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Established in 1914
HOME ARCHIVE Tuesday, 24 September 2002 ONLINE EDITION
1. Minister receives Ambassador 2. Coop Minister inspects cooperatives in Yangon South District 3. A&I Minister inspects agriculture, construction of dams 4. Cash donated to Myanmar disabled sports team 5. Rules for 58th Armed Forces Day Poetry competition announced 6. Cash and kind donated to Khayan Home for the Aged 7. Shan State Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions open 8. Commander attends coord meeting on all-round renovation of Lawkananda Pagoda 9. Paungde Scared Tooth Relic festival concluded
SPOTLIGHT
(1) Minister receives Ambassador
Yangon, 23 Sept - Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe received Ambassador of Japan Mr Yuji Miyamoto at his office this morning.
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Labour Minister receives Ambassadors
Yangon, 23 Sept - Minister for Labour U Tin Winn received Ambassador of Japan Mr Yuji Miyamoto at his office at 2 pm today. The minister also received Ambassador of the Russian Federation Mr Oleg V Ka-banov at his office at 4 pm today.
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Education Minister receives diplomats
Yangon, 23 Sept - Minister for Education U Than Aung received Charge d' Affaires ai of the Embassy of the United States of America to the Union of Myanmar Ms Carmen M Martinez at 2 pm and Ambassador of Germany to the Union of Myanmar Dr Klaus Peter Wild at 3 pm at the Diamond Jubilee Hall today.
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Health Deputy Minister receives Japanese delegation
Yangon, 23 Sept - Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo received resident representatives of JICA Mr Toshimichi Aoki and Mr Takahiro Sasaki at his office on Pyihtaungsu Yeiktha Street at 10 am today.
(2) Coop Minister inspects cooperatives in Yangon South District
Yangon, 23 Sept - Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, arrived at the paddy fields of Khaing Malar Cooperative Society Ltd in Thanlyin Township, Yangon South District, yesterday.
The minister inspected the cultivation of paddy on 137 acres of land owned by Khaing Malar Cooperative Society Ltd and heard reports on agricultural matters.After hearing the reports, the minister gave instructions. Then, the minister and party went to Kayinseik model village in Thanlyin Township, where he inspected the grocery of the agricultural and general economic cooperative society of the village and gave instructions.
Next, the minister attended a coordination meeting on cooperative development at the meeting hall of Shwekayan General Cooperative Society in Kayan Township and spoke on the occasion. Officials reported to the minister on tasks being done by their respective societies. The meeting came to an end with concluding remarks by the minister.
Later, the minister and party inspected the fingerling hatching farms of Shwe-ngagyin Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Cooperative Society and gave instructions. Shwengagyin Cooprerative Society is successfully undertaking the hatching of Labeo rohita (Nga-myit-chin) and Silo-nnia childreni (Nga-don) in 24 hours.
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Ministry of Construction holds second four-monthly work coordination meeting
Yangon, 23 Sept - The Ministry of Construction held the second four-monthly coordination meeting at the head office of the Public Works on Shwedagon Pagoda Road this morning.
Superintending Engineers, deputy superintending engineers and senior engineers of road, bridge, building and airport construction projects reported on project works, allotment of funds, use of heavy machinery and construction materials. Then, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, together with the deputy ministers and departmental heads, inspected the computer unit of the head office of the Public Works.
They inspected facts and data of the construction projects being stored in the computers.
(3) A&I Minister inspects agriculture, construction of dams
Yangon, 23 Sept - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin accompanied by departmental officials arrived at the Central Agriculture Farm in Mahlaing Township, Mandalay Division, on 21 September and inspected the mixed cropping of sesamum and petisein at a pigeon pea plantation. General Manager of the Myanma Agriculture Ser-viceU Pyay Nyein conducted the minister round the plantation.
The minister gave instructions on extensive cultivation of mixed crops to the officials. Then, the minister and party proceeded to No 1 Kyauktaga Dam Project near Kyauktaga Village, Natmauk Township. The minister heard reports on the design of Kyauktaga Supporting Dam and work procedures by Director-General of Irrigation Department U Kyaw San Win and directors. The minister gave instructions on timely completion of the project. He also stressed the need to start construction of the embankment. The minister cordially met with peasants and elaborated on benefits of the irrigation facilities. The minister inspected progress of digging the canal of No 2 Taungyechaung Dam and land preparations.
