Myanmar News : The New Light of Myanmar

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Headlines

• Third Pathan Desana Recitation Ceremony  held at Shwedagon Pagoda
• Commander inspects development tasks in Homein
• Union National Races Village to be opened  on 28 Dec
• MMCWA opens Youth Camp 5/2002
• Myanmar rejects US State Department's accusation

International Relations

• USDA Secretary- General receives Chinese guests
• Appointment of Ambassador agreed on
• Sri Lankan guests visit Lawka Chantha  Abhaya Laba Muni Image
• Workshop on teak-based multistoried  agro-forestry systems
• Italian tourists arrive by chartered flight

Region

• Minister inspects roads, bridges in Ayeyawady Division
• Minister inspects preparations for School Family Day Celebration
• Stone inscription bearing education goal unveiled
• Coord meeting on prevention against trafficking women and children held
• Fire-fighting course concludes
• Regional development tasks inspected  in Kawlin and Wuntho
• Commander inspects regional development  tasks in Rakhine State
• 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Marching and Military Song Competition to be held
• Deputy Minister inspects construction of  Kanbawzathadi Palace
• Education Book Fair inspected
• Traditional Medicine Exhibition concludes
• New stamps to be issued

Sport

• Sports development in Waw, Mawlamyine,  Mudon, Hpa-an inspected

Drug

• Heroin seized in Hsipaw

News

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Headlines

Third Pathan Desana Recitation Ceremony held at Shwedagon Pagoda

Yangon, 26 Dec - The Third Pathan Desana Recitation Ceremony, a programme of the 2002-2003 School Family Day of the Ministry of Education, was held at the north-west corner of Shwedagon Pagoda at 7 am today.

The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Student Ma Ei Ei Chun of Dagon Basic Education High School No 1 recited Seinyaunggyi religious verse.

Then, 9,000 flowers, 9,000 lights and 9,000 glasses of water were offered to the pagoda.

Next, all students recited religious verses and Metta sutta. All students recited Maha Pathan Pali verses.

At 8:30 am the ceremony ended with sharing the merits gained. 

Altogether 1,800 students from basic education high Schools in Sangyoung, Kyimyindine, Ahlon, Latha, Lanmadaw, Pabedan, Dagon, Tamway, Thakayta, Pazun-daung, Mingala Taungnyunt, Botahtaung, Dawbon, Kama-yut, Thingangyun, South Okkalapa, Yankin, Mayan-gon, Hline, Insein and Bagan townships in Yangon Division participated in the ceremony.

Commander inspects development tasks in Homein

Yangon, 26 Dec - Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint, paid homage to Pyinyeinaye Pagoda in Homein on 20 December.

The commander then inspected the TV retransmission station of Myanma Radio and Television in Homein and fulfilled the requirements. On 21 December, the commander arrived at the rural health care unit in Napunlon Village, Homein, and fulfilled the requirements. Then, the commander offered provisions to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nanda of the monastery in the village. Next, the commander proceeded to the power plant at Naunglon Lake in Homein. The commander inspected generating of the 60-kva power plant and construction of a new 120-kva power plant. Afterwards, the commander inspected Homein Basic Education High School and attended to the needs of the school.

The school was built at a cost of K 35 million donated by Shan State Peace and Development Council, Work Committee for Progress of Border Areas and National Races, the Ministry of Education and local people. Then, the commander inspected the site chosen for the new building of Withokedi monastery to be constructed at a cost of K 12 million by Work Committee for Progress of Border Areas and National Races. The commander also saw over the site for General Administration Department Office of Homein Sub-township, USDA Office, IPRD Office and attended to the needs. In the afternoon, the commander inspected Homein Hospital.

Next, the commander met with Homein Sub-township level departmental personnel, social organizations and local people. The commander presented 150 viss of potato and 1,500 eggs to the departmental personnel and local people, K 1 million to Homein BEHS and a TV and a VCR to IPRD. Later, the commander inspected extension of Homein-Tasuttein road.

Union National Races Village to be opened on 28 Dec

Yangon, 26 Dec - The Union National Races Village of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs will be opened near Thanlyin Bridge in Thakayta Township, Yangon Division, on 28 December. Visitors are invited to view and study traditions and culture of national brethren as well as Myanmar traditional arts handiwork and the Myanmar traditional medicines and medical equipment there.

