YANGON, 18 Feb—The National Convention continued at Pyidaungsu Hall of Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township this morning.

Members of the panel of alternate chairmen made clarifications to the delegates’ proposals to lay down detailed basic principles for sharing of legislative power to be included in the framing of the State Constitution.

Present on the occasion were Chairman of the National Convention Convening Commission Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein and members, Chairman of the NCC Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe and members, Chairman of the NCC Management Committee Auditor-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung and members, delegates of Kokang Democracy and Unity Party, National Unity Party, Union Kayin League, Union Pa-O National Organization, Mro (or) Khami National Solidarity Organization, Lahu National Development Party, and Wa National Development Party, representatives-elect of National Unity Party, Mro (or) Khami National Solidarity Organization, and independent representatives, delegates of national races from Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan (South), Shan (North) and Shan (East) States, Sagaing, Taninthayi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions, delegates of peasants from Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan (South), Shan (North) and Shan (East) States, Sagaing, Taninthayi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions, delegates of intellectuals and intelligentsia, delegates of workers from Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan (South), Shan (North) and Shan (East) States, Sagaing, Taninthayi, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions, delegates of State service personnel from the State Peace and Development Council, the President’s Office,the Pyithu Hluttaw Office, the Government Office, the Supreme Court, the Attorney-General’s Office, the Auditor-General’s Office, the Multi-party Democracy General Election Commission Office, the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the Yangon City Development Committee, the Mandalay City Development Committee and ministries, other invited delegates, delegates of 17 armed groups who exchanged arms for peace, and representatives of other organizations.

NCCC Chairman Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and members, NCC Work Committee Chairman Chief Justice U Aung Toe and members, NCC Management Committee Chairman Maj-Gen Lun Maung and members, delegates of political parties, representatives-elect, delegates of national races, delegates of peasants, delegates of workers, delegates of intellectuals and intelligentsia, delegates of State service personnel, and other invited delegates signed the attendance registers at Pyidaungsu Hall and the recreation hall for National Convention delegates.

U Mya Aye of the group of the delegates of peasants chaired the plenary session together with NCC Work Committee U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin), U Tun Yin Law of the group of the delegates of political parties, U Yaw Aye Hla of the group of representatives-elect, U Maung Hla of the group of the delegates of national races, Dr Myo Thant Tin of the group of the delegates of workers, Dr U Thein Oo Po Saw of the group of the delegates of intellectuals and intelligentsia, Maj-Gen Aung Thein of the group of the delegates of State service personnel and U Tun Aung Chein of the group of other invited delegates.

Director of the NCC Work Committee Office (Meeting) U Than Aung emceeded the plenary session together with Deputy Director U Aung Kyi.

The emcee announced the validity of the meeting as 1,074 out of 1,081 delegates were present, accounting for 99.35 per cent.

Alternative Chairman U Mya Aye of the group of the delegates of peasants presented matters relating to the economic sector. (The presentation will be stated later)

Next, the plenary session went into recess.

The plenary session resumed at 10 am. Member of the panel of alternative chairmen Dr Myo Thant Tin of the group of the delegates of workers presented matters relating to the agriculture and livestock breeding sectors. (The presentation will be stated later)

Member of the panel of alternative chairmen Dr U Thein Oo Po Saw of the group of the delegates of workers presented matters relating to the energy, electricity, mining and forestry sectors. (The presentation will be stated later)Afterwards, the session went into recess.

The session resumed at 1 pm. Member of the panel of alternative chairmen Maj-Gen Aung Thein of the group of the delegates of State service personnel presented matters relating to the industrial sector and transport and communication sectors. (The presentation will be stated later)

Then, the session went into recess. Member of the panel of alternative chairmen U Tun Aung Chein of the group of other invited delegates presented matters relating to the transport and communication sectors. (The presentation will be stated later)

Member of the panel of alternative chairmen member of the NCC Work Committee U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin) presented matters relating to the social sector. (The presentation will be stated later)

The National Convention continues on 21 February.

YANGON, 18 Feb — Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan hosted a dinner to the correspondents of foreign news agencies abroad and local correspondents who were to make media coverage of the National Convention, at Karaweik Palace of Kandawgyi Gardens yesterday evening.

