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Headlines

• Secretary-1 receives Bangladeshi Ministers, lays wreath at Memorial to President Ziaur Rahman
• Lanthamine Bridge opened in Ayeyawady Division

Region

• Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe tour northern Shan State
• Commander attends opening of Youth Camp
• Sub-committee for Organizing State Flag Hoisting and Saluting Ceremony meets
• Rail section inspected
• Minister inspects hotel projects and communications
• Minister inspects Nyaungdon oil and natural gas field
• Myanmar Gazette
• Cash presented to PBA' office construction
• Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition continues
• Rules of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day painting, sculpture competitions announced

International Relations

• Minister leaves for BIMST-EC Meeting
• Meeting on Myanmar-Thailand transnational drug abuse control held in Chiang Mai
• Ambassadors,  families from Thailand visit Myanmar
• International community satisfied with the results of Myanmar's narcotic eradication endeavours
• Chinese journalist delegation tours Yangon
• Information Minister receives Chinese journalist delegation

Sport

• Myanmar stands third, Zaw Zaw Latt second in 42nd Putra Cup Golf  Tourney

• News
  

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Headlines 

Secretary-1 receives Bangladeshi Ministers, lays wreath at Memorial to President Ziaur Rahman

Yangon, 19 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt, who was a member of the delegation to the People's Republic of Bangladesh, received Minister for Home Affairs Mr Altaf Hossain Chowdhury of Bangladesh at the Pacific Lounge of the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, Bangladesh, at 3 pm on 17 December.

They cordially discussed friendly relations between Myanmar and Bangladesh. Next, the Secretary-1 and the Bangladeshi Minister for Home Affairs exchanged the gifts. The Secretary-1 arrived at the Memorial to President Ziaur Rahman of the PeopleÕs Republic of Bangladesh in Dhaka at 8.30 am on 18 December. The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by Bangladeshi Minister for Home Affairs Mr Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, Minister for Housing & Public Works Mr Mirza Abbas and officials.

Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt laid down a wreath at the memorial. Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Mr Morshed Khan called on Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt at the Pacific Lounge of the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel at 10.30 am on 18 December.

After the call, the General presented the gift to the Bangladeshi Minister for Foreign Affairs. Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, a member of the delegation, met with Minister for Agriculture Mr Matiur Rahman Nizamin at Room 824 of the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel at 10 am on 18 December.

They discussed technology and agriculture cooperation between the two countries. Director-General Dr Mya Maung of Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific was also present. Similarly, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone met with Bangladeshi Minister for Commerce Mr Amir Khasru Mohmud Chowdhury at the hotel at 10 am on 18 December.

They discussed economic and commercial matters of the two countries. Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population U Maung Aung met with Permanent Secretary Mr Muhammad Omar Farooj of the Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh at the ministry at 9 am on 18 December.

Then, Deputy Minister U Maung Aung called on Bangladeshi Minister for Home Affairs Mr Altaf Hossain Chowdhury at the same venue at 10 am.

They means to further promote understanding in carrying out the existing tasks including border trade between the two countries.

Lanthamine Bridge opened in Ayeyawady Division

Yangon, 19 Dec - A ceremony to inaugurate Lanthamine Bridge linking Wakema Township and Kyonmange Township in Myaungmya District, Ayeyawady Division, was held at the pandal near the bridge yesterday, with addresses by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Htay Oo and Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun.

The bridge was constructed on Wakema-Kyonmange road by Bridge Construction Special Group-7 of Public Works of the Ministry of Construction.

Speaking on the occasion, Maj-Gen Saw Tun said as regards construction of the bridge, the State Peace and Development Council, with the aim of establishing a peaceful, modern and developed nation, is laying down long-terms and short-term plans to raise the living standard of the entire national people, to strengthen the national socio-economy and to match international community in terms of development. Upholding "Our Three Main National Causes" and laying down the twelve political, economic and social objectives, development programmes are being implemented simultaneously throughout the country. Five rural development tasks are being carried out to ensure the harmonious development of individual regions in line with the genuine goodwill of the Head of State.

Head of State Senior General Than Shwe himself toured all over the country in a bid to fulfil the requirements for development of respective regions. Based on agriculture, efforts are being made to ensure all-round development of other economic sectors as well as of education sector, which is lifeblood of human resource development. Smooth and secure transportation plays an important role in modernizing the State.

