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Headlines
Culture
- Secretary-1 receives Charge d'Affaires ai of US embassy
- United Nations Poster Exhibition held
- UN poster exhibition crowded with visitors
Region
International Relations
- CNA Chin insurgents kill Sayadaw in Paletwa Township
- Three Advanced Organization Courses of MWVO open
- Extension of Thithseint plantations required to help fulfill nation's edible oil need
Opening of Bus Terminal and Grocery coordinated- Cash donated to Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours
- Observance of 55th Anniversary Independence Day coordinated
Economic
Sport Drug
SPOTLIGHT
Headlines
Secretary-1 receives Charge d'Affaires ai of US embassy
Yangon, 1 Nov - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt received Charge d'Affaires ai of the United States Embassy in Yangon Ms Carmen Maria Martinez at Zeyathiri Beikman, Kon-myinttha, here at 4 pm today.
United Nations Poster Exhibition held
Myanmar always considers UN to be of fundamental importance for preserving
international peace & security and for promoting economic & social development of mankind
Myanmar has been a member of Disarmament Commission since its inception and served as
Chairman of the First Committee at 55th UNGA session in Year 2000Yangon, 1 Nov - A ceremony to open the United Nations Poster Exhibition in commemoration of the 57th Anniversary of United Nations Day which fell on 24 October this year took place at Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road here this morning, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, the Yangon Mayor, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the United Nations Poster Exhibition Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, deputy ministers, members of the Organizing Committee, the Chairmen of the Work Committee and members, senior military officers, the Chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association and the Vice-Chairperson, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, UN Under-Secretary-General Ambassador Joseph Verner Reed, Dean of Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Ly Bounkham and Ambassadors, Charge d' Affaires ai of embassies in Yangon , diplomats, resident representatives and officials of UN agencies, representatives of the Union Solidarity Development Association and social organizations, national races, teachers and students, band troupe and pon pon troupe of No 2 Basic Education High School in Latha Township, winners of the United Nations Poster Exhibition Commemorative Essay, Poetry, Painting and Graphic Poster Competitions and guests.
First, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, UN Resident Coordinator Mr Patrice Coeur Bizot and Chairperson of MMCWA Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe formally opened the exhibition by cutting a ribbon. Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and UN Under-Secretary-General Ambassador Joseph Verner Reed unveiled the central booth of the exhibition. Next, Vocalists Than Myat Soe, Kaytu Win Htut and Yadana Oo sang the song to mark the exhibition composed by Gita Lulin U Ko Ko. ]
Afterwards, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt made a speech. He said: "It gives me great pleasure to address the Opening Ceremony of the United Nations Poster Exhibition. This is the first time that such an exhibition is being held in Myanmar and I wish to express our sincere appreciation and thanks to the United Nations and to the Honourable Under Secretary General Mr Joseph Verner Reed in particular for making this possible. It is most gracious of Under Secretary-General Reed to make a special visit to Myanmar to attend the Exhibition.
"The Exhibition has added significance since it coincides with the celebrations marking the 57th Anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. The posters displayed in the Exhibition depict the history of the United Nations and the United Nations System as well as their activities. These colorful and eye-catching posters provide a unique opportunity to understand vividly the pivotal role played by the United Nations in creating a better world for mankind. As the posters commemorate the major events and milestones of the United Nations, this exhibition is also an illustrated record of the most important undetrakings of the Organization in such fields as peacekeeping, development, environment, fight against hunger and poverty and promoting disarmament. The exhibition will surely contribute towards increasing awareness of the United Nations among the people of Myanmar.
"Here, I wish to recall that Myanmar became the 58th member of the United Nations on 19 April 1948, just a little over three months after regaining her independence. It is a reflection of Myanmar's belief in the noble principles of the United Nations Charter. Myanmar has always considered the United Nations to be of fundamental importance for the preservation of international peace and security and for the promotion of economic and social development of mankind.
"Myanmar has therefore actively participated in the UN system since the first days of its membership in the Organization. Myanmar was among the foremost of those states which contributed peacekeepers to the UN peacekeeping forces. In the field of disarmament, Myanmar has been a member of the Disarmament Commission since its inception and served as Chairman of the First Committee at the 55th UNGA Session in year 2000. Myanmar has also been an active member of the Governing Council of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) since January 2002. Moreover, Myanmar has also been elected to serve in the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board beginning January 2003.
"We are proud to recall that Myanmar citizens have also served in various important positions of the Organization. Most prominent among them was U Thant, the third Secretary-General of the Organization, who served from 1961 to 1971. At the regional level, U Nyun Served as Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE) which has now become Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). More recently, U Tun Myat, Assistant Secretary-General, is serving as United Nations Security Coordinator.
"Today, there exists wide-ranging cooperation between Myanmar and United Nations including human development initiative, health, education and anti-narcotic and crop substitution programmes. I wish to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the men and women of the United Nations who are working with us in different parts of the country for the enhancement of socio-economic conditions in the country. In recognition of the UN activities in the country, a special section has been devoted to the cooperation between Myanmar and the United Nations.
"Every year, the United Nations Day is celebrated on a grand scale. This year, as part of UN Day commemoration, painting, poetry and essay competitions were held for basic education students with the theme "United Nations: United for a Better World."It may be mentioned that the essay competition is in both Myanmar and English languages. Moreover, a digital poster competition, in which students as well as computer enthusiasts took part, was also organized. Prizes to the winners of the competitions will be awarded as part of the Opening Ceremony today and the prize winnings works are also being exhibited. In addition, a computer quiz competition will also be held for the students and there will be a separate web site created for people to be able to view the exhibits at leisure.
