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Tuesday,  5 April  2005

Headlines

International Relation

Region

Sports

Headlines

Senior General Than Shwe sends message of condolence to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger

YANGON, 4 April— Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of condolence to His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Dean of the Sacred College, Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, Vatican City, on the passing away of His Holiness Pope John Paul II on 2 April 2005.

Excerpts from Senior General Than Shwe’s speech

* The population of Myeik has been on the increase with the emergence of oil palm and rubber growing undertakings and fish and meat industry in the region.

* Arrangements are to be made for developing a new town from now on for serving long-term interest.

* The government on its part will provide all the necessary aids for the emergence of a new town complete with health, social and transport sectors of higher standard.

* This will contribute much to fulfilment of food, clothing and shelter needs of the local people.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye receives Vietnamese Chief of General Staff and party

YANGON, 4 April — Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye received visiting Vietnamese Chief of General Staff Army Senior Lieutenant General Phung Quang Thanh and party at Zeyathiri Beikman, Konmyinttha this morning.

Also present at the call were Secretary-1 of State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Nyan Tun, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Thu, Charge d’Affaires ai of SRV embassy in Myanmar Mr Pham Van Cu and Military Attache Sr Colonel Nguyen Van Thanh.

General Than Shwe inspects tasks of developing new town in Myeik
Steps will have to be taken for emergence of new town in chosen area on Kyaukphya Bank of Kywegu-Kyaukphya Bridge in accordance with urban projects Senior

YANGON, 4 April—Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe yesterday morning inspected the project for developing new town in Myeik Myothit.

Accompanied by members of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann, Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Maj-Gen Ohn Myint, ministers, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, the deputy minister for Education, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department, Senior General Than Shwe at 10 am arrived at the briefing hall of the project for developing new town.

Chairman of new town Development Committee Taninthayi Division Superintending Engineer U Ba Wan of Public Works and Director U Tin Aung of Taninthayi Division Development Committee presented reports to Senior General Than Shwe and party, saying that there are 12 wards in Myeik including six densely populated wards; that with economic development, the population will be on the increase.

The officials said that the respective committees for developing new town were therefore formed and work is well under way.

To develop the new town, arrangements are being made for choosing plots such as Kyaukphya Region, Kabin-Ahtuseik Region and a plot between Kyaukphya Old Village and Seikkan Region that are contiguous to Myeik as the most suitable ones, they said.
Next, Commander Maj-Gen Ohn Myint reported on area and formation of wards in Myeik, population density, possible difficulties for extension of the town, arrangements for developing new town on the other bank with the emergence of Kywegu-Kyaukphya bridge and area chosen for the new town to Senior General Than Shwe and party.

After hearing the reports, Senior General Than Shwe gave a guidance. He said that Myeik is densely populated and there have been difficulties for extension of present wards due to land constraints.

The population of Myeik has been on the increase with the emergence of oil palm and rubber growing and fish and meat industry in the region, he noted.

The Senior General added that arrangements are to be made for developing new town from now on with a view to serving the long-term interest.

The government on its part will provide all the necessary aids for the emergence of the new town complete with health, social and transport sectors of higher standard. This will contribute much to fulfilment of food, clothing and shelter needs of the local people.

That is why steps will have to be taken for the emergence of the new town in the chosen area on Kyaukphya Bank of Kywegu-Kyaukphya Bridge in accordance with urban projects, he stressed.

Next, Senior General Than Shwe inspected the map of new town and the site chosen for the new town.

Afterwards, Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected the plots designated for developing of new town.

Next, they arrived at the Government Technological College project site. At the briefing hall, Managing Director U Ohn Myint of Civil Tech Co Ltd reported on arrangements for construction of the college and work being carried out to them.

Later, Commander Maj-Gen Ohn Myint and Lt-Gen Maung Bo reported on other salient points to Senior General Than Shwe who attended to the needs.

After that, Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected construction of Myeik Government Technological College and its environs.

Next, the Senior General and party left the site chosen for developing the new town by car and inspected construction of Myeik circular road.

Secretary-General of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Maj-Gen Htay Oo and Secretariat Member Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and USDA CEC members who accompanied the Senior General, on 3 April afternoon met secretaries and executives of Taninthayi Division, Myeik District and Township USDAs at Pale Yadana Hall in Myeik.

