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ARCHIVE Tuesday , 16 April 2002 ONLINE EDITION
- Secretary-1 and wife, ambassadors and diplomats take part in Thingyan festivities
- Ambassadors, their wives enjoy water festival at YANGON Mayor's Maha Thingyan Pandal
- Diplomats, families enjoy water festival at Ministry Pandals
- Sayadaws to deliver sermons on Myanmar New Year Day
- Minister for Progress of Boder Areas and Ntional Races and Development Affairs taking part in water festival
- Commander attends course concluding ceremony
- Revelers in Mandalay enjoy Maha Thingyan Festival
- Padaukyeik Family Maha Thingyan Festival held
- Examination programmes for teaching staff of MMU, MAEU announced
SPOTLIGHT
( 1 ) Secretary-1 and wife, ambassadors and diplomats take part in Thingyan festivities
YANGON, 15 April - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs celebrated the Thingyan Festival on the lawns of Zizawah Yeiktha of the ministry on Pyay Road this morning. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe took part in the festivities.On arrival at Zizawah Yeiktha, the Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife Daw San Yon, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win and wife Daw Khin Swe Soe, departmental heads of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and employees and their families. The Secretary-1 and wife cordially greeted the ambassadors and their wives, families and diplomats and their wives. The guests were entertained to Thingyan songs and dances by the employees and families of the ministry.The Secretary-1 and wife, the ambassadors and their wives, families, the residential representatives of UN agencies and their wives and families, the departmental heads and employees of the ministry and their wives doused one another with water.In the afternoon, Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, together with Chairman of YANGON Division Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe, the ministers and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, went to the Thingyan pandal of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs at the Village of National Races near Thanlyin Bridge in Thakayta Township.They were welcomed by Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt and wife Daw Kyin Khaing, deputy ministers, departmental heads and employees and their families, and cultural troupes of national races who are currently here at the invitation of the Secretary-1 to enjoy the Thingyan Festival Kachin and Lawaw Shan cultural troupe from Panwa region and Lwegel region (Kachin Special Region-2), Kayah cultural troupe from Bawlakhe region of Kayah State, Shan cultural troupe from Waishan region in Myawady Township of Kayin State, Kayin cultural troupe from Myainggyingu region, Khamwi Chin cultural troupe from Paletwa region in Chin State, Chin cultural troupe from Kyikha region, Naga cultural troupe from Lashi and Lahe region in Sagaing Division, Palaung cultural troupe from Manton and Kutkai regions in Shan State (North), Wa cultural troupe from Panghsan and Mongmao region, Lahu cultural troupe from Mongpauk region in Shan State (East), Lahu and Akha cultural troupe from Adi region in Tachilek, Shan and Lahu cultural troupe from Monghsat region and Salon cultural troupe from Boakpyin region in Taninthayi Division.The Secretary-1, the members of the cultural troupes and the guests sprinkled water on one another with sprigs of Eugenia. The Secretary-1 and the guests were entertained with songs and dances by the belles of the Development Affairs Department and Sibinthaya Bank and the cultural troupes. The Secretary-1 presented gifts to the cultural troupes. Then, the Secretary-1, the guests, Minister Col Thein Nyunt and wife, the deputy ministers, the departmental heads, employees and their families and members of the cultural troupes of national races enjoyed the Thingyan Festival.