"Before I conclude, I would like to convey our heart-felt thanks to Ambassador Joseph Verner Reed and through him to the Secretary-General of the United Nations Mr Kofi Annan, for making this Exhibition a reality. I wish also to express our appreciation to the Members of the United Nations Poster Exhibition Convening Committee for their untiring efforts to make the Exhibition a success. In closing, allow me to express my sincere wishes for the further strengthening of cooperation between Myanmar and the United Nations and for the success of the Exhibition.
"Then, UN Under-Secretary-General Ambassador Joseph Verner Reed made a speech. He said: "It is a pleasure and privilege for me to be here today, on historic soil, in the capital of Myanmar, to celebrate United Nations Day and to participate in the opening of the United Nations Poster Exhibition: For A Better World. I bring greetings from the Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi A Annan.
"We in the United Nations owe a vote of thanks to the generous supporters and sponsors of the exhibition here in Myanmar - The State Peace and Development Council and our host General Khin Nyunt, Secretary (1).
"The United Nations poster exhibition has been sponsored by the Department of Public Information of the world organization, by the United States Committee for UNICEF, The Henry Luce Foundation, The United Nations Association of New York and the Rockefeller Family. It is interesting to note that the Rockefeller Family have steadfastly supported the United Nations from the early days - at the founding conference in San Francisco and then with donation of the land for the headquarters in New York City.
"The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, and Mrs Annan have kindly agreed to assume the patronage for this exhibition.
"The Secretary-General personally opened the first showing of the United Nations poster exhibition on 18 December 2000 at United Nations Headquarters in New York. It has since been shown at UNESCO in Paris, at the Palais Des Nations, the United Nations office in Geneva, Berlin, Warsaw, Oslo, Vienna, Seoul, Tokyo and Bangkok. The exhibition will leave Yangon for a showing in San Francisco, the city where the world organization was founded in 1945 and then continue the tour in America and Europe.
Many of the agencies of the United Nations, with their representatives, are with us today with Mr Patrice Coeur-Bizot being the resident coordinator. This team of international civil servants are a symbol of the extraordinary and necessary work of the United Nations system. It is interesting to note that the Untied Nations agencies have won a total of eight Nobel peace prizes, including last year's, shared by the organization itself and its distinguished Secretary-General.
"I congratulate the winners of the poster competition and also congratulate the winners of the essay contest. Brilliant performances! I also thank on behalf of all my colleagues the five artists who have executed the handsome portraits of the seven secretaries-general of the world organization. My condolences to family of the distinguished artist who painted the portrait of the first Secretary-General Tryvie Lie.
"It is an honour and special pleasure to bring you the message from the Secretary-General." " Then, he read out the message of the UN Secretary-General Mr Kofi A Annan.
Mr Reed continued to say: "This first ever exhibition of posters published by the United Nations and its sister agencies provides an overview of the history and the activities of the United Nations system over the past 55 years. It is based on a book illustrating three hundred posters entitled For A Better World. This collection was assembled by Edward B Marks, a former United Nations staff member.
"From its earliest days, the United Nations has highlighted different aspects of its work with engaging and eye-catching posters with this exhibition, we have made an effort to preserve this legacy.
"Peacekeeping, human rights, justice, and efforts to combat racism and intolerance; decolonization, sustainable development, and concern for the environment; these are among the may issues and milestones that posters have marked. United Nations posters have also promoted significant world conferences and many commemorative days, years and decades.
"The purpose of this exhibition is two fold. First, to collect and present some of the best of the hundreds of posters issued by the world organization over the years, second, to tell the United Nations story in a colorful and graphic way.
"Posters usually have a very short life in the public eye, as they are frequently discarded once the event or milestone they have commemorated has passed. But the effort that went into the execution does not diminish in value over time. A representative selection of the best poster work produced by the United Nations system has been presented in this exhibition. Many are from the 1990s, but the reproductions also include prize winning posters from international competitions held through the years. whether recent or half a century old, the artwork depicts ideas and values that are timeless. Through them, with an eye on the future, we can gain a fresh perspective on the human conditions.
"This exhibition is not only of historical interest. It documents visually the concerns and priorities of the international community during the last century, and it also has intrinsic artistic value. Many famous names are associated with the United Nations family's poster campaign, which has proved to be one of its most effective tools in publicizing universal aims and ideals.
"The 'Dove of Peace' by Picasso, for example, graces the very first United Nations poster of 1946. In 1978, Miro of Spain applied his talents to he commemoration by UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) of the universal declaration of human rights. Besides known artists the exhibition celebrates indigenous art and even includes a poster from the league of nations dated 1938.
"This poster exhibition For A Better World is a visual embodiment, however abbreviated, of the history of the United Nations.
"I wish this United Nations poster exhibition every success. This venue of the Tatmadaw Exhibition Hall is a beautiful site for the exhibition. I salute the organizers!
"On behalf of the Secretary-General I again thank the State Peace and Development Council and General Khin Nyunt for the initiative in bringing the United Nations poster exhibition to Yangon."
It was followed by the prize presentation ceremony. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt presented prizes to First Prize Winner in UN Poster Exhibition Commemorative University, College and Institute Level Essay (Myanmar) Competition Cadet Naing Zin Latt of DSA, Second Prize Winner Ma Saw Einda Thet Maung of Bago Degree College, Third Prize Winner Cadet Ei Moe Moe Aung Win Khin of Defence Service Institute of Nursing; First Prize Winner in the Essay (English) Competition Maung Aung Mon Swe of Pakokku College, Second Prize Winner Maun Thurein Kyaw of Institute of Medicine-2, Third Prize Winner Ma Cho Cho Aung of Mawlamyine Education College; First Prize Winner in Poetry Competition Ma Saw Einda Thet Maung of Bago Degree College, Second Prize Winner Ma Aye Mya Khine of Pathein Education College and Third Prize Winner Maung Lwan Moe Myint of Mandalay Education College.
