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ARCHIVES	Sunday, 16 April 2006	ON LINE EDITION

Work hard for regional development making best use of favourable conditions and projects of the State Senior General Than Shwe inspects development of townships in Rakhine State

YANGON, 15 April — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied by members of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint, the ministers, the deputy ministers, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence and heads of departments, left Sittway for Maungtaw by helicopter on 13 April.

Senior General Than Shwe and party toured Maungtaw by car. Senior General Than Shwe met Chairmen of Maungtaw District and Township and Buthidaung Township Peace and Development Councils and members, departmental personnel, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations and townselders at Thiri Mingala Hall in Maungtaw.

Chairman of Maungtaw District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Yan Myo Aung reported on rainfall, land use, cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy, sufficiency of rice, cultivation of rubber and Thitseint, pepper, physic nut and onion, production, raising of cattle, breeding of deep sea prawn, education and health, GDP of the district and per capita income.

General Thura Shwe Mann said the respective regions are making efforts for development of their regions under the leadership of the State and considerable progress has been made in each region. He said the party led by the Head of State came to Maungtaw to fulfil the requirements. Maungtaw region has developed to a certain degree according to the reports and findings.

Though the percentage of rice sufficiency in Rakhine State is over 149%, there is still insufficiency of rice in Maungtaw. Therefore efforts are to be made for rice sufficiency. The region borders the other country and service personnel in the region are to discharge their duties with sense of duties, loyalty and patriotism. He spoke of the need to establish the strong regional economy and commerce.

He said the State, the people and the Tatmadaw are to implement political, economic and social objectives in accord with the national policy for greater development of the entire nation.

Next, Senior General Than Shwe said he found Maungtaw has developed to some extent and the region has been upgraded to the district level. Administration is the main machinery that contributes toward development of economic and social conditions of a region. Maungtaw which borders the neighbouring country has been upgraded to the district level and power has also been conferred to make the administrative body effective, to deal with other country on equal terms and to undertake regional development effectively.

The Senior General urged those in charge in the regions, service personnel and local people to work hard for the progress of their region politically, economically and socially.

Field trips are also necessary for rural development in the area in carrying out regional development tasks. Concerted efforts are to be made for greater development of Maungtaw like Muse, Tachilek, Myawady and Tamu which border neighbouring countries, he said.

Arrangements are being made for administrative functions and better transport and border area development project and rural region development project are being implemented, he added.

He pointed out that it is important to work hard for regional development making the best use of better foundations and the projects of the State. He spoke of the need for service personnel to work in accord with rules and regulations in the town like Maungtaw.

Afterwards, Senior General Than Shwe cordially greeted those present at the meeting.

Senior General Than Shwe and party paid obeisance to Maha Kyan Buddha Image at Myoma Pariyatti Sarthintaik. Presiding Nayaka of the Sarthintaik Agga Maha Gandhavaçaka Pandita Bhaddanta Ketu explained the brief history of Maha Kyan Buddha Image. Next, Senior General Than Shwe offered alms food to the Buddha Image. Senior General Than Shwe and party presented offertories to members of the Sangha.

Senior General Than Shwe and party went to Wakhokechaung Station in Buthidaung Township , Maungtaw District and met Tatmadaw members and their families.

General Thura Shwe Mann explained building of units and regiments. Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance and cordially greeted the Tatmadawmen and their families.
Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected development of Buthidaung Township . In meeting with the Tatmadawmen of Buthidaung Station and their families at Bandoola Hall, General Thura Shwe Mann spoke at length on equal development in various regions including border areas, the Tatmadaw’s participation in nation-building tasks, importance of unity inside and outside the regiments and units, hindrance and destruction of internal and external destructive elements who begrudge the development of the State.

Afterwards, Senior General Than Shwe cordially met with military officers, other ranks and their families.

On arrival at the local battalion of Rathedaung Station, Senior General Than Shwe and party met with military officers, other ranks and their families of units and regiments and General Thura Shwe Mann gave instructions on observing the military codes of conduct strictly and oneness with people. Next, Senior General Than Shwe clarified the Tatmadaw’s participation in the State’s affairs and the need to build a capable and modern Tatmadaw and cordially greeted Tatmadawmen and their families.

Later, Senior General than Shwe and party inspected the development of Rathetaung, greeted local people and left for Sittway.

