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Established in 1914
HOME ARCHIVE Sunday, 30 September 2002 ONLINE EDITION
1. Special Refresher Course No 15 for Basic Education Teachers concludes 2. 3. Australia FM to pay an official visit to Myanmar
4. Minister inspects departmental works
5. Provisions donated to Kyimyindine School for the Blind 6. Tatmadaw families, wellwishers present cash and kind to School For the Blind in Mayangon 7. Commander inspects regional development tasks in Yangon North District 8. Essay competitions to mark UN Day held
9. Maha Dwara Sasanabaing Sayadaw Bhaddanta Khamavudha passes away
SPOTLIGHT
(1) Special Refresher Course No 15 for Basic Education Teachers concludes
In future high-tech will dominate society
Only when the government can build the highly-qualified human resource, will challenges of development be overcomeYangon, 28 Sept - Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, left hereby Tatmadaw aircraft this morning and arrived at Mandalay International Airport in TadaU Township, Mandalay Division, at 9.30 am.
Then. the General and party proceeded to Central Institute of Civil Service (Upper Myanmar) in PyinOoLwin Township, MandalayDivision.
Next, Secretary-l General Khin Nyunt delivered an addresses at the closing ceremony of Special Refresher Course No 15 for Basic Education Teachers at Yadana Hall of CICS (Upper Myanmar) at 10.30 am.
First, General Khin Nyunt delivered an address.
The Secretary-l said nowadays the nations of the world are making endeavors competitively for development of their people and nations after utilizing the better results of advancing science and technology skilfully.
Developing countries like the Union of Myanmar are making efforts for narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor and the other gaps in terms of technology and development for harmonious development among the nations of the world in cooperation with those countries with the same views, while combating domination of big nations that h&ye superior economy and technology.
After being exploited politically, economically and racially for over a hundred years under the colonial rule, the Union of Myanmar lagged behind in development.
Due to evil legacy of divide- and-rule policy of the imperialists, national solidarity weakened. It is true that time and energy were wasted ,for national development since there was no peace and stability for about half a century.
At a time when peaceful countries became prosperous, the country lagged behind in development due to disagreement among our national brethren and the wedge driven by others. It was the bitter historical evil 1egacy and lesson to be remembered forever.
The country is now peaceful and stable with the reconsolidation of national solidarity ,under the Tatmadaw government. That is why the government hand in hand with the entire national people is endeavoring for ensuring better foundation for national development.
At this time, all citizens have to discharge the most important duties on perpetuation of the Union and keeping abreast with the development of international communities. The duty for perpetuation of the Union is safeguarding Our Three Main National Causes - non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty.
Only when efforts are made for basic requirements such as strong national economy and uplift of education, health and social standards of the people, will the country develop and stand tan among the nations of the world. The teachers are the ones who lead and train the students who will i shoulder the duties in the future. Therefore, the teachers themselves must discharge duties of a citizen and . they must also nurture their pupils to possess morale and ability of a citizen with sense of duty.
Regarding the national development, the Head of State gave guidance on objectives of the education sector. He said it is necessary to cultivate the Union Spirit for non-disintegration of the Union and perpetuation of the existing boundaries of the State, states and divisions. The citizens must be the ones with national prestige who love and cherish the Union so that the future of youths will be good and strong. Efforts are to be made for human resource development.
In the 21st century, education plays a vital role in national development. In the future high technology will dominate society. Only when the government builds the highly-qualified human resource, Will challenges in development be overcome.
Therefore, the government is building a constant learning atmosphere and infrastructures on modern teaching and laying after laying down plans for uplift of national education and for emergence of constant learning society to bring about highly-qualified human resource. The Secretary-l urged the teachers to nurture the students to possess morale and qualifications for national development as intellectuals and intelligentsia.
Today, culture, social system and social norms and values of big nations that have superior economy and technology are penetrating and dominating the developing countries without any hindrance due to the advancement of information and communication technology.
Moreover, some western countries ignored the characteristics of political, economic and social back grounds of the respective nations. Instead of under standing and providing assistance to the developing nations that are facing historical events, the westem countries are demanding continuously that those developing nations are to practice their social systems and social norms and to put pressure on them.
