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Headlines

• State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends congratulatory message to President of Republic of Korea
• Secretary-1 hoists Htidaw atop Shinpin Sakyohla  Pagoda in Chauk

Religion

• General Khin Nyunt attends merit-sharing ceremony of Sasana Mala Visodhani Sima
• Work Coordination Meeting on Organizing Buddha Pujaniya of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image held

Region

• Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than attends Third Annual General  Meeting of Myanmar Livestock  Breeding Federation (Central)
• Labour Minister addresses opening of Users' Workshop on HRD Indicators
• Transport Minister inspects Wadan Jetty
• Mawgon Award winners to apply to attend 58th Armed Forces Day Parade
• Police Officer Refresher Course opened
• Yangon Division Development Affairs Committee discusses rural development
• Specialists give medical treatment to rural people
• L & I study course opened
• Ceremony for World AIDS Day held in Mindon

International Relations

• Chinese Journalist Delegation on tour of Yangon
• M/Y Montigne vessel arrives
• Ministers attend opening ceremony of Jingdezhen Artistic Ceremics Trade Fair
• Meeting on implementation of Myanmar-China bilateral agreement held

Sport

• Dinner hosted to victorious Myanmar athletes of XIV Asian Games

Drug

• Stimulant tablets seized in Aungmyethazan

News

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Headlines 

State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends congratulatory message to President of Republic of Korea

Yangon, 23 Dec - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a congratulatory message to Mr Roh Moo-hyun who was elected President of the Republic of Korea in the election held on 19 December 2002.

Secretary-1 hoists Htidaw atop Shinpin Sakyohla Pagoda in Chauk

Yangon, 23 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt and party left Bagan by Tatmadaw helicopter on yesterday morning and arrived in Uyin Village of Chauk Township, Magway Division, at 8.30 am. The ceremony to hoist Htidaw atop Shinpin Sakyohla Pagoda was held at the prayer hall in Uyin Village-tract of Chauk Township at 9 am.

First, the Secretary-1 and party paid homage to Shinpin Sakyohla Pagoda. Then, the Secretary-1 and party took the Nine Precepts from Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indakasami. Next, members of the Sangha recited Parittas. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 offered Seinbudaw and provisions and Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Hngetmyatnadaw and provisions to the Sayadaws.

The Commander and the ministers donated provisions to members of the Sangha.

Next, the Secretary-1 accepted gold foils for the whole pagoda donated by U Myo Khin-Daw Thuza Min and family of Khaingsuthu Co and ShwemoeU Gold and Jewellery Shop of Yangon; Shwehtidaw by Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara Teingyar U Than Hla; and K 100,000 by U Kyin Soe-Daw Shwe of Kyudaw Village in Salin Township.

Alodawpyay Sayadaw Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Ariyavamsa delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained.

Then, the Htidaw hoisting ceremony of Shinpin Sakyohla Pagoda followed. The Secretary-1 and party conveyed the Sein-budaw, the Hngetmyatnadaw and tiers of the Htidaw round the pagoda. They then carried them to the decorated carriage.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party conveyed the Seinbudaw, the Hngetmyatnadaw and tiers of the Htidaw atop the pagoda. The Secretary-1 fixed the Seinbudaw atop the pagoda and sprinkled scented water on it.

The Secretary-1 and party performed the rituals of golden and silver showers to mark successful completion of the ceremony.

In 1057 AD (419 Myanmar Era), King Anawrahta of Bagan conveyed Pitakat treatises and sacred relics of Lord Buddha on white elephants from Suvannabhummi bringing together with King Manuha to Bagan. They were welcomed back on Thirizeya Hill in Bagan City by the people. Then, a monument was put up on Thirizeya Hill. King Narapati Sithu, the seventh successor of King Anawrahta, ascended the throne in 1174 AD (536 ME) and built Shinpin Sakyohla Pagoda on the hill in 1192 AD (554 ME).

After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to No 1 Fertilizer Plant (Sale) of the Ministry of Energy where they were welcomed by Managing Director U Kyaw Shein of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise, Plant Manager U Aung San and officials.

At the briefing hall, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi reported on the salient points of the Fertilizer Plant (Sale), Factory (A) and Factory (B), Fertilizer Plant (Kyunchaung) and Fertilizer Plant (Kyawswa), capacity of the plants, availability of natural gas, power supply and requirements, production of fertilizers and arrangements for boosting production, distribution and the plan under way to manufacture fertilizers from coal. The Secretary-1 gave instructions on boosting production of the fertilizers.

