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Established in 1914
ARCHIVE Saturday, 18 May 2002 ONLINE EDITION
- Secretary-1 inspects construction of educational institutions and regional development projects in Bhamo, Kachin State
- Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Soe Win inspect regional development in Shan State
- Minister receives Sri Lankan Ambassador
- Minister meets work committees for observance of MWJA Conference
- Commander attends coord meeting on construction of retaining wall and concrete steps
- Thai media reports on seizure of narcotic drugs at Minletpan village at Myanmar-Thai border in Myawady Township untrue
- Gem and jade sales of UMEHL continue
- "Art & Health Show" exhibited
- Over 7 kilos of raw opium seized on Mandalay-Myitkyina Up-train
SPOTLIGHT
( 1 ) Secretary-1 inspects construction of educational institutions and regional development projects in Bhamo, Kachin State
Endeavours to bring about balanced development all over country being made on self-help basis with own financial strength Ensuring regional food sufficiency and boosting crop export and production of export-substitute crops stressed
YANGON, 17 May - Chairman of the Working Committee for Progress of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt left here by air and arrived at Bhamo in Kachin State at 10 am today.The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed at Bhamo airport by Kachin State Peace and Development Council Chairman Northern Command Commander Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe, senior military officers, local authorities, departmental officials and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association.
The Secretary-1 inspected educational structures under construction for development of human resources in Bhamo.
At the worksite of Bhamo Degree College Construction Project under the Ministry of Education, the Secretary-1 heard reports presented by Minister for Education U Than Aung and Director-General of the Higher Education Department (Upper Myanmar) Dr Thein Myint on academic and administrative matters including arrangements being made for opening of Bhamo Degree College.
The Eden Group Co Ltd Managing Director U Chit Khaing reported on facts about the construction project, tasks being carried out, wiring, and construction of roads and bridges. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and Commander
Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe gave supplementary reports.After attending to the requirements, the Secretary-1 spoke of the need for respective departments to co-ordinate work for timely completion of construction tasks and academic projects to be able to open the college in accord with the schedule. Local authorities are to closely supervise the tasks and fulfill the requirements, he noted.
On arrival at the Bhamo Government Technological College construction site near Bhamo-Mansi Road, the Secretary-1 and party heard reports presented by Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung on academic
and administrative matters including number of students and subjects to be taught at the college; and the Shwe Thanlwin Construction Co Ltd General Manager U Aung Kyaw on condition of completed the buildings and those under construction at the college.Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party visited the students in the lecture hall. Rector U Myo Min Khaing and officials conducted them round it.
The Secretary-1 and party then arrived at the College of Government Computer Science (Bhamo). Minister U Thaung reported on condition of teaching and learning at the college and subjects being taught and Principal
Daw Khin Kyu Kyu on academic matters.The Secretary-1 viewed the students studying computer science.
Then, the Secretary-1 met with members of district/township Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials, members of the USDA and social organizations at Teingya Mingaung Hall in Bhamo and gave instructions.
Chairman of Bhamo District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myo Swe reported on cultivation and production of monsoon paddy, arrangements for cultivation and harvesting of summer paddy, self-sufficiency in rice in the district, other crops including edible oil crops which are growing well, education and health, efforts being made to ensure potable water supply and the requirements.
In response to the reports, the Secretary-1 fulfilled the requirements. He said that the government is making efforts for education, health and regional development in Bhamo region and they arrived there to inspect work being carried out and to fulfill the requirements.
Head of State Senior General Than Shwe had given guidance on implementing tasks of education, health and regional development in states and divisions after designating development zones in addition to work being carried out for equitable development in states and divisions.
Bhamo region, being one of the 24 development zones, development projects covering one degree college or one university, government technological college and computer college are being implemented to catch up with other development zones. Furthermore, arrangements are being made to set up one 200-bed hospital and to render health care services in every development regions. Similar arrangements are also being made in Bhamo region.
