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Established in 1914
ARCHIVE Monday , 15 April 2002 ONLINE EDITION
- Senior General Than Shwe addresses graduation parade of 4th Intake of Defense Services Technological Academy,Excerpts from the Address of Senior General Than Shwe, Senior General Than Shwe attends dinner in honor of graduates of 4th Intake of DSTA
- Senior General Than Shwe pays homage to Maha Arnthtoo Kantha Image, Senior General Than Shwe inspects renovation of National Kandawgyi Gardens
- General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe enjoy Maha Thingyan Festival of Military Intelligence
- Secretary-1 receives ASEAN delegate leaders, Japanese Deputy Ministers, ASEAN S-G
- Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attends 34th Meeting of National Health Committee
- Secretary-1 visits Mayor's Maha Thingyan Pandal
- Cash donation for YGH, YWH, Vehicle donated to Office of Chief of Military Intelligence
- Military attaches and families enjoy Maha Thingyan
- Yangonites joyfully celebrate Maha Thingyan Festival
SPOTLIGHT
( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe addresses graduation parade of 4th Intake of Defense Services
Technological Academy
-Military engineers to perform duty to build Tatmadaw into modern one, and
nation into modern, developed one
-Need to devote their life to doing research for development of science and technology
YANGON, 14 April -The graduation parade of the 4th Intake of Defense Services Technological Academy was held at the parade grounds of DSTA in PyinOoLwin on 12 April, with an address by Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Senior General Than Shwe.At the ceremony, the Senior General inspected the cadet companies.
Then, the Senior General took the salute of the graduate cadet companies.
Next, the Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services presented Best Cadet Award to Cadet Thutan Tun, Excellent Training Award to Cadet Phone Wai and Excellent Study Award to Cadet Min Thant Ko.
Afterwards, the Senior General said that on the day when the 4th Intake of Defense Services Technological Academy is going to conclude, what should be noted will be told to all the engineering cadets.
As all the engineering cadets have successfully learnt and trained in military science and various branches of technology, they are going to be assigned duty as military engineering junior leaders.
All the engineering cadets are going to discharge duty related to science and technologies, which means that at the same time, they will have to perform the duty to build the Tatmadaw into a modern one and the nation into a modern, developed one. Therefore, it is imperative that they need to be outstanding and dynamic Tatmadaw engineers.
The nation lagged behind in science and technologies. To enable the nation to keep pace with the times, national plans designed to turn out highly-qualified human resources are being implemented. The plans aim at producing scientists. All-out efforts are being made to produce human resources who are well-versed in science and technologies. Arrangements have been made to award medals to those who excel in science and technologies. Honorary medals are being presented to those who are taking the lead in doing common good by using their academic knowledge, those who are making relentless efforts for the socio-economic development of the nation and those who are contributing to the development of human resources. In addition, the Maritime University and the Aerospace Engineering University will soon be opened to produce technicians who are needed for the nation.
Today is the age of knowledge. New findings of science and technologies are emerging one after another. Therefore, the age of knowledge is developing and changing at a tremendous rate. A new technology is popular just for a while. In a short time, it is replaced with new technologies. This calls for the building of a constant learning society.
At the age when new things need to be invented, fresh ideas do count. By taking account of a phenomenon which can be seen every day, it is important to reveal the secret of the Nature. In this regard, the youth who take great interest in science and technologies and are earnest to conduct experiments are to be nurtured. A study of lives of scientists shows that when they were in their prime, they discovered the things which later became famous in the world. So, all the engineering cadets need to devote their life to doing research for the development of science and technology. If they fail once or twice, they have to carry on no matter how many times they fail. They must have such a spirit. Only then will they be able to create and invent new things.
The study of all the important academic fields demand strenuous efforts. During the 20th century, atomic energy has emerged due to advances in science. More-over, transistors, laser and computers have come into existence with the result that electronics has become more and more popular. Information technology contributes greatly towards the development of science and technology. On account of advances in science and technology, the military and economic sectors are improving.
Therefore, all the engineering cadets are to work hard so that they can improve the national defense and
economic sectors with their knowledge of science.In the national defense sector, efforts are to be made so that all the military equipment needed for the Tatmadaw (Army), (Navy) and (Air) can be manufactured in the country. In doing so, they are to study other related academic subjects in earnest as well. Only when one can think of things properly, will one be able to come up with new ideas. All are to make greater efforts and shouldn't be satisfied with the old findings and inventions. Many things can be derived from a fundamental concept. A new scientific finding can be made best use of in combination with other related subjects and technologies. Therefore, all need to consider all the things from various points of view and to find new solutions. Only then can a modern Tatmadaw be built step by step. If one step after another can be taken swiftly, the gap of science and technology will be able to be bridged. If no step is taken, the gap will become wider.