State spent large sum of money on construction of roads, bridges in Rakhine State Senior General Than Shwe meets departmental personnel, Tatmadawmen in Sittway

YANGON, 14 April — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied by Members of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, the ministers, deputy ministers, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, and departmental heads, arrived at Sittway Airport by special aircraft from Nay Pyi Taw Airport in Nay Pyi Taw City at 11.40 pm on 12 April.

Senior General Than Shwe and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint, Brig-Gen Than Tun Aung of Sittway Station, senior military officers, departmental officials and traditional dance troupe. At the meeting hall of Sittway Station, Senior General Than Shwe and party met members of Rakhine State PDC, departmental officials, local authorities and departmental personnel of Sittway District and Township PDCs.

The commander reported on land utilization, cultivation of 10 major crops in 2005-2006, growing of rubber, Thitseint (Belleric myrobalan), and oil palm, arrangements for planting 100,000 acres of rubber, cultivation of pepper, the plan to put 500,000 acres of land under physic nut in three years, sufficiency of rice and edible oil, progress of livestock breeding, matters related to education and health sectors, supply of power, GDP of the state, and the increase of per capita income.

He continued his report on arrangements being made for construction of Rathedaung-Pon-nagyun Road , Pauktaw-Minbya Road , Myebon-Minbya Road , and the island circular road in Manaung, upgrading of telephone installation in Sittway and requirements of regional development.

Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann explained cultivation of various kinds of crops on cultivable land for development of the state, enhancement of cultivation capacity, local food sufficiency and surplus production, extended cultivation of edible oil crops for ensuring sufficiency of edible oil, the increase of per-acre yield, efforts to be made for meeting the target production of 10 major crops, and boosting of the production in Rakhine State to have economic development on which the State can rely.

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo reported on extension of cultivable land in the state, township-wise food sufficiency, rubber cultivation and distribution of physic nut saplings.

Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein briefed the Senior General on the raising of export products, and prospects for increasing income of the state by exporting pepper, fisheries, agricultural and forestry products, onion and vegetables.

Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw presented his reports on improvement of telephone communication sector, hotel and tourism industry in Rakhine State .

Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein reported on increased income of the state from breeding prawn, and prevention against spread of disease from animal to human beings.

Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint submitted reports on arrangements being made to fulfil requirements of health sector in the state.

Deputy Minister for Electric Power U Myo Myint reported on progress of hydel power projects being implemented in Rakhine State .

Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi briefed them on matters related to offshore oil and natural gas blocks in Rakhine State .

After hearing the reports, Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance. He said that they arrived in Rakhine State to fulfil requirements for more development by reviewing progress of Rakhine State . The State had constructed Yangon-An-Sittway Highway overcoming difficulties for ensuring development of Rakhine State and smooth transportation. Now, local people have enjoyed fruitful results of transport facilities thanks to the highway.

He continued to say that Kyaukpyu-Yangon Motor Road is under construction passing through mangrove forests. Hence, Kyaukpyu-Yangon Union Highway will emerge soon. The State has spent a large sum of money on construction of roads and bridges crossing rivers and creeks in Rakhine State . The roads and bridges in the state were built with the aim of narrowing the development gap among all parts of the Union , and ensuring equitable development of all the regions.

Kawthoung-Bokpyin-Taninthayi-Myeik-Dawei Road was also built in Taninthayi Division similar to that in Rakhine State , he added. Likewise, roads and bridges had been constructed in Ayeyawady Division that relies on waterway transport. Therefore, remarkable development has been made with momentum in Ayeyawady Division. In reality, transport facilities can contribute toward progress of economic and social sectors of all regions, and uplift of living standard of the local people.

The Senior General stressed the need for all to strive for improvement of the respective states and divisions by utilizing development facilities built by the State. Only when they work hard, will the production increase. Hence, all people should respond to goodwill and aims of the State through hard work.

He noted that all parts of the nation are precious regions. Economic prospects can be witnessed in all the regions. For example, Rakhine State is similar to delta region where agricultural tasks meet success. Likewise, physic nut plants from which bio-diesel can be produced grow in Rakhine State . In the country, physic nut plants grow naturally. In addition, they can systematically be grown in all parts of the nation to be able to produce bio-diesel that can be used in all kinds of machines in rural areas.

He said that as rubber can be cultivated in almost all of the regions of the country growing of rubber plantations are to be extended for earning foreign exchange.

In conclusion, the Senior General said that Myanmar is rich in terrestrial and aquatic resources. Therefore, local authorities, State service personnel and local people are to join hands for ensuring progress of the State and strengthening economic development of the respective regions.