( 2 ) Ambassadors, their wives enjoy water festival at YANGON Mayor's Maha Thingyan Pandal
YANGON, 15 April - The 1363 ME Myanmar Traditional Maha Thingyan Festival continued for the second day at the YANGON Mayor's Maha Thingyan Pandal on Akyat Day today. The YANGON Mayor's Maha Thingyan Pandal was crowded with those who participated in the water festival, yein troupes and dance troupes. Film stars, vocalists and musicians presented entertainment to the audience.At 12 noon, Ambassadors and their wives and their families led by Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of Lao PDR Mr Ly Bounkham and Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife arrived at the YANGON Mayor's Maha Thingyan Pandal. They were welcomed there by Daw Khin Khin, wife of Mayor U Ko Lay, Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa and wife, the joint-secretary, committee members and their wives and officials.Then, Ambassadors and their wives and their families, together with families of YANGON City Development Committee, enjoyed the festival. Manawhari yein troupe of Bahan Township, the yein troupe of Pazundaung Market, Myanma Shwethingyan yein of YCDC Engineering Department (Building), the yein troupe of Thuwunna Day-nursery School, Thingyan Tawwin yein troupe of MaYANGON BEHS No 5, NweU Kabyar yein troupe of all markets in Thakayta, the yein troupe of Progress of Border Areas and National Races Department, Day-nursery School yein troupe of Dagon Myothit (South), the yein troupe of Kyauktada BEPS No 6, Mingala May yein troupe of Mingala Market, Dagon May yein troupe of Dagon Myothit (North) MCWA, the yein troupe of Dagon Myothit (South) MCWA, the yein troupe of YCDC Production Department, Santawwin yein troupe of Mingala Taungnyunt Ambassadors, their wives (from page 6) BEHS No 3, the yein troupe of General Administration Department, Yinthuza yein troupe of Defence Industry-1, Pabu Thuza yein troupe of Mingala Taungnyunt BEHS No 3, Bayintnaung Hteikhtar yein troupe of Bayintnaung Brokerage, Hla Thuza yein troupe of Tamway Pre-Primary School-5, Shwe Yamin yein troupe of Sawbwagyi Highway Bus Terminal, Phupwint Waisi yein troupe of YCDC Sewerage Department, MaYANGON BEMS No 4 yein troupe and Day-nursery yein troupe of North Okkalapa presented yein dances to the audience from 8 am to 5 pm. Likewise, Tin Ko Win Drama troupe and the Anyeint troupe entertained the duet dances and Anyeint dance to the people from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. Moreover, film stars performed entertainment to the audience from 8.30 pm to 10 pm.
( 3 ) Diplomats, families enjoy water festival at Ministry Pandals
YANGON, 15 April - The ambassadors and their wives and families, resident representatives of UN agencies and their wives and families led by Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of Lao PDR Mr Ly Bounkham, accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife Daw San Yon, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win and wife Daw Khin Swe Soe, directors-general, ambassadors and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, arrived at the Thingyan Pandal of the Ministry of Home Affairs at 10.30 am today after enjoying the water festival at the pandal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Zizawa Yeiktha.They were welcomed there by Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing and wife Daw Khin Hla Hla, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, directors-general of departments under the ministry and officials. Minister Col Tin Hlaing extended greetings to the guests. Then, yein troupes of departments and Myanmar Police Force presented Thingyan yein dances to the audience. Next, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and party and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of Lao PDR Mr Ly Bounkham and diplomats participated in the Thingyan festivities.Afterwards, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and party and diplomats proceeded to the YANGON Mayor's Maha Thingyan Pandal where they were welcomed by Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa and YCDC members and officials. Then, they were served with lunch on the first floor of the City Hall. Myanma traditional dance troupes presented dances and songs to the guests. The guests and their families in turn performed dances and sang songs.The guests, together with Vice-Chairman of YANGON City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa and committee members, participated in the water festival. Afterwards, the Deputy Minister and party and diplomats arrived at the Maha Thingyan Pandal of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs in the Village of National Races near Thanlyin Bridge in Thakayta Township.They were welcomed there by Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt and wife Daw Kyin Khaing, Deputy Ministers U Kyaw Tin and Brig-Gen Than Tun, officials and cultural dance troupes of national races.Kachin, Lawaw, Shan, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Naga, Palaung, Wa, Lahu, Akha and Salon national races, who are currently here to enjoy the water festival of the 1363 ME Maha Thingyan Festival at the invitation of Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, entertained the guests with traditional dances. The guests also presented dances and songs. Later, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for PBANRDA Col Thein Nyunt, the deputy ministers, diplomats and their families enjoyed the water festival of 1363 ME Myanma Traditional Maha Thingyan Festival there.