Then, UN Under-Secretary-General Ambassador Joseph Verner Reed presented prizes to First Prize Winner in UN Poster Exhibition Commemorative Basic Education High School Level Essay (Myanmar) Competition Ma Shwe Li of No BEMS of South Okkalapa, Second Prize Winner Ma Mya Moe Yi of No 6 BEHS of Pathein, Third Prize Winner Ma Zun Wint Wa of No 1 BEHS of Thaton; First Prize Winner in the Essay (English) Competition Nan Tin Mya Lay of No5 BEHS of Taunggyi, Second Prize Winner Ma Mar Lar of No1 BEHS of Kengtung and Third Prize Winner Ma Eint Pyu Pyu Pway of No 1 BEHS of South Okkalapa; First Prize Winner in the Poetry Competition Ma Kyi Su Han of No 2 BEHS of Loikaw, Second Prize Winner Ma Hnin Le Way of No 3 BEMS of Ahlone and Third Prize Winner Maung Pyi Sone Tun of No 6 BEMS of Pathein.
Next, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe presented prizes to First Prize Winner in UN Poster Exhibition Commemorative Basic Education Middle School Level Essay (Myanmar) Competition Ma Theint Htet Htet Nwe of No 3 BEMS of Chauk, Second Prize Winner Ma Nan Man Myint Mol of No 1 BEHS of Taunggyi, Third Prize Winner Ma Pyo Thinza Khin of No 1 BEMS of Pathein; First Prize Winner in the Essay (English) Competition Ma Mya Aung Thein Kyaw of No 2 BEHS of Bahan, Second Prize Winner Maung Thura Soe of Nattalin BEHS, Third Prize Winner Ma Khine Thanda of No 1 BEHS of PyinOoLwin; First Prize Winner in the Poetry Competition Maung Thura Soe of Nattalin BEHS, Ma Tha Zin Pwint Thu of No 1 BEMS of Thaton and Third Prize Winner Ma Hnin Thanda of No2 BEHS of Latha.
Then, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Anug presented prizes to First Prize Winner in UN Poster Exhibition Commemorative Basic Education High School Level Painting Competition Maung Kaung Myat Min Soe of Institute of Education Practising School, Second Prize Winner Maung Thiha Maung Shwe Yaung Phone of No 17 BEHS of Aung Myay Tha Zin, Mndalay, Third Prize Winner Ma Yadana Htwe of No 2 BEHS of Latha; First Prize Winner in the Basic Education Middle School Level Painting Competition Ma Thazin Thet Su Tin of BEMS of Kyauktan, Second Prize Winner Ma Saw Su Myat Mon of No 1 BEHS of Dagon, Third Prize Winner Maung Zin Ko Ko of BEMS of Ahlone; First Prize Winner in the Basic Education Primary School Level Painting Competition Ma May Htu Myat Mon of BEMS of Kyauktan, Second Prize Winner Maung Si Thu Aung of No 32 BEPS of Tamwe, and Third Prize Winner Ma Hsu Myat Noe Nwe of No 2 BEHS of Dagon.
Afterwards, Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win presented prizes to First Prize Winner in UN Poster Exhibition Commemorative Basic Education Level Digital Poster Competition Ma Yi Mon Oo of No 2 BEHS of Sangyoung, Second Prize Winner Ma Sandi Myint Maung Kyaw of No 3 BEHS of Mingala Taungnyunt, Third Prize Winner Ma Cho Zaw Aung of No 2 BEHS of Latha; First Prize Winner in the Amateur Level Digital Poster Competition U NayWin Aung, Second Prize Winner Ma Myat Thanda Oo and Third Prize Winner U Nyan Myat Htet.
Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the booths, the prize-winning works, documentary video on salient points of UN and cooperation among Myanmar and UN, and the computer quiz hall.
Next, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt presented a mosaic bearing UN emblem to UN Under-Secretary-General Ambassador Joseph Verner Reed.
Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt, UN Under-Secretary-General Ambassador Joseph Verner Reed and UN Rsident Coordinator Patrice Coeur Bizot signed in the visitors' book.
Next, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt had a group photo taken together with UN Under-Secretary-General Ambassador Joseph Verner Reed and UN Rsident Coordinator Patrice Coeur Bizot, the ambassadors and representatives of UN agencies, which brought the ceremony to a close.
In accord with the motto "For A Better World" the United Nations Poster Exhibition will be held at 9 am to 5 pm daily up to 8 November. Admission is free.
UN poster exhibition crowded with visitors
Yangon, 1 Nov - The United Nations Poster Exhibition was opened at Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road here this morning in accord with the motto "For a Better World". Totalling over 1,000 people including teachers, students and members of social organizations from respective townships visited the exhibition. Pictures on meeting of State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe and United Nations Secretary-General Mr Kofi A Annan, State Peace and Development Council Vice-Chairman Vice Senior General Maung Aye addressing at 50th UN General Assembly and meeting of State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and UN Under-Secretary-General Ambassador Mr Joseph Verner Reed are being displayed at the central booth. Portraits of seven UNSGs, active participation of Myanmar in the UN activities, prize winning poems, essays, paintings and posters, UN posters, history of UN and assistance to UN by Myanmar are also exhibited at the respective booths. Computer quiz on UN is being held with 30 computers at the exhibition three times a day at 10 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Any one may participate in the quiz and prizes are presented at once. The exhibition opens daily from 9 am to 5 pm till 8 November.
Culture
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt enjoys performing arts competitions
Yangon, 1 Nov - The Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued for the fourteenth day at respective designated places today. Patron of the Committee for the Observance of Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt enjoyed the women's old and modern song contest at professional level at National Museum this morning.
