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Headlines

• Senior General Than Shwe pays homage to gold and silver Buddha Images excavated from ancient Bagan Pagoda
• Senior General Than Shwe inspects health care facilities in Mandalay

Region

• General Khin Nyunt addresses International  Day of Disabled Persons
• Secretary-1 inspects regional development works in Ayeyawady Division
• Chairman of Shan State (East) Narcotic Drugs Elimination Work Committee meets local people
• Measures for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport co-ordinated
• Book Fair opens to mark Myanmar Sarsodaw Day Over K 600,000 worth of books sold on first day
• Famous bookshops participate in Book Fair
• National Literary Awards  to be presented at 8 am on 6 Dec

International Relations

• Secretary-1 of State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt receives LPDR Ambassador
• Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt sees off military attaches and families
• India-Myanmar- Thailand Technical & Financial Task Forces on Transport Linkages meet
• Workshop on Extracurricular Education opens
• Ambassador agreed on

SPOTLIGHT

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Headlines

Senior General Than Shwe pays homage to gold and silver Buddha Images excavated from ancient Bagan Pagoda

Yangon, 3 Dec - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, on 30 November morning, paid homage to a gold image and a silver image of Lord Buddha discovered from the chamber of the Pagoda No 1515 near Myebontha Phayahla Pagoda in Bagan, NyaungU Township, Mandalay Division.

At the Nanmyo Guest House in Mandalay, Director-General U Nyunt Han of Archeology Department and Deputy Director-General U Aung Kyaing reported to Senior General Than Shwe and party on excavation of the gold and silver Buddha Images in the chamber of the Pagoda No 1515 on 23 November 2002 while the pagoda was under renovation.

Then, Senior General Than Shwe and entourage paid homage to the gold and silver Buddha Images and inspected thrones and ornamental backdrops of the images. While ground clearing works were made for renovating the Pagoda No 1515 near Myebontha Phayahla Pagoda in Bagan, the gold and silver Buddha Images dated back to 12th Century AD of Bagan Era were found along with thrones and ornamental backdrops in the pagoda chamber. Each of the two Buddha Images is 12 inches in height, 11 inches in length from one knee to another and 6.5 inches in length from one shoulder edge to another and 6.5 inches in breadth. The gold image including lacquer in it is 2 viss 2 ticals in weight. It is estimated that the image comprises about 60 ticals of pure gold. The silver image including lacquer in it is 2 viss 15 ticals in weight.

It is estimated that the image comprises about 70 ticals of pure silver. Each of the two thrones is 4.6 inches high, 10 inches long and 7 inches wide. Each of those decorative backdrops is 26 inches high.

Senior General Than Shwe inspects health care facilities in Mandalay
Need to open new hospitals which can provide full medical service like Yangon and Mandalay General Hospitals stressed

Yangon, 3 Dec - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, visited Mandalay Traditional Medicine University yesterday morning.

Senior General Than Shwe and party were welcomed there by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, heads of department under the Ministry of Health, and rectors of the universities and professors. First, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein explained measures taken by the Ministry of Health for raising health standard, prevention and treatment of diseases, giving educational talks on health and development of human resources in the health sector. And the minister dwelt on health care programmes being carried out in Mandalay Division and achievements, courses to be conducted at Mandalay Traditional Medicine University, treatments offered by Traditional Medicine Hospital and successful performance of operations for kidney transplant, open heart surgery and conjoined twins.

Next, Director-General of Traditional Medicine Department Dr Thein Swe reported on measures taken for the development of traditional medicine, treatments given at the traditional medicine hospital and medical centres, programmes for turning out well qualified traditional medicine practitioners and admissions of students. After hearing the reports, Senior General Than Shwe said that the Ministry of Health is responsible for the realization of one of the social objectives uplift of health, fitness of the entire nation. Traditional medicine practitioners turned out by the Traditional Medicine Universities must be highly-qualified and efficient enough to be relied on.

He also spoke of the need to prescribe modern syllabuses, to raise the qualifications of the teaching staff and to provide all the necessary teaching aids. He went on to say that we should not be complacent with traditional medicines which have been in used since the time of our ancestors but try to produce effective Myanmar medicines by using modern scientific methods.

The Senior General also advised that special attention must be given to medical research to develop new kinds of effective Myanmar traditional medicines and therapies. Steps should be taken to cure malaria, tuberculosis, hypertension, diabetes, diarrhea, and dysentery and other diseases with the use of traditional medicines. We should try to cure diseases which can't be cured with western medicines by using our traditional medicines. It is very important to establish Mandalay Traditional Medicine University in such a way that it can become a prestigious university.