Those arrangements have been made in accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe --- to ensure equal development in all regions of the Union. The whole Union will develop with added momentum inasmuch as the border areas and national races and development tasks which started in 1989; the major zones development tasks and the rural development tasks throughout the country are implemented harmoniously. Local authorities and departmental personnel concerned are to understand well that such endeavours for bringing about balanced development all over the country are being made on self-reliance basis with own financial strength and they are to implement the development projects in their respective regions prudently avoiding loss and wastage.
Necessary measures must be taken for preventing the natural resources in their respective regions from falling into wastage and from being smuggled out. At the same time, efforts must be made for ensuring regional food sufficiency and promoting export of crops and boosting the production of export-substitute crops by obtaining assistance of departments concerned and technical assistance of experts and technicians.
In order to contributing towards the goal of the nation --- the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation --- departmental personnel and local authorities are to make earnest efforts collectively and harmoniously in implementing the border areas and national races and development tasks; the major zones development tasks and the rural development tasks, he urged.
The meeting then came to a close. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party arrived Bhamo airport. At the briefing hall there, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe and Director-General of the Department of Civil Aviation U Win Maung reported on extension of the runway of the airport and the condition of existing runway. The existing runway of Bhamo airport is 5,500 feet long and it will be extended to 7,500 feet. The width of the runway will be expanded to 100 feet. Next, Deputy Managing Director of Shwe Thanlwin Highway Co Ltd U Hla Yi reported on progress of work so far carried out for extension of the runway. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party arrived back in Yangon in the evening.
( 2 ) Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Soe Win inspect regional development in Shan
State
YANGON, 17 May - Members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Maj-Gen Soe Win of the Ministry of Defence left Aungban at 11 am on 14 May by Tatmadaw helicopter and arrived at Mongshu Gems Land in Mongshu at 12.30 pm.At the briefing hall, Deputy Director of Myanma Gems Enterprise U Thein Htaik reported to Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party on mining at Mongshu Gems Land.
Then, Minister Brig-Gen Ohn Myint reported on systematic arrangements being made at mining plots, Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw on arrangements for installation of telephones in Mongshu Gems Land to Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann who gave instructions on extension of mining, regional development and work site safety and fulfilled the needs.
Next, Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Soe Win and party arrived at Tangyan where they met with departmental officials, members of social organizations and local people at the town hall.
Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Minister Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and Maj-Gen Soe Win explained work being carried out for regional development and future tasks.
Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann said that the Government, upholding Our Three Main National Causes, is making efforts to facilitate the emergence of a new modern and developed nation and all across the nation are making progress.
He urged departmental officials, members of social organizations and local people to make earnest efforts to ensure national development with added momentum.
Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party proceeded to coal experimental-mining project in Shan State (North).
At the briefing hall, an official reported on experimental-mining of coal to Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann who attended to the requirements.
On 15 May morning, Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party arrived at Mongmao by Tatmadaw helicopter and inspected tea plantations undertaken by local people.
They then inspected Kon Min Taung tea mill of local people where the in charge of the mill reported on the functions of the mill.
At the hall of the mill, Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann met with departmental officials and local people and gave instructions on regional development and attended to the needs.
Then, they inspected the marble slab factory in Mongmao where in charge of the factory reported on work being carried out.
Afterwards, member of Panel of Patrons of the Union Solidarity and Development Association (Central) Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party arrived at Kunlong where they met with the Secretary of USDA, executives and members and fulfilled their needs. After inspecting the construction work in Kunlong, they proceeded to Kongyan and presented offertories to members of the Samgha there. At 5 pm, Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann met with national race leaders at the guest house of Laukkai station in Laukkai and gave instructions on regional development and extension of agriculture and livestock breeding.
On 16 May morning, Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party met with district/township level departmental officials at the meeting hall of Laukkai Station and left instructions on regional development and extension of land reclamation and attended to the requirements.
Then, they inspected extension of Lashio Airport where the person in charge of construction reported on work being carried out to Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann who attended to the needs. Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party arrived back here at 3.30 pm by air via Mandalay.