Present at the dinner were Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint of the Ministry of Defence, directors-general and managing directors of the departments and enterprises under the ministry, departmental officials, the Head of Office, Patron of the Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Hla Htway, Chairman U Sao Kai Hpa and member correspondents and foreign correspondents of Yumiuri Shimbum, Fuji Television Network Inc, Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS), Nishinippon Newspaper Co, Sankei Shimbun, NHK, Mainichi Newspaper, Nippon Television Network Corp.(NTV), Tokyo Shimbun, Kyodo, Asahi Shimbun, VOA, EPA, TV Asahi News, AFP, Ji Ji Press, Reuters, AP and Kyodo news agencies.

On arrival at Karaweik Palace, the minister was welcomed by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein and heads of departments.

Next, the minister cordially greeted the correspondents.

Afterwards, the minister hosted a dinner to them. During the dinner, artistes of Karaweik Palace presented entertainment programmes to the correspondents.

YANGON, 18 Feb — With a view to ensuring recreation of the National Convention delegates with peace of mind, the Entertainment and Welfare Subcommittee of the Management Committee of the National Convention showed a movie titled ‘Nay-ka-mwe-te-la’ starring Kyaw Hein, Min Maw Kun, Eindra Kyaw Zin and Tint Tint Tun, directed by Academy Maung Tin Oo, to the delegates who are attending the National Convention in Nyaunghnapin Camp, Hmawby Township, yesterday evening at Open Air Theatre at that place.

The subcommittee also showed a movie titled ‘San-yay’ starring Nyunt Win, Lwin Moe, Myint Myint Khine and Khine Hnin Wai, directed by Academy Kyi Soe Tun to the NC delegates this evening.

The subcommittee offered a lot of sporting places for badminton, table tennis, volleyball, billiard and golf to enable the NC delegates to play what they like.

After the plenary session , the NC delegates had a recreation by playing games peacefully and joyfully yesterday and today evenings.

YANGON, 18 Feb — On behalf of the Panel of Chairmen, Alternate Chairmen U Tun Yin Law of Delegates of Political Parties and U Yaw Aye Hla of the Delegates of Representatives-elect presented notes from the reports of the National Convention delegates on laying down basic detailed principles concerning the sharing of the legislative power to be included in the State Constitution at Pyidaungsu Hall of Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township yesterday.

The following is a translation of U Tun Yin Law and U Yaw Aye Hla.

In connection with the basic principles to be laid down for the foreign affairs sector on grounds of 11 legislative matters relevant to power-sharing in the legislative sector that shall be included in writing the State constitution, I will continue to present the panel of chairmen’s collection of excerpts from the suggested proposals submitted by some delegate groups to the National Convention and from those by certain delegates to the National Convention.

At the National Convention Plenary Meeting held on 18 May 2004, the Chairman of the National Convention Convening Work Committee clarified that "With a view to further strengthening the independent and active foreign policy, the State has been practising continuously and maintaining existing relations with international community, the fundamental principles set by the National Convention in respect of the foreign policy are as follows:

— the State practises the independent, active and non-aligned foreign policy, aims at world peace and friendly relations with nations, and upholds the principles of peaceful coexistence among nations;

— the State never starts aggression against any nation; and

— no foreign troops are permitted to be deployed within the territories of the Union.

In line with the fundamental principles laid down by the National Convention, discussions are to be made with respect to detailed basic principles for legislative power of the foreign affairs sector.

"A study of the constitutions of a large number of world nations indicates that in almost every country legislative powers are vested only in their highest legislatures when it comes to making legislation relevant to the matters put under the foreign affairs sector which I have so far explained. It being the case, the esteemed delegates are to discuss as to whether or not detailed basic principles should be set in order to include in the Union Legislative list to enact laws concerning the following matters appropriate for the foreign affairs sector of our country. They are as follows:

1. diplomats, consular officials and trade representatives;

2. the United Nations;

3. participation in international, regional and bilateral conferences, seminars, meetings, associations and other organizations and the implementation of their resolutions;

4. the realization and materialization of international and regional treaties, agreements, conventions, bilateral agreements and other contracts;

5. passports, entry visas and certificates of identity;

6. the entry into the Union of Myanmar, the departure from the country, immigration control and deportation order; and

7. the extradition of criminals to the home country and request made therefrom."

