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Established in 1914

Headlines

• Message from Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe on the 82nd Anniversary of National Day
• State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends message of felicitations to Republic of Albania

Region

• Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt inspects development activities in Ayeyawady Division 
• Insurgent group members exchange arms for peace 
• World AIDS Day commemorative one-act play contest held 
• Extended cultivation of coffee under way in PyinOoLwin

Religion

• Sixth 47-member Plenary Meeting of the Fifth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee continues

International Relations

• Italian tourists arrive by chartered flight Singaporean pilgrims arrive by MAI 
• Indian Consulate-General reopened in Mandalay

Sport

• Tatmadaw Judo and Acrobatic competitions conclude

Drug

• Measures taken to proclaim Tachilek, Myawady and Kawthoung as "Drug Free Towns" in near future 
• Minister inspects opium substitute crop plantation in Mongma, Mongla  
• 223 drug-related cases exposed in October

SPOTLIGHT

• News
  

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Headlines

Message from Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe on the 82nd Anniversary of National Day

The following is the translation of the message sent by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe on the occasion of the 82nd Anniversary of National Day.

All the national people
Today is the 82nd Anniversary of the National Day, the day on which the national movement for Myanmar independence struggle was launched. The national movement was born out of the colonialists' forceful suppression of Myanmar national spirit, the essence of which was the race, the language, the Sasana and the education, and it eventually led to the regaining of independence. The day the national movement went into action will always be chronicled in Myanmar history.

Myanmar people have great historical tradition and high culture. In the course of history, they have never accepted any foreign aggression without protests or reaction, but have always repelled it courageously. Although Myanmar sovereignty was lost following the unjust colonialist annexation, independence was regained due to love of the nation, patriotic spirit and Union Spirit of all the Myanmar national races. History bears witness to this fact.

Myanmar people have safeguarded their lineage; entertaining national spirit throughout successive eras, they have been living in unity and through thick and thin. Due to the divide-and-rule policy of the colonialists, misunderstanding occurred shortly after the regaining of independence. Now that the national solidarity has been forged through the cooperation of the government and national people, it can be seen that peace and tranquillity is prevailing all over the nation and development is gaining momentum.

The government has been implementing education promotion programmes designed to contribute to the prevalence of peace and tranquillity and development of the nation since 1998. A four-year special national education promotion plan covering the education sector, the medical sector and the science and technology sector was laid down and has been implemented since the financial year 2000-2001. A 30-year long-term plan has been implemented since 2001-2002 to promote the national education.

Opportunities for learning have been opened up to all the children throughout the nation due to the full participation of parents and wellwishers in the school enrollment programme for all children of school age.

To provide equal teaching and learning opportunities in urban and rural areas, multimedia teaching centres are being opened in basic education schools with the participation of the people and wellwishers. The effective cooperation of the entire people in education programmes has been recognized and put on record. In Myanmar, a developing country, nation-building tasks will gain momentum due to the participation of the entire people. Programmes for increased productivity and practising thrift, prerequisites for development, will be implemented by means of the entire people's collaboration. In the world today, science and technologies are experiencing a rapid advancement. Information and communication technologies can now be used extensively and effectively for the improvement of socio-economic life. So, all have accepted that we are in the knowledge age.

In the education sector, an electronic data broadcasting system has been put into motion since 1 January 2001. A total of 455 learning centers have been opened up to now. Electronic data resource development centers in universities and colleges have been formed into Myanmar Electronic Data Resource Development Network; and Myanmar Higher Education Network has also been set up so as to be able to access. International Education Network. For the development of highly-qualified human resources for the State and human resources needed for respective regions, 39,999 basic education schools and 151 universities, degree colleges and colleges have been opened and over 730,000 university students and over 7.48 million basic education students are pursuing their education.

To make sure that the value of national characteristic of the nation - uplift of national prestige and integrity, preservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage and national character and the flourishing and propagation of patriotism - does not decline, children are being nurtured starting from the basic education level. Also in the higher education sector, courses including doctorate courses are being conducted to produce highly-qualified human resources besides other courses to fulfill region-wise needs under the arrangement of human resource development centers.

