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Headlines

• Secretary-1 attends destruction of seized narcotic drugs, precursor chemicals, poppy seeds in Namhsan

Region

• Secretary-1 inspects development tasks in Maukmai,  Panglong region in Loilem District
• Fourth ASEAN Directors-General of Statistical Offices Meeting opened
• Minister inspects Yangon circular railroad
• Minister inspects cooperative tasks in Myitkyina
• Preparations for AFA council meeting coordinated

International Relations

• F&R Minister receives guests
• Ministers, ambassadors, diplomats and journalists view drug elimination tasks and border are development projects
• LPDR health delegation arrives

Health

• HIV/AIDS Teachership course for housewives opened
• Commander administers OPV to children to hail National Immunisation Days

Sport

• C-in-C's trophy soccer tournament ends

SPOTLIGHT

• News
  

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Headlines

Secretary-1 attends destruction of seized narcotic drugs, precursor chemicals, poppy seeds in Namhsan
Remarkable success achieved in Shan State (South) thanks to active participation of eight peace groups

Yangon, 9 Dec - Chairman of Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, left Yangon by Tatmadaw aircraft on 8 December morning and arrived in Namhsan in Shan State.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Namhsan Sports Ground. The ceremony to destroy seized narcotic drugs and precursor chemicals seized in Shan State (South) and poppy seeds handed over by the local farmers was held at the sports grounds at 11 pm, attended by Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt.

Taunggyi USDA Executive Daw Khin Thanda Oo and Daw Sanda Aung acted as masters of ceremonies. On the occasion, Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint delivered an address. He said: Today's destruction ceremony is significant in Shan State. At the ceremony, seized narcotic drugs and precursors as well as poppy seeds presented by local poppy growers on their own accord, could be incinerated.

The present ceremony was second time for destruction of poppy seeds in Shan State (South). At the first time, seized 70 baskets of poppy seeds and 480 pyis of dried poppy bulb were destroyed on 2 June 2002. Similarly, 239 baskets, 8 pyis and two cans of poppy seeds were destroyed in the respective townships. Therefore, a total of 309 baskets, 8 pyis and two cans of poppy seeds and 480 pyis of dried poppy bulb have been destroyed in Shan State (South).

The narcotic drugs elimination tasks designated as the national duty are being carried out with momentum in Myanmar. The Government laid down the two strategies for narcotic drugs elimination in Myanmar,
- to designate narcotic drug eradication and prevention as a national responsibility and to carry out this responsibility with added momentum; and
- to gradually eliminate poppy cultivation by raising the standard of living of the national races in the border areas.

The three tactics namely Supply Elimination, Demand Elimination and Law Enforcement are being employed to implement the above strategies. There are eight peace groups in the area of Shan State (South). They have been cooperating with the Government in regional development tasks since 1989 after realizing genuine good will and correct attitude of the State. In the past, poppy plantations were secretly cultivated in these areas. Although the Government eradicated illegal poppy cultivation and trafficking as the national duty, progress has been made to some extant because of the armed insurgency in these region. At present, organizations of the special regions have returned to the legal fold and are cooperating with the Government in the development tasks.

So, remarkable successes have been achieved in fighting against poppy cultivation and illegal production and trafficking of narcotic drugs. The local national organizations are abiding by guidance and policy of the Government and they issued notifications to effectively combat the scourge of narcotic drugs in their respective regions. Shan State Nationalities People's Liberation Organization and Pa-O National Organization issued drug elimination orders on 20 April 2002 and 8 May 2002 respectively.

During the period of year 2001, 148 drug-related cases and 240 culprits including 100.1699 kilos of opium, 0.6708 kilos of heroin, 375.7664 kilos of stimulant tablets, 0.397 litre of opium oil, 1.3909 kilos of low-grade opium, 0.1277 kilos of opium oil solid, 2,245 kilos of chemical power, 13.88 kilos of marijuana, 15.825 litres of Phencodyl, 25 litres of phensedyl were seized in Shan State (South). In 2002, 108 drug-related cases and 154 culprits involving 198.0009 kilos of opium, 6.9248 kilos of heroin, 135,472 stimulant tablets, 0.0001 kilo of opium oil solid, 150 kilos of morphine, 0.01 kilo of amphetamine, 0.003 kilo of ephedrine, 0.9272 kilo of low-grade opium, 2.211 kilo of marijuana, 1.5 litres of opium oil, 98.5 litres of phencodyl and 504 litres of chemical liquid were seized. The Government is making arrangements on opium-substitute cultivation.

The educative tasks were held. And crops of seeds for opium-substitute cultivation such as paddy, maize, wheat, pigeon pea, niger, sunflower, Chinese pea, vegetables and others were distributed to local farmers. The CCDAC has spent K 5 million on opium-substitute cultivation tasks. The plan is laid down and being implemented to hand over and seize the poppy seeds in the villages with a view to ensuring elimination of poppy cultivation.

Local authorities and Drug Abuse Control Committees at different levels in Shan State, Tatmadawmen, MPF members, departmental personnel, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade members and local people participated in the elimination of opium cultivation. So, local farmers, on their own accord, handed over poppy seeds and dry poppy bulbs to the authorities.

At the destruction ceremony, 330 baskets and one pyi of poppy seeds, five pyis of dry poppy bulbs, 6.9248 kilos of heroin, 139.4584 kilos of opium, 135,472 stimulant tablets, 2.2038 kilos of marijuana and 98.5 litres of phencodyl will be destroyed. In conclusion, the commander invited those present to test the poppy seeds handed over by local opium growers in Shan State (South) on their own accord and seized narcotic drugs and paraphernalia before the destruction ceremony. Then, the Secretary-1 and party and the national race leaders tested poppy seeds and seized narcotic drugs to be incinerated at the sports grounds.

