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Established in 1914
1. State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe accepts
credentials of Ambassador of Canada
2. Myanmar Delegation leaves for Vietnam
3. ASEAN youths visit University of Culture
4. Minister inspects filling stations
5. Leading Committee for Organizing Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts
Competitions meets
6. Third event of Myanmar London Golf Tour 2002 continues 7. Joint Message on the Occasion of World Teachers' Day, 5 October 2002 8. Shooting tournament held
9. Drug trafficker sentenced
SPOTLIGHT
(1) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe accepts credentials of Ambassador of Canada
Yangon, 4 Oct - Dr Andrew M McAlister, newly accredited Ambassador of Canada to the Union of Myanmar, presented his credentials to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, at Zeyathiri Beikman, Konmyinttha at 10 am today.
Also present on the occasion were State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department.
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State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe accepts credentials of Ambassador of Arab Republic of Egypt
Yangon, 4 Oct - HE Mr Mohamed Mohamed Minessy, newly accredited Ambassador of Arab Republic of Egypt to the Union of Myanmar, presented his credentials to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, at Zeyathiri Beikman, Konmyinttha at 10.30 am today.
Also present on the occasion were State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department.
(2) Myanmar Delegation leaves for Vietnam
Yangon, 4 Oct - Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone left here by air this morning to attend the First Meeting of Myanmar-Vietnam Joint Committee for Trade in Hanoi, Vietnam.
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A&I Minister receives Japanese Ambassador
Yangon, 4 Oct - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin received Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr. Yuji Miyamoto at his office this morning.
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Minister receives Ambassadors
Yangon, 4 Oct - Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha received Mr Yaacov Avrahamy, Ambassador of Israel to Myanmar, at 10.30 am and Mr Lee Kyung-woo, Ambassador of Republic of Korea to Myanmar, at 1.30 am, at his office today. Present on the occasion were responsible officials of the ministry.
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Minister receives Ambassador
Yangon, 4 Oct - Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing received Bangkok-based Ambassador of Canada to the Union of Myanmar Dr Andrew Mc Mc Alister at his office this afternoon.
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Labour Minister receives Canadian Ambassador
Yangon, 4 Oct - Minister for Labour U Tin Winn received Bangkok-based Ambassador of Canada to the Union of Myanmar Dr Andrew M McAlister currently visiting here at his office this afternoon.
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Football and volleyball teams of Indian Army leave for home
Yangon, 4 Oct - Indian Army football and volleyball teams led by Brig Grc Nair that played friendly matches with Myanma Tatmadaw football and volleyball teams left here by air this afternoon.
(3) ASEAN youths visit University of Culture
Yangon, 4 Oct - Members of the delegations of ASEAN Youth Camp: Honouring Kindness Through the Arts, which is hosted by Myanmar, together with Chairman of National Committee for ASEAN Culture and Information Director-General of the Department of Cultural Institute U Myint Thein Swe, officials and camp in-charge, visited University of Culture (Yangon) in South Dagon Township today.
Members of the delegation arrived at the university at 8.45 am, where the rector of the university and other faculties of the university welcomed them. The professor of the English Department of the university gave an account on the historical background of the university, the formation, subjects taught at the university, population of student and sending scholars abroad. U Tin Soe, the rector of the university, presented gifts to leaders of member nations of the delegation. Joint-Professor (Retd) U Ye Htut then gave talks on interrelation of tradition and culture among ASEAN countries; and U Ye Dway, on Myanma traditional drama and puppet. The delegates, in four groups, viewed Myanmar dance, marionette, classical songs, harp and arts of sculpture. The delegates themselves practically tried Myanma dance, marionette, traditional saing orchestra and sculpture.
Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, accompanied by departmental heads, arrived there and watched the performance given by Mingala Saing troupe of the university. Later in the afternoon, the delegates left there. In the evening, the delegates of Indonesia and Laos staged performances about notable facts on their countries and cultural traditions at Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel in Bahan Township.
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Minister looks into University of Culture
Yangon, 4 Oct - Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung inspected the University of Culture (Yangon) on Aungzeya Street in Dagon Myothit (South) this morning.
The minister then met Rector U Tin Soe, professors and heads of departments and dealt with matters related to invitation of doyen artistes for teaching the youth students in order to hand down the heritage to them, and preservation of national culture. Together with youth representatives of the ASEAN Youth Camp 2002, the minister watched the entertainment of Myanma traditional orchestra and the poem of the 38 ways to achieve blessings.