In each human resource development sector, it is aimed at producing the new generation youth who are capable of successfully carrying out the tasks of developing the nation and of perpetuating the independence and sovereignty of the nation not only by improving their education standard but also by inculcating them with the quality of stalwart sons and daughters.

I would like to call on the entire people in all seriousness to strive with full national strength for the emergence of a new, modern and developed nation in accord with the national education policy which is being realized for producing highly-qualified and efficient human resources necessary for the future nation and in accord with the objectives of the 82nd Anniversary of the National Day:
    (a) to keep national unity and national spirit alive and dynamic,
    (b) to preserve the pride of lineage,
    (c) to promote national education and,
    (d) to perpetuate the independence and national sovereignty.

State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends message of felicitations to Republic of Albania

Yangon, 29 Nov - On the occasion of the Liberation Day of the Republic of Albania which falls on 29 November 2002, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Alfred Moisiu, President of the Republic of Albania.

Region

Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt inspects development activities in Ayeyawady Division
Local authorities, officials urged to make close contacts with subordinates to effectively run management machinery through correct leadership and management

Yangon, 28 Nov - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt arrived at Bogale, Ayeyawady Division, by Tatmadaw helicopter this morning.

On arrival at No 2 Basic Education High School of Bogale, the Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by the township education officer, members of the school board of trustees, the schoolmistress, teachers and students.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the visual presenter, the computer aided instruction, the computer application & e-mail, the language lab electronic media (video system) and the printed media (reading corner) and watched the students learning with teching aids. They also inspected the arts room and the domestic science room.

Next, the headmistress and members of the school board of trustees reported to the Secretary-1 on related to academic matters and the requirements. The Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt gave necessary instructions. Minister for Education U Than Aung also reported on activities being carried out for the improvement of Myanmar education sector. The Secretary-1 then inspected the condition of the school which needs repair.

Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party went to Township People's Hospital in Bogale, where the Secretary-1 inspected the medicine store room, the operation theatre, and the patient wards. At the hall of the hospital, the Secretary-1 met with officials and gave instructions. He said cooperation with the authorities is needed for the success of health care activities. Nowadays, the task of health staff is not just to give treatment to the patients of the hospital. Health staff, making field tours of rural areas, should widely participate in shoulding the tasks for health awareness campaign and the disease-prevention campaign.

Then, Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo spoke of the need to harmoniously and effectively carry out the public health care services. Later, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt met with local authorities, departmental staff, members of USDA and social organizations at the town hall. The Secretary-1 also heard reports on the location, area, and population of the township, cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy and harvesting condition, cultivation of edible oil crops and beans and pulses and corn, breeding of fish, prawn, production of mineral products, transportation, communication and the requirements. Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt gave necessary instructions and delivered an address.

The Secretary-1 said his visit to Ayeyawady Division is to look into the requirements of the regional development undertakings and to render assistance to farmers facing the untimely showers. According to the reports of the local authorities, it is learnt that the untimely rain has not caused any damage to the agricultural production work yet. The requirements presented by the township officials will be fulfilled.

As the requirements of every town in the whole division cannot be completely fulfilled, the towns elders and the local authorities will have to unitedly strive to complete the job. The ministries will have to take to the harmonious strength of the local authorities and towns people in the respective sectors to make arrangements to use the assistance provided by the State.

The State has already laid down the correct national policy - non-disintegration of the Union; non-disintegration of the national solidarity; and perpetuation of sovereignty. It has also laid down the 12 political, economic and social objectives to successfully realize the national policy. The 14 states and divisions are required to implement the 12 objectives for success of the national policy. The administrative bodies at state/division, district and township levels will have to correctly realize the policies laid down by the central. It is required for the local authorities at different levels and departmental officials to make close contacts with the subordinates to effectively run the management machinery through correct leadership and management. If the people should also obey the law and adhere to the codes of conduct, a modern and developed nation will emerge soon.