Then, Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected the medicines produced by Traditional Medicine Factory (Mandalay). Afterwards, they proceeded to Mandalay General Hospital. Medical Superintendent Dr Win Shein, professors, physicians and specialists were on hand to welcome them. At the hospital, Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected the Cardio logical Department, X-ray Department and the installation of modern hospital equipments. The Senior General said that the State has laid down special four-year health plan and fulfilled the requirements. The staff of the MGH, on their part, are highly-qualified and efficient in their work. Therefore, they succeeded in operations for kidney transplant, open heart surgery and separating conjoined twins. It is also necessary to open new hospitals which can provide full medical service like Yangon and Mandalay General Hospitals and to upgrade district and township hospitals.

Senior General Than Shwe said human resource development is essential for the development of the State. The State cannot fully rely on those who are educated but unhealthy. Only those who are educated as well as healthy can take part in nation-building work. Therefore, the State has laid down special four-year plans for education and health sectors and are implementing them. And he urged all the health staff to treat the patients warmly and kindly and to take care of public health.

For the improvement of health care services, more and more doctors, nurses and paramedics are being turned out and necessary assistance is being provided for enabling doctors to become highly-qualified specialists and physicians. In line with the motto "From Quantity to Quality", doctors, on their part, are to strive hard for improving their efficiency. The State, on its part, will continue to provide necessary assistance and fulfil requirements constantly, he said.

Region

General Khin Nyunt addresses International Day of Disabled Persons

State providing various kinds of assistance including financial and technical assistance to training schools for disabled
Although disabled are mentally or physically handicapped, they still have ability if they do not lose potential

Yangon, 3 Dec - The International Day of Disabled Persons was observed at International Business Centre on Pyay Road here this morning, with an opening address by State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt.

First, General Khin Nyunt made an address. He said after the United Nations has designated December 3 as the International Day of Disabled Persons with the aim of uplifting the morale and dignity of the disabled in society, member nations of the UN have been observing the day yearly.

As the Union of Myanmar has the tradition of actively taking part in the activities of the UN, the day has been observed yearly without fail since 1994 with the aim of uplifting the morale and dignity of the disabled persons in Myanmar and making efforts for them to have equal opportunities with others. As a member nation of the UN, Myanmar has observed the day yearly with emphasis on successful implementation of the noble aim to promote the social, economic and cultural sectors of the disabled persons, he added. Massive regional programmes for education, health and social sectors in connection with the disabled persons in the world are being implemented under the leadership of the UN.

The ESCAP designated 1993-2002 as a decade for the disabled in Asia and the Pacific region and implemented the twelve future tasks on the disabled. The meeting to review country-wise measures undertaken for full ensuring participation and providing equal opportunity to people with disabilities in Asia and the Pacific region, was held in Japan in October 2002. The meeting laid down the seven future tasks on the disabled. At a time when the nations of the world are carrying out the tasks for the disabled with seriousness, the Union of Myanmar, a UN member as well as a country of Asia and the Pacific region, will actively implement the future tasks for the interest of the disabled in the coming decade.

He said Myanmar would make continued efforts for the improvement of the life of the disabled and participation in society in accord with the objective of the 2002 International Day of Disabled Persons - Independent Living and Sustainable Livelihood. The State Peace and Development Council is laying emphasis on making efforts to enable all the people to equally enjoy the fruits of national development while endeavoring for keeping abreast with the development of the nations of the world. The government is also systematically creating better education, health and social conditions to enable all citizens to enjoy social bliss in a peaceful, tranquil environment.

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement was separately formed and specific duty assigned to carry out the tasks for children, the aged and the disabled who need special care. In connection with the rehabilitation of the disabled, Myanmar is widely employing the two tactics centre-based and community-based systems. Treatment is being given to those who become disabled for various reasons. The government is socially rehabilitating them after receiving treatment. The government has opened the schools for the blind and deaf, training schools for adult disabled and youth disabled for visually handicapped, hearing impaired, physically handicapped and mentally retarded.

The computer course is conducted in those schools for them to keep in touch with international communities through Internet in accord with the motto- disabled but able. In the rehabilitation sector, not only the government but also NGOs are participating in the tasks to promote the qualities of the disabled by opening the schools for the blind and the deaf in the respective regions. The government, on its part, has been providing technological and financial assistance. The State is also providing various kinds of assistance including financial and technical assistance for the training schools for the disabled. According to their traditions and culture, Myanmar families live in unity and weal or woe. The aged and the disabled are always allowed to live together with their families at their native places.

