Myanmar News : The New Light of Myanmar

Yearly News Archive:   By Year 2005 YEAR 2004 YEAR 2003 YEAR 2002 YEAR 2001 YEAR 2000 YEAR 1999 YEAR 1998 YEAR

Headlines

• State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends  felicitations to Kenya
• Secretary-1 meets local authorities, officials, members of USDA, social organizations in Taunggyi

International Relations

• Secretary-1 receives Korean Health Minister
• Secretary-1 receives Laotian Health Minister
• Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung  sends felicitations to Kenya
• SWRR Minister receives Japanese guests
• Fourth Special Working Group Meeting on Singapore-Kunming Rail Link begins
• Fourth Special Working Group Meeting on Singapore-Kunming Rail Link opens
• UNSD Workshop on statistics begins
• Korean delegation visits Shwedagon Pagoda
• Myanmar-French joint field research on primate launched in Pondaung region

Region

• Leading Committee for Observance of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day meets
• Museums and stone inscriptions inspected in Rakhine State
• Commander inspects tax-free markets
• Participants of Women's Day celebrations honoured
• USDA CEC member U Aung Phone tours Ayeyawady Division, Kachin State, Bago Division (West)
• Book Fair concludes, About K15m worth of books sold
• Cash and kind presented to doyen literati
• CEC member meets USDA executives in Kayah State

Health

• Talks on World AIDS Day held Sport
• Myanmar amateur golf team leaves for Hong Kong
• MGF President' s Cup golf tournament  for 2003 to be postponed

• News
  

---

Headlines

State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Kenya

Yangon, 12 Dec - On the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Kenya, which falls on 12 December 2002, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Daniel Arap Moi, President of the Republic of Kenya.

State developing border areas, consolidating national unity with own financial power, while taking thrifty measures to save more capital for the project
Secretary-1 meets local authorities, officials, members of USDA, social organizations in Taunggyi

Yangon, 11 Dec - Chairman of the Working Committee for Progress of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt met with Shan State, district and township authorities, division, district and township level departmental officials and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations at the town hall in Taunggyi yesterday morning.

First, Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint briefed the Secretary-1 on the climate and narcotic drug eradication task of southern Shan State, provision of opium-substitute crop seeds, land use, cultivable land, virgin and fallow land, agricultural enterprises of the peace groups and private companies, monsoon paddy cultivation and production, sown acreage and production of beans and pulses and edible oil crops, cultivation and production of industrial crops and kitchen crops, building of irrigation facilities, rice sufficiency, livestock breeding, transport, health, education, implementing of the economic plan up to the end of October 2002 and progress of work.

Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt said he and his party attended the cornerstone laying and enshrinement ceremony to build a pagoda in Panglong, southern Shan State, on 8 December. They looked into the requirements in developing Loilem District, Pa-O region and Shan region in southern Shan State. About two months ago, he led a team, touring the townships in Loilem District, and attending to the needs in carrying out the regional development undertakings and the task to improve the living standard of the local people.

The State has laid down the national policy - non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of the national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty, and to realize the policy through correct means, it has also laid down and has been implementing the 12 national objectives. Moreover, the administrative machinery has been formed in the central led by the government, the state/division, the district and the township levels to implement the national objectives. The committees have been formed at different levels with the participation of departmental officials and representatives of the social organizations to reinforce the administrative machinery.

The departmental officials are required to understand the strength of the committees formed to ensure speed and effectiveness in running the machinery, and they will have to conduct the management task in a correct and energetic way. Success achieved in carrying out the tasks under the present government is the result of the collective leadership of the committees, in which cooperative efforts of the departments and social organizations play a key role. The government after studying and assessing the administrative systems and implementation methods of the past successive governments has laid down the national policy and objectives, that can best serve the national interest. It is exercising a system of cooperation and coordination between the bodies running the administrative machinery and the committees at different levels.