Next, the Secretary-1, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, the ministers and the national race leaders who returned to the legal fold took designated places and pressed the button to torch the poppy seeds, narcotic drugs and precursor chemicals. Similarly, members of USDA, social organizations and national races joyfully participated in the destruction of narcotic drugs and precursor chemicals. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party and the guests viewed the booths on narcotic drugs exhibited at the sports grounds.

On the occasion, 5,281 pyis of poppy seeds weighing 8,623.873 kilos, five pyis of dry poppy bulbs weighing 2.041 kilos, 6.9248 kilos of heroin, 139.4584 kilos of opium, 2.2038 kilos of marijuana, 135,472 stimulant tablets and 68.5 litres of Phencodyl were destroyed. A total of 5,281 pyis of poppy seeds weighing 8,623.873 kilos and five pyis of dry poppy bulb were destroyed at the destruction ceremony. In this way, such quantity of seeds that would be grown on 5,282.25 acres of land (2,137.7 hectares) with the estimated yield of 23,241.9 kilos (23.242 tons) of opium or 2.32 tons of heroin have been prevented. The ceremonies to destroy narcotic drugs and precursor chemicals seized from Shan State and Kayah State and poppy seeds were organized by CCDAC several times.

A total of 50,755 pyis of poppy seeds weighing 82,882.92 kilos and 46,681 pyis of dried poppy bulb weighing 19,057.52 kilos were destroyed at the destruction ceremony in Lashio, Shan State (North), on 7 June 2002; 8,064 pyis of poppy seeds weighing 13,168.51 kilos and 672 pyis of dried poppy bulb weighing 274.34 kilos in Laukkai on 8 June 2002; 2,712.5 pyis of poppy seeds weighing 4,429.51 kilos and 35,256 pyis of dried poppy bulb weighing 14,393.26 kilos in Lashio on 25 October 2002. Similarly, altogether 425.38 pyis of poppy seeds weighing 694.65 kilos and one pyi of dried poppy bulb weighing 0.41 kilo were destroyed at the destruction ceremony in Kengtung, Shan State (East), on 5 June.

Likewise, the similar ceremony was held in Pinlaung, Shan State (South), on 2 June. Altogether 4,952.25 pyis of poppy seeds weighing 8,087.02 kilos and 480 pyis of dried poppy bulb weighing 195.96 kilos were destroyed. On 3 June, 23.44 pyis of poppy seeds weighing 38.28 kilos were destroyed in Loikaw, Kayah State. A total of 87,705.07 pyis of poppy seeds weighing 143,222.38 kilos were destroyed in Lashio, Laukkai, Kengtung, Pinlaung and Loikaw.

Such quantity of seeds that would be grown on 87,705.07 acres of poppy cultivation (35,493.755 hectares) with the estimated yield of 385,902.308 kilos of opium (385.9 tons) or 38.59 tons of heroin have been prevented.

Region

Government giving constant attention to development of Loilem District
Secretary-1 inspects development tasks in Maukmai, Panglong region in Loilem District

Yangon, 9 Dec - Chairman of Work Committee for Progress of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony to destroy narcotic drugs, precursor chemicals and poppy seeds held at Namhsan in Shan State on 8 December morning.

The Secretary-1, accompanied by Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, left Namhsan by Tatmadaw helicopter and arrived in Maukmai, Loilem District, at noon.

First, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the site chosen for building a new school on 13.27 acres of land and heard reports on arrangements being made for construction of the new school building by Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint.

Then, the Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions to officials concerned on construction tasks to be carried out as fast as possible. Next, the Secretary-1 and party met with members of Township Peace and Development Council, departmental personnel, members of USDA and social organizations at the town hall of Maukmai Township and gave necessary instructions to them. First, the Secretary-1 and party heard report on location and area of the township, households and population, climate, cultivation and production of monsoon and summer paddy, pulses and beans and edible oil crops, local sufficiency of rice and edible oil, transportation and communications, tasks of education and health and production of gypsum by Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Maung Maung.

Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint gave a supplementary report. Then, the Secretary-1 attended to their needs and gave a speech. The Secretary-1 said that, together with the ministers, he toured the 11 townships in Loilem region last August to fulfill the requirements for improvement of the socio-economic life of local people and development of the entire Loilem District and that they had not visited Maukmai during their previous trip.

Most of the regions in Shan State, including Loilem Region, lagged behind in development and was not stable due to armed conflicts in the past, he said. It was only under the present government that national reconciliation was forged and the whole region became peaceful and stable. As a result, strenuous efforts could be made for speedy development of the region, he continued. Yet Loilem Region was still behind development, he said. Therefore, the government giving is constant attention to the development of Loilin District, he added.

At a time like this, when the government was giving emphasis to the development of the region, it is necessary for departmental heads in the region to give correct leadership and management. As Maukmai was a fertile region, the people should not be complacent with self-sufficiency in food but try to engage in agriculture on a commercial scale. The departmental heads should take initiatives and give encouragement for the development of manufacturing industries in the region and for improvement of the socio-economic life of the local people. The people, on their part, should make concerted efforts for the improvement of their own living standard. Maukmai Township was suitable for the cultivation of paddy and oil crops and therefore it was necessary to extend the cultivation of such crops as sunflower and niger.