MMCWA opens Youth Camp 5/2002

Yangon, 26 Dec - The Youth Camp 5/2002, organized by Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, was opened at the multi-purpose building of MMCWA at the corner of Parami and Thanthuma Roads in South Okkalapa Township this morning.

First, Chairperson of Work Committee for Youth Programme of MMCWA Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe gave an opening speech.

Then, MMCWA Chairperson Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe and Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented souvenirs to mark the opening ceremony to Maung Pyi Soe and Ma Swe Zin Oo, representatives of the youths.

Next, the chairperson, the vice-chairperson, executives and guests viewed documentary photos on movements of the youths of the camps. Altogether 22 young men and 20 young women are attending the course which will last up to 31 December.

International Relations

Idea of using rape to achieve objectives alien to Myanmar culture It is completely illogical to allege that it could commit acts that would result in discord among the national races
Myanmar rejects US State Department's accusation

Yangon, 26 Dec - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar on 26 December issued a press release on a rejection against the accusation of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour of the State Department of the United States, which is attempting to raise the issue of so-called human rights violations in Myanmar once again.

The following is an original copy of the press release: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar notes with regret that the US Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, is attempting to raise the issue of so-called human rights violations in Myanmar once again. The State Department issued a statement on 17 December alleging that the Myanmar military is using rape as a weapon against its national races. The Foreign Ministry completely rejects the accusation.

The Myanmar Government has never practiced such a policy, and never will. The idea of using rape to achieve one's objectives is alien to Myanmar culture. In Myanmar, rape is considered not only as a despicable and heinous crime, but also as an unacceptable infringement of basic religious precepts. The allegations of the use of rape as a weapon by the Myanmar military emanate from non-governmental organizations hostile to Myanmar and are patently false. Thorough and extensive investigations carried out by the authorities have revealed that out of 173 allegations of rape made by the Shan Human Rights Foundation and the Shan Women's Action Network the anti-government organizations based in Thailand, there were only 5 instances which had any similarity with the alleged cases. Action has already been taken in these cases. It is evident that the majority of the cases referred to is a fabrication. The individuals mentioned are fictitious and the villages cited are non-existent.

The Myanmar Government places the highest priority on national unity. Therefore, it is completely illogical to allege that it could commit acts that would result in discord among the national races. The allegations are being repeated with ulterior motives and are aimed at tarnishing the image of the country and its armed forces. It is not uncommon for insurgent groups and their supporters to propagate falsehoods whenever possible.

USDA Secretary- General receives Chinese guests

Yangon, 26 Dec - Secretary-General of the Union Solidarity and Development Association U Than Aung receives a delegation led by Ms Ding Dihe of All China Youth Federation at his office in Bahan Township at 7 pm yesterday.

Appointment of Ambassador agreed on

Yangon, 26 Dec - The Government of the Union of Myanmar has agreed to the appointment of Mr D M M Ranaraja as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the Union of Myanmar in succession to Mr Ubhabasekera Mapa. Mr D M M Ranaraja was born in 1951. He has an Arts Degree and joined the Sri Lankan Foreign Service in July 1985. He served in various capacities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in the Sri Lankan Missions in New Delhi, Madras, Jakarta and Dhaka. He is currently serving as Director of the Overseas Administration Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan guests visit Lawka Chantha Abhaya Laba Muni Image

Yangon, 26 Dec - The visiting Sri Lankan Minister of Buddha Sasana, Justice, Law Reform and National Integration Mr W J M Lokubandara and party, accompanied by Director-General of the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U San Lwin, yesterday morning paid homage to Lawka Chantha Abhaya Laba Muni Image on Mindhamma Hill and viewed the White Elephant. The guests also visited National Museum at 1 pm. In the evening, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin and wife hosted a dinner in honour of the minister and party.

Italian tourists arrive by chartered flight

Yangon, 26 Dec - Under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism, assistance given by the Ministry of Transport and arrangements of Myanmar Lotus Asia Ltd Tours, a chartered flight Lauda Air Boeing 767/300 with 80 tourists from Italy arrived here at 9:30 am today. The tourists in two groups will join Yangon-Bagan-Popa-Mandalay-Pindaya-Inlay journey and leave Yangon on 2 January.