The Government is building a network of roads and bridges contributing to the service of local people throughout the country given no economic profit. After 1988, a total of 148 bridges above 180 feet including this one and 4,359 miles of roads, of which 36 bridges and 888 miles of roads are in Ayeyawady Division, were built in the whole country.

Lanthamine Bridge opened today was constructed in a period of 7 months starting from 25-5-2002.

Then, Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo said being a delta region, Ayeyawady is teeming with rivers and creeks. It took long to travel from one place to another as transport depended on waterway. At the time of the State Peace and Development Council, river crossing bridges and roads were built one after another in Ayeyawady Division.

As a result, people can cut the time short travelling by road. On behalf of the local people, he expressed thanks to the State, the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Forestry. The division contributes one fifth to the economic sector of the State and provides Yangon City with rice, meat and fish, vegetables, and eggs.

In the past, the division was branded "the rice bowl" of the State and now with the improvement in livestock breeding sector, it can also be called "the curry pot" of the State. Under the guidance of the Head of State, fish and prawn breeding tasks are being undertaken extensively by using the water and land resources available in the division in combination with human resources. Plans are under way to extend the aquaculture areas of the division to 100,000 acres.

As for edible oil sufficiency, thitseint (Bellaric Myrobalan) has been grown in 13,511.4 acres of land.

Afterwards, on behalf of the local people, Executive U Tin Aung Win of Wakema Township Union Solidarity and Development Association spoke words of thanks for building Lanthamine bridge.

Maj-Gen Saw Tun presented a gift to Deputy Superintending Engineer U Khin Maung Se of Bridge Construction Project Special Group-7.

Then, Brig-Gen Htay Oo and Maj-Gen Saw Tun formally opened the bridge.

The latter also unveiled the stone inscription of the bridge.

The commander, the ministers and officials strolled along the bridge. The bridge is of concrete reinforced type and 220 feet long with a 18-foot wide motor lane and 29-foot wide and 24-foot high clearance area.

It can withstand 20-ton loads and was built at a cost of 270 million kyats.

Region

  Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe tour northern Shan State

Yangon, 19 Dec - Members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, inspected the coffee plantation of the command on 15 December and gave instructions to officials.

Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe then went to the livestock breeding farm of the command and looked into the keeping of layers, extension of layer houses, the keeping of 1,040 pigs.

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe attended to the requirements. Next, they arrived at Hsinshweli summer paddy model plantation and Humon 100-acre irrigated plantation in Humon village, Lashio Township, where Secretary of Shan State (North) Union Solidarity and Development Association U Aye Thaung reported on the cultivation of summer paddy being conducted with the participation of the association and future tasks.

Officials also reported on cultivation of summer paddy and monsoon paddy for self-sufficiency. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe gave instructions. Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspected thriving Hsinshweli summer paddy plantations and nurseries. They also inspected the 100-acre summer paddy plantation near Humon village being conducted by Shan State (North) Police Force.

On arrival at Nanyai Hall in Mongyai, they met with departmental staff, members of USDA, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Working Committee for Women's Affairs, Red Cross Society, Fire Brigade, local nationals and towns elders.

U Khin Thein Maung, Chairman of Mongyai Township Peace and Development Council, reported on activities being carried out for regional development.

Speaking on the occasion, Lt-Gen Soe Win said the Government is undertaking development programmes everywhere in the country. In this regard, a total of 24 development regions have been set up to ensure development in border areas as well as in the whole country. Moreover, the five rural development tasks are also under way to narrow the gap between the urban and rural areas.

Included in these tasks are smooth and secure rural transportation, rural water supply, and development of education, health, and economy. It is therefore necessary for the people to participate in the development tasks and to preserve the achievements gained from that field. Nowadays, armed insurgent groups are exchanging arms for peace in order that regional development could be carried out in their respective regions in cooperation with the local people.

Next, Lt-Gen Soe Win donated K 500,000 to the medical funds of Mongyai Township People's Hospital. Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe cordially met with departmental staff and local nationals.

Lt-Gen Soe Win and party later proceeded to the strategic roads upgrading project for the development of Shan State (North).

At the briefing hall, Tactical Operations Commander Col Khin Maung Myint reported on progress in the tarring of Mongyai-Nanlaung road section, earth work, and gravel work.

Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing also reported on future tasks. After hearing the reports, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe gave instructions. Lt-Gen Soe Win and party went to Hsipaw, Kyaukme District.

At the township hall, they met with district/township departmental staff, social organizations and towns elders. Lt-Gen Soe Win, after hearing reports by local authorities, gave instructions on the five rural development tasks, endeavours for human resource development, and cooperation of departmental officials, social organizations and local people.

