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(1) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Kingdom of Belgium
Yangon, 21 July - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Majesty King Albert II of Belgium, on the occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Belgium which falls on 21 July 2002.
(2) Secretary-1 accepts donations for Tatmadawmen discharging education and social affairs tasks, national defence duty in far-flung areas
Yangon, 20 July - The donation ceremony for Tatmadawmen who are discharging education and social affairs tasks and national defence duty in far-flung areas was held at Tatmadaw Guest House in Inya Road at 11 am today, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
On behalf of the wellwishers, Chairman of Zay Gabar Construction Co U Khin Shwe explained the purpose of the donations. Then, the wellwishers presented donations to the Tatmadawmen who are discharging education and social affairs tasks and defence duty of the State at far-flung areas.
The Secretary-1, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Lt-Gen Min Thein and Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe accepted K 48.5 million donated by 27 companies of Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association; K 19,878,000 by Shwe Gabar Maung Maung Construction Co Ltd and 30 companies; 100 cartoons of Yum Yum instant noodle packets, 50 cartoons of Jumbo mosquito repellent coils and 100 cartoons of detergent powder packets and K 5,062,000 for purchasing medicines by Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and 15 companies; K 30 million by Kanbawza Bank Ltd U Aung Ko Win and wife Vice-Chairperson Thiha Thudhamma Theingi Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Agga Maha Thiri Thid-hamma Theingi Daw Nang Than Htwe (Excellent Performance in Social Field-First Class); K 27.9 million for 18,600 viss of dried fish by U Soe Tun Shein of Asia Economic Development Export/Import Ltd; K 1.5 million each by Ko Kyaw Nyunt and brothers, Ngapali Enterprise and KY Kyaw Kyaw Trading Co; K 2 million by U Khin Maung Soe of Myanmar Sithu Yadana Co; K 2 million by Daw San Hsint of Ngwe Zone Fish/Prawn Trading; K 1.5 million by Dr Aung Lwin of Pyi Phyo Tun Co; K 1.5 million for Mamee instant noodle and vermicelli packets by U Tin Maung Win of ILBC; 40 boxes of Mikko cereal worth K 1.2 million by U Kyi Win of Mikko Co Ltd; 39 items of vaccines and medicines worth K 772,770 by YMCA; 100 packets of C Plus soft drinks bottles and 50 packets of Tea Plus bottles worth K 756,000 by U Thura Thwin of Pho Lapyay Co Ltd; K 1,650,000 by U Zaw Lin of Lin Thitsa; K 200,000 by U Hla Tin (Islam Youth); and JS Shama (Shwe Yamonna); totalling K 2,050,000; K 500,000 by Myanmar Times journal; K 500,000 by U Sein Lwin-Daw Phyu Phyu of White House Restaurant and Guest House (Thanlyin); K 500,000 by U Aung Myat and U Thaung Ngwe of OK Bread Industry and U Aik Yi of Yadana Theingi Co; K 300,000 by U Aye Kyaw of Golden Thanzin Trading Co Ltd, U Nyunt Lwin of Golden Dragon 2002 Trading Co Ltd and U Ye Chan of White Peak Co Ltd; K 150,000 for 2,400 small Coffeemix packets by Academy Daw Myint Myint Khaing; three lion brand cheroots, C Plus soft drinks, quinine, Mamee instant noodle and cock brand biscuit worth K 60,000 by U Aye Thein of palm oil merchant group; and quinine and tonic worth K 50,000 by U Maung Maung Oo through shopkeepers of Yuzana Garden City.
The certificates of honour were presented to the wellwishers. Then, the Secretary-1 handed over K 75,050,000 and foodstuff and snacks worth K 34,200,770, totalling K 109,250,770 out of today's donations K 115,478,000 and foodstuff, snacks and gifts worth K 34,200,770, totalling K 149,678,770 for the Tatmadawmen to Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein. The Secretary-1 then expressed his thanks to the wellwishers for donation of cash and foodstuff to the educational and social tasks of the nation and the Tatmadawmen who are discharging national defence duty in the far-flung areas. At present, the government, the Tatmadaw and the people are cooperating in unity and harmony in working for the development of the nation, building the nation anew and discharging national defence duty. As long as the government, the Tatmadaw and the people are joining hands, the nation will develop and be secure and peaceful. As all the national forces are at present working together with patriotism and nationalistic spirit for the development of the nation, the nation is developing considerably. Therefore, development, economic and transport infrastructures, cities with the features of a modern city and educational and health development can be witnessed all over the nation including remote areas. The situation has no longer been the same as it was before 1988.
These achievements can be attributed to the cooperation of the government, the Tatmadaw and the people. The Myanma Tatmadaw men are defending the motherland at the risk of their lives. Myanmar people have the tradition of defending the nation in unity against any encroachment on the sovereignty and territory of the nation in the course of history. Based on national solidarity spirit and the Union Spirit, the Tatmadaw, hand in hand with the national forces, has now been safeguarding sovereignty and territory at the risk of lives. Such donations of the entire people show the support of the people for the Tatmadaw and promote the spirit of sacrificing the lives for the country, patriotism, Union Spirit and bravery. On behalf of the government and the Tatmadaw, the Secretary-1 expressed thanks for the donations with full Union Spirit and patriotism. Donations for education sector are being used in human resource development tasks including presenting exercise books and pencils for needy schoolchildren under the programme of every school-going age child going to school. Similarly, donations for social sector are used for those who need social assistance.