The Union of Myanmar is making efforts for emergence of a modern developed democratic nation step by step after laying down the systematic political, economic and social foundations in line with its history of the nation and the people.
Despite internal and external hindrance, achievements have been made to some extent with the help of united strength of her own national forces.
Solidarity among the national brethren in border areas was built. The government's border region development projects are successful with the participation of local people and the border regions have developed rapidly. Due to the cooperation of the national race leaders progress has been made to some extent in eradication of opium cultivation and drug trafficking, the evil legacy of the imperialists. The 15-year drug elimination project is being implemented on its own programme without any foreign assistance.
As the anti-drug activities are effective and successful. drug-free zones have emerged and international communities accepted gradual decrease of opium production. Especially, with peace and development in the border regions, living stand and of local people has improved and they abandoned opium cultivation and production on their own volition.
The government has been implementing the five rural development tasks after designating1he 24 special development regions, while maintaining the development momentum of border regions and cities and development of basic foundations of other towns. Now efforts are being made for harmonious development of the Union.
Cooperation between 1he government and the people can now be made. for harmonious development due to peace and tranquility in the regions including border areas and national solidarity.
Independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity depend on unity of the entire people. National sovereignty will be consolidated as long as the unity of the entire people is strong. Perpetuation of the Union of Myanmar is consolidation of national solidarity so every citizen must safeguard the power of, unity.
He urged all national races to make concerted efforts for keeping abreast with nations of the world, perpetuation of the Union, propagation of national solidarity spirit and the Union Spirit and development with greater momentum avoiding outside instigations.
Nowadays, it was obvious that an expatriate group has been making fabrications to drive a wedge among the national brethren in their attempts to undermine peace and tranquility in the nation.
But, their attempts will be foiled by the national consolidation as peace and tranquility prevail in the nation.
The teachers are to organize the entire national people including the students to enable them to be imbued with the spirit of national solidarity, Union Spirit and nationalism in the regions where they are assigned duties. In addition tile teachers are to train and nurture the students to become ones who are outstanding in all sectors and meeting an education of international level and to have them a spirit of cherishing their races and nation and a sense of duty to make efforts formational development and Union Spirit, he stressed.
Especially, teachers who have been assigned duties in far-flupg areas, are to take measures in enhancing the health, economic and social standard of the local national people and to narrow the development gap among the national brethren.
In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, if the five rural development tasks laid down for development of border areas are implemented successfully, the national consolidation will. prevail certainly. This being so, while making efforts for educational development for ensuring life guarantee of new generation youths, emphasis is to be placed on national solidarity, he said.
In conclusion, he urged the teachers to make earnest efforts in promoting the national education standard to the international level to enable the Union to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world's nations, to take part in successful implementation of rural development tasks in harmony, to bring about equitable development among the national brethren at a time when peace and .development is prevailing in the Union, to organize the national people to become ones who are imbued with a spirit of national solidarity, Union Spirit and nationalism and to make them aware of the fabrications and accusations manufactured by the expatriate group with every intention of driving a wedge among the national brethren.
Then, the General presented model trainee awards to Headmaster of Mogaung Basic Education Primary School U Win Zaw of Aunglan Township, Magway Division and Junior Assistant Teacher Daw Wathan Khin of Lekkaunggyi BEPS No 3 in Madaya Township; and awards in diligence to Agriculture Demonstrator U Kyaw Nyunt of Mandalay Education College; SAT Daw Khin Soe Soe of BEHS No l in Shwegu Township and JAT Daw Khin Mya Yi of Kanna BEMS No l in Pyimana Township.
Next. the Secretary- l presented model hostel awards to hostel No l of the men's company No l and hostel No 7 of the women's company No 2 and completion certificates to the trainees through the leaders of the trainees.
Afterwards, Charman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary- l of the State Peace and deveopement Council General Khin Nyunt accepted K 10.000 for Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image donated by the trainee teachers; K lO,000 for Sacred Tooth Relic Pagoda (Mandalay); K l0,000 for renovation of ancient pagodas in Bagan; K 5,000 for USDA; K 5,000 for hailing National convention: and K 10.000 for affiliated Zeebinbyi BEHS. totaling K 50,000.
Before the ceremony the General heard reports on training courses opened at the CICS ( upper Myanmar) cultivation of crops and shade trees for greening the institute by Rector Col Aung Hsan Win.