On 16 December, Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe met with departmental officials, social organizations and townselders at the township hall in Nawnghkio and heard reports.

Lt-Gen Soe Win delivered an address on the occasion. Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe later arrived at the coffee plantation in Nawnghkio, where officials reported on cultivation of coffee and conducted them round the plantation.

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe gave instructions on production of quality coffee, maintenance of export quality, and coffee high-yield, and extension of coffee-sown acreage and attended to the requirements.

Commander attends opening of Youth Camp

Yangon, 19 Dec - The opening ceremony of the Youth Camp (5/2002) arranged by Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association and organized by Yangon Division Maternal and Child Welfare Supervisory Committee, was held at the Pyidaungsu Hall in Kyaikkasan grounds this morning, attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

First, Patron Daw Khin Thet Htay made a speech.

Then, Patron Daw Khin Thet Htay of Yangon Division MCWSC presented souvenirs to mark the opening of the youth camp to Chairperson Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe and Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe of MMCWA.

After the ceremony, the commander and the chairperson and the vice-chairperson of MMCWA cordially greeted the youth.

A total of 32 youths are attending the youth camp that will last till 24 December.

Rail section inspected

Yangon, 19 Dec - Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung inspected arrangements for running of the trains between Yaymyetni and Myetmyaung railroad section on Pakokku-Gangaw-Kale railroad on 16 December.

On 17 December, he inspected the eastern part of the tunnel and gave instructions on tasks to be carried out and measures for work site safety. Then, the minister inspected the western part of the tunnel and gave instructions on timely completion of the tasks.

Sub-committee for Organizing State Flag Hoisting and Saluting Ceremony meets

Yangon, 19 Dec - The Sub-committee for Organizing the Yangon City State Flag Hoisting and Saluting Ceremony to mark the 55th Anniversary Independence Day 2003 held the second coordination meeting at the hall of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council at 2 pm today, attended by Chairman of the Sub-committee Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

Speaking on the occasion, the commander said that the work groups are to carry out their respective tasks with political essence in organizing the Yangon City State Flag Hoisting and Saluting Ceremony to mark the 55th Anniversary Independence Day in line with the four objectives of the Independence Day all the national people to collectively safeguard the national independence and perpetuation of sovereignty; all the national people to strive for the building of a new, modern and developed nation; all the national people to be united to ensure non-disintegration of the Union and non-disintegration of national sovereignty; and all the national people to strive for the emergence of an enduring State Constitution.

Then, Secretary of the Sub-committee Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint reported on tasks carried out by the Sub-committee.

Next, chairmen and officials of the work groups reported on progress of their respective sectors. Afterwards, those present took part in the discussions on successful holding of the ceremony. Later, the commander gave the concluding remarks and the meeting came to an end.

Minister inspects hotel projects and communications

Yangon, 19 Dec - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs and Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw on 17 December inspected the sites chosen to construct private hotels along the Ngapali beach in Thandwe, Rakhine State, and gave necessary instructions.

The Thandwe District Peace and Development Council Chairman reported to the minister on matters relating to the hotel construction projects.

Later, Secretary of Union Solidarity and Development Association Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and Central Executive Committee member Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko met with USDA members in Thandwe and Taungup Townships at Dwayawady Hall of Thandwe and discussed regional development matters with them.

Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw saw over the Post Office and Telephone Exchange at Kyeintale model village in Thandwe District and Kanthaya Hotel yesterday.

The, USDA Secretary Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and Central Executive Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko met with USDA members, departmental officials in Gwa and towns elders and gave instructions on regional development tasks.

Later, Brig-Gen Thein Zaw inspected the Post Office and Telephone Exchange in Ngathaingyaung this afternoon and attended to the needs.

Minister inspects Nyaungdon oil and natural gas field

Yangon, 19 Dec - Minister for Energy Brig- Gen Lun Thi arrived, at Nyaungdon oil and natural gas field in Nyaungdon region, Ayeyawady Division, yesterday.

At the briefing ball, Managing Director U Sann Lwin of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise reported on drilling and production of No 14 well in Nyaungdon, geological condition and prospects and boosting production programmes. The minister attended to their needs and laid down the future tasks.