After the meeting, Senior General Than Shwe and party met with Tatmadawmen and their families of regiments and units in Sittway Station at Bandoola Hall in Sittway.

Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence explained the purpose of the inspection tour of Senior General Than Shwe in Rakhine State , and the building of the Tatmadaw to become a strong and efficient one.

Next, Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on the important role of organizational task inside and outside the units in building the nation and the Tatmadaw, and strengths of the Tatmadaw and the people. He cordially greeted the Tatmadawmen and their families.

In the evening, Secretary-General of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo, and CEC member Minister Maj-Gen Thein Swe who accompanied the Senior General met with secretaries, executives, organizers and members of State/District and Township USDAs at the office of Rakhine State USDA in Sittway.

Senior General Than Shwe, wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing pay homage to Lawkananda Pagoda in Sittway

YANGON, 14 April — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing paid homage to Lawkananda Pagoda in Sittway on 13 April evening.

Accompanied by Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence and party, Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing arrived at Lawkananda Pagoda at 8 pm, and paid homage to Gotama Buddha Image in the Gandakuti Building .

The Senior General and wife made cash donation to the fund of the pagoda through the pagoda board of trustees.

Members of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, handed over cash donations of those who accompanied the Senior General to the pagoda board of trustees.

Next, Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party visited the pagoda.

They paid obeisance to Çakkyamuni Buddha Image being kept in the Aung Çakkyamuni Ordination Hall. Later, Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing presented cash donations to the fund of the pagoda through the pagoda board of trustees.

YANGON, 11 April — Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Sagaing Division PDC Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Tha Aye, visited the market in Tagoung on 8 April.

At the briefing hall at Shwetantkyi Port , Lt-Gen Ye Myint met with level departmental officials of Katha District and Htigyaing-Tagoung Township .

Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspected progress in construction of No 3 district-to-district road namely Sagaing-Shwebo-Katha road. At the briefing hall of the construction site in Shwebo, the commander reported on construction tasks. Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint presented cash rewards to drivers of heavy machinery.

At the briefing hall in Htantaw Village of Katha District, Lt-Gen Ye Myint met with local people and explained construction of the district-to-district road for ensuring better transport and smooth flow of commodities; and he urged those present to maintain the road for its durability.

On his inspection tour, Lt-Gen Ye Myint presented exercise books, periodicals and sports equipment to students and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association from the villages.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspected the physic nut nursery of Shwebo District. At Pyi Shwebo Yeiktha, he met with departmental personnel and explained construction of the district-to-district road in States and Divisions.

Sagaing-Shwebo-Katha district-to-district road is 213 miles and 7 furlongs long. The road is linking Sagaing Division and Kachin State . The road is stretching from Sagaing to Myitkyina in the western part of Ayeyawady River . At present, construction of the road is under construction.

Many firm evidences uncovered NCGUB, FTUB, ABSDF&NLD-LA committing terrorist acts individually or in groups from inside and outside the Union of Myanmar Government of the Union of Myanmar
Ministry of Home Affairs
Declaration No 1/2006
Nay Pyi Taw City, Full Moon Day of Hnaung Tagu 1367 ME
12 April 2006

1. At a time when the entire national people of the Union of Myanmar are participating in the drive for emergence of a discipline-flourishing democratic nation, certain groups are committing atrocious acts against the nation and the people such as planting and blasting bombs, manufacturing fabricated news stories designed to undermine national unity, exaggeration of news stories in order that the government may be misunderstood in various sectors, and providing cash assistance and masterminding such destructive acts with the intention of causing bloodshed and panic among the people.

2. Some of despicable acts perpetrated by some terrorist groups are as follows:—

(a) A three-inch-long TNT time bomb went off near the entrance to Maha Bandoola Park in Kyauktada Township at 6.25 am on 27 March 2003 while it was being checked, leaving a security member wounded. At 12.55 pm the same day, a bomb exploded near the Myanma Posts and Telecommunications office on Bo Sun Pet Street in Pabedan Township, Yangon Division, while workers of the Development Affairs Department were carrying out sanitation tasks, killing worker Aung Tun Shwe, 18, and injuring Aung Htay, Hla Htay and Ma Aye San. According to the confessions of some members of the People Power 21st Century (PP 21), the bomb explosion was responsible for the PP 21, which was founded with expatriates from the National League for Democracy led by renegade Sein Win and insurgents of the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) led by Moe Thee Zun in Chiangmai, the neighbouring country, in 1998.

