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Headlines

• Daw Kyaing Kyaing opens Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours

Religion

• Tooth Relic Pagoda Buddha Pujaniya Reception Subcommittee meets
• Religious Affairs Ministry holds communal Kathina robes offering ceremony

Region

• People visit Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours
• Minister attends opening of courses Measures for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transportation coordinated
• Commander attends opening of power plant
• Stone inscription bearing Myanma Education Goal opened
• Commander attends conclusion of Traditional Martial Art Course
• Commander inspects regional development
• Rules for 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Poetry Competition announced
• Commander meets agriculture and livestock breeding entrepreneurs
• Holding of respect-paying ceremony to doyen literati coordinated
• Cash donated to MWJA

International Relations

• Myanmar delegation attends Study Group Meeting & Informal AFDM+3 in Japan
• 86 American tourists arrive
  

Sport

• Commander presents prizes to winners in volleyball tournament

Drug

• Drug traffickers get prison terms

SPOTLIGHT

• Jades prices soar as emporium netts $8m
• Aid move on buckwheat project
• Special  shops offer wealth of knowledge about  Myanmar's history and culture

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Headlines

Daw Kyaing Kyaing opens Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours

Yangon, 15 Nov - Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, formally opened the Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours, organized by the Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs in accord with the motto titled "Join hands to strive for national modernization and development" at Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road at 9 am today.

Daw Kyaing Kyaing viewed booths of the exhibition and entertainment programmes.

Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, formally opened the Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours.

Then, Daw Kyaing Kyaing, Daw Mya Mya San, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and guests viewed the portrait of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and the guidance on patriotic spirit described in the message for the 54th Anniversary Independence Day 2002 sent by the Senior General, paintings on endeavours for Myanmar women development made by Daw Kyaing Kyaing, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, a wooden statue of Myanmar lady in the paddy field displayed on the left side of the booth, the booth on facts about MNCWA, documentary photos of surgical treatments, health educative courses displayed in the health sector booth and photographs and records of the Myanmar women on whom medical doctorates (PhD) and (Dr Med Sc) were conferred, the nurses who were presented with Florence Nightingale Awards and the Myanmar women weight-lifters who broke world records in the XXI SEA Games displayed at the outstanding Myanmar women booth. Next, dignitaries watched demonstration on made of dress presented by students of the University of Culture.

Then, they enjoyed the booth on activities of a Myanmar housewife, the booth on works of Myanmar women in knotting the ropes and decorating the fruits, the booth on fundamental points concerned with violence against women, preventing violence against and rehabilitation of women in preventing violence against women sector; the booth on documentary photos for movements of education, economic, culture and communication of girls and adults in the girls/ adults sector; the booth on outstanding and brilliant Myanmar women, the booth on documentary photos of formal and informal education in the education sector; the booth on works of Myanmar girls, the wooden Myanmar lady statute with the lacquer bowl displayed on the right side of the exhibition, the booth on title recipient outstanding Myanmar women artistes and the cultural educative booth displayed in the culture sector; the booth on environmental problems and the booth on women and environmental conservation in the women and environmental conservation sector; the booth on documentary photos for movements of Myanmar women at home and abroad and the tasks of international relations in the communications sector; the booth on photographs and brief biographies of National Literary Award winning women writers, the booth on photos of the ceremony to mark the Myanmar Women's Day displayed in the communications sector; the booth on endeavours for improvement of women's living standard and endeavours of women in the economic sector; and cloths, personal goods, stationery and souvenirs created by Myanmar women of the Women's Vocational Training School at the souvenir salesroom.

The dignitaries enjoyed the demonstration on computer quiz of schoolgirls from Dagon Basic Education High School No 1 and No 2. At 11.30 am, Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party left the Tatmadaw Convention Hall.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party enjoyed the entertainment presented by artistes of Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon.

 Next, the Secretary-1 signed in the visitors' book and left the Tatmadaw Convention Hall later in the morning. The Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours is displayed with the aims of knowing the standard of Myanmar women, the participation of women in all-round development of the State, and the women's role in building modern and developed nation.