Next. the minister presented gifts to the workers who discharged drilling duty . The minister then inspected completion of drilling the No 14 well and production tasks. A total of 6.19 million cubic-feet of natural gas and 69 barrels of condensate per day are being produced from No 14 wells. Altogether 61.12 million cubic-feet of natural gas and 1,071 barrels of condensate per day are being produced from 14 wells in Nyaungdon oil and natural gas field daily. Then, the natural gas is being distributed to gas turbines in Yangon through Nyaungdon-Yangon natural gas pipeline.

Myanmar Gazette

Yangon, 19 Dec - The State Peace and Development Council has appointed the following persons as heads of service organizations on expiry of the one-year probation period.

Name                                   Appointment

(a) Dr U Thein Swe                Director-General
                                           Traditional Medicine Department
                                           Ministry of Health

(b) U San Tint                      Rector
                                          Mawlamyine University
                                          Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar)
                                          Ministry of Education

(c) Dr Mya Oo                     Rector
                                         Yangon University of Distance Education
                                         Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar)
                                         Ministry of Education

(d) U Mya Win                   Rector
                                        Pyay University
                                        Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar)
                                        Ministry of Education.

Cash presented to PBA' office construction

Yangon, 19 Dec - Cash presentation ceremony for the construction of office of the Private Banks Association was held at the meeting hall of the Union of Myanmar Bank this morning.

Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, of the private banks and donors attended the ceremony. After the ceremony, Secretary of the subcommittee for construction of the office U Nyo Myint reported on the progress of works. Minister U Khin Maung Thein gave instructions on timely completion of the building meeting the set standard. Then, U Kyaw Kyaw Maung and officials accepted the cash donation and presented the certificates of honour to the wellwishers.

The building is being constructed at the junction of Saya San Road and Industry-1 Road near Yankin Centre.

Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition continues

Yangon, 19 Dec - Third Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition, organized by Traditional Medicine Department of the Ministry of Health, continued for the fifth day at the Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road at 9 am today.

The portrait and the message of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe are posted in the middle of the entrance of the hall. Monks, nuns, people and students totalling over 40,000 today visited the exhibition which will be kept open from 9 am to 8 pm daily for the public free of charge till 26 December.

Rules of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day painting, sculpture competitions announced

Yangon, 19 Dec - As a gesture of hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, which falls on 27 March 2003, the subcommittee for the holding of painting and sculpture competition and exhibition of the work committee for the organizing of poem and arts competition led by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt (Htila Sitthu) as chairman announced that the painting and sculpture competition will be held with the following rules.

The painting competition will be divided into six categories the first for pre-primary school level, the second for junior primary school level (kindergarten to second grade), the third for senior primary school level (third grade and fourth grade), the fourth for middle school level (fifth grade to eighth grade), the fifth for high school level (ninth grade to technological and agricultural high schools) and the sixth for professional level. There will be only one category in the sculpture competition, the wood sculpture and the plaster sculpture at professional level.

Anyone may take part in both. In the painting competition from kindergarten to high school levels, the size of the entry must be 15" x 20", and 20" x 30" for professional level. Name, NRC No, class, school, township, date of birth, father's name, address must be expressed on the back of the painting, with three 1.5" x 2"-size photos attached. For students, the endorsement of the school head is needed. For the sculpture competition, the height of the entry must not be over 36" and its circumference not longer than 24".

At the foot of the sculpture, name, NRC No, date of birth, father's name, address must be shown, with three 1.5" x 2"-size photos attached and send the entry right to Tatmadaw Convention Centre, U Wisaya Road, between 1 and 3 March 2003. All the entries, painting or sculpture, must reflect the twelve objectives of the State, the objectives of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and the twelve fine traditions of the Tatmadaw.

Entries of both professional levels should be sent to Secretary, Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon (Central), Pabedan Township, Yangon, not later than 1 March 2003 or to Secretary, Subcommittee for the Holding of Painting and Sculpture Competition and Exhibition, U Wisaya Road, Tatmadaw Convention Centre, Yangon, between 1 and 3 March 2003. Entries of students all over Myanmar should be sent to Development Division, Education Planning and Training Department, Natmauk Street, Bahan Township, Yangon, not later than 15th February 2003.

Apart from the entries for both competition, other paintings and sculptures may be sent to be displayed at the exhibition to be opened in honour of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day. Those paintings and sculptures must also featured the twelve objectives of the State, the objectives of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and the twelve fine traditions of the Tatmadaw and should be sent directly to Tatmadaw Convention Centre, U Wisaya Road, between 1 and 5 March 2003.

International Relations

Minister leaves for BIMST-EC Meeting

Yangon, 19 Dec - Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung left Yangon by air this afternoon to attend the 5th Ministerial Meeting of the Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand Economic Cooperation (BIMST-EC) Group to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 20 December.