Next, the director-general reported on arrangements for water supply from Kyauktaga Dam to Taung-yechaung Dam through the canal and another water supply system from Taungyechaung Dam to Kyaukpon Creek through the canal. In the evening, the minister inspected water supply of Kyetmauktaung Dam in Kyaukpadaung Township.___________________________
Minister for Health inspects buildings of medical science learning centre
Yangon, 23 Sept - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, inspected the buildings of constant learning centre for medical science in Tamway Township this afternoon.
First, the minister inspected the main building, other buildings and staff quarters. Director-General Prof Dr Maung Maung Wint of the Medical Science Department conducted the minister round the centre. The minister gave necessary instructions. Then, the minister and party proceeded to Kanthaya Hospital, where Deputy Director-General of the Health Department Dr Hla Pe and Medical Superintendent Dr Than Win reported to the minister on health care services.
The minister and Deputy Minister Prof Dr Mya Oo gave instructions on measures to be implemented for providing advanced treatment to patients. The minister and party inspected the laboratory, X-ray room, Ultra-sound room and operation theatre at the hospital and attended to the needs.
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Basic Banking Service Course concludes
Yangon, 23 Sept - The concluding ceremony of the Basic Banking Service Course of Myanmar Banks Association was held at the meeting hall of Central Bank of Myanmar at 8 am today, with an address by Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein.
At the ceremony, Chairman of Myanmar Banks Association and Governor of Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung made a concluding speech. Then, the minister presented prizes to the first prize winner, the second and the third. Next, the chairman presented completion certificates to the trainees and Vice-Chairman U Than Lwin, certificates of honour to the course instructors. Then, a trainee spoke words of thanks and the ceremony came to a close.
(4) Cash donated to Myanmar disabled sports team
Yangon, 23 Sept - A ceremony to donate cash to Myanmar disabled sports team, which will participate in the 8th FESPIC Games, was held at Padamya Hall of the National Stadium-1 (Thuwunna) this afternoon.
First, Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint made a speech. Next, MDSF President Brig-Gen Aung Thein accepted US $ 9,990 donated by the MOC and presented the certificate of honour. Then, the minister, the vice-adjutant general and officials accepted a total of K 4,312,000 donated by 21 wellwishers including K 2 million by Ayarmyay Co Ltd; K 600,000 by U Sein Oo (Taiyi slippers factory); K 500,000 by U Khin Soe (Anawahlwan Fisheries); K 338,000 by U Zu Zun Zar (Zu Zun Zar Co Ltd); K 300,000 by Lin Zar Ni Co; and others.
Afterwards, the MDSF president spoke words of thanks and the ceremony ended. Later, the minister and party watched the volleyball match between the Myanmar disabled volleyball team and the sports and physical education youth volleyball team.
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Minister inspects livestock breeding farms
Yangon, 23 Sept - Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, inspected the central incubator, which produce 10,000 layers and 9,000 broilers per week, in Pyinmabin, Mingaladon Township this morning and gave instructions on upgrading of the incubator up to the international standard and distribution of chickens and ducks to the breeders. Then, the minister inspected breeding pigs in air conditioned styles of the pedigree pig breeding farm in Pyinmabin. The minister also inspected trial poultry farming in Pyinmabin. Officials of the farms reported on work done. The minister then gave necessary instructions.
(5) Rules for 58th Armed Forces Day Poetry competition announced
Yangon, 23 Sept - Honouring of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, which falls on March 27, 2003, a poetry competition to be held by the Observance Committee for Poems and Arts Competitions chaired by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt (Htilar Sitthu) was anounced today.
Rules are as follows: Competitors are to reflect the objectives of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and fine traditions of the Tatmadaw historical events that featured national characteristics of the Konbaung Era (AD 1824), the Independence Era (from 1948 to 1988) and the State Peace and Development Council Era, religious undertakings, nation-building endeavours, efforts to ensure peace and the drug elimination activities of the State Peace and Development Council. The poem contest is divided into two categories professional one and novice one. Prize-winners of the Armed Forces Commemorative Day Poem Competitions and the National Motto and Poem Competitions, the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award winners and the prize-winners (poem) of Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award and the National Literary Award winners are to take part in the professional level competitions and those who have never won these prizes and awards are to participate in the novice one.
But those who have ever won these prizes and awards, on their own accord, may take part in the professional level. It is needed to send the entry, systematically composed and clearly written on one side of the page and two copies also needed to be sent. The entry must be own creation of the contestants. Name, pen name, parents' names, educational qualifications, occupation and address are to be sent together with two postcard-size colour photos to Lt-Col Ohn Maung (Retd) (Myinmu Maung Naing Moe), Chief Editor of Naing-Ngan Gonyi Publishing House, No 529/531, Merchant Road, Sarpay Beikman Building, Yangon, not later than 31 January 2003.