Then, the General gave instructions on cultivation of' coffee and pepper for earning income of the staff.
(2) Secretary-1 attends opening of Bran Oil Mill, Rice Mill in
Kyaukse, handing over of Post-BEPS in ThagaraYangon, 28 Sept Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, accompanied by party, left PyinOoLwin by Tatmadaw helicopter and arrived in Kyaukse, Mandalay Division, this morning after delivering an address at the closing ceremony of Special Refresher Course No 15 for Basic Education Teachers at Central Institute of Civil Service (Upper Myanmar) in PyinOoLwin Township.
Then, the ceremony to open Kyaukse 50-ton Bran Oil Mill and 25-ton Rice Mill of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading of the Ministry of Commerce was held at the Mill in Moegyogon Village, Kyaukse Township; Mandalay Division, attended by Secretary-l General KhinNyunt.
First, the General formally unveiled the stone plaque of the min. Next, the opening ceremony was held at the briefing hall of the mill.
At the ceremony, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone reported that the Head of State has gave guidance to build rice and bran oil mills ill the suitable regions considering extensive paddy cultivation and construction of dams in Upper Myanmar. And, rice mills and bran oil mills have now been built in Kyaukse region with a view to ensuring rice sufficiency in Upper Myanmar in accord with the guidance of the Head of State. The minister continued to report to the Secretary-l on the history and objective of the bran oil mill and the rice mill, location and area of the project, the lay-out plan, modern machines installed at the bran oil mill and its capacity, collection of raw bran, installation of local ,made machinery at the 25-ton rice mil1 and construction of another 25-ton rice mill.
Then, the commander reported on village-tracts and population in Kyaukse region, areas of farm lands, cultivation acreage, cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy, kinds of staple cotton, beans and pulses, edible oil crops and per-acre Yield.
Kyaukse District USDA Secretary pr-ye Win Naing spoke words of thanks.
Next, the Secretary-l delivered an address. He said that nowadays, it is correct choice for the place to build the rice mill and the bran oil mill in the region. Kyaukse region was included in nine Ledwin districts in the time of Bagan period and so, the region can be called as the rice bowl of Myanmar.
Moreover, Kyaukse region is an industrial region where factories groups including the cement plant, the foodstuff factory, the personal good factory, the agricultural equipment factory etc are being built and the factories will supply food, clothing and shelter needs of the local populace.
Due to emergence of the factories and mills, the local people achieve job opportunities and the factories will contribute much to regional development and uplift of living standard of the local people.
Arrangements are also to be made for fulfilling requirements including energy sector for more industries in the future. And, officials at the different levels are to supervise the staff for laying emphasis on thrift and minimizing of loss and wastage in respective sectors.
Then, the General presented the fruit basket and gifts to Managing Director of Veendeep Oiltek Exports Co of India Mr PM B handrail who participated in installation of machines at Kyaukse Bran Oil Mill.
Next, the Secretary-l persisted gifts for the staff to the person in-charge of the project.
Afterwards the opening ceremony of the Bran Oil Mill was held in front of the mill.
Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint and Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone formally opened the 50- ton Bran Oil Mill The Secretary-l and party and guests visited thy Bran Oil Mill.
Then, the General and party arrived at the opening ceremony of the 25-ton Rice Mill. At the ceremony Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint and Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone formally opened the 25- ton Rice Mill.
The Secretary-l and party inspected the rice mill and then the ceremony came to an end.
Afterwards, the Secretary-l and party attended the ceremony to hand over the new building of the post-primary school in West Thagara Village. Kyaukse Township.
The guests saluted the State flag while the students were playing musical instruments and singing the National Anthem.
Then" the student unveiled the stone plaque bearing the words "Myanmar Education Goal". Meanwhile, the students were singing the song title "Myanma Kyaung" (Myanmar School).
Next, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-l General Khin Nyunt formally unveiled the signboard of the school.
After that, the. commander, Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and wellwisher U Win Aung formally opened the new building.
The Secretary-l and party and guests viewed the classrooms round the school.
The ceremony to hand over the new school building followed at the Mingalar pandal in the school compound.
