China, Laos and Thailand to control precursor chemicals and essential chemicals for production of narcotic and psychotropic substances. Likewise, countries within the Greater Mekong Sub region are also working towards this end.

Here, I would like to take this opportunity to dwell on the Ministerial meeting held in Thailand last August where Ministers from India, China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand met to discuss ways and means to control ephedrine and other essential precursor chemicals used in the production of amphetamine type stimulants. Agreements to collectively control chemicals used for producing narcotic and psychotropic substances were reached during this meeting. Since Myanmar does not produce ephedrine and other precursor chemicals, we consider this to be one of the most important agreements reached for collaborative efforts as these chemicals are being constantly smuggled in from neighbouring countries.

Additionally, a three-nation meeting on control of precursor chemicals was held in Yangon last January where representatives from Myanmar, India and China participated. As a result, the respective countries agreed to effectively control these chemicals in accordance with its own national laws, by-laws and other corresponding decrees and this is a clear reflection of Myanmar's efforts to operate.

After this meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters, we will continue to host the meeting on ASEAN and China Cooperative Operations in Response to Dangerous Drugs (ACCORD - Task Force III) and it is my understanding that most of the representatives here and China, will continue to participate.

I am happy to inform you that at the end of this ACCORD Task Force 3 meeting, we have organized a 3-day field trip to the border areas of Myanmar and China where participants will have the opportunity to see for themselves the situation, meet leaders of the Special Region 1 and 2 and reflect Myanmar's efforts in eradicating drugs, crops substitution programs and cross-border cooperation with China, in addition to the peace and tranquillity that prevailed there. Last, but not the least, please take the opportunity and see for yourself as the saying goes "seeing is believing", he said and the ceremony ended.

YANGON, 15 Oct - The Eleventh Myanmar Traditional Performing Arts Competitions were held at designated places here this morning.

The song contest was held at the National Museum on Pyay Road, the dance contest at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street and the song-composing contest at Pantra School on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, the xylophone contest at Kanbawza Theatre on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, and the Dobat contest at Padonma Theatre on Bagaya Street in Sangyoung Township.

The ceremony was attended by Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, wife of Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, Daw Than Than Nwe, wife of Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Daw Khin Thet Htay, wife of Yangon Division PDC Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, member of Panel of Patrons for observance of the competitions Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Vice-Chairman of the leading committee for observance of the competitions Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, wives of senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Col Wai Lwin, members of leading committee, work committees, sub-committees and fans.

The song contest was held at the National Museum on Pyay Road here this morning. The religious song contest for boys (aged 5-10) was held in the morning and the classical song contest for girls (higher education level) in the afternoon. Chairperson of Judges Assistant Director Daw Tin Tin Mya and Secretary Assistant Engineer Daw May Pyone Khaing of MRTV and members made judgements on the performances. Contestants were Maung Sithu Tun of Taninthayi Division, Maung Wunna of Mon State, Maung Lwin Aung Phyo of Kachin State, Saw Aung Kyaw Zin of Kayin State, Maung Zin Min Lat of Magway Division, Maung Han Lin Aung of Mandalay Division, Maung Aung Phyo Kyaw of Yangon Division, Maung Chan Phyo of Sagaing Division, Maung Phone Myint of Rakhine State, Maung Tin Ko Win of Mandalay Division, Maung Lin Htet Kyaw of Bago Division, Maung Aung Pyay Sone of Shan State and Maung Sithu Htet Aung of Yangon Division.

The song contest for girls (higher education level) was held at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in the afternoon. Contestants were Ma Nway Nway Thiri Aung of Shan State, Ma Za Za Tun of Kachin State, Mi Chan Mya Nyein of Mon State, Ma Chaw Su Win of Magway Division, Ma Tin Tin Nyo of Ayeyawady Division, Ma Htet Htet Maw of Yangon Division, Ma Sein Shwe Mya of Sagaing Division, Ma Chaw Nu Win of Mandalay Division, Ma Thida Moe of Rakhine State, Ma The Mo Mo San of Mandalay Division, Ma Khin Thu Thu Win of Bago Division and Ma Mi Mi Swe of Taninthayi Division.

Maha Gita song contest for girls (higher education level) will be held tomorrow morning and Maha Gita song contest for boys (aged 5-10) in the afternoon.

The dance contest was held at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township this morning. Chairperson of Judges Wunna Kyaw Htin U Sein Aung Min, Secretary Daw Mu Mu Khin and members made judgements on the performances. Contests to dance contest for girls (professional level) were Daw Hayman Oo of Mandalay Division, Ma Bo Ma of Yangon Division, Daw Sein Nwe Yee of Ayeyawady Division, Ma Hnin Hnin Wai of Sagaing Division, Daw Thanda Lin of Yangon Division, Daw San San Htwe (a) Hteik Tin Lin of Mandalay Division, Daw May Ki Ki Tun of Mandalay Division and Ma Nway Nway Kabya of Mon State.

