Myanmar News : The New Light of Myanmar

YANGON, 5 Nov - Military Adviser to the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, together with Vice Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and officials, this morning saw off the study group comprising military attaches and their families at the Yangon International Airport.

The group led by Head of the Office of the Chief of Military Intelligence Brig-Gen Thein Swe and Dean of the Military Attaches Malaysian Military Attache to Myanmar Col Harun Bin Hitam will visit the areas in the Northern Command.

YANGON, 5 Nov -The prize presentation of the 11th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions was held on a grand scale at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township on 3 November attended by Patron of the committee for organizing the competitions Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, wife of Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, Secretary-1 of the SPDC Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win, members of Panel of Patrons of the committee for organizing the competitions, Chairman of the leading committee for organizing the competitions Yangon Division PDC Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife, and distinguished guests. On the occasion, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint presented first, second and third prizes to U Kyaw Thu Win of Mon State and U Myint Aung of Ayeyawady Division, U Aung Zaw Htwe of Yangon Division and U Myint Nyein of Bago Division in the men's professional level piano contest; Maung Zeya Tun of Shan State, U Soe Shwe Wah and U Kyaw Swa Lin of Mandalay Division in the men's amateur level piano contest; Maung Aung Aung of Ayeyawady Division, Maung Win Soe of Yangon Division and Maung Zaw Myo Thet of Yangon Division in the men's higher education level piano contest; Maung Zeya Min of Yangon Division, Maung Soe Thein of Bago Division and Maung Yu Maung of Mandalay Division and Maung Win Htut of Ayeyawady Division in the basic education level piano contest (aged 15-20, boys); Maung Htain Lin Aung of Yangon Division, Maung Hein Htoo Zaw of Yangon Division and Maung Thuta Htun of Mandalay Division and Maung Par Par Aung of Sagaing Division in the basic education level piano contest (aged 10-15, boys); Maung Phone Moe Yan of Mandalay Division, Maung Aung Ko Ko Hla of Yangon Division and Maung Pyi Phyo Maung of Mandalay Division in the basic education level piano contest (aged 5-10, boy).

Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt presented first, second, third and consolation prizes to Daw Sein Sein Yin of Yangon Division, Daw Than Than Nyunt of Mandalay Division in the women's professional level piano contest; Ma Hnin Ei Phyu of Ayeyawady Division and Ma Than Than Lwin of Yangon Division in the women's amateur level piano contest; Ma Tin Sanda Win of Bago Division, Ma Khin Swe Mya Kyi of Mandalay Division and Ma Cho Thway Aung of Ayeyawady Division in the women's higher education level piano contest; Ma Eint Tharatthu of Yangon Division, Ma Khin Thazin Yadana Tun of Magway Division and Ma Lwin Lwin Cho Tun of Ayeyawady Division in the basic education level piano contest (aged 15-20, girls); Ma Ei Phyo Paing of Yangon Division, Ma Wai Phyo Paing of Taninthayi Division and Ma Chan Myay Thu of Mandalay Division and Nan Htet Htet Aye of Shan State in the basic education level piano contest (aged 10-15, girls); Ma Hnin Aye Wai of Yangon Division, Ma Thiri Myat Su of Ayeyawady Division and Ma Aye Chan Moe Thant of Mandalay Division in the basic education level piano contest (aged 5-10, girls).

Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw presented respective first, second and third prizes to U San Ohn of Yangon Division, U Shwe Soe of Mon State and U Tun Kyaing of Magway Division in the professional level oboe contest; Sgt Tun Tun Oo (Myawady) of Yangon Division, U Tanaw of Mandalay Division and U San Lwin of Mandalay Division in the amateur level oboe contest; Maung Myo Min Thant of Yangon Division, Maung Zaw Myo Thet of Yangon Division and Maung Win Myint Khaing (a) Maung Khaing of Sagaing Division in the higher education level oboe contest; Maung Min Swe of Magway Division, Maung Sein Than Zaw of Yangon Division and Maung Myat Zaw of Rakhine State in the basic education level oboe contest (aged 15-20); Maung Nanda Aung of Yangon Division, Maung Kyaw Ko Latt of Magway Division and Maung Ye Win Tun of Bago Division in the basic education level oboe contest (aged 10-15); Maung Aung Myint Tun of Yangon Division, Maung Sithu Phyo of Mandalay Division and Maung Myo Ko of Mandalay Division in the basic education level oboe contest (aged 5-10).

Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein presented respective first, second, third and consolation prizes to U Khin Maung Yin of Yangon Division, U Ba Thet of Mon State and U Khin Maung Kyi of Mandalay Division in the men's professional level violin contest; Maung Thant Zaw of Mandalay Division, Maung Sithu Aung of Yangon Division and U Kyaw Aye of Chin State in the men's amateur level violin contest; Maung Zin Min Tun of Mandalay Division, Maung Ye Wint Kyaw of Yangon Division and Maung Bo Bo Kyaw of Mandalay Division in the men's higher level violin contest; Maung Thein Htet Aung of Yangon Division, Maung Win Arkar Aung of Bago Division and Maung Thein Htaik Aung of Kachin State in the basic education level violin contest (aged 15-20, boys); Maung Min Thukha of Yangon Division, Maung Saw Kalo Htoo Doh of Kayah State and Maung Thet Aung Soe of Ayeyawady Division and Maung Nay Lin Soe of Kachin State in the basic education level violin contest (aged 10-15, boys); Maung Nyi Nyi Lwin of Yangon Division, Maung Kyaw Wunna of Mandalay Division and Maung Myo Thiha Ko of Mandalay Division in the basic education level violin contest (aged 5-10, boys).

Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi presented first prize to Ma Khaing Zar Kyi of Kachin State in the women's professional level violin contest; respective first, second, third and consolation prizes to Ma Thuza Thant Zin of Yangon Division, Ma Su Myat Phyo and Ma Khin Swe Mya Nyunt of Mandalay Division and Ma Hnin Nwe Soe of Ayeyawady Division in the women's higher education level violin contest; Ma Aye Su Mon of Kachin State, Ma Aw May Kyaw of Yangon Division and Ma Sanda Win of Yangon Division and Ma Lwin Lwin Cho Tun of Ayeyawady Division in the basic education level violin contest (aged 15-20, girls); Ma Thiri Hlaing of Yangon Division, Ma Khin Nanda Tun of Yangon Division and Ma Naw May Thaw Htoo Shein of Kayah State and Ma Thet Phyu Hlaing of Taninthayi Division in the basic education level violin contest (aged 10-15, girls); Ma Nwe Myo Aye of Mandalay Division, Ma Naw Do Nay Htoo of Kayah State and Ma Thin Thin Yu Aung of Mon State in the basic education level violin contest (aged 5-10, girls).

Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint presented respective first, second, third and consolation prizes to U Hla Htay of Bago Division, U Kyi Shwe of Yangon Division and Gita U Aung Shein of Yangon Division in the men's professional level mandolin contest; U Min Zaw of Bago Division, U Htay Win of Mon State and U Maung Maung Lwin (a) Paukkhaung Maung Maung Lay of Yangon Division in the men's amateur level mandolin contest; Maung Thura Kyaw of Taninthayi Division in the higher education level mandolin contest; Maung Aung Hein Oo of Mon State, Maung Han Win Aung of Yangon Division and Maung Win Lwin Oo of Ayeyawady Division and Maung Aung Naing Win of Rakhine State in the basic education level mandolin contest (aged 15-20, boys); Maung Ko Ko Win of Bago Division, Maung Hlaing Moe of Magway Division and Maung Pyi Sone Phyo of Rakhine State in the basic education level mandolin contest (aged 10-15, boys); Maung Ye Win Aung of Bago Division, Maung Aung Naing Soe of Ayeyawady Division and Maung Mya Moe of Magway Division in the basic education level mandolin contest (aged 5-10, boys).

Minister for Labour U Tin Winn presented respective first prize to Daw Mya Hnin Yi of Yangon Division in the women's professional level mandolin contest; first prize to Daw Ohn Mar of Ayeyawady Division in the women's amateur level mandolin contest; first prize to Ma Thiri Hlaing of Yangon Division in the basic education level mandolin contest (aged 15-20, girls); first and second prizes to Ma Nan Thuza of Bago Division in the basic education level mandolin contest (aged 10-15, girls); first prize to Ma Kyi Kyi Mar of Magway Division in the basic education level mandolin contest (aged 5-10, girls).

Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint presented respective first, second, third and consolation prizes to Shwelinban U Thein Hlaing of Yangon Division, Gita U Aung Shein of Yangon Division and U Soe Win of Mandalay Division in the men's professional level Myanmar guitar contest; U Than Aye of Rakhine State, U Khin Maung Win of Yangon Division, U Kyaw Myint of Mon State, U Kyaw Tint of Ayeyawady Division and U Myo Myint of Shan State and U Tin Tun of Taninthayi Division in the men's amateur level Myanmar guitar contest; Maung Aung of Yangon Division and Maung Kyaw Swa Lin of Bago Division in the basic education level Myanmar guitar contest (aged 15-20, boys); Maung Sithu Htet Aung of Yangon Division in the basic education level Myanmar guitar contest (aged 10-15, boys); Maung Min Htut of Yangon Division, Maung Nan Tain Yan Htun of Bago Division and Maung Htet Ko Ko Lin of Yangon Division in the basic education level Myanmar guitar contest (aged 5-10, boys); Ma Nwe Zin Win of Yangon Division in the basic education level Myanmar guitar contest (aged 15-20, girls); Ma Thiri Hlaing and Ma Thinza Tun of Yangon Division in the basic education level Myanmar guitar contest (aged 10-15, girls); Ma Su Yi Ko Ko of Yangon Division in the basic education level Myanmar guitar contest (aged 5-10, girls).

Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun presented respective first, second, third and consolation prizes to U San Tint of Yangon Division, U Kyaw Htay of Magway Division and U Maung Maung Myint of Shan State in the men's professional level Donmin contest; U Maung Han, U Sein Tin Aung of Bago Division and U Naing Oo of Mon State, U Tin Win of Yangon Division and U Hla Kyaing of Shan State, U Khin Maung Nyunt of Kachin State and U Thaung Myint Tun of Rakhine State in the men's amateur level Donmin contest; U Htoo Aung and Maung Thet Lwin Aung Tun of Yangon Division, Maung Thura of Bago Division and Maung Chan Myay Oo of Sagaing Division in the basic education level Donmin contest (aged 10-15, boys); Maung Zeya Soe Oo of Yangon Division, Maung Maung Aung Kyaw Myint of Bago Division in the basic education level Donmin contest (aged 5-10, boys); Daw Sein Sein Yin of Yangon Division in the women's professional level Donmin contest; Daw Aye Aye Maw of Ayeyawady Division in the women's amateur level Donmin contest; Ma Shwe Zin Chit of Yangon Division, Ma Ei Mon Kyaw of Bago Division and Ma Ei of Shan State in the basic education level Donmin contest (aged 5-10).

Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min presented respective first, second, third and consolation prizes to U Ye Lin Bo of Yangon Division, U Aung Wan Too (a) Sein Kalar of Yangon Division and Pantra Kyaw Zaw (Myawady) and U Kaung Thant (a) Kyaw Zin Tun of Mandalay Division in the men's professional level Saing contest (individual); Sgt Mya Win Bo (Myawady) of Yangon Division, U Myat Zin Aung (a) Mya Aung of Bago Division and U Kyaw Moe Naing of Mandalay Division in the men's amateur level Saing contest (individual); Maung Chan Tha Toe of Sagaing Division, Maung Aung Aung of Mandalay Division and Maung Myo Thant of Yangon Division in the men's higher level Saing contest (individual); Maung Thura Kyi Moe (a) Phoe Thingyan of Yangon Division, Maung Star Bo Htet of Yangon Division and Maung Myo Naing (a) Star of Magway Division in the basic education level Saing contest (aged 15-20, boys, individual); Maung Myo Zaw Hein (a) Myo Zaw Aung of Yangon Division, Maung Hla Kyaw (a) Ye Min of Yangon Division and Maung Chan Myay Oo of Sagaing Division, Maung Wai Yan Tun of Kayah State, Maung Tun Tun Hlaing of Rakhine State in the basic education level Saing contest (aged 10-15, boys, individual); Maung Yan Paing of Mandalay Division, Maung Htet Arkar Oo (a) Htet Arkar of Yangon Division and Maung Aung San Min (a) Hay Myanmar Sein Kywet Thoe in the basic education level Saing contest (aged 5-10, boys, individual).

Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Ko Lay presented first, second prize to Doh Bo Ma of Mandalay Division in the women's professional level Saing contest (individual); respective first, second and third prizes to Daw Yin Yin Nu of Yangon Division, Myanmarpyi Sein of Ayeyawady Division and Daw Mya Mya Win of Bago Division in the women's amateur level Saing contest (individual); Ma Ei Ei Mon of Yangon Division, ma Aung Bo Ma of Sagaing Division and Ma Moe Sanda Thin (a) Chit Su Ma in the women's higher education level Saing contest (individual); Ma Wint Thinza Stin of Yangon Division, Ma Htet Htet Lin of Mandalay Division and Ma Zar Zar Lin (a) Pauk Kyaw Mya of Yangon Division in the basic education level Saing contest (aged 15-20, girls); Ma Kay Zin Chit Su of Yangon Division and Ma Aye Chan Myat Phyo of Bago Division, Ma Thiri Thant Zin of Ayeyawady Division and Ma Nwe Nwe Tun (a) Tone Tone of Yangon Division in the basic education level Saing contest (aged 10-15, girls); Ma Nanda Win Bo of Yangon Division, Ma Zarni Nan Lwin of Yangon Division and Ma Kyi Kyi Tha of Kachin State in the basic education level Saing contest (aged 5-10, girls).

Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Maj-Gen Thein Swe presented the first prize for professional level Ozi contest (in group) to U Ohn Ngwe group of Mandalay Division, the second to U Sein Kalar group of Mandalay Division and the third to Chindwin Sanay group of Sagaing Division; the first prize for amateur level Ozi contest (in group) to Maung Myo Aung Oo (a) Maung Oo group of Yangon Division, the second to U Hein Htet group of Mandalay Division and third prizes to Ko Thet Naing group of Sagaing Division and U Zin Min Latt group of Bago Division; the first prize for higher education level Ozi contest (in group) to Maung Zeya Tun Wai group of Yangon Division, the second to Maung Aung Thein Myint group of Mandalay Division and the third to Maung Min Thein Tun group of Sagaing Division.

Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung presented the first prize for basic education level Ozi contest (in group) (aged 15-20) to Maung Star Bo Htet group of Yangon Division, the second to Maung Pyi Phyo Maw group of Mandalay Division and the third to Maung Ye Win Tun group of Sagaing Division; the first prize for basic education level Ozi contest (in group) (aged 10-15) to Maung Hla Kyaw (a) Ye Min group of Yangon Division, the second to Maung Zaw Min (a) Po La Pyae group of Yangon Division, the third to Maung Thuta Tun group of Mandalay Division and consolation prize to Maung Tun Pe (a) Laurence group of Kayah State; the first prize for basic education level Ozi contest (in group) (aged 5-10) to Maung Aung Zin Myo (a) San Shar group of Yangon Division, the second to Maung Thiha Zaw group of Sagaing Division and the third to Maung Nyo Tok group of Ayeyawady Division.

Chief Justice U Aung Toe presented first prizes for professional level Dobat contest (in group) to U Sein Kalar group and U Ohn Ngwe group of Mandalay Division, the second to U Thein Win Tun group of Yangon Division and the third to Chindwin Sanay group of Sagaing Division; the first prize for amateur level Dobat contest (in group) to Maung Kyaw Kyaw Han (a) Thar Htwe Stin group of Yangon Division, the second to U Htay Lwin group of Sagaing Division and the third to U Zaw Win Aung (a) Zaw Min Tun group of Bago Division; the first prize for higher education level Dobat contest (in group) to Maung Aung Kyaw Khaing group of Mandalay Division, second prizes to Maung Kyaw Nyein Chan group of Yangon Division and Maung Aung Than Zaw group of Sagaing Division and the third to Maung Chit Soe Wai group of Ayeya- wady Division.

Attorney-General U Aye Maung presented the first prize for basic education level Dobat contest (in group) (aged 15-20) to Maung Star Bo Htet group of Yangon Division and Maung Pyae Phyo Maw group of Mandalay Division, second to Maung Aung Moe Oo group of Mandalay Division and the third to Maung Ye Win Tun group of Sagaing Division; the first prize for basic education level Dobat contest (in group) (aged 10-15) to Maung Kyaw Swa Win Myint group of Mandalay Division, the second to Maung Thuta Tun group of Mandalay Division, the third to Maung Han Myo Kyaw group of Yangon Division and consolation prize to Saing Thiha (a) Saing Kham group of Kayah State; the first prize for basic education level Dobat contest (in group) (aged 5-10) to Maung Thiha Zaw group of Sagaing Division, the second to Maung Yan Kyaw group of Mandalay Division and third prizes to Maung Kaung Myat Thu group of Yangon Division and Maung Nyo Tok group of Ayeyawady Division.

Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung presented the first prize for professional level men's Myanmar traditional orchestra contest (in group) to Maung Win Naing Tun (a) Nagarbyan Sein Win group of Yangon Division, the second to U Sein Win Myint group of Mandalay Division and the third to Pantra Sein Hla Myaing group of Yangon Division; the first prize for amateur level menÕs Myanmar traditional orchestra contest (in group) to Padamya Stin group of Yangon Division, the second to U Myo Thant Tin (a) Bo Bo Thein group of Mandalay Division and the third to Myanmarpyithalay Po Zaw group of Yangon Division; the first prize for higher education level menÕs orchestra contest (in group) to Maung Myo Thant group of Yangon Division, the second to Maung Aung Aung group of Mandalay Division and the third to Maung Lwin Ko Ko Oo group of Yangon Division.

Member of the National Convention Convening Commission U Thaung Nyunt presented the first prize for basic education level men's orchestra contest (in group) (aged 15-20) to Maung Star Bo Htet group of Yangon Division, the second to Maung Lin Htet Htet Oo group of Yangon Division and the third to Maung Thein Tun Oo group of Sagaing Division; the first prize for basic education level boys' orchestra contest (in group) (aged 10-15) to Maung Myo Min Paing group of Ayeyawady Division, the second to Maung Myo Zaw Hein (a) Myo Zaw Aung group of Yangon Division and the third to Myainggyingu Sein Ba Maung group of Kayin State; the first prize for basic education level boy's orchestra contest (in group) (aged 5-10) to Maung Phyo Htet Aung group of Sagaing Division and Maung Min Ko Ko (a) Sein Bo Htwa group of Mandalay Division, the second to Maung Htet Arkar Oo (a) Htet Arkar group of Yangon Division and the third to Maung Chantha group of Mandalay Division.

Chairman of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyun preseted the first prize for professional level women's orchestra contest (in group) to Do Bo Ma (a) Moe Thu Zar group of Mandalay Division, the second to Daw Yin Yin Nu group of Yangon Division and the third to Daw Aye Mar Thi group of Yangon Division; the first prize for amateur level women's orchestra contest (in group) to Daw Hla Hla Khaing group of Ayeyawady Division, the second to Ma Cho Cho Mar group of Yangon Division and the third to Daw Khin Thit Lwin group of Mandalay Division; the first prize for higher education level women's orchestra contest (in group) to Ma Mya Mya Win group of Bago Division, the second to Ma Ei Ei Mon group of Yangon Division and the third to Ma Thida Win group of Mandalay Division.

Vice-Chairman of the Leading Committee for Holding the Competitions Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein presented the first prize for basic education level women's orchestra contest (in group) (aged 15-20) to Ma Zar Zar Lin (a) Pauk Kyaw Ma group of Yangon Division, the second to Ma Wint Thinzar Stin group of Yangon Division and the third to Ma Htet Htet Lin group of Mandalay Division; the first prize for basic education level girlsÕ orchestra contest (in group) (aged 10-15) to Ma Nwe Nwe Tun (a) Ton Ton group of Yangon Division, the second to Ma Kay Zin Chit Su group of Yangon Division and the third to Ma Yu Wai Hnin group of Ayeyawady Division; the first prize for basic education level girls' orchestra (in group) (aged 5-10) to Ma Zar Ni Nan Lwin group of Yangon Division, the second to Ma Cho Cho Bo group of Mandalay Division and the third to Ma Aye Chan Swe group of Ayeyawady Division.

The best performance prize winner in basic education level Donmin contest (aged 5-10) Ma Shwe Zin Chit, the violin troupe of Kayah State, and consolation prize winner in basic euducation level Dobat contest (aged 10-15) Saing Thiha (a) Saing Kham group of Kayah State presented entertainment programmes to the audience. After the prize-presentation ceremony, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt cordially greeted doyen artistes and youths constants.

Kathina robes offering ceremony of Central Command held

YANGON, 5 Nov - The third Kathina Robes offering ceremony of the Central Command was held at Maha Wizayayama Monastery on 62nd Road between 19th and 20th streets in Aungmyaythazan township, Mandalay Division, on 3 November morning.

At the ceremony, Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, Commander of the Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung presented the robes and offertories to the members of the Sangha.

Regiments and units under the command collectively donated offertories and robes to 202 monks.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party also attended the 15th Kathina robes offering ceremony of Mandalay Division Police Force at Maha Wizitayon Monastery in Chanaye-thazan Township.

YANGON, 5 Nov -The work coordination meeting of the National Convention Convening Commission, the National Convention Convening Work Committee and the National Convention Convening Management Committee was held this morning at Pyidaungsu Hall in Kyaikkasan Grounds here.

Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Chairman of the NCC Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe and Chairman of the NCC Management Committee Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung and committee members attended the meeting.

At the meeting, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein briefed on the matters on organizing the National Convention and functions of the Work Committee and Management Committee.

Afterwards, Secretary of the NCCC Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and Joint Secretary Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint reported on formation of the commission, work committee and management committee.

Next, Chairman of the NCC Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe and Chairman of the NCC Management Committee Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung also reported on National Convention tasks and management affairs.

The meeting came to an end with concluding remarks by the Secretary-2.

YANGON, 5 Nov - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of the Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of the Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung and officials, on 3 November morning arrived at Dakkhinayama Payagyi Monastery in Chanmyathazi Township, Mandalay.

At the monastery, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party presented offertories and paid homage to Sayadaw Agga Maha Panddita Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhad-danta Maydiya Bhivamsa.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party also presented offertories to Nayaka sayadaws of Dakkhinayama Payagyi Monastery and Sayadaw Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Subana of Maesai, Thailand, at the Kathina robes offering ceremony held by Thailand Sayadaw and disciples at the monastery.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party went to Athawkayama Monastery and made cash donations amounting to K 2 million and 100 sets of robes to the monks in the monastery through officials.

Later, they arrived at Moekaung Monastery in Chanayethazan Township. Lt-Gen Ye Myint presented K 3.1 million and 100 sets of robes donated by him and wellwishers to hold the Kathina robes offering ceremony at the monastery.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party proceeded to Mandalay Chanthagyi Rice Donation Association in Aung-myaythazan Township and inspected renovation of the hall of the association.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party proceeded to Salay Monastery in Chanmyathazi Township and contributed K 100,000 for construction of monastic education school.

They attended the 13th Kathina robes offering ceremony of the General Administration Department, Mandalay, held at Moegok Monastery in Chanayethazan Township.

On 4 November, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected Mandalay-Kyaukse section on Yangon-Mandalay six-lane road. Afterwards, Lt-Gen Ye Myint met with members of Kyaukse District, Township PDCs, departmental officials and gave instructions on development affairs tasks in Kyaukse.

YANGON, 5 Nov- Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence and Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Maung Oo and party inspected construction of Nayikan Bridge on Yangon-Sittway Road on 1 November. The bridge is situated eight miles from Sittway and is being built by bridge construction project group-10 of the Ministry of Construction.

Senior Engineer U Khin Maung reported on progress of work and Superintending Engineer of Rakhine State U Thein Kyaw gave a supplementary report.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected laying of concrete and gave instructions on construction in accord with standard set and completion of the bridge in time. The reinforced concrete bridge is 300 feet long and 30 feet wide. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than met departmental officials, social organizations, townselders and local people at the town hall of Rakhine State.

Present on the occasion were senior military officers, departmental officials, local authorities, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations, farmers and local people.

Commander Maj-Gen Maung Oo reported on areas of Rakhine State, land use, harvesting and cultivation of monsoon paddy, measures undertaken for production of 100 baskets of paddy per acre, targets for cultivation of summer paddy, cultivation of pepper and cashew, construction of dams, small dams to be built, embankments that prevent the from infflow of salty water, breeding and production of fish and prawn, measures undertaken for livestock breeding, rural development and education and health.

In his discussions, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than said it is the duty of everyone for stability, peace and tranquillity; strong economy of the State is the main factors in building up a modern developed nation. He spoke of the need for the people to help officials.

Special emphasis must be placed on agriculture and livestock breeding for strong economy of the State. Therefore plans were laid down and targets were set. Continued efforts are to be made for reclamation of lands for extended cultivation of 1.2 million acres of monsoon paddy in Rakhine State. He also spoke at length on reaching the target of 30,000 acres of summer paddy, constructing dams, cultivating beans and pulses, oil crops, Thitseint (Bellaric myrobalan) with the use of quality strains, providing assistance to pepper growers, making efforts to become Rakhine State as the major contributor to national economy, working for national interest and making field trips to grassroots levels to ensure successful implementation of the five rural development tasks.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party visited Rakhine State Cultural Museum. They inspected development of Sittway.

They arrived back here in the afternoon.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than meets departmental officials in Maungtaw, Buthidaung townships

YANGON, 5 Nov- Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence and Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Maung Oo and officials met Tatmadawmen and families of local regiments and units in Maungtaw on 31 October and gave instructions on agriculture, livestock breeding and production. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party went to Mingala nursery in Kyeekanpyin village-tract where they inspected plantations of pepper, perennial plants, beans and pulses.

