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Established in 1914
1. State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to President and Premier of PRC
2. 3. Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung sends felicitations to PRC counterpart
4. Cooperatives Minister inspects offices, departments of the ministry
5. Seminar on effective use of modern hospital equipment held
6. Minister pays obeisance to Sayadaws 7. Agriculture and livestock breeding farms inspected in Hlegu Township
8. Donation ceremony for Pyay Shwehsandaw Pagoda on 7 Oct
9. Kay Thi Win wins silver in XIV Asian Games
SPOTLIGHT
( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to President and Premier of PRC
Yangon, 1 Oct - On the occasion of the Fifty-third anniversary of the Founding Day of the People's Republic of China, which falls on 1 October 2002, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent messages of felicitations to His Excellency, Mr Jiang Zemin, President of the People's Republic of China, and to His Excellency Mr Zhu Rongji, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China.
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State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to President of Republic of Cyprus
Yangon, 1 Oct - On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Cyprus which falls on 1 October 2002, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Glafcos Clerides, President of the Republic of Cyprus.
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State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to President of Federal Republic of Nigeria
Yangon, 1 Oct - On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which falls on 1 October 2002, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
( 2 )State Peace and Development Council Vice-Chairman Vice-Senior General Maung Aye sends felicitations to Vice-President of PRC
Yangon, 1 Oct - On the occasion of the Fifty-third anniversary of the Founding Day of the People's Republic of China, which falls on 1 October 2002, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Hu Jintao, Vice-President of the People's Republic of China.
( 3 )Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung sends felicitations to PRC counterpart
Yangon, 1 Oct - On the occasion of the Fifty-third anniversary of the Founding Day of the People's Republic of China, which falls on 1 October 2002, U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency, Mr Tang Jiaxuan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.
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Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung sends felicitations to Cypriot counterpart
Yangon, 1 Oct - On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Cyprus which falls on 1 October 2002, U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Ionnis Kasoulides, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus.
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Commerce Minister receives foreign guests
Yangon, 30 Sept - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received an economic and trade delegation led by Vice-Mayor Mr Kaw Yishin of Shweli, Yunnan Province, the People's Republic of China, at 11 am today, and similarly, the minister received a delegation led by Manager of Singapore Bank (Branch) and South-East Asian Region Mr Pierre Eymery and party of Credit Lyonnais Bank of France at 1 pm.
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Minister receives Japanese Ambassador
Yangon, 30 Sept - Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint received Mr Yuji Miyamoto, Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar, at his office in Kanbe Street this afternoon.
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Minister receives Japanese ambassador
Yangon, 30 Sept - Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha received Japanese ambassador Mr Yuji Miyamoto at his office this morning.
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Exchange of Notes under Grant Aid Programme of Japan signed
Yangon, 30 Sept - U Soe Tha, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development, and Mr Yuji Miyamoto, Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar, signed Exchange of Notes at the meeting hall of the NPED this morning. According to the notes, the Government of Japan, under its Grant Aid Programme, will provide 480 million yen to the project on establishment of a forestation in arid-zone of Myanmar, and 266 million yen to the project on granting scholarship for human resource development.
( 4 ) Cooperatives Minister inspects offices, departments of the ministry
Yangon, 30 Sept - Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, inspected the Ministry of Cooperatives, departmental sections of the Director-General's Office of the Cooperative Department, the Cooperative Export and Import Enterprise, the Cooperative Development Bank, the Yangon Division Cooperative Department, Cooperative Departments in Dagon, Kyauktada and Botahtaung Townships and sections of the Cottage Industry Department. During his inspection tour, the minister gave instructions to the officials on supervising systematic use of electricity in accord with the electric power law, rules and regulations, minimizing of loss and wastage and thrifty use of fuel oil.
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Transport Minister inspects Wharfs of MPA
Yangon, 30 Sept - Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, arrived at the head office of Myanma Port Authority on Pansodan Street this morning.