On his inspection tour, Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann met with officers and other ranks of battalions and units in Tangyan, Kunlong, Laukkai, Kyaukme and Hsenwi, and their families and gave instructions on participation together with departmental officials, members of social organizations and local people in ensuring regional development and community peace.
( 3 ) Minister receives Sri Lankan Ambassador
YANGON, 17 May - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Mr Ubhayasekara Mapa, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Myanmar, at his office on Strand Road here at 1 pm today. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director-General of Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye, Director-General of the Border Trade Department U Nay Win, Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and officials.
H&T Minister receives guest
YANGON, 17 May - Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received Project Director Mr Jim Styers of Shambhala Co at his office on Sule Pagoda Road here this morning. Also present at the call were Director-General of the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt and officials.
Minister receives guest
YANGON, 17 May - Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin met with Mr Drake Poh, Managing Director of Victorial Entertainment Resort Co Ltd, at his office on Sule Pagoda Road here this afternoon. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt, Managing Director U Kyi Tun and officials.
Industry-1 Minister receives guests
YANGON, 17 May - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung received Chairman of Kwang Sung Engineering Co Ltd Mr Baek Nam-Hoon (Brian Hoon) and party at 1 pm, and Ambassador of Malaysia to Myanmar Mr Dato' Cheah Sam Kip at his office at 2 pm, today. Also present at the calls were the directors-general and the managing directors of departments and enterprises of the ministry.
( 4 ) Minister meets work committees for observance of MWJA Conference
YANGON, 17 May - Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung met with work committees for observance of the third conference of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association at the hall of Sarpay Beikhman Press on Pyay Road this afternoon.First, Minister Maj-Gen Kyi Aung made a speech. Later, MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) reported on arrangements for holding the conference. Chairman of the Management Committee and the Fund-raising Work Committee Managing Director U Tin Kha (Tekkatho Tin Kha) reported on the work of the committees. The chairmen of respective work committees reported on the work done.
The minister fulfilled their requirements. Afterwards, a general round of discussions followed.
Then, Daw Khin Sein Hlaing (Yuwady Khin Sein Hlaing), on behalf of the well-wishers U Khin Maung Lay-Daw Kyu Kyu (Gandama Co Ltd) of No-33 (C), Malikha Street, Mayangon Township, handed over K 50,000 for holding the MWJA conference to the minister.
In his concluding remarks, the minister urged all to see that all delegates attend the conference to be held in last week of June, to make necessary arrangements for the successful holding of the conference and to be thrifty.
Factories inspected in Yangon
YANGON, 17 May - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, together with officials, arrived at the leather
factory under Myanma General and Maintenance Industries on No 3 Yangon-Insein Road in Hline Township this morning. The minister then inspected drums which need repairing, spare parts --- driving chains, DC brakes and pneumatic systems --- and wooden drums. Afterwards, the minister saw over the production process at the factory.At the briefing hall, he met with officials and gave instructions on quality control, improvement of quality of finished products, production of import-substitute products and sale of products to the public at reasonable prices.
Later, the minister looked into the fibre workshop.
He next inspected the production process at the rubber factory branch of MGMI at 6 1/2th Mile on Shwehintha Street, the same township. He met with officials of the factory at the briefing hall and left instructions.
The minister also inspected the leather factory on the same street and gave necessary instructions.
Minister inspects construction of office
YANGON, 17 May - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and officials, arrived at the construction site for the office of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Minye Kyaw Swa Street, Dagon Township, this afternoon. The minister inspected the progress of construction there and gave instructions to reports presented by officials. Similarly, the minister and party also visited Seingyun Warehouse of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading on the same street and gave instructions to officials.
Minister meets staff of hotels, MTT
YANGON, 17 May - Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin met with staff of joint venture hotels and Myanma Travel and Tour of the ministry at the Inya Lake Hotel this morning and made a speech. In his speech, the minister spoke of the need of unity among the staff and security point of view and urged all to safeguard the dignity of the State, the ministry and national prestige. Then, the minister inspected vehicles of MTT in the hotel compound and gave instructions on safe driving of vehicles during the rainy season, maintenance of vehicles and fire prevention.