The joint-secretary of Taninthayi Division USDA and joint-secretary of Myeik District reported on measures being taken by USDA members of Division and District USDAs.

USDA CEC Member Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein dealt with requirements.

Next, Secretary-General Maj-Gen Htay Oo stressed the need for USDA members to successful implement aims and objectives of the association, to carry out works with firm concept and belief and strive together with the people in implementation of rural development tasks.

Likewise, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi who accompanied the Senior General on 3 April afternoon inspected the storage and distribution division of Myanma Petroleum Product Enterprise in Myeik where Division Manager U Zaw Win and officials reported on distribution of fuel.

Next, the minister gave instructions on greening the environs and fire preventive measures and fulfilled the requirements.

Prime Minister urges industrialists to produce export quality goods in addition to import-substitute goods with individual innovation and cooperation among themselves

YANGON, 4 April — Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win met with industrialists in Mawlamyine Industrial Zone in Mawlamyine Township, Mon State, on 2 April.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win said that the Mawlamyine Industrial Zone has been seeing progress, and the Government will provide more assistance for rapid development of the industrial sector and to improve the quality of the products. As the Government has been setting up advanced steel mills in Mandalay, Monywa and Ayethaya industrial zones, Mawlamyine Zone should make preparations to run such industries. The zone should receive assistance from the Ministry of Science and Technology to develop the rubber production technology as Mon State is the main rubber growing region.

As the industrial zones are achieving development, the industrialists should strive to produce export quality goods in addition to import-substitute goods with individual innovation and cooperation among themselves. They should consolidate their capital, innovative efforts and unity for development of the zones.

The motorcycles and three-wheeled motorcycles assembled by Yenangyoung Industrial Zone can now find markets abroad. Other industrials should follow the example in producing standard goods. As the Government has been providing assistance for zones, industrialists will have to strive with their own capability through correct means for their development.

Accompanied by Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, the ministers, the deputy ministers and officials, the Prime Minister heard reports on salient points of the zone and power supply to the zone, presented by officials concerned.

The Prime Minister and party observed crumb rubber production, rubber-millers, lawn-mowers, machines for general use, batteries, acid, car parts and related machinery, plastic robes, farm machinery, household machines, fertilizers, and cars of various types produced by the zone.

At Mon High Star industry, the Prime Minister and party inspected the assembling of 45-seater model MB 401 passenger buses and a factory which is producing 1.5 tons of fertilizer daily. They also studied the production process of manufacturing crumb rubber from by-products. Crumb rubber has markets abroad. Ever Flow River company has a crumb rubber factory in Shwelinban Industrial Zone,Yangon Division, and another in Mawlamyine Industrial Zone.

Mawlamyine Industrial Zone is 160 acres wide, and has 340 industrial plots and 240 residential plots. It has 34 heavy industries, 126 medium industries and seven cottage industries, totalling 167 industries. A total of 830 acres have been reclaimed to extend the zone.

During inspection of Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) approach railroad and Mawlamyine railway station projects, the Prime Minister heard a report on the sectors being implemented by Public Works and Myanma Railways and progress of work presented by Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min. After giving instructions on work, the Prime Minister inspected the scale-model of the station, laying of rails and sleepers. Of the 6.19 miles of embankment on both sides of the river, 4.59 miles of embankments have been completed. Of the 15 bridges to be constructed, 11 have been completed. Total area of the station will be 4,000-foot by 1,000-foot, which includes 19 rail lines. Construction of the building, which will be 488-foot by 110-foot, is completed up to 75 per cent.

At a rubber factory of Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, in Thanbyuzayat, Mon State, the Prime Minister heard a report on production technology, annual production capacity, present year’s production target of 1,610 tons, research to produce standard raw materials and imparting of technology to private industries.