Local authorities at different levels and the public should live in harmony and should depend on each other. Instead of doing their job from the administrative point of view alone, the local authorities and officials should have consideration for the public to narrow the development gap. The Head of State have given guidance to officials to make constant studies to serve the interests of the State and the people and to work with ardent will and energy to successfully realize the directives. As Ayeyawady Division has a large number of natural watercourses crisscrossing its surface, the people had to rely on waterways. Up to now the State has built 35 bridges of over 180 feet in length including the over 85,00-foot long Bo Myat Tun Bridge, the over 2,300-foot long Maubin Bridge, the over 19,00-foot long Shwelaung Bridge, and Gonnyin Bridge for improvement of the transport sector to help develop the region. Plans are under way to build more bridges at suitable places.

In the education sector, Maubin University, computer college and technological college are being built for the youth of the surrounding areas, in addition to the existing institutions of higher learning. The 100-bed hospital in Maubin is being upgraded to a 200-bed facility. The people of the division are urged to make efforts for development of their region and improvement of their living standard, effectively using the emerging good opportunities. Then, the Secretary-1 and party arrived in Mawla-myinegyun, Myaungmya District where they were welcomed by local authorities and departmental personnel.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Mawlamyinegyun Basic Education High School No 1. The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by the Township Education Officer, members of the School Board of Trustees, Headmaster U Saw Diamond, teachers and students. Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the electronics media (video system), the projected media (visual presenter), the electronic media (language lab), the computer aided instruction, the computer application & e-mail, the printed media (reading corner), the domestic science room and the arts room.

The Secretary-1 met with the headmaster and students at the hall of the school. Headmaster U Saw Diamond reported on academic projects of the school and construction of the new school building. The Secretary-1 fulfilled the requirements in constructing the new school building. Minister for Education U Than Aung explained tasks to be undertaken for uplift of education of the students using modern teaching aids and tasks of education promotion programmes being carried out in Ayeyawady Division.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party went to Mawlamyinegyun Township Hospital. Dr Myo Win and staff welcomed them. The Secretary-1 and party inspected the X-ray room, the operation theatre, the medical store and the patient ward. Then, the Secretary-1 met with health staff and attended to their needs. At the hall of the township, the Secretary-1 met with local authorities, departmental personnel, USDA members, and social organizations. Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Mya Han reported on the location and area of the township, population, land utilization, cultivation of monsoon paddy and harvesting, targeted cultivation of summer paddy and cold season crops, cultivation of edible oil crops and pulses, beans and health care services and requirements.

The Secretary-1 fulfilled the requirements of power supply and communication matters in the township. Then, the Secretary-1 gave an address. The Secretary-1 said as the local authorities, departmental officials, townselders and members of the social organizations are responsible for development of the township, they should make close contacts with the people, and should make arrangements for every sector.

The State has already laid down the correct national policy - non-disintegration of the Union; non-disintegration of the national solidarity; and perpetuation of sovereignty. It has also laid down the 12 political, economic and social objectives to successfully realize the national policy. The administrative bodies have been formed at the central, state/division, district, township and village levels for the management machinery to run correctly and speedily. The township level officials present at the meeting will have to work in harmony with the people to narrow the development gap.

The State is fulfilling the requirements of all the sectors on a national scale. The officials should make arrangements to constantly look into the requirements to the most possible extent, and should present matters which are beyond capacity to superiors. Twenty-four development zones have been set up and the five rural tasks have been laid down for equal development of every place of the nation. In the division, in addition to Pathein Development Zone, the development drive will also cover Hinthada and Maubin. Local authorities and officials will have to work with perseverance and goodwill and hand in hand with the people.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party arrived in Pyapon, Pyapon District, where they were welcomed by the Director-General of No 1 Basic Education Department, local authorities, departmental personnel and USDA members. They then proceeded to Pyapon BEHS No 3. The ceremony to open the multimedia teaching centre of the school was held at the school at 2 pm, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt. Headmistress Daw Khin Khin Nyunt and Chairman of School Board of Trustees U Sein Tun formally opened the multimedia teaching centre.

Then, the Secretary-1 formally unveiled the signboard of the centre. The Secretary-1 and party inspected the printed media room (reading corner), the computer aided instruction room, the video system room, the visual presenter room, the arts room, the language lab, the computer application & e-mail room and the domestic science room. At the arts room, the Secretary-1 and party enjoyed the songs sung by the students.