USDA basic course concludes
YANGON, 17 May - The concluding ceremony of Basic Management Multiplier Course No 16, conducted by Bahan Township Union Solidarity and Development Association, was held at the Dhammayon of Saya San Ward on U Chit Maung Street in Bahan Township this morning.USDA CEC Member Col Tin Hlaing delivered a speech on the occasion and presented cash awards to outstanding trainees, and accepted K 25,000 donated by Township Peace and Development Council. Trainee Ma Yin Myat Thu, who won the first prize in the course, spoke words of thanks.
( 5 ) Commander attends coord meeting on construction of retaining wall and concrete steps
YANGON, 17 May - A coordination meeting on construction of stone retaining wall retaining wall and reinforced concrete steps by the Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River System at the Kaunghmulon Pagoda in Putao District, Machambaw Township was held at the Pagoda on 11 May afternoon.At the meeting, Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Chairman Northern Command Commander Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe heard the report and attended to the needs.
Then, the commander and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win inspected the site chosen for the construction of the retaining wall and steps.
On 12 May, the commander attended the ceremony to seek Ovada from the Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kunda-labhivamsa.
At the ceremony the commander and officials presented the offertories to the members of the Sangha. Then, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kundalabhivamsa delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. The ceremony came to a close with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu.
Nyaungbintha village BEPS in Ingapu township gets new school building
YANGON, 17 May - A ceremony to hand over a new school building and unveil Myanmar Education Goal stone inscription was held at Basic Education Primary School in Nyaungbintha village in Ingapu township, Ayeyawady Division on 14 May.Then, Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southwest Command Brig-Gen Htay Oo attended a ceremony to open a 50-line telephone exchange of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications in Nyaunggyo village-tract in Ingapu township.
Later, he arrived at the office of Ingapu Township Engineer's Office and met with local authorities and gave instructions on agriculture and livestock breeding work. Next, the commander attended the opening ceremony of the modern Myodaw library in Hinthada and donated a computer set to the library. The commander and officials accepted five computer sets, a printer and an air-conditioner donated by well-wishers.
Afterwards, he visited Jotikayon Kyaungtaik in Hinthada and Wayluwun Kyaung in Kyonpyaw.
Then, the commander arrived at Yegyi lake in Kyonpyaw and inspected fish breeding work there. A total of 1.1 million fish fry have been put in the lake and fish are being distributed to markets daily.
Computer course for teachers opened in Toungoo
YANGON, 17 May - A ceremony to open (basic) computer course for basic education teachers and to present teaching aids cassettes to Basic Education Primary schools in Toungoo Township, Bago Division, was held at No 2 BEHS in Toungoo yesterday morning.Division Education Officer U Saw Yar De explained the purpose of conducting the course and spoke words of thanks.
Bago Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Southern Command Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min delivered a speech. Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Thant Zin presented the cassette players and tapes for BEPSs in Toungoo Township to Township Education Officer U San Tin. After the ceremony, the commander and those present viewed the computer study of teacher trainees. A total of 77 teacher trainees are attending the course and 70 cassette players and 840 tapes worth K 680,600 were donated to 78 primary schools in the township.
At 9.30 am, the commander attended the opening of electronic library at Toungoo District Peace and Development Council. Chairman U Thant Zin reported efforts made for opening of the library and the purpose of opening it. The commander delivered an address. Chairman U Thant Zin and the secretary of Township USDA formally opened the library. The commander pressed the button to unveil the signboard of the library and inspected it.
The library has CD-Roms on lessons for primary, basic education and university students and CDs on foreign languages, world knowledge and economic affairs. Any students may study there.
Commander attends communal novitiation ceremony
YANGON, 17 May - The fifth communal novitiation ceremony of Mawlamyine Station, South-East Command, was held at Thandithukha Dhammayon of the command at 9 am on 14 May.It was attended by Presiding Sayadaw of Kothlar Pariyatti Sarthintaik Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Obhasa, Sayadaws and members of the Sangha, Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Myo Hla, senior officers, local authorities, members social organizations, officers and other ranks of the station, their families and guests.