At his meeting with local authorities and township level officials in Thanbyuzayat, the Prime Minister heard reports on land use, harvesting of 27,420 acres of monsoon paddy, arrangements to put 2,700 acres of land under summer paddy and ensure local food sufficiency, regional farming, education, health and development and per capita income. The Prime Minister said that Thanbyuzayat can now produce only 70 per cent of its food needs. The town should grow cash crops in addition to rice. Rubber fetches good prices. Efforts should be made to extend rubber plantations in Mon State, including Thanbyuzayat, the main rubber growing region. Thanbyuzayat has favourable conditions to run fish and prawn farms. As peace and stability is prevailing in the area, the town should develop fish and prawn farming and agriculture in the interest of the locals. Officials will have to extend border area and rural development projects to narrow the gap between urban and rural areas. Development of rural areas and border areas will lead to further strengthening national unity. Increase in the linkages among the nationalities will also help foster the spirit of unity.

The Prime Minister and party inspected wards, medical store, operation theatre, obstetrics and gynecological ward, X-ray unit of 25-bed people’s hospital in Thanbyuzayat.

They went by helicopter to Kawkareik in Kayin State where they were welcomed by Brig-Gen Maung Maung Shein of regional station, Chairman of Kayin State Peace and Development Council Col Khin Kyu, senior military officers, departmental officials and members of social organizations.

Next, the Prime Minister met departmental officials, Chairmen of Kawkareik and Kya-in-Seikkyi Township Peace and Development Councils, local authorities and members of social organizations.

Chairman of Kawkareik Township Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Win Maung reported on data of the township, agriculture, livestock breeding and health, sufficiency of rice and coordination for regional development.

In his address, the Prime Minister said officials concerned possessed better experiences and practices for development of the region and raising of living standard of the people. He urged them to utilize these qualities.

Administrative, management and judicial officials dealing with the people directly are to serve and safeguard the interest of the people. Efforts to raise the socio-economic lives of the people should be prominent, he said. He spoke of the need to take care of their performance when dealing with people.

Regional development tasks such as narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas and eradication of poverty and community welfare services are the ones to be carried out continuously. Especially, personnel of administrative bodies are to undertake the community welfare services with added momentum and to take care of the people in order to do their business within the frame of law, he said.

As people want peace and stability and long for development, the government has been endeavouring for peace and tranquillity and development. The Tatmadaw will safeguard the State and the people. Therefore, the government hand in hand with the Tatmadaw and the people is making efforts for development.

The Head of State himself is giving guidance for national development and raising of quality of life of the people every now and then. Progress has been made due to the cooperation of officials at different levels. By doing so, the greater development will be made.

There are better foundations in economic, social, education, health and transport sectors. The government has laid down seven-point Road Map and is paving the way for emergence of a discipline-flourishing democratic nation step by step. There is national solidarity in the country and emergence of a democratic nation is on the path and better prospects for the future can be found.

Achievements in all sectors have been made due to the national solidarity, the spirit of the citizens of the Union of Myanmar and unity. He called for national development.

Next, the Prime Minister cordially greeted those present. He went to Kawkareik Hospital where medical superintendent Dr U Win Zaw reported on history of the hospital and construction of 100-bed hospital.

An official of Home Tauk Construction Group reported on construction of 100-bed hospital. The Prime Minister then inspected the site.

The Prime Minister and party went to Hpa-an by helicopter and inspected construction of three-storey computer college (Hpa-an) near Barkap Village.

They arrived at Barkap River Water Pumping Project site where Director-General of Water Resources Utilization Department U Win Shwe reported on data of the project and tasks to be undertaken. Deputy Minister U Ohn Myint and Chairman Col Khin Kyu gave a supplementary report. Next, Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service in Kayin State U Kyaw Thein reported on cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy, sufficiency of rice, dissemination of cultivation methods and cultivation of summer paddy for 2004-2005.

The Prime Minister then fulfilled the requirements and observed Barkap River Water Pumping station and thriving of summer paddy. He also cordially greeted the farmers.

International Relation

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye hosts dinner in honour of visiting Vietnamese delegation

Yangon, 4 April — Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting goodwill Vietnamese delegation led by Chief of General Staff Senior Lt-Gen Phung Quang Thanh of the Vietnamese People’s Army of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 7 pm today.

Also present at the dinner were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant General Lt-Gen Thein Sein, SPDC members Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, Yangon Division PDC Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Nyan Tun and senior military officers, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Thu, Charge’ d’affaires of Vietnamese Embassy to Myanmar Mr Pham Van Cu, Military Attache’ Sr Col Nguyen Van Thanh and officials. Before and during dinner, artistes of Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture sang songs. After the dinner, they also entertained the guests with Myanmar traditional songs and dances. Later, Senior Lt-Gen Phung Quang Thanh presented a basket of flowers to the artistes, and Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party posed for a documentary photo together with the visiting delegation.