For instance, out of the donations for social sector, some were used in operation of cleft lips and palate patients through Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association. Surgical treatment was given to over 1,000 cleft lips and palate children. Public donations were presented again to noble social and education tasks and the tasks that effectively contribute toward the national development. So it is also a noble deed. He said at a time when the government, the Tatmadaw and the people are united in the country, the Tatmadawmen would discharge more defence and security duties of the State for national development due to the noble donations of the wellwishers.
The cash donations contributed today by companies and entrepreneurs of the Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association included K 5.5 million by U Khin Shwe of Zaw Gabar Co; K 5 million by U Tint San of ACE Co; K 5 million by U Maung Maung of Asia Express Co; K 5 million by U Teza of Htoo Co; K 4.5 million by U Aik Tun of Olympic Co; K 2.5 million by U Kyaw Nyunt and Dr Zaw Tun of Shwe Kyar Pyan Co; K 2.5 million by U Shwe Kyaing and U Shwe Hlaing of Wah Wah Win Co; K 2.5 million by U Shein Win of Tetlan Co; K 2 million by U Htay Myint of Yuzana Co; K 1.1 million by U Zaw Zaw Naing of Maykhala Co; K 1 million by U Zaw Win of Aryon Oo Co; K 1 million by U Win Aung of Dagon International Co; K 1 million by U Myat Min of Myanma Ahla Co; K 1 million by U Win Sein of National Land Co; K 1 million by U Ko Ko Htwe of Tawwin Co; K 1 million by U Aung Htwe of Golden Flower Co; K 1 million by U Sein Thit of Tosta Co; K 600,000 by U Thein Han of Tokyo Pipe Co; K 500,000 by U Than Myint of Aye Yeikmon Co; K 500,000 by U Sunny Thwin of Pinlon Hteikhtar Co; K 500,000 by U Yan Win of A-1 Co; K 500,000 by U Myo Win of Win Shweyi Co; K 500,000 by U Soe Myint of FMI Co; K 500,000 by U Ohn Myint of Htut Khaung Co; K 200,000 by U Than Myint of High Rise Co; K 100,000 by Daw Mya Thida Swe Tin of SI Co; and K 2 million by U Maung Weik of Maung Weik Co totalling K 48.5 million. The cash donations contributed today by Shwe Gabar Maung Maung Construction Co Ltd and 30 companies were K 3.1 million by U Aung Zaw Win of Shine Construction; K 2.5 million by U Kyaw Naing Oo of Naing group Construction; K 2 million by U Aung Naing of Asia Winner Industry Trading; K 1.6 million by U Tun Min of MTM Construction; K 1.5 million by U Annawa of Trade Park Co Ltd; K 1.5 million by U Maung Maung of Shwe Gabar Maung Maung Construction; K 1 million by U San Yi of Win Brothers Construction; K 1 million by U Chit Sein of Shwe Nagar nylon rope factory; K 500,000 by U Shefi Ahmed of Myanmar Golden Mine Co; K 500,000 by U Than Zaw Oo of Mingala Than Myint Family Machinery Trading; K 500,000 by U Shawmshu Arlaung; K 500,000 by Haji U Yusoof of Shwe Myanmar Investment and Trading; K 500,000 by U Kyaw Myint of MMM Construction; K 500,000 by U Nyo Min of Min Zarni Co Ltd; K 500,000 by U Tin Myint Ni of Nilar Biriani Shops; K 200,000 by U Maung Ni of Kyaw Yazar Co; K 200,000 by U Nur Ahmein of Shwe Myanmar Aung Import Export Co; K 200,000 by U Arli of City Light Store; K 200,000 by U Kyaw Win of Super Fine Garment Factory; K 200,000 U Tin Win of Yangon Mecca Travel and Tour; K 153,000 by U Shawfi of Arrow Trade International Co; K 125,000 by U Hla Myint of Shanthi Sagar International Ltd; K 100,000 by U Nyan Win of A-1 Garment Factory; K 100,000 U Maung Maung Tin of Osman Enterprise; K 100,000 U Maung Maung of Proton Plus Co Ltd; K 100,000 by U Maung Tun of SKM Electronics; K 100,000 by U Win Maung of Myanmar Ahla Jewellery shop of Bogyoke Market; K 100,000 by Mr Abdulla of Oasis International Co Ltd; K 100,000 by U Khin Maung Latt of Shwe Ein Nan Construction; K 100,000 by U Myat Thin Aung of Aung Aung Enterprise Ltd; and K 100,000 by U Win Htoo of Sein Sekkya shoulder bag company totalling K 19 878, 000. The cash and kind donations through the UMFCCI included K 500,000 by UMFCCI; K 500,000 of Dr Ko Ko Gyi of Diamond Star Co Ltd; K 500,000 by U Win Myint of Shwe Nagar Min Trading Co Ltd; K 300,000 by U Aung Lwin of Myanmar Forest Products and Timber Merchants Association; K 300,000 by U Tin Myint of Bronze Villa Co Ltd; K 300,000 by U Aung Thein of Nibban Int'l Ltd; K 300,000 by U Mya Han of Fortune Int'l Ltd; K 200,000 by U Tin Win of Myanmar Rice Millers' Association; K 100,000 by U Pyone Maung Maung of CE Technology Co Ltd; K 100,000 by U Thein Han of Oil Dealers' Association; K 100,000 by U Kyaw Aye of Golden Sun Moon Co Ltd; K 50,000 by U Tun Aung of Myanmar Nyunt Co Ltd; 100 cartoons of Yum Yum Noodle worth K 912,000 by U Wai Phyo of Yatha Cho Co Ltd, 100 cartoons of detergent wroth K 400,000 by U Inya of First Top Co Ltd; 50 cartoons of Jumbo snacks valued at K 300,000 by U Htein Win of Myitmakha International Co; and medicines worth K 200,000 by U Myat Thin Aung and Daw Khin Myint Myint of Aung Aung Enterprise totalling K 5,062,000 and kind.
