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Headlines  

• Senior General Than Shwe visits Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition 
• Work coordinated for development of Myanma Gems Industry
  

International Relations

• Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt receives Japanese guests
• F & R Minister receives Japanese delegation
• Sri Lankan Minister arrives Minister for ReligiousAffairs meets with Sri Lankan Minister
• Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt receives Indonesian Ambassador
• Chinese journalist delegation leaves for home

Region

• Lt-Gen Soe Win inspects construction of NgaO Bridge
• Defence Ministry golf team honoured
• Golden bolts fixed at Kyweku-Kyaukphya Bridge
• Minister inspects construction of New National Library
• Financial Management Course concludes
• Minister inspects construction of MRTV new studio complex
• Prize winners of Independence Day essay and poem competitions announced
• Commander attends conclusion of Youth Camp (5/2002)
• USDA CEC member attends prize-presenting ceremony
• Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition continues
• Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe attends conclusion of Youth Camp

Religion

• Merry Christmas - 2002

News

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Headlines

Senior General Than Shwe visits Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition

Yangon, 24 Dec - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe this morning visited the Third Myanmar Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition, being launched by the Ministry of Health, at the Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road.

Ministers, officials and the practitioners conducted the Senior General and party round the central booth; booths of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Industry-1 and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation; booths of herbal plants; and private pharmacists' booths. After inspecting of the booths of traditional medicines and medical equipment at the exhibition for about an hour, the Senior General left there.

Work coordinated for development of Myanma Gems Industry

Yangon, 24 Dec - A meeting to coordinate work for development of Myanma Gems Industry was held at the meeting hall-1 of the Ministry of Mines at 4 pm today, with an address by State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt.

First, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt made a speech. In his the Secretary-1, he said that measures are being taken in accord with Myanma Gems Law for development of Myanma Gems Industry, adding that Myanma Gems Industry is one of the useful sources of income for the Government and private gems entrepreneurs also have enjoyed benefit from the industry. Since the gem entrepreneurs have become prosperous through the gem industry, they will have to be loyal to the State in response to its goodwill, he said and urged those concerned to make strenuous efforts to curb smuggling gems out of the country, for development of MGI and for the emergence of a proper gems market in the country and steps are to be taken for further development of the gems industry.

Then, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint reported on income of gems industry and condition of the gems market. Next, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee for Gems Insustry Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein reported on the designated plots and established plots in the gemsland and measures being taken for mining of gems and jade on a mutually beneficial basis by the State and the entrepreneurs. The meeting then came to a close with the concluding remarks by Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt.

International Relations

Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt receives Japanese guests

Yangon, 24 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt received Professor Emeritus Konosuke Odaka of Hitotsubashi University in Japan and party at Zeya Thiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 6 pm today. The Japanese guests were accompanied by Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Yuji Miyamoto.

F & R Minister receives Japanese delegation

Yangon, 24 Dec - Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein received Honorary Professor Mr Konosuke Odaka of Hitostubashi University, Japan, at his office this morning.

Sri Lankan Minister arrives Minister for Religious Affairs meets with Sri Lankan Minister

Yangon, 24 Dec - At the invitation of the Minister for Religious Affairs, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Justice, Law Reform and National Integration of Sri Lanka Mr WJM Lokubandara arrived here by air this morning.

Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin met visiting Minister Mr WJM Lokubandara at his office on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Mayangone, at 3 pm today.

Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt receives Indonesian Ambassador

Yangon, 24 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, on behalf of the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, received Indonesian Ambassador Mr Nasaruddhin Koro, who had completed his tour of duty in Myanmar at Zeya Thiri Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha at 3 pm today.

Chinese journalist delegation leaves for home

Yangon, 24 Dec - Under the programme to exchange cultural cooperation between the Union of Myanmar and the People's Republic of China, the visiting Chinese journalist delegation led by Deputy Administrator Mr Zhou Zhi of PRC Air Force Newspaper left here for home by air this morning. The delegation was seen off at Yangon International Airport by Director (News) U Hla Tun of News and Periodicals Enterprise of the Ministry of Information and officials, and First Secretary Mr Pan Feng of the Chinese Embassy in Yangon and embassy staff.

During their stay in Myanmar, the delegation called on the Minister for Information, the Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise, the Chairman of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association, and Mandalay City Development Committee, and also studied Myanmar cultural handicrafts, and visited University for Development of National Races in Sagaing, and PyinOoLwin.