At the meeting hall of MPA, Managing Director of MPA U Thein Htay reported to the minister on utilization of electricity of the head office, wharfs, and container and cargo warehouses, use of machinery and arrangements for fire-preventive measures. Next, the deputy minister and officials made additional reports to the minister, who later gave instructions and inspected electricity consumption in the office.
Then, the minister and party went to Bo Aung Kyaw wharf, where he boarded MV Mawlamyine owned by Myanma Five Star Line and inspected the cargoes loaded. Managing Director of MFSL U Khin Maung Kyi and officials made reports to the minister. Later, the minister and party inspected MV Sittway being loaded with bags of pea and the minister gave instructions. On arrival at Sule wharf, the minister and party also inspected the loading and unloading of cargoes of foreign vessels and cargo warehouses at the wharf.
U Thein Htay then reported to the minister on the electric power consumption at the wharfs and cargo warehouses, measures for keeping the wharfs clean and pleasant, and measures for fire prevention. Afterwards, the minister gave instructions.
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Minister inspects cultural tasks in Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions
Yangon, 30 Sept - Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, arrived at Mandalay on 27 September and met with the staff of Mandalay Branch of the Fine Arts Department at the National Theatre in Mandalay, where he gave instructions on effective implementation of works.
Then, the minister proceeded to the State School of Fine Arts (Mandalay) and met with the principal, instructors and trainees. The minister made a speech and fulfilled the requirements. Afterwards, the minister inspected arrangement of references and display of objects to be shown at the museum in Mandalay Palace and inspected the renovation tasks. At 11 am, the minister met with instructors and trainees of University of Culture (Mandalay) and gave instructions on perpetuation of Myanmar culture, preserving national characters and propagation of genuine Myanmar fine arts.
The minister inspected construction of buildings on the campus and gave instructions on completion of roads as soon as possible and beautifying the landscape. In the afternoon, the minister proceeded to Shwebon Yadana Mingalar palace in Shwebo and inspected construction works of the palace. The minister gave instructions on completion of construction work, making of systematic measures for the opening of Kongbaung Dynasty museum.
The minister also inspected the place for the reconstruction of Alaungmintayagyi U Aung Zeya Pitikataik, together with the donor of the pitakataik U Taikkyi Maung.
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Developments of Ministry for PBANRDA hold coord meeting
Yangon, 30 Sept - Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt delivered an address at the work coordination meeting of the Progress of Border Areas and National Races Department, the Development Affairs Department and the Education and Training Department under the Ministry at the meeting hall of the DAD on Thanlyatsoon Road in Botahtaung Township at 8 am today.
Minister Col Thein Nyunt delivered an address. He said that it is necessary to review undertakings of 14 future tasks laid down by the Development Affairs Committees Annual Coordination Meeting.
As the open season arrives, construction of the rural roads and tasks of water supply are to be carried out with momentum. State and Division Proctors and Township Executive Officers must go field trips to rural areas for performing rural development tasks. For sup- plying sufficient water to all the villages in three divisions in the dry region, the development committees are to implement the tasks with the use of the expenditure of the department and to sink tube-wells of wellwishers there. It is required to collect taxes in the regions with a view to undertaking development tasks. The committees and workers are not only to cultivate kitchen crops but also put emphasis on poultry farming and fish breeding tasks. The minister then gave instructions on undertaking of staff welfare tasks in accord with the rules and regulations and efficient consumption of electricity and fuel oil.
Then, Deputy Ministers U Kyaw Tin and Brig-Gen Than Tun gave speeches. Next, Director-General Col Than Swe of Progress. of Border Areas and National Races Department and Director -General Col Than Win of Education and Training Department reported on their respective sectors. Then, Director-General Col Myo Myint of DAD submitted die report of development tasks.
In the afternoon, the di- rectors of State and Division Development Affairs Committees reported on urban and rural development tasks. The meeting came to an end at 5 pm.