In the world today, every Tatmadaw is striving to create sophisticated technologies. Some new technologies will be kept in secret. Therefore, to defend the motherland, military science and technology sector is of great importance.
In building up the economy of the nation, science and technology are essential in the agriculture and livestock breeding sector and the mining and mineral sector. The nation is to be industrialized on the basis of agriculture. This being the case, the agriculture and livestock breeding sector is to be improved with the use of new technologies. By using profits which can be gained in this way, industries are to be developed. In industrializing the nation, the energy sector and the mining and mineral sector are of great consequences. Necessary raw materials can be produced inside the country. Then, finished goods are to be produced by use of technology. In addition, electronics which can be put in the international market can be manufactured. Only then will the nation become affluent. Large sums of money are required to get new findings of science and technology. Only when the nation is wealthy, can scientists who can keep abreast with the times be produced. In making the nation affluent, science and technology do count. Therefore, all the fields are to be explored. It is important for all to get rid of the idea that thingswhich are common in everyday life needn't be studied. Everybody needs to think how things can
be made best use of for the economic development of the State.As all the engineering cadets are technicians as well as Tatmadaw members, they all are to have good morale, to abide by discipline, to be loyal, to be in unity and to possess three capabilities.
The fundamental spirit of the Tatmadaw is esprit de corps. The nationalistic spirit is Our Three Main National Causes. The military duty is to be discharged with no regard for life. Therefore, morale plays a crucial role. They all are to have courage and the spirit of risking their lives. They all are to possess the fighting spirit. If and when needs arise, they all are to be able to perform duty with undaunted spirit like those from light infantry divisions. Besides, the Tatmadaw is an organization. Only when there is unity, will the organization be strong.
Likewise, only when everybody observes discipline, will the organization have dignity and be strong. Therefore, when it comes to discipline, it is to be observed even for trivial matters. All the engineering cadets need to make sure that their subordinates abide by discipline.
Only when all have good morale and observe discipline, will they be able to stick to the four oaths of loyalty. Loyalty is the significant and noble attribute of the Tatmadaw members. Therefore, all are to keep loyalty in the fore.
The Tatmadaw which is in unity and harmony, which strictly follow the prescribed discipline applying to all the members, which is loyal to the nation, its citizens and the Tatmadaw, can be said to have fundamental attributes. If divergent ideas arise within the Tatmadaw, its unity will collapse. Therefore, all are to adopt an ideology of national politics unanimously. Our Three Main National Causes, the concept of national politics, is an ideology which, to the entire national people, will always be true. By safeguarding Our Three Main National Causes, the Tatmadaw will be able to stand strong in any era and to keep the nation in unity.
To keep the Tatmadaw efficient and dynamic, every Tatmadaw member is to possess three capabilities. With regard to the military capability, being technicians, all are to be well-versed in science and technology so that they are able to build up the Tatmadaw as well as being able to promote the military capability. The duty of building the Tatmadaw into a modern one falls on all the engineering cadets.
Concerning the organizational capability, all are to have the ability to build up the organizational capability inside and outside the Tatmadaw on the basis of belief in the national cause. Only then will there be unity within the Tatmadaw. Moreover, the Tatmadaw and the people will be in harmony and unity as well.
As regards the administrative capability, all are to work hard to be able to invent modern equipment which is of great help to administration. To turn the Tatmadaw into an efficient and dynamic one, all are to possess five basic attributesmorals, discipline, loyalty, unity and three capabilities.
The basic military concept of the nation is a militia strategy. But it needs to be a modern strategy. When the entire nation and the people use the militia strategy, modern arms and equipment which are in consonance with the concept of the strategy are needed. This being the case, all are to know the militia tactics and strategies. Taking possible future challenges into account, all are to work hard to be able to manufacture modern equipment needed for the militia strategy. All are to invent military equipment which can be manufactured by the factories, workshops and industrial zones which have already existed.
All the cadets are going to be assigned duty as junior leaders. Therefore, all are to conduct themselves in accord with the attributes of a junior leader. All are to strive to be able to set an example individually or in companies. All are to study management concerning science and technology as well as military leadership qualities. In the science and technology sector, all are to invent new things individually or in groups or through the concerted efforts of the Tatmadaw (Army), (Navy) and (Air). Only when all are to bear in mind and put into practical use what has been told, will all become good leaders who can serve the interests of the nation.
In conclusion, the Senior General said that to be able to defend the nation, all are to undergo training constantly, to have military vigil constantly and to get prepared constantly to go into battle. These three Constants are to be kept for ever. All are to nurture the spirit of maintaining the 12 fine traditions of the Tatmadaw at risk to themselves. To build a modern Tatmadaw and a modern nation, all are to make best use of time which can be called life.