At present, the Head of State himself and the dignitaries of the State are touring down to the villages, fulfilling the requirements in implementing regional development undertakings and plans covering the regional economy, health, education and social development endeavours. Only if the tours can be conducted down to the villages to visit the grassroots, the genuine desire of the people and their objective conditions and requirements can be understood, and the undertakings meant for social development of the people can be undertaken with the sense of oneness with the people. The bodies at higher levels will be able to make correct assessment and decisions, only if the district and township level officials make field tours down to the grassroots, and collect actual data and present them to their superiors. Thus, the state/division, district and township officials are urged to visit the grassroots, collect actual data and constantly make efforts for regional progress with innovative mind and correct leadership.

The people on their part are also required to understand the State's goodwill in serving their interest and live with the sense of oneness with the State. If the people are misled by the criticism and the divisive attempts launched with negative views, and with the intention of breaking up the unity between the State and the people, the country will never achieve progress. The Union will develop and perpetuate only if the spirit of national solidarity and Union Spirit based on unity can be vitalized. Myanmar lagged behind progress due to the lack of peace and stability lasting over 50 years after the nation regained independence. National development is starting to gain momentum, as energetic efforts can be made for the cause only at present.

Because of the weakness in the national solidarity, development drive was hampered during the period of about four decades. Occurrence of the extreme ideological, sectarian, racial and personal attachments soon after the regaining of independence had weakened the national unity. Myanmar lagged behind in progress when compared with her neighboring countries because of the past government's failures to root out the extremism. The Tatmadaw government since its assumption of the State duties has given the first priority to ending the extremism, accepting restoration of the national unity as the key to national development. Peace and stability began to prevail in the border areas together with the initiation of the development drive as the national race groups understanding the State's endeavours and attitude have returned to the legal fold.

Once peace and stability was restored in the nation, implementation of border areas and national races development project began in Shan State. The State is developing the border areas and consolidating the national unity with its own financial power, while taking thrifty measures to save more capital for the project. Even so, some foreign countries and some elements opposing the nation are trying to mislead the people, applying pressure and laying obstacles with the intention of breaking up the national solidarity and causing delay to the national development drive. In reality, the instigations are the acts of foreign agents and destructive elements betraying the country in accord with the wish of some western countries. Slanderous accusations against the nation concerning democracy, human rights, forced labour and narcotic drugs are being launched one after another, with attempts to break up national unity as the latest fabrication.

The government has consolidated national unity and is making efforts on self-reliance basis for development of the nation and its people with the strength of national forces after taking lessons of history. There will be no reason to occur disunity if the people think about the straightforward objective, genuine goodwill and correct endeavours of the State. The government has carried out the tasks with the intention of equal development in the country after laying emphasis on development of far-flung areas that lagged behind in development. Border areas have rapidly developed due to the government's assistance and efforts of national race leaders and local people.

Under the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, 24 special development regions were designated in states and divisions for progress of the regions that lagged behind in development and Loilem District in southern Shan State was one of them. There are three special development regions Taunggyi in southern Shan State, Lashio in northern Shan State and Kengtung in eastern Shan State. Loilem District has been designated as the fourth special development region in honour of Panglong where the Union was conceived. Now arrangements are under way for development of the region and economic and social sectors, human resources, propagation of science and technology and better transport based on four special development regions in Shan State. A special project is being implemented for improvement of major roads in northern, southern and eastern Shan State and better transport among major cities.

A hydel power project is being undertaken for supply of power in Loilem District and contiguous areas in northern Shan State. Moreover, university, degree college and colleges, government technological college and government computer college are being built. Tasks for promotion of health care services for the people are being carried out and the 25-bed hospital has been upgraded to 200-bed special hospital.

The Secretary-1 spoke of the need for departmental officials to organize and lead the people to realize the government's continuous fulfillment of their needs with goodwill. Officials are to organize the people with correct leadership to make them realize the tricks and instigations of unscrupulous elements and their attempts to undermine stability and tranquillity of the State. In conclusion, he called on departmental officials to make concerted efforts for achieving progress in discharging their respective duties, realization of national objectives, serving the interest of the people in collaboration with the existing administrative machinery and committees at different levels through proper management.