( 5 ) Seminar on effective use of modern hospital equipment held
Yangon, 30 Sept - A seminar on supervising the effective use of modern hospital equipment provided by the State under the programme of raising the standard of hospitals by the ministry, took place at the meeting hall of the ministry on Pyidaungsu Yeik Tha Road this morning.
Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein spoke on the occasion. He said the medical equipment provided by the State in order to promote the public health care services should be effectively used. Efforts should be made by seeking ways to maintain the medical equipment to ensure their durability. Therefore, tasks to raise the health standard of the public must be carried out through proper use of the sophisticated medical equipment provided by the State.
Deputy Ministers, Professor Dr Mya Oo and Professor Dr Kyaw Myint also made speeches. Then, directors-general of the Health Department, the Department of Medical Science and the Department of Medical Research (Lower Myanmar) reported to the minister on the use of the medical equipment by their respective departments. Next, specialists and medical superintendents reported to the minister on the installation and handling of the equipment as well as on maintenance.
Those present also took part in the discussions. Afterwards, the seminar came to an end with concluding remarks by the minister.
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Minister U Pan Aung addresses work coord meeting
Yangon, 30 Sept - The second four-monthly work coordination meeting of the Ministry of Rail Transportation continued at the meeting hall of Minister U Pan Aung today. At the meeting, the minister gave instructions on the systematic use of electricity and fuel, giving educative talks safety of rail passengers, minimising loss and wastage, maintenance of railroads and abiding by rules and regulations of the Myanma Railways.
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Ministry of Labour holds second four-monthly coord meeting
Yangon, 30 Sept - The Ministry of Labour held its second four-monthly coordination meeting 2002 at the meeting hall of the Social Security Board on Strand Road in Ahlon Township this morning, with an address by Minister for Labour U Tin Winn. After delivering an address, the minister heard reports of respective officials on tasks being done, welfare activities, cultivation of kitchen crops and livestock breeding tasks. Then, the first-day session of the meeting came to an end in the evening after directors-general and officials had made additional reports to the minister. The meeting will continue tomorrow.
( 6 ) Minister pays obeisance to Sayadaws
Yangon, 30 Sept - Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, arrived at the hall of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University and viewed the religious tasks and library of the Rector Sayadaw and gave instructions on maintenance of books, systematic use of electricity and greening tasks to the officials.
Then, the minister and the deputy minister visited Pyinnya Theikpan monastic education school in Ward 8, Mayangon Township and paid obeisance to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panadipa and presented 3,500 exercise books, 550 ball-pens and 1,100 pencils for the students to the Sayadaw. He then inspected learning of students and classrooms and gave necessary instructions.
Afterwards, the minister accompanied by officials arrived at the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon) and paid homage to members of the Sangha led by Rector Sayadaw Agga Maha Gandhavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Veinnita at the convocation hall there and supplicated religious matters.
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CCDAC discusses anti-drug measures
Yangon, 30 Sept - The Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control held its Meeting No 4/2002 at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Home Affairs at 2 pm today, with an address by Chairman of CCDAC Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing.
In his address, CCDAC Chairman Minister Col Tin Hlaing said that as regards cultivation of poppy-substitute crops, the new destiny project has been laid down and is being implemented in five project states where poppy is being cultivated most. In the first phase, 87.99 per cent of the monsoon crops cultivation project have been completed up to 4-9-2002, and cultivation of poppy-substitute winter crops, the second phase of the project, will be launched with the help of the Task Force. And those concerned in the Task Force are to make field trips and to make all-out efforts for successful implementation of the project.
He stressed the need for those who are engaged in livestock breeding are to continue their efforts in the development of the livestock breeding project in Konhing Township and Homing region, Shan State (South). Measures are being taken for development of Shwe-pyitha/Shwepyiaye youth rehabilitation camps. Arrangements are also being made to enable foreign guests to visit the camps, and all are to make earnest efforts for the development of the camps. In addition, the officials concerned are to make efforts for successful implementation of the cultivation of poppy-substitute mulberry and culture of silkworms presented by Myanmar Border Areas Development Association.