Later, the minister inspected the university campus and gave instructions to the officials on the greening of the university, efficient use of fuel oil and electricity and cleanliness of lecture rooms. Then, he inspected the site chosen for construction of the convocation hall and surveying of the axis.
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Ministry of Mines holds work coordination meeting
Yangon, 4 Oct - The Ministry of Mines held a meeting today to review the accomplishments during the second four months and lay down plans to exceed the targets set for the third four-month period. Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint attended the meeting held at his ministry this morning.
First, the minister made a speech. Then, the managing directors, directors-general and managers of mines reported on work done and future tasks. The deputy minister made a supplementary report.
The minister fulfilled the requirements and urged those present to strive to exceed the targets in the third four months of this year. The minister gave instructions on systematic use of electric power and fuel. He also discussed production, thrifty measures, administration, staff welfare, morale building, saying the use of departmental cars are not permitted on dry days.
(4) Minister inspects filling stations
Yangon, 4 Oct - Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, inspected the filling station No 0277 in Pyinmapin, the petrol station No 0279 near Htaukkyant Toll Gate on Yangon-Mandalay road and the filling station No 0278 near Htaukkyant (Shwe Nyaungbin) this afternoon. Officials in-charge of the stations reported to him on capacity of fuel storage and sales of fuel. Afterwards, the minister gave instructions.
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Sanpya Cinema reopens
Yangon, 4 Oct - The upgraded Sanpya Cinema reopened with a ceremony this morning, attended by Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan. Located at the corner of Phonegyi and Kyongyi streets in Lanmadaw Township, the cinema was launched with the film "Dhat-khe", a comedy.
U Bo Kyi and official of the cinema U Naing Win formally opened the cinema. The minister and party also inspected the cinema.
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L&F Minister inspects farm
Yangon, 4 Oct - Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein inspected a feed-mixer factory and a pig farm in DaikU, Bago Division, this morning.
Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein spoke of the need to save power in the management sector and to use it effectively in the operation sector to produce goods at full capacity. The minister and party then visited various sectors of the unit one and unit two of the farm. At the factory, they inspected production of animal fodder and fish feed and the feed crushing division.
(5) Leading Committee for Organizing Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions meets
Yangon, 4 Oct - The Leading Committee for Organizing the 10th Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions held its second coordination meeting at the National Museum on Pyay Road this morning, with an address by Chairman of the Leading Committee Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.
In his address, the commander said that the committees concerned will have to complete their task as the date to hold the competitions is just around the corner. Proper arrangements should be made in all sectors to host the judges and contestants from states and divisions who will arrive Yangon soon.
The respective bodies are required to use thrifty methods in using funds for successful holding of the competitions. The departments concerned are urged to render assistance to the competitions as a national task. As the experts in the respective fields had taught the performing arts to the contestants in states and divisions, it is hoped that they will be able to take part in the competitions with greater ability.
The judges are urged to do their job with straightforwardness as the contestants highly value their medals. Arrangements should be made to present special prizes to national races competitors, who miss the medals, but can show high quality performance at the competitions. Special health care services will have to be offered to the doyens of the performing arts including those from states and divisions.
The Leading Committee is conducting health care services for the aged doyens in all states and divisions in accord with the instructions of the Patron of the competitions. All the participants of the meeting should give suggestions for holding the competitions on a grand scale.
Vice-Chairman of the Leading Committee Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt said the competitions have been held annually under the sponsorship of the State for ten consecutive years. The Head of State has always given guidance on preserving and perpetuating the traditions and culture.
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt has been giving encouragement to preserve the traditions and culture of Myanmar with keen interest. The Ministry of Culture is continuously carrying out the task to preserve and promote the traditions and culture. It is a pleasure for all to see the youths of the nation learning the traditional performing arts with dedication.
Then, chairmen of the Work Committee for Organizing the competitions, the security and rules enforcement subcommittee, the subcommittee for holding the competitions, the invitation and accommodation subcommittee, the entertainment subcommittee, the fund raising and prize-distribution subcommittee, the information subcommittee, the decoration subcommittee, the transportation and communication subcommittee and the health care subcommittee, and officials reported on work done committee and subcommittee-wise for successfully holding the competitions.
Afterwards, chairmen of scrutinizing committees for the singing contest, the dancing contest, the marionette contest, the drama contest, the song composing contest and the musical instrument contest, and officials reported on tasks being carried out committee-wise, followed by a general round of discussions. The meeting came to an end with concluding remarks by the commander.