People on their part are to cooperate with the government for non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty after realizing the latter's systematic arrangements for regional development and improvement of their socio-economic life with goodwill.

The Secretary-1 and party went to Konlon Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Pindaya Township where they were welcomed by members of Township Peace and Development Council, departmental officials and members of Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations. The Secretary-1 and party paid obeisance to Presiding Nayaka of Konlon Pariyatti Sarthintaik State Ovadacariya Sayadaw Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammjotika Bhaddanta Tejaniya and presented offertories to the Sayadaw.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected construction of Pyidaw Nyeinchan Aye Pagoda in the compound of Konlon Kyaungtaik. On arrival at Shwepyiaye Youth Rehabilitation Centre in Phekhon Township, the Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by Chairman of Kayah State Peace and Development Council Col Thein Swe, members of Township Peace and Development Council, departmental officials and service personnel, members of USDA and social organizations and local people. Kayah State Police Commander Police Col Thura Tin Hla reported on treatment of drug addicts and rehabilitation tasks, settlement of national people, development tasks, departments and their functions, youth rehabilitation, opening of hospitals and dispensaries, teaching of vocational education, lecture on literature and knowledge, agriculture and livestock breeding, conducting computer course, cultivation of perennial and annual crops, measures undertaken for Shwepyiaye Village.

Shwepyiaye Youth Rehabilitation Centre in-charge Police Major Soe Myint reported on implementation of instructions given by the Secretary-1 during his inspection tour on 29 December 2000. Departmental officials reported on conducting agricultural course, opening of youth training schools for spiritual and physical development, teaching of vocational education and health care. National race leader U Khun Mein reported on success of agriculture and livestock breeding, regional development and requirements. Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint gave a supplementary report. The Secretary-1 gave instructions on extended cultivation of maize and pepper and distribution of seeds and techniques by Myanmar Agriculture Service. The Secretary-1 and national race leader U Khun Mein exchanged souvenirs. The national race leader presented local crops to the Secretary-1 in accord with the Buddhist customs.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected lecture hall of Social Welfare Department, computer rooms, vocational education, works on blacksmith, tin and brick. The Secretary-1 and party arrived at Seikkhaung plantation of Ruby Dragon Co in Hsiseng Township. They were welcomed by members of Township Peace and Development Council, service personnel, national race leader U Aung Kham Hti of special region-6 in Shan State (South), and local people. Economic in-charge of special region-6 U Nay Win Tun reported on reclamation of 2,900 acres of land under the project in Hsiseng and Nyaungshwe Townships and cultivation of industrial and seasonal crops. The Secretary-1 then gave instructions.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected success of perennial and seasonal crops plantations. Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected samples of maize, potato, sunflower, sugarcane and water melon and orange, Thitseint, lychee and mango saplings of the plantation. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the coal-burning power station project (Tikyit) in Pinlaung Township. At the briefing hall there, Deputy Minister for Electric Power U Myo Myint reported to the Secretary-1 on facts about the project, arrangements made to generate 120 megawatts of electricity as the first phase, raw material supply and water supply for the power station.

Deputy Chief Engineer U Htay Myint of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise also reported on ground plan of the power station, machinery to be installed there, arrangements for power supply, and Production Manager Mr Xu Yunpeng of China National Heavy Machinery Corporation on area of the Tikyit Coal Mine and arrangements for production of coal, methods to transport coal to the station and arrangement to dispatch machinery to the station. After attending to the needs, the Secretary-1 presented a fruit basket to Production Manager Mr Xu Yunpeng.

A mine that will produce 20 tons of coal has already found in Tikyit region, Pinlaung Township. As the quality of coal is good, arrangements are being made to build a power station which will generate 120 megawatts of electricity with the use of two 60 megawatt generators as the first phase. Arrangements are being made to install another 60 megawatt generator there as the second phase. The Secretary-1 and party then left for Heho Airport and arrived back here in the afternoon.