Moreover, the delegation also visited the Myanma Alin Daily of NPD, Myanmar Radio and Television, Drug Elimination Museum, Mingaladon Garden City, People's Park and People's Square, and Defence Services Museum & Historical Research Institute, and viewed the development of Myanmar.

Region

Lt-Gen Soe Win inspects construction of NgaO Bridge

Yangon, 24 Dec - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win of the Ministry of Defence, on 20 December arrived at the construction site of Shweli bridge (NgaO) spanning the Shweli river between Pyindaunglay Village of Katha Township in Sagaing Division and NgaO Village of Mabein Township in Shan State. Senior engineer in-charge of the bridge construction project U Win Kyi and officials reported on progress of work and tasks to be carried out. Then, Lt-Gen Soe Win gave instructions on timely completion of the bridge, meeting the set standard, and worksite safety.

In the evening at Shwegu, Lt-Gen Soe Win, together with Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, met with depart-mental servicemen, mem-bers of USDA, social organizations and town-selders at Aungzeya Hall in Shwegu Township. A local authory of Shwegu Township reported on regional economy and rice sufficiency in the region. The commander also made supplementary reports on economic development of Shan State, supply of irrigation water in the township. After hearing the reports, Lt-Gen Soe Win spoke of the need to retain the sovereignty of the State with political, economic, social, security and international outlooks. He also said that the Government is making efforts to modernize every region by designating 24 development zones. Then, he donated matriculation school text books to two basic education high schools in Shwegu.

On 21 December morning, Lt-Gen Soe Win and the commander offered provisions to Myoma Kyaung Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Javana after paying homage to the Sayadaw. On arrival at Bhamo in the evening, Lt-Gen Soe Win met with departmental staff, members of social organizations and townselders. Local authorities reported on regional development tasks. After hearing reports, Lt-Gen Soe Win said the Government is striving for prosperity of the people day on, day out. In pursuit of that goal, the cooperative efforts of social organizations and departmental staff are needed. Then, he donated matriculation school text books to four basic education high schools in Bhamo. Member of the patrons of the central panel of the USDA Lt-Gen Soe Win then met with executives of Bhamo District USDA at the office of the association. Officials reported on cooperative efforts of the association in rural development tasks. After hearing the reports, Lt-Gen Soe Win gave instructions on implementation of the seven future tasks laid down by the USDA Annual General Meeting 2002, the need for adopting the guidance given by USDA Patron Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, and active participation of the association in discharging national duties.

Defence Ministry golf team honoured

Yangon, 24 Dec - The Defence Ministry golf team was honoured today for wining championship trophies in handicap and scratch events of the 2002 State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Golf tournament.

Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Defence Services Sports and Physical Education Management Committee Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein addressed the ceremony which was held at the hall of War Veterans Organization (Central) in Mayangon, Yangon.

Golden bolts fixed at Kyweku-Kyaukphya Bridge

Yangon, 24 Dec - The ceremony to fix golden bolts and nuts at Kyweku-Kyaukphya Bridge in Myeik, Taninthayi Division, to mark the completion of the project, was held at the last section of the project on Kyaukphya bank yesterday morning.

Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun made a speech on the occasion. He said as the last golden bolt and nut was fixed at the bridge which was completed in a period of two years, it will be opened soon. The bridge was built in accordance with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe. On 14 November 2000, the stake-driving ceremony of the bridge was held and with the assistance of the State, the Coastal Region Command and the commander and due to cooperation of related departments and local people, the last golden bolt and nut can be fixed at the last frame of the bridge. He expressed his thanks on behalf of the ministry to all.

The bridge is situated in Myeik, Taninthayi Division, and there are altogether eight bridges including this one in the division. The bridge is of reinforced concrete type with steel trusses. The main bridge is 2,112 feet long and the approach bridge on Kyaukphya Bank is 200 feet long and the one on Kyweku Bank is 1,300 feet long. So, the bridge is in total 3,612 feet long. It has 28-foot-wide motorway and 6-foot-wide pedestrian lanes on either side. The clearance is 236 feet in width and 28 feet in height, and the bridge can withstand 60-ton loads, he added.

After the opening of the bridge, traveling can be made easily from Kawthoung, the southernmost town of Myanmar, to Yangon and other towns. In conclusion, he urged all to strive for rapid opening of the bridge. The minister, the Colonel General Staff and officials, sprinkled scented water on golden bolt and nut which were then fixed at the bridge and rituals of silver and golden showers were performed.