Departmental heads, on their part, should organize and educate people to carry out agriculture on a commercial scale. The government is taking all the necessary measures in economic, education, health and social sectors and rendering assistance for the speedy development of 11 townships in Loilin District. With peace becoming more and more prevalent in border areas, the government succeeded in taking regional development measures systematically. At the same time, the national race leaders and local people made the most of the assistance provided by the government.

As a result, modern cities emerged in the border areas and living standard of the people also improved. Moreover, the government encouraged the cultivation of opium-substitute crops in the border areas through organizational and educational means and, owing to the enthusiastic cooperation of the local people, opium-substitute plantations and businesses were successful. Regarding the development of Shan State, the government was fulfilling the requirements for education, health, social and economic infrastructures with Taunggyi, Lashio and Kengtung as bases for development. Similarly, Loilin District was designated special development region and systematic measures for being taken for economic, education, health and social development.

Now, in Panglong region, Panglong University, Panglong Government Technological College and Panglong Government Computer College were to be opened soon. Moreover, the youths in 11 townships in Loilin District were now able to pursue higher education in their own region and steps were being taken for the emergence of highly-qualified human resources. Regarding basic education sector, basic education schools had been upgraded and local youths were being trained at special teacher ship courses to assign duties at those schools.

Now, there were 339 teachers who completed the courses. In health sector, Loilem District People's Hospital was upgraded to 200-bed special hospital and extension ward of the hospital is under construction. There are specialists and modern equipment at the Loilem District People's Hospital so health care service for the people in Loilem District can now be promoted. He said he explained about the government's emphasis on development of Loilem District with greater momentum. In the region there were racism and personal admiration. Because of this, armed insurgency occurred and there was no peace and the region lagged behind in development.

Armed insurgency and extremism brought about no interest for the Union as well as the respective township and districts and the people became innocent victims. The Secretary-1 called on departmental officials and local people to make efforts for regional development and promoting of social standard of the people at a time when peace and tranquility was restored in the region. The Secretary-1 and party then proceeded to the basic education high school of Maukmai, where he attended a ceremony to open the multimedia classrooms of the school on 8 December.

Present on the occasion were Shan State Peace and Development Council Chairman Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, local authorities, departmental officials, members of USDA, social organizations, wellwishers and others. Headmaster U Khun Sein Myint and Chairman of the school board of trustees U Than formally opened the multimedia classrooms. Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt opened the signboard of the multimedia classrooms. The Secretary-1 next inspected the computer skills room, the computer aided instruction room, the language lab, the audio visual room, the printed media, the arts room and the domestic room.

The Secretary-1 and party enjoyed the performance of students at Gitaratha Hall. The Secretary-1 met with members of the school board of trustees, parent-teacher association, the headmaster and teachers at the school hall. In his meeting with them, the Secretary-1 said the opening of multimedia classrooms in the basic education high school of Maukmai Township is the turning point in the education sector of the township. It is delightful to witness the cooperative efforts of local authorities, towns elders and the school board of trustees to be able to open such multimedia classrooms. By making effective use of these classrooms, intellectuals and intelligentsia who will be able to shape the regional development, will emerge from the school. Arrangements have been made to build a new two-storey school building.

Therefore, teachers, students, members of the school board of trustees and townselders are to make persistent efforts to produce that kind of outstanding youths. Later, the Secretary-1 presented a computer set and its accessories as well as teaching aids to Headmaster U Kun Sein Myint. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party together with the members of the school board of trustees, teachers and students posed for a group photo.

On arrival at Maukmai People's Hospital, the Secretary-1 inspected the patient wards, the operation theatre and the X-ray room and gave instructions on having a characteristics of the hospital as the plans are underway to upgrade the hospital from 16-bed one to 25-bed one. Then, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the gypsum sculpture work place where he viewed the carving of gypsum.

The Secretary-1 and party went to Loilin where local authorities were on hand to welcome them. They then inspected the development activities in Panglong region. At first, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the construction site of Panglong University in Loilin Township.

At the briefing hall, Minister for Education U Than Aung reported on the population of students accepted into the university, and matters related to the university; and General Manager of Eden Group Co Ltd U Wunna Khaing on the construction of the main building and classrooms of the university. After hearing the reports, the Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions and inspected the construction of four-storey main building, two-storey classroom and the computer training centre.

Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party inspected Panglong auto exchange and the microwave station. At the construction site of Government Computer College (Panglong), the Secretary-1 heard reports on scale model of the college and tasks being carried out for construction and gave necessary instructions. Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung and the principal Daw Yi Yi Pyone then reported on matters related to teaching programmes.

The Secretary-1 later inspected the progress of construction works after giving necessary instructions. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party went to 200-bed General Hospital of Loilin, where officials reported on the construction of the three-storey operation theatre and two-storey patient ward.

In the evening, the Secretary-1 and party visited Yadanarsi TatU Kyaung and paid homage to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Silananda and presented offertories to the Sayadaw. They arrived at the guest house in Loilin.

Fourth ASEAN Directors-General of Statistical Offices Meeting opened

Yangon, 9 Dec - A ceremony to open the Fourth ASEAN Directors-General of Statistical Offices Meeting, hosted by Myanmar, was held at the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road this morning, with an address by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha.

In his speech, Minister U Soe Tha said our country had practiced central planning for long till late 1988. Since then, we have been opening up the economy and practicing market-oriented measures to uplift the economy and improve the economic and social conditions of the people. Accordingly we have achieved high growth in GDP with an annual average growth rate of 7.5% during the first four-year plan from 1992 to 1995 and annual average of 8.5 % during the five-year plan from 1996 to 2000. In year 2001, the first year of current third five-year plan you could see a higher growth of 10.5 %. The continued growth is attributable to sustained efforts of the Government and active participation of the public in national development and increased mobilization of domestic resources.