As regards the NCCWC Chairman’s clarification, the National Unity Party, which is one of seven political parties and one of delegate groups to the National Convention, discussed that the practice to embody the foreign affairs sector in the Union Legislative List was proper as it was the practice a majority of nations adopted.

Union PaO National Organization, which is a member of the delegate group of political parties, said that the Union of Myanmar, in her exercise of foreign policy, played an active part in such campaigns as world peace and security, anti-colonialism, anti-neocolonialists, anti-apartheid, and non-interference in one another’s international affairs and non-aggression. The country also respects and maintains the international relations, the relations with regional as well as neighbouring countries, and exercises the five principles for peaceful co-existence.

They also said as a member nation of the United Nations, the Union of Myanmar allows the presence of ambassadors, consuls, and commercial attachés from numerous countries on its soil. Myanmar attended international meetings, seminars and conferences, and took the initiatives in the country. It helped promulgate and participate in the promulgation of necessary laws for the conventions through the contacts with regional organizations of various countries. According to the Immigration Laws, passports and visas will be issued to travelers who want to go abroad and who want to come in. When it comes to the extradition of criminals to the country concerned or from the country concerned, the countries involved have the right to ask for the extradition of the culprit of their country. However, they can do so only when they are signatory countries of the Extradition Treaty. The seven points NCCWC Chairman clarified should be embodied as detailed basic principles in the Union Legislative List so that law can be enacted in connection with the foreign policy.

Mro (a) Khami National Solidarity Organization discussed that they found the clarification made by the Chairman of the Work Committee as regards the foreign policy realistic and proper. They also agreed that all the points should be included as detailed basic principles in the Union Legislative List when the State constitution is to be drawn.

Lahu National Development Party discussed that (1) the defence and security, (2) foreign policy, and (3) judicial sector are what matters most for the whole country and that the seven-point defence and security sector, the seven-point foreign policy sector, and the 11-point judicial sector are proper to be included in the Union Legislative List so as to enact laws when necessary.

The Union Kayin League agreed that the seven points of the clarification made by the Chairman of the Work Committee are worth including as detailed basic principles in the Union Legislative List.

The Kokang Democracy and Unity Party agreed the seven-point foreign policy clarified by the Chairman of the Work Committee to be included as detailed basic principle in the Union Legislative List.

The Wa National Development Party showed their approval for the seven-point foreign policy clarified by the Chairman of the Work Committee, saying that the Union of Myanmar’s foreign policy is aimed at world peace and security, opposed to colonialism, neo-colonialists, racial discrimination, and apartheid, but in support of non-interference in the affairs of one country by the other, and non-aggression. They also continued that the country holds fast to equal footing as well as to the five principles of peaceful co-existence; that the country is now exercising the active and independent foreign policy and maintaining the world peace and good-neighbourly relations among nations in the region.

The delegate group of the representatives-elect submitted five proposed papers.

Of them, the National Unity Party and the Mro (a) Khami National Solidarity Organization have submitted the suggestions of their respective parties.

Likewise, a member of the delegate group of political parties, Dr Hmu Htan, who is the independent representative-elect from the constituency of Thantlan township in Chin State, and U Aung Thein, the independent representative-elect from the constituency of Ywangan township in Shan State gave their consent that the Work Committee Chairman’s clarifications concerning the foreign policy are proper and they should be embedded as detailed basic principles in the Union Legislative List when the State constitution is drawn.

In like manner, representatives-elect U Tin Win from the constituency-2 of Kyaiklat township, U Thein Kyi from the constituency-1 of Taung-dwingyi township, U Hla Soe from the constituency-2 of Minbu township, U Mya Hlaing from the constituency-2 of Twantay township, U Kyi Win from the constituency-1 of Mingala-don township, and U Tin Tun Maung from the constituency-2 of Mingala-don township agreed to the Work Committee Chairman’s clarifications concerning the foreign policy.

U Tun Kyaw, independent representative-elect from the constituency of Namhsan township in Shan State (North), supported that the seven-point foreign policy as clarified by the Chairman of the Work Committee is so complete that they should be included in the Union Legislative List as detailed basic principles relevant to the legislative, executive and judicial powers when the State constitution is drawn.