The souvenirs to mark the exhibition will be sold. In addition, the computer quiz will be held and the entertainment programmes will be presented by Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon, the Myanmar Music Asiayon, Fine Arts Department and University of Culture. The exhibition will be open to public free of charge from 6 am to 6 pm daily up to 21 November.

Religion

Tooth Relic Pagoda Buddha Pujaniya Reception Subcommittee meets

Yangon, 15 Nov - The second meeting of the reception subcommittee for Tooth Relic Pagoda (Yangon) Buddha Pujaniya took place at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement this afternoon. Minister for SWRR Maj-Gen Sein Htwa attended the meeting and gave necessary instructions.

The subcommittee chairman reported on arrangements of the subcommittee. Then, the heads of respective groups reported on tasks that. The minister attended to the needs and gave necessary instructions.

Religious Affairs Ministry holds communal Kathina robes offering ceremony

Yangon, 15 Nov - The 11th communal Kathina robes offering ceremony of the Ministry of Religious Affairs was held at Wizaya Mingala Dhamma Thabin on Thiri Mingala Kaba Aye Hill in Mayangon Township this afternoon.

It was attended by State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Vice Chairman Myitkyina Wuntho Kyaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Silavamsa and members of the Sangha, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin and officials of the ministry. The congregation received the Five Precepts from the vice chairman Sayadaw, and members of the Sangha recited the partitas.

Then, the minister and wife presented the Kathina robes to SSMNC Secretary Magway Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Ratthaguru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma-jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kumara. Next, the minister, the deputy ministers and their wives and officials presented offertories to members of the Sangha. Later, the Secretary Sayadaw delivered a sermon and merits gained were shared.

Region

People visit Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours

Yangon, 15 Nov - Members of the public visited the Exhibition on Myanmar Women's Endeavours at Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road today. They viewed the booth on communications sector, the booth on economic development of women, the booths on culture, education and prevention of violence against women and rehabilitation.

Myanmar Music Asiayon, University of Culture and Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon presented dramas to the audience in the morning and afternoon. Altogether over 3,000 people, monks, students and USDA members visited the exhibition.

Minister attends opening of courses

Yangon, 15 Nov - The concluding ceremony of the refresher course No 2/2002 for managers (Admin), and opening of the finance and accounts supervision course No 1/2002 and the rice milling and mechanical skill course No 1/2002 of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading under the Ministry of Commerce was held at the hall of the MAPT at the corner of Pansodan and Bogyoke Aung San Streets this afternoon.

Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone made a speech on the occasion. The minister presented prizes to the outstanding students.

Measures for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transportation coordinated

Yangon, 15 Nov - Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport held its coordination meeting at the meeting hall of All Bus-Lines Control Committee (Yangon Command) on Laydauntkan Road in Tamway Township at 5 pm today, attended by Chairman of the Supervisory Committee Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

First, the commander delivered an address. He said Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Secure and Smooth Transport was formed for smooth transport of passengers travelling from Yangon City to other States and Divisions. The committee members are to supervise running of cars, trains, ships and planes in time. It is necessary to keep bus terminals, railway stations, jetties and airports clean and pleasant and to upgrade them. The commander stressed the need to supervise buses, taxis and trishaws to be abide by the traffic rules, and action is taken against those who break the rules and regulations.

Then, those present discussed tasks of better transport of the people, tasks to be carried out, educative programmes given to drivers and conductors to abide by the traffic rules, tasks being undertaken for upgrading and keeping bus terminals, railway stations, jetties and airports clean and pleasant. The commander fulfilled the requirements and gave necessary instructions.

Commander attends opening of power plant

Yangon, 15 Nov - The opening ceremony of the self-reliance paddy husk-burning power plant was held at the plant in Taungni Village in Taunggyi Township on 11 November. It was attended by Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, Deputy Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Thein Aung. The commander and the deputy minister formally opened the plant and the local national race girls unveiled the signboard of the plant. Then, the commander, the deputy minister and officials inspected round the plant and fulfilled the requirements on the reports presented by the officials.