The song contest was held at National Museum in Dagon Township at 9 am. U Min Naung, U Maung Maung Gyi, Daw Tin Tin Mya of Myanma Radio and Television, Daw May Pyone Khine and other celebrated artistes supervised the contest.
Altogether 13 contestants of States and Divisions took part in the women's old/modern song contest at the amateur level; and a total of 15 contestants at basic education level (aged 5-10) boys' religious song contest. The higher education level girls' old/modern song contest, the basic education level (aged 10-15) boys' religious song contest, and the basic education level (aged 5-10) girls' religious song contest will be held tomorrow.
Ozi-music contest took place at National Theatre in Dagon Township this morning. Leader of the panel of judges U Sein Ba Maw and members supervised the contest. Altogether 7 Ozi troupes from States and Divisions took part in the music contest at amateur level; and a total of 6 Ozi troupes in the music contest at basic education level (aged 5-10). The basic education level (aged 10-15) girls' xylophone contest and the basic education level (aged 5-10) boys' xylophone contest will be held tomorrow at the same venue.
Clarinet music contest took place at Kambawza Theatre of the Fine Arts Department in Bahan Township this morning. The contest was supervised by U Mya Gyi, the leader of the panel of judges, and members. Altogether ten contestants from various states and divisions competed in the contest at amateur level; altogether seven contestants at basic education level (aged 15-20); and four contestants at basic education level (aged 5-10). The clarinet contests will continue tomorrow at the same venue.
Orchestra music contests were held at Padonma Theatre in Sangyoung Township this morning. The contests were supervised by U Sein Sa Tin, the leader of the panel of judges, and members. Three women's troupes took part in the contest at professional level; four girls' troupes at basic education level (aged 10-15); and four girls' troupes at basic education level (aged 5-10). The orchestra music contest at women's amateur level, the orchestra music contest at basic education level girl's (aged 15-20) and the orchestra music contest at girls' higher education level will be held at the same venue tomorrow.
Region
CNA Chin insurgents kill Sayadaw in Paletwa Township
Yangon, 1 Nov - The Government is making all-out efforts to build up a modern, developed nation. However, Chin insurgents, being jealous of prevailing tranquility of the State, are always committing destructive acts, and torturing the innocent cruelly. In the morning of 30 October, two CNA Chin insurgents equipped with small arms arrived at a Hill Missionary Monastery in Paungmoewa Village, Paletwa Township, and captured Sayadaw U Sumingala, aged 40, 20 years of monkhood. Denying the apology of the village heads, they shot the Sayadaw dead. The Tatmadaw columns are in hot pursuit of the insurgents.
Three Advanced Organization Courses of MWVO open
Yangon, 1 Nov - Advanced Organization Course No 1/2002 of Myanmar War Veterans Organization opened at Defence Services Records Office here this morning.
Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Central Organizing Committee of MWVO Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein delivered an address, explaining the formation of MWVO, its aims, the five tasks, and the seven future tasks. The course is aimed at producing persons who can shoulder important duties, he said.
He then cordially greeted the trainees. Two more courses were also opened in Mandalay for 50 trainees of upper Myanmar and in Magway for another 50 of Magway Division, Chin State and Rakhine State. Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint and Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min formally opened the courses.
Extension of Thithseint plantations required to help fulfill nation's edible oil needs
Yangon, 1 Nov - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence arrived Heho Airport in southern Shan State by air yesterday.
Accompanied by the commander and officials, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe went to Taunglelon Farm of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Shwenyaung Township.
Officials reported to him on cultivation of crops on 1,680.25 acres of the farm, cultivation of fruit trees, chicken breeding and other matters. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe said the farm should extend chicken breeding and should produce natural fertilizers for local farmers. He then looked into the requirements of the farm. At Nanthida Vineyard and Fruit Farm in the township, he heard a report on the area of the vineyard and the farm, type of soil, growing of perennial and seasonal fruit crops and efforts being made to realize the guidance given by the Head of State. He urged the farm officials to upgrade their farm to become a model of Shan State and disseminate farming knowledge to local farmers. He then inspected the vineyard and the farm.
During inspection of a chicken farm in Nanthida Village in the township, he heard a report on development of the farm due to the efforts being made in accord with the directives of the dignitaries of the State and local authorities, raising of over 170,000 chicks and distribution of eggs to Taunggyi, Monghsu, Lenkho, Mandalay and Mongnai.
He said the farm is helping fulfill the regional food needs. It should strive to distribute the produce at fair prices and should render assistance to regional development undertakings. Officials will make coordinations with the farm staff to raise pedigree strains.
At Thithseint Farm, officials explained arrangements to grow 35,000 Thithseint trees, distribution of the saplings by Eastern Command and Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs and water supply.
Lt-Gen Aung Htwe said priority should be given to extending Thithseint plantations to help fulfill the nation's edible oil needs. In Taunggyi Township, he inspected Htonbo Vineyard a joint venture of Myanmar Vineyard Management Co Ltd and Myanma Agriculture Service where Managing Director of the company Mr Morh Belt and officials explained plantation of grapes and extension programmes and the amount of investment.
The 20-acre farm is growing grapes that can be refined into quality wines. He spent the night in Panglong Yeiktha of the Eastern Command.
Opening of Bus Terminal and Grocery coordinated
Yangon, 1 Nov - A coordination meeting was held to open Aungmingala Bus Terminal and Grocery at the meeting hall of Yangon Command, with an address by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.
The commander explained matters related to the opening of the terminal. Then, the vice-mayor reported on tasks being carried out by YCDC at the terminal. Officials also reported on tasks to open the terminal, arrangements for the plying of buses, taxis and trishaws to ensure smooth transportation, conditions of the opening of fuel station, and progress in the construction of bus stops, restaurants and guest houses. Later, the commander attended to the reports and the meeting came to an end.