Religion

General Khin Nyunt attends merit-sharing ceremony of Sasana Mala Visodhani Sima

Yangon, 23 Dec - State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt, left here this afternoon for Pyapon in Ayeyawady Division by Tatmadaw Helicopter to attend the merit-sharing ceremony of the Sasana Visodhani Sima of Htanbin monastery in Pyapon.

The General attended the merit-sharing ceremony of the three-storey Sima held at the monastery and presented offertories.

U Aung Khin of the Pagoda Board of Trustees acted as master of ceremonies. The General formally opened the stone inscriptions of the Sima. Then, the re-ordination ceremony was held at the Sima. The Secretary-1 offered the eight requisites to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vepulla who was to be re- ordained. Then, the re- ordination ceremony for the Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vepulla was held. The Secretary-1 and party, wellwishers and disciples presented offertories to the Sayadaw and other Sayadaws after the ceremony.

The merit-sharing ceremony was held at Mani Yadana Kyaungsaung. The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. The Secretary-1 and congregation received the five Precepts from the Masoeyein Sayadaw.

The Sayadaws recited Parittas. The Secretary-1 presented offertories to the Sayadaws. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vepulla read out the Mawgun inscriptions of the Sima. Vocalist Daw Khin Soe Win recited the verses composed by Saya Rawai Tun, to the accompaniment of Harpist U Thein Han Gyi from Pyapon.

Afterwards, member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Presiding Sayadaw of Tipitaka Maha Gandhayon monasteries Tipitakadhara Dhamma Bhandagarika Agga Maha Pandita Abhidhamma Pali Paragu Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sumangala Lankara (Ph.D) delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained for good deeds.

The ceremony came to a close with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu. After the ceremony, the General performed the rites of golden and silver showers to mark the success of the ceremony.

Then, National Health Committee Chairman General Khin Nyunt and party visited the People's Hospital (100-bed) in Pyapon where they were welcomed by Ayeyawady Division Health Department Head Dr Than Aung, Medical Superintendent of the hospital Dr Kyaw Shwe and specialists, doctors and nurses.

The Secretary-1 and party visited the wards and child wards and viewed medical treatment given there. Medical Superintendent Dr Kyaw Shwe reported to the Secretary-1 on location of the hospital, ground plan of the buildings, renovation of old buildings and arrangements for construction of new ones, power and drinking water supply and common diseases and health care services. Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo presented a supplementary report.

The Secretary-1 made a speech. He said as the hospital is a district hospital, efforts are to be made for meeting the standard of a district hospital, preventive measures against known common diseases in the region, giving educative talks, and conducting of health care courses for nurses and midwives to give priority to health care services included in the five rural development tasks.

He also urged the local authorities to make cooperative efforts for supplying of clean drinking water, together with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races Development Affairs. Collective efforts are also required to ensure school health and hygiene, he said. The Secretary-1 and party left there and arrived back here in the evening.

Region

Work Coordination Meeting on Organizing Buddha Pujaniya of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image held

Yangon, 23 Dec - The Work Coordination Meeting on Organizing Second Buddha Pujaniya of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image was held at the Ministry of Religious Affairs here this afternoon.

Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko explained matters related to formation of the work committee for organizing the festival and the sub-committees, and urged officials concerned to make collective and cooperative efforts for systematic holding of the festival in accord with the guidance of the Head of State. Then, Adviser U Arnt Maung reported on programmes for organizing the festival.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than attends Third Annual General Meeting of Myanmar Livestock Breeding Federation (Central)

Yangon, 23 Dec - The Third Annual General Meeting of Myanmar Livestock Breeding Federation (Central) was held in conjunction with the ceremony to elect new executives and CEC members at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road this morning, with an address by Chairman of the Sub-Committee for Extended Production of Meat, Fish and Prawn Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than.

First, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than delivered an address. He said that production value of the meat and fish sector was 8 per cent of GDP of the State in 2001-2002. It was the fourth largest contributor of GDP, in all economic sectors. The meat production was about 60 per cent of the meat and fish sector. The greater portion was produced by the private entrepreneurs. Meat and fish production is the sector on which the State can mainly rely.

Local authorities in cooperation with livestock breeding entrepreneurs are to harmoniously and actively undertake development of the meat and fish sector with the assistance of the State.