Myanmar families never ignore the aged or the disabled, but also live together with them. Thus, Myanmars have been practicing the good tradition of the community based rehabilitation system. The State is carrying the rehabilitation task with greater acceleration. In addition the nation is actively taking part in the ASEAN and Asia and Pacific level sports and efficiency competitions, showing the ability of her disabled persons. Twenty Myanmars took part in the Eight East Asia and South Pacific Disabled Games, which was held in Pusan, the Republic of Korea, in October 2002, winning four gold, 13 silver and four bronze. Myanmar took the tenth place in the nation-wise medal chart.

As the activities hailing the International Day of the Disabled Persons, 21 age-wise competitions for seven major events have been held for the disabled persons, and 197 took part in the competitions. Prizes will be presented to the winners at the ceremony. Gifts will be also presented 12 disabled students who are outstanding in all-round fields and outstanding staff from the departments. Although they are mentally or physically handicapped, they still have the ability if they do not lose the potential. In other words, they are highly qualified in accord with the mottoes "We are disabled, but let's show our amazing qualifications" and "We are disabled but able".

In this regard, all the disabled are urged to accept the assistance provided to them by the State with honour, and to rehabilitate their lives while striving to double their qualifications, instead of feeling disenchanted. In addition, they should strive to serve their community in the respective sector. So also, the social organizations, the public and the departmental personnel are required to untidily strive under the leadership of the State for enabling the disabled to fully enjoy the human rights, to stand on their own feet, to strive to develop their lives and to integrate into the human society again and serve the interests of the community as a worthy human being. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged all the citizens to harmoniously strive for the disabled to lead an independent living and sustainable livelihood in accord with the moto of the 2002 International Day of the Disabled Persons, and to use their ability in earning their living.

General Khin Nyunt presented cash and certificates to General Secretary U Thein Lwin of Myanmar Christian Fellowship of the Blind which did utmost to promote the life of the blind, Sgt Kyaw Khine who won two golds and one bronze at the 8th Far-east and Pacific Games for the Disabled, Photographic Coach Daw Nyunt Nyunt Win of the Training School for the Disabled (Adult) of the Social Welfare Department who won three golds in the 10th Games for the Disabled held in Kuala Lumpur and First ASEAN Games for the Disabled and two silvers at the 8th Far-east and Pacific Games for the Disabled. Then, the first session of the ceremony came to a close.

In the second session of the ceremony, Minister SWRR Maj-Gen Sein Htwa presented prizes to outstanding disabled students Ma San San Htwe of Myimyindine School for the Blind, who is a first year student majoring in English at the University of Distance Education, Saw Thaung Kyi of Yangon (Khawechan) School for the Blind, who is a fourth year student majoring in Psychology, Ma Nan Bu of Myitkyina School for the Blind, Maung Nay Soe Lin of the Training School for the Disabled (Adult), who passed the Matriculation Exam with three distinctions at one stroke, Maung Nyan Lin of Meikhtiala School for the Blind, Maung Than Lin of PyinOoLwin School for the Blind, Maung Chit San Maung of Mary Chapmin School for the Deaf, Maung Kyaw Ko Htaik of Mandalay School for the Deaf, Sgt Myo Win of Pyinbongyi Defence Services Vocational School, Cpl Tun Tun Oo of Mongmaw Defence Services Vocational School, Maung Zaw Myo Naing of the Training School for the Disabled (Youth) and Maung Aung Kyaw Lwin of Pakokku School for the Blind. Afterwards, Deputy Minister for SWRR U Hlaing Win, Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population U Maung Aung, Vice Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Director Brig-Gen Aung Thein of the Resettlements Department of the Ministry of Defence, Resident Representative Mr J Bertrand Mendis of the UNICEF and wellwishers presented prizes to 66 winners who won prizes in 21 competitions held to hail the day.

Deputy Minister U Hlaing Win presented honorary prizes to Composer Hinthada Myint Ngwe and Vocalist Hlaing Shwezin Htut for the song honoring the day. Then, disabled children presented entertainment programmes. Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and wellwishers presented them gifts and the ceremony came to a close.

Secretary-1 inspects regional development works in Ayeyawady Division
State departments practising thrifty measures in all sectors to save funds in nation development drive
Correct leadership, effective cooperation needed in harmoniously and energetically serving public interests

Yangon, 3 Dec - State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt, left Yangon by Tatmadaw helicopter this morning and arrived at Kyaiklat of Ayeyawady Division at 9 am.