Secretary-General U Than Aung of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and members of secretariat U Thaung, Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and CEC members Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, who accompanied the Secretary-1, meet USDA secretaries and executives, ward organization and members of Loilem District and Township USDAs at the hall of Loilem District USDA office on 8 December night. Secretaries of Loilem District and Township USDAs reported on organizing tasks and social welfare activities of the USDA.

Then, Secretary-General U Than Aung made a speech. He said Panglong University, Panglong Computer College and Panglong Technical College will be opened soon in the township and USDA members can pursue higher education. Moreover, road transportation will also improve and the socio-economy will also improve in the region. He urged the USDA members to take part in the undertakings with might and main. In-charge of the region CEC member Brig-Gen Pyi Sone called for active implementation of organizing tasks and regional development tasks.

 Secretary-General U Than Aung, the members of Secretariat, the CEC members met USDA secretaries and executives, ward organizers and members of state/district/township USDAs at the hall of Shan State USDA office in Taunggyi on 9 December night. Secretaries of state/district USDAs reported on organizing tasks and social welfare activities of the association. Secretary-General U Than Aung urged USDA members to actively take part in organizing tasks and social welfare activities of the association. On 9 December, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan met state/district/township level departmental officials of the ministry at the hall of Taunggyi District Information and Public Relations Department and gave necessary instructions. Similarly, Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo visited Sao San Tun Hospital in Taunggyi.

After inspecting wards and operation theatre there, he gave instructions to the responsible officials. He also visited Women and Children Hospital and inspected wards.

International Relations

Secretary-1 receives Korean Health Minister

Yangon, 11 Dec - Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt received visiting Health Minister Mr Kim Sung-Ho and party of the Republic of Korea at the hall of Zeya Thiri Beikman on Konmyittha here at 4 pm today.

Secretary-1 receives Laotian Health Minister

Yangon, 11 Dec - Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt received visiting Health Minister Dr Ponemek Dalaloy and party of the Lao People's Democratic Republic at the hall of Zeyar Thiri Beikman on Konmyittha here at 8.30 am today.

Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung sends felicitations to Kenya

Yangon, 12 Dec - On the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Kenya, which falls on 12 December 2002, U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to Hon Maj (RTD) Marsden Madoka, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Kenya.

  SWRR Minister receives Japanese guests

Yangon, 11 Dec - Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlements Maj-Gen Sein Htwa received members of War Veteran Organization of Japan Mr Tasuku Lida and Mr Takesaburo Mashino, who donated fire engines to the Fire Services Department, at the Maykhala Hall of the Ministry in Mayangon Township here this moming.

Fourth Special Working Group Meeting on Singapore-Kunming Rail Link begins

Yangon, 11 Dec - The Fourth Special Working Group Meeting on Singapore-Kunming Rail Link opened at the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here this morning.

On behalf of Chairman of Special Working Group on Singapore-Kunming Rail Link (2002) Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, Deputy Minister Thura U Thaung Lwin presided over the meeting and made a speech. Next, the official of the ASEAN Secretariat explained matters related to agreement reached at the eighth ASEAN Summit and the fourth ASEAN-Mekong Basin Development Cooperation Ministerial Level Meeting regarding the SKRL project, and resolutions of future programs. The representatives explained salient points on arrangements carried out by their countries, and means and ways to get technical assistance and funding support in implementing the SKRL project.

Then, the delegate of the ESCAP explained measures to be taken for consideration in carrying out the project. Then the first day session ended. In the evening, Minister U Pan Aung hosted a dinner to the ambassadors of countries concerned in Yangon, representatives of the meeting, and officials of the ASEAN Secretariat, ESCAP and KL Consult at the Sedona Hotel.

Fourth Special Working Group Meeting on Singapore-Kunming Rail Link opens

Yangon, 11 Dec - The Fourth Special Working Group Meeting on Singapore-Kunming Rail Link opened at the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here this morning with an address by Chairman of the Special Working Group on SKRL project (2002) Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung.

In his address to the opening of the meeting U Pan Aung said: "'During the 3rd SKRL meeting held at Yangon in Myanmar on 14 and 15 May 2002, I had expressed my request to all the delegates to undertake the implementation of SKRL especially the Poipet-Sisophon 48 km missing link, as well as the restoration of330 km existing line between Sisophon and Phnom Penh.