He praised Myanmar Anti-Narcotics Association for successfully forming the district level association. The announcement of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances under Notification No 2/2002 in accord with 1971 UN Convention by the Ministry of Health on August 2002; 20 major centres for drug addicts under Notification 4/2002, 22 minor centres for drug addicts under Notification 5/2002, holding of workshop on drafting of laws on control of money and property obtained by illegal means held in June and implementation of the tasks of various groups of CCDAC in August 2002, he observed.
CCDAC Vice-Chairmen Minister Col Thein Nyunt explained the cooperation with the international organizations in narcotic drug control in border areas, opening of project offices, construction of roads, construction of schools, health care services, assistance provided to livestock breeding and agriculture, cooperation of local people in drug eradication and future tasks.
CCDAC Vice-Chairman Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung explained presentation of reports related to handing over poppy seeds by farmers out of their own volition, destroying and setting fire of poppy seeds and narcotic drugs and taking effective action against corruption on narcotic drugs in implementation of new goal project for drug eradication in Myanmar at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Brunei in August and those present at the meeting fully accepted the presentation. Myanmar included in seven Asian nations to be chosen at UN Narcotic Drugs Commission to be held in 2003 and the international organizations has accepted the new goal project undertaken by Myanmar. Minister for Labour U Tin Winn explained ODCCP, UN and USA began to accept the correct review of Myanmar's efforts in the fight against narcotic drug.
In the notification of United Nation Information Service stated that Myanmar's efforts in eradication and reduction the narcotic drugs was the right act and but international cooperation was needed for long-term success in the fight against the drug. CCDAC Joint Secretary Pol Col Khan Aung reported on work done on resolutions of CCDAC Meeting No 3/2002 held on 6 July 2002, followed by a general round of discussions. The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by the CCDAC Chairman.
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Minister for Hotels and Tourism meets hoteliers and tour operators
Yangon, 30 Sept - Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw met hoteliers and tour operators at Panda Hotel on Wadan Street in Lanmadaw Township this afternoon.
The minister delivered a speech. He said the hoteliers and tour operators are to carry out the tasks in the interests of the State and in their own and to make efforts for development of hotel and tourism industry with goodwill in accord with the objectives set by the State. He also spoke on preservation of dignity of the people and formation of Association of Hoteliers in near future. The minister called for cooperation in implementation of the tasks. Chairman of the Union of Myanmar Travel Association U Khin Zaw of Tour Mandalay Travel Agency and Joint Secretary U Tint Naung of Golden Express Tourism Services reported on work done for development of tourism industry in Myanmar and future tasks. Next, U Khin Shwe of Mya Yeik Nyo Hotel and U Htay Myint of Yuzana Garden Hotel reported on requirements for development of hotel service and conditions.
Afterwards, Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu introduced the minister to the entrepreneurs. The deputy minister reported on formation of Travel Association and Hoteliers Association and work done. Then, the minister gave necessary instructions.
( 7 ) Agriculture and livestock breeding farms inspected in Hlegu Township
Yangon, 30 Sept - Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, went to Nga-hsu-taung agriculture and livestock breeding farm yesterday and inspected raising of broilers at the farm, conditions of livestock breeding work to be extended and the pine-apple plantation at the farm.
Next, the minister and party arrived at the duck breeding farm, where the minister heard reports of the farm manager and gave instructions on well-bred ducklings and production and sale of duck meat. On arrival at the layer farm, the minister and party inspected the production of eggs and breeding of layers and gave instructions. Later, the minister and party proceeded to the agriculture and livestock breeding farm of Myanma Yaung Ni Oo Co Ltd and the pine-apple plantation of U Nay Tun Thein in Nga-hsu-taung, where the minister inspected the works there and attended to the needs.
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Minister inspects departmental works
Yangon, 30 Sept - Minister for Livestock Breeding and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, inspected the site for construction of jetty and cold storages, building of cold storage and ice factories, the Institute of Fisheries, the Motor Vehicles Division of the Fisheries Department in West Gyogon in Insein Township this morning. After giving necessary instructions on minizing the use of electricity, the minister inspected the Fuel Division of the Fisheries Department and gave instructions on minizing of the use fuel oil.