Next, General Khin Nyunt and party attended the ceremony to unveil the signboard bearing the educational goal "To build up a modern and developed nation through educational might" at the BEHS-1 in Kyaiklat. According to the agenda, the guests saluted the State Flag and students sang the National Anthem. Next, outstanding students of the school formally unveiled the stone inscription and signboard of the Myanmar educational goal. Then, the students sang the song "Myanma School". Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party viewed round the computer aided instruction room, computer application and e-mail, visual presenter, electronic media (video system), language lab and print media (reading corner). Then, the school head and teachers presented matters relating to the construction of new school building.

The Secretary-1 fulfilled requirements. The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to 50-bed hospital in Kyaiklat. General Khin Nyunt and party inspected patient wards, operation theatre and renovation works of the hospital and fulfilled requirements. At the hall of the hospital, medical superintendent Dr Nyunt Hlaing reported to him on provision of health care services to the public and renovation works of the hospital.

After hearing the report, National Health Committee Chairman State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt said that attention must be paid as regards the diseases which usually break out in the region. He observed that prevention is better than cure. Hence, health educative works must be done to the grass root level of villages, he stressed. As Ayeyawady Division is teeming with rivers and creeks, supply of clean and hygienic drinking water for rural people is important, he said.

As guided by Head of State Senior General Than Shwe who called for implementing the five rural development tasks, efforts are being made for supply of clean drinking water and provision of health care services to rural people, he said. During the colonial period, the rural people had to use water from rivers and creeks for domestic use. Improvement did not gain in the post-independence period either. Now, serious attention is being paid to promotion of the living standard of the rural people. Accordingly, priority is given to supply of potable water. Systematic plans must be made to ensure the existence of one drinking water pond at every village, he said. State / Divisional, district and township levels have to make co-ordinations in promoting the provisions of health care services for rural people. Co-ordinations and co operations must be made constantly by departments concerned and social organizations for reduction of infant mortality rate and maternal and child health care services.

Later Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt met with local authorities, departmental personnel, USDA members and members of social organizations of Kyaiklat and Pyapon districts at the Shwewa Latt Hall in Kyaiklat. Officials concerned reported him matters on the region, cultivation of monsoon paddy, targets for growing summer paddy, utilization of farm machinery and measures for boosting per acre-yield of crops, transportation, communication, health, education and five rural development tasks. Next, Managing Director of Myanma Posts and Communications U Maung Maung Tin reported measures for better communication of Kyaiklat. Director-general of Electric Power Department U Thein Tun reported on supply of electricity.

Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt fulfilled requirements. He said that he and party arrived there to fulfilled requirements for regional development and uplift of socio-economic lives of the regional people. The township level departmental officials are the most responsible ones to strive for development of the respective townships, he said. They are to make active and enthusiastic efforts in cooperation with departments concerned, social organizations and local populace for bringing about development. the proper administration and cooperation of those in charge of the townships play a vital role in ensuring successful implementation of the State's policies and projects, he said. The Government, on its part, is making all-out efforts for promoting the health, education and social conditions of the entire people. The departmental officials of respective regions are to organize the local people and provide proper leadership and administration. The State's aims and work programmes can swiftly be implemented successfully if the township-level officials make concerted efforts in providing proper administration and leadership as well as co-ordinations and co operations.

Thence, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party, together with Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo, went to Myaungmya. They were welcomed there on arrival by responsible personnel and officials concerned. The Secretary-1 and party went to Myaungmya BEHS-1 and inspected language lab, computer application and e-mail electronic media (video system), e-library and projected media rooms.

Then, Headmaster U Win Sein reported to the Secretary-1 on educational and managerial affairs of No 1 BEHS, Myaungmya Township, progress of students' educational ability. Chairman of the School Board of Trustees U Tin Hla reported on assistance rendered to the students. Then, the secretary-1 give necessary instructions.

The Secretary-1 and party went Myaungmya Peoples' hospital (100-bed) and inspected operation theatre and wards. The secretary-1 met with the medical superintendent, specialists and doctors. Head of Divisional Health Department Dr Than Aung and Medical Superintendent Dr Tun Myint reported on mattes on staff affairs, giving medical treatment and health care services in the region. The secretary-1 urged them to cooperate with the local authorities to attend to the needs for the health care services. Then, the Secretary-1 met with local authorities and departmental officials of Myaungmya District and townships, members of USDAs and social organizations at Naungyoe Hall in Myaungmya.

First, Chairman of Myaungmya District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Aye reported on cultivation of monsoon paddy and yield, cultivation of summer paddy, maize and oil crops, regional oil sufficiency, breeding and production of prawn and fish, salt production, implementation of rural education and health, communication and supply of electric power. Then, the Secretary-1 fulfilled the needs.