There are 283,400 saplings of pepper in the nursery and over 300,000 saplings were distributed to nearby village- tracts in 2003.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected five acres of monsoon paddy of local battalion and gave instructions on cultivation of matpe and pepper. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected planting of shade trees and windbreak trees on the roadsides, plantation of cashew in Nwayontaung and monsoon paddy ready for harvest on Buthidaung-Maungtaw road. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than met departmental officials, local authorities and guests in Maungtaw at 9 am.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than said officials at different levels are to cooperate with the people for community peace and tranquillity and prevalence of law and order and they are to make trips to grass roots levels and work for winning public confidence. Despite exceeding the targets of summer and monsoon paddy, per acre yield is lower than the set output. Quality strains and fertilizer and modern methods are to be utilized, he said.

He spoke of the need to organize farmers to apply cultivation methods, to reclaim lands and to grow pea and perennial trees. Growing pepper will serve both regional and national interest. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than greeted those present at the meeting. He also attended the coordination meeting on border trade at Thiri Mingala Hall in Maungtaw.

First, Commander Maj-Gen Maung Oo reported on border trade.

Deputy Director of Border Trade Department U Than Win reported on trade volume, taxes collected and functions. Lt-Col Myint Oo of regional station and Chairman of Maungtaw District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Soe Htwe gave supplementary reports. Those present reported on marine products and export of general merchandise.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on development of trade between the two countries, normal trade, collection of taxes and supervision on smooth flow of commodities. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party went to Buthidaung and met local authorities and people.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party arrived in Sittway in the evening. They visited Lawkananda Pagoda and Cakkamuni Mudra Bronze Buddha Image.

YANGON, 5 Nov- The Indian goodwill delegation led by Vice-President of the Republic of India Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, who was here at the invitation of Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, accompanied by Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Myanmar Ambassador-designate to the Republic of India U Kyi Thein, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Rajiv Kumar Bhatia and officials, left Yangon International airport on 4 November and arrived at Bagan-NyaungU airport at 10.10 am.

Magway Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Col Zaw Min welcomed the Indian Vice-President and party at the airport. NyaungU District PDC Chairman Lt-Col Khin Maung Oo, Secretary Maj Myint Thein and departmental heads also welcomed the Indian Vice-President.

A Myanmar girl presented a bouquet to the visiting Vice-President.

Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and party proceeded to Ananda Pagoda. They were welcomed there by Deputy Director-General of Archaeology Department of the Ministry of Culture U Aung Kyaing and members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees. The officials conducted the Indian Vice-President and party round the pagoda.

Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat paid homage to Ananda pagoda and viewed the ancient images of Bagan era. Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat signed in the visitors' book and made cash donation for the pagoda. The members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees presented a lacquerware painting with Bagan scene to the Vice-President. Next, they arrived at Bagan Lacquerware Art College. Principal U Yu Thein, staff and students welcomed the Indian Vice-President and party. U Yu Thein explained about the process in making lacquer-ware to the Vice-President. The principal presented a lacquerware table to the Vice-President. The Indian Vice-President viewed the works round the museum.

Indian Vice-President Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and party visited the Bagan Archeological Museum. Curator U Myint Soe Aung welcomed the Indian Vice-President and party and conducted them round the museum. Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat signed in the visitor's book.

Magway Division PDC Chairman Col Zaw Min hosted a lunch in honour of the Indian Vice-President and party at Thiripyitsaya Sakura Hotel. At the lunch, Col Zaw Min presented a lacquerware painting of the Ananda Pagoda to the Vice-President. The Vice-President presented a gift to Col Zaw Min. After the lunch, they proceeded to Bagan-NyaungU Airport. The visiting goodwill delegation was seen off at the airport by Magway Division PDC Chairman Col Zaw Min, NyaungU District PDC Chairman Lt-Col Khin Maung Oo, Secretary Maj Myint Thein and departmental heads.

The Indian goodwill delegation led by Indian Vice-President Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat left Bagan-NyaungU by a special aircraft and arrived at Mandalay International airport in TadaU Township in Mandalay Division at 3.45 pm. They were welcomed at No 8 Tube of the airport by Mandalay Division PDC Chairman Central Command Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and Indian Consul-General to the Union of Myanmar Mr P K Bhutiani.

At the VIP lounge of the airport, a Myanmar girl student presented a bouquet to the Indian Vice-President.