Afterwards, the opening ceremony of the multimedia teaching centre was held at the school hall. Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary-1 said that the Government has been opening multimedia teaching centers at schools in the entire nation with the aim of turning out the intellectual and intelligentsia who can serve the interest of the State. It is satisfying to see the dynamic and brilliant students of the school are using the modern teaching aids at the opening ceremony. In addition, the school produce the students who win gold, silver and bronze medals in the Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions annually. The Secretary-1 said that he believes to turn out the dynamic and brilliant students who can serve the interest of the State, from the school in the education sector. As the Government is carrying out development tasks of the education sector, success has been achieved, with momentum, with the participation of the people.

Today is the education age. Education plays a significant role in emergence of the modern State in the future. So, the Government is turning out outstanding students from the basic education schools. At present, Information Technology called as IT is developing in the world. It is necessary to train IT technician youths with the participation of the people under the leadership of the Government so as not to lag behind in development. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged the students of the school to try to become intellectual and intelligentsia who can serve the interests of the State, and the teachers are also urged to nurture their pupils. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party had documentary photo taken together with members of SBT, teachers and students.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party paid homage and donated provisions to Pyapon Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Visutta and members of the Sangha at Pyapon District Yadana Theikdi Sasana Beikman in Pyapon. Next, the Secretary-1 and party arrived back in Yangon in the afternoon.

Insurgent group members exchange arms for peace

Yangon, 28 Nov - The State Peace and Development Council, with genuine goodwill as well as with might and main, is exerting every effort to establish a peaceful, modern, developed nation. Armed insurgent groups, realizing the true goodwill and intention of the State and the Tatmadaw, have been exchanging arms for peace in groups or individually in conviction that their regions lagged far behind development because of their age-long destructive acts, which in no way benefitted the nation and the people.

Five insurgents exchanged arms for peace during October - Sgt Saw Yan Naing and L/Cpl Saw La Kyar of battalion-16 of brigade-6 of KNU armed insurgent group, Pvt Saw Kyaw Kye of battalion-18, and Sgt Saw Htoo Lu together with one AK 47 rifle, three magazines and 80 rounds of ammunition at South-East Command; and Pvt Achin of battalion-11 of brigade-4 together with one AK 47 rifle, one magazine and 29 rounds of ammunition at Coastal Region Command.

Officials welcomed them warmly at the Commands concerned and necessary assistance were also offered to them. It is reported that there are remnants of armed insurgent groups to follow suit.

World AIDS Day commemorative one-act play contest held

Yangon, 28 Nov - A one-act play contest to commemorate the (2002) World AIDS Day was held at the multi-purpose building of the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association in South Okkalapa Township here at 1 pm today. MMCWA Chairperson Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Project Manager of AIDS Control Central Committee Dr Myint Zaw, Assistant Director of Health Planning Department U Myint Than and UNICEF Programme Officer Dr Myo Zin Nyunt supervised the contest. MMCWA Central Executive Committee members, Patrons of the Central Supervisory Committee, Yangon Division MCWA Patron Daw Khin Thet Htay and Committee members and Township MCWA members were present on the occasion. The contest will continue tomorrow.

  Extended cultivation of coffee under way in PyinOoLwin

Yangon, 28 Nov - A total of 100,000 acres of land has been reclaimed for coffee growers in PyinOoLwin, the favourable region for coffee. Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung, Managing Director U Tun Than, General Manager U Pyay Nyein, Director U Tin Maung Soe, and officials made a field tour of Taunggyun, Phaungdaw, Nyaungni, Inhteik, and YaychanO villages in PyinOoLwin Township on 26 November.

On 27 November, the deputy minister and party also inspected the lands in Thonse, and Doepin, Hokho, Kyu-in, Kyanyo-in, Kontha, and Seikphu on both sides of Yadana Theingi Road in Nawnghkio Township and met with local people. It is reported that coffee growers may contact the ministry to pour investment into coffee cultivation.

Religion

Sixth 47-member Plenary Meeting of the Fifth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee continues

Yangon, 28 Nov - The Sixth 47-member Plenary Meeting of the Fifth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee continued for the second-day session at Wizaya Mingala Dhammathabin on Kaba Aye Hill, here at 8 am today. Present were member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin.