Principal U Win Shin reported on academic matters being carried out and wellwisher U Win Aung, on the purpose of the donation. Then, member of the school board of trustees, U Thaung Nyunt spoke words of thanks.
.Next, the wellwisher handed over the documents related to the new building to Director-General of the No 2 BED Lt-Col Win Htein. The 140 feet long and 30 feet wide building with five lecture rooms was constructed at a cost of K 7.8 mi1Iion. The donation included furniture, toilets and water tanks.
The Secretary-1 then presented 161 dozens of exercise books and 161 dozens of pencils to schoolboys and schoolgirls.
After that, Minister U Than Aung spoke words of thanks to the wellwisher and called on the teachers to strive for bringing about students outstanding in all sectors.
After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 inspected the development tasks for Kyaukse region. The Secretary-1 and party went to the three-storey building construction project site of the Government Technological College in Kyaukse where they were welcomed by Principal U Zaw Htoo Aungand officials.
At the construction site, Engineer U Thin Hlaing of , the Shwe Than Lwin Co reported on work being carried out. Minister U Thaung gave a supplementary report.
Then, the Secretary-1gave necessary instructions and inspected construction progress.
The Secretary-l and party proceeded to Zeedaw Canal in the same township. Officials reported on supply of water and arrangements to be made for construction of a new diversion weir in Zawgyi River for supply of more water to the township.
After that, the Secretary- 1 looked into the site chosen for construction of a new diversion weir near Kyaukse People's Hospital and left necessary instructions. They then inspected construction of a-n£w building of the 200-bed Kyaukse People's Hospital, where Managing Director of the Olympic Co U Aung Zaw Paing conducted them round the construction site.
The Secretary-l then visited the Maha Shwetheindaw Pagoda in the same township. The Secretary-l presented cash. donation and signed in the visitors' book.
Later, the Secretary-l and party arrived at Mandalay International Airport and they arrived back here in the evening.
(3) Australia FM to pay an official visit to Myanmar
Yangon, 29 Sept - At the invitation of U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, HE Mr Alexander Downer, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, will pay an official visit to the Union of Myanmar in the near future.
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Energy Minister arrives back from the 8th International Energy Conference
Yangon, 28 Sept - Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi arrived back hereon 26 September after attending the 8th International Energy Conference held in Osaka, Japan, the meeting of Energy Ministers of ASEAN+3 and the 11th Ministerial level meeting on region of Mekong region held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
On 21 September, the minister attended the 8th International Energy Conference. The conference focused on energy consumption in the world, energy fulfillment and problems to be encountered in coming 30 years. It was attended by 89 countries including OPEC countries and 16 imitational organizations.
Ministers from ten ASEAN countries, the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Korea and Japan attended the meeting of Energy Ministers of ASEAN+3. Short term and long-term plans on cooperation to fulfill the energy needs in Asia were laid down at the meeting. On 22 September, while in Japan, the minister met Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India Mr Ram Naik and discussed the prospects for bilateral cooperation in energy sector. The minister flew to Phnom Penh on 23 September .
On 25 September, the minister attended the 11 the ministerial level meeting on economic cooperation in Mekong region. Establishment of economic and transport infrastructures, Sale of electricity in the region and establishment of communication net works were discussed at the meeting. During his stay in Cambodia, the minister met Myanmar Ambassador and embassy staff and explained about economic and political developments in Myanmar.
Director General of Energy Planning Department U Soe Myint and party also arrived back on the same flight.
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Myanmar team beat Indian team 1-0 friendly soccer match
Yangon, 28 Sept -The friendly soccer match between Myanma Tatmadaw (Army) soccer team (A) and Indian Defence Services football team took place at the Youth Training Centre m Thuwunna.
Among the spectators were Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Deface Services Sports and Physical Education Management committee Adjutant-General Lt- Gen Thein Sein, Vice-Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Aung Kyi and Brig- Gen Thein Swe, the Indian Ambassador, the Indian Military Attaché, senior military officers, Manager Brigadier GRC Nair of Indian Defence Services volleyball team and soccer team and guests.
Before the match, Vice- Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Aung Kyi together with officials and players of both teams, posed for a documentary photo. In the match, Myanma Army soccer team beat Indian Defence Services football team 1-0. After the match, the adjutant-general presented a shield to mark the friendly match to the Indian football team and posed for a documentary photo.