Then, Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Senior General Than Shwe left the parade grounds. After the parade, Senior General Than Shwe met with three outstanding cadets and their parents in the guest room of the Academy and spoke words of encouragement.
Excerpts from the Address of Senior General Than Shwe
- To enable the nation to peace with the times, national plans designed to turn out highly-qualified human resources are being implemented.
- All-out efforts are being made to produce human resources who are well-versed in science and technologies.
- All the engineering cadets are to work hard so that they can improve the national defense and economic sectors with their knowledge of science.
- All are to make greater efforts and shouldn't be satisfied with the old findings and inventions.
- To defend the motherland, military science and technology sector is of great importance.
- In making the nation affluent, science and technology do count.
- The fundamental spirit of the Tatmadaw is esprit de corps.
-All are to nurture the spirit of maintaining the 12 fine traditions of the Tatmadaw at risk to themselves.Senior General Than Shwe attends dinner in honor of graduates of 4th Intake of DSTA
YANGON, 14 April - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Senior General Than Shwe, together with members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Soe Win, Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defense, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Chief of Staff (Air) Brig-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, ministers, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defense, the Deputy Minister for Health, the Mandalay Mayor and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments concerned, attended a dinner in honor of the graduates of the 4th Intake of the Defense Services Technological Academy at the ground of DSTA in PyinOoLwin at 7 pm on 12 April.
( 2 ) Senior General Than Shwe pays homage to Maha Arnthtoo Kantha Image
YANGON, 14 April -Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of
Defense Services Senior General Than Shwe,inspected development of PyinOoLwin Station and
PyinOoLwin Town at 10 am on 13 April.Then, the Senior General and party arrived at Maha Arnthtoo Kantha Hsutaungpyay Buddha Image on
Dhammarati Hill in Yenge Village, PyinOoLwin Township and paid obeisance to Maha Arnthtoo
Kantha Buddha Image. Next, the Senior General made cash donation. The Secretary of the Pagoda
Board of Trustees presented a replica of Maha Arnthtoo Kantha Hsutaungpyay Pagoda to Senior
General Than Shwe.The Senior General inspected the compound of the pagoda and its environs. Member of the State
Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defense and members
of the State Peace and Development Council, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development
Council Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint and Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, who
accompanied the Senior General, inspected the multimedia rooms of the Defense Services Academy in
PyinOoLwin on 12 April afternoon.Senior General Than Shwe inspects renovation of National Kandawgyi Gardens
YANGON, 14 April- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of
Defense Services Senior General Than Shwe,left Taunggyi for Heho airport by helicopter on 10 April.Senior General Than Shwe and party then proceeded to Mandalay Division by Tatmadaw aircraft and
arrived at Mandalay International Airport in TadaU Township at 11.15 am that day.Senior General Than Shwe and party were welcomed at the airport by member of the State Peace and
Development Council Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defense, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Mayor of Mandalay Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, senior military officers and departmental officials.Senior General Than Shwe and party went to PyinOoLwin and inspected Mandalay-PyinOoLwin dual carriageway, greening of the areas and successful cultivation of summer paddy and other crops. On 11 April morning, Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected National Kandawgyi Gardens in PyinOoLwin. Senior General Than Shwe and party and Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone inspected construction of Kandawgyi guest houses in the Gardens.
Senior General Than Shwe also inspected construction of the Rock Garden and Swamp Walkway, the planting of seasonal flowers, display of Ingyin stones, the growing of various kinds of bamboo, a collection of orchids and renovation of the Gardens.
Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on future tasks concerning National Kandawgyi Gardens to Minister U Aung Phone and officials. The Forest Department in cooperation with the Woodland Co implemented the first phase of the construction tasks of National Kandawgyi Gardens.
The Gardens was opened on 8 April 2001. As the second phase, the planting of more flowers, extended planting of seasonal flowers, display of Ingyin stones, construction of Rock Garden and Orchid Garden, display of rare species of animals such as taken and construction of guest houses have been undertaken.
More and more holiday-makers are visiting the garden. Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defense, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Quartermaster- General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Kyaw Win met Tatmadawmen and their families of regiments and units in PyinOoLwin station at the convocation hall of DSA on 11 April morning.
( 3 ) General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe enjoy Maha Thingyan Festival of Military Intelligence
YANGON, 14 April -The Maha Thingyan Festival of the Military Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense was held in the compound of Tatmadaw Guest House No 1 of the ministry on Inya Road here this morning, attended by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Military Intelligence Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Daw Khin Than Nwe, wife of Lt-Gen Tin Oo, member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defense and wife, members of the State Peace and Development Council and their wives, ministers and their wives, the Yangon Mayor, senior military officers, families of the Military
Intelligence, military attaches and families of foreign missions.Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife welcomed the guests and military attaches. Then, the military attaches and families cordially greeted General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San. A-1 Soe Myint Music Band Troupe in conjunction with artistes and families of the Military Intelligence entertained the guests and military attaches. Afterwards, the guests, military attaches and Military Intelligence families happily doused water on one another.