( 4 ) Sayadaws to deliver sermons on Myanmar New Year Day
YANGON, 15 April - Member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Presiding Lecturer Sayadaw of Yadana Beikman Sarchakyaung of Chanthagyi Kyaungtaik in Aungmye-thasan Township of Mandalay Division Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Jotikabhivamsa will deliver a sermon on the morning of Myanmar New Year Day (17 April) on TV. After the morning TV programme, Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Maha Withokedha Yama Taikthit Magway Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Kumara will administer the Nine Precepts.Sacred objects enshrined into Lawkamuni Aungdawmu
YANGON, 15 April - A ceremony to enshrine sacred objects into the upper repository of Lawkamuni Aung-dawmu Hsutaungpyi Pagoda was held in the compound of Tayzarama monastery in Theingon Ward, Phyu Township in Bago Division on 11 April morning. Present on the occasion were Chairman of Phyu Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannavamsa and member Sayadaws, Presiding Sayadaw of the monastery Bhaddanta Teja and well-wishers led by U Hla Myint-Daw Pyone Yee. The ceremony was opened with the three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. The Presiding Saya-daw administered the Nine Precepts. Members of the Sangha recited partitas, followed by the sharing of merits. The gems, and Buddha images were conveyed around the pagoda three times clockwise and enshrined at 9.10 am.Title recipient Sayadaw honoured in Pakokku
YANGON, 15 April - A ceremony to honor Saddhammajotika title recipient Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sujata of Myatheintan No 4 Monastic Education School in Kantaw village, Pakokku Township, was held at the pandal in the village on 2 April. Present were Head of District Religious Affairs Department U Bo Maung, Township Education Officer U Khin Maung Nyunt, officials, students and local people.Cultural course to be opened
YANGON, 15 April - A cultural course organized by Sasanadhaja Dhamma-cariya Ubhato Vibhinga-dhara Vinayavidu Kam-mathanacariya Mahasi Dha-makahtika Bhanddanta Kavinda and instructor Sayadaws, will be opened at Hsuhtupan Watawmyatmon Wailuwun Dhammayeiktha in Aung-chantha Ward 3, Thanlyin Township on 19 April. Those who are interested in the course may contact YANGON Hsuhtupan (Ph: 01-545980) and Thanlyin Hsuhtupan (Ph:056-21926) to enrole. Course completion certificates and prizes will be presented by Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Hsuhtupan Sayadaw Bhad-danta Pandita.
( 5 ) Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs taking part in water festival
YANGON, 15 April - Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt and wife Daw Kyin Khaing, together with staff of the ministry, participated in Water Festival at the Pandal of the Ministry of PBANRDA on Akyat Day morning. Kachin national races from Panwa region, Kachin State; Kachin and Shan national races from Lweje region, Wa national races from Pangsan and Mongmaw regions, Shan State (North); Palaung national races from Mantong and Kutkai regions; Akha national races of Adee region in Tachilek, Shan State (East); Shan and Lahu national races from Monghsat region; Lahu national races from Mongpauk region; Kayah national races from Bawlake region, Kayah State; Shan national races from Myawady and Whaeshan regions, Kayin State; Kayin national races from Myainggyingu region; Salon national races from Kawthoung and Bokepyin regions, Taninthayi Division; Kamwi Chin national races from Paletwa region, Chin State; Chin national races from Kyikha region; Naga national races from Lashe and Lahe regions, Sagaing Division, presented traditional dances to the audience.Deputy Minister U Kyaw Tin presented cash awards to the doyen film artistes, yein troupe. Then, cash awards were presented to 197 members of cultural troupes of national races. Delegates of the cultural troupes accepted K 1 million presented by PaO special region-6 peace group, K 150,000 by Kachin special region-2 peace group, K 100,000 each by Kokang peace group, Palaung peace group, MTA peace group, Kayah special region-2 peace group and KDA peace group, K 50,000 each by Rakhine peace group, Shan State (North) special region-3 peace group and Kachin special region-1 peace group and K 15,000 by Thantaung (North) peace group totalling K 1,815,000. Afterwards, Minister Col Thein Nyunt and wife Daw Kyin Khaing and the deputy ministers doused water on one another. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun presented gifts to a yein troupe.Second day of water festival livelier
YANGON, 15 April - Roads and streets were packed with revelers today, Maha Thingyan Akyat Day. People also did meritorious deeds such as respect paying to the elderly, setting animals free and serving people with eateries free. Famous pagodas in YANGON and satellite towns were also teemed with merit seekers. Water festival today was livelier than yesterday. Especially pandals along Inya bund were so crowded with cars of revelers that there was traffic congestion.The second day ceremony of water festival of Ministry of Home Affairs was attended by Minister Col Tin Hlaing and wife Daw Khin Hla Hla who presented gifts to dance troupes. Summit Park View Hotel, Tokyo Pipe Co, Imperial Leather Co, New Cussons Beauty Soap Co, Hnin Hnin Khine Co also took part in the festival. People merrily doused water at the pandals on Bayint Naung Road, Pyay Road, Baho Road, Inya Road, University Avenue, Theinbyu Road, Myanma Gonyi Road, U Chit Maung Road, Saya San Road, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, etc.