Workshop on teak-based multistoried agro-forestry systems

Yangon, 26 Dec - Workshop on teak-based multistoried agro-forestry systems : an integrated approach towards sustainable development of forests, organized by the Forest Department and International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) was held at the Forest Department in Insein Township here at 9 am today. Deputy Minister Col Thaik Tun delivered an address. Next, ITTO Project manager Dr Hwan Ok Ma delivered a welcoming address. The workshop was participated by 33 farmers and staff members. Altogether 4 papers were presented by resource persons. The workshop ended at 3 pm.

Region

Minister inspects roads, bridges in Ayeyawady Division

Yangon, 26 Dec - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun inspected Yangon-Pathein Road on 25 December.

Yangon Division Superintending Engineer U Nyunt Maung San and officials reported on construction tasks at Yangon-Pathein Road in opened season and tasks to be undertaken. The minister gave instructions on work. Deputy Superintending Engineers U Kyaw Htay and U Ye Tun also reported on progress of works on Yangon-Pathein Road in Ayeyawady Division. Next, the minister and party inspected Pantanaw-Shwelaung-Wakema Road. At Wakema Bridge, Deputy Superintending Engineer U Khin Maung Hse reported on finishing work for the bridge which will soon be opened and construction of the approach road.

The minister gave instructions on timely completion of the work with meeting set standard and tasks to be supervised. Then, the minister and party inspected Panhlaing Bridge project. Later, the minister inspected the construction site.

Minister inspects preparations for School Family Day Celebration

Yangon, 26 Dec - Minister for Education U Than Aung arrived at the Yangon University Diamond Jubilee Hall where School Family Day for 2002-2003 academic year will be celebrated, in Kamayut Township today.

The minister inspected the booths on the third floor of the hall. Deputy Minister U Myo Nyunt reported on preparations for e-Government Education Sector booth. At the Video Con-fermenting booth, the Rector of Mandalay University directly briefed the minister on tasks being carried out from Mandalay.

Then, the minister inspected telecasting of education lectures through the globe caster. He also inspected the Video Library Management System booth, the e-Book Website booth and the Olympus Biological Microscope booth for University of Distance Education, the IT Electronics and Communications booth of Department of Engineering Physics and IT of YU, the booth of Universities' Library and the e-Education in Myanmar 2003 and performance in computer skills of basic education students.

Next, the minister and party saw over book showrooms of Yangon Institute of Economics, Yangon UDE, the Law Department of YU, Dagon University and the Geology Department of YU to be displayed at the Education Books Fair on the ground floor of the hall.

Stone inscription bearing education goal unveiled

Yangon, 26 Dec - Stone inscription bearing education goal "Build the modern, developed nation through Education" was unveiled at No 16 Basic Education High School, Chanayethazan Township, Mandalay on 24 December.

The outstanding students unveiled the stone inscripton. At the ceremony Education Minister made an address and Headmistress Daw Htwe Htwe Than spoked words of thanks. Then, Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for Education U Than Aung and party inspected the teaching rooms in the school and fulfilled the needs.

Coord meeting on prevention against trafficking women and children held

Yangon, 26 Dec - A coordination meeting of Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs led by the deputy minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlements under the Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs and the work group for prevention against trafficking in women and children led by the deputy minister for Home Affairs was held at International Business Centre on Pyay Road here at 1 pm today.

First, Deputy Minister U Hlaing Win delivered a speech. Next, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung explained undertakings of prevention against trafficking in women and children. Director-General U Sit Myaing explained undertakings of the work committee. Then, leaders of the sub-committees reported on their respective sectors in the general round of discussions. Member of the work group for prevention against trafficking in women and children Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi and Secretary Police Chief of Staff Police Brig-Gen Tin Win reported preventive measures against trafficking in women and children.

Leader of the Management Committee for Exhibition on Myanma Women's Endeavours Director of Social Welfare Department U Bo Than explained about the expenditure of the exhibition. Afterwards, the meeting came to an end with the concluding remarks by Deputy Minister U Hlaing Win.

Fire-fighting course concludes

Yangon, 26 Dec - The conclusion ceremony of the fire-fighting course of Toungoo Township Auxiliary Fire Brigade in Bago Division was held at People's Sports Grounds in Toungoo yesterday morning.

Bago Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Southern Command Commander Maj-Gen Aung Min. Altogether 198 trainees attended the eight-week course.