In all our development endeavours and planning and economic management, we have to make the best use of statistics available from administrative records and statistical surveys. Needless to say, statistical system is an important element of a modern economy. It needs to generate quality data in a timely manner for planning and decision-making processes of the government and business. According to the Meeting agenda discussions will take place on a number of important statistical subjects, relating to increased set-up of ASEAN Statistics Database, hyperlink between the Websites of member countries and ASEAN Secretariat Web and compilation of statistical core indicators. Core indicators are intended to support the implementation of ASEAN initiatives relating to free trade area, investment area, one single tourist destination, rural development and poverty eradication, and other selected areas. Many indicators on GDP, monetary, fiscal and external sectors currently collected under ASEAN Surveillance Process will be used together.

ASEAN development indicators which is one of the UNSD initiative in responding to the World Summit and Millennium Development Goals is high on the agenda. Harmonization of ASEAN statistics and classification is also high on the agenda. Harmonization would contribute to generation of inter-region comparable data for ASEAN bodies' regional planning and policy-making. The government provides major resources to sustain the statistical system in the long run; however co-operation in capacity building by the member countries and by international agencies and donor community will certainly contribute to build up statistical capacity better and faster to address concerns at national, regional and global levels.

Back to back with ASEAN Director-General of Statistical Offices Meeting, we are hosting a workshop on Selected Good Practices in the Organization and Management of Statistical Systems, sponsored by the United Nations Statistics Division under the ASEAN Statistics Project. The workshop will discuss on the role of regional and local statistical offices, priority setting in work programs of national statistical offices, and planning processes, position of national statistical office in government structure and centralized and decentralized system in national statistics and response problems in household and business survey and role of analysis in improving statistical products and programs.

To conclude I would like to thank Director-Generals and senior officials from National Statistical Offices for your continued participation in the Meeting and ASEAN Secretariat for the full support and cooperation in convening the Meeting. I believe your two-day deliberations will produce tangible and concrete recommendations to further develop ASEAN statistics in support of ASEAN integration, and co-operation will grow further in the future not only among the member countries, but also with multilateral and international agencies. I wish all of you success in the Meeting and the Workshop an a pleasant and memorable stay in Yangon.

After the opening ceremony, Minister U Soe Tha and the delegates to the Meeting had a documentary photo taken.

Minister inspects Yangon circular railroad

Yangon, 9 Dec - Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, of Myanma Railways on 6 December morning inspected the stations along the Danyingon-Mingaladon-Yangon railway section and gave instructions to officials on keeping the stations clean and tidy, paving of gravel on the railway and replacing the sleepers with the new ones for the maintenance of the railroad.

The minister and party met with officers and engineers at Yangon Station and urged them to make efforts for the improvement of Yangon circular railway. The minister and party then inspected the railway from Yangon Station to Hlawga section and up to Phalon station along Yangon-Pyay railway section and gave necessary instructions to officials.

Minister inspects cooperative tasks in Myitkyina

Yangon, 9 Dec -Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, attended the cooperative meeting held at the Cooperative Department, Kachin State, on 6 December and made an address.

At the meeting, Vice-Chairman of the Central Cooperative Society U Ye Aung reported on tasks being carried out of CCS and Deputy Director of Kachin State Cooperative Department U Ye Myint reported on the condition of tasks of the cooperative departments and societies.

On 7 December, the minister inspected shops of Hsut-in-waing General Trading Cooperative Society Ltd and Sut-rin Farms and General Trading Cooperative Society and Malikyinkhaing Farms and General Trading Cooperative Society in Myitkyina.

Then, the minister went to Waingmaw Township and met with the staff of the cooperative syndicates gave instructions on cooperative works. The minister on 8 December together with Chairman of the Kachin Sta1e-Peace and Development Council Commander of Northem Command Brig- Gen Maung Maung Swe and Air Base Commander Brig-Gen Bo Kyi inspected the I electricity supply and rice mill using generator. They then ,gave oral polio vaccine to children at Defence Services Hospital (300-bed) there.

Later, the minister and party went to the Basic Weaving School of the Cottage Industries Department and Manaw Ayeya Weaving Cooperatives Society and inspected products and weaving.

Preparations for AFA council meeting coordinated

Yangon, 9 Dec - The coordination meeting to host the 76th council meeting of ASEAN Federation of Accounts (AFA) was held at the Auditor-General's Office here this morning. At the meeting, Auditor-General Brig-Gen Tin Aye explained facts about the holding of the meeting. Then, the Deputy Director-General of the Auditor-General's Office reported on arrangements to organize the work committees and work groups. Those present also took part in the discussion.

International Relations

F&R Minister receives guests

Yangon, 9 Dec -Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein received Executive Director of Centre for Financial Industry System (F1SC) Mr Yoshihisa Onishi and party and Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar Mr YujiMiyamoto at his office at 2 pm and 3 pm respectively.

Ministers, ambassadors, diplomats and journalists view drug elimination tasks and border area development projects

Yangon, 9 Dec - Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Chairman Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Vice-Chairmen Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt and Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and member of the CCDAC Minister for Labour U Tin Winn led the team comprising ambassadors of foreign embassies in Yangon, diplomats and journalists from home and abroad and toured Shan State (East) and Shan State (North-East) from 6 to 8 December to witness the drug elimination tasks and border area development projects being implemented by the State and the national race groups.