( 6 ) Commander attends course concluding ceremony
YANGON, 15 April - The concluding ceremony of National Culture and Morals Course (First Batch-2002), conducted by Mawlamyine Township Union Solidarity and Development Association, was held in Mawlamyine on 11 April evening. It was attended by Patron of Mon State USDA Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Secretary Lt-Col Aung Maw Maw and members of Mon State Peace and Development Council, departmental officials, members of social organizations, trainees and guests.First, Patron of Mon State USDA Commander Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung made a speech. Then, Secretary U Zaw Moe Lwin of the Township USDA explained matters related to the opening of the course. Afterwards, the commander and responsible officials presented prizes and certificates of honor to outstanding trainees and instructors of the course. Altogether 3,817 trainees attended the 11-day course opened at 40 places in the township.Commander attends Women's Affairs Committee meeting
YANGON, 15 April - The coordination meeting between Rakhine State Working Committee for Women's Affairs and Township Working Committee for Women's Affairs was held at Bandoola Hall of Sittway Station at 8 am on 10 April, attended by Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Brig-Gen Maung Oo and wife member of Rakhine State Working Committee for Women's Affairs Dr Daw Nyunt Nyunt Oo.Also present on the occasion were Vice-Chairman Brig-Gen Phone Swe and departmental officials, members of Rakhine State and Township WCWAs, members of Maternal and Child Welfare Association and the Union Solidarity and Development Association, members of Red Cross Society and Auxiliary Fire Brigade, invited guests and well-wishers. Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo made an opening speech on the occasion.Then, the wellwishers presented cash to wife of the commander Patron of Rakhine State Maternal and Child Welfare Association Supervisory Committee Dr Daw Nyunt Nyunt Oo, who accepted the donations and presented certificates of honor to the well-wishers. U Maung Than Shwe and family of Sittway presented K 250,000 for Rakhine State MCWA to buy a generator; Owner of the Noble Hotel U Aung Naing Win of Sittway, K 200,000 for Rakhine State MCWA and K 200,000 for WCWA; U Than Shwe and Daw Win Shwe of Diamond Arrow fisheries enterprise, K 500,000 for Rakhine State MCWA; Rakhine State Agriculture Department Manager U Kyawt Maung, K 176,100 for the flooring of Rakhine State MCWA office; on behalf of Capt Aung Naing Oo, Chairman of Sittway District Lt-Col Myo Tint, K 350,000 for MCWA to install a water pipeline at Rakhine State MCWA office. Afterwards, members of Rakhine State Working Committee for Women's Affairs Dr Daw Nyunt Nyunt Oo and Daw San San Wai explained matters pertaining to the functions of the committee and eight sectors. The meeting continued the next morning.Twelve wel-lwishers from Maungtaw Township presented K 1,830,000; eight well-wishers from Buthidaung Township, K 640,000 for Rakhine State MCWA. On 10 April morning, the commander attended the coordination meeting on rural development tasks to be implemented during the fiscal year 2002-2003 at the meeting hall of Sittway Station. He made a speech on the implementation of the five rural development tasks in Rakhine State.Then, those present discussed matters related to the work done and to be carried out in the respective sectors. The first-day session of the meeting ended in the evening. The meeting continued the next morning. Chairmen of district/township committees reported on work done and Rakhine State Vice-Chairman Brig-Gen Phone Swe briefed on reclamation of paddy fields in Rakhine State and extension of cultivation. Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo attended to the needs and made a closing speech. On 12 April morning, the commander attended the fourth novitiation ceremony held at Border Area National Youths Development Training School in Sittway. The ceremony was opened with three times recitation of Namo Tassa. The congregation received the Five Precepts from Chairman of Sittway Township Sangha Nayaka Presiding Sayadaw of Yedra monastery Bhaddanta Pa-ayatana. Then, members of the Sangha recited Metta Sutta.