The Secretary-1 said he and his team arrived there to see to the regional development undertakings. Ayeyawady Division producing a large amount of rice, jute, beans and pulses and edible oil crops can assist much to food production and economic development. It is also producing rice, meat, fish and vegetables to Yangon. Myaungmya District is producing rice, jute, beans and pulses and edible oil crops. Ayeyawady Division including Myaungmya District is an important region providing food to the nation and helping develop the national economic growth. Local authorities are required to strive for realization of the programmes and the goals of the State. The State has laid down and implemented the 12 political, economic and social objectives to practically realize "Our Three Main National Causes".

The Sate has already built the central, state/division, district and township administrative machinery to implement the 12 objectives. Committees at different levels have been formed in health, education, social, agriculture and economic sectors with the participation of departmental officials and social organizations to support the administrative machinery. Officials at different levels are required to effectively and correctly run the administrative machinery and use the cooperation of the committees. Moreover they should carry out their task with a view to serving public interests and should work in harmony with the people. They will not achieve long-term development if they have only the administrative view, ignoring the needs of the people.

Thus, they are required to work with correct management and organization to build a nation in accord with the public desire and to serve the people's interests. The State is giving priority to development of the division. Intra-town roads and the highways reaching Yangon have been built in the division which had to rely on water transport in the past. Thirty-five bridges of over 180 feet in length have been built in the division. As many roads are under construction stage, more bridges are being built in the division. Pathein, Hinthada and Maubin development zones have been established in the division. The Sate has been using a large amount of money and human resources in implementing the regional development endeavors and improving the living standard of the people. The State departments are practicing the thrifty method in all sectors to save more cash for development undertakings. The people should understand the State's goodwill and deeds to serve their interests.

They are required to adhere to the laws and rules enacted by the State and to live in accord with the rules of the worthy citizens. They will have to strive to development their business including agriculture, livestock breeding and production enterprises. The local authorities will have to organize and lead the public to energetically take part in the national development drive. Thus, officials at different levels are required to tour down to the villages and listen to the voice of the people to fulfill their needs.

The Secretary-1 and party paid obeisance to Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Dhamma Piya and members of the Sangha of Zeyamaydani Sarthintaik in Myaungmya and presented offertories to them. The Secretary-1 and party paid obeisance to Buddha images in Shwe Bhudhaw Pagoda in Myaungmya and donated cash.

The Secretary-1 and party went to Wakema Bridge Construction Project site where they were welcomed by Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council, departmental personnel, members of USDA, social organizations and officials of special group-7 of the Public Works. Deputy Superintending Engineer U Khin Maung Se reported on the project, implementation of the project, progress of work, finishing touches, preparations for opening of the bridge and construction of 220-foot long Lanthamaing reinforced concrete bridge on the Wakema-Kyonmange Road. Chairman of Wakema Township Peace and Development Council U Tun Zaw reported on cultivation acreage, cultivation of monsoon paddy for 2002-2003 and yield, cultivation of summer paddy and cold season crops, implementation of five rural development tasks, power consumption in the township and communications.

The Secretary-1 said the State is providing assistance to all sectors including transport, farming, production, health, education and social sectors for further development of the division. The local authorities will have to organize the people to understand the State's goodwill and deeds. The endeavors of the State to serve the public interests will not produce good results if the leadership and management of the township level officials are incorrect. Thus, the township officials are required to combine the correct and effective management and collective leadership and collective responsibility to serve the people's interests. In serving the public interests, they will have to use the powerful and effective strength of the social organizations including Union Solidarity and Development Association, War Veterans Organization, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross Brigades and Auxiliary Fire Brigades. Correct leadership and effective cooperation is needed in harmoniously and energetically serving the public interests.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected the Wakema Bridge. The 3,020 feet long and 24 feet wide bridge linking Ywale Ward and Htawkanut Ward was built on Wakama River. It has four feet wide walkways on each side. The main bridge is 600 feet long and the approach bridge on the east of the river is 1,260 feet and the approach bridge on the west of the river 1,160 feet. The bridge withstands 36-ton of load. The Secretary-1 and party arrived back here in the evening.

Local authorities, people of Mongyun urged to always strive to prove that they are totally clear of narcotic drugs
Chairman of Shan State (East) Narcotic Drugs Elimination Work Committee meets local people

Yangon, 3 Dec - Chairman of Shan State (East) Narcotic Drugs Elimination Work Committee member of Central Committee for Drugs Abuse Control Minister for Labour U Tin Winn and party inspected building of a new town, land reclamation and two hydel power stations in Mongyun on 29 November.