The Myanmar Livestock and Fisheries Federation representing livestock breeding entrepreneurs has organized about 3,600 members during the period of three years. They could discharge the duty of the federation successfully.

The livestock breeding task is related to the rural development tasks. The economy of the rural areas will develop if livestock breeding tasks can be integrated with agricultural works. In this regard, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on the livestock breeding tasks. So, emphasis is to be placed on tasks of traditional poultry farming as well as pig breeding in the rural areas.

Efforts are to be made for boosting production and distribution of livestock breeding equipment, feedstuff, medicines and quality strains of animals.

At the same time, research and development works related to the livestock breeding tasks are to be extended and assistance is to be provided to the researchers. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than added that the Federation, on its part, is to strive for uplift of social and economic development of the members.

Then, Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on development of livestock breeding tasks as well as raising income in rural areas, breeding of quality strain animal species , distribution of effective feedstuff and seeking of the international markets for livestock breeding products manufactured through modern techniques.

Next, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein explained arrangements to be made by the Ministry for increasing the income of rural people and the livestock breeding products, organization matters of the federation in the entire nation, extended breeding of new animal species, research to be conducted for production of feedstuff new items, efforts to be made to manufacture import-substitute medicines, vaccines and feedstuff of international level and to export livestock breeding products.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe and Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein accepted K 4.6 million for the federation donated by 16 wellwishers. The certificates of honour were presented to the wellwishers.

After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and guests visited Animal Medicines and Livestock Breeding Products Exhibition of the breeders and fulfilled their needs.

Labour Minister addresses opening of Users' Workshop on HRD Indicators

Yangon, 23 Dec - The opening ceremony of the Users' Workshop on Human Resources Development Indicators - 2002, sponsored by the Ministry of Labour and the UNFPA, was held at Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road here this morning, with an address by Minister for Labour U Tin Winn.

In his speech, the minister said it is now six years since the Ministry of Labour and UNFPA have been working together in the annual publication of Handbook on Human Resources Development Indicators. Comparing the first publication and the previous publication, significant improvements have been achieved. The cause is a worthy one and preparations are to be made to marshal the resources to keep soldering on.

The HRD Indicators flashed out the important factors which largely influence the standard of living of a nation. They covered a wide area such as income, economic growth rate, literacy rate etc. In short, all indicators relating to economic and social life of the nation are human resources development indicators and the handbook will carry the important indicators. The task of the workshop is to update the indicators in the handbook and to see that the recommendations of the previous workshop are met. The Labour Department may have already done the task and more efforts are to be made for further development of the indicators with might and main so that strengthening of cooperation with various ministries and UNFPA will be further enhanced.

The minister continued to say that the difficulties encountered in collecting indicators are to be discussed at the workshop to sort out the problems. The weaknesses are to be turned into advancements to improve the quality of the HRDI handbook every year. He said he believed the result of the workshop will be a good solid foundation not only for this year but for the future. Then, Chief of Operation Mr Najib Assifi of UNFPA made a speech and the opening ceremony came to a close.

Director-General (Retd) U Ba Than of the Personnel Affairs Department presided over the workshop which started at 9 am. Presentations on the activities made towards the sustainability of HRD Indicators were discussed. Prof Daw Yee Yee Myint of the Institute of Economics presided over the afternoon session, and HRD Indicators were discussed in two groups. The workshop came to a close with the remarks by Director-General U Soe Nyunt of the Labour Department in the evening.

Transport Minister inspects Wadan Jetty

Yangon, 23 Dec - Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, arrived at Wadan Jetty of Myanma Port Authority this morning. Managing Director of Myanma Port Authority U Thein Htay reported to the minister on the plans to beautify and renovate the jetty and to repair the roads.

Then, the deputy minister gave a supplementary report. After hearing the reports, the minister urged the officials concerned to implement the tasks urgently and supervise work step by step. Then, the minister and party inspected roads, the warehouses, shops and vessels.

Mawgon Award winners to apply to attend 58th Armed Forces Day Parade

Yangon, 23 Dec - Mawgon Award winners may apply to attend the 58th Armed Forces Day Parade. The winners must be those who live in Yangon Command, free from political parties and pensioners.

Applications with name, NRC number, Mawgon member No and date and full address are to be sent to the committee for holding the 58th Armed Forces Day Parade (Mawgon member invitation group), No 212, Theinbyu Road not later than 5 January 2003 before 4 pm.

Applicants are to mention the address and serial number if they attended the 57th Armed Forces Day Parade. Those who wish to attend the parade on behalf of the Mawgon Award winners are not allowed, it is learnt.