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Rules of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day painting, sculpture competitions announced
Yangon, 23 Sept - As a gesture of hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, which falls on 27 March 2003, the subcommittee for the holding of painting and sculpture competition and exhibition of the work committee for the organizing of poem and arts competition led by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt (Htila Sitthu) as chairman announced that the painting and sculpture competition will be held with the following rules.
The painting competition will be divided into six categories the first for pre-primary school level, the second for junior primary school level (kindergarten to second grade), the third for senior primary school level (third grade and fourth grade), the fourth for middle school level (fifth grade to eighth grade), the fifth for high school level (ninth grade to technological and agricultural high schools) and the sixth for professional level. There will be only one category in the sculpture competition, the wood sculpture and the plaster sculpture at professional level. Anyone may take part in both.
In the painting competition from kindergarten to high school levels, the size of the entry must be 15" x 20", and 20" x 30" for professional level. Name, NRC No, class, school, township, date of birth, father's name, address must be expressed on the back of the painting, with three 1.5" x 2"-size photos attached. For students, the endorsement of the school head is needed. For the sculpture competition, the height of the entry must not be over 36" and its circumference not longer than 24". At the foot of the sculpture, name, NRC No, date of birth, father's name, address must be shown, with three 1.5" x 2"-size photos attached and send the entry right to Tatmadaw Convention Centre, U Wisaya Road, between 1 and 3 March 2003.
All the entries, painting or sculpture, must reflect the twelve objectives of the State, the objectives of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and the twelve fine traditions of the Tatmadaw. Entries of both professional levels should be sent to Secretary, Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon (Central), Pabedan Township, Yangon, not later than 1 March 2003 or to Secretary, Subcommittee for the Holding of Painting and Sculpture Competition and Exhibition, U Wisaya Road, Tatmadaw Convention Centre, Yangon, between 1 and 3 March 2003. Entries of students all over Myanmar should be sent to Development Division, Education Planning and Training Department, Natmauk Street, Bahan Township, Yangon, not later than 15th February 2003.
Apart from the entries for both competition, other paintings and sculptures may be sent to be displayed at the exhibition to be opened in honour of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day. Those paintings and sculptures must also featured the twelve objectives of the State, the objectives of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and the twelve fine traditions of the Tatmadaw and should be sent directly to Tatmadaw Convention Centre, U Wisaya Road, between 1 and 5 March 2003.
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Entries invited to Armed Forces Day Commemorative Photo Competition
Yangon, 23 Sept - The 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Literary and Photo Competition Organizing Work Committee has already announced that it will hold photo competitions.
The titles of colour photo competitions are "Developing Myanmar" and "Preserving Cultural Heritage" and four entries can be presented for each title. Entries must be print photos by the size of at least 10x12 inches. Those who won first, second and third prizes in the previous years will be categorized into a separate group and there will be a great chance for new competitors. Data and captions are to be described in a separate sheet of paper and to be attached to the entries. Entries must be own creation and must not be prize-winning works in any other competitions. Handsome prizes will be presented to first, second and third prize-winners as well as consolation prize-winners of each competition.
The first, second and third prizes will be presented at the ceremony to mark the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day to be held in Yangon on 27 March while the consolation prizes will be presented at the ceremony to mark the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day to be held at the respective commands. Entries are to be sent to Director U Tun Min (Information/Public Relations) of Information and Public Relations Department, No 22/24, Pansodan Street, Yangon, not later than 14 February 2003.
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Military and marching song competitions to commemorate 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day to be held
Yangon, 23 Sept - As a gesture of hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, which falls on 27 March 2003, the subcommittee for holding of the military and marching song competition of the work committee for the organizing of poem and arts competition led by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt (Htila Sitthu) as chairman announced that military and marching song competitions for the armed forces day will be held.
There will be only one category, professional level, for the military marching song competition, while the military song competition is grouped into two categories, level 1 and level 2. First, second and third prizes as well as consolation prizes will be awarded. Rules of the competitions are as follows: In military marching song competition, any one will be allowed to take part in it as the professional level. In military song competition, there will be two levels level 1 and level 2. For the military marching song competition, songs composed must be based on the twelve objectives of the State, the objectives of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and the twelve fine traditions of the Tatmadaw.