The guests and military attaches were served with refreshments and the ceremony came to a close. After enjoying the Maha Thingyan Festival of the Military Intelligence, General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San left the Tatmadaw Guest House.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, together with military attaches and families, arrived at the Yangon Mayor Pandal in front of the City Hall where they were welcomed by Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay and wife, Vice-Chairman of YCDC Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, the Secretary, the Joint-Secretary and committee members, heads of department and staff families.
The Secretary-1 and party were entertained with dances and songs on the first floor of the City Hall. Then, they were served with lunch. Then, the Secretary-1 and party enjoyed the entertainment programmed of the Yangon Mayor's Pandal. They happily took part in dousing water on one another and left there in the afternoon.
( 4 ) Secretary-1 receives ASEAN delegate leaders, Japanese Deputy Ministers, ASEAN S-G
YANGON, 14 April - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Permanent Secretary Dato Paduka Haji Suyoi Bin Haji Qsmann of Brunei, Permanent Secretary Dr Chem Widhya of Cambodia, Director-General Mr Makarim Wibsisono of Indonesia, Deputy Director-General Mr Prasith Xayasith of Lao People's Democratic Republic, Secretary-General Dato Ahmad Fuzi Hj Abdul Razak of Malaysia, Under-Secretary Mr Lauro L Baja.Jr of the Philippines, Permanent Secretary Mr Tan Chin Tiong of Singapore, Permanent Secretary Mr Tej Bunnag of Thailand, Deputy Minister Mr Le Cong Phung of Vietnam Socialist Republic of ASEAN member countries, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (Economic) Mr Shotaro Oshima of Japan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (Political) Mr Toshiyuki Takano of Japan and ASEAN Secretary-General Mr Rodolfo C Severino Jr who were attending the 18th ASEAN-Japan Forum, at the Guest House of the Ministry of Defense at 8 am on 13 April. Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department.Secretary-1 receives Japanese Deputy Ministers
YANGON, 14 April - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (Economic) Mr Shotaro Oshima and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (Political) Mr Toshiyuki Takano of Japan who were attending the 18th ASEAN-Japan Forum, at the Guest House of the Ministry of Defence at 8.30 am on 13 April.Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department. The Japanese guests were accompanied by Ambassador of Japan Mr Shigeru Tsumori.
( 5 ) Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attends 34th Meeting of National Health Committee
Yangon, 12 April- National Health Committee held its 34th meeting at the Ministry of Health on 12 April, with an address by Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.The Secretary-1 said this meeting will lay down the measures to be undertaken according to the time and circumstance in addition to the tasks being carried out by the NHC. He said arrangements should be made to prevent outbreak of diseases caused by the heat as well as those which occurred between summer and monsoon.
Systematic measures have been taken for control of HIV/AIDS and responsible personnel and technicians are to provide supervision to the grassroots level for ensuring effectiveness and success in taking these measures, he pointed out. As there are accusations against Myanmar in this regard, serious attention must be paid to ensure success in implementing the control programmers.
The infectious diseases joint control programmers at Myanmar-Thai border is now meeting with success and it is necessary to enhance cooperation for achieving further successes. Especially, cooperative efforts should be enhanced in controlling malaria and HIV/AIDS there. Nowadays, under the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, development regions are designated and health and education sectors there are being promoted.
At those regions, district hospitals are upgraded to 200-bed ones for promoting the health standard of the regional people. Accordingly, specialists, physicians, modern equipment, etc are to be provided to those hospitals. In accordance with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, five rural development tasks are now being implemented. Hence, health care services for rural people must also be promoted to the grassroots level.
For instance, success is being achieved in treating cleft at rural areas with assistance of Japan. He also urged to make all-out efforts for achieving further successes in implementing the rural development tasks. At the same time, medical institutes are opened extensively. It is important to provide teaching aids sufficiently at those medical institutes.
In Mandalay, the Institute of Traditional Medicine has been opened and it is the very first one of its kind in Southeast Asia. Officials concerned are to make concerted efforts for ensuring the institute to be of high standard. Ways and means are to be sought for reducing medical costs at hospitals.
Doctors, nurses and health staff are to treat patients warmly and kindly for winning trust and reliance of the public. The Ministry of Health is to provide assistance to NGOs for enabling them to meet success in their health related tasks. Nowadays, it can be seen in the world that health care services are undertaken by NGOs rather than the Government. In Myanmar, NGOs are cooperating in national tasks under the leadership of the Government.