Director U Nyo Win Myint of Rakhine State Development Affairs Department explained the novitiation ceremony. The commander and well-wishers offered alms to the members of the Sangha. Afterwards, Chairman of Rakhine State Sangha Nayaka Committee Presiding Saya-daw of Dakkhinarama monastery Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Yansandha delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained for good deeds.Then, the ceremony came to a close with three times recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu. The commander and wife and officials offered soon to the members of the Sangha. In the afternoon, the commander visited Lawka Nanda Pagoda and attended the ceremony to present the Three Theravada Pitakas donated by the International Dhamma Giri Vipassana Association of YANGON. The commander and officials handed over nine sets of books to Sayadaws. Merits gained were shared and the ceremony came to a close.
( 7 ) Revelers in Mandalay enjoy Maha Thingyan Festival
YANGON, 15 April - On the Akya Day yesterday of 1363 ME Maha Thingyan Festival, revellers in Mandalay participated in water-throwing festival in accord with the Myanmar tradition.The residents of Mandalay paid respects to elders, cleansed the Buddha images and pagodas, released the animals and kept the Sabbath. Even before the festival, collective no vitiation and ordination ceremonies were held in Mandalay.In the morning, Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Nay Win, Secretary of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Ohn and members enjoyed entertainment presented by Mann Sibin dance troupe to the accompaniment of film stars and vocalists at Mandalay Mayor's Maha Thingyan Pandal and attended the opening ceremony of Vegas Pandal and formally opened it. Next, the mayor, the deputy commander and party took part in dousing water over one another at Health Department Pandal.Around the Mandalay Moat at the pandals of Myanma Timber Enterprise Kyun Shwe Wah Pandal, Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading Pandal, Shan National Race Pandal, Mandalay Division All Bus Lines Control Pandal and private pandals, revelers happily enjoyed the water festival. At the Mayor's Central Pandal dance troupes and famous vocalists entertained the revelers together with Myodaw Band. Mandalay Zaycho Pandal and Padauk Shweyi Pandal of Myanma Communications were also crowded with people enjoying the festival and entertainment. In the evening, the decorated Floats Scrutiny Committee and Pandals Scrutiny Committee began scrutinizing the floats and pandals.Workshop of Division Working Committee for Women's Affairs held
YANGON, 15 April - A workshop sponsored by Sagaing Division Working Committee for Women's Affairs was held at the city hall in Monywa on 9 April. Present were member of Sagaing Division Working Committee for Women's Affairs wife of the commander Daw Tin Tin Lat, members of Division, District and Township Working Committee for Women's Affairs and guests. Chairman of Sagaing Division Working Committee for Women's Affairs Division Commissioner U Khin Maung Myint spoke on the occasion. Daw Tin Tin Lat reported on functions of the Working Committee for Women's Affairs. A general round of discussions then followed.
( 8 ) Padaukyeik Family Maha Thingyan Festival held
YANGON, 15 April - The Padaukyeik Family Maha Thingyan Festival of Military Intelligence Units was held on the lawns of the military intelligence unit on Pyay Road this morning. Members of military intelligence units, families, yein troupes and guests participated in the water festival. Yein troupes presented songs and dances to the audience.
( 9 ) Examination programmes for teaching staff of MMU, MAEU announced
YANGON, 15 April - Applications have been invited for the posts of teaching staff who will discharge duties at the Myanmar Maritime University under the Ministry of Transport and the Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University under the Ministry of Science and Technology to be opened in August, 2002 from dailies.The lists of candidates will be issued at University Entrance Scrutiny Board, Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar), Thaton Road, on 19 April, 2002 (Friday). The candidates are to report in person at the department from 19 to 21 April, 2002, together with National Registration Card (original and copy), the original copy of certificates of educational qualifications. If a candidate is a government employee, he or she is to bring identity card or documents.The exams will be held from 9 to 11 am at YANGON Technological University, Gyogon, Insein, on 23 April 2002. The list of interviewees who passed the written exam will be issued at Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar) on 29 April, 2002 (Monday). The personal interview will be held at YTU at 9 am on 1 May 2002 (Wednesday).
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)]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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