Minister inspects construction of New National Library

Yangon, 24 Dec - Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung inspected progress in construction of New National Library at the corner of East Race Course Road and Laydauntkan Street in Tamway Township this morning.

First, the minister inspected greening tasks and plantations, entrance roads and exit roads and progress in construction of the new building. Officials reported on progress of work and future tasks, and financial statement to the minister who attended to the needs. Then, the minister inspected power control room and gave instructions on systematic use of electricity.

Next, the minister proceeded to the State School of Fine Arts (Yangon) and met with the principal and faculty members of the school. The minister gave instructions on the requirements to be attended to, producing the outstanding artists and preservation of the fine arts. Then, the minister viewed drawing of the students and fulfilled the requirements.

Minister inspects construction of MRTV new studio complex

 Yangon, 24 Dec - Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan this morning arrived at the construction site of MRTV new studio complex on Kyundaw Street this morning.

At the briefing hall, Myanma Radio and Television Director-General U Khin Maung Htay reported on construction progress of the MRTV new studio complex and future tasks. Managing Director of Olympic Construction U Aung Than reported on the progress of construction of the main building and future programmes. After giving necessary instructions to officials, the minister inspected the construction of the buildings.

Financial Management Course concludes

Yangon, 24 Dec - Financial Management Course 2/2002 organized by the Ministry of Industry-1 concluded with the ceremony held at the training hall of the ministry this morning, with an address by Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung.

Minister U Aung Thaung presented prizes to outstanding trainees and course completing certificates to course monitor. The minister also presented outstanding award to Accountant (Grade 4) of Myanma Pharmaceutical Industries Daw Su Su Lin who passed with distinctions in all subjects from the first level course No 187 opened by the Auditor-General' Office. Altogether 36 trainees attended the eight-week course.

Prize winners of Independence Day essay and poem competitions announced

Yangon, 24 Dec - Sub-committee for holding the 55th Anniversary Independence Day 2003 commemorative essay, poem, TV quiz and computer painting competitions held university, college, institute and basic education high school and middle school level essay and poem competitions in accord with the national objectives of the Independence Day on 23 and 24 November 2002.

First, second, third and consolation prize winners of the competitions were announced today. Cadet Thaik Tun Aung of Defence Services Academy (PyinOoLwin), Ma Saw Einda Thet Maung of Bago Degree College and Cadet Thein Min San of DSA (PyinOoLwin) won first, second and third prizes and Cadet Saw Kyaw Htin Myo of DSA (PyinOoLwin), Ma Loyal Tun of Mawlamyine Education College, Maung Yaza Win of Mandalay Education College, Maung Kyaw Htay of Government Computer College (Magway) and Maung Myo Nyunt Maw of Institute of Paramedical Science (Mandalay) won consolation prizes in university, college and institute level essay competition.

Ma Saw Einda Thet Maung of Bago Degree College, Cadet Arkar Hein Soe of DSA (PyinOolwin) and Maung Saw Maung of the University for Development of National Races (Sagaing) won first, second and third prizes and Cadet Hla Win Aung of Defence Services Technological Academy (PyinOoLwin), Cadet Aung Ko Ko Thet of DSTA (PyinOoLwin), Maung Zin Min Han of Yangon Computer University, Maung Aung Kyaw Thu Tun of Myaungmya Institute of Agriculture and Maung Kyaw Kyaw Oo of Yadanabon University won consolation prizes in university, college and institute level poem competition.

Maung Naung Naung Latt of Basic Education Middle School No 1, South Okkalapa Township, Ma Poe Darli Mon of BEHS-3, Pyay, and Ma Theinga Htut of BEHS-8, Mawlamyine, won first, second and third prizes and Maung Pyi Sone Win of BEHS-2, Pathein, Ma Soe Su Su Swe of BEHS, Kawlin, Ma Zin Mar Hlaing of BEMS-4, Yenangyoung, Ma Su Yi Naing of BEMS-1, Dawei, and Maung Nay Lin Kyaw of BEHS-2, Bago, won consolation prizes in basic education high school level essay competition.

Maung Ye Ko Ko Aung of BEHS-1, Tamway, Maung Min Myat Naing of BEHS-6, Mawlamyine, and Ma Kyi Su Han of BEHS-2 Loikaw won first, second and third prizes and Ma Mon Mon Aung of BEHS-24, Maha Aungmyay, Mandalay, Ma Su Sandi Lin of BEMS-4, Yenangyoung, Ma Nan Yin Nwe Win of BEMS-3, Kawkareik, Ma Hsaung Hnin Wai of BEHS-4, Sittway, and Ma Ei Thiri Win of BEHS-1 Bago, won consolation prizes in basic education high school level poem competition.