Today's donations were K 75,050,000 and provisions worth K 34,200,770 totalling K 109,250,770 for Tatmadawmen, K 10,550,00 for social affairs tasks and K 29,878,000 for education tasks altogether K 149,678,770.
Second
Conference of Myanmar Library Association held
Libraries in constant contact with public need to inform them
of national policy and stance of the State and nation-building endeavours
of government through publications
Yangon, 20 July - The Second Conference of Myanmar Library Association was opened at the National Museum of the Department of Cultural Institute this morning, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
The Secretary-1 delivered an address. He said: Now the State Peace and Development Council has laid down the plans for uplift of educational standard of the entire people and for establishment of constant learning Myanmar society, which are basic requirements for keeping abreast with international development process. And it is implementing them as national educational objectives. In doing so, systematic plans are being implemented to develop the academic fields of the various development sectors as well as of the education sector and to build good teaching-learning foundations. That is why the government has laid emphasis on the development of libraries and library science which play a vital role in striving for the development of the academic fields and emergence of good teaching-learning foundations. In international communities, it is accepted that development of library and library science is of vital importance. It can be seen that every nation is giving encouragement to the development of library and library science.
Moreover, with the rapid advances in knowledge and technology in the world today, the role of libraries in the efforts for national development is becoming more and more important. Library and library science play an important role in the modernization of the nation as well as in the academic fields. Librarians are urged to make concerted efforts for the development of library and library science in Myanmar, and to fulfil national requirements with library science. The government is giving encouragement to the development of library and library science. The part-time library science diploma course was conducted in Yangon University in 1971. The full-time courses were opened in 1999. The Department of Library and Information Studies has now conducted courses on B.A and M.A (Library and Information Studies) and M. Research.
The eight-storey modern national library is being constructed and arrangements are being made to store nearly three million books in the computer network and e-library. The government is giving encouragement to the development of library and library science. The most significant encouragement of the government is the formation of Myanmar Library Association. With the emergence of the MLA, librarians can make efforts for development of library and library science in unity under the leadership of the association. Today, there has been cooperation between librarians and scholars, between international library associations and MLA, and among libraries. Now MLA is endeavouring to participate in the South East Asia Library cooperation programme, an integral part of regional development programmes, with the strength of librarians and scholars. In international relations, MLA has become a member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions situated in The Hague and it has cooperated with libraries in the world. With the development of information and communication technology, there is no gap among the nations of the world in distribution of information. News and information are now available at the same time in the nations of the world. Not only libraries in the country but also those all over the world have now been linked to a network of information.
Therefore, librarians need to make efforts to enable the libraries in Myanmar to link with international libraries, to keep them in accord with the international library system and to be able to use modern electronic system. Today, academic subjects can be stored on CDs, microfilms and documentary films. Moreover, access to information technology has become a prime factor not only for national development but also for individuals. Therefore, libraries need to plan to fulfil the academic requirements of the nation and individuals. With the aim of making smooth and effective the main functions of a library - obtaining, sifting and storing information and distributing the information to researchers and organizations - continued efforts need to be made to promote the quality of the library. While striving to develop and modernize libraries, all are to make efforts to broaden the horizons of the public, to contribute to the development of education and to turn out highly-qualified academicians and technicians, thereby fulfilling the national requirements. Not only academicians and researchers but also the public need to contribute to the building of the good foundations needed for the effective use of libraries.
The needs of using modern electronic devices at the libraries and networking among libraries have yet to be fulfilled. Now some have been upgraded to e-libraries. However, sustained efforts need to be made to run these e-libraries effectively and to upgrade the others up to e-libraries. Just as efforts need to be made to upgrade libraries up to international level, so the preservation of Myanma literature and cultural traditions also need to be accorded special attention. Rare palm-leaf inscriptions and Parabaiks, the cultural heritage of Myanmar, need to be collected and preserved by use of modern technology. Then, these are to be published in black and white to enable the public to study them. By acquainting the public with literary heritage of the national culture, the sense of respecting and cherishing cultural heritage can be increased and patriotism and nationalistic spirit which cherish and defend the race further strengthened. Libraries which have constant contact with the public need to inform them of the national policy and stance of the State and the nation-building endeavours of the government through publications. Therefore, librarians need to work in unity under the leadership of Myanmar Library Association for the development of libraries and library science in Myanmar in accord with the national requirements. The government departments need to further develop their libraries and those which do not have libraries of their own need to have ones.