First, the congregation received the Eight Precepts from the Presiding Sayadaw and then the Sayadaws recited parittas. Next, offertories were presented to the Sayadaws. The Presiding Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits gained. Afterwards, the ceremony came to an end. After the ceremony, the commander and officials offered 'soon' to the Sayadaws.
( 6 ) Thai media reports on seizure of narcotic drugs at Minletpan village at Myanmar-Thai border in Myawady Township untrue Regular Press Conference held to refute slanderous news reportsYANGON, 17 May - A regular Press Conference explained the slanderous accusations made by Thai media which said that KNU and ABSDF terrorist insurgents, after attacking and destroying Minletpan village at Myanmar-Thai border in Myawady Township, seized narcotic drugs.
At the conference which was held at Tatmadaw Guest House here this morning, Deputy Head of Department Col San Pwint of the Ministry of Defence explained the slanderous accusations made by the Thai media.
He said although the State is making all-out efforts to build a new modern and developed nation, the KNU and ABSDF terrorist insurgents are disturbing community peace, launching destructive acts and butchering innocent people. At about 4.20 am on 15 May 2002, about 100 KNU and ABSDF terrorist insurgents led by Saw Nay Hse with the rank of Commanding Officer of the No 103 central security battalion of the KNU attacked Minletpan village at Myanmar-Thai border in Myawady Township. Concerning the attack, The Nation Daily of Thailand issued on 16 May said that a battle occurred between the KNU terrorist insurgents numbering about 100 and the combined troops of the Tatmadaw and DKBA on 15 May; and that during the battle, 200,000 stimulants tablets were seized from the DKBA camp. Similarly, the 16 May issue of The Bangkok Post daily also said that about 100 KNU terrorist insurgents attacked the Tatmadaw camp at the village with heavy and light weapons at about 5 am on 15 May; that during the 90-minute battle, four Tatmadaw members and another six from DKBA fell and four KNU terrorist insurgents were injured; and that the attack was made as the camp was being used as a temporary storage centre in smuggling stimulant tablets into Thailand.
Lt-Col San Pwint then explained the actual situation of the incident. He said round about 4.20 am on 15 May 2002, the three columns of about 100 KNU and ABSDF terrorist insurgents led by Saw Nay Hse of the No
103 central security battalion of the KNU attacked the Minlatpan village. Two of the three columns took positions at different places west of the village and fired about 30 motor rounds at the village. The remaining column crossed Thaungyin River at the Myanmar-Thai border from Meikok-kin village in the other country and attacked
Minletpan village. At about 5.30 am, the terrorist insurgents moved back to Meikok-kin village in the territory of the other country through the same route they used in entering Myanmar. They left in three Hilux cars waiting for
them near the bank of the creek near the village. During the battle, three members of the village people's
militia fell and two DKBA members who were in the village during the battle, two members of the village people's militia and three villagers sustained injuries. The wounded are being treated at the hospital in Myawady.The reports of the Thai dailies saying that KNU terrorist insurgents launched an attack against the combined troops of the Tatmadaw and DKBA are untrue.
The Tatmadaw or the DKBA have never set up any of their military camps at the village. The DKBA members only made short visits to the village. Thus, the reports which said that 200,000 stimulant tablets were seized at the village were totally untrue. The slanderous news reports were intended to mislead the readers into thinking that DKBA was engaging in trafficking narcotic drugs.The Thai dailies have been making slanderous accusations against the DKBA not only at present. The Thai media said that in April 2001, the Thai army troops came to encounter drug traffickers at Banchunsut village in Phokpha Township; that during the skirmish, 7.6 million stimulant tablets were seized; and that the traffickers were from the DKBA. The true situation of the incident had already been explained to the journalists to prove that the news reports were just slanderous accusations.
Similarly, the Thai media made other slanders which said that on 22 April 2001, SURA terrorist insurgents attacked the Pachee Tatmadaw outpost in Tachilek region, eastern Shan State, and seized 170,000 stimulant pills; that SURA terrorist insurgents attacked Meikyok outpost of the Tatmadaw on 8 February 2002 and seized 50,000 stimulant pills. The journalist have already been explained they are just fabrications made in collusion with the terrorist insurgents.