The minister was seen off at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Education U Than Aung, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, officials and Sri Lankan Ambassador Mr Ubhayasekara Mapa. The minister was accompanied by Deputy Director U Saw Ba Tun of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Director-General U Win Mra of International Organizations and Economic Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Director U Soe Aung of the Energy Planning Department of the Ministry of Energy attended the Senior Officials' Meeting of BIMST-EC in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 18 and 19 December.

Meeting on Myanmar-Thailand transnational drug abuse control held in Chiang Mai

Yangon, 19 Dec - Myanmar delegation comprising Secretary of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi, Joint-Secretary Police Col Kham Aung and Deputy Head of the Office of the Chief of Military Intelligence Col San Pwint and members attended the Seventh Cooperation Meeting on Myanmar/Thailand Trans-national Drug Abuse Control held in Chiang Mai on 13 and 14 December.

Meetings were held under two categories. Myanmar delegation led by Director (Drug Elimination) Police Col Tin Maung Htay of CCDAC and Drug Elimination Unit and Thai delegation led by Director Mr Sukhum Opasniputh of ONCB attended the junior level drug abuse control officers' meeting held on 13 December.

High-ranking officers' meeting was held on 14 December. Myanmar delegation led by Secretary of CCDAC Director-General of MPF Brig-Gen Khin Yi and Thai delegation led by General Secretary of NBC Mr Kitti Limchaikit attended the meeting. Delegates of the two countries explained matters related to the tasks being implemented in respective countries and held discussions on promoting cooperation in drug abuse control tasks in the border areas of the two countries, speedy exchange of information on drug abuse control tasks, control of drug trafficking routes and precursor chemicals, conducting training courses for human resources development, cultivation of opium substitute crops in Yongkha region in Tachilek Township, Shan State (East), under the assistance of Thailand and implementation of regional development tasks.

Myanmar/Thai cooperation meetings on transnational drug abuse control were held bi-annually starting from 1999 in Myanmar and Thailand alternatively. The tow sides agreed to hold the eighth meeting in Myanmar in June 2003. After the meeting, The two sides held a press conference together and explained matters related to the purpose and successful conclusion of the meeting. They also replied to the queries raised by journalists.

The Myanmar delegation viewed the work being carried out for cultivation of opium-substitute crops and development projects in Doi Tung region, Chiang Rai District, Northern Thailand and visited the drug elimination museum to be opened in Golden Triangle region by Thailand. The Myanmar Delegation arrived back to Yangon via Maesar/Tachilek on 16 December.

Ambassadors,  families from Thailand visit Myanmar

Yangon, 19 Dec - Under the arrangements of the Myanmar Embassy in Thailand, the 22 member delegation comprising Ambassadors and their families of Switzerland, Poland, Nigeria, Cambodia and Brunei discharging duties in Thailand, the honorary consul and family of Uruguay and those who are famous persons in economic and social fields in Thailand and their families, led by Dr Daw Tin Moe Aye, wife of Myanmar Ambassador to Thailand U Myo Myint, arrived in Yangon by air on 14 December morning.

The delegation visited the National Museum, Shwedagon Pagoda and Chaukhtetgyi Pagoda here.

The delegation enjoyed ancient cultural handicraft in Bagan on 15 December; Mandalay on 16 December and natural beauty and traditional culture in Inlay region on 17 December and arrived back in Yangon on 18 December.

On 18 December evening, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win hosted a dinner in their honour at Karaweik Palace. The delegation members toured Yangon downtown this morning and left in the afternoon.

International community satisfied with the results of Myanmar's narcotic eradication endeavours

Yangon, 19 Dec - The Steering Committee of the project to develop Wa region in Shan State (East) held its seventh meeting in Kengtung on 17 December.

The plan is being jointly implemented by the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control of Myanmar and UNODC. Speaking at the meeting, Secretary of CCDAC Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi said the project is under the eye of the international community, and the donors want to see that their funds have been effectively used in implementing it.

The United States and Japan contributed US $ 8.84 million to the project. As the international community is satisfied with the results of Myanmar's narcotics control endeavours, Germany also contributed 1.25 million euros to the project through the UNODC. The Wa group has already declared to the world that it will free its region from the drugs by the year 2005. Thus, development of the opium-substitute business and alternative income generation has become an inevitable task for the Wa people. Moreover, they will need international assistance in carrying out the task.