Composers and vocalists are not entitled to compete in level 2 of the military song competition nor those who stood first, second or third in level 2 of last year's military song competition. They are to enter to level 1. Only a song is allowed for individuals or groups. Entry songs must be in accord with military song composing techniques. Military song must be in Myanmar melody and mode as well as in own tune. The time of the song must be from 4 to 6 minutes. There will be a preliminary contest for entry songs with strong vocals and suitable music. Only a song must be recorded on and entry cassette or a reel. A suitable title may be given. Words of the entry song with its ten typed copies and an origin of its music notes must be attached to the cassette or reel.
The brief autobiography of the entrant and the singer together with three passport size colour photos must be sent. Those tentatively selected will be informed. The tentatively selected songs must be re-recorded and are to compete for final. Entry songs should be sent to U Ko Ko Htwe, Secretary, Subcommittee for the Holding of Military and Marching Song Competitions, Myanma Radio and Television, Pyay Road, Yangon, not later than 31 December 2002.
(6) Cash and kind donated to Khayan Home for the Aged
Yangon, 23 Sept - A ceremony to donate cash, requisites and medicines to Khayan Home for the Aged as a mark of respect for the International Day for Older Persons, took place yesterday at Khayan Home for the Aged on Maha Bandoola Road, Khayan Township, Yangon Division.
The Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs U Hlaing Win explained the purpose of donations made to Khayan Home for the Aged to usher the International Day for Older Persons, which falls on 1 October.
The deputy minister, on behalf of the committee for observance of International Day for Older Persons, presented K 100,000 to Patron of the supervisory committee for Khayan Home for the Aged Lt-Col Kyaw Swe Win (Rtd), and medicines, clothes and other requisites to Chairman U Kyaw Than. Then, Daw San San, wife of the deputy minister, presented K 10,000 to Vice-Chairman of the committee U Myo Nyunt.
Donations later made were K 20,000 by Chairman of Khayan Township Peace and Development Council U Maung Maung Soe and family; K 10,000 each by Lt-Col Kyaw Swe Win (Rtd) and family, U Kyaw Khin and family, U Myint Ohn and family, Daw Tin Ngwe and family, U Cho and family and U Than Win and family; a 14" TV set by U Khaing Myint and family; K 20,000, K 1,500 for each of 20 older persons and other requisites by Kaung Myat Co of Yangon; and K 10,000 by the War Veterans Organization of Khayan Township.
After U Kyaw Than spoke words of thanks, the ceremony came to an end. The committee also donated cash and kind to Aphwa Thukha Geha on 14 September, Shwe Than Lwin Home for the Aged on 15 September, Muslim Home for the Aged on 17 September, Little Sisters Home for the Aged on 19 September, and Hninzigon Home for the Aged on 21 September.
(7) Shan State Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions open
Yangon, 23 Sept - The opening ceremony of Tenth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions of Shan State (South) was held at the city hall in Taunggyi on 17 September. Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint made a speech on the occasion. After the opening ceremony, the commander and those present watched the competitions of the contestants.
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Development work inspected in Eastern Shan State
Yangon, 23 Sept - Chairman of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Commander of Triangle Region Command Brig-Gen Khin Zaw, met with departmental officials and members of social organizations at Pungpahkyem Township Damayon and discussed matters pertaining to regional development on 16 September morning.
After hearing reports on the township development tasks, the commander gave necessary instructions to the officials. On 17 September morning, the commander also met with departmental officials, members of USDA and social organizations and townselders at Mongton Township Peace and Development Council office and fulfilled the requirements. Then, the commander inspected Mongton Township Basic Education High School, model paddy fields cultivated with the use of three kinds of natural fertilizer (EM Super Bokashi) and People's Hospital. Later, the commander discussed matters on regional development with departmental officials, members of USDA and social organizations and towns elders at Thiri Yadana hall of Monghsat. He then attended to the needs after hearing reports by officials.
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Commander inspects development tasks in Myeik, Taninthayi
Yangon, 23 Sept - Chairman of Thaninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen Tha Aye attended the donation ceremony of cement bags for construction of Mazawbyingyi Village Affiliated Basic Education Middle School in Pathaung Village-tract, Myeik Township, on 19 September.
The commander presented 50 bags of cement to the school. Then, the commander and officials viewed spraying of fertilizers into monsoon paddy fields in Mazawbyingyi Village. Next, the commander proceeded to Banlamut Village in Taninthayi Township and attended the oil palm planting ceremony. Afterwards, the commander inspected progress of Myan Naing Myint Oil Palm Farm and gave instructions on growing of multiple cropping among the oil palms. At Asia World Oil Palm Farm in Khonmaw Village, Myeik Township, the commander saw over the nursery of oil palm saplings and multiple cropping among them.