The ministries concerned are thus to provide necessary assistance to the NGOs. In Myanmar, nation-building tasks are meeting with success without having foreign assistance. It is to be attributed to the collective efforts of the entire people including those NGOs under the aegis of the Government, he observed.
Next, NHC Secretary Director-General of the Health Planning Department Dr Kyi Soe reported on
implementation of the resolutions of the 33rd meeting, opening of the Institute of Traditional Medicine, and construction of hepatitis (B) vaccine factory.Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister Dr Mya Oo and heads of department reported matters on 109th WHO EC meeting, the 8th Health Plan Development Executive Meeting, further studies of doctors and health staff, cooperation of NGOs, the Myanmar-Thai Joint Border Control of Infectious Diseases central level meeting's health exhibition and health week, etc. Then , Dr Kyi Soe sought the approval for the resolutions of the 34th meeting after which the meeting ended with concluding remarks by Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
( 6 ) Secretary-1 visits Mayor's Maha Thingyan Pandal
YANGON, 14 April - People enjoyed the water throwing festival of 1363 ME Maha Thingyan Festival at the Yangon Mayor's Pandal on Akya Day today. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defense and wife, the Ministers and their wives and Military Attaches of Foreign Embassies and their wives arrived at the Ynagon City Mayor's Maha Thingyan Pandal at noon today.Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, the YCDC secretary, the joint-secretary and members of YCDC welcomed the Secretary-1 and party there. Then, the Secretary-1 and party, together with the mayor, enjoyed the festival and entertainments of dance troupes.
The Secretary-1 presented K 500,000 cash award each to Mee Mee Lay and Di Aywei Ma Ma doh Aywei yein troupes of Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon and the Ponnadaw yein troupe of the Revenue Department.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party participated in the festival of the pandal and left there in the afternoon.Film stars, artistes and musicians, together with the staff families of YCDC, entertained the audience at the pandal,
where people enjoyed the entertainment and doused water at each other. Entertainments were presented from 8 am to 5 pm by Santawwin yein troupe of No 3 Basic Education High School in Mingala Taungnyunt-1, Mingalamay yein troupe of Mingala Market, yein troupe of the General Administration Department, Yinthuza yein troupe of Defence Industry-1 pre-primary school, Pabu Thuza yein troupe of BEHS-3 Mangala Taungnyunt-2, Bayintnaung Hteikhta yein troupe of Bayintnaung Brokerage, Hlathuza yein troupe of pre-primary-5 Tamway, yein troupe of South Okkalapa Township day nursery, yein troupe of BEHS-1 Yankin, Shweyamin yein troupe of
Sawbwagyigon Highway Bus Terminal, Phupwint-waysi yein troupe of YCDC Water and Sanitation Department, yein troupe of No 4 Basic Education Middle School in Mayangon, yein troupe of North Okkalapa Township day nursery, Manawhari yein troupe of Bo Cho-1 Quarter in Bahan Township, yein troupe of Pazundaung Market, Myanma Shwe Thingyan yein troupe of the Engineering Department (Buildings) of YCDC, yein troupe of Thuwunna day nursery, Thingyan Tawwin yein troupe of BEHS-5 Mayangon, NweU Gabya yein troupe of markets in Thaketa Township, yein troupe of the Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Department, yein troupe of Dagon Myothit (South) day nursery, yein troupe of No 6 Basic Education Primary School of Kyauktada-1, Dagonmay yein troupe of Dagon Myothit (North) Maternal and Child Welfare Association, yein troupe of Dagon Myothit (South) MCWA and yein troupe of the Production Department of YCDC.The Lazy Club music band and famous vocalists of Myanma Music Asiayon also entertained the public from 7 pm to 10 pm.
( 7 ) Cash donation for YGH, YWH
YANGON, 14 April-A cash donation ceremony for Yangon General Hospital and Yangon West Hospital was held at the Ministry of Health on 12 April, attended by Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Present were the ministers, the Yangon mayor, the deputy ministers, members of National Health Committee, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, medical superintendents and well-wishers.Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein thanked the donors. U Chit Htwe (Pyapon) and family presented
K 11,515,156 to the funds of Yangon General Hospital. Sons and daughters of late U Wai Ya-Daw Kyin Aye presented K 49 million for construction of ward at Yangon West Hospital. The Secretary-1 accepted the donations. On behalf of the donors, U Myat Toe expressed pleasure for the donations.Vehicle donated to Office of Chief of Military Intelligence
YANGON, 14 April- In memory of Major Tha Din Gyi and with the patronage of mother Daw Yin Yin
May of Thuwunna, Thingangyun Township, Dr Tha Yin Myat and wife Daw Nwe Nwe Aye and
daughter Chaw Su Myat donated a 1998 model Mitsubishi (Wagon) Pajero (Intercooler) worth US
dollar 36,000 to the Office of Chief of Military Intelligence at Tatmadaw guest house on Inya Road on
12 April.Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Military Intelligence Lt-Gen Khin
Nyunt accepted the vehicle. The Secretary-1 observed the car. Present on the occasion were Head of
Department of the Office of Chief of Military Intelligence Col Thein Swe and officials.