(b) A bomb explosion occurred at Myaukmin Sports Gear Shop in front of Aung Than Lwin Sports Ground in Kayin State at noon on 24 December 2004. The incident killed selected Kayin State footballers Aung Myo Myint, 20, and wounded Chit Nyi Nyi, 19, and Aung Soe Moe, 19, and shop owner Win Phone Kyaw, 17. According to the confessions of private San Htwe (a) Shan Pok of company 2, battalion 9 of the ABSDF who was seized on 24 December 2005, it was exposed that he committed the act under orders of company commander captain Saw Kyaw Lay (a) Saw Thamu He.

(c) At 14.45 hours on 7 May 2005, a series of bomb explosions took place at Yangon Trade Centre where Thailand Trade Fair was being held in Mingalar Taungnyunt Township , Yangon Division; Junction-8 Shopping Center City Mart on Kyaikwaing Pagoda Road in Mayangon Township ; and Dagon Centre in Sangyoung Township , leaving 23 innocent people dead and 150 wounded. According to the confirmation and admission of members of Network for Democracy and Development (NDD), members of ABSDF who had returned to the legal fold, it was exposed that the explosions were committed by Aung Min of NDD, Zaw Win Lwin, Ne Paledo and Ko Pauk of ABSDF under the sponsorship and instructions of National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB), National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB), Federation of Trade Union of Burma (FTUB).

(d) The bomb blast that took place at a restaurant kitchen in Nan Phar Lon Market in Tamu Township, Sagaing Division, at 8.15 am on 8 January 2006 killed innocent restaurant proprietor U Maung Maung Tun, 43, and the bomb blast in the kitchen at Shwe Kaung Hlyan Tea Shop at 10.45 am, killed owner Maung Soe (a) Soe Myint, 38. Deputy military operation in charge of ABSDF (West) Chit Thein Tun and in charge of Moreh office of ABSDF (West) Maung Maung Oo who were seized on 15 January 2006 confessed that they committed the terrorist acts.

3. Some events in which destructive acts were exposed in time saving lives of many people and property due to the collaborative efforts of the people, the Tatmadaw and the Myanmar Police Force are as follows:—

(a) On 4 January 2000 while people were enjoying themselves at the Independence Day commemorative fun fairs, a bomb was uncovered and cleared near Maha Bandoola Park in front of the City Hall in Yangon . According to the confessions of Soe Thiha (a) Thura Kyaw Zin, a member of PP 21, who was arrested, he took a leading role in the crime together with PP 21 members Ye Kyaw Swa, Naing Naing and Min Min (a) Kyaw Kyaw.

(b) At Chaunggyi Ward, Taninthayi Township, Taninthayi Division, at about 1700 hours on 5 February 2005, Win Aung (a) Nyo Win Aung (a) Saw Nyan Lin of ABSDF was arrested together with 24 2.5-inch bamboo cartridges, one pound of cordite, five Power Brand batteries, and devices used in planting bombs. He confessed that he was arrested while he was on his way to pile No 8 of Taninthayi Bridge to blast it.

(c) Security members exposed two mines weighing about ten pounds of TNT cordite and an 85-foot-long wire on Kwinchaung Bridge on Yangon-Mandalay Railroad at 02.05 hours on 7 February 2006. At 07.30 hours the same day, a 3.5 rocket launcher shell and a clock set for 11.00 hours attached with the shell were exposed at the foot of a tree near that site. According to the reliable source, San Gyi of the National League for Democracy (Liberated Area) (NLD-LA) and five accomplices entered the nation from Mae Hong Son region of the other country in the first week of February 2006 and planted explosives along Bago-Toungoo-Pyinmana route.

(d) At 06.40 hours on 23 February 2006, seven pounds of TNT cordite, one pound of cordite, one pound of gunpowder, 12 detonators, and 20 batteries were exposed under Yangon-Mandalay Railroad at mile post No 176/21 in Toungoo Township , Bago Division. According to the reliable information, the acts were responsible for the group of San Gyi of NLD-LA and five accomplices.

4. In addition to above-mentioned incidents, the following acts were perpetrated to cause unrest among the people.

(a) According to Hla Myint Than (a) Hla Myint of No 910, Ottha 2nd Street, Nandawya Ward, Bago, who was arrested on 5 July 2005 in Bago, he received an illegal satellite phone from NLD-LA Secretary Myint Thein abroad in around April 2003 and as a hard-core he sent news stories that could cause unrest in the State to NLD-LA abroad.