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Boxing Championship held
Yangon, 23 Sept - A ceremony to open the Seventh Coastal Region Command Commander's Shield Boxing Championship for 2002 was held at Myoma Gymnasium in Myeik on 16 September evening. On 19 September evening, Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen Tha Aye attended prize presentation ceremony for the Commander's Shield Boxing Championship held at the gymnasium. The commander presented the shield to the team that emerged champions in the competition.
(8) Commander attends coord meeting on all-round renovation of Lawkananda Pagoda
Yangon, 23 Sept - Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Brig-Gen Maung Oo, attended the work coordiantion meeting on all-round renovation of Lawkananda pagoda in Sittway held at Mahawayan Sasanabeikmandaw of the pagoda 20 September.
The commander made a speech calling for the participation of technicians, departmental personnel and local people in the renovation tasks. After hearing the reports presented by officials, the commander fulfilled the requirements. Then, the commander inspected the preparatory work of the renovation tasks. At 9.30 am, the commander attended the opening of the new version library science course held at No 4 Basic Education High School in Sittway and made a speech.
Officials explained matters related to opening of the course. Altogether 81 teachers from Sittway and Maungtaw Districts are attending the three-day course.
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Prizes presented to winners in Performing Arts Competitions of Mon State
Yangon, 23 Sept - A ceremony to present prizes to winners in 10th Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competition of Mon State was held at the Mon State Hall in Mawlamyine on 12 September morning.
First, Chairman of the leading committee for holding the competitions Lt-Col Aung Maw Maw announced the list of winners in the competitions and Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, the deputy commander and officials presented prizes to the winners. Next, the championship shield and prizes were presented to Mawlamyine Township team and members of the panel of judges by Lt-Col Aung Maw Maw. Afterwards, the prize winners gave performances to the audience and the ceremony came to an end.
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Training courses opened in Bago Division
Yangon, 23 Sept - A ceremony to open the bag-making course, co-organized by Kyauktaga Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association and Myanmar Phan Tee Shin Co Ltd, was held at Kyauktaga Township Development Affairs Hall on 20 September.
Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Aung Min gave a speech on the occasion. After the ceremony, the commander and officials viewed training and sample bags. A total of 30 trainee girls are attending the course. In the afternoon, the commander attended opening of First Aid in Community (Instructor) Course, jointly sponsored by MRCS and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescents Associations. President of MRCS Dr Kyaw Win gave a speech and 35 trainees are attending the course.
(9) Paungde Scared Tooth Relic festival concluded
Yangon, 23 Sept - The concluding of the 102nd Paungde Scared Tooth Relic festival in Paungde, Pyay District, Bago Division (West) was held at the prayer hall of the tooth relic on 21 September night. First, members of religious organizations, officials concerned, pilgrims recited Namo Tassa three times to open the ceremony and take the Five Precepts.
Then, religious verses written by Presiding Sayadaw Maha Ghandavacaka of Pariyatti Sarthintaik, Saddhamma Jotikayon Kyaung, Paungde Shwe Kyaunggyitaik, was recited. Afterwards, the scared tooth relic was replaced into its casket by Chairman U Nyein of the committee for holding the ceremony. Then, the casket was relayed to Ghandakutitaik by Chairman Lt-Col Khin Win of Pyay District Peace and Development Council and officials. Then, the Ghandakutitaik was closed.
PM Mahathir foresees democracy for Myanmar, pushes business
THE Myanmar government s stance on gradual evolution towards democracy was supported by Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad last week when he visited Myanmar. But, Dr Mahathir said the Malaysian government hoped for a successful result which would lead to national reconciliation and demo-cratisation in Myanmar. A Malaysian national, Mr Razali Ismail, who was appointed by the United Nations as its special envoy for Myanmar, was largely credited for initiating the landmark talks between the two sides. Dr Mahathir, who is a trusted international friend of the Myanmar government, has been widely believed to have had a behind-the-scenes role in Mr Razali s efforts. Speaking at the opening of a business matching forum between the two countries, Dr Mahathir said an overly hasty transition to democracy could bring anarchy. "When opting for democracy it is necessary that the process be gradual. If not, the political process will unravel and you will end up with anarchy; you will end up with practically no government so the people have to understand that democracy does not mean freedom to do anything you like," Dr Mahathir told reporters last Monday. The Malaysian Prime minister met the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe shortly after his arrival in Yangon on August 18 to discuss "for development in economic and political fields". "Our view is that while we uphold democracy practice democracy we are also aware that the process of change must be gradual and we need not go straight to liberal democracy because that is very destructive," Dr Mahathir said. The two leaders met for an hour at the Pyithu Hluttaw (parliament) on Pyay Road. During the visit Dr Mahathir witnessed the signing of three agreements including an offshore oil exploration contract between Malaysia s Petronas and Myanmar s Energy Ministry for oil and gas exploration in Thaninthayi Division. The meeting was also addressed by the SPDC Secretary 1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, who described Dr Mahathir as a "staunch defender of the developing world".