The delegate group of national races discussed that a study of the constitutions of world nations showed that in almost every country, legislative power is invested only in the highest legislative bodies, when it comes to promulgation in connection with the matters pertaining to the foreign policy. They also approved that detailed basic principles that allow to enact laws when necessary should be included in the Union Legislative List.

The delegate group of peasants, in their proposal, said that the foreign policies prescribed in the Sections 211 and 212 under the title of International Relations of Chapter XII of the 1947 Constitution of the Union of Myanmar, the proclamations relevant to the foreign policies issued by the Revolutionary Council in 1962, and the foreign policies prescribed in Chapter II of the 1974 Constitution of the Socialist Republic of the Union of Myanmar were practised. They continued that the country is still practising the independent and active foreign policy, adding that the seven-point foreign policy clarified by Work Committee Chairman U Aung Toe are worth including as detailed basic principles in the Union Legislative List.

The delegate group of workers expressed their finding that in almost all countries legislative power is vested in the top legislatures to enact laws when necessary. They continued that detailed basic principles should be laid down also in the country so as to include them in the Union Legislative List to enact laws concerning what should be added to the foreign policy. The delegate group of intellectuals and intelligentsia discussed that they found the Work Committee Chairman’s clarification made on the foreign policy drew approval from the delegate groups.

The delegate group of State service personnel suggested that following points be included in the foreign policy:

1. diplomats, consular affairs, and representatives of other affairs;

2. the United Nations;

3. participation in international, regional and bilateral conferences, seminars, meetings, associations and other organizations and the implementation of their resolutions;

4. the conclusion and materialization of international and regional treaties, agreements, conventions, bilateral agreements and other contracts;

5. passports, entry visas and certificates of identity;

6. the entry into the Union of Myanmar, the departure from the country, immigration control and deportation order; and

7. the extradition of criminals to the home country and request made therefrom."

In their suggestion, they replaced the Work Committee’s words "diplomats, consular officials, and trade representatives" with the words "diplomats, consular officials, and representatives of other affairs". Their explanation is that in the world it is the central government that is responsible to handle the matters related to foreign relations.

In every nation, the central government takes charge of the acceptance and appointment of various representatives such as the ambassador, the Minister-Counsellor, the Counsellor, the first secretary, the second secretary, the third secretary, the attaché, the Consul-General, Vice Consul-General, Consul, Vice Counsul, Attache (Consular), the military attaché, the defence attaché, the commercial attache, the cultural attaché and so on. The delegate group of State service personnel suggested that the issue of diplomats, consular officials, and representatives of other affairs be added to the Union Legislative List.

The delegate group of other invited persons discussed that though they agreed to the seven-point foreign policy clarified by the Work Committee Chairman, they would like to add some points to the policy.

Their explanation was in a sovereign state, there are two sectors of foreign policy: one is at central level and the other is at Region or State-level. The former takes charge of the most important issues while the latter takes charge of protocol matters.

The major issues concerning the foreign policy are as follows:

— the formulation and implementation of the foreign policy,

— the recognition of the foreign nation or government and the withdrawal of the recognition,

— the establishment and termination of diplomatic/consular/trade relations (The establishment of relations between two countries is conducted through trade, consular, and diplomatic channels, in which some establish direct diplomatic relations, in other words, the establishment of Embassy).

A sovereign state joins international or regional organizations, attends meetings, signs the resolutions, implement them, and withdraws from such organizations. A sovereign state enters international, regional or bilateral agreements, signs them, approves of them, and carry out them.

The central level issues passports and certificate of identities to a citizen to verify himself to travel abroad who he is and where he is from. The central level also takes charge of foreigners visiting and leaving Myanmar by scrutinizing their entry visas. The responsibility for immigration and deportation falls to the central level. Therefore, ‘the formulation and implementation of the foreign policy’ and ‘the recognition of the foreign nation or government and the withdrawal of the recognition’ should be added to the foreign policy, and detailed basic principles for it should be laid down.