( 8 ) Military attaches and families enjoy Maha Thingyan
YANGON, 14 April - Headed by Dean of Military Attaches Defense Attaches of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Col Phanh Sonephachanh, foreign military attaches and their families participated in Maha Thingyan Festival at Military Intelligence families Pandal and Yangon Mayor's Maha Thingyan Pandal this morning.Then they arrived at the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Pandal at National Race Village near Thanlyin Bridge, Thaketa Township, in the afternoon and welcomed by Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Than Tun and U Kyaw Tin, officials and national races. Afterwards, the military attaches and their families, the minister, the deputy ministers and national races enjoyed Maha Thingyan. Then national races entertained them with Maha Thingyan dances.
Thingyan pandal of Ministry of Home Affairs opened
YANGON, 14 April-The 1363 ME Thingyan Festival pandal of the Ministry of Home Affairs was opened with ceremony at the premise of the ministry at 8 am today. Present on the occasion were Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing and wife Daw Khin Hla Hla, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, directors-general, officials and guests.Mandalay Maha Thingyan Festival observed
YANGON, 14 April-The 1363 ME Mandalay City Mayor's Maha Thingyan Pandal was opened with ceremony on a grand scale in front of the Mandalay City Development Committee Office on 26th Street (between 71st and 72nd Streets) in Mandalay at 5 pm yesterday. Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Central Command Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint and Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein formally opened the pandal by cutting a ribbon.
( 9 ) Yangonites joyfully celebrate Maha Thingyan Festival
YANGON, 14 April -Today is the Akya Day of the Maha Thingyan Festival because the festival started at
7 o'clock 47 minutes and 20 seconds on 14 April. The Akyat day is 15 April and the festival will end at 11 o'clock 52 minutes and 2 seconds on Atet Day 16 April.The first day of the Myanmar new year is 17 April. So, the period from 14 to 16 April is the water festival. It is the period of transition from an old year to a new one during which impurities of the previous year are cleansed with water. So, Myanmar people happily douse water on one another.
It is not allowed to use heavy compressor pumps for dousing water, for it may cause harm to others. Serious action will be taken against those who break it. Myanmar people hold 12 festivals each in 12 months Yangonites gleefully celebrate Maha Thingyan and all nationalities can take part in the water festival.
Foreigners are seen taking part in the festival. Dances and songs were presented at the Ministry of Home Affairs Pandal, the YCDC (Revenue Department) Pandal on Bayintnaung Road, Shwepadauk Prize-Giving Pandal at Bayintnaung Brokerage Warehouses, Pandal of Bogyoke Aung San Market Families. Similarly, the Bayintnaung Yeiktha Pandal, Ayeyamyae Companies Group's Pandal, pandals along Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Shwe Thitkhwa General Air-Con Co Pandal at 47th Street, pandals along Pyay Road and pandals on roads in Yangon were crowded with cars and revelers.
Foreign investment in oil and gas reaches US$2.6bFOREIGN investment in Myanmar’s oil and gas sector has reached US$2.563 billion since late 1988,
according to figures released by the Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise under the Ministry of Energy. The
investments, which followed economic reforms introduced in 1988, include those made under 34 contracts
for oil and gas exploration at 47 inland blocks and 15 joint-venture contracts with the MOGE at 25
offshore blocks in the Mottama, Tanintharyi and Rakhine coastal areas. So far, seven new oil and gas
fields, including Kyaukkhwet and Letpando, have been found at inland blocks. The offshore discoveries
include the Yadana, Sein-Hminh-Padamya and Yetagon fields, off the south-eastern coast. A total of 2791
kilometres of new gas pipe line have been laid, both onshore and offshore. Official figures show that
Myanmar produced a total of 3.91 million barrels of crude oil and 7332.51 million cubic-metres of
natural gas in the first 10 months of 2001, up 22.6 per cent and 12.5 per cent, respectively, on the same
period the previous year. Myanmar exported 5,138.97 million cubic-metres of natural gas during the
period, up 347.88 per cent from the corresponding period of 2000, earning $477.89 million. To meet
domestic demand, Myanmar imported $209.89 million worth of crude oil during the period. Foreign
companies investing in the oil and gas sector include those from Australia, Britain, France, Indonesia,
Japan, South Korea, Thailand and the United States.[ The Myanmar Times/ (March 11-17, 2002 Vol. 6-No.106)]Development helps Wa region to shed a tarnished past
IN the 20 years to 1989, the Wa region in Shan State was believed to be one of the largest opium
producing areas in Myanmar. The reliance of the Wa on opium as a cash crop began to wane in 1989,
when the United Wa State Army (UWSA) signed a peace agreement with the government and in return
was granted business concessions and assistance in other money-making ventures as well as development
projects. Official figures show that opium production in the 5000 square kilometre Wa region fell from
aout 60 tons in 1990 to about 30 tons in 2000. The administration of the special region is confident that it
will achieve its goal of eradicating opium poppy cultivation by 2005. The cultivation of opium - from
which heroin is made - had brought disaster for the Wa people and the world, the UWSA leader, U Pao
Yu Chen, said in a briefing for diplomats and journalists at his headquarters in Pang Sang on March 12.