Police Officer Refresher Course opened

Yangon, 23 Dec - Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing attended the opening ceremony of Refresher Course No 12 for Police Officers of Myanmar Police Force was held at Nawarat Hall of Central Institute of Civil Service (Phaunggyi) this morning.

The minister delivered a speech on the occasion. The minister said altogether 2,732 trainee officers had been trained from course Nos 1 to 11. Subjects on politics, economic, social and management of the State as well as the ones for the tasks of MPF, Bureau of Special Investigation and the Prisons Department will be taught to the trainees.

The minister urged the staff of the departments to realize the correct situation of the State and to energetically and enthusiastically take part in undertakings of development tasks of the State to build a new, modern developed nation. Altogether 250 trainee officers of MPF, BSI and the Prisons Department are attending the four-week course.

Yangon Division Development Affairs Committee discusses rural development

Yangon, 23 Dec - The Yangon Division Development Affairs Committee held the coordination meeting on implementation of rural development tasks township-wise in 2003-2004 at the meeting hall of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council at 5 pm today, attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

First, the commander clarified implementation of the short- and long-term plans in the respective sectors to build a peaceful, modern and developed nation, undertakings of the rural development tasks and narrowing of the gap between the rural and urban areas during the short-term five-year plan, guidance on the rural development tasks given by the Head of State, tasks of Development Affairs Committees for implementing better transportation and rural water supply which were included in the five rural development tasks and work programmes, upgrading of roads linking rural and urban areas, supply of clean water carried out by development affairs committees in Yangon Division and plans to make towns to have town characteristics.

Then, Director U Tin Soe of Yangon Division DAC reported on the work done in 2002-2003 financial year, drawing of the budget for 2003-2004 and future plans.

Next, Taikkyi, Thanlyin, Hmawby, Hlegu, Kyauktan, Kayan, Thongwa, Twantay, Kungyangon, Kawhmu and Htantabin Township Peace and Development Council Chairmen and executive officers reported on the development roads to be built in respective townships in 2003-2004 financial year and availability of clean water.

Those present discussed township-wise rural development tasks to be carried out in the townships outside Yangon City development area. Then, the commander attended to their needs and gave concluding remarks.

Specialists give medical treatment to rural people

Yangon, 23 Dec - With the sponsorship of Bago District Health Committee, specialists of Bago District People's Hospital led by Head of the District Health Department Dr U Tint Tun Kyaw went to Thakkala Station Hospital in Kawa Township on 20 December and gave medical treatment to 369 rural patients.

Dr U Tint Tun Kyaw also gave educative talks on elimination of leprosy and polio and control of AIDS to members of Maternal and Child Welfare Association and the Union Solidarity and Development Association and rural people. Similarly, the specialists gave health care services to rural people in Waw Township on 16 December.

L & I study course opened

Yangon, 23 Dec - Multiplier Course on Library and Information Study (1/2002) organized by Information and Public Relations Department, Than-lyin, Yangon South District, was opened at IPRD, Thanlyin, this morning and 23 trainees are attending the course.

Ceremony for World AIDS Day held in Mindon

Yangon, 23 Dec - The ceremony to mark the World AIDS Day was held on 5 December in the sports-ground of Mindon Basic Education High School and attended by local authorities, members of social organizations, the township education officer, teachers and students. Then, three hot-air balloons and 65 kites bearing AIDS educative mottoes were released.

International Relations

Chinese Journalist Delegation on tour of Yangon

Yangon, 23 Dec - The visiting Chinese journalist delegation led by Deputy Administrator of Air Force Newspaper Mr Zhou Zhi this morning visited Mingaladon Garden City in Mingaladon Township. Managing Director of Zaykaba Company Ltd U Khin Shwe conducted them round the Head Office of the Company and answered the queries.

The delegation also visited A1 Garment Factory and Shwe Mingala Garment Factory in Yangon Industrial Zone. In the afternoon, the delegation met with Director-General of Myanma Radio and Television U Khin Maung Htay at MRTV on Pyay Road and they exchanged views on matters relating to broadcasting. Then, U Khin Maung Htay presented souvenirs to the delegation. They then visited the studios in MRTV.

The delegation went to Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of Kyundaw Road and Hanthawady Road in Kamayut Township. Deputy In Charge of the museum Police Deputy Superintendent Htay Aung conducted them round the museum.