Regional development tasks inspected in Kawlin and Wuntho

Yangon, 26 Dec - Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Chairman North-West Command Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing inspected Kyaukpahto Special Gold Mining Project in Kawlin Township on 18 December.

General Manager U Win Maung reported to him on arrangements for production with full capacity. After giving necessary instructions, the commander inspected tasks being carried out with the use of machinery and running of refinery there. Then, he attended the ceremony to open the Nawaday Library, under the arrangements of the Union Solidarity and Development Association of Taunggyi Village, Uhmingon Village-tract, in the township. The village USDA organizer and the library committee chairman formally opened the library and the commander donated books to the library.

The commander and the officials were presented commemorative pennants and the commander donated cash for the library. Afterwards, the commander inspected construction of Village Communication Station in Kyaukpyintha Village. He then attended the opening ceremony of Taunpat gravel road in Sawbwagyi Ward in Wuntho which is 1,500 feet long and 12 feet wide.

Katha District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Myint Naing and Sagaing Division Development Affairs Department Director U Soe Tint formally opened the road.

Commander inspects regional development tasks in Rakhine State

Yangon, 26 Dec - Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Maung Oo, attended the demonstration of pepper plants cultivation held at the office of Myanma Agriculture Service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation in Sittway on 22 December.

Rakhine State Manager of MAS U Kyi Han reported on cultivation methods of pepper plants. The commander gave necessary instructions. Then, the commander met with district and township level departmental officials, social organizations and local farmers at the Ponnagyun Township Peace and Development Council office and gave instructions on regional development tasks. Next, the commander arrived at Lathsaungkauk Village in Kyauktaw Township where he heard reports on cultivation of winter crops on 8 acres of land of the departments in the township presented by Township Chairman U Tha Noe Aung. Then, he gave instructions on timely cultivation of crops for food sufficiency in the region.

At 9 pm, the commander met with township level departmental officials, social organizations and local people at Minbya Township Peace and Development Council Office and gave instructions on regional development tasks. The commander also met with departmental personnel, social organizations and local people at MraukU Township Peace and Development Council Office on 23 December. He gave necessary instructions and fulfilled the requirements on reports presented by the officials.

Then, the commander arrived at the MraukU Township agriculture service manager's office and inspected the quality pepper plants cultivated at the farm of the office and left necessary instructions.

58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Marching and Military Song Competition to be held

Yangon, 26 Dec - The Subcommittee for Marching and Military Song Competition under the Work Committee for Organizing the Poetry and Arts Competitions chaired by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt (Htilar Sitthu) has announced that the marching and military song competitions will be held in commemoration of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day which falls on 27 March 2002.

There will be the open level in the marching song competition and two levels - level 1 and level 2 in the military song competition. In addition to first, second and third prizes, special prizes will be presented to the winners in every competitions. The songs are to be composed highlighting the 12 objectives of the State, the objectives of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and the 12 fine traditions of the Tatmadaw. Anyone can take part in the marching song competition, but composers and vocalists included in the level 1 are not allowed to participate in the level 2.

Those who have won the first, second and third prizes in the level 2 of military song competition in the previous years may take part in the level 1 only. Competitors individually or in groups are allowed to send only one entry. The entry must be Myanmar traditional melody and style and its duration must be from 4 to 6 minutes. The entry is to be recorded on a tape. A suitable title for the entry can be given. Ten photo copies of lyrics of the entry and a copy of musical notes, together with a tape, are to be sent. The entrants are to send their curriculum vitae with three passport size colour photos.

The committee will contact tentatively selected competitors. The tentatively selected competitors must take part in the final contest with tapes. The entries are to be sent to Secretary of the Subcommittee, U Ko Ko Htwe, Myanma Radio and Television, Pyay Road, not later than 31 December.

Deputy Minister inspects construction of Kanbawzathadi Palace

Yangon, 26 Dec - Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt arrived at the construction site of Kanbawzathadi Palace in Bago yesterday.

Director Daw Sanda Khin of Archaeology Department reported on covering of grass on either side of Myindawtha Road from the entrance to the museum, planting of star-flower trees and growing of flowery plants near the car parking area and other buildings. Officials concerned reported on land preparations, greening tasks, collection of ancient artifacts, construction of the entrance road to Myaynan Pyatthad and decoration works.