Resident Representative of UNODC Yangon Office Mr Jean Luc Lemahieu said after overcoming many difficulties through collective efforts, the project is achieving success. Because of the success, the donor countries are providing more funds for the project this year. Thus, the project will be extended to cover more areas.

The meeting then discussed building of two rural health care centres in 2002, conducting of a course for 117 trainees from villages covered by the project, giving of medical treatment to 211 addicts under the community-based drug addiction reduction programme, opening of a hospital to treat 36 drug addicts, conducting of HIV/AIDS education and control courses, opening of a 25-bed hospital in Mongpauk, installation of water supply system for five villages, water supply projects for Hotaung and Mongphyin, repair and maintenance of Mongpauk-Maingka road and Mongpauk-Panhkam road, installation of 12 kilometres of 10-kva cables from Nantlwe Hydel Power Station, building of Panlin and Maingka feeder canals, monsoon and summer paddy cultivation, storing of 28 tons of rice for villages, cultivation of cold season crops, vaccination of livestock, distribution of fish fry and duck and poppy cultivation survey work.

Concerning the priority task for 2003, matters relating to building of Maingka feeder canal to establish the Maingka agriculture zone, installation of power cables between Mongpauk and Maingka, road and bridge construction, and extension of rural water supply and health and education were discussed. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the CCDAC secretary. Under the project to develop Wa region, priority will be given to the programme covering construction of Maingka feeder canal and agricultural development.

The programme has been targeted to complete in March 2003. When completed, 5,000 poppy farmers will be settled at Maingka, and arrangements will be made to fulfil their food, clothing and shelter needs.

Chinese journalist delegation tours Yangon

Yangon,19 Dec - Under the cultural exchange programme between China and Myanmar, the visiting Chinese journalist delegation led by Deputy Administrator Mr Zhou Zhi of Air Force Newspaper this morning visited the Shwedagon Pagoda and they went round the pagoda clockwise. After having a documentary photo taken there, the delegation signed in the visitors' book and presented cash for the renovation of the pagoda to U Thein Zaw of the Pagoda Board of Trustees.

Next, the journalist delegation went to Pyidaungsu Ayeyeiknyein in the People's Square and People's Park. The officials conducted them round the Pyidaungsu Ayeyeiknyein. The delegation viewed round the park. Then, the delegation proceeded to News and Periodicals Enterprise of the Ministry of Information and called on Managing Director U Tin Kha.They cordially discussed matters related to the news and periodicals of the two countries and the managing director presented gifts to them.

The delegation went to the Myamna Alin Daily in Bahan Township where Chief Editor U Win Tm and Deputy Chief Editor U Hlaing Win and Manager U Zaw Win welcomed them. U Win Tin explained the set-up of the daily and publication and answered the queries. The delegation viewed the production process there. In the afternoon, Chairman of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) hosted a luncheon in their honour at Oriental House. Officials of MWJA and NPE and guests also attended the luncheon.

The Chinese Journalists delegation then visited Defence Services Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road. Managing Director of NPE U Tin Kha hosted a dinner in honour of the guests at Central Hotel in the evening.

Information Minister receives Chinese journalist delegation

Yangon, 19 Dec - The visiting Chinese journalist delegation headed by Deputy Administrator of Air Force Newspaper of China Mr Zhou Zhi, of Embassy of the People's Republic of China, called on Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan at his office here this afternoon.

Sport

Myanmar stands third, Zaw Zaw Latt second in 42nd Putra Cup Golf  Tourney

Yangon, 19 Dec - The Myanmar amateur golf team which participated in the 42nd Putra Cup Golf Tourney in Hong Kong from 12 to 15 December arrived back at Yangon International Air-port on 16 December, evening.

The Myanmar team was welcomed back at the airport by Myanmar Golf Federation President Brig-Gen Win Hlaing, executives U Chan Han and U Ko KoLay.

Golf teams of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei and host Hong Kong took part in the tourney. At the tourney, The Thai golf team secured the Putra Cup with 838 strokes.

The Philippines team won the second prize with 849 strokes, Myanmar the third with 862, Hong Kong the fourth with 865, Malaysia the fifth with 870, Singapore the sixth with 887, Indonesia the seventh with 888 and Brunei the eighth with 910.

In the individual event, the golfer of the Thai team stood first with 272 strokes. Zaw Zaw Latt of Myanmar put his place at the second with 275 strokes, J Delariarte of the Philippines at the third , with 282.

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