The team led by the CCDAC Chairman left Yangon on 6 December morning by Myanma Airways.

They arrived at Monghsat in Shan State (East) where they were welcomed by Brig-Gen Tun Tun of Monghsat Station and officials. Then, they proceeded to Mongyawng by Tatmadaw helicopter.

Wa National Race Leader U Ta Kaw reported to them on situation of the Mongyawng region, growing of opium-substitute crops, livestock breeding tasks and regional development tasks. In his report, he said tasks for eradication of poppy growing have been made for the region since 1997, and at present poppy is not grown there and attention can be paid to regional development tasks. Tasks for elimination of drug production and traffic in drugs of other groups have been made. Moreover, Panghsang Headquarters has issued decrees and directives that strictly forbid drugs production and trafficking. Capital sentences can be passed in drug cases.

But, Thai media accused them of being drug producers and carried one-sided deceptive writings to mislead the readers to take the hydel power stations, rice warehouses and bazaar for drug production factories. His group is not an opium-producing one, he asserted. The ministers also explained the background history of the region. The ministers said the region was not a peaceful one up to 1994 and it was a place where Kuomintang troops and various insurgent groups produced drugs. After the year 1996, regional development tasks could be carried out. With the assistance of the State, Wa national people have grown poppy-substitute crops and raised livestock. With regards the accusation on drugs production, drugs is produced not from plants but from chemicals. Myanmar is not a chemical producing country and chemicals are carried from the neighbouring ones. It is a piece of cake to make an accusation that stimulants can be produced everywhere.

What is important is to prevent it and to make resolution to eradicate it. It can be seen that farmers are poor and they are working for food, so the State has laid down and implemented the New Destiny Project. Ministers are assigned duties to supervise the respective region for the success of the project. This is the time for growing poppy and the ministers are conducting field supervisions and rendering assistance and decreased poppy production in coming January and February, which is poppy season, will prove the effectiveness of the tasks. The Ministry of PBANRDA has spent over 27,000 million kyats for the development of border areas.

The needs of food, clothing and shelter of the people in border areas is fulfilled and infrastructures such as roads, bridges, hospitals and schools have been built at the border areas, they elaborated. Then, the ministers and party viewed the 400 kilo-watt hydel power station, rice mill, rice warehouses and growing of annual, biennial and perennial crops and raised queries. In the afternoon, they left for Wanhon plantations by helicopters. Wa National Race Leader U Pauk Yu Yi and national people welcomed and explained them on growing of poppy-substitute crops and regional development tasks. In his report, U Pauk Yu Yi said poppy has not been grown in the region since 1998 and poppy-substitute crops growing and livestock breeding tasks are being implemented.

To extend the agriculture tasks, parts of 200 tractors are purchased from China and are installed on self-reliance. Tractors were distributed to the farmers on credit system with no interest for five years. At present, 240,000 lychee plants are grown on 6,000 acres of land, 350,000 orange plants on 750 acres, 110,000 coffee plants on 10,000 acres in Wanhon region and paddy is grown on 1,200 acres of land. Similarly, 25,000 lychee plants are grown on 650 acres of land and 750,000 teak plants and 2,050 acres of paddy have been grown in Mongyawng region. With the assistance of the State, a basic education high school, a hospital, a department store, a drinking water factory as well as the Wanhon-Tachilek road, the Wanhon-Monghsat road, 245 miles of Wanhon-Mongyawng earthen road and a bridge at the entrance of Monghsat have been successfully built.

He wished the international community to acknowledge the sincere endeavours, invited their coordination and assistance in possible ways. He requested them to help them in finding markets for the produce got from the poppy-substitute plantations and to purchase the produce. He also invited foreign investments for establishing small factories there. Then, queries of the ambassadors and journalists were replied. The ministers and party then proceeded to Mongla Special Region-4 by helicopter. They were welcomed there by national race leaders and people led by Special Region-4 Chairman U San Pay. At the briefing hall, Secretary U Min Ein reported them on the endeavours for Mongla region to be a drug free zone.

He said after arms had been exchanged for peace in 1989, the Special Region-4 under the leadership of U Sai Lin. has placed emphasis on regional development tasks and eradication of drugs. In the past, there were altogether 2,716 acres of poppy in 262 poppy growing villages and the region produced 980 kilo of opium and there were altogether 2,153 drugs users and drugs cases in the region. In 1991, a total of 23 acres of poppy was destroyed and opium refineries were searched and destroyed. The seized drugs worth US $ 150 were incarnated. In 1992, the five-year plans have been laid down and in 1997, poppy growing was totally wipe out in the region and it was declared a drug free zone to the world.

Poppy has not been grown ever since. Moreover, during a period of 11 years, 196 culprits in 133 drugs cases, and 203 drugs users in 146 cases were taken action. Altogether 13.6 kilos of opium, 61.857 kilos of heroin, 2,067,500 stimulant pills and 298 kilos of ephedrine power were seized. Action has been taken against all without discriminating of closeness. In addition, tasks for growing of poppy-substitute crops and raising of livestock are carried out. Although per capita ration was only about 100 kilos in 1992, it is 262 kilos in 2002.

As regards the development of the region, investment of the State and foreign countries is about 10,000 million kyats. As the standard of health, education, religion and economy of the region increased during the period of 11 years, Mongla which was a mere village in the past become a border town. The number of tourists from China is about 350,000 per annum and it contributes to the development of the region, he elaborated. Then, the queries of the diplomats and journalists were replied, and the ministers and party visited Chinese Immigration Station and Mongla Drugs Elimination Museum. The ministers and party left for Kengtung in the evening.