M/Y Montigne vessel arrives

Yangon, 23 Dec - With the sponsorship of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and the Ministry of Transport, M/Y Montigne vessel of South-East Asia Liveaboards Co Ltd arrived at Nanthida Jetty this afternoon.

On arrival at the jetty, it was welcomed by Managing Director U Htay Aung of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Service and officials of the respective ministries. The ten crew members of the boat toured Yangon.

The chartered jet Falcon 900 carrying nine Brazilian tourists will arrive here on 26 December and the tourists will visit Yangon and Bagan. The tourists will leave here by the boat for Dawei, Myeik, Kawthoung on 28 December. After visiting there, the tourists will leave for Phuket, Thailand, on 6 January 2003.

Ministers attend opening ceremony of Jingdezhen Artistic Ceremics Trade Fair

Yangon, 23 Dec - A ceremony to open Jingdezhen Artistic Ceremics Trade Fair, with the assistance of the Ministry of Commerce and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China to the Union of Myanmar and jointly sponsored by Myanmar-China Huan Yu Thama (Group) Co Ltd and China Jingdezhen International Economy of Technique Cooperative Co, Jingdezhen, Jiang Xi Province, was held at Yangon Trade Centre in Mingala Taungnyunt Township this morning, attended by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan.

First, Chairman of Myanmar-China Huan Yu Thama (Group) Co Ltd Mr Zhao Ji Tong, Group Leader of Jingdezhen Vice-Manager of CJIETC Co Mr Ning Ru He and Chinese Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun made speeches at the ceremony.

Next, Director-General of Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye unveiled the archway of the trade centre. Then, the director-general, the PRC Ambassador, the chairman of Myanmar-China Huan Yu Thama (Group) Co Ltd and the group leader of Jingdezhen cut the ribbon to open the fair after which Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and officialsÊviewed round the Trade Fair.

The trade fair is the first time in Myanmar. The world famous chinese ancient and traditional ceremics are being displayed at the Trade Fair which will be kept open up to 3 January 2003 from 9 am to 5 pm daily. Admission is free. Likewise, the similar fair will be exhibited on the first floor of Mingalar Market in Mandalay from 26 December 2002 to 6 January 2003.

Meeting on implementation of Myanmar-China bilateral agreement held

Yangon, 23 Dec - The 4th meeting on implementation of the agreement on management and cooperation at Myanmar-China border areas was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this morning. The Myanmar delegation was led by Director-General of the Political Department U Thaung Tun.

The meeting will last two days and will focus on management on border check-points, repairing of boundary posts, tranquillity and prevalence of law and order at the border regions, illegal arms trading and prevention of crimes relating to drugs, and establishment of communication system between the two local authorities.

Sport

Dinner hosted to victorious Myanmar athletes of XIV Asian Games

Yangon, 23 Dec - Under the arrangement of Myanmar Olympic Committee, Myanmar Sports Writers Federation hosted a dinner in honour of victorious athletes who took part in the XIV Asian Games at National Sports Stadium-1 (Thuwun-na) yesterday evening. Chairman of MOC Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint made a speech on the occasion and presented honorary prizes.

First, Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint made an address and Dr Tin Tun Oo explained the purpose of hosting the dinner. Next, Sweety Home Industries Co Ltd and Dr Khin Moe Moe of Thuta Sweson printing house donated K 115,000 and K 100,000 respectively for the MSWF to the minister, who then presented certificates of honour to them. Then, the minister and officials presented honorary awards to the victorious athletes. On behalf of the athletes, Wushu gold medalist Khine Khine Maw spoke words of thanks, and dinner was hosted to those present.

Drug

Stimulant tablets seized in Aungmyethazan

Yangon, 23 Dec - A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Mandalay Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, on 9 December searched Kyaw Kyaw's house at plot No 181 in Aungmyethazan Township and seized 6 stimulant tablets from the guest, Min Min Htwe. According to their confession, 160 stimulant tablets and 1.25 grams of solid opium oil were also seized from Kyaw Myint's house of Thirimalar East Ward in Aungmyethazan Township.

Action is being taken against Min Min Htwe, 25, son of U Kyaw Aye of plot No 197, between 88th and 89th Streets, Aungmyethazan Township and two absconders Kyaw Kyaw, 45, son of U Ba Tun and Kyaw Myint, 38, son of U Swanpincham by Mandalay No 5 Police Station under the Norcotic Drugs and Pshchotropic Substances Law.

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