(b) According to the confessions of member of NDD Saya Ye (a) Than Oo who was arrested in Myawady at 1100 hours on 23 March 2006, Pyithit Nyunt Wai (a) Maung Maung was a follower of expatriate Sein Win of NCGUB, under the advice of expatriate Sein Win, he received aid from international community and formed FTUB to commit terrorist acts. Pyithit Nyunt Wai (a) Maung Maung handed the cash assistance provided by international community to the terrorists in the nation through NDD Thein Win. Pyithit Nyunt Wai (a) Maung Maung is skilful in detonating bombs with the use of a computer. Moreover, these facts are also disclosed by the confessions of members of NDD Wai Lin, Aung Moe and Yu Nut (a) Aung Cho Oo.

(c) According to the confessions of Aung Than (a) Aung Moe and Zeya Aung of Bago who were arrested at Myawady toll gate at 16.00 hours, on 24 March 2006, as assigned by NLD-LA youth in charge Thaung Dan Cho, they organized some university students and distributed poem books designed to incite political unrest in the nation.

5. Many firm evidences have been uncovered that the following illegal organizations have been committing terrorist acts individually or in groups from inside and outside the Union of Myanmar.

(a) Dr Sein Win and National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) led by himself

(b) Hla Oo, Pyithit Nyunt Wai (a) Maung Maung and Federation of Trade Union of Burma (FTUB) led by themselves

(d) Win Khet and National League for Democracy (Liberated Area) (NLD-LA) and led by himself

6. The organizations and members stated in the para No 5 are hereby declared as terrorists.

YANGON , 15 April — Yangonites enjoyed Myanmar Traditional Maha Thingyan Festival 1367 ME on Akyat Day today.

Belles and young men joyfully participated in the water festival at pandals in Botahtaung, Mingala Taungnyunt, North Okkalapa, Yankin, Thakayta, and Thingangyun Townships . A total of 578 pandals were erected 14 townships of Yangon East District.

Likewise, pandals in 13 townships of Yangon West District were crowded with merry-makers and revellers.

Similarly, those who enjoyed the Maha Thingyan Festival thronged 25 pandals in the townships of Yangon North District.

On Akyat Day, today devotees and pilgrims visited the Shwedagon, Sule, Botahtaung, Shwephone-pwint, Kaba Aye, Tooth Relic ( Yangon ), Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image, Maha Wizaya, Kyaikkasan, Koedatgyi, Chaukhtetkyee, Meila-mu pagodas and other religious buildings here.

YANGON , 12 April—With a view to serving the interests of the people, the Government of the Union of Myanmar has increased the interest rate of banks as follows with effect from 1 April 2006 in line with the market-oriented economic system.

YANGON, 13 April — A ceremony to open Valiant water-throwing pandal was held at No 4 Ward on 19th Street , Latha Township this afternoon.

No 4 Military Region Commander Lt- Col Khin Maung Tun, Latha Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Thein Tun and Patron of Myanmar Towards Co Ltd Daw Ni formally opened the pandal. At the pandal, the entertainment of vocalists with the songs and serving of refreshments to the people would be presented until Atet day of Thingyan Festival.

YANGON, 12 April — The 48th Thingyan Golden Cup Golf Tournament was opened at PyinOoLwin Golf Club in PyinOoLwin Township this morning.

PyinOoLwin Station Commander and Rector of Defence Services Academy Brig-Gen Nyi Tun, Commandant of Defence Services Administration School Col Zarni Win and Executive of MPGA and MGF U Ko Ko Lay opened the tournament.

In the professional golfers division, Min Naing (Srixon) and Zaw Zaw Latt stayed at the top position by shooting one-stroke-under-par 71 each. Myint Shwe (Srixon) and Aung Hsan Win (Srixon) fired a par score each. Soe Kyaw Naing (Srixon) and Yin Htwe (KM Golf Centre) stood in the third position 75 each.

In the amateur golfers division, Aung Win (Forestry) was leading the game with 71 strokes. Win Htaik was the closet runner-up of the leader, shooting 73. Than Naing Oo scored 75 in the third position. Myanmar Golf Federation and PyinOoLwin Golf Club organized the tournament with co-sponsors Air Bagan Ltd, KM C Ltd, Mandalay Golf Association, AK Group, KBZ Bank, Srixon, MK Fashion Shop, and Hotel PyinOoLwin. PyinOoLwin Golf Club and Han Event Management were performing the functions of the competition. The second round of the tournament continued on 13 April.