"We in Myanmar consider ourselves to be very fortunate to have Malaysia, and Prime Minister Dr Mahathir in particular, as a friend," Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said. "One of the pillars that give strength to our relations is the sharing of many ideals, concepts and mental outlook," he said, outlining the SPDC s policy against hasty transition towards democracy. "The world is full of examples where a hasty transition from one system to another has led to unrest, instability and even failed states. "Such a transition cannot be made in haste and in a haphazard manner," Lt- Gen Khin Nyunt said. He said the solution to overcome the challenge facing Myan-mar s political transition should be found by the Myanmar people only. "No one should try to impose their will or attempt to mould Myanmar in their image," Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said in an apparent reference to the Western countries, SPDC s vociferous critics. "The democratic society that we envision is one where all 135 national races live in peace and harmony," said the Secretary-1. The Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar, said Myanmar should be dealt with by every country with respect for its independence and sovereignty. "Malaysia has always said that constructive engagement with Myanmar would be the best means of (support for) evolution in the political as well as economic changes," Syed Hamid said in an exclusive interview with Myanmar Times in Yangon. "Myanmar made it very clear that they are to evolve their own system, so whatever other people may think and say it is most important that the Myanmar government bring socio-economic development for its people," he said.Syed Hamid also made it clear that it was the Myanmar government and people s right to choose the system of government for the country. "We will allow change to take place within the country in a way that it suited the purpose of the country. "Some have said the (democratisation) process is slow, but I think it is the Myanmar people who must decide the direction and the pace of the evolution," Syed Hamid said. He echoed Dr Mahathir s comments saying that hasty political reforms would bring "upheaval and turmoil". Syed Hamid said Myanmar has been evolving itself from stage to stage and "getting more confidence in opening up". "Myanmar is moving in the right direction," he said. Syed Hamid said Malaysia s policy of constructive engagement with Myanmar was partly attributed to Myanmar s entry to the Association of South East Asian Nations grouping in 1997. And he said Malaysia s policy towards Myanmar would remain the same despite the coming change in Malaysian leadership next year.
Myanmar Times ( Aug.26-Sep.1, 2002-Vol.7, No. 130 )
Giant Rakhine gas field dwarfs Yadana, Yetagun
AN enormous offshore gas field near Sittway in Rakhine State has the potential to be significantly larger than Myanmar’s two other producing gas fields at Yadana and Yetagun, it was revealed last week. Mr H D Lee, Deputy Managing Director of Myanmar Daewoo, an affiliate of Daewoo International which holds a major interest in the exploration project, said the reserve "is most likely around 13.4 to 47.3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas at the site where we are going to drill a test well in November next year." "We are sure to succeed in this project," Mr Lee said. The reserves at Yadana and Yetagun are 6.7 and 3.2 trillion cubic feet (TCF) respectively, he said. Currently, the consortium is selecting the optimum location before drilling because of the huge investment. "A test well costs more than US$10 million and we will decide on how many more test wells should be drilled," he said. The consortium has plans to start seismic interpretation, geological survey and prospect evaluation in October and November. Daewoo International signed a production-sharing contract with the Ministry of Energy in August 2000 and it assigned 10 per cent share to another South Korean company, KOGAS last November. Last January, Daewoo again assigned 20pc and 10pc shares to two companies under the Indian Ministry of Energy – the Oil and Natural Gas Commission and the Gas Authority of India Limited. Depending on the quantity of gas found, they will consider transporting the gas by ship or through a direct pipeline to India. Mr Lee also said they will have to consider building a liquefied natural gas plant depending on the production volume, which at the moment, he said, was still too far away to judge. The Indian government is eager to buy the gas from Myanmar if the production goes well as expected. According to reports Unocal, Brown & Riot and the Indian government are believed to have conducted initial studies for the construction of a 1000 kilometre-long undersea pipeline from Myanmar to India. Last month, the Ministry of Energy and the Malaysia’s oil giant Petronas signed an agreement for exploration of natural gas at four offshore blocks in southern Myanmar. Petronas is also interested in building a liquid petroleum gas extraction plant at Kanbauk, about 300 miles southeast of Yangon.