The delegate group of other invited persons also suggested that the term ‘diplomats, consular affairs, and trade representatives’ be replaced with the term ‘the establishment and termination of diplomatic, consular and trade relations’. Furthermore, the term ‘the United Nations’ should be replaced with the term ‘the United Nations and international organizations’; the term ‘participation in international, regional and bilateral conferences, seminars, meetings, organizations and implementation of their resolutions’ with the term ‘participation in international, regional and bilateral conferences, seminars, meetings, organizations and implementation of their resolutions, and the withdrawal from such organizations’; the term ‘the signing of international, regional and bilateral agreements and conventions and the implementation of them’ with the term ‘the signing of international, regional and bilateral agreements and conventions and the implementation of them and the withdrawal from them’; the term ‘passports, entry visas, and ID cards’ with the term ‘passports and Certificate of Indentities’; and the term ‘permission of entry to and departure from Myanmar and immigration and deportation’ with the term ‘entry visa, stay permit, departure permit, immigration and deportation’. In connection with these changes in terminology, detailed basic principles should be laid down.

The delegate group of other invited persons also discussed that certain regions or states share borders with neighbouring countries. So, there are many forms of social relations in these areas. To ensure close supervision in these areas, the following two points should be taken into consideration when the State constitution is drawn. They are:

1. temporary entry/exit permit at borders,
2. border trade with neighbouring countries bordering with Myanmar.

YANGON, 18 Feb — Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs and for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw received Korean Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Lee Kyung Woo, who completed his tour of duty, at the ministry on Pyay Road in Sangyoung Township at 11.30 am today.

Also present at the call were officials of the Directorate of Telecommunication and Myanma Posts and Telecommunications.

YANGON, 18 Feb—Myanmar will host an international Sepaktakraw tournament at the National Indoor Stadium-1 in Thuwunna here from 20 to 24 February.

A 12-member Korean team arrived here by air yesterday evening, a 21-member Thai team, at 10 am today, a 26-member Malaysian team, at 11.20 am, to participate in the tourney, and a two-member observation team, at 11.45 am. They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by officials of the Ministry of Sports and the Myanmar Sepaktakraw Federation.

YANGON, 17 Feb — Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Maj-Gen Ko Ko and departmental officials, arrived at Zayatkyi Station on 16 February morning and met with families of regiment and unit.

During his tour, he called for engaging in agriculture, livestock breeding and production and cordially greeted them. Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected Zayatkyi Station Hospital and gave instructions on keeping the hospital clean and arrangements for treatment of patients in comfort. Afterwards, Station Hospital Dr Nay Win Thwin received K 300,000 presented by Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, K 100,000 by Commander Maj-Gen Ko Ko, and K 100,000 by Chairman of Taungoo District PDC Lt-Col Ye Myint.

Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party went to Kinmonchon Village and met with members of Village PDC, teachers, members of social organization and local people. Afterwards, Chairman of Kinmonchon PDC U Win Shwe reported on social affairs, economy, health and transportation. After that, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party viewed vegetable plantation in Nyaunglaybin Township and Chairman of Nyaunglaybin Township PDC U Thein Htay reported on cultivation and production of various crops. In response to the report Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than urged local growers to sell their products in Yangon and Mandalay Divisions.

On arrival at Phayagyi Village, he heard reports on cultivation of summer paddy and water supply presented by officials.

Later, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party gave instructions on meeting the target cultivation of summer paddy and other crops and inspected summer paddy plantation. Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party arrived back Yangon in the evening.

YANGON, 18 Feb — A 56-USDA member of Kayin national race from nine hill village-tracts in the east of Pyinmana Township, Mandalay Division, who are currently here on study tour visited the Headquarters of Union Solidarity and Developement Association this evening.

Secretary-General of the USDA Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo and CEC Member Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office U Than Shwe cordially greeted them on their arrival. Next, Secretary-General Maj-Gen Htay Oo extended greetings and presented souvenirs to the delegation members.

YANGON, 18 Feb — The ceremony of cash donation to Myanmar Women Affairs Federation was held at the Office of MWAF on Than Lwin Road this afternoon.