During the 3rd SKRL meeting, all the delegates agreed to give priority to the immediate implementation of the 48 km Poipet- Sisophon missing section, with possible technical as sistance from ADB and from ASEAN countries, such as Malaysla. They also agreed to mobilize technical assistance grants and or funding support from ASEAN dialogue partners such as China, Japan, Korea, etc: and from ADB and other international aid agencies and to explore viable project financing arrangements from established railway operating organizations/companies. So once again, may I thank all the delegates participated in the 3rd SKRL meeting for their great effort in achieving the fruitful out come.

The Fourth Meeting of the Steering Committee for the ASEAN Mekong Basin Development Cooperation held on 12 and 13 June 2002 in Phnom Penh and that of Ministerial level meeting held on 9 and 10 August 2002 in Siem Reap, Cambodia had endorsed that the highest priority be accorded to the 48 km Poipet- Sisophon rail section, and to provide multimodal transport opportunities and linkages between the existing Sjngapore-Kuala Lumpur-Bangkok railway network to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. The meetings also considered to get technical assistance and funding support from ASEAN dialogue partners such as China, the Republic of Korea and Japan and the international and regional organizations. So I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to the respective excellencies for their clear endorsement.

During the recent 8th ASEAN Summit which was held in Phnom Penh on 4-6, November 2002, Malaysia had offered Cambodia rail track materials to help build the missing link in the Singapore- Kunming Rail Link. China also confirmed to co finance towards the completion of SKRL project.

On behalf of the delegates; may I extend our thanks 10 Malaysia and China for their kind-hearted and farsighted support to the SKRL project.

I am confident that all the .foundation have been laid and first step is going to be taken by connecting Bangkok and Phnom Penh. At the same time, necessary studies and implementation are required for the Test of the missing links and spur lines. I am also confident that our vision is now coming into reality that we can all be proud ,of.

In conclusion, I hope the Fourth Special Working Group Meeting on Singapore-Kunming Rail Link will consider the progress made so far and will discuss the steps needed to practically implement the project. I wish all the distinguished delegates will have very pleasant stay in Myanmar and the meeting will achieve a fruitful and positive result.

After the opening of the meeting, the ministers, deputy ministers, ambassadors, diplomats and representatives and the officials of the ASEAN Secretariat and ESCAP posed for a documentary photo.

Korean delegation visits Shwedagon Pagoda

Yangon, 11 Dec - Korean health delegation headed by Korean Health Minister Mr Kim Sung-Ho arriving here to promote health care services between the two countries visited Shwedagon Pagoda this morning.

They offered flowers and incense to the Buddha images in Kathapha prayer Hall and signed in the visitors' book and donated cash for the renovation of the pagoda.

The minister and party also visited Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar). In the evening, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein hosted a dinner in honour of the delegation at the Traders Hotel.

Myanmar-French joint field research on primate launched in Pondaung region

Yangon, 11 Dec - Prof Dr Jean Jacques Jaeger of the Universite de Montpellier II of France, led the paleontologist group comprising Dr Stephane Ducrocq, Dr Bernard Marandat, Dr Jean Sudre, Dr Laurent Marivaux and Dr Yaowalak Chaimanee and arrived in Yangon on 29 October.

The paleontologist team from France together with Myanmar paleontologists from the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education set out a mission to explore fossil remains of primates and research works at the vicinity of Bahin Village in Myaing Township in Magway Division, Mokaung Village in Pale Township and Male Village and Chaungtha Village in Kanbalu Township, Sagaing Division, from 29 October to 28 November.

Myanmar and French paleontologists have cooperatively launched altogether six field studies in Pondaung region since 1998 and due to these field researches, fossils of the oldest primates, Bahinia primate, were discovered in Myanmar and success has been achieved in research works. This year, during the field research, left lower jaw with molar 1 and 2 of Myanmar Pithicus primate was discovered near Paukkhaung Kyit Chaung No 3 (estimated map-G 486426) on 3 November, left lower jaw with molar 1 and 2 of Pondaungia primate near Paukkhaung Kyit Chaung No 1 (estimated map- J 915435) handed over by U Shwe of Htanaungon Village on 6 November.