The librarians of these departments need to be assisted in their efforts for the development of libraries and library science and for their participation in the tasks of Myanmar Library Association. The members of the association, while working harmoniously under the banner of the association, need to consolidate the libraries into a national force and to broaden the horizons of the people and disseminate academic knowledge. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 called on all to work hard to be able to produce highly-qualified human resources who are capable of promoting the development of the nation, to contribute to the improvement of the national education standard and to help create constant learning Myanma society with libraries and library science, to find and collect cultural heritage such as Parabaiks and rare books and propagate Myanma culture which is of high standard to the world, to work hard to enable the public to get knowledge, have clear national outlook and be imbued with strong patriotism and nationalistic spirit and to strive for the emergence of libraries in Myanmar which are on a par with international libraries. He also said, May Myanmar Library Association exist and develop perpetually and librarians under the banner of the association be able to serve the interest of the State and the people in unity.
Next, The Secretary-1 presented K 500,000 for MLA. Brig-Gen Sithu Tin Pe (Retd) and Sayamagyi Daw Thein Sai (Writer Ma Myat Lay) presented K 100,000, writer and musician U Hsu Tin of Ace Dragon Co Ltd) books and equipment worth K 150,000, Chairman of MLA U Khin Maung Tin K 100,000 and U Cho Aye-Daw Nyunt Nyunt Tin (ACA Pyinnya Yeiknyein Family) K 100,000 to the Secretary-1. The Secretary-1 presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. Next, Chairman of MLA U Khin Maung Tin thanked the wellwishers.
The Secretary-1 then greeted those present. Deputy Director (Retd) of the Auditor-General's Office Daw Tin Tin presented K 50,000 for MLA, Deputy Director-General of Department of Cultural Institute U Myint Kyaing and Daw Tin Tin Win 150 books on records of library, Lecturer U Thein Shwe of Department of Library and Information Studies of Yangon Eastern University and wife Daw Khin Aye Mu K 10,000, Librarian Daw Phyu Phyu Thin of the State Peace and Development Council Office K 10,000 and Yaphyae publishing house and bookshop K 5,000.
Secretary-1 gives instructions on construction of Nanmyint Tower in Kandawgyi National Garden, PyinOoLwin
Yangon, 20 July - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt met with officials of Asia World Co Ltd at the Ahlon Wharf Administrative Office at noon today and gave instructions on arrangements for construction of Nanmyint Tower in Kandawgyi National Garden of the Ministry of Forestry in Pyin-OoLwin Township, Mandalay Division.
The Secretary-1 arrived at the Ahlon Wharf Administrative Office of Asia World Co Ltd in Ahlon Township this noon. The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone, Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, the Vice-Mayor and officials. At the office, Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone reported on the matters related to the arrangements for construction of Nan-myint Tower in Kandawgyi National Garden in Pyin-OoLwin. Then, Architect Dr Kyaw Latt reported on the architectural lay-out plan of the ground floor and upper floors, the lobby, the restaurant halls and the special chamber to be built phase by phase and materials in the construction tasks at the respective halls with the use of charts. Managing Director U Tun Myint Naing of Asia World Co Ltd also reported on the driving of piles at the construction site, the restaurant, the souvenir shop, the car parking, the approach road, the tower crane and other construction work, availability of construction materials and progress of work with the use of charts.
Next, Myanmar handicraft technician U Ohn Tin reported on matters related to the scale model of the seven-tier Pyadthad of Yadanabon Period to be built atop Nanmyint Tower and Myanmar handicraft works to be installed at the Pyadthad. Afterwards, Managing Director U Win Tun of Myanma Timber Enterprise reported on samples of wood to be provided for construction of the tower.
Then, the Secretary-1 gave instructions on systemic construction of the tower with long-term durability of Myanma handicraft works.
The Secretary-1 inspected samples of teak, ironwood and gum Kino wood to be used in the construction tasks. Managing Director U Tun Myint Naing of Asia World Co Ltd reported on extension of Bagaya Jetty of Ahlon Port being carried out phase by phase by Asia World Port Management Co Ltd, the strengthening of the retaining walls at the bank and co-operation of Asia World Co Ltd and Myanma Port Authority.
Next, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone and Managing Director U Thein Htay of Myanma Port Authority gave supplementary reports. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt gave instructions on construction of jetties at Ahlon Wharf and Bagaya Jetty and spoke of the need for the departments concerned to undertake the tasks of keeping the environs of the wharf beautiful and pleasant.
Later, the Secretary-1 inspected progress of construction tasks at Ahlon Wharf. He gave necessary instructions to the officials again and left the Asia World Ahlon Wharf later in the afternoon.