They then attended the anti-drug mass meeting in the town. Minister U Tin Winn said the narcotic drugs is not a problem of a nation, but of the world itself, which requires global action to solve it. The State has designated the anti-narcotic drugs project as a national task in continuously implementing it. Co ordinations have been made with the leaders of the national race groups which have returned to the legal fold since 1989 to reduce poppy cultivation and opium production. Infrastructures, required in reducing opium production, in the transport, health, education, have been developed in the remote border areas.

The state formed the new ministry, the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, the Central Committee for Progress of Border Areas and National Races chaired by Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, and the Work Committee under the chairmanship of Secretary-1 of the State Peace and

Development Council General Khin Nyunt. Up to now, it has used about K 60,000 million to develop the border areas and national races. After building good foundations for development, the State declared to the world the launching of the 15-year narcotic elimination plan. Within the three-year period from 1999-2000 to 2001-2002, poppy cultivation and opium production have been reduced to a significant degree annually, which was acknowledged by the UN and the bodies from the United States.

The organizations have confirmed that Myanmar was able to reduce up to 60 per cent of poppy cultivation and opium production during the period from 1996 to 2002. Under the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe to end the narcotic drugs, the Secretary-1 and five ministers have taken the respective duties to realize the guidance in five regions. The New Destiny Project has been laid down and implemented for the success of the opium-substitute crop cultivation programme.

The work group with the participation of the Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, the Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation, the Deputy Minister for PBANRDA and the Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries has been formed. Greater success has been achieved in the drug eradication task as the four officials have been assigned the duty to meet with the poppy growers. Popper farmers are handing over the poppy seeds to authorities of their own volition. The seeds have been destroyed for six times in major towns including Kengtung. The people who are present at the meeting are former poppy growers from Khwemar, Lonhtan, Binhin and Hoson region in northern Shan State.

The houses of good quality in Mongyun are the proof that the live of the farmers now is much better than that of time they were growing poppy. Uprooting the practice of poppy cultivation alone will not eradicate the drugs. Authorities have seized the stimulant tablets often at the borders. Thailand accused Mongyun as the major stimulant pill including Yaba production areas under the UWSA. Thus, the diplomats and foreign journalists were conveyed to the town by helicopter to explain the true situation during the previous year. Thus, local authorities and the people of the town will have to always strive to prove that they are not involved with the drugs. Decisive action will be taken against the drug cases, and the drug addicts will be treated and rehabilitated. The State is going to render assistance to the drug eradication project. Teachers will have to educate and organize their pupils to know the danger of the drugs.

The regional in-charge and the people are required to prove that the accusations launched by the other nation are wrong and that only the SURA under the command of Ywet Sit is a true terrorist gang producing and trafficking in drugs. All will have to strive to end the practice of poppy cultivation, eradicate drug trafficking and root out drug addiction to declare their region a drug free zone. Deputy Minister for PBANRDA Brig-Gen Than Tun explained the experiences in implementing the New Destiny Project, the success achieved in launching the project in northern Shan State, distribution of opium-substitute crop seeds by Tatmadawmen to the villages and efforts being made to declare the region an opium free zone soonest. Police Brig-Gen Tin Win said 290 tons of poppy seeds have been entrusted to the state by the farmers.

If the seeds are cultivated, they can yield opium that can be refined into 55 tons of heroin valued at over two billion US dollars. From 1988 to this date there were 66,000 drug cases involving 89,113 culprits. Of the culprits, 42 faced death sentence, 48 live imprisonment and 12,256 over 10 years' imprisonment. The seized drugs were destroyed in Yangon for 16 times and 27 times in other places outside the capital. The Money Laundering Law was enacted on 17 June 2002. A total of 124 kinds of narcotic drugs, 113 kinds of psychotropic drugs and 25 kinds of chemicals were controlled by the State. He also explained the plan to develop Yaungkha village in Monghsat Township in cooperation with Thailand. National Race leader U Pau Yuyi requested the public to give information on the drug trafficking and to cooperate in arresting the culprits.

U Pau Yuyi and the local people unanimously made a pledge, saying that they want to free their region from the drugs. They also pledged to realize the guidance given by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe, and directives given by Vice-Chairman Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt to root out the drugs. Dr Ba Thaung went to the education training school established by local people near Mongyun-Wanpong road and gave lecture on danger of drugs and avoiding drugs. Altogether 78 teachers are teaching 1,600 national youths from Shan State (North) and (East) at the school. The students are learning Myanmar, English, science and computer course free of charge at the school. The minister and party visited the school and met the teachers and students.

The minister said education is important in building a modern nation. He expressed his pleasure for local national leaders' investment in education. He urged the teachers to hand down education as well as good morale to their pupils and to make efforts to be a tobacco and drug free school. The minister and party met service personnel, members of War Veterans Organization, Women's Affairs Work Committee and Maternal and Child Welfare Association.