Members of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Jotikabhivamsa, Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sobhita and Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kavidhaja discussed matters concerning the tasks on accomplishment of Vinicchaya, religious and education affairs during the third term of the Fifth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee (second branch). Next, the Sayadaws participated in the discussions on Vinicchaya and religious affairs. At 1 pm, the Sayadaws took part in the discussions on Vinicchaya, religious and education affairs.

On behalf of the second sub-committee of the Fifth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Joint-Secretary Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma-jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Tejaniya clarified matters related to the discussions on accomplishment of Vinicchaya, religious and education affairs during the third term from 19-7-2002 to date of the Fifth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee (second branch). The Sayadaw then sought the approval of the member Sayadaws. Next, the Member Sayadaws discussed matters related to the selection of the State Vinayadhara Sayadaws for the fifth four-monthly period and made discussions.

Afterwards, Director-General U Sann Lwin supplicated on matters to be put on record for the passing away of four missionary monks killed by terrorist insurgents. The Sayadaws put on record Bhaddanta Pannava, Bhaddanta Sunnanda, Bhaddanta Kosalla and Bhaddanta Jotipala as Sasanayodha monks. Then, the Sayadaws recited Jayanto Bodhiyamule Gatha three times and the meeting came to an end successfully.

On the second-day session, Maung Myint Naing and family of Ngamokkwin Village in Ingapu Township under the patronage of the parent and elder sister offered dawn 'soon' and U Sein Win-Agga Maha Thirithudhamma Theingi Daw Myint Myint Yi (Shweyiwin Co) of University Avenue, 'soon' to the Sayadaws.

International Relations

Italian tourists arrive by chartered flight Singaporean pilgrims arrive by MAI

Yangon, 28 Nov - Under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, assistance given by the Ministry of Transport and arrangements of Myanmar Lotus Asia Tours Ltd, a chartered Lauda Air Boeing 767/300 with 71 tourists from Italy arrived here at 9.30 am today. They were welcomed at the airport by officials of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and Myanmar Lotus Asia Tours Ltd and traditional dance troupes of Myanmar Tourism Division.

The tourists in two groups will join Yangon-Bagan-Popa-Mandalay-Pindaya-Inlay journey and leave Yangon on 5 December. The tourists who arrived on 21 November left for Phukhet by the flight at 11 am today. Similarly, 78 pilgrims from Singapore arrived here at 11.45 am today by the flight of Myanmar Airways International under the arrangements of Myanmar Tourex Travel Services Ltd.

The tourists were welcomed at the airport by officials of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and Myanmar Tourex Travel Services Ltd and traditional dance troupes of Myanmar Tourism Division. They will visit Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan and leave for home on 4 December.

Indian Consulate-General reopened in Mandalay

Yangon, 28 Nov - Indian Consulate-General (Mandalay) was reopened yesterday in Mandalay. Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and Mr Kanwal Sibal, Foreign Secretary of India unveiled the signboard and formally opened the Indian Consulate-General.

It was attended by Mandalay City Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Rajiv Kumar Bhatia, Indian Consul-General Mr Pramod Kumar Bhutiani and officials, the Consul-General of the PRC to Myanmar Mr Li Shwe Lin and officials, local authorities, businessmen and guests.

Ms Elizabeth Sibal, wife of the Indian Foreign Secretary, and Ms Bhatia, wife of the Indian Ambassador formally lighted the traditional oil lamps as a gesture of further strengthening of frienship between the two countries. Next, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister U Khin Maung Win and Indian Foreign Secretary Mr Kanwal Sibal set pigeons free. Then, Mr Rajiv Bhatia, Mr Kanwal Sibal and U Khin Maung Win made speeches. Mr Pramod Kumar Bhutiani spoke words of thanks.

Mr Kanwal Sibal presented books on Buddhism published by the Indian Government to mark the 2500 years of Sasana to Chancellor Sayadaw of Sitagu International Buddhism Academy Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamajotikadhaja Bahujanahitadhara Maha Dhammakathika Thegon Sayadaw Ashin „anissara. The reception to mark the reopening of Indian Consulate General was held at the Sedona Hotel in Mandalay. The Agreed Minutes of the Deputy Minister/Foreign Secretary Level Meeting of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar and the Ministry of External Affairs of India were signed by U Khin Maung Win and Mr Kanwal Sibal. The Indian Foreign Secretary also presented academic books to Mandalay University Rector Dr Nyunt Lwin and a carpet for Mandalay Hill Hsutaungpyi Pagoda to Mandalay City Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein.