At Kengtung Hotel, Minister Col Tin Hlaing, Minister Col Thein Nyunt, Minister U Win Aung and Minister U Tin Winn separately met the ambassadors, diplomats and correspondents and explained the origin of drugs problems in Shan State (East) in the time of colonialists, its notoriety as the Golden Triangle after the intruding of Kuomintang, predomination of internal insurgents after the independence was regained, the hard negotiation to establish peace in the region with insurgent groups after 1989, endeavours for eradication of drugs, endeavours of the national people hand in hand with the State for the drug elimination tasks, and building of infrastructures for development of border areas, implementation of 15-year project for drug elimination, and implementation of the New Destiny Project this year.

Commander of Triangle Region Command Brig-Gen Khin Zaw hosted a dinner in honour of the ministers and party. During the dinner, national races cultural troupe presented entertainment. Then, the diplomats gave away flower baskets to members of the cultural troupe. The ministers and party spent the night at Kengtung. On 7 December morning, the ministers and diplomats viewed round Kengtung.

They then left for Mongpauk by helicopter. On arrival there, they were welcomed by the national races leaders and Project Manager of Wa Alternative Development Project of UNDCP Mr Xavier Bouan. Officials briefed the ministers and party on projects being implemented by UNDCP.

Next, the ministers and diplomats inspected the 25-bed hospital opened in 2002 with the aid of Japanese Government. Dr Sai Sam Tit reported on medical treatment for local drug addicts and replied to queries raised. The ministers and diplomats left Mongpauk for Pangsan by helicopter. On arrival, they were welcomed by U Pauk Laik Khan of Wa national races group and leaders. The national races leaders were introduced to the ministers and diplomats. Then, U Pauk Laik Khan reported to the ministers and party on regional development tasks, earning substitute-income with mining and the businesses being jointly invested with neighbouring Chinese with the assistance of the Government.

After inspecting the Pangsan, the ministers and party proceeded to Lonhtan Village, where they were welcomed by Wa national races leader U Pauk Yu Chan. Then, U Pauk Yu Chan reported on production of tin, running of tin refinery and sale of refined tin to the ministers and diplomats. The ministers and party inspected the functions of the tin refinery, where U Pauk Yu Khan said that the production of tin in Lonhtan region started in 1999. In the first year 500 tons of tin were produced, in 2000 700 tons and 2002 900 tons were produced. Raw materials were exported to China at the rate of Ywan 32,000 per ton or US$ 4,000 per ton and Refined tin at the rate of Ywan 48,000 per ton or US$ 6,000 per ton . The factory started running on 11 November 2002.

 There were four Chinese experts and about 100 local workers with the factory. The investment of the whole project was Ywan 900 million (over US$ 100 million) and 12 kinds of mineral has been seen in the region, he said. Afterwards, the ministers and party left Lonhtan for Mngmaw by helicopter. On arrival, they were welcomed by Wa national races leader and departmental officials. They inspected Mongmaw Tea Factory. At the briefing hall, Vice-Leader of Mongmaw region U Sai Paung reported on growing of poppy-substitute tea, extended cultivation of the tea, making the total acreage of tea to 395. The investment of the project was Ywan 18 million, which came from China. In addition, for substitute-income, production of marble slabs, running of match factory and purified drinking water factory were conducted.

Then, he answered to queries raised by the diplomats. The ministers and party left Mongmaw by helicopter and arrived in Lashio in the evening. In the evening, Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing hosted a dinner to the ministers and party at the command. At the dinner, CCDAC Vice-Chairman Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and CCDAC member Minister for Labour U Tin Winn made speeches. They said that Poppy cultivation and opium production were so notorious in the Shan State (East) in the past that the region was called "opium sea". All-round efforts were made to wipe out poppy cultivation and there was a significant decrease in poppy cultivation. In the Wa region today, rubber plants and highland cultivations took the places of poppy plantations of the past.

It was a sign of extinction of poppy cultivation. With environmental conservation, there were woods and forests in the region in the absence of slash-and-burn cultivation. It was attributed to the efforts of the North-East Command commander, the national races organizations and officials concerned. Ambassador of the People's Republic of China Mr Li Jinjun said it was obvious that there was no longer poppy cultivation in the region and Myanmar's efforts for elimination of poppy cultivation was to be proud of; that tasks for elimination of poppy cultivation and eradication of drugs production could not be carried out in a day and long-term plans were to be laid down and implemented; that it was a historical evil legacy and policies and strategies were to be laid down; that the Myanmar's 15 year project was a proper one and the PRC fully supported the Myanmar's endeavours.

He called on the international community to provide assistance for the project and there wouldn't emerge a good result when there was more pressure than necessary; that economic development played a key role in drug eradication and so long as the farmers were poor poppy cultivation would exist; that it was necessary to change the customs and conviction of the poppy farmers; that the roots of problems were have to be sought and assistance of international community were needed; that small industries needed to be established to earn substitute-income for long-term existence of local people; that destruction of poppy fields was easy but the existence of the poppy farmers needed to be taken into consideration; that one-sided thought should not be adopted and called on Myanmar to invite and show the international community the current situations; that there was already foundation for cooperation between Myanmar and the PRC as CCDAC Chairman Minister Col Tin Hlaing and Minister of Public Security of the PRC Mr Jai Chunwang had already been friendly and wished the CCDAC the successful implementation of the project.