At the ceremony, K 1 million each was donated by Thiha-thudama- theingi Daw Shwe Sin (Golden Uni Jewelly Co Ltd) and U Zaw Zaw (Max Myanmar Co Ltd); K 900,000 by Daw Than Than Lay and Daw Thida Aye Win (Madarin Airlines); K 500,000 each by U Myat Thin Aung-Daw Khin Myint Myint family (AA Medical Products Ltd); U Khin Maung San-Daw Thazin Nwe ( Shwetaya Automobile Co); U Tun Hlainh(Excellent Mineral Manufacturing Co Ltd); U Myo Myint-Dr Cho Cho Win (Classic Style Fashion Shop) & (M-3 Food Centre), and U Ye Min (Excellence Enterprise Ltd); K 300,000 each by Daw San San Myint, Ko Aung Than Myint (Super Power Co Ltd), U Thein Han (Tokyo Pipe - Myanmar Pipe & Assessories Co Ltd), U Win Aung-Daw Moe Mya Mya (Dagon International Co Ltd), U Tun Min-Daw May Thiri Soe, U Ohn Saing-Daw Myint Myint Sein (New Golden Gate Co Ltd), U Ko Ko Htwe (Taw Win Family Co) and Daw Khaing Zaw (Earth Industrial Myanmar Co Ltd); K 200,000 each by U Tun Myint-Daw Aye Aye Nyunt (Kyet-sha-sun Biriani), U Khin Maung Aye-Daw Khin Lay (Gold Power Co Ltd), and U Hla Muang Shwe-Daw Tin Tin Oo (Gold Family); K 100,000 each by Shwekaba U Maung Maung, Daw Nu Nu Yi, U Aung Thein, U Tin Win-Daw San Win, U Hla Htay-Daw Tin Nwe Oo, U Arnt Maung-Daw Tin Tin Wai, U Khin Maung Hlaing-Daw Wah Wah Tun, and Dr Aung Win-Daw Kywe Kywe Zin; K 50,000 by U Kyaw Soe-Daw Hla Wady and Daw Myint Myint and K 10,000 by U Than Hlaing-Daw Myint Myint Aye.

The president and vice-president of MWAF and the general secretary accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. Next, the president of MWAF expressed thanks and the meeting ended.

YANGON, 18 Feb — On behalf of the Panel of Chairmen, Alternate Chairman U Maung Hla (a) U Hla Myint of the Delegates of National Races presented notes from the reports of the National Convention delegates on laying down basic detailed principles concerning the sharing the legislative power to be included in the State Constitution at Pyidaungsu Hall of Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township yesterday.

The following is a translation of U Maung Hla (a) U Hla Myint.

I will present the excerpts of the presentation of the delegate groups and some delegates concerning the finance and planning sector compiled by the panel of chairmen.

At the plenary session, held on 18 May 2004, the Work Committee Chairman said, "The National Convention, with an eye to a higher living standard of the people and the improvement of national economy, has also laid down some fundamental principles relevant to the finance and planning sector. The principles to be adopted are as follows:

— the State shall prioritize the higher living standard of the people and accumulation of general investments;

— the State shall render assistance to socio-economic development covering education, health, economy and transportation of less developed national races;

— the State shall provide such assistance as technology, capital, machinery and raw material for development of national economy;

— the State shall not nationalize business undertakings; and

— the State shall not demonetize the legal tender currency in circulation.

"To raise the living standard of the people and to accumulate capital, the undertakings of the finance and planning are essential for not only the Union but also the region or the states.

"A glance at the development trends of the world nations will indicate that modern plans consistent with their countries are practised after being drawn. As necessary, the highest legislative bodies of the State enact laws relevant to the finance and planning undertakings concerning with the whole country. However, it is found that in some countries appropriate legislative powers are vested in the states that have their own legislative bodies. Also in our country, there will be seven regions and seven states in addition to union territories under the direct rule of the President in accordance with the detailed basic principles which have been laid down. Therefore, legislative powers are to be vested in legislative bodies at union level as well as in those at region or state level in an appropriate way.