A left ankle of Anthropoid primate and a front tooth of primate, which is supposed to be a mammal, were found at Hsonta Kyit Chaung (estimated map- J 832649) near Mokaung Village in Pale Township on 18 November. The combined group also founded jaw, molars and teeth of ancient rhino, pig, mountain goat and tapir, pieces of bone and parts of skull of mammals and carnivorus, bone fossils, upper jaw and pieces of fossils of ancient animal which is of the same species of rat, squirrels and rabbit. The Myanmar-French paleontologist group cleansed and observed the primate remains and fossils at the National Museum starting from 30 November.

They also made researches and pseudo-fossils. The French paleontologists left for home on 10 December.

Region

Leading Committee for Observance of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day meets

Yangon, 11 Dec - The second coordination meeting of the Leading Committee for Observance of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day was held at the hall of Yangon Command this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of the Leading Committee member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win.

Speaking on the occasion, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win said the meeting was held with a view to holding the military parade on a grand scale in the same way as in previous years. Therefore, respective committees should report on their activities being carried out in accord with the resolutions of the first meeting. Efforts must be made with added momentum for betterment. Then, Secretary of the Leading Committee Vice-Adjutant-General Col Khin Soe reported on the resolutions adopted at the first meeting. Next, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe made reports on tasks being carried out by the management committee with the formation of 11 work committees and the requirements.

Maj-Gen Win Myint, Brig-Gen Win Sein, Rear-Admiral Soe Thein, U Thein Sein, U Soe Nyunt and officials also reported on tasks being carried out by the committees and arrangements for future tasks. Later, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Minister Col Tin Hlaing attended to the requirements concerning the reports. The meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by Lt-Gen Kyaw Win.

Museums and stone inscriptions inspected in Rakhine State

Yangon, 11 Dec  Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, together with Myanmar Historical Commission member Dr Khin Maung Nyunt, Director-General of the Department of Archaeology U Nyunt Han and officials, arrived in Sittway by air on 7 December.

The minister and party inspected the Buddhology Museum and gave instructions. The minister also inspected Rakhine State Cultural Museum. On 8 December, the minister inspected the renovation of MraukU Archaeological Museum. Then, the minister inspected the stone inscriptions of King Kawliya inscribed during Laymyo period on Laungkyat Mountain. He also gave instructions on maintenance of ancient pagodas on the mountain.

The minister then inspected Koethaung stupa, and Shwekyar Ordination Hall and Linpanpyauk Pagoda in MraukU Cultural Region. On 9 December, Maj-Gen Kyi Aung inspected the reconstruction of Anaukmyadazaung Pagoda and Anandasandra stone inscription. In the afternoon, the minister inspected round the old Vesali City and gave necessary instructions to the officials. The minister and party arrived at Ponnagyun on 10 December evening and paid homage to U Yittaw Pagoda.

The minister also paid respects to Thakyamuni Buddha Image in Sinku Ward. He also viewed round the Prayer Hall of Ngasathsaung Pagoda and ancient monastery.

Commander inspects tax-free markets

Yangon, 11 Dec - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected the sale of goods at tax-free markets in Yangon this morning.

First, the commander inspected the tax-free markets on Pantara Road in Dagon Township and at the corner of Hanthawady and Kyundaw Road in Kamayut Township and cordially greeted buyers and sellers. Then, the commander inspected the tax-free market on Konmyinttha in Mayangon Township, Nawade tax-free market on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road and gave necessary instructions.

The commander also inspected the tax-free market next to the Ministry of Industry-2 in Yankin Township and the one on Kyaikkasan Road in Tamway Township. The commander gave instructions on providing fresh vegetables, meat and fish, sanitation work and supervision of responsible officials.