Then, the ceremony continued at the hall of Taungni Basic Education Middle School. The commander made a speech and a local people spoke words of thanks. The plant was built at a cost of K 5.876 million and can generate 50 KVA. In the evening, the commander paid homage to Myonan Shwe Zeditaw in Loikaw and made cash donations. He also gave necessary instructions on renovation of the Zedi.

Stone inscription bearing Myanma Education Goal opened

Yangon, 15 Nov - Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen Tha Aye, attended the opening of the stone inscription bearing Myanma Education Goal and the signboard bearing building a modern and developed nation through education being held at No 1 Basic Education High School in Myeik on 9 November morning.

Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye and Director U Tun Kyi of No 1 Basic Education Department formally opened the ceremony. Then, the outstanding students formally opened the stone inscription. Next, Headmaster U Tin Maung Swe spoke words of thanks, which brought the ceremony to a close.

Afterwards, the Taninthayi Division Basic Education Department held its work coordination meeting at the school, with an address by Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye. Then, Director U Tun Kyi and the Division Education Officer U Thaung Sein reported on measures being taken in education sector. In the evening, the commander attended the opening of the 120 kilo-watt power station and made a speech.

Then, Lt-Col Tun Ohn and Township Electric Engineer U Maung Gyi formally opened the power station. Afterwards, the commander and party inspected the power station. The cost of the power station is K 92.27 million and it can supply electricity for Kyeku Village and the 50-ton rice mill.

Commander attends conclusion of Traditional Martial Art Course

Yangon, 15 Nov - Basic Myanmar Traditional Martial Art Course No 1/2002 sponsored by Ayeyawady Division Working Committee for Women's Affairs concluded at the public stadium in Pathein on 14 November morning, attended by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Htay Oo, members of Women's Affairs Work Committee and social organizations, teachers and trainee students. The commander made a speech on the occasion.

Then, Commissioner U Than Win presented completion certificates to trainees. Next, Member of the Division Working Committee for Women's Affairs Head of Prevention of Violence Against Women and Rehabilitation the Division Law Officer U Myint Kyi presented gifts to the course instructors. Then, the trainees showed their martial art skills.

Commander inspects regional development

Yangon, 15 Nov - Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe, accompanied by officials concerned, met with local authorities, departmental personnel and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations and townselders at Pyibanru Hall in Sumprabum, Kachin State, on 6 November.

Officials reported on renovation of Myitkyina-Sumprabum-Putao Road and requirements to the commander who fulfilled the needs. Officials accepted the donations -- K 100,000 for the township USDA and K10,8000 for teachers of the basic education high school branch by the commander; K 500,000 for furniture of Sumprabum High School Branch by Jade Land Myanmar Co, and 250 blankets for service personnel and the local people by the commander.

In the evening, the commander and party paid homage to Presiding Sayadaw of Sumprabum Monastery and presented offertories to him. On 7 November morning, the commander inspected Suyan Village Basic Education Primary School and presented K 100,000 for the school. The company also presented K 100,000 for the school.

After inspecting the Zanankha Bridge, the commander met with departmental personnel and local people at Minehtaung Village Primary School and gave instructions on regional development. In the afternoon, the commander inspected Putao-Myitkyina Road and Tayukha Bridge and left necessary instructions.

Rules for 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Poetry Competition announced

Yangon, 15 Nov - In honour of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, which falls on March 27, 2003, a poetry competition to be held by the Observance Committee for Poems and Arts Competitions chaired by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt (Htilar Sitthu) was announced today.

Rules are as follows: Competitors are to reflect the objectives of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and fine traditions of the Tatmadaw's historical events that featured national characteristics of the Konbaung Era (AD 1824), the Independence Era (from 1948 to 1988) and the State Peace and Development Council Era , religious undertakings, nation-building endeavours, efforts to ensure peace and the drug elimination activities of the State Peace and Development Council. The poem contest is divided into two categories - professional one and novice one. Prize-winners of the Armed Forces Day Commemorative Poem Competitions and the National Motto and Poem Competitions, the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award winners and the prize-winners (poem) of Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award and the National Literary Award winners are to take part in the professional level competitions and those who have never won these prizes and awards are to participate in the novice one. But those who have ever won these prizes and awards, on their own accord, may take part in the professional level.