He continued to say, "I would like to present matters under the Finance and Planning Sector that should be included in the Union Legislative list. They are:

(1) The Union budget

(2) The Union Fund

(3) Currency and coinage

(4) The Central Bank of Myanmar and financial institutions

(5) Foreign Exchange control

(6) Capital and money market

(7) Insurance

(8) Income tax

(9) Commercial tax

(10) Stamp duty

(11) Customs

(12) State lottery

(13) Tax appeal

(14) Service enterprises of the Union

(15) Disposal of Union-owned property through sale or rent or other means

(16) Disbursement of loans from the Union funds

(17) Investment with the Union funds

(18) Loans borrowed from inside and outside the country

(19) Acquisitions of the Union

(20) External financial assistance and aid

(21) National Plan

(22) Data collection

(23) National Archives

(24) Investment, and

(25) Inspection of statistics"

He said "The points I have just clarified are those covered by the finance and planning sector that should be included in the Region or State Legislative list to enact laws . They may be put together as follows:

(1) The Region or State Budget

(2) The Regional or State Fund

(3) Land revenue

(4) Excise duties (excluding narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances)

(5) Development Affairs revenues such as building and land revenue, water tax, street light tax, wheel tax

(6) Service enterprises of the Regions or States

(7) Disposal of the Region- or State-owned property through sale, rent or other means

(8) Disbursement of loans within the country from the Regional or State Fund

(9) Investment of funds from the Regional or State Fund within the country

(10) Regional projects

(11) Small loans enterprise

"I have clarified these points for the National Convention delegates to discuss and make suggestions whether to formulate the detailed basic principles to include in the Region or State Legislative list to enact laws to carry out work in their respective regions or states."

Concerning the clarification, the National Unity Party said that the party has no suggestions regarding the finance and planing sector, as it sees it as comprehensive and the distribution of power to the region or state legislative list fair.

Union Pa-O National Organization said that the 25 points of the finance and planning sector clarified by the Work Committee Chairman are appropriate to be included in the Union legislative list as detailed basic principles. Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization said that the 25 points of the finance and planning sector clarified by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the Union legislative list and the 11 points should be included in the region or state legislative list as basic principles.

Lahu National Development Party said that the 25 points of the finance and planning sector clarified by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the Union legislative list and the 11 points should be included in the region or state legislative list as basic principles. Union Kayin League said that the 25 points of the finance and planning sector clarified by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the Union legislative list and the 11 points should be included in the region or state legislative list as basic principles.

Kokang Democracy and Unity Party said that it is required to develop the national economy for emergence of a modern and developed nation. Effective realization of the financial, social and economic goals is needed for national economic development. Financial and planning issues are essential for both the Union and the regions and states for improving the living standard, and accumulation of the capital. The party said it has no further suggestions for the financial and planning sector of the Union and regions or states presented by the Work Committee Chairman.

Wa National Development Party said that the Government has laid down financial and tax policies for effective materialization of the financial and social policies and laid down and implemented long-term and short-term plans for equitable progress of the entire nation. The Government is in the process of materializing the political, economic and social objectives to build a modern and developed nation. The National Convention has already laid down basic principles for the financial and planning sector to improve the social standard of the people and develop the national economy. In every nation of the world, the highest legislature enacts laws regarding the financial and planning sector. Myanmar will also have to follow the practice. Thus, the 25 points of the financial and planning sector clarified by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the Union legislative list. There are also tasks to be implemented by regions or states. Hence, the 11 points explained by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the region or state legislative list as detailed basic principles.

Esteemed delegates,

Of the five papers presented by representatives-elect delegate group, the papers presented by the delegates of the National Unity Party and the Mro or Khami National Solidarity Organization are the same as the ones presented by the delegates of the respective parties at the political parties delegate group. Representative-elect Dr Hmu Htan of Thantalan Township constituency in Chin State, and Representative-elect U Aung Thein of Ywangan Township constituency in Shan State said that as the financial and planning policies explained by the Work Committee Chairman suit the national condition, the 25 points of the financial and planning sector clarified by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the Union legislative list as detailed basic principles and the 11 points explained by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the region or state legislative list as basic principles.

Representatives-elect U Tin Win of Kyaiklat Township constituency-2, U Thein Kyi of Taungdwingyi Township constituency-1, U Hla Soe of Minbu Township constituency-2, U Mya Hlaing of Twantay Township constituency-2, U Kyi Win of Mingaladon Township constituency-1 and U Tin Tun Maung of Mingaladon Township constituency-2 said that they see the 25 points of the financial and planning sector and 11 points clarified by the Work Committee Chairman are comprehensive, and have no further suggestions concerning the matter.