"Opium growing cannot bring fortune but disasters; opium has damaged the health and minds of our
people and blocked our progress towards development," U Pao Yu Chen said. The social and economic
damage wrought by the opium trade is being healed by business opportunities which are said to be
bringing prosperity to the region. The Wa region administration says it receives 70 per cent of its revenue
from businesses established with government help. The businesses - which by providing job opportunities
have helped to reduce reliance on opium growing - include a zinc mine at Lon Htan near Pang San which
generates more than US$1 million a year for the budget of the Wa special autonomous region. The
regional economy has also attracted significant investment from across the border in China’s Yunnan
Province. Opium growing has occurred for generations in the Wa region but it expanded rapidly after
1969, when the area came under the control of the now defunct Burma Communist Party. But by the late
1980s, the BCP’s grip on the region was becoming tenuous. The UWSA broke away from the BCP
after a factional dispute. The BCP was also under pressure following a series of successful military
operations mounted by the government. The BCP was ousted from the region in 1989. The UWSA
subsequently signed a peace agreement with the government, under which the region was granted
special autonomous status. The UWSA was also allowed to keep its troops for its defence in the designated
area. In turn, the Wa group was urged by the government to maintain peace in the region and stop the
cultivation of opium poppies. The group’s campaign against opium has included legal measures and
economic development programs. The Wa impose penalties ranging from two years in jail to the death
sentence for drug abuse and poppy growing, a Wa official told Myanmar Times. The Wa administration
has also taken steps to ease the poverty which was a major cause of opium cultivation. A survey by the
United Nations Drug Control Program last year found that most poppy farmers grew opium as a cash crop
to ensure they could buy enough rice a year for their families. Terrain is also a factor. In some remote
parts of the Wa region, opium is the only source of income. A UN official said the opium cultivation in
Mong Pauk district in the southern Wa region had declined by A United Wa State Army soldier quenches
his thirst from a friend’s canteen.A farmer tends a rice nursery. Greater food security has reduced the need to grow opium. Water supply
projects have helped to raise health and hygiene standards. 30 per cent last year. U Pao Yu Chen said the
efforts by the Wa authorities to eradicate opium poppies have been well supported by the Chinese
government and international aid agencies. But Wa leaders are critical over negative views towards them
in Thailand. U Pao Yu Chen strongly denied Thai accusations that the UWSA makes methamphetamines
to sell in Thailand, where addiction to the stimulant is creating serious problems, especially among young
people. He said Thais supplied the chemicals needed to make methamphetamines to the operators of
clandestine laboratories in the Wa region. Thais sometimes crossed into the Wa region to make the
stimulants themselves, he said. "Even if we deployed all the UWSA along the border in the southern Wa
region which we share with Thailand would not be able to prevent this," U Pao Yu Chen said. Thailand
imposes restrictions on trade from the Wa region because of the alleged involvement in the UWSA in the
drug trade and the production of methamphetamines. U Pao Yu Chen also dismissed accusations from the
United States that the UWSA was involved in drug trafficking as being "politically motivated." U Pao Yu
Chen said his administration was taking the right approach in efforts to halt the drug trade. "We will
eventually be proved right," he said. While the peace agreement with the government paved the way for
regional security and economic prosperity, it also had important political implications for the region. Wa
officials said the autonomous region is ruled democratically with the rule of law a priority. U Pao Yu
Chen said he recognised the region as being an "indivisible" part of the Union of Myanmar and his
administration would accept any future government decisions on the area’s status. Most Wa leaders say
that any consideration of future status should only take place after the regional administration has
achieved more progress towards achieving its main objectives of maintaining peace and finding viable
alternative sources of income for poppy farmers.[ The Myanmar Times/ (April-1-7, 2002 Vol. 6-No.109)]Pinheiro calls for more support for Myanmar
(By Ross Dunkley and AFP)IN a subtle but significant twist in posture towards Myanmar, a United Nations envoy has blasted the
global community for its inconsistent treatment of the country while urging Yangon to implement
reforms to fulfil its destiny. The UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, Mr Paulo Sergio
Pinheiro said in Europe last week he believed the country could embrace democracy and he called on the
international community to support its efforts. "I think that Myanmar is destined to change," Mr Pinheiro
told the 53-member UN Human Rights Commission, during its annual session in the Swiss city of
Geneva. "In spite of the slowness of the process and the limited political results that are so far apparent, I
continue to believe that there is a will within the State Peace and Development Council to pursue a
transition from political exclusion to cooperation with the National League for Democracy and other
components of society," he said. Mr Pinheiro said if the international community wanted to see political
and human rights progress, it should support the "efforts underway in a spirit of principled engagement".