(3) Minister inspects construction of Wakema Bridge project
Yangon, 20 July - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by officials, left here by car along Yangon-Pathein Road yesterday morning and inspected maintenance tasks being carried out on Yangon-Pantanaw Road section and Pantanaw-Shwelaung-Wakema Road.
The minister gave instructions on maintenance of the roads and proper drains. Next, he inspected construction of Wakema Bridge. At the briefing hall there, officials reported on progress of work, tasks to be undertaken and difficulty in use of heavy machinery. The minister gave instructions on fulfilling requirements of vehicles and heavy machinery in time, supervision for controlling of quality and norms and security measures in installation of iron frames. The Wakema Bridge construction project completed 18 60-foot-long spans out of 21 on Yangon bank and construction of the remaining three spans will contine. Out of 18 piers, the placement of floor tiles has been completed at 16 piers of the approach road on Wakema bank.
The lower structure of the bridge is being built of reinforced concrete bole piles. Piers, beams and floor tiles of the approach bridge will be built of reinforced concrete. The main bridge will be of steel cable suspension iron frames. The bridge will have a 24-foot-wide two-lane motor road and one four-foot-wide pedestrian lane on either sides. The bridge can withstand 60-ton loads and the clearance is 582 feet wide and 46 feet high.
Minister inspects Indagaw Industrial Zone
Yangon, 20 July - Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, accompanied by Deputy Minister Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw and officials, arrived at Indagaw Industrial Zone yesterday morning and heard reports on arrival of machinery from People's Republic of China, installation of machinery, arrangement for further arrival of machinery, installation of power lines and production of metal bearing workshop and radiator workshop presented by directors-general and managing directors under the ministry. Then, the minister inspected Inlet & Exhaust Valve Workshop of Myanma Automobile and Diesel Engine Industries, power tiller engine factory of Myanma Agricultural Machinery Industries and gave instructions on timely completion of the factories under construction and constant production of machinery.
(4) Minister inspects training schools
Yangon, 20 July - Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, accompanied by Director-General U Sit Myaing of the Social Welfare Department and officials, inspected the Training School for Girls in Mayangon Township and the Vocational Training School for Women in Bahan Township this afternoon and attended to the needs.
First, the minister arrived at the Training School for Girls and heard reports on the tasks being carried out at the school presented by Principal Daw Myint Myint Hlaing. The minister gave necessary instructions. Then, the minister inspected the hostel, the primary school, vocational training, the library, the dining hall and the teaching of music and art lessons there. He donated K 10,000 for a day's meal to the school. Afterwards, the minister proceeded to the Vocational Training School for Women in Bahan Township and heard reports on the tasks being carried out at the school.
Then, the minister and party inspected the school. The
minister and party spoke words of encouragement to the trainees and donated
K 10,000 for a day's meal to the school.
(5) Information Ministry offers Waso robes
Yangon, 20 July - Under the patronage of Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung and wife Daw Khin Khin Lay, families of the ministry held the fifth Waso robes offering ceremony at Dagon Pariyatti Sarthintaik in the precinct of Eindawya Pagoda on Myomakyaung Street, Dagon Township, this morning.
The Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw administered the Five Precepts to the congregation. Then, members of the Sangha recited the partitas. After that, led by the minister and wife, the deputy minister and wife, directors-general and managing directors and officials presented Waso robes and offertories to members of the Sangha. Ashin Sirindabhivamsa (Yaw) Sayadaw delivered a sermon. Then, merits gained were shared. After the ceremony, "soon" was offered to members of the Sangha.
MAPT offers Waso robes
Yangon, 20 July - Waso robes offering ceremony of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading of the Ministry of Commerce was held at Sagaing Sarthintaik in Thingangyun Township this morning.
It was attended by Presiding Nayaka of Sagaing Sarthintaik member Sayadaw of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha Agga Maha Ghanthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Dhammarnanda and members of the Sangha, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and wife Daw Aye Pyi Wai Khin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director-General of the Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye, Director-General of the Border Trade Department U Nay Win, Managing Director of the Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung, guests and staff.
The Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw invested the congregation with the Five Precepts. Then, the minister and wife and the deputy minister presented the Waso robes and offertories to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha. Next, the deputy minister donated K 21,60,000 for the renovation of the Migada-won three-storey monastery. The Sayadaw delivered a sermon followed by sharing the merits gained. Later, the minister and wife, the deputy minister and officials offered "soon" to the members of the Sangha.
(6) Sanitation work carried out in Yangon City
Yangon, 20 July - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, accompanied by Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, inspected sanitation tasks in Yangon City this morning.
The commander and the vice-mayor went to Kyaukmyaung Street in Tamway Township, Yangon East District, where sanitation work was being done. Head of YCDC Engineering Department (Road and Bridge) U Bo Htay reported on water flowing from Kyaukmyaung drain to Aung Mingalar drain and thence into Aung Mingalar Circular Creek. The commander gave necessary instructions. They inspected sanitation tasks being carried out in Kyaukmyaung Street.