Representative-elect U Tun Kyaw of Namhsan Township constituency in northern Shan State said that the 25 points of the financial and planning sector clarified by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the Union legislative list as basic principles and the 11 points explained by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the region or state legislative list as basic principles.

National races delegate group discussed in support of the 25 points of the financial and planning sector and 11 points for regions or states.

Peasant delegate group said that the Government has been laying down and implementing financial plans and procedures to successfully realize the aims of the financial, economic and social sectors and for equitable progress of the entire nation. Economy is the most basic sector for national development as progress of other sectors depends on it. The National Convention has already laid down basic principles for improving the living standard of the people and national economy. Thus, the party supported the 25 points of the financial and planning sector and also the 11 points of the regions or states. As a separate suggestion, the group said that the Revenue Appellate Tribural should be set up at region or state level in addition to the Union level for convenience of tax payers and for work facilitation.

Worker delegate group said that the 25 points of the financial and planning sector clarified by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the Union legislative list as basic principles and the 11 points explained by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the region or state legislative list as detailed basic principles.

Intellectuals and intelligentsia delegate group discussed in support of the option to include the 25 points of the financial and planning sector clarified by the Work Committee Chairman in the Union legislative list as basic principles and the 11 points explained by the Work Committee Chairman in the region or state legislative list as basic principles.

State service personnel delegate group said that the 25 points of the financial and planning sector clarified by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the Union legislative list as basic principles and the 11 points explained by the Work Committee Chairman should be included in the region or state legislative list as basic principles. It also gave a separate suggestion, saying that in the basic principles and detailed basic principles already laid down by the National Convention plenary sessions up to 30 March 1996, it was stated: "the State shall enact necessary laws for State service personnel to have due security in service and sufficiency of food, clothing and shelter, for married women in service to get maternity benefits, and for welfare to ease livelihood of persons who have retired from service." Hence, an additional point "26. Pension" should be put to the 25-item list that should be included in the Union legislative list to enact laws as necessary concerning pensions.

Other invited persons delegate group said that in his clarifications the Work Committee Chairman pointed out that financial and tax policies have been laid down to earn and use revenues, and to supervise banking and monetary services and laid down long-term and short-term plans for proportionate development of the entire nation. What the Chairman pointed out is the main requirement for emergence of a democratic nation. The group discussed in support of the option to include the 25 points of the financial and planning sector clarified by the Work Committee Chairman in the Union legislative list as basic principles and the 11 points explained by the Work Committee Chairman in the region or state legislative list as basic principles.

But the group gave a suggestion saying that the terms "Income tax", "Commercial tax", "Stamp duty", "Customs" and "State lottery" should be substituted with the term "revenue matters."

YANGON, 18 Feb — Chairman of the 60th Anniversary Armed Forces Day commemorative poem and art competition & exhibition work committee Deputy Minister for Culture Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, accompanied by work committee Vice Chairman Assistant Armed Forces Training Officer (Air) Col Ko Ko, Rector of University of Culture (Yangon) U Tin Soe and officials, met members of Bago Township Artists and Artisans Asiayon at the office of Asiayon on 16 February.

After hearing reports by officials on preparations for the competition and exhibition, the deputy minister and party viewed works of participants such as paintings and sculptures depicting military affairs.

Similarly, the deputy minister met with members of Dahpein Township Artists and Artisans Asiayon on 17 February and spoke words of honour for their active participation in the previous competitions and exhibitions. Next, Chairman U Tun Ngwe of the Asiayon reported that Dhapein Township would display about 80 sculptures at the exhibition.

YANGON, 18 Feb — Organized by Monywa Golf Club, a ceremony to open the First Monywa Open Golf Tournament will be held on a grand scale at Monywa Golf Course, Monywa Township, Sagaing Division on 5 and 6 February and handsome prizes will be presented.

Those with handicap 0-9 and 10-18 are allowed to take part in the tournament.

Golfers can contact Monywa Golf Club (Tel: 071-21550 and 071-22622) not later than 2nd March.