DKBA members, being vegetarian and observing the Five Precepts, are totally free from narcotic drugs. In the region, there is no production of opium and narcotic drugs. The false and fabricated news and writings are aimed at misleading the entire world into believing that narcotic drugs are produced along the border of Myanmar. As the news carried by Thai newspapers have obviously become false and invented, the true situation is to be clarified.
The Government is speeding up its efforts for eradication of narcotic drugs. Its cooperation with neighbouring nations in eradicating narcotic drugs has met with success. The exchange of information with neighbouring nations led to the seizure of narcotic drugs and handing over of culprits. These have been explained in the previous press
conference. Very recently, the fugitives from China have been arrested and handed over.The Wa national race group exposed and arrested the absconder, Li Chong Chein, 40, a citizen of the People's Republic of China, in Nantip region, Shan State (North) Special Region 2 on 2 May. He was handed over to officials of Lin Chan Region Drug Control Commission in the PRC on 4 May. On 3 May, 9.384 kilos
of heroin were seized in Hosa town, Long Chung District, PRC. Concerning the case, the Long Chung District police made a request to Myanmar officials to arrest Yin Hse Yon, the main culprit, who absconded to Lweje region in Kachin State, Myanmar. The combined forces of Myanmar launched a manhunt in Lweje town and found and arrested Yin Hse Yon on 10 May. The Myanmar authorities handed over Yin Hse Yon to police of Long Chung District.Not only the Myanmar government, but also the national race peace groups are also actively taking part in combating the narcotic drugs. The peace groups have also issued declarations. Since April, the Kokang national race group of the Special Region 1 seized 0.55 kilo of heroin, 27,000 stimulant pills, 142.5 kilos of Amphetamine, 1.209 kilos of caffeine, 6,508.81 litres of chemical liquids, 9,183 kilos of chemical powder, related equipment and 30 culprits in Laukkai, Kongyan and Chinshwehaw. Similarly, there are drugs seizures in the Wa region.
At a time when the State is combating the drugs with added momentum, the Thai dailies are floating fabrications. The acts of the Thai dailies amount to disturbing the nation's efforts to eliminate the drugs. Moreover they are making attempts to mislead the international community into having a wrong view on Myanmar. Although the slanderous accusation are annoying the government, it will continue to launch the narcotic drugs elimination projects with greater momentum as a national task. Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, Vice-Chief of Military
Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and Deputy Head of Department of the Ministry of Defence Col San Pwint replied to queries raised by the journalists. The Press Conference ended at 10 am.Also present were Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Brig-Gen Khin Aung Myint of the Ministry of Defence and senior military officers, heads of department, information officials of the Ministry of Information, U Sein Win of Kyodo news agency, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Hla Htwe and members and guests.
The journalists then viewed the map showing the attack launched by the combined force of KNU and ABSDF
terrorist insurgents against Minletpan village on 15 May 2002, the documentary photos showing Chairman of the
Working Committee for Progress of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspecting the poppy seeds handed over to the State by the poppy farmers at Shweli Yeiktha in Lashio on 12 May; the delegates of Myanmar and the PRC studying the progress in launching manhunt to arrest the culprits who ran away to Panghsan-Hsonpo region; the photos showing extradition of two Chinese drug traffickers including Wan Kyukon of Hong Kong to PRC; the photos showing arrest and
extradition of Yin Hse Yon on 12 May 2002; and the persons who were wounded by the KNU and ABSDF terrorist insurgents attack on Minletpan village.
( 7 ) Gem and jade sales of UMEHL continue
YANGON, 17 May - The 15th gem and jade sales of the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd continued for the fourth day at Myanma Gems Emporium on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road from 9 am to 5 pm today.A total of 605 gem merchants --- 459 from home and 146 from abroad --- have so far attended the emporium.