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Work coord meeting of Auditor-General's Office held
Yangon, 30 Sept - The second four-monthly work coordination meeting (2002) of state and division auditors of the Auditor-General's Office was held at the office on Thakhin Mya Park Street in Ahlon Township this morning.
First, Auditor-General Brig-Gen Tin Aye made an opening speech. Next, The respective auditors reported on conditions of auditing work during the second four-monthly, the strength of staff, the site chosen for construction of office buildings and tasks carried out for the resolutions of the previous meeting. Then, the auditor-general, the deputy auditor-general, the director-general and officials also took part in the discussions.
The deputy auditor-general then explained staff welfare matters. The meeting came to an end with the concluding remarks by the auditor-general.
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Second meeting of MAAS held
Yangon, 30 Sept - The second meeting of Myanmar Academy of Arts and Science was held at Diamond Jubilee hall this morning.
The Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt made a speech. Chairman U Than Oo of MAAS presided over the meeting and extended greetings. Secretary U Saw Lwin of the executive committee submitted the annual report of MAAS. Then, those present discussed matters related to the tasks approved by the first meeting of MAAS, the set-up of subject wise groups and working groups, regulations of subject wise groups approved by the six-monthly meeting and serial lists of subject specialization and the meeting went into recess. At the next session, group discussions of Arts, Science and other subjects were held. Chairmen of the respective groups reported on the discussions to those present.
Chairman U Than Oo sought the approval of the meeting. The meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by the chairman in the evening.
( 8 ) Donation ceremony for Pyay Shwehsandaw Pagoda on 7 Oct
Yangon, 30 Sept - The present Shwehtidaw of Shwehsandaw Pagoda in Pyay, Bago Division, is over 87 years old. Therefore, new Monhtidaw and Shwedagon design Htidaw will be made with steel frames according to its original style and arrangements are being made for offering gold foils and plates to the Htidaw. The second donations of the wellwishers will be held at Wizaya Mingala Dhamma Thabin Hall, south of Maha Pasana Cave, on Kaba Aye Hill at 9 am on Monday, 7 October, 1st waxing of Thadingyut, 1364 Myanmar Era. The wellwishers are invited to attend the ceremony at 8 am on the same day and contact Tel: 01-665621.
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14th Eye Surgeon Conference on 7-8 Oct
Yangon, 30 Sept - The 14th Eye Surgeon Conference, organized by the Ophthalmologic Society of Myanmar Medical Association, will be held at MMA on Theinbyu Street on 7 and 8 October 2002. All the eye surgeons from the States and Divisions and those doctors who are interested in the conference are cordially invited.
( 9 )Kay Thi Win wins silver in XIV Asian Games
Yangon, 30 Sept - Women's weightlifting contest of the XIV Asian Games was held in Busan, Republic of Korea, today. In 48-kilo event, Kay Thi Win of Myanmar won silver medal with 200 kilos - 90 kilos in snatch and 110 kilos in clean and jerk. Li Zhuo of China was first with 200 kilos and Rumdewal of Indonesia was third. The body weight of Kay Thi Win was 47.95 kilos whereas Li Zhuo of China was 47.70 kilos. So Li Zhuo won gold medal. In men's Sepak Takraw event, Myanmar team advanced into final. Myanmar will play against Thailand, the Philippines and Korea on 1 October. In women's event, Myanmar women's team also advanced into final. The team will meet Thailand, Vietnam and Korea on 1 October.
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U-21 Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) soccer tournament continues
Yangon, 30 Sept - 18th Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services' trophy 2002 for U-21 Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) soccer tournament's second round matches continued at the designated places this evening. In the match of No 99 LID and Yangon Division Command, the former won the latter 1-0 and in the match of Southern Command and Tatmadaw (Navy), the former won the latter 4-1.
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 tomission.myanmar@ties.itu.int
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