Then, Italian Ambassador Dr Raffacle Miniero made a speech. He said that he has arrived in Myanmar only for four months and it was a great pleasure to witness the success of Myanmar on this trip; that there had been enormous results as Myanmar could make peace.

He went on to say that he would compile and send a constructive report regarding this trip to Italian Government. Afterwards, Japanese Ambassador Mr Yuji Miyamoto said that the trip was interesting; that both sides stood on mutual understanding without peace agreement on cease fire and the results would greatly effect on the daily life of the ordinary people, bring peace among the public; that thus, efforts for economic development and drug control could be carried out; that neighbouring countries needed to provide assistance and there were no doubt about Myanmar's endeavours with goodwill; that it was needed for the international community to know the endeavours and because the narcotic problem was not the concern of Myanmar only but the global concern; that the past experience aspired Myanmar to resolutely realize the role to which serious attention to be paid and he would provide necessary assistance when he arrived in Yangon.

Ambassador of the Russian Federation Mr Oleg V Kabanov said he felt that it is better to look once by oneself than to listen hundred times as a Russian say goes when he witnessed Myanmar's efforts for eradication of narcotic drugs. Narcotic drugs are great danger to youths and we are always worried about our children. It is necessary to provide assistance to Myanmar government's efforts.

He praised Myanmar government for making peace with armed groups and living with them peacefully. He wished continued success and he would inform his government for assistance. Chairman of CCDAC Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing and Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing thanked the ambassadors.

Minister Col Tin Hlaing and the ambassador presented flower baskets. On 8 December, the ministers and the diplomats went to Bonmon Plantation where they were welcomed by Deputy Commander of North East Command Brig-Gen Hla Myint. He explained that the experimental plantation was established for distribution of poppy substitute crops to farmers at reasonable price.

He spoke on beekeeping, cultivation of jute and cultivation of 300 acres of maize and distribution of quality strains for 22,000 acres of the New Destiny Project.

He also spoke on reclamation of highland project, successful cultivation of groundnut, niger and Thitseint (Belloric Myrobalan). Cultivation methods would be distributed to poppy growers. It is targeted to grow the crops on 500 acres of land. No crops were grown in cold season before.

Sample cultivation of cold season crops would also be undertaken in model plantation. The ministers and the diplomats visited breeding farm of North East Command. Pigs and fowls are bred. They were conducted round by Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing. Arrangements are being made for cultivation of Arabica coffee and opening of agriculture and livestock breeding training school. The diplomats led by Minister Col Tin Hlaing left Lashio for Laukkai in Kokang Special Region-1 on 8 December. They were welcomed by Kokang national leaders and officials of station. At the Laukkai Drug Museum, Kokang national leader U Phon Kyar Shin explained conditions of Kokang region and cultivation of poppy substitute crops.

He said peace was restored in the region after 1989. Kokang is a mountainous region and there is scarcity of water. Local people earn their living on poppy cultivation and most of them are poor. After making peace with the government, emphasis was placed on regional development with the assistance of the government. Arrangements for eradication of poppy cultivation and drugs trafficking were made on its own way. The three-year drug elimination project was laid down for total eradication of poppy cultivation in 2003.

Due to the efforts of local authorities and Kokang people, there are no poppy cultivation at all. It is a success of the people in the region as they promised the government. He assured that anyone can check the region any time. Narcotic Drugs are harmful not only to Kokang people but also to all mankind. He called for cooperation for the task. Over 589,000 plants of various kinds worth four million Yuan imported from China for cultivation of poppy substitute crops. It is a small amount for a big nation but it is a large amount of investment of us. He urged the government to fulfil their requirements and to provide necessary assistance for eradication of poppy cultivation.

Vice-Chairman of CCDAC Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung said that he praised U Phon Kyar Shin and local people for their efforts to eradicate poppy cultivation, cent per cent success and turning of Laukkai, only a small village, into a township. The government would provide assistance. The diplomats were invited to witness the efforts for eradication of narcotic drugs and the purpose of the tour is how to provide assistance to the task. The buckwheat project and road construction project were undertaken with the assistance of Japanese government.

He expressed his concern about recultivation of poppy because of difficulty in seeking markets. Small and medium enterprises are to be established. Quality crops are to be cultivated and market is to be sought. Unlike Mongla region, Laukkai is not a place of interest for tourists. Other ways and means to earn income for the local people are to be put into consideration by the CCDAC. International assistance especially from China is needed. Minister for Labour U Tin Winn said he witnessed the development in Kokang region during 14 years after making peace with the government. It is a mountainous region and there are few plains.

It is also hard to cultivate crops because of scarcity of water. In addition to poppy substitute crops, other enterprises and factories are to be established for their income. According to Kokang economic entrepreneurs based in Yangon and Mandalay, arrangements are being made for providing assistance to Kokang region.

Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt said the government built roads, bridges, schools and hospitals in Kokang region. Buckwheat is exported to Japan only. The price of buckwheat gradually fell from US $ 300 per ton in 1999 to 110 US dollars in 2001. Therefore it will difficult for farmers to continue to cultivate buckwheat. Japan provided two times through 2 KR Project which includes the supply of tractors, power tillers and fertilizers. The minister said that the Japanese government should consider to provide another 2KR project.

Ambassador of Japan Mr Yoji Miyamoto said Japan and China are interested in Kokang region. Japan wished to provide more assistance. The buckwheat initiative was undertaken with the assistance of Japan.