The football team of the Ministry of Defence will play against the Indian football team in the second match to be held at the same venue at 4 pm on 2 October.
(4) Minister inspects departmental works
Yangon, 28 Sept - Minister for Immigration and Population and for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, arrived at the Immigration and National Registration Department on Pansodan Street yesterday and accompanied by Director-General Col Maung Htay and officials, and inspected the department and its four branches and gave instructions.
At Kyaikwaing Youth Training School, the minister, accompanied by Director- General of the Social Welfare Department U Sit Myaing and officials, inspected the library and the hostel there and gave instructions. This morning, the minister, arrived at the relief goods warehouse, where he inspected arrangements made for fire prevention and gave instructions.
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Minister Inspects Myanma Radio and Television
Yangon, 28 Sept - Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan inspected Mymima Radio and Television and gave necessary instructions to officials concerned ,this afternoon.
Accompanied by officials, the minister arrived at the MRTV at 2 pm. At the guest house, Director -General of the MRTV U Khin Maung Htay reported on construction of a new building of the MRTV- 3, the broadcasting and programme of the MRTV, broadcasting days and time for local and foreign audience, conditions of replies on receiving programmers, installed machinery, conditions in receiving MRTV -3 programmers in 126 countries arrangements being made for broadcasting of' streaming video and conducting of courses. Then, Chief Engineer of the MRTV U Tin San , reported con conditions of machines. The minister elaborated on efforts to be made for extended broadcasting of MRTV -3 programmers.
After that, the minister inspected respective divisions of the MRTV. The officials conducted the minister round them. The minister then inspected the vehicle division and gave instructions on systematic use of fuel and fire prevention measures to be taken.
Next, the minister said that the MRTV is the department which is Carrying out its tasks with the objectives on information and presenting educative c and entertainment programmers for the people. So all the staff are to perform assigned duties in unison. He added that it is needed to carry out tasks with goodwill without making any mistakes conclusion, he called on all the service personnel to make collective endeavors in order to bring about and nurture new generation youths, to take fire for prevention measures, to systematically use electricity and to ensure smooth performance.
Later, the minister and party went to the MRTV-3 New Studio Complex Construction Project site being undertaken by the Olympic Co Ltd for the Ministry of Information on Kyundaw Street in Kamayut Township. Director -General U Khin Maung Htay reported on progress in construction of the complex and tasks being carried out and Managing Director of the Olympic Co . Ltd U Aung Than, on salient points on construction of the complex. In response to the reports, the minister gave instantiations on planting shady trees and wind breakers for greening of the complex, timely completion, meeting the set standard and minimizing loss and waste of construction materials.
Later; the minister saw over the scale model of the complex, materials to be used in the rooms of the complex and progress in construction of the building. Then, the minister gave necessary instructions to the officials and left the construction site.
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Forestry Minister inspects use of electricity at mills and offices
Yangon, 28 Sept - Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone, together with officials of Myanma Timber Enterprise, inspected the use of electricity at mills, workshops and offices under the ministry yesterday evening. The minister saw over Nos 1,2, 4, 6ahd 8 saw mills, Okkyin workshop, vessels & transport workshop in Kyimyindine Township and the Planning and Statistics Department Office.
During his inspection, the minister gave instructions to officials on supervising the mills and offices as well as at the staff quarters and management matters.
(5) Provisions donated to Kyimyindine School for the Blind
Yangon, 28 Sept -The families of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air} and wellwishers donated rice, edible oil, salt, medicines, beans and pulses and cash to the School for the Blind (Kyimyindine) under the Social Welfare Department at a ceremony held at the school on Panbingyi -Street, ,Kyimyindine Township, Yangon West District, this afternoon.
On. behalf of the Tatmadaw families, Brig-Gen Tin Soe of the Ministry of Defence, Commander of Ayeyawady Naval Regional Command Commodore Maw Thein and Colonel General Staff (Air) (Mechanical) Col Ye Chit Pe presented the provisions to the principal. Then, departmental officials, social organizations and well wishers presented the provisions donated by the wellwishers to the principal and Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Tin Win.