Myanmar Times ( Aug.26-Sep.1, 2002-Vol.7, No. 130 )
Impressive decline in opium production, promise of help
AN impressive decline in opium production in Myanmar will be reversed if donor nations continue to refuse funding drug-control programs, the UN’s prime drug officer in Myanmar warned last week. This follows hot on the heels of a United Nations report which showed the production of opium poppy in Myanmar this year has decreased by 25 per cent compared to a year ago. "This decline is a step in the right direction. There is evidence that the government is aware of the damage caused to the country by opium cultivation," Mr Antonio Maria Costa, the Executive Director of the UN office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention, said in the report issued on August 27 in Vienna, Austria. The reaction of Mr Jean Luc Lemahieu, UNDCP’s representative in Yangon, was more forthright: "On the one hand I’m a happy man but on the other hand I’m a very worried man because the results are there but my thoughts are - my goodness, how have you done this, how can you sustain this?" he said. Mr Costa said new measures would be needed to achieve further cuts in opium production in Myanmar, adding that UN would need increased donor support to help in the elimination of opium poppy in Myanmar by 2005. According to the report poppy production in Myanmar this year was 828 tons - down from last year’s 1097 tons, based on its survey in Shan State during September 2001 to March 2002. More than 150 surveyors visited 2000 villages and measured 6000 opium fields. The survey was conducted jointly with the government – the first of such survey carried out by the UN in Myanmar.Mr Lemahieu, while welcoming the news, cautioned the decline in opium poppy production should be sustainable. "We are happy with this, but it is not an end game," Mr Lemahieu said. He reiterated his call for increasing international aid to deal with the situation. The Myanmar government has consistently complained the country receives scant international aid in its fight against drugs. This severely inhibits its ability to control drug production and trade. In particular the government has consistently criticised the policy of Western countries including the USA and European nations on continuing to link funding for anti-drug campaigns to political movement. It has pressed its case that aid on drugs is a humanitarian issue that should be fought by all. To highlight this it has cited aid money granted to other SE Asian countries to fight the scourge of heroin. Laos, for instance, a Communist state, has a less serious drug problem, yet receives 20 times more funding than in Myanmar. Mr Lemahieu, whose office has been cut from 12 to two staff over the past two years due to budget cuts, said that while participation in areas like law enforcement assistance will have to wait until then, there should be no barrier to more funding for projects like alternative income generation. He said introduction of tough anti-drug measures by the Wa, Kokang and Kachin national groups in March and the government’s new " Project New Destiny " (formerly the Project Hell Flower) might help to decrease further the poppy production next year. Under the "Project New Destiny" launched in May, opium poppy farmers are encouraged by the government to swap opium seed for those of the other crops. The government says opium production in Myanmar, which decreased by 50 per cent over the past six years, would continue to decrease this year. But, Mr Lemahieu said he was confident that at an informal donors’ meeting later this year the funding tap would be opened. "An understanding is developing that work on drug control programs in Myanmar actually helps with a political transition," he said. Because of the lower output, opium production in Myanmar this year would be lower than in Afghanistan, UN said. It said per hectare output of opium in Myanmar was 10kgs while put Afghanistan’s output at 30kgs per hectare.
Myanmar Times (Sep.2-8), 2002-Vol.7, No. 131)
Tourism trend bucked as arrivals soar 20pc in wet
IN an encouraging development for the tourism sector, travel agents and big hotels have reported a strong increase in bookings during the rainy season, a trend which augurs well for the peak tourist season at the end of the year. Hotels say occupancy rates have increased by an average of about 20 per cent over the rainy season last year, while travel agents say bookings are up between 10 per cent and 50 per cent. Most of the rainy season tourist arrivals are from France, Italy and Spain, where many businesses close for the European summer, as well as Germany, Japan and Israel. Several industry sources said Myanmar was emerging as an increasingly popular destination for Italian and Spanish tourists. Mr Franz Fischer, the country manager of Bangkok-based Diethelm Travel, said documentaries about Myanmar’s cultural attractions and natural beauty had screened overseas in the last six months and this had helped the tourism sector. Myanmar was becoming well known for its cultural tourism among international travellers, said Mr Fischer, who said bookings had risen by up to 50 per cent compared to the low season last year. The managing director of Tawwin travel, Daw Rita Myint, said bookings were up by 25 per cent, continuing a trend for a gradual increase in arrivals during the low season which had emerged several years ago. Travel shows in Spain and other European countries which had featured Myanmar had helped to attract more visitors, Daw Rita Myint said.