Contestants to dance contest for men (aged 15-20) held in the afternoon were Satin Than Aye of Ayeyawady Division, Maung Than Soe of Mandalay Division, Maung Zin Min Oo of Mon State, Maung Min Kyaw Thu of Taninthayi Division, Maung Kyaw Lin of Shan State, Saw Kyaw Lin Soe (Myainggyingu) of Kayin State, Maung Nay Win Htut of Bago Division, Maung Zin Myo Win of Kayin State, Maung Hein Htet (a) Maung Than Hlaing and Maung Chit Lu Lu of Yangon Division and Maung Aung Chan Win of Mandalay Division.

On 15 October dance contest for men (amateur level) will be held in the morning and dance contest for girls (aged 10-15) in the afternoon. The song-composing contest was held at Kanbawza Theatre on Kaba Aye pagoda Road this morning. Contestants to basic education level (aged 10-15) contest were Maung Htet Aung Lin of Kachin State, Ma Khin Nyein Chan Ko of Kayah State, Ma Lawun Thawda of Mon State, Maung Thein Bo Bo of Sagaing Division, Ma Aye Myat Myat Myo of Taninthayi Division, Ma Honey Ni Naing of Bago Division, Ma Pwint Phyu of Mandalay Division, Ma Yee Yee Pyone of Mandalay Division, Ma Su Ywet Wai of Yangon Division, Maung Lu Lu Hlaing Win of Yangon Division and Ma Phyo Thanda Khin of Ayeyawady Division.

At the music contest (amateur level), contestants were Daw Mi Mi Aung of Kachin State, U Maung Win of Kayah State, U Saw San Aye (Myainggyingu) of Kayin State, Maung Zaw Min Latt of Chin State, U Thaung Myint Tun of Rakhine State, U Win Hlaing of Shan State.

At the song-composing contest, Bogalay Tint Aung members made judgements on the performances.

On 15 October, basic education level (aged 15-20) music contest and professional level music contest will be held.

The xylophone contest was held at Kanbawza Theatre of the Fine Arts Department this morning.

Contestants to the xylophone contest for boys (aged 5 - 10) were Maung Aung San Min (a) Hay Myanmar Sein Kyet Tho of Yangon Division, Maung Yan Paing of Mandalay Division, Maung Kyaw Thura Win of Mandalay Division, Maung Chit Ko Ko Soe of Yangon Division, Maung Aung Zaw Min of Rakhine State, Maung Htoo Ko Lwin of Ayeyawady Division, Maung Aung Ko Ko of Magway Division, Maung Zin Min Han of Chin State, Maung Win Ko Ko of Sagaing Division, Maung Nan Oo Htet of Bago Division and Khun Thet Naing Soe of Shan State.

In the afternoon, the xylophone contest for girls (aged 5-10) was held. Contestants were Ma Hsu That Thazin of Ayeyawady Division, Ma May Thu Win of Rakhine State, Ma Chit Su Wai Satin of Yangon Division, Ma Shwe Yee Hsaung of Taninthayi Division, Ma Po Po Thiri Lwin of Mandalay Division, Ma Kaytha Yu of Mandalay Division, Ma Khine Su Wai of Shan State, Ma Zarni Nan Lwin of Yangon Division, Ma Aye Chan Moe of Sagaing Division, Ma Khin Bo Bo Han of Chin State, Ma Zinma Phyo of Bago Division, Ma Aye Mon Thi of Kayah State and Ma Wathun Myet Chae of Kachin State.

U Yay Nwe and members made judgements on the performances.

On 15 October, the guitar contest for boys of basic education level (aged 5-10), the guitar contest for girls of basic education level (aged 5-10), the amateur level contest will be held. The instrument playing contest was held at Padonma Theatre on Bagaya Road in Sangyoung Township this morning.

At Dobat contest, Maung Zaw Win and group of Mandalay Division, Maung Ayeya Aung and Maung Chit Soe Wai group of Ayeyawady Division, Maung Kyaw Nyein Chan and group of Yangon Division, Maung Aung Than Zaw and group of Sagaing Division and Maung Aung Kyaw Khaing of Mandalay Division took part in the contest.

U Sein Ba Maw and members made judgements on the performances.

In the afternoon, the basic education level Dabat contest (aged 15-20) was held. Contestants were Maung Ye Win Htun and group of Sagaing Division, Maung Aung Moe Oo and group of Mandalay Division, Maung Star Bo Htet and group of Yangon Division and Maung Pyay Phyo Zaw of Mandalay Division.

U Sein Kala and members made judgements on the performances.

YANGON, 14 Oct - The Commander-in-Chief (Air)'s Volleyball Championship was opened at the stadium in Meiktila yesterday morning. Commander of Flying Training Air Base Brig-Gen Khin Maung Tin opened the ceremony on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief (Air).