Sport

Tatmadaw Judo and Acrobatic competitions conclude

Yangon, 28 Nov - The prize presentation ceremony of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Judo and Acrobatic Competitions for 2002 of the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief's Shield was held at National Indoor Stadium 1 (Thuwunna) at 2 pm today. Present on the occasion were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, On behalf of the Defence Services Commander-in-Chief, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe gave away judo and acrobatic championship shields to the Yangon Command team.

Drug

Measures taken to proclaim Tachilek, Myawady and Kawthoung as
"Drug Free Towns" in near future
INCB acknowledges Government of Myanmar has been fully committed to eradication of illicit opium poppy

Yangon, 28 Nov - The following is the Press release on relentless efforts for elimination of narcotic drugs being undertaken by the Government of the Union of Myanmar issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.

The Government of Myanmar has been making relentless efforts to eliminate narcotic drugs as a national task. In its combat to eliminate the scourge, the government has laid down a 15-year Narcotic Elimination Plan (1999-2014) which is being implemented with the active participation of the national races residing in the border areas where opium is grown. The Plan calls for not only poppy eradication and crop substitution, but also for the development of the infrastructure of the border areas so that widespread poppy cultivation could be gradually phased out.

The Plan which is its fourth year of implementation is already witnessing encouraging results. The successful results of the Plan includes, inter alia, the firm pledge by Wa national race leaders to totally eradicate drugs from their land by the year 2005 and by Kokang national race leaders to rid their region of narcotic drugs by the same year and the declaration of Mongla region as an Opium Free Zone since 1997. Likewise, measures have been taken to proclaim three border towns, Tachilek, Myawady and Kawthoung as "Drug Free Towns" in the near future.

Another area of success has been the dramatic drop in the sown acreage of poppy cultivation. It has been acknowledged by the UNDCP and INCB that the poppy cultivation in Myanmar has fallen from over ninety thousand acres in 1999-2000 to a little over sixty-two thousand acres in 2001-2002. During the same period, over twenty-five thousand acres of poppy fields were destroyed. During the poppy cultivation season in 2002-2003 our statistics up to November 22, show that 149 acres of poppy were clandestinely cultivated in the Northern and Eastern Shan State. With our determined efforts, we have been able to destroy all of them.

The annual joint opium yield survey with the United States have also shown a decline in the opium cultivated area. According to that survey, between 1998-99 and 2000-2001, the opium cultivated area declined by 38.63%. The INCB Report of 2002 acknowledged that the Government of Myanmar has been fully committed to the eradication of illicit opium poppy cultivation in the country. The UNDCP Opium Survey Report 2002, also cultivation the drastic drop in poppy cultivation acreage and opium production. The UNDCP report reflects the results of a comprehensive survey throughout the Shan State which is considered to represent more than 91% of the total opium cultivation in Myanmar.

The launching of a new initiative called the "Project New Destiny" in April 2002 has resulted in the voluntary surrender of over 290 tons of poppy seeds and dried poppy bulbs by the poppy farmers. The surrendered poppy seeds and bulbs were burnt in the presence of diplomats and press. Had these seeds been cultivated an equivalent of 55 tons of heroin with an estimated street value of over US$ 2.2 billion could been produced. The "Project New Destiny" provided the farmers to grow alternative crops rather than poppy. At present, 12,000 acres have been substituted with alternative crops. Furthermore, assistance and support is provided to encourage breeding of livestock with quality breeds of animals such as cows, pigs, poultry and goats. To demonstrate seriousness of purpose, four deputy ministers have been asked to oversee and supervise this initiative.

In the area of law enforcement, the authorities have made major drug seizures. The 16th destruction of seized narcotic drugs was held at the Drug Elimination Museum in Yangon on 26 June 2002 to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Altogether 3,028 kilos of opium, 240 kilos of heroin, 434 kilos of marijuana, 34.94 million of stimulant tablets and 4.05 million of ephedrine and 3,021 kilos of caffeine were publicly burnt.