It is needed to send the entry, systematically composed and clearly written on one side of the page and two copies also needed to be sent. The entry must be own creation of the contestants. Name, pen name, parents' names, educational qualifications, occupation and address are to be sent together with two postcard-size colour photos to Lt-Col Ohn Maung (Retd) (Myinmu Maung Naing Moe), Chief Editor of Naing-Ngan Gonyi Publishing House, No 529/531, Merchant Road, Sarpay Beikman Building, Yangon, not later than 31 January 2003.

Commander meets agriculture and livestock breeding entrepreneurs

Yangon, 15 Nov - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe met with entrepreneurs, who are undertaking the agricultural and livestock breeding tasks at Yangon Division Vegetable Cultivation and Poultry Farming Special Zone, at the meeting hall of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Office this afternoon, and fulfilled the requirements.

The commander made a speech on measures for implementation of agricultural and livestock breeding tasks at the zone in accordance with the guidance of the Head of State. Then, the national entrepreneurs reported on agricultural and livestock breeding tasks being carried out at the zone and their requirements. The commander fulfilled the requirements and made closing remarks.

Holding of respect-paying ceremony to doyen literati coordinated

Yangon, 15 Nov - The central committee for organizing the ceremony to pay respects to doyen literati by Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association held a coordination meeting at the meeting hall of MWJA on second floor of Sarpay Beikman Building, at the corner of Merchant Street and 37th Street this afternoon.

It was attended by MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), Vice-Chairman U Than Maung (Than Maung), Secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay), Joint-Secretaries U Myint Kywe (Maung Myint Kywe) and U Khin Swe (Shwesonnyo), members of the central committee, secretaries of work committee and joint-secretaries. U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) spoke on the occasion and those present at the meeting took part in discussions. Then, the meeting drew to a close with concluding remarks by U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung). The ceremony will be held at the City Hall of Yangon City Development Committee at 9 am on 7 December.

Holding of respect-paying ceremony to doyen literati coordinated

Yangon, 15 Nov - The central committee for organizing the ceremony to pay respects to doyen literati by Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association held a coordination meeting at the meeting hall of MWJA on second floor of Sarpay Beikman Building, at the corner of Merchant Street and 37th Street this afternoon.

It was attended by MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), Vice-Chairman U Than Maung (Than Maung), Secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay), Joint-Secretaries U Myint Kywe (Maung Myint Kywe) and U Khin Swe (Shwesonnyo), members of the central committee, secretaries of work committee and joint-secretaries. U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) spoke on the occasion and those present at the meeting took part in discussions. Then, the meeting drew to a close with concluding remarks by U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung). The ceremony will be held at the City Hall of Yangon City Development Committee at 9 am on 7 December.

Cash donated to MWJA

Yangon, 15 Nov - A ceremony to pay respects to doyen literati was held in conjunction with a ceremony to present cash donations towards the fund of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association at the meeting hall of MWJA at noon today.

Present on the occasion were MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), Vice-Chairman U Than Maung (Than Maung), Secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay), Joint-Secretaries U Myint Kywe (Maung Myint Kywe) and U Khin Swe (Shwesonnyo), Chairman of Committee for Scrutinizing Sayawun Tin Shwe Literary Awards U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin), CEC members, officials and wellwishers.

Then, donations were made at the ceremony - K 100,000 by Chief Editor of Thuta Sweson Book House Dr Tin Tun Oo, Dr Khin Moe Moe and family, and K 60,000 by U Thein Khaing (Asia Wealth Bank), winner of Sayawun Tin Shwe Award . U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to wellwishers.