The minister said narcotic drugs problem started in colonial period. After regaining independence, it was difficult to eliminate the drugs because insurgents involved in it. Beginning 1989, the government made peace with the armed groups and carried out the tasks on drugs elimination. During 1989-1999, the government created better transport, education, health and social conditions for development of border areas and national races. Starting from 1999-2000 the government laid down the 15 year Drugs Elimination Project. Poppy cultivation acreage decreased considerably in three years due to continuous efforts. The UN and the US government accepted the fall in poppy cultivation acreage.

Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt implemented the guidance given by Head of State Senior General Than Shwe. Beginning 8 April, five ministers were assigned duties to make field trips to five regions for eradication of narcotic drugs. The task force consisting of four deputy ministers was formed and The New Destiny Project was also laid down. Success has been achieved in poppy substitute crops and control of poppy seeds. However, seizure of stimulant tablets is still made. Monghsat and Mongtong were notorious for trafficking of narcotic drugs by the Nationalist Chinese. Poppy cultivation and smuggling of stimulant tablets are still in those regions.

The minister called for cooperation in the drugs elimination tasks. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun reported on functions of the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, opening of youth training school and domestic science training school, implementation of poppy substitute crops project in Mongpauk region in cooperation with UNDCP, cultivation of buckwheat in Kokang and Kaungkha regions with the assistance of the Japanese government and fall in poppy cultivation acreage. Police Brig-Gen Tin Win reported on fall in annual opium yield, handing over poppy seeds by poppy growers of their own volition, enacting the Money Laundering Law and conditions of human trafficking in border areas. Chairman of District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myo Nyunt reported on poppy cultivation in Monghsat District and money spent on drugs elimination in Shan State (East).

The minister and party inspected Loihsansontaung (Baintaung Coffee Farm) and met local people at Mongtwang Village. The minister said Mongtwang, Mongtong and Monghsat regions were notorious for narcotic drugs. In Loihsanson coffee is now grown. It is learnt that SURA Ywet Sit group still involves in drugs trafficking in the area. Local people are to make efforts for wiping out narcotic drugs and annihilating the insurgents.

Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun and Col San Pwint of the Ministry of Defence reported on elimination of drugs in Mongtwang. Lahu national U Pi Lon of Mongtwang hill village assured that he would not grow poppy at all. Police Brig-Gen Tin Win and Dr Ba Thaung distributed pamphlets on eradication of drugs, newspapers and journals and anti-human trafficking pamphlets to local people.

Measures for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport co-ordinated

Yangon, 3 Dec - A coordination meeting of Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport was held at the meeting hall of All Bus Lines Control Committee (Yangon) (Headquarters) on Laydauntkan Street in Tamway Township this evening, with an address by Yangon Division SCESST Chairman Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

First Chairman of the Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Myint Swe explained measures being taken for ensuring smooth and secure transport for public commuting in Yangon and those travelling to and from the divisions and states daily; keeping bus terminals, railway stations, jetties and airport clean and pleasant; running in time, road safety and observance of traffic rules.

Then, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe heard reports on arrangement being made for regular running of cars, trains, ships and aeroplanes, observance of traffic rules and keeping bus terminals, railways stations and jetties clean and pleasant presented by chairmen of the bus lines.

Next, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe fulfilled the requirements. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the Chairman.

Book Fair opens to mark Myanmar Sarsodaw Day Over K 600,000 worth of books sold on first day

Yangon, 3 Dec - Hailing the Myanmar Sarsodaw Day (1364 ME), the Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association opened today its book fair in the compound of Sarpay Beikman Press on Pyay Road here this morning.

Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, visited the book fair. MWJA Joint-Secretary U Myint Kywe (Maung Myint Kywe) acted as master of ceremonies and Managing Director of Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Myint Thein (Myint Thein Aung) explained the purpose of holding of the book fair. The minister and MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing formally opened the ceremony.

Next, the minister and officials viewed round the book shops. After the ceremony, cash donation ceremony was held at the main building. The donations included K 100,000 by Chief Editor of Myanma Gonye Magazine Lt-Col Ohn Maung (Retd) (Myinmu Maung Naing Moe); K 100,000 by U Ye Wai (Myanmarsar) and U Ye Win (Win Wai Naung), sons of Poet Butalin Chit Lay; and K 100,000 by U Mya Thein (Writer Moe Htet Myint-Myitwakunpaw). MWJA Chairman U Hla Maying accepted the donations.

At the book fair, 57 book shops are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm till 9 December.