Officials discuss means to ensure smooth and secure transport
Yangon, 1 Nov - Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Smooth and Secure Transport held a meeting at All Private Bus Line Control Committee office here this evening.
Chairman of the supervisory committee Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe gave a speech at the meeting.
The commander explained plans to ensure smooth transport for passengers entering and departing Yangon by road, boat and air, to keep coach stations, railway stations and airports clean and pleasant and to ensure traffic safety.
Cash donated to Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours
Yangon, 1 Nov - A ceremony to donate cash to Myanmar women's endeavours exhibition, which will be organized by Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs, took place at Myanma Information and Communication Technology Park in Hlaine Township this afternoon.
Present on the occasion were Chairman of the committee for holding of the exhibition Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and members, Chairman of the work committee Deputy Minister U Hlaing Win, Vice-Chairperson of the work committee Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, members of the work committee Daw Khin Than Nwe and Daw Khin Aye, Chairman of fund-raising committee Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa and members, member of the committee for holding of the exhibition Professor Daw May May Yee, Secretary of the work committee Director-General of Social Welfare Department U Sit Myaing and members, wellwishers and guests.
Cash donations made by wellwishers were - K 1 million each by Yangon City Bank Ltd, U Maung Maung of Asia Express Co and Dr Ko Ko Gyi and wife of Diamond Star Co; K 500,000 each by Medi Myanmar Group, Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Ve Ve soft drinks Co and Great Wall Family; K 300,000 each by Kyaw Medicine House and Shwe Than Lwin construction; K 200,000 each by Pyi Lone Chantha Traditional Medicine House, Myanmar Pyitha Hayh KN Co, members of Tarmway Township Women's Affairs Endeavour Group, Polyshin Trading Co, Myanmar ASEAN Women's Friendship Association of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nagani Group, Aspindin Co, Shine construction and Myanmar Rice an Paddy Wholesalers Association; K 160,000 by construction groups, K 11,162,000 by 66 members of wellwishers. Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Deputy Minister U Hlaing Win, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Daw Khin Than Nwe, Daw Khin Aye, Col Maung Pa and Daw May May Yee accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers.
Afterwards, on behalf of the wellwishers, Maj-Gen Sein Htwa spoke words of thanks and then the ceremony came to an end.
Observance of 55th Anniversary Independence Day coordinated
Yangon, 1 Nov - A work coordination meeting of the information subcommittee and exhibition subcommittee for the observance of the 55th Anniversary Independence Day took place at the meeting hall of the Information and Public Relations Department on Pansodan Street this afternoon.
Member of the central committee for the observance of the 55th Anniversary Independence Day Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan delivered an address on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister said in line with the directives of Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, efforts should be made to implement the successful holding of Independence Day with its four objectives. Under the Information Technology era, it is needed to hold the exhibition on a grand scale with the help of electronic computer system.
Then, Brig-Gen Aung Thein reported on tasks being carried out; Director-General U Chit Naing of IPRD on matters related to holding the exhibition; Director of IPRD U Tun Min on arrangements for the holding of the exhibition; and U Ko Ko Htway of Myanma Radio and Television on set up of an information subcommittee and tasks. Those present at the meeting also took part in the discussions. Afterwards, the minister gave instructions and the meeting came to an end.
The message from the Secretary-General of the United Nations
Yangon, 1 Nov - The following is the message sent by UN Secretary General Mr Kofi A Annan on the occasion of the UN Day and the opening of the UN Poster Exhibition - "For A Better World".
"It gives me great pleasure to send my greetings to the people of Yangon and the people of Myanmar on the occasion of United Nations Day and the opening of the United Nations Poster Exhibition - "For A Better World".
As we celebrate the 57th anniversary of the United Nations we may rejoice on this great occasion and pay tribute to the founders and their foresight in establishing an organization that was mandated to ensure a just and peaceful world, an organization that would reflect the universal moral conscience, an organization which is inclusive of all world forums and where nations could and can settle their differences and disputes peacefully. The relevance of the United Nations is confirmed more than ever in these times when there are so many global problems challenging our world. We can take pride and satisfaction that every country and therefore every citizen is a stakeholder in this global enterprise.
Over the years, United Nations influence and substantive work has impacted on issues such as decolonization, democratization, human rights, refugees, gender sensitivity, protection of the environment and most of all in the domain of peace and security backed by world solidarity.
Another important addition in the world of the United nations is the concept of new partnerships that have been fostered between the non-governmental organizations, the civil society, the religious and ethnic groups and the multinational corporations and multilateral organizations.
The world organization has a membership of 191 nations - the two most recent members being Switzerland and Timor-Leste (East Timor). More clearly than ever the United Nations represents the whole human family.
Never has the human family needed the United Nations more than it does today. There are so few things today that any nation can control, relying purely on its own resources and there are so many things that the world's peoples can achieve, if we all work together.
Let us cherish our United Nations and let us strive to meet the millennium goals, which were pledged at the millennium summit two years ago. Every country needs to make great efforts and that will only happen if you and the peoples of each country, insist that what needs to be done, is done. Let us give every human being a stake in the work of the United Nations. I appeal to you - make the most of it.
The United Nations is your United Nations.
Kofi A Annan
Economic
Mid-year Gems Emporium earns over US$ 24.5 m
Yangon, 1 Nov - Gem merchants bought 18 jade lots at a price of US$ 1,439,528 through competitive bidding yesterday evening. Altogether 46 jade lots were sold at US$ 3,594,595 yesterday. Gem merchants bought 401 jade lots at US$ 8,241,364 up to 31 October.
Altogether 36 gem lots were sold at US$ 16,315,064 through tender and competitive bidding systems from 9 am to 5 pm today. The sales of gem lots also continued in the evening. Up to 5 pm today, sales of jade and gems lots amounted to US$ 24,556,428. Sales of pearl lots through tender and competitive bidding continues tomorrow.