After that, Ayeyamye Co Ltd presented K200,000 for the trust funds of the school Adviser at the Ministry of Culture Dr Pe Nyan, K : 10,000; Win Yadana Travelling Services, BTB Col, Great Wall Traditional Medicine House, KN Co, Thamada Thingantaik and Kyaw Traditional Medicine House, K 50,000 each; Yangon West District and Township Peace and Development Council, K 30,000; Daw Mya Thein and son U Yan Shin, K 15,000; Aung Thein Timber Sale Centre family, Mandaing Diesel Pump and Nozzle Servicing Workshop, Bargaya Jetty Maket and Thitsar Pankhin Co Ltd, K 50,000 each: Executive Board of Fish Brokers K 45,000; Hsan Myanmar Co Ltd, K 30,000; Township General Administration Department. K 20,000; Ward Peace and Development Councils in the township, Myanmar and Yangon Division Fisheries, Federations, Magyeedan North-West Ward Peace and Development Council, Thiri Mingalar Market Development Affairs Committee, Ngwe Hnin Hsihsar Guest House, Sakura Guest House, Kanyaza Guest House, Shwe Pyae San Guest House, Hsihninphyu Guest House and Altnyaung Guest House, K 30,000 each; Shwe Nilar Guest House, K 15,000; Mya Yi Nanda Guest House and Nikko Umbrella Factory, K 20,000 each; Lawun Guest House, K 15,(XX); Aye Thidar Guest House, K 20,000; Township Poultry Brokerage House, K 10,000; Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association Chairperson Da.w Khin Ni Win, K 5,000; Tun Shwe Wah Traditional Medicine House, K 30,000; Hmancho Traditional Medicine House and Kaythipan Traditional Medicine House, K 20,000 each; A waiya Traditional Medicine House, K1.0,000; Myrnt Myat Paddy Cultivation Enterpris, K 15,000; Dagon International Co Ltd, K 11,900; Daw RIa ma of Lanmadaw Township, K 15,000; and Township Myanmar Police Force and Maternal and Child Welfare Association, K 10,000 each; to the minister, the deputy minister, Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Commodore Maw Thein and Brig-Gen Htin Aung Kyaw.
Then, Lt-Col Than Tun of the Ministry of Defence explained the purpose of the donation. Afterwards, the principal spoke words of thanks. Next, the students entertained those present with songs. Today's donations totaled 92 bags of rice, 76 viss of edible oil, 214 viss of iodized salt, 10 boxes of soft salt; 958 boxes of various kinds of traditional medicines 22 viss of gram and K 1,426,900.
(6) Tatmadaw families, wellwishers present cash and kind to School For the Blind in Mayangon
Yangon, 18 Sept- Families of Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) and wellwishers presented rice, edible Qil, salt, medicines, gram and cash to the School for the Blind (Khawechan)of the Myanmar Christian Fellowship of the Blinds at3.30 pm today.
The ceremony was held I. at the two-storey building of the school on Baho Road in Ward 2 of Mayangon Township, attended by Member of the State peace and Development Council Adjutarit-General Ll-Gen Thein Sein.
On behalf of the Tatmadaw families, Director of Resettlements Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Commander of Ayeyawady Naval Region Command Commodore Maw Thein and Colonel Air Staff (Mechanical)Col Ye Chit Pe presented rice, edible oil and gram to Chairman of the Fellowship U Hla Lwin. Then, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Yangon City Development Committee, Yangon West pi strict and Mayangon Township Peace and Development Councils, departments and wellwishets presented rice, jam, edible oil, salt, tooth paste, traditional medicines to Chairman U Hla Lwin.
Next, General Secretary U Thein Lwin of the Fellow- ship accepted K 10,000 each donated by the Tatmadaw families and the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd through Director of Resettlement Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Ayeyawady Naval Region Command Commodore Maw Thein and Colonel Air Staff (Mechanical) Col Ye Chit Pe; and K 10,000 by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council through Yangon Division Police Force Police Col Aung Daing. Afterwards, the general secretary and the headmistress accepted cash donations from wellwishers.
Then, General Staff Officer (Grade-I) Lt-Col Than Shwe of the Commander -in- Chief {Air)'s Office explained the purpose of the donations. General Secretary U Thein Lwin spoke words of thanks. Chairman U Hla Lwin then presented gifts to Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein. The ceremony ended with songs presentation of I the students. Today's donations were 73 bags office, 21 , viss of edible oil, 33 viss of gram, 150 viss of iodized salt. 15 tubes of-tooth paste, 1,674 bottles of traditional medicines and K 822,900.