The seized narcotic drugs from 1990 to 2002 have been publicly burnt and destroyed in Yangon for sixteen times. They included 26,722 kilos of opium, 3,970 kilos of heroin, 5,852 kilos of marijuana, 115,802,174 stimulant tablets and 14,448 kilos of ephedrine. The street value of narcotic drugs destroyed was 4,919.061 million US dollars.

From January to 15 November 2002, 1,737 kilos of opium, 300 kilos of heroin and 9,191,694 stimulant tablets were seized.

Realizing that the drug menace is truly a global problem and that no single country can find an effective solution to that global scourge, Myanmar has embarked on a cooperative endeavour with its regional neighbours- People's Republic of China, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam by signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly address this drugs problem. Myanmar has signed bilateral agreements on control of narcotic drugs with India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Lao PDR, the Philippines, and the Russian Federation. Myanmar has also signed the Memorandum of Understanding bilaterally with the People's Republic of China and Thailand. In addition, Myanmar is a party to the Mekong sub-regional cooperative effort in a fight against narcotic drugs comprising China, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Thailand. Myanmar is also participating in efforts for achievement of Drug Free ASEAN by 2020 within the context of this Organization. These approaches, both regional and bilateral together with the 15-Year Plan being implemented with our resources are a clear demonstration of the commitment and seriousness with which Myanmar is trying to tackle the problem of narcotic drugs.

In the recent development the Government of Myanmar, to show its serious commitment in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking, has decided to accede to the 1972 Protocol amending the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961.

All these amply demonstrate Myanmar's serious efforts to eliminate the scourge of narcotic drugs. The comments made by the Secretary-General of the INTERPOL to the Fourth International Heroin Conference in Yangon in February 1999 that "it is high time the international community becomes acquainted with the excellent work that is being carried out in Myanmar against illicit production and trafficking of heroin" are highly pertinent in this regard.

Myanmar is fully committed to carry out its 15-Year Plan to totally eliminate narcotic drugs from the land primarily through its own resources. However, with the understanding, cooperation and assistance from the international community our endeavours can be greatly facilitated and our goal realized much sooner. On our part, Myanmar will continue to cooperate fully and steadfastly with the international community.

Minister inspects opium substitute crop plantation in Mongma, Mongla

Yangon, 28 Nov - Vice-Chairman of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, together with Director-General of the Progress of Border Areas and National Races Department Col Than Swe and officials, inspected regional development and drugs prevention tasks in Mongma and Mongla region on 24 November.

They also inspected plantation of opium substitute crops such as lychee, mango and orange in Mongma village. Mongla was announced an opium free zone ever since 1997. Then, the minister and party inspected Mongla People's Hospital and donated 2 wheelchairs for the hospital.

The minister and party met with local authorities and staff and urged them to actively participate in the development works in border areas and narcotic drugs elimination tasks. Later, the minister and party inspected Mongla Drug Elimination Museum, retransmission station in Mongla and progress of opium substitute tea leaf plantation, retransmission station in Silu.

Central Executive Committee Member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Col Thein Nyunt met with executives and members of Monghkat and Mongyan township USDAs at night and gave instructions on four tasks of the association including management, organizing, economic and social and cultural matters.

223 drug-related cases exposed in October

Yangon, 28 Nov - The Tatmadaw, Myanmar Police Force and the Customs Department exposed 223 drug-related cases in October.

Seizures made by them were 95.9637 kilos of opium in 27 cases, 49.2519 kilos of heroin in 74 cases, 0.1673 kilo of opium oil in six cases, 6.8601 kilos of low-grade opium in 11 cases, 21.3204 kilos of marijuana in 21 cases, 21.5 litres of Phensidyl  in five cases, 5,381,673 stimulant tablets in 49 cases, 370.8219 kilos of Ephedrine in one case, 10.173 kilos of stimulant powder, 13.336 kilos of opium dust in four cases, 81 diacepen tablets in two cases, 40 kilos of Caffeine, 18.182 litres of chemical liquid, 476.63 kilos of chemical powder in one case, 16 cases for failure to register and six other cases.

Action was taken against 325 culprits in 223 cases - 268 in men and 57 in women -  in October.

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