After hearing the reports, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt gave instructions on tasks to be carried out for growing of beautifying plants, digging of drains, installation of handicraft at the exterior part of the museum.

Traditional Medicine Exhibition concludes

Yangon, 26 Dec - The Third Myanmar Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition, started from 16 December, continued for the final day at the Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road from 9 am to 8 pm today.

The exhibition was crowded with members of the Sangha the public, students, tourists and buyers. Medicine producers presented traditional medicines worth K 2.2 million for the national races in border areas to Lt-Col San Nyein of the Ministry of Defence. At the exhibition, various kinds of traditional medicines and import-substitute local-made machines for manufacturing traditional medicines were displayed in the booths of Traditional Medicine Department, the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Industry-1, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, traditional research works of Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar) and 67 Myanmar traditional medicine houses.

Education Book Fair inspected

Yangon, 26 Dec - Members of the Supervisory Committee for Library, Museum and Exhibition arrived at Education Book Fair to be held at Diamond Jubilee Hall on Pyay Road where the School Family Day will be held this morning.

They inspected the preparatory tasks of booths and shops at the fair. Committee member U Mya Hlaing presented permission for holding the fair to Chairman of the subcommittee for holding the fair Rector of University of Foreign Language (Yangon) Dr Soe Win.

Altogether 33 booths on books and shops will be displayed at the fair, organized by the Ministry of Education, which will be kept open from 8 am to 5 pm from 27 December to 3 January.

New stamps to be issued

YANGON, 26 Dec - New 2 Ks and 30 Ks stamps marking 55th Independence Day will be issued by the Myanma Posts and Telecommunications of Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs.

These two kinds of stamps are available atstate/division /district / town shi p posts offices as of 4 January 2003.

As a specialprogramme, Ispecial cancellation seal willbe printed on the stamps at Yangon Post Office and Mandalay Post Office only on 4 January, 2003.

Sport

Sports development in Waw, Mawlamyine, Mudon, Hpa-an inspected

Yangon, 26 Dec - Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint delivered an address at the ceremony to honour Thayethamein High School (Branch) which stood third in the pass rate of Bago Division for 2001-2002 matriculation examination, at BEHS in Waw on 23 December and presented K 200,000 plus K 300,000 donated by Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence to Thayethamein BEHS (Branch).

At the ceremony, President of Myanmar Archery Federation Chairman of Zay Gabar Co U Khin Shwe donated K 500,000 and National Economic Holdings Ltd, K 500,000 to the school (branch); U Htay Khaing of Aungthabyay Khaing Co donated K 300,000 for construction of Waw Township Education Office; U Zaw Win of AyonU Construction donated K 300,000 for the multimedia teaching centre of Waw BEHS; and the minister presented sports gears to officials. On 24 December, the minister attended the closing ceremony of Basic Archery Course at Yamanya Sports Ground in Mawlamyine.

Mon State Sports and Physical Education Committee Chairman South-East Command Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Myo Hla and MAF President U Khin Shwe gave speeches. Then, National Economic Holdings Ltd presented K 1 million to Mon State Sports and Physical Education Committee. The minister presented certificates of honour to the trainees.

Next, he met with players of under-13, under-17 and under-21 football teams. In Mudon, the minister and party inspected the township sports ground and the gymnasium and presented sports equipment to officials. On 25 December, the minister and party arrived at Aungthanlwin Sports Ground in Hpa-an and inspected under-13 and under-21 football teams.

Then, the minister met with members of Kayin State Sports and Physical Education Committee and staff of the Sports and Physical Education Department.

Drug

Heroin seized in Hsipaw

Yangon, 26 Dec - A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Lashio Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, on 21 December 2002, searched a farm trolley with number plates La/2876 and seized 41 grams of heroin in three soap boxes and K 100,000 from Kyaw Naing. According to the confession of Kyaw Naing, the authorities also searched farm trolley owner U Aik Tun and seized an M 20 Pistol and two magazines and 10 rounds of ammunition. Action is being taken against Kyaw Naing (a) Khun Daung, 36, son of U Aik Tun of Oomu village in Hsipaw Township and Aik Tun, 38, son of U San Aw of the same village under Sections of 15/19 (A) /21/22 (B) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Lashio No 1 Police Station.

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