Later, they proceeded to North Okkalapa Township General Hospital in Yangon East District where Tatmadawmen, members of Myanmar Police Force, YCDC workers, members of USDA, Red Cross Society, Auxiliary Fire Brigade and MCWA totalling over 3,000 carried out sanitation work. The commander, the vice-mayor and party were welcomed there by No 1 Military Region Commander Col Khin Maung Soe, Medical Superintendent Professor Dr Myint Maung Maung and officials. At the meeting hall of the hospital, the medical superintendent reported on conditions of health care activities and sanitation work. The commander, the vice-mayor and party looked into sanitation tasks being carried out in surrounding areas of the hospital. Then, the commander, the vice-mayor and party saw over Padauk Creek on Baho Street, Hline Township, Yangon West District, where sanitation tasks were being done for proper flow of the creek. U Bo Htay reported on work being done. The commander then left necessary instructions.
The commander, the vice-mayor and party also inspected tasks for proper flow of Aung Chan Tha drain in Sangyoung Township. The commander gave instructions to the officials on supervision for preventing against clogging up the drains, expansion of drains, laying stones on the slopes of the drains and carrying out sanitation tasks over weekends and gazetted holidays.
(7) Early-childhood Development Centre holds talks
Yangon, 20 July - The educative talks on health for children of Early-childhood Development Centre were held at Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association at the corner of Thanthuma and Parami Roads in South Okkalapa Township here this afternoon. Present on the occasion were Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Chairperson Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe and CEC members, patrons of the supervisory committee, those who were going to give talks, guests and others. Chairperson Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe made a speech. Then, the chairperson accepted Colgate toothpaste and tooth brushes worth K 200,000 donated by Marketing Manager U Naing Myo Mon of Colgate Products Co Ltd. Next, Professor Daw Khin Aye Win, Dr Hla Kyi, Dr Thein Htut and Dr Myo Win gave talks on improving the health of children. Then, CEC member of MMCWA member of the Supervisory Committee Daw Htay Htay reported on tasks being carried out at the development centre.
(8) National Basketball Championship continues
Yangon, 20 July - National Basketball Championship 2002, organized by Myanmar Basketball Federation, continued at Kyaikkasan Basketball Gymnasium this morning. Agriculture/Irrigation team beat Suam Suam team 93-70 and Khin Myanmar team beat Central Command team 81-74 in men's senior division. In men's under-20 division, Shadows team beat Shan Yoma team 73-67 and Central team beat NIP team 81-58. Semi-final matches continue tomorrow. Agriculture/Irrigation team will play against Yangon Command team and Suam Suam team against Khin Myanmar team in men's senior division and Shadows team will play against Central team and Shan Yoma team against LSK team in men's under-20 division.
(9) Stimulant tablets seized in Mandalay
Yangon, 20 July - A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Mandalay Special Anti-Drug Squad, acting on information, searched the house of Yaw Hton in Ward 1, Chanmyathazi Township, on 18 June and seized 1,152 stimulant tablets weighing 115.2 gms in the bedroom. Action is being taken against Yaw Hton, 35, son of U Mahaw Tu of No Nagyi- 7/27, between Seinche and Sabai Streets, Myothit Ward 1 in Chanmyathazi Township and Daw Fu Chin Shu, 57, daughter of U Fu Khaing Yin of Ward 3, Namphetkar Village, Kutkai Township under Section 15/19 (A)/21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Mandalay Police Station-11.
UN envoy Razali due to visit next month
THE United Nations
special envoy to Myanmar, Mr Razali Ismail, is expected in Yangon
next month for his eighth visit since being appointed to the post
in April 2000. Mr Leon de Riedmatten, the Yangon representative of
Swiss-based non-government organisation, the Centre for Humanitarian
Dialogue, said the UN envoy was due to begin a five-day visit on August
2. Mr de Riedmatten is assisting Mr Razali, a Malaysian diplomat whose
efforts to broker a political settlement resulted in the government
and the National League for Democracy’s Daw Aung San Suu Kyi beginning
a dialogue on national reconciliation 21 months ago. The UN envoy’s
itinerary includes meetings with Secretary 1 of the State Peace and
Development Council, Lt Gen Khin Nyunt, and Foreign Minister U Win Aung,
as well as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of the NLD, Mr de
Riedmatten said. Diplomats have credited Mr Razali with the success
achieved so far in the national reconciliation process, which began
in October 2000. The process has also resulted in the release of 283
political detainees and the re-opening of several NLD offices throughout
the country. In another development, the Agence France Presse
news agency reported from Kuala Lumpur last Tuesday that Malaysian
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad planned to visit Yangon next month.
The report, which quoted a Myanmar diplomatic source in the Malaysian
capital, gave no date for the visit but said it was likely in mid-August.
MYANMAR, even since-the Bandung Conference [in Indonesia in 1955], has faithfully adhered to the Five Principles of Co-existence in her relations with other nations and most particularly with her neighbouring countries. It has never been the aggressor in any problem that has arisen with its neighbours, and each time some border incident arose whether it was with Bangladesh or Thailand it always made assiduous efforts to resolve them through dialogue and negotiations. It has never lacked courtesy and consideration in its relations with nations near or far. Yet this courtesy has not been reciprocated by some nations, including of course our next-door neighbour, Thailand, particularly in recent times. Yet as former Myanmar ambassador to Thailand U Pe Khin (1953-56) stated in his article The Problem Neighbour - A Review "... no two neighbours anywhere in the world have closer ethnic, cultural and religious affinities than between Thailand and Myanmar."