Highest jade-buyer of Gem Empo awarded
Yangon, 1 Nov - Under the programme of the mid-year Myanma Gems Emporium which continues at Myanma Gems Museum on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, jade lots were sold through tender system and competitive bidding system on 29 and 31 October. The sale ended at 9 pm yesterday. U Khin Oo presented a mosaic and a certificate of honour to Jadeite Collection Co (Hongkong), the highest jade buyer.
Sport
19th ISD martial arts competition concludes
Yangon, 1 Nov - The final match of 19th inter-states and divisions martial art competition 2002 was held at Aung San Gymnasium this afternoon. Among the spectators were Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, President of Myanmar Martial Arts Federation Police Brig-Gen Thein Tint and officials.
After the final matches, prize presentation ceremony was held. MMAF Vice-President U Tun Shin, MMAF President Police Brig-Gen Thein Tint and Sports and Physical Education Department Deputy Director-General U Thein Aung presented prizes to winners at men's (40-50) kilo division, women's (45-50) kilos division and men's (55-60) kilos division.
Then, the minister presented shields to first prize winning Mandalay Division, Rakhine State, and Kayah State teams.
Drug
Yangon, 1 Nov - Two persons, a brother and a sister, were arrested for possession of 0.2 grams of heroin and 1,843 stimulant pills in Namhsan, southern Shan State on 18 September.
A combined team comprising members of regional intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force searched the house of Aik Hse (a) Maung Myint at 22, Tabinshwehti Street, Ward 11 in the town and found the drugs in the possession of Aik Hse and his younger sister Nang Hkam Nwan.
Similarly, a team formed with members of regional intelligence unit and special anti-drug squad found 162 grams of heroin and 215.29 grams of opium from the homes of Daw Zein Hton Htu Htein and Daw Zein Hton Kawh in Namtngon Village, Manse Township, Kachin State on 23 October.
Action has been taken against the drug traffickers under Narcotic Drugs and Psychostropic Substances Law.
Two drug traffickers get prison terms
Yangon, 1 Nov - Taunggyi District Court sentenced a woman drug trafficker to 16 years imprisonment on 13 September.
The woman, Ma Shwe Sein, daughter of U Hsu Wunna, was caught together with 510 stimulant pills at her house in South Lay-ein-gon Ward, Region 2, Hopong at noon on 12 June 2002 when members of regional intelligence unit and Taunggyi special anti-drug squad made a search at her house. Hopong Police Station filed a law suit against her under Narcotic Drugs and Psychostropic Substances Law.
In another drug case, a man was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by Yangon North District Court on 19 September.
Members of regional intelligence unit and Yangon special anti-drug squad acting on information arrested the man, Maung Thein (a) Lin Yon, together with 7.344 grams of heroin in Ward 3, Latha Township, at 8 pm on 4-7-2001. Latha Police Station filed a law suit against Maung Thein, son of U Thein Chit, of 424, Strand Road, Ward 3, Latha, under Narcotic Drugs and Psychostropic Substances Law.
Key tourism role for airline exec
MAJOR Selvakumar, the chief operating officer of Air Mandalay, is the new chairman of one of the nation’s most significant marketing bodies charged with increasing the country’s tourism image. By a show of hands the Myanmar Marketing Committee (MMC) of the Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board elected a new nine-member executive committee chaired by Mr Selvakumar, a Malaysian national, when it met at the Traders Hotel last Thursday. According to the press statement released by MMC, the purpose of the meeting was to elect a new committee for one year and adopt a constitution, which would govern the day to day running of MMC in a transparent and equitable manner. "The first meeting of new executive members will be on October 16 to formulate a plan to promote and market Myanmar," said Mr Selvakumar. The new constitution would provide guidelines for the committee to manage the MMC, and is a clear signal that the marketing committee is finally serious on being expertly organised. Mr Selvakumar’s task comes at crucial time with the Minister of Tourism is stating publicly that it was time for earnest work in a bid to capture one million visitors annually. In his first public statement, Mr Selvakumar’s said his role was to ensure greater awareness about Myanmar’s tourist attractions. Promoting year-round travel, even during the monsoon period, was one of the challenges facing the tourism sector. Referring to the appointment of three Myanmar travel agents to the executive committee, Mr Selva-kumar said: "We want everybody to be involved in the committee, we want all people who have experience or expertise in tourism". Mr Brett Melzer from Balloons Over Bagan was elected as vice chairman, Ms Elly Darley from Inle Princess Resort was elected as secretary and Daw Rita Myint of Taw Win Travel was elected as treasurer. The other executive committee members included Inya Lake hotel’s Mr Suki Singh, Mr Jehan. Wickremesooriya from Kadawgyi Palace Hotel, U Aung Myat Kyaw from Orchestra Travel, U Min Din from Columbus travels and tours, and Traders’ hotel’s Mr Raymond Bragg. The executive members were elected to serve on the committee until the end of 2003, the press statement said. An MMC member, Mr Franz Fisher, the country manager at Diethelm Travel Company welcomed the adoption of a new constitution. "Our company would give the maximum support not only for the MMC but also for UMTA (Union of Myanmar Travel Association)," said Mr Fischer. "But the annual membership fees of US$400 is too high for most small local companies. In my opinion, it should be considerably reduced in order to attract more members," he said. Myanmar Marketing Committee has 30 members from all sections of the tourism industry, including the members of UMTA.