It is requested that the bargain forms of gems and jade are to be put into the designated boxes not later than 7 am of 18 May, and they will be opened at 7.30 am the same day.
The opening ceremony of the 15th gem and jade sales of the UMEHL will be held at 9 am on 18 May, and gems and jade will be sold through bargain and auction systems.
( 8 ) "Art & Health Show" exhibited
YANGON, 17 May - Organized by the Prevention and Social Medicine Department of Defence Services
Institute of Medicine, the "Art & Health Show", jointly sponsored by Maha Media Group, will go on till 19 May at Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon Centre at Bogyoke Market.The show is open free of charge to the public. Pamphlets and books on TB, AIDS and quitting smoking can be fetched there and, free medical treatments are being given to TB patients.
( 9 ) Over 7 kilos of raw opium seized on Mandalay-Myitkyina Up-train
YANGON, 17 May - A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Myitkyina Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, inspected Thein Naing in Carriage-1 of No 43 Mandalay-Myitkyina Up-train between Myothit railway station and Hopang railway station on 21 April evening and seized 7.17 kilos of raw opium from his handbag.Action is being taken against Thein Naing, aged 35, son of U San Khin of Nyaungbintha Ahle Village in Pyinmana Township under section 15/19 (A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Hopang Police Station.
Heroin and stimulant tablets seized in Hsenwi
YANGON, 17 May - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police
Force, acting on information, searched the house of Daw Mar Nan, daughter of U Khaw Suan of Namsalap Village, Hsenwi Township, Shan State (North), on 4 May. The authorities arrested Daw Mar Nan and her accomplices Ma Shauk Ae, daughter of U Shauk Chai of Reinmaw Village, Kutkai Township, Laukta, son of U Shauk Kyone and Larein, son of U Lagam of Namsalap Village, Hsenwi Township, who were at the house for the drug dealing, together with 55 soap cases of heroin weighing 0.77 kilo, 10,000 stimulant tablets, one scale and K 269,000 which was realized from the sale of drugs.Action was taken against them under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by the police station concerned.
Marijuana traffickers sentenced
YANGON, 17 May - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Bago Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information received, intercepted a bus with number plate 4 Kha/4648 which was on its way from Toungoo to Yangon at the toll-gate of Bago at midnight on 5 July and seized 5.516 kilos of marijuana from passengers Kyaw Swe and Ram Gnace.Action was taken against Kyaw Swe, 47, son of U Gram Mawkhaw of Amegone Village in Phyu Township and Ram Gnace, 25, son of U Ramderson of Htangone Village in Phyu Township under section 15/19 (A)/21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by No 1 Bago Police Station. Bago District court handed down 15 years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A) on Kyaw Swe and 15 years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A)/21 and three years' imprisonment under Section 15 on Ram Gnace to serve separately on 25 April 2002.
Scores sign on for internet serviceBAGAN Cybertech is celebrating a successful launch to its internet and intranet service. More than 50 government and private organisations have begun using the service since it was launched at the start of the month. "We have had about 20 customers signing on each day for internet or intranet services," said U Ye Htut, the sales manager at semi-government Bagan Cybertech. U Ye Htut said the organisations which had signed on for the internet service included government departments of education and health, banks, hotels, travel companies and non-government organisations. He said the internet was being provided only to organisations but would eventually be made available to individual users. "Although we intend to give 10,000 e-mail accounts this year, we have no plans to limit the number of internet licences," U Ye Htut told Myanmar Times. He said it usually takes about two weeks for applications to be approved. However licences for intranet accounts could be issued to individual and corporate users within a day. For an internet account, Bagan Cybertech charges a FEC500 activation fee and an annual maintenance fee of FEC300. Monthly fees range from FEC55 for 30 hours use to FEC180 for unlimited use. Intranet users have access to about 1000 sites on the world wide web, about 50 sites on the local intranet as well as an e-mail service.
[ The Myanmar Times/ (May) 6-12, 2002 Vol. 6-No.114)]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)]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)]Foreign investment in oil and gas reaches US$2.6b
FOREIGN 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)]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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