A few of the far-seeing leaders of Thailand have no doubt made efforts to maintain friendly relations between the two countries, but it seems their views have not prevailed over the Thai media, some high-ranking officials of the Thai military and a few so-called liberal politicians.
To quote his Excellency U Pe Khin again, these people have "kept the anti-Myanmar feeling smouldering" throughout the years. They have kept on flogging a dead horse to provoke and foster bad feelings in their people against Myanmar. Myanmar and the Myanmar people of today have never nursed any grudges and have always extended a friendly hand and always welcomed the goodwill shown by some of the Thai leaders and the Thai people in general.
But in the case of the Thai media, no one can deny that it has never lost an opportunity to vilify our country, our Government and our leaders and for good measure try to create internal instability within our country with their rumours and fabrications even in times when relations were supposedly good.
For instance, we officially changed the name of our country imposed on us by the British imperialists – ‘Burma’ – to its proper historical name, ‘Myanmar’. Yet the Thai media have never had the respect or courtesy to refer to our country by its proper official name. They have deliberately chosen to use the anglicized name of Burma for our country and Burmese for our people; never Yangon for our capital but Rangoon.
Thailand was also previously known as Siam worldwide. But since it changed its name from Siam to Thailand no Myanmar newspapers has ever used the old name of Siam. They of course recognize changes of names of other countries such as when India changed the name of some of her cities such as Bombay to Mumbai for instance. We have always been at the receiving and of the Thai media’s insults and monstrous lies for years. We have been forbearing and long-suffering (but some of our media people have now come to the end of their tether. So, the sad state of affairs is that the media of both sides have begun to hurl and exchange recriminations about the past.
But there are also other incidents.
The leaders of the two countries wishing not only to maintain but also enhance friendly ties encouraged the formation of two corresponding NGOs in both countries; The Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association in Myanmar and its counterpart the Thai-Myanmar Economic and Cultural Cooperation Association. This was first proposed by Thailand and after some deliberation Myanmar accepted the Thai initiative. This led to exchange of friendly visits by members of both associations. When the Myanmar representatives visited Thailand the counterpart association members could not have been more friendly and hospitable, including some serving Air, Naval and Army personnel. Yet, at a reception given by the Teachers’ Training Institute in Chiang Mai, the large poster welcoming the Myanmar guests in bold letters declared –"Welcome to members of the Burma-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation Association." This was indeed a deliberate insult, but apart from pointing out the "mistake" and asking that it be corrected the Myanmar representatives politely refrained from any angry verbal reprisals even though their hosts had been less than polite. The Myanmar visitors even explained patiently when asked "why this change of name?", that the country had always been known as ‘Myanmar’ to its people and that only the term ‘Myanmar’ was inclusive of all the national races.
As stated earlier, Myanmar has been long suffering and forgiving and forbearing. But now that the Myanmar media has begun to retaliate in their own coin the Thais cannot take it. They are beginning to hurt and howl. What they want is a one-way attack on Myanmar sensitivities and sensibilities. They do not take into account the fact that Myanmar has suffered in development and progress due to their harbouring of Myanmar insurgents bent on destroying the Union of Myanmar with all kinds of violence and, worst of all, their drug producing and trafficking activities. Moreover some of our simple rural folks who cross the border to work in Thailand are generally mistreated and misused. They do not stop to consider, nor do they have the slightest compunction over how much they have banned the Myanmar people. So, who is the instigator of the current state of affairs? Where are we heading? Saner heads in Thailand should think about it.
As far as the Myanmar people are concerned, our leaders have been restrained and even handed in their responses. And lest the Thai hotheads are not aware, let me say this in conclusion:
The Myanmar people in general live in accordance with the tenets of Myanmar Buddhist culture. The spirit of generosity and benevolence characterize the Myanmar personality. The spirit of compassion towards all beings is an integral part of the Myanmar personality, and forbearance and forgiveness are considered moral virtues. We have a sense of propriety and decency. But it would not be wrong to say that the Myanmar people value honour and integrity more than life itself. There is a Myanmar proverb that says, "A true royal lion will not stoop to eat grass even if it is starving."
So what is clear is that we shall never,
ever, let our national honour and integrity be compromised. We are a
patient people, tolerant and long-suffering but we are also a proud
race that has the courage and fortitude to face and overcome life’s
adversities whatever they may be.