Mr Edwin Briels, the marketing and incentive manager at the Exotissimo travel company, agreed with Daw Rita Myint that tourist arrivals during the rainy season had increased in recent years. Exotissimo’s bookings for the low season had increased by about 10 per cent, said Mr Briels. U Khin Zaw, the managing director at Tour Mandalay, reported an increase in bookings of 20 per cent over the same time last year. "Myanmar is emerging as a ‘new’ destination for Spanish travellers," said U Khin Zaw, who is also president of the United Myanmar Travel Association. A survey by Myanmar Times has found that hotel occupancy rates throughout the country are up by between 10 per cent to 25 per cent over the previous rainy season. In Yangon, the Traders hotel said rates were up by 21 per cent on last year’s rainy season and figures for the year had increased by seven per cent on 2001. The Summit Park View said rainy season occupancy rates were down slightly on 2001 but declined to give a percentage figure. In a sign of the growing popularity of Myanmar as a destination among the high end of the market, the luxury Pansea hotel said occupancy rates were up by seven per cent on last year’s rainy season. Traders said most of its guests are from Asia and the United States. Most bookings at the Summit Park View were from France and Japan.
Most of the guests at the Pansea are from Britain, France, Germany and the United States. At popular upcountry destinations, hotels say bookings are up by between 10 per cent to 25 per cent compared to a year ago. The Thiri Marlar Hotel at Bagan said bookings for July were up 10 per cent on the same month last year, with most tourists coming from France and Germany. "They come to Myanmar at this time of the year because it coincides with the holiday season throughout much of Europe," said the hotel’s Ms Khin Marlar Maung. The Shwe Inn Tha Floating Resort hotel at Inle Lake also reported an increase in bookings of about 10 per cent over the same time last year. While bookings are up for the bigger hotels, the bottom end of the accommodation market is reporting a downturn, with many guest houses saying occupancy rates have fallen by around 20 per cent over the same time last year. A spokesperson for the New Park guest house at Bagan said bookings were down by about 20 per cent."In the low season last year were had 338 guests but this year we have 198," he said. At the Pan Cherry guest house in Bagan, staff said bookings were down about 30 per cent over the same time last year. It was a similar story at the Royal guest in Mandalay, which said low season bookings were down by between 10 per cent to 20 per cent. Guest houses said the downtown in budget tourists was having a flow-on effect on bus companies and cheap restaurants.
Myanmar Times (Aug.19-25), 2002-Vol.7, No. 129)
RESPONDING to the disclosure by the international television network CNN that al Qaeda members have been active in Myanmar, the Government of Myanmar last week reaffirmed its determination to stand with the United States and the international community on anti-terrorist cooperation.
"The Government of Myanmar has not had the opportunity to review the relevant portions of the cache of videotapes obtained by CNN in Afghanistan," said spokesman Lt-Col Hla Min. "However, reports by both the Associated Press and CNN indicate that the CNN tapes reveal "material from militant Islamic groups in other countries such as Somalia, Myanmar and Bosnia." The Washington Post reported the tapes include "documentation from al Qaeda members during operations in Burma, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan &and Bosnia.""The Government of Myanmar will investigate this allegation with the utmost urgency, and we will share this information with the United States," said Lt-Col Hla Min. "We are already sharing information with the United States on Islamic armed terrorists operating along Myanmar s Western border and within the region, with connections to Taliban and al Qaeda, now being held and questioned in Yangon," Hla Min said. The Government of Myanmar signed the United States-ASEAN Joint Declaration for Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism on August 1, 2002 in Brunei Darus-salam. "As we have previously stated, Myanmar has vigorously confronted the activities of a Muslim separatist armed terrorist group calling themselves Rohinga. Today, we are pleased that many of these individuals have given up their armed terrorism. However, we shall remain vigilant in safeguarding Myanmar and steadfast in cooperation in the war on terrorism."
Myanmar Times ( Aug.26-Sep.1, 2002-Vol.7, No. 130
For further information, inqueries may kindly be made to the nearest Myanmar Embassies or Consulates
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