9th ASEAN Finance Ministers' Meeting on 5 and 6 April

YANGON, 4 April— Myanmar delegation led by Deputy Minister for Finance & Revenue Col Hla Thein Swe left for Lao People's Democratic Republic yesterday to attend the 9th ASEAN Finance Ministers' Meeting to be held in Vientiane on 5th and 6th April. The delegation was seen off at the airport by Minister for F&R Maj-Gen Hla Tun and officials. The deputy minister was accompanied by Assistant Director Daw Khin Cho Cho of the Central Bank of Myanmar.

Appointment of ambassador agreed on

YANGON, 5 April— The Government of the Union of Myanmar has agreed to the proposed appointment of Mr Juan Manuel Lopez Nadal as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Spain to the Union of Myanmar, in succession to HE Mr Jose Eugenio Salarich Fernandez De Valderrama.

Mr Juan Manuel Lopez Nadal was born in 1951. He holds a Master’s Degree in law and journalism from the University of Barcelona as well as a Diploma of High European Studies from the College of Europe in Belgium. He joined the diplomatic service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain in 1980. Subsequently, he served in various capacities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain and at the Spanish diplomatic missions in Beijing, Jakarta, Tunis, New Delhi, Bangkok, Lisbon, Kabul and Copenhagen.

Mr Juan Manuel Lopez Nadal is resident in Bangkok and will concurrently serve as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Spain to the Union of Myanmar.

Visiting Vietnamese delegation on tour of Shwedagon Pagoda, museums

YANGON, 4 April — Accompanied by Maj-Gen Than Htay and officials of the Ministry of Defence, the visiting goodwill delegation led by Chief of General Staff Senior Lt-Gen Phung Quang Thanh of the Vietnamese People’s Army of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam visited the Shwedagon Pagoda this morning. They were welcomed on their arrival at the pagoda by members of the pagoda board of trustees.

Next, Senior Lt-Gen Phung Quang Thanh and party offered flowers, water and joss sticks to a Buddha image, signed the visitors’ book and made cash donations for the pagoda. The members of the pagoda board of trustees presented a painting of Shwedagon Pagoda to the Chief of General Staff. After paying homage to the pagoda and Buddha images, the guests viewed religious edifices.

On arrival at the Defence Services Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road, the visiting delegation members were welcomed by Lt-Col Zaw Win and officials. Officials conducted the guests round the central booth, the booth on 12 State objectives and the booth on Tatmadaw affairs at the museum.

The Vietnamese delegation next visited Myanma Gems Emporium on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Mayangon Township and studied displayed gems and jewelleries.

Senior Lt-Gen Phung Quang Thanh and party then paid a visit to Drugs Elimination Museum in Kamayut Township where they were welcomed by Director of the Ministry of Home Affairs Police Col Tin Maung Htay and officials. Later, the guests viewed booths and signed the visitors’ book.

ASEAN Conference on Civil Service Matters on 5 & 6 April

YANGON, 4 April— Director-General U Hla Kyi of Civil Service Selection and Training Department left for Cambodia to attend the Preparatory Meeting of the 13th ASEAN Conference on Civil Service Matters to be held in Phnom Penh on 5 and 6 April.

First Secretary Daw Than Aye of Myanmar embassy in Cambodia will also attend the conference.

Myanmar-Korean Business Forum on 8 April

YANGON, 4 April— A 28-member Korean delegation led by Chairman Mr Soon Han Kwon of Korea Importer Association (KOIMA) will visit here from 7 to 9 April. They will attend the business forum of Myanmar and Korean businessmen to be held on 8 April at Traders hotel. Their journey is aiming at economic cooperation between Myanmar and Korean businessmen in various sectors. To enhance business and to seek business opportunities, Myanmar entrepreneurs will make discussion with their Korean counterparts.

Myanmar entrepreneurs who wish to participate in the discussions will have to fill application forms and send them to Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry at No 504/506 Merchant Street, Kyauktada Township, not later than 6 April.