Mr Pinheiro encouraged the Government to continue releasing detainees, of which 263 have been
released over the last 15 months. The Brazilian academic visited Myanmar in April and
October 2001, and last month, during which he was able to talk individually with 25 political prisoners
who he said had not complained of bad treatment. He also lamented that many countries had not come
under criticism for human rights violations because they supported the fight against terrorism. "Some
countries have received the permission to continue - ‘Go on, you will not be bothered because you are
fighting the evil’," he said during a press conference. He complained that the authorities in Myanmar
could watch television news and see other countries receiving different treatment to them. Mr Pinheiro’s
statements at an important international event signifies the shift in mood which has taken root towards
Myanmar - one that has seen an attitude of isolation, sanctions and punitive measures being replaced by
a philosophy of engagement and encouragement to institute change towards a pluralist society with an
aim of democracy for its 50 million people. However, the challenge was very much ahead, with
international observers and diplomats who spoke to Myanmar Times, saying that quickening the pace of
economic and social reform was essential to keep momentum. One western diplomat, who declined to be
named, said that there had been encouraging political developments inside the country, and the world
was watching with increasing curiosity and hope. "Recent political events and the improving tone of
international cooperation augur well. The timing seems perfect for Myanmar’s government to escalate this
positive tone into advantage for all," the diplomat said. Another international observer said with the visit
of Kofi Annan’s special envoy Ismail Razali scheduled to take place immediately after Myanmar’s New
Year festival in April, it was the time for senior leaders to make imposing gestures and usher in a new era
in development for the country.[ The Myanmar Times/ (April-1-7, 2002 Vol. 6-No.109)]
Tourist influx tipped for Mekong regionEXISTING and planned travel links were helping the Mekong region to benefit from increasing tourism
arrivals, a regional meeting in Yangon was told on April 5. The director of the Agency for Coordination of Mekong Tourism Activities, Mr Paisan Wangsai, told the Seventh Mekong Tourism Forum that 14.6 million tourists had visited the region last year, with most travelling to Thailand and Malaysia. Mr Paisarn said the region had a target of more than 20 million arrivals by 2005. He warned participants at the forum, the first to be held in Myanmar, that it was important that the region had the ability to cope with the increasing numbers of tourists. Mr
Paisarn said the expanded air, rail and road links would help to bring more tourists to the region. In the past year, eight new air services had been introduced in the region, including flights linking Kunming-Mandalay, Bangkok-
Chiang Mai-Hong Kong, Chiang Mai-Xian and Ho Chi Minh City-Hong Kong. Upgrades of airports to international standard had taken place or were planned at Hue in Vietnam, Siem Reap in Cambodia, Pakse in Laos and Heho in Myanmar’s Shan State. International highways under consideration included a road between Mawlamyine in Myanmar and travelling across Thailand and Laos to Quang Tri in Vietnam. A 5500-kilometre railway project would link six of the Greater Mekong Sub-region countries: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and China. Another speaker at the forum, Mr Arjun Thapan from the Asian Development Bank, discussed the role tourism can play in alleviating poverty. Mr Thapan said tourism was a socially friendly industry which offered many employment opportunities, especially for women. He said tourism could only play a role in alleviating poverty if there was cooperation among governments, non-government organisations, community groups, the tourism industry and the ADB’s development partners, such as the World Tourism Organisation and tourism research agencies. Meanwhile, in the latest move to promote the tourism sector, the Union of Myanmar Travel Association was formed in Yangon in April 2. "We formed the UMTA for the development and promotion of the Myanmar tourism industry," said Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, the deputy minister of Hotels and
Tourism. U Khin Zaw, managing director of Tour Mandalay, was elected as the inaugural president.[ The Myanmar Times/ (April-8-21, 2002 Vol. 6-No.110& 111)]For further information, inqueries may kindly be made to the nearest Myanmar Embassies or Consulates
or email to mission.myanmar@ties.itu.int
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