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Construction of Aungmingalar green grocery brokerage house and bus terminal coordinated
Yangon, 4 Oct - The third work coordination meeting for construction of Aungmingalar green grocery brokerage house and bus terminal was held at the meeting hall of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council this morning, with an address by Chairman of Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Secure and Smooth Transport Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.
In his address, the commander dealt with arrangements to be made for construction of a bus terminal beside Aungmingalar green grocery brokerage house in Mingaladon Township for the convenience of the people, and tasks to be carried out for running passenger buses and taxis between the bus terminal and downtown area.
Then, Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa reported on progress in construction of Aungmingalar bus terminal; No 1 Military Region Command Commander Col Khin Maung Soe, on systematic designation of entrances and exits of the bus terminal to be able to avoid traffic jams near the bus terminal; YCDC Joint-Secretary U Kyi Win, on tasks being carried out for the bus terminal; YCDC Member Col Thaung Wai, on designation of sites for building taxi and trishaw stations; Managing Director of Myanma Petrochemical Enterprise Col Sein Tin Win, on construction of a fuel station near the bus terminal; and those present, on work done department-wise. The meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by the commander.
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Regular monthly coord meeting of Yangon Division USDA held
Yangon, 4 Oct - A regular monthly coordination meeting of division/district/township executives of Yangon Division Union Solidarity and Development Association took place at the office of the association in Bahan Township this morning.
The meeting was attended by Patron of Yangon Division USDA Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, CEC members of the USDA Col Tin Hlaing and Col Maung Pa, Secretary of Yangon Division USDA U Aye Myint and executives of district/township USDAs of Yangon Division.
Maj-Gen Myint Swe explained matters related to implementation of the five tasks for rural development in accord with the guidance of the Head of State, that of the five aims of the USDA and collective efforts to establish a modern, developed nation; and Col Tin Hlaing, to successful realization of the seven future tasks and the six resolutions of the association. Then, secretaries of district USDAs also put into discussions tasks being carried out by their associations. Afterwards, the meeting came to an end with concluding remarks of Col Tin Hlaing.
(6) Third event of Myanmar London Golf Tour 2002 continues
Yangon, 4 Oct - The third event of Myanmar London Golf Tour 2002, jointly-organized by Myanmar Golf Federation and Myanmar Professional Golfers Association and mainly sponsored by Roth-mans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd, continued at the Yedagun Taung Golf Club in Mandalay this morning.
After the second round, Myint Thaung (KM Golf Centre) was leading the tournament with 137 strokes, followed by Lashio Champion Soe Kyaw Naing (Wilson), and Aung Win (YCDC) with 141 each and Maung Maung Tar (Wilson) with 143 in the professional golfers level.
In men's amateur level, Zaw Zaw Latt was at the first place with 144, Aung Aung Kyaw the second with 146, Tin Win the third with 147 and Aye Ko the fourth with 148. Air Mandalay as official airline, Sedona Hotel (Mandalay) as official hotel, Grand Royal Special Reserve Whisky, Wilson, KM Golf Centre, AWB Bank, Loi-Hein (Alpine) Purified Drinking Water and Canon (ACCEL International Co Ltd) officially co-sponsored the tourney with the aim of improving the Myanmar golf standard. The tourney was organized by Han Event Management.
The third round of the tour will be held at the same venue tomorrow.
Deputy Minister inspects reconstruction of Kanbawzathadi Palace
Yangon, 4 Oct - Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, inspected the reconstruction of Kanbawzathadi Palace of King Bayint Naung in Bago yesterday. The deputy minister gave instructions to the officials on timely completion of the reconstruction works.
Then, Deputy Superintending Engineer U Kyi Tun of the Public Works, Leader of the Myanmar Architect Group U Ye Kyaw and Assistant Director U Myat Swe of In-charge of Section reported on completion of works and tasks to be carried out in the second week of October.
Next, Dr Khin Maung Nyunt reported on making of Thihathana Throne in the Myaynan Pyatthart in accord with traditional style and painting of mosaic of the palace. Afterwards, the deputy minister gave necessary instructions and inspected the reconstruction of Myaynan Pyatthart.
Then, the deputy minister and party inspected the reconstruction of Naung-dawgyi Myathalyaung. Assistant Director of the Department of Archaeology (Bago Branch) U Sein Htaw reported on condition of unearthed images. The deputy minister left necessary instructions.