Region

Books donated to departments under ministries

YANGON, 4 April — A ceremony to donate books on culture published by Ministry of Culture to the departments under the ministries at the minister's office on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning, with an address by Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung.

Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Director-General of Information and Public Relations Department U Chit Naing, Director-General of Social Welfare Department U Sit Myaing, Directors-General of the Deprtments under the Ministry of Culture, rectors of Institute of Culture (Yangon) and (Mandalay), librarians and officials concerned.

First, Minister Maj-Gen Kyi Aung delivered an address on purpose of the donations on the occasion and so did Deputy Minister Soe Win Maung.

Next, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung presented books donated to officials of National Defence College, Defence Services Academy, Combat Training Schools, Defence Services Medical Academy, Defence Services Technological Academy, Central Institute of Civil Service (Upper/Lower Myanmar), Arts and Science Universities (State/Division), schools under the Education and Training Department, IPRD, departments of the Ministry of Culture, Institute of Culture (Yangon and Mandalay), library of universities and national library.

The number of books donation amounted to 1030.

Mines Minister views Myanma Gems Emporium

YANGON, 4 April—Patron of Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint at 5 pm today arrived at the Myanma Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road where the 42nd Myanma Gems Emporium is being staged.

The minister was welcomed there by Chairman of Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein, Secretary Acting Managing Director of Myanma Gems Enterprise U Thein Swe and central committee members.

The minister viewed the sale of jade lots through competitive bidding and left the venue in the evening.

The sale of jade lots through competitive bidding continued in the evening and altogether 20 jade lots were sold from 5 to 9.10 pm yesterday. A total of 500 jade lots were sold yesterday alone.

Under the 42nd Myanma Gems Emporium programme, the sale of jade lots through competitive bidding continued this morning and altogether 41 jade lots were sold as of 5 pm. The sale of the remaining jade lots continued until evening.

Minister Brig-Gen Ohn Myint presented mosaics and certificates of honour to a foreign gem merchant who attended the gems emporium for 30 consecutive years until the 42nd Myanma Gems Emporium and a foreign gem merchant who attended the gems emporium for 25 consecutive years until the 42nd Myanma Gems Emporium.

Next, officials presented certificates of honour to three foreign gem merchants who attended the gems emporium for 15 consecutive years and three foreign gem merchants who attended the gem emporium for 10 consecutive years up to the 42nd Myanma Gems Emporium.

After that, the minister presented a gift and a certificate of honour to a company that bought jade lots most.

The sale of jade lots by tender system and through competitive bidding continues tomorrow.

New CEC members chosen for MRMA

YANGON, 4 April— Ninth Plenary Meeting 2004-2005 of Myanmar Rice Merchants Association took place at Traders Hotel yesterday. President of MRMA U Aung Than Oo, President of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint and Patron of MRMA U Nyein made speeches on the occasion.

Members of the association approved the report of Central Executive Committee and the balance sheet.

Next, General Secretary U Sein Win Hlaing of UMFCCI read out the list of new CEC formed with 18 CEC members and 22 executives led by President U Aung Than Oo and General Secretary Dr Myo Aung Kyaw, it is learnt.

Sports

Summer Wushu course attracts new generation youths

YANGON, 4 April — Summer Wushu courses, jointly-organized by the Ministry of Sports and Myanmar Wushu Federation, were being conducted with a view to turning out new generation Wushu athletes.

The number of trainees increased this year and there were 800 attendence in last year’s courses.

A force of new generation is of great importance so as to achieve success in a game of sports.

A total of 1064 trainees — 927 in Padonma (Federation Training Camp), 50 in National Indoor Stadium-1 (Thuwunna), 50 in TTC, 20 in Thanlyin and 17 in Sports and Physical Education Department — are attending the summer Wushu course. Training coaches are U Khun Jar Aung, U Aung Myo Zaw, U Win Hlaing, U Aung Cho Htay, Daw Yin Yin Nu, U Hla Myint, U Khin Maung Nyein, U Nyein Chan Kyaw, U Aung Thu Naing, U Kyaw Myint, U Hla Wai and U Hsan Min.

The summer Wushu course opened on 18 March will end on 8 April. The course hours is from 7 am to 9 am. An advanced Wushu course will be opened on 11 April.

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