Rice, consumer goods, vegetables, fish, meat and egg shops of producers, ministries, Yangon City Development Committee, Battalions and Units under Yangon Command, companies, Myanmar Rice Wholesalers Association are opened daily.

Participants of Women's Day celebrations honoured

Yangon, 11 Dec - A ceremony to honour those who took part in Myanmar Women's Day celebrations which falls on 3 July 2002 and Exhibition on Endeavours of Myanmar Women was held at International Business Centre on Pyay Road this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs Chairman of the Leading Committee for the Observance of Exhibition on Endeavours of Myanmar Women, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwar.

First, Maj-Gen Sein Htwar made a speech. Before concluding the ceremony, the minister and officials cordially greeted the artistes and honorable persons.

USDA CEC member U Aung Phone tours Ayeyawady Division, Kachin State, Bago Division (West)

Yangon, 11 Dec - Union Solidarity and Development Association Central Executive Committee member Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone toured forest nursery near Bo Myat Tun Bridge in Ayeyawady Division by car on 7 December.

He met with secretaries of Division/ District/ Township USDAs there. On 8 December, he went to Myitkyina by air and met with the Kachin State Peace and Development Council Chairman Northern Command Commander and co-ordinated matters relating to timber extraction, requirement of sawn timber for development of Kachin State and seizures of illegal timber logs. In the evening, he met with secretaries of State/ District/ Township USDAs there.

On 9 December, the minister met with officials of the Kachin State Forest Department, timber extraction division, internal timber trading and saw mill division, and Forest Products Joint Venture Ltd and coordinated departmental works. He arrived back in Yangon in the evening. On 10 December, CEC member U Aung Phone inspected the Yangon-Thayawady-Sein Kantlant-Bantbwegon-Sinde-Khagyintaung timber extraction road.

Later, he met with secretaries of Division/ District/ Township USDAs of Bago Division (West) at Thayawady. During his tour, he met with USDA secretaries and discussed matters on organizational and administrative matters of USDA.

Book Fair concludes, About K15m worth of books sold

Yangon, 11 Dec - A ceremony to conclude the book fair, organized by Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association hailing Myanmar Sarsodaw Day, was held at the main building in the compound of Sarpay Beikman Press near Hanthawady roundabout on Pyay road here at 5 pm today.

First, on behalf of Chairman of the committee for holding the book fair U Myint Thein (Myint Thein Aung), Joint-Secretary of MWJA U Myint Kywe (Maung Myint Kywe) explained the purpose of holding of the book fair. Next, owners of 38 shops of the book fair donated K 125,000 towards the funds of the MWJA. MWJA Vice-Chairmen U Tin Kha (Takkatho Tin Kha) and U Than Maung (Than Maung) and officials accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour.

Then, MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) spoke words of thanks and the ceremony came to a close. Today's book fair fetched K 1,902,000 and a total of K 14,947,950 reached to today. Sagaing Hill Sitagu International Buddhist Academy Chancellor Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bahujana Hitadhara Maha Dhamma Kahtica (Thabeikai Tawya Thegon Sayadaw) Ashin Nyanisara and members of the Sangha and bookworms visited the book fair.

Cash and kind presented to doyen literati

Yangon, 11 Dec - Vice-Chairman of the Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association U Than Maung (Than Maung), Joint-Secretary U Khin Swe (Shwesonnyo), CEC member Daw Khin Than Win (Kyu Kyu Thin) and officials of the association went to houses of doyen literati who could not attend the respect-paying ceremony, and presented cash and provisions to them this afternoon.

The vice-chairman and party went to the houses of Sayagyi U Tin Hla (Maung Myanma), Sayamagyi Daw Khin Thein, and Sayagyi Dr Maung Maung Kha in Maynagon Township, and presented K 50,000 each and gifts and paid respects to them. Then, they proceeded to South Okkalapa Township, where such doyen literati as Sayagyi U Htin Gyi (Tekkatho Htin Gyi), Sayagyi U Htay Myaing (Dagon Taya), Sayagyi U Khin Lay Maung (Tekkatho Khin Lay Maung) and Sayagyi U Ohn Maung (Shwe Te Lyaung) live. They paid respects to the doyen literati and provided each with K 50,000 each.