(7) Joint Message on the Occasion of World Teachers' Day, 5 October 2002
If you are not a teacher, take a few moments today to consider why you did not choose this profession. What would it take in your own country to attract and prepare someone like yourself for such a commitment ? How might someone like you best respond to the learning needs of children, especially those who face discrimination, such as girls ? If, on the other hand, you are already a member of the teaching profession, rest assured that the United Nations and all its partners support and defend your rights and understand the full weight of your responsibilities.
The underlying frustrations that trigger so many of the tensions and conflicts across the world underscore the need for a better educated, more tolerant society. Teachers are central to any process that aims to raise educational levels, promote learning to live together in peace and eliminate discrimination. Teachers work with children and young people who will have to contribute, now and later as they become adults, to building more tolerant societies. However, at the very moment when teachers are required in large numbers to provide this education, it is alarming that many countries are facing teacher shortages. As leaders of United Nations bodies most directly concerned with teachers, we encourage governments as well as society at large to reflect seriously on this dilemma and to take appropriate action. The crucial role played by teachers everywhere must not be underestimated or taken for granted.
We pay tribute today to those who choose and devote themselves to a teaching career, knowing that not just anyone can teach effectively --- whether in formal setting or a non-formal one --- and that no matter how sophisticated certain tools of the trade may become, they cannot replace the human contact, understanding and judgement of a professionally trained teacher. We urge governments to ensure that teachers have good physical, moral and remunerative conditions in which to work and live, as set forth in the two international Recommendations concerning the status of teachers. It is equally vital that teachers and teachers' organizations, like others with a strong stake in education such as students and parents, have a real voice in decision-making on educational reforms and innovations by means of a greatly enhanced process of social dialogue with educational authorities at all levels. At the recent UN Special Session on Children, New York, May 2002, a young delegate said:
"What we need are good teachers who can get you to question yourself and what you know about the world, and who build communities in schools. Good teachers are what we need" (Nikki Sanchez-Hood, 15yrs, Canada)
On World Teachers' Day 2002, we applaud the teachers of the world.
Koichiro Matsuura Juan Somavia
Director-General, UNESCO Director-General, ILO
Mark Malloch Brown Carlo Bellamy
Administrator, Executive-Director
Director, UNDP UNICEF
Yangon, 4 Oct - A prize-presentation ceremony of the Commander-in-Chief (Navy)'s shooting tournament took place at the gymnasium of Thanlyin Naval Training Command Headquarters this morning. After the tournament, Commander of Ayeyawady Naval Regional Command Commodore Maw Thein, on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), presented the championship shield to Major War Vessel Group team.
Special appeal cases heard
Yangon, 4 Oct - The Special Appellate Bench comprising Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (Yangon) U Than Oo, Supreme Court Judges U Chit Lwin and U Tun Shin sitting at Court room No (1) this morning, heard judgement on four special civil appeal cases under Section 7 of the Judiciary Law 2000.
Yangon, 4 Oct - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Yangon Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on a tip-off, searched the house of Saw Tha Ya of No-501, Minbu Street, Ward-9, Hlinethaya Township, on 10-1-2002, and seized 1,970 stimulant tablets.
Action was taken against Saw Tha Ya, 30, son of U Soe Nyunt Aung, under Section 15/19(A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Thaunggyi Police Station, Hlinethaya Township. Yangon North District Court sentenced him to 20 years under Section 19(A) on 29 August.
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Stimulant tablets seized in Tangyan
Yangon, 4 Oct - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Lashio Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, searched Ma Nan Ei on Weinlauk Road in Tangyan on 11 September and found one gram of heroin and seven stimulant tablets on her.
On further investigation, the combined team searched the house of Ma Nan Kyein (a) Ma Aye Kyein of Group-4 of Ward-6, Tangyan, and seized 6,400 stimulant tablets on her and one point-22 gun, one 9-mm pistol, 3,730 stimulant tablets, 4.5 grams of heroin, 0.65 litres of opium liquid, 25 grams of opium oil, 800 grams of opium residue and related materials to be used in producing narcotic drugs from the bed room.
Action is being taken against Ma Nan Ei, 30, daughter of U Lone Saing of Tangyan, and Ma Nan Kyein (a) Ma Aye Kyein, 38, daughter of U San Swe, under Section 15/16(C)/21 and Ma Nan Kyein (a) Ma Aye Kyein and her husband Yan Moe Yon, 57, son of U Yan Shaung Phan, who is at large, under Section 15/19(A)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by the Tangyan police station.
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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