Famous bookshops participate in Book Fair

Yangon, 3 Dec - The Book Fair to mark the (1364 ME) Sarsodaw Day will be kept open till 9 December from 9 am to 5 pm daily in the compound of Sarpay Beikman Printing House near Hanthawady roundabout on Pyay Road, Yangon.

The Book Fair is being participated by many famous bookshops such as Daing Khin Khin, Tawwin Myoma, Sindewa, Zaw, Sarpay Lawka, Maha Gandhayon, Innwa, Wah Moe Aung, Thalun, Aung Hsu Yu, Hein, U Pe Win, Mya Thida, Quality, Khayephu, Than Aye, Amay, Moe, U Yan Thein, Monyway, Tun, Pan Shwepyi, Tin Shwe, Yarpyae, Parami, NPE, Thitsa Mandaing, Mikhin Ayeyawady, Win, Thet San Yay, Myet Pwint, A-1, Myat Pan Yagon, Zawtika, Japangyi, Aung Chantha, Sarpay Beikman, MWJA, Ywet Nu Wai, Thiha Yadana, Myat Hsu, Thadingaung, Aye, Pho Thin Naing, Yan Aung, Win Nyinaung, Aung Pyi Sone, Ohn Saw, Seikku Cho Cho, Than Tun, Bagyi Aung, Yinma Hlaing, Nay Win, Heavy, Eya Nadi, Dawood, etc.

National Literary Awards to be presented at 8 am on 6 Dec

Yangon, 3 Dec - Prize-presentation ceremonies for National Literary Award for life, National Literary Award, Sarpay Beikman Manuscripts Award, the 13th National Motto Literary Award and Photo competition will be held at the National Theatre on Myomakyaung Street on 6 December at 8 am instead of 9 am, it is learnt.

International Relations

Secretary-1 of State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt receives LPDR Ambassador

Yangon, 3 Dec - On behalf of the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt received Ambassador of Lao People's Democratic Republic to the Union of Myanmar Mr Ly Bounkham, who had completed his tour of duty, at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 5.20 pm today.

Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt sees off military attaches and families

Yangon, 3 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Military Intelligence General Khin Nyunt, saw off foreign military attaches to Myanmar and their wives on the study tour of North East Command, at Yangon International Airport this morning.

Department Head of the Military Intelligence (Headquarters) of the Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Thein Swe and Dean of Military Attaches to Myanmar Malaysian Military Attaché Col Harun Bin Hitam led the excursion group.

India-Myanmar- Thailand Technical & Financial Task Forces on Transport Linkages meet

Yangon, 3 Dec - India - Myanmar - Thailand Technical and Financial Task Forces Meetings on Transport Linkages was held at the Sedona Hotel here this morning.

The task forces were established by the Ministerial Meeting on Transport Linkages between India, Myanmar and Thailand held in Yangon on 6-4-2002.

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win delivered an opening address. Delegation leaders of India and Thailand also made opening remarks. The meeting will I continue tomorrow.

Workshop on Extracurricular Education opens

Yangon, 3 Dec -The opening ceremony of the 2Oth Workshop on Asia/Pacific Extracurricular Education was held at the Summit Park View Hotel on Ahlon Road here at 9 am today.

Myanmar UNESCO National Commission Chairman Minister for Education U Than Aung attended it and delivered the opening address.

After the opening speech by Minister U Than Aung, Director of UNESCO Cultural Department of Asia and Pacific Region of Japan Mr Suzuki Yoshimori made a welcoming address and explained matters on the seminar. Next, Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Miyamoto Yuji delivered an address. Dr Khin Zaw explained matters on the seminar. Advisor and Coordinator of Bangkok-based Asia/Pacific Education for All Programme Mr A H A Hakeem explained matters on the seminar.

The work- shop is being attended by 41 technicians including 21 delegates from regional countries and 10 observers, and it will continue ti1112 December.

Appointment of Ambassador agreed on

Yangon, 4 Dec - The Government of the Union of Myanmar has agreed to the proposed appointment of Mr Mumin Alanat as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to the Union of Myanmar in succession to Mr Erdinc Ulumlu.

Mr Mumin Alanat was born on 29 May 1942. He graduated from Ankara University in 1966. He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey in 1967 and as served in various capacities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and at the Turkish Embassies in Brussels, Lagos, Moscow and Bonn. He served as the Turkish Ambassador to Moldova from 1955 to 1999. At present, he is serving as Director-General of the EU Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Turkey.

Mr Mumin Alanat will be concurrently accredited to Myanmar with residence in Bangkok. Mr Mumin Alanat is married and has two children.

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