(7) Commander inspects regional development tasks in Yangon North District
Yangon, 28 Sept - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, inspected agricultural and regional development tasks in Yangon North District this afternoon.
First,1he commander inspected regional development roads and thriving monsoon. paddy in Bawlekyun region and Aingkalaungkyun region, Htantabin Township. The commander and party arrived at the briefing hall of Thabyedan river water pumping project near, Tawlati Village, Aingkalaungkyun. Head of Yangon Division Water Utilization Department U Myint Soe reported on progress in installation of machinery at Thabyedan river water pumping-project for supplying water to summer paddy; digging of the main canals, tasks carried out for supplying water to18,000 acres of summer paddy from .Gyogon, Kankalay, Yaybawthoung and Thabyedan river water pumping projects in Bawlekyun and Aingkalaungkyun regions, Aingkalaung river water pumping project to be implemented for irrigating 5,000 acres of farmlands near Ywatha Village, Aingkalaungkyun region, " Taikkyi Township and progress in implementing Gwedanshe river water pumping project which will supply water to 3,000 acres of farmlands in Bawlekyun region, Htantabin Township.
Then, Director of Yangon Division pevelopment Committee U Tin Soe reported on construction of 2 miles and 1 furlong long laterite road section on 9 1 miles and four furlongs long Tawlati-Kalawthawt road in Aingkalaungkyun region, construction of bridges, col- lection of construction materials, arrangements for construction of laterite roads and requirements.
After hearing the report, the commander gave a speech. He stressed the need to make preparations for full " cultivation of summer paddy with the aim of developing Aingkalaungkyun region and Bawlekyun region. Taking advantage of the full power supply, arrangements are to be made to irrigate farmlands of the local farmers. And Yangon Division Development Affairs Committee should build village to village roads. Then, the commander attended to their needs.
Next, the commander inspacted test-running of Thabyedan river water pumping project: Afterwards, the commander and party arrived at the 100 feet long and 16 feet wide Padawsat wooden bridge, two miles and one furlong far from Tawlati, on Tawlati-Kalawthawt Road. They inspected completion of Tawlati-Kalawthawt earth road.
The commander gave instructions on tasks to be undertaken for regional development to officials, Later, the commander inspected fish breeding ponds of ASEAN Polymer Co Ltd near Kalawthawty Village.
(8) Essay competitions to mark UN Day held
Yangon, 28 Sept -The Basic Education Middle and High School level essay competitions (Myanmar) to , mark the United Nations Day and United Nations Poster Exhibition were held at the basic education schools in the entire nation at 9am today.
Chairman of the United Nations Poster Exhibition Organizing Committee Vice- Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, visited Basic Education High School No 2 and Basic Education High School No 1 in Latha Township and Basic Education High School No 1 in Dagon Township where the competitions were held.
Basic education middle and high school students participated in the essay (Myanmar) competitions entitled "Unite for a pleasant world".
UN Day poem competitions held
Yangon, 28 Sept - Basic Education High School level and Basic Education Middle School level poem competitions to mark the United Nations Day and Poster Exhibition were simultaneously held all over the country this afternoon.
Chairman of the Work Committee for Organizing Essay, Poem and Painting Competitions to mark the United nations Day and Poster Exhibition Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and members of the committee viewed round the competitions held at BEHS-1Lanmadaw Township and BEHS-6 Botahtaung Township in Yangon Division.
The BEHS and BEMS students participated in the competitions under the title "Unity ,in, the pleasant world".
(9) Maha Dwara Sasanabaing Sayadaw Bhaddanta Khamavudha passes away
Yangon, 28 Sept - The Religious Affairs Department today announced that Maha Dwara Nikaya Maha Nayaka (Sasanabaing) Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Ratha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhama Jotika Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Ledi Kyaungtaik in Hinthada in AyeyawadyDivision Bhaddanta Khamavudha aged 92, Vasa 72, passed away at Mingaladon Defence Services General Hospital at 6.31 pm on 7th Waning of ; Tawthalin 1364 ME (28 September 2002).
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
or email to mission.myanmar@ties.itu.int
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