Armed groups are terrorising the population
Government dismisses claims
by rebel groups
THE government last
week dismissed claims by groups linked to the rebel Shan United
Revolutionary Army which had accused the Myanmar army of atrocities
against ethnic minorities. A government statement said the claims
by two Thai-based Shan groups amounted to a smear campaign. The groups,
the Shan Human Rights Foundation and the Shan Womens’ Action Network,
had accused the army of using rape as a weapon to keep ethnic minorities
under control. The statement released late last Friday said the claim
was designed to discredit the government and tarnish its image, "especially
when government-led anti-terrororist and anti-drug campaigns are picking
up momentum". The Washington Post newspaper reported last week
that the US State Department had contacted the government to request
it to launch an investigation into the claims. The newspaper said the
claims had attracted attention among members of Congress. The government
statement said the US House of Representatives had been misled by the
two Shan organisations. "It is regretful to learn that certain members
of the US House of Representatives have fallen prey to or been duped
by two Shan organisations," said the statement. Describing the organisations
as armed terrorist groups, the statement said it was not surprising
that they were involved in a smear campaign against the government.
"But it is more surprising to come to realise that certain people can
totally fall into traps these groups have laid out, by accepting such
allegations as truth and reacting in a knee-jerking fashion," the statement
said. It said ethnic minorities in Myanmar are "living peacefully and
enjoying their human rights", while the armed groups who refused the
government’s peace offers are "terrorising the population living in
the certain areas. "These armed groups have not only rejected the
offer of peace terms but shifted in tactics towards fabrication of news
and falsified information in order to mobilise political support from
foreign governments. "International organisations and foreign governments
should be aware of this possibility before drawing any conclusions,
especially on news emanating from such sources." The statement also said
the West’s current stance on terrorists groups in Myanamr would give
further encouragements to them to carry out their "nefarious" acts. "It
is regretful to realise that some terrorist groups in Southeast Asia,
especially those from Myanmar, are given unlimited rights to carry out
their nefarious acts while their words are transformed into holy truth".
US$1b in narcotics goes up in smoke
NARCOTICS valued
by the government at more than US$1 billion were destroyed by fire
in a ceremony held in Yangon last Wednesday to mark the International
Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The ceremony, organised
by the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control, took place during
an early morning downpour at the Drug Elimination Museum in Kamayut
Township. The destruction of the drugs was witnessed by Secretary-1
of the State Peace and Development Council, Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Home
Affairs Minister, Col Tin Hlaing, Foreign Affairs Minister, U Win
Aung, diplomats and United Nations officials, including those from
the global body’s Drug Control Program. Foreign journalists were
also invited to the event, the 16th of its kind since 1990. Most
of the drugs were destroyed in an incinerator. They included 3027
kilograms of opium, 240kg of heroin, 434kg of marijuana, about 35 million
methamphetamine tablets, four million ephedrine tablets and 2865kg
of powdered ephedrine. Hundreds of bottles of illegally imported cough
syrup containing amphetamine were crushed by steam-rollers during
the event. All of the drugs were seized by Myanmar law enforcement
authorities during the past year. Government officials highlighted
the country’s achievements in combating illicit drugs by relying largely
on its own resources. Deputy Police Chief Pol Brig Gen Zaw Win said
in a speech ahead of the torching of the drugs that they had a street
value in the United States of $1.078 billion. Pol Brig Gen Zaw Win
said the destruction of the drugs highlighted the successes being
achieved by the government in combating drugs. He said opium production
had declined by 40 per cent during the past decade. Pol Brig Gen
Zaw Win also said that the government was able to block the cultivation
of about 80,000 acres of opium poppy under its ‘Project Hell Flower’
scheme, launched last May. It enables farmers to exchange opium seeds
for those of other cash crops, such as rice, maize and wheat. A government
official said the scheme had so far resulted in the collection of
opium seeds which could have been used to produce more than $3 billion
worth of opium and its derivative, heroin. The seeds were destroyed
by fire in Shan State last month. Pol Brig Gen Zaw Win said money
laundering laws enacted by the government last month would also help
to curb the activities of drug traffickers.
Economic growth put at 10.5 pc
MYANMAR achieved an economic growth rate of 10.5 per cent in the fiscal year to the end of last March, the Minister for National Planning and Economic Development, U Soe Tha, said in Yangon last Tuesday. The minister was delivering the opening speech at a three-day seminar on statistics. U Soe Tha said the high growth rate was the result of opening up the economy and adopting a market-oriented system to raise the economic and social conditions of the people. He said planned economic development periods introduced in the 1992 fiscal year had also contributed to high growth rates. An annual growth rate of 7.5 per cent was achieved in the four years ending in 1996. In the five years to 2001 the growth rate was 8.5 per cent. U Soe Tha said statistical information was gleaned from censuses and surveys by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO), and is an agency of the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development. A participant at the seminar, U Saung Tin, the director (computers) at the CSO, told Myanmar Times that statistics were crucial for setting policies and decision-making. U Saung Tin said that as Myanmar was a developing country, its ability to collect large amounts of raw data was affected by financial constraints. "That’s why we use sampling techniques," he said. The seminar, organised by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in collaboration with the CSO, was held under a bilateral cooperation program which is helping Myanmar to improve the gathering and analysis of statistical information. About 45 officials from various ministries attended the seminar. U Saung Tin said the CSO and JICA were expected to cooperate more closely in future. "Arrangements are also well under way to develop a computer network connecting the departments under the ministry, a project in which the CSO as a fully-computerised institution is taking a leading role," he said. "Within a couple of years our ministry will be prepared for potential applications of e-government in Myanmar," U Saung Tin said.