CEC member meets USDA executives in Kayah State

Yangon, 11 Dec - Central Executive Committee member of the Union Solidarity and Development Hssociation Brig-Gen Thein Aung arrived at the Kayah State USDA office on 8 December morning.

He had discussions with State/ District/ Township USDA secretaries and executives.

He also fulfilled the requirements. On 9 December, he attended the opening ceremony of the telephone exchange at Ngwetaung village in Dimawhso Township. He also visited the self-reliance pre-primary school at the village and contributed cash donations. Afterwards, he met with local people at the Nammaikhon village high school (branch) in the same township. He presented curriculum CD ROMs, sports equipment to the headmaster of the school.

Next, the village organizer presented 343 USDA membership applications to the Kayah State USDA secretary. Later, Brig-Gen Thein Aung also inspected the village telephone exchange building under construction and rural health centre in Nammaikhon village. Then, he proceeded to Dawbuku village primary school and had discussions with villagers there. The village organizer presented 918 membership applications to the Kayah State USDA secretary. The USDA CEC member also donated cash for the school. Afterwards, Brig-Gen Thein Aung went to monastery of Dawbuku village and presented offertories to the presiding Sayadaw.

Next, at the Thaesule village middle school in Dimawhso Township, Brig-Gen Thein Aung had discussions with villagers of nearby villages. He also donated cash for the school. The village organizer presented 733 membership applications to the Kayah State USDA secretary. Next, Brig-Gen Thein Aung and party also inspected rural health centre. Next, he had discussions with the people of nearby villages at Dawngankha Village Middle School and contributed cash donations. Then, the village organizer presented 500 membership applications to the state USDA secretary.

Then, the CEC member inspected the construction of new school building in Zephyugon Village, Loikaw Township, and fulfilled the requirements. On 10 December, CEC member Brig-Gen Thein Aung attended the stake driving ceremony for the new school building held at Linphonlay Village in Loikaw Township. He also donated K 4 million for the school to the headmistress. Next, the village chairman presented 527 membership applications to the CEC member. During his tour, CEC member Brig-Gen Thein Aung made necessary instructions on tasks to be carried out in political, economic, social and educational sectors.

He also left instructions on implementation of rural development tasks and fulfilled the requirements.

Health

Talks on World AIDS Day held

Yangon, 11 Dec - A ceremony to give talks in commemoration of World AIDS Day jointly organized by the Ministry of Industry- 2, Myanmar Medical Association and UNICEF, was held at the Ministry of Industry - 2 this morning.

 First, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe made a speech. Then, Factory Incharge Dr Sein Thaung and an executive of MMA Dr Myint Zaw gave talks on AIDS.

Sport

Myanmar amateur golf team leaves for Hong Kong

Yangon, 11 Dec - Myanmar amateur golf team left for Hong Kong yesterday by air to take part in the 42nd Putra Cup golf tournament to be held in Hong Kong from 12 to 15 December, 2002.

 The golf team was seen off at Yangon International Airport by General Secretary U Aung Kyi, on behalf of the President of Myanmar Golf Federation, and executives, executive of Myanma Professional Golfers Association and MGF professional golfer U Chan Han and their relatives. The Myanmar amateur team comprises coach Rai Htet Doe (Captain) and the selected golfers Zaw Zaw Latt, Zaw Zin Win, Aung Aung Kyaw and Myo Min Aung.

MGF President' s Cup golf tournament for 2003 to be postponed

Yangon, 11 Dec - The Myanmar Golf Federation President' s Cup golf tournament organized by Myanmar Golf Federation and Myanmar Professional Golfers Association will be held from 7 to 10 January, 2003, instead of from 12 to 15 December, 2002.

Professional and amateur golfers may enlist at Myanmar PGA office not later than 2 pm Qn 5 January. Those wishing to contact can dial Ph 723221 and Ph 661216 for further information.

---