There were many difficulties. China replied that it would help willingly the project in order to save transport charges. He learnt the situation of the region, poppy substitute cultivation and regional development. He intended to hold talks with the ministers in Yangon. Ways and means are to be sought. It is impossible to rely on buckwheat only. He assured that Japan would provide help. Minister Col Tin Hlaing praised Kokang national leader U Phon Kyar Shin and Kokang people for their efforts to stop cultivation of poppy in the region beginning this year. The CCDAC would fulfil necessary requirements.

He expressed his pleasure for their interest and pledge of the ambassadors, especially Chinese ambassador and authorities of Yunnan Province. After the ministerial level meeting on cooperation among Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and China, Minister of Public Security Mr Jia Chunwang provide assistance with full interest. He replied queries raised by local and foreign journalists. The ministers and party left Laukkai by helicopter and viewed rubber and lychee plantations in Nantip special township in special region-2. They arrived at Lashio Airport where they were welcomed by Commander Myint Hlaing.

The ministers and the diplomats arrived back here in the evening on 8 December. The tour included Ambassador of China Mr Li Jinjun Ambassador of Italy Dr Raffaele Miniero, Ambassador of the Russian Federation Mr Oleg V Kabanov, attaches of Korea, Britain and Thailand and newsmen from Myanmar Times, NHK, Reuters and NTV news agencies.

LPDR health delegation arrives

Yangon, 9 Dec - To further strengthen the health care services between the Union of Myanmar and the Lao People's Democratic Republic, the Laotian health delegation led by Laotian Health Minister Dr Ponmek Dalaloy arrived here by air at 9 am today.

Deputy Minister Professor Dr Kyaw Myint hosted a lunch to the Laotian Health Minister Dr Ponmek Dalaloy and wife Mrs Bouakea Dalaloy and party at the Sofitel Plaza in the afternoon.

Then, the visiting Laotian Health Minister and party called on Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein at his office at 2 pm. Next, Maj-Gen Ket Sein and party and the delegation led by the visiting Laotian Health Minister cordially discussed matters relating to promotion of mutual health care services between the two countries.

Speaking on the occasion, Maj-Gen Ket Sein said our two nations have been cooperating as neighbouring countries as well as ASEAN member countries. It is needed to accelerate the health development activities for the peoples of the two countries. Under the national health policies and under the leadership of National Health Committee, Myanmar is providing health care services effectively down to rural areas.

Then, Director-General of Health Planning Department Dr Kyi Soe reported on tasks being implemented under the national health plans, Director-General of Health Department Dr Wan Maung on health activities of Myanmar, Director-General of Medical Science Department Professor Dr Maung Maung Wint on medical science on human resource development and the use of Telemedical Education System at the institutes of medicine. Director-General of Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar) Professor Dr Paing Soe on researches on outbreak of common diseases and cooperation with international communities, and Director-General of Indigenous Medicine Department Professor Dr Thein Swe on health care activities with traditional medicines.

Later, members of the visiting delegation raised questions and the Laotian Health Minister also spoke of matters related to mutual cooperation in health sector. Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting Lao PDR minister at Karaweik Palace.

Health

HIV/AIDS Teachership course for housewives opened

Yangon, 9 Dec -A ceremony to open the lesson for HIV/AIDS Teachership Course for housewives organized by Myanmar Matemal and Child Welfare Association and UNICEF was held at the building of association on , Thanthuma Road and at the corner of Parami Road in South Okkalapa Township this morning.

First, Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe made an opening speech Then, Dr Prikko Heinonen of UNICEF explained the purpose of opening the course and the ceremony came to a close. Altogether 44 trainees are attending the course which lasts from 9 to 13 December. The similar course will be opened for the housewives from Moemauk Township in Kachin State, Muse, Namhkan and Namhsan in Shan State (North) and Mongpyin in .Shan State (East) from 16 to.20 December at the same venue.

Commander administers OPV to children to hail National Immunisation Days

Yangon, 9 Dec - A ceremony to open the eighth National Immunisation Days was held at the Auditorium of the Medical Association in Pathein yesterday morning.

Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Htay Oo made a speech and Head of Division Health Department Dr Than Aung explained facts about the National Immunisation Days. Those present at the ceremony then gave oral polio vaccines to the children under 5. The commander went round and inspected giving OPV to the children under 5 in the villages of Pathein. In the whole Ayeyawady Division, 6,046 teams administered POV to 855,771 children under 5 at 10,719 places. The commander attended the ceremony to open the Taing Kyaw speed boat transport service of Shwe Ayeyar Donbyan Co.

Then, the commander and party inspected the express boat. Afterwards, the commander addressed the cash donations ceremony for the sinking of tube-wells in the region where there is shortage of water at Ayeyawady Division MCWA. At the ceremony, owner of the Taing Kyaw speed boat transport service donated K 100,000 for the division MCWA and K 50,000 for sinking tube-wells and Khain Shwe Zin Fisheries K 100,000 for the division MCWA and K 200,000 for sinking tube-wells.

Sport

C-in-C's trophy soccer tournament ends

Yangon, 9 Dec - The final soccer tournament of 41st Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air)'s Trophy was held at the Sports Ground of Youth Training Camp (Thuwunna) here and Yangon Command team beat Defence Services (Air) 3-1.

After the match, on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, Chairman of Defence Services Sports and Physical Education Committee Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein presented the trophy to Yangon Command.

Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Mingaladon Air Force Base Commander Brig-Gen Thein Myint and of Ayeyawady Naval Regional Command Headquarters Brig-Gen Maw Thein also presented prizes individually.

Among the spectators were members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint and Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Brig-Gen Myat Hein, senior military officers and invited guests and enthusiasts.

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