Ma Shwe Shwe Myint of BEMS-3, Myitkyina, Maung Phyo Paing Thaw of BEMS-1, South Okkalapa, and Ma Phyo Thinza Khin of BEMS-1, Pathein, won first, second and third prizes and Maung Naing Oak Kyaw of BEMS-4, Mawlamyine, Maung Ye Htet Aung of BEMS-2, Myeik, Ma Wint Shi Shi of BEHS-2, Minbu, Maung Pyi Maung Latt of BEHS-1, Nyaunglebin, and Ma Khin Chit Win of BEHS-26, Chanmyathazi, Mandalay, won consolation prizes in basic education middle school level essay competition.

Ma Nu Nu Maing of BEHS-3, Myitkyina, Ma Hnin Yu Htay of BEMS-6, Pathein, and Ma Hayni Tin Kyaing of BEMS-3, Lepaw, Yenangyoung, won first, second and third prizes and Maung Thura Soe of BEHS, Nattalin, Maung Sai Kyaw Zin Shine of BEHS-1, Kengtung, Ma Nu Htet Htet Lwin of BEHS-4, Sittway, Ma Zin Min Thu of BEMS-3, Ahlon, and Maung Banya Thiha Naing of BEHS, Palaw, won consolation prizes in basic education middle school level poem competition.

Those who won first, second and third in the competitions are to be presented prizes at the 55th Anniversary Independence Day dinner. University, college and institute level prize winners are to report to Staff Affairs Section of the Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar) on Thaton Road, Kamayut, and basic education level prize winners are to BEHS-1, Sangyoung, Yangon, by person before 1 Jaunary 2003 without fail.

Commander attends conclusion of Youth Camp (5/2002)

Yangon, 24 Dec - The concluding ceremony of Youth Camp (5/2002) arranged by MMCWA and organized by Yangon Division MCWA Supervisory Committee was held at Pyidaung-su Hall in Kyaikkasan grounds this morning, attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

Patron of Yangon Division MCWA Supervisiory Committee Daw Khin Thet Htay explained the purpose of opening the camp and presented completion certificates to the youth camp members. Afterwards, the ceremony concluded with the song "Towards the Embrace of the Future" composed and sung by members of the youth camps themselves.

Next, the commander, the chairperson and executives of MMCWA and Patron Daw Khin Thet Htay and members of the panel cordially greeted members of the youth camp.

USDA CEC member attends prize-presenting ceremony

Yangon, 24 Dec - Central Executive Committee member Brig-Gen Thein Aung of the Union Solidarity and Development Association made an address at the ceremony to present prizes to outstanding students held at Aungzeya Hall in Myanaung Township on 21 December.

Afterwards, Hinthada District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Maung Pyone and Myanaung Township Association (Yangon) Chairman U Aye Ko Ko explained the purposes of holding the ceremony. USDA CEC member Brig-Gen Thein Aung presented prizes to four distinction winner Ma Thin Ei San of Zalokma Village Affiliated BEHS who won the first prize in the whole Myanmar in 2001-2002 in arts combination and other outstanding students. Ma Thin Ei San spoke words of thanks.

On 22 December, the CEC member attended the opening ceremony of rural auto-telephone exchange in Thabyaygon Village in Myanaung Township and formally unveiled the billboard of the station. He then made a speech and presented cash for Sangha Ward of the Station hospital under construction and sports equipment for village BEHS. CEC member Brig-Gen Thein Aung then visited Zalokgyi Village BEHS and attended to the needs. After presenting stationery for the school, he met Myanaung Township USDA secretaries and executives at the hall of Myanaung Township USDA Office and made a speech.

On 23 December 2002, CEC member Brig-Gen Thein Aung made a speech at the ceremony to present USDA membership applications held at Mezin Village BEHS in the township. After accepting the applications, he presented cash for the village schools. CEC member Brig-Gen Thein Aung inspected the construction site for the bridge linking the villages and attended to the needs.

Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition continues

Yangon, 24 Dec - The Third Myanmar Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition continued for the ninth day drawing a huge number of visitors at the Tatmadaw Convention Hall here from 9 am to 8 pm today. It will be kept open till 26 December.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe attends conclusion of Youth Camp

Yangon, 24 Dec - Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, on 22 December inspected projects of MMCWA in Rakhine State.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party met with volunteers, and staff of the reproductive health projects jointly conducted by MMCWA and UNHCR at the project offices in Buthidaung and Maungdaw and attended to their needs.

They also inspected tailoring course opened by MCWA of the border gate. On 23 December, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe went to Kyikanbyin Village in Maungtaw Township and met with the local people. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and Dr Kyi Soe accepted K 12,710,000 donated by 31 wellwishers in Yathedaung and Maungtaw at the cash donation ceremony held at Maungtaw Township Hall and presented certificates of honour. Then, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and Dr Kyi Soe presented medicines donated by MMCWA and NHC to Buthidaung, Maungdaw and Yathedaung. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe also attended the conclusion of Youth Education Training Camp (1/2002) of Rakhine State MCWA and the ceremony to donate cash to MMCWA this morning. At the cash donation ceremony, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe accepted K 6.9 million donated by 14 wellwishers in Sittway and cordially greeted the youths.

Religion

Merry Christmas - 2002
" For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son,..."
(Jn. 3:16)

Christmastime is here again, and the usual greeting everywhere that readily comes to our lips or sent through cards, gifts and well wishes to dear and beloved ones is "Merry Christmas". What's so happy about Christmas ? What specifically causes people to rejoice with the spirit so high that makes them sing out in choruses? What made the Angels sing so sweetly God's glory that first Christmas night?

Christmas is the Birthday celebration of Jesus the Savior. Christmas is also the joint birthday celebration of every Christian-born again not of flesh and blood but of Spirit and Truth. The first Christmas a little more than 2000 years ago re-established full communication line between God and mankind.

God is Love
Being LOVE, God by His very nature, always tends to communicate himself, to enter into close relationship with human beings. And He does it in his most special and beloved ways. Even before creation, this willingness was clearly manifested in his divine plan  to make man the source and aim of all created living and non-living things. After creation God lavished upon him full authority and control over them, and above all He bestowed on him freedom freedom to choose and do what is good and to avoid doing anything bad. This shows us how much we mean to Him and how precious we are in His eyes.

But man failed, and the vital communication between God and man was almost completely cut off. The downfall turned man not only into the enemy of God, but hostile to his fellowman also thus to ruin his own good. But God in his inexhoustible fatherly love, mercy and forgiveness opens to man another chance. A Promise was made of a Divine Savior who would himself assume humanity to rescue man from the bondage of sin, darkness and death. This is how the "Messianic age" dawned on human history. And at the fullness of time God's promise came true by manifesting to the world His saving presence in Jesus Christ, at whose Birth a new '2nd creation' was wrought by the Father.

Love is born
For us, the story of Christmas is the story of love or better, the Celebration of the birth of Love. Today, God offers His love of salvation to all human beings irrespective of caste, color or creed. And the only requirement to attain salvation is to possess the spirit of Jesus and the disposition of goodwill.

God poured and emptied his love at Christmas in the Person of Jesus who passes it on to those with whom He comes into contact. We who have received this love are called to communicate it to others, to be channels of divine love. For love to be real, complete and whole it requires not only receiving but giving as well. And wherever pure, selfless love is shared we experience God. The Christian paradox is : 'the more we give, the more we receive.'

Peace, Joy, Happiness: Fruits of Love
Jesus has come to win peace for us by a life of giving love for hatred, turning hatred into love. Without real and meaningful love, such things so precious for man as peace, joy, happiness... will just be mere shattered dreams. For peace, joy, happiness... are no simple commodities that can be bought with money, neither can they be demanded by authority, power nor stolen from anywhere. It's much more than a sense of pleasure it's but an inner reality.

Again, Christmas is the celebration of love. So, let the remaining days of our life be Christmas everyday. Let's welcome Jesus into our crushed and burdened lives to heal the wounds of divisions, to narrow the gaps of misunderstanding, to pave the ways for forgiveness, reconciliation and fellowship.
* May our beloved country enjoy reconciliation, peace & harmony.
* May our leaders and all the people of goodwill be blessed with health
  of body, peace of mind and contentment of heart.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son,..."
(Jn. 3:16)

Merry Christmas to All!

Sotero Phamo
Bishop of Loikaw
Apostolic Administrator sede vacante et ad nutum
Sanctae Sedis of Yangon Archdiocese
December 25, 2002

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