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
Tour operators, ecologists agree on need to conserve mangrove forests
TOUR operators and ecologists rarely find themselves sitting on the same side of the fence. But as Myanmar prepares for the tourist high season – which accounts for most the 200,000 foreigners who visit each year – ecologists are happy to discover that the tourism sector is among their most vocal supporters, at least on the issue of conserving mangrove forests. Mangrove forests are among the world’s most important ecosystems. They provide a habitat for a diverse range of creatures, act as a filter which helps to keep the sea clean and protect coastal areas from the effects of bad weather. They are also important for the survival of offshore coral reefs. Mangroves are under threat throughout the world and more than half of the forests have been depleted. Myanmar is fortunate to have vast mangrove forests but they are being rapidly thinned. For example, more than 82 per cent of the mangrove forests in Ayeyarwaddy Division were depleted between 1924 and 1999, according to figures from the highly-regarded non-government organisa-tion, the Forest Resource Environment Development and Conservation Association, FREDA. Even in areas where they receive government protection, mangrove forests are being destroyed. As a recent report by FREDA noted: "Forest law (can) not over-rule the social and economic needs of the people." Mangrove trees are cut down for fuel and to produce charcoal. Mangroves forests are cleared to make way for paddy fields and, increasingly, shrimp farms. The growth of the shrimp farming industry is a concern for ecologists. They cite Fisheries Department figures which show that the value of shrimp exports for the five months to August 31 rose from almost US$40 million in 2001 to $42.5 million this year. Tourism experts are more worried about the effect of deforestation on the natural beauty and wildlife diversity of coastal areas. Fewer mangrove forests mean fewer dolphins, fewer crocodiles, and fewer birds. Fewer animals means fewer ecotourists. Dr Thomas Bauer, assistant professor at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, stressed the importance of protecting mangroves during a telephone interview withMyanmar Times last week. "In a world where nature is being pushed back more and more to make way for development and ‘progress’, mangroves, together with their associated ecosystems such as rainforests, must be protected," Dr Bauer said.
He referred to one of Hong Kong’s most successful ecotourism sites, the Mai Po Nature Reserve, where the "migratory birds that make the reserve famous in turn feed on the marine life" sustained by its mangrove forests. Mr Oliver Soe Thet believes that there is enormous potential for developing ecotourism sites along the coast of Rakhine State, an area with which he is familiar through his involvement in the tourism sector. Now with the Treasure Hotel at Ngwe Saung beach, Mr Soe That has also worked at the Bayview Hotel at Ngapoli Beach, further to the west. He said other hotel owners at Ngwe Saung had told him that they had been asked by the government to conserve as many mangrove and coconut trees as possible when developing their projects. "This is an excellent step from the Myanmar government [in terms of] fostering ecotourism of an international standard," he said. Mr Edwin Briels, the marketing and incentive manager at the Exotissimo tour company’s Yangon office, eschews the term ‘ecotourism’. Mr Briels says he prefers the term ‘sustainable tourism’, which he defines as tourism that supports both the environment and traditional ways of life and is the tourist experience that Exotissimo strives to provide. All three echo the advice of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Myanmar Program, which has achieved remarkable success in cooperation with the government in efforts to conserve the forests in the north of the country. The program’s motto is: ‘Protect first and develop later.’ It is a sound principle for ecologists and the tourism industry alike.
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
Strong Myanmar presence for ‘first ever’ ASEAN trade fair
By Aung Kyaw Tha
AN unprecedented Asean Trade Fair in Bangkok this week will be a first for Myanmar, a Thai embassy official said last week. "This is the first such fair to involve all 10 Asean nations, the first to be hosted by Thailand and the first to include participation by Myanmar," the commercial counsellor at the Thai embassy, Mr Matyawongse Amatyakul, toldMyanmar Times. Nearly 30 Myanmar companies have exhibits at the week-long Asean Trade Fair 2002, which opened on October 14 at the Impact Exhibition Centre at the Muang Thong Thani housing estate in Bangkok’s northern suburbs Most of the companies are involved in the gems, jewellery, furniture and home decoration businesses, Mr Matyawongse said. The aims of the event include promoting Asean products and services on the world market and providing a platform for partnerships among industries in the 10 countries, he said. As well as business exhibits, each Asean country will be represented by a national pavilion, with Myanmar’s featuring a model of a traditional palace. Mr Matyawongse said nearly 800 booths would be featured at the fair, which is being organised by the Thai Commerce Ministry with assistance from the counterpart ministries in the other Asean countries. The fair – a biennual event – will be opened by the Thai Prime Minister, Mr Thaksin Shina-watra, at a ceremony to be attended by Asean commerce ministers. The Myanmar companies taking part in the event include the Ayawaddy (Mandalay), Khine Mingalar, Thurine Ne and Shwe Ingyin gems and jewellery cooperatives, the Than Swe wooden ware and furniture cooperative and the Sun Myanmar (Elephant House) handicrafts company. U Tun Hla Aung from Ayawaddy (Mandalay) Gems and Jewellery cooperative toldMyanmar Timesin telephone interview that 80 Myanmar nationals from the government and private sector would be in Bangkok for the trade fair.
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
Conserving the nation’s resources WASTE not, want not: This was a lesson that was instilled in me as a child by my mother and as teenager by my monk and mentor at the monastery when I was preparing to enter the monkhood as a novice, which all Myanmar boys of the Buddhist faith are required to do on coming of age. As a child my five siblings and I the eldest, had our meals together on a small round low lacquer table known as adaung-lan which also served as a large dish. Each child had his own portion of food and I remember how as a child we would dig into it boisterously. It was also a strict household rule that the one who finished last was responsible for cleaning up, washing and drying the dish-cum-table. I was the oldest but also the slowest eater, and every time, it fell upon me to wash up. My mother seeing this used to be very irritated and knock me on the head saying I was always the last because "I was wasting time unnecessarily".