The Indian Vice-President and party were also welcomed by members of Mandalay Division PDC, members of Mandalay City Development Committee, departmental personnel, officials of the Consulate-General and students.

In welcoming the Indian Vice-President and party, the flags of the Republic of India and the Union of Myanmar were hoisted at the entrance to the airport. The Indian Vice-President and party together with Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint arrived at Sedona Hotel in Mandalay at 4.30 pm.

The Indian delegation accompanied by Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister Col Tin Hlaing, the ambassadors, the Counsellor General and officials, arrived at Mandalay Hill at 5.15 pm. They were welcomed there by members of Division PDC, members of MCDC, local authorities and members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees. The visiting Vice-President and goodwill delegation offered flowers to Kakuthan Buddha image on Mandalay Hill and posed for souvenir photos.

The visiting Vice-President and goodwill delegation watched the scenic view of Mandalay and beauty of Mandalay Hill and sunset scene from Mandalay Hill. Vice-President Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat signed in the visitor's book of Mandalay Hill Hsutaungpyi Pagoda and donated cash. The pagoda board of trustees presented a certificate of honour and a painting depicting Mandalay Hill.

Vice-President Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and party paid obeisance to Hsutaungpyi Pagoda. In the evening, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint hosted dinner in honour of Vice-President Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and guests.

Cultural troupe of upper Myanmar entertained the guests. After the dinner, they exchanged gifts. The visiting Vice-President presented bouquet to members of the cultural troupe and posed for souvenir photos.

Today morning, on arrival at Maha Lawka Marazein Zedi Kuthodaw Pagoda, Vice-President Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and party were welcomed by members of the pagoda board of trustees.

The Vice-President offered flowers and lights to Kuthodaw Pagoda. The guests posed for souvenir photos and viewed inscription of Buddha's treatise.

The Vice-President and party went to Myanan-sankyaw Shwenandaw where they were welcomed by officials of Archaeology Department.

Director of Archaeology Department U Hla Gyi Maung Maung reported on Shwenandaw. The Vice-President and party observed Myanmar artistic works at the palace. Afterwards, they posed for souvenir photos.

The guests visited Shwenandaw Cultural Museum and signed in the visitor's book. They went round Mandalay Nanmyo. They went to the resident of Consul-General of the Republic of India. Consul-General Mr P K Bhutiani and Deputy Minister for State of External Affairs Mr Digvijay Singh extended greetings.

Staff of Consulate-General presented a portrait of the Vice-President. The Vice-President and guests met Indian entrepreneurs from seven townships and signed in the visitor's book. They then posed for souvenir photos.

The guests went to Mandalay International Airport and left for home. They were seen off at the airport by Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing and Ambassador-designate to India U Kyi Thein, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Rajiv Kumar Bhatia and embassy staff, Consul-General Mr P K Bhutiani and officials, teachers and students.

YANGON, 5 Nov - At the invitation of International Friendship Association of the People's Republic of China, the delegation led by Yangon City Development Committee Chairman Mayor of Yangon Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin and Mandalay City Development Committee Chairman Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein this afternoon left here for China to study the development measures there.

They were seen off at the Yangon International Airport by Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Chairman of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyun, Vice-Mayor of Yangon City Col Maung Pa and YCDC members and officials of the Chinese Embassy.

YANGON, 5 Nov - The 13th Asian Archery Championship Contineutal Qualific-ation for 2004 Athens Olympic, hosted by Myanmar continued this morning at Youth Training Centre (Thuwunna) here. A total of 58 archers from Myanmar, Bhutan, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, China (Taipei), Singapore, Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia, India and Hong Kong took part in Women Recurve and Compound Event (70 metre) and (60 metre) of second day event.

In the afternoon, a total of 90 archers from Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Mongolia, Bhutan, Japan, Qatar, China, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Korea, Thailand, China (Taipei), Laos, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Uzbekistan and Iran took part in the Men Recurve and Compound Event (50 metre and 30 metre). The last days of the events and prize presentation ceremony will continue tomorrow at the same venue.

YANGON, 5 Nov - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit, Lashio Special Anti-drug squad and Nawnghkio Police Station, acting on a tip-off, on 28 September, seized 16 packets of opium oil weighing 16.2 kilos from Taraung.

In connection with the case, Nawnghkio Police Station filed Taraung, son of U Kyn Kyauk Shin, of Narkhan Village, Nantpaung Village-tract in Lashio under Section 15/19 (A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.