International Relations

Myanmar delegation attends Study Group Meeting & Informal AFDM+3 in Japan

Yangon, 15 Nov - Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen Than Tun attended the Study Group Meeting and Informal AFDM+3 in Tokyo, Japan, on 12 and 13 November.

The preliminary meeting was held before the Study Group Meeting from 9 am to 10.30 am. The Myanmar de-legation attended the Study Group Meeting in the afternoon.

On 13 November, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun presented the macro-economy and monetary situation of Myanmar to the Study Group Meeting and Informal AFDM+3 in Tokyo. The meeting reaffirmed presiding the meeting of alternative chairman and setting up of the fund for ASEAN+3 Economic Policy. Monetary cooperation of Japan in the region and the investment development of Korea in East Asia were discussed. In addition, the participants agreed to hold the next meeting in Manila, the Philippines.

On 11 November morning, the deputy minister, accompanied by Myanmar Ambassador Dr Aung Naing, Assistant Director Daw Khin Mar Kyu and First Secretary U Maung Maung Than of the Myanmar Embassy, met with Development Bank of Japan Vice-Governor Mr Takashi Matsukawa and party. They then visited Tokyo Stock Exchange. In the afternoon, the deputy minister received General Manager Mr Yatake Shimeda and party of Sompo Japan Insurance Inc at the residence of the Myanmar Ambassador. The deputy minister and party arrived back here by air on 14 November.

86 American tourists arrive

Yangon, 15 Nov - Under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and the sponsorship of the Ministry of Transport, a chartered flight Air 2000 carrying 86 tourists, under the arrangements of Adventure Myanmar Travels & Tours Co Ltd, arrived at Yangon International Airport at 12.20 pm today.

Director-General of the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism Services U Khin Maung Latt, departmental officials and officials of the company welcomed them at the airport. The tourists visited downtown Yangon today. They will tour Bagan tomorrow. They will leave here for Kathmandu, Nepal, on 17 November.

Sport

Commander presents prizes to winners in volleyball tournament

Yangon, 15 Nov - The final match and prizes presentation ceremony of the South-East Command Commander's Shield men's and women's volleyball tournament 2002 was held at Pyizani Gymnasium in Mawlamyine on 12 November.

It was attended by Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung. First, the commander and those present watched the final matches of the tournament. Then, the commander, the deputy commander and officials presented the shield and prizes to the winning teams. Then, the commander attended the coordination meeting of Mon State General Administration Department and made a speech.

Drug

Drug traffickers get prison terms

Yangon, 15 Nov - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Tachilek Special Anti-Drug Squad, acting on information, ransacked the houses of Aik Lon and Aik Kham, of No 2/40, 2nd Mekong Street in Tachilek on 14 May 2002 and seized 162,000 stimulant tablets and arms and ammunition.

Action was taken against Aik Lon, 36, son of U Aik Saung, Aik Kham, 23, son of U Aik Hsa, of Hopan Hoyet Village, Mongphon tract, Tachilek, Aik Pin, 38, son of U Lon Yi, of No 2/35, 2nd Mekong Street, Tachilek under Section 15/19 (A)/21/22 (B) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Tachilek Police Station.

Aik Lon and Aik Kham were sentenced to life im-prisonment under Section 19 (A) and Aik Pin to 30 years' imprisonment under Section 19(A)/21 by Tachilek District Court on 3 September 2002. Likewise, a combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Tachilek Special Anti-Drug Squad, acting on a tip-off, searched the house of Nan La, of Tawkawt Atwin Village in Tachilek on 15 May 2002 and 15,610 stimulant tablets and one block of heroin weighing 350 grams were seized.

Action was taken against Nan La, 52, son of U Kyaing, Daw Nan Aham, 45, daughter of U Aik Saik, and Sai Yi, 23, son of U Aik Kyan, of No 384, Loingan Ward, Maesai, Thailand under Section 15/19(A)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Tachilek Police Station. Nan La, Daw Nan Aham and Sai Yi were sentenced to 25 years' imprisonment each under Section 19(A) by Tachilek District Court on 13 September 2002.

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