When I had to live in the monastery to prepare for my novitiation ceremony, it was the same. All the other boys finished their meal first and here again I was left to wash all the dishes. I used to pile the dishes one on top of the other to take them to the tap for washing. On seeing this one day, my mentor, the monk U Dhamma gave me a good caning and I still remember his admonishment, "The bottom of the dishes have now been smeared with oil and food, so that means you have to use more soap and more water to clean them, and it takes longer which is therefore an unnecessary waste of soap and water". Later as an adult, I realised that in my native village in the dry, hot and water sparse Shwebo District, water and soap were precious items. But most precious of all to both my mother and my mentor was the waste of time. In addition to time, which is irretrievable, we should use wisely and not waste money, property wealth and of course our nations resources. Since the time of our parents and forefathers this lesson in thrift has been passed down to us but how many of us adhere to this maxim. If we did, it would benefit each person, each family and the whole nation as well.
As Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe has exhorted us, we are today in the midst of building and reconstructing a new, modernised and developed nation. So especially with regard to the use of electrical power and fuel he has instructed all heads of departments at all levels to economise in its use. Government departments should be the first to set a good example. To economise on the use of electrical power, we should use the natural light of which we have on inexhaustible supply in our country of sunshine and use artificial light only when necessary. In the production and services sector also we should try to use the absolute minimum. In this way we can then fully meet the needs of our industrial and economic zones. The increased supply and distribution would lead to increased production and this would mean open up job opportunities and also bring down cost of living for the people. More electricity generated would further lessen the need to use diesel oil to run machinery and engines.
Among the countries in Southeast Asia, Myanmar was the first to use hydroelectric power. We were able to build the Lawpita Hydroelectric Power Plant and I still remember how filled with joy and pride we were. Our slogan then was: "We shall build a paradise on earth with electrical power." Electrical energy plays a vital role in the State’s economy, especially in commodity production and the social sector. The expansion of production in the economic sector on the one hand and the rise of the standard of living with better health care and educational facilities on the other, all require a greater supply and distribution of electrical power. To meet these necessary demands, the Government, after 1988, has implemented 26 hydro electrical power projects, and 6 projects for the use of natural gas turbines and recycled waste energy.
So 32 new power plants are now supplying much needed electrical energy. Compared to former figure of the supply of electricity has increased three-fold. But, due to the progress made in industry with new factories and plants in the industrial zones, the expansion in the service sector and the population growth that has led to the setting up of new townships with residential buildings, the supply of electrical power cannot yet fully meet demand. The Government is at present implementing short-term plans for enhancing the economy and it is at work on its Third Five-Year Plan covering the period from 2001-2002 to 2005-2006. It is undertaking development of many aspects of the economy, in agriculture, industry, energy, livestock breeding and fisheries to education and health - right down to the rural areas. In an address made at the opening ceremony of a training and refresher course of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, held at the Pyidaungsu Hall of the People’s Public Relations Unit of Hmawbi, Senior General Than Shwe stated, "In order to meet the demands for electrical power of the various sectors, we have made plans for an additional generation of 2000 megawatts of electricity. This together with the electrical power that is being generated now will bring the total amount of electricity generated to 3000 megawatts."
In accordance with the guidance given by the Head of State, the Ministry of Electrical Power, beginning from 2001-2002 up to the present period of the Third Short-Term Plan, has been implementing medium and large electrical power projects in order to produce a further 2000 megawatts. The ministry is working on 21 projects including hydroelectric plants, natural gas turbines, recycled waste heat turbines, diesel turbines, steam and coal burning turbines. Of the many hydroelectric power plants, the Thahpanseik Dam Hydroelectric Power Plant, near the village of die same name in Kyunhla Township, Shwebo District in Sagaing Division was put into commission on 18th June 2002. It has a generating capacity of 30 megawatts. This protect was undertaken at a cost of 1155 million kyats and 20 million dollars approximately. It took four years to complete construction. There are also other hydroelectric power projects underway such as the Paunglaung (capacity 250 megawatts), Monchaung (75 megawatts), Ye Ywa (780 megawatts), Kyunchaung (60 megawatts), Shweli (400 megawatts), and the Sittaung valley hydroelectric power projects such as the Shwe Kyin, Ye Nwe, Hpyu and Khabaung.
Then a coal burning electrical power plant is being constructed with a capacity of 120 megawatts near Pyinthar village in the Teekyit region of Pinlaung Township in Southern Shall State. It is expected to begin operating about September 2003. The target year of completion of all these numerous projects is 2006, by which time over 3000 megawatts will be generated which will more than meet the electrical power needs of the entire country. The State has indeed invested a large amount of capital to fulfill our needs for electrical power. So it is up to us to use this valuable electrical power supply systematically and economically and this will reap the greatest benefit for people and the State. The cost of these projects come from the public treasury but we also owe a debt of gratitude to the government, which despite limited resources has given priority to the needs of the people. The onus is therefore on us to prevent wasteful use of electrical power not only in government offices and private offices but also in our homes. And if we, the public, see any such wastage, it is up to us to take action to stop it. We should also follow to the letter, the rules and regulations regarding the use of electrical power issued by the authorities concerned. Each citizen should therefore cultivate the habit of economizing on electrical power usage with full awareness that this is the right attitude that will benefit all. We should avoid the selfish attitude which maintains, "so long as we can pay our electrical utility bills why shouldn’t we use electrical power whenever we want" without thought for the greater good. Having said that, there is one other point to take note of.
Some of us are apt to go to the other extreme and misinterpret "systematic and thrifty use" to mean not to use electricity at all. If people are prevented from using electric lights for example, when it is already dark then it would surely have adverse effect on our work. And worst of all it would create misunderstanding and resentment among the people. "Economise on the use of electrical power where possible; let there not be wanton waste" is the motto. In this way each of us will be doing our duty and making valuable contributions to the development of a developed and modernised state.Translator: K.K.H
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
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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