Established-1914
Senior
General Than Shwe felicitates President of
Republic
of
Belarus
Nay
Pyi Taw, 3 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 Excellency Mr Alexander R Lukashenko, President of the Republic of
Belarus, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus,
which falls on 3 July 2006.

Prime
Minister sends felicitations to Republic of Belarus
Nay
Pyi Taw, 3 July— General Soe Win, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has
sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Sergey Sidorsky, Prime
Minister of the
Republic
of
Belarus
, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the
Republic
of
Belarus
, which falls on 3 July 2006.

Secretary-1
Lt-Gen Thein Sein attends dinner in honour of literati and delegates to 4th MWJA
Conference
Yangon,
2 July — Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein
Sein attended a dinner in honour of literati and delegates to the Fourth
Conference of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association at
Karaweik
Palace
at
Kandawgyi
Lake
, here, this evening. It was also attended by Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry
of Defence, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, the minister, the
Attorney-General, departmental heads, members of social organizations, Chairman
of MWJA U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) and CEC members, literati, delegates from
States and Divisions and observers. When the Secretary-1 arrived at
Karaweik
Palace
, he was welcomed by Chairman of MWJA U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), CEC members,
delegates and observers. Before the dinner, MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko
Hsaung) spoke words of thanks. Next, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and party had
the dinner together with literati. After the dinner, the Secretary-1 presented
cash reward to artistes who presented entertainment at the dinner.

Stakes
driven for construction of main building of Tele-Port in Yadanabon Myothit
Nay
Pyi Taw, 2 July — Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council
Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Khin Zaw and Chairman of e-National Task
Force Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw drove
stakes for construction of the main building of Tele-Port and Software
Incubation building in Yadanabon Myothit in
PyinOoLwin
Township
on 30 June. Also present on the occasion were PyinOo Lwin Khele Monastery
Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Sumana and members of the
Sangha, Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Phone Zaw
Han, Brig-Gen Win Myint of PyinOoLwin Station, members of e-National Task Force,
computer entrepreneurs, departmental personnel, local authorities and others.
The Khele Monastery Sayadaw administered the Five Precepts. The commander, the
minister, the mayor and officials offered provisions and stakes to the Sayadaws.
Next, the commander, the minister, the mayor and officials drove stakes at the
designated places and sprinkled scented water on them. Afterwards, Minister
Brig-Gen Thein Zaw inspected Pyawbwe Auto-telephone Exchange and left necessary
instructions. After inspecting the auto-telephone exchange in Tatkon, the
minister gave necessary instructions to officials.

A&I
Minister inspects Ma Mya Multi-purpose Dam
Nay
Pyi Taw, 2 July — Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo
together with departmental officials and members of Ayeyawady Division
Agricultural Coordination Committee on 24 June inspected the construction site
of Ma Mya Multi-purpose dam project being built by Irrigation Department in
Myanaung
Township
. At the briefing hall, the minister and party heard the reports on progress in
construction of irrigation facilities presented by Deputy Director U Kyaw Myint
Hlaing of Construction 9 of Irrigation Department. Director-General U Kyaw San
Win of Irrigation Department made a supplementary report. Director U Tin Maung
Ohn of Construction 2 reported on supply of water for cultivation of paddy in
open season, the maintenance of Minhla dam and progress in construction of Maday
dam. The minister gave instructions on completion of the construction task in
time, irrigating the farmland and minimizing loss and wastage. Next, Minister
Maj-Gen Htay Oo looked into Ma Mya dam. The minister and party also inspected
tasks of Myokwin river water pumping project in
Hinthada
Township
. The minister heard reports on arrangements for supplying of water from
Ngawun
River
at the main pump station and gave necessary instructions.

Fourth
Conference of MWJA concludes successfully New MWJA Chairman and CEC members
elected
Yangon
, 2 July —
The final-day session of the Fourth Conference of Myanmar Writers and
Journalists Association concluded at Pyidaungsu Hall in Kyaikkasan Grounds this
morning, attended by Patron of the Central Committee for Organizing the Con-ference
Minister for In-formation Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan. Also present on the occasion were
Chairman of the MWJA U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), vice-chairmen, the secretary, CEC
members, literati and delegates from States and Divisions. In the morning
session, Dr Khin Maung Nyunt (Dr Khin Maung Nyunt) presided over the meeting
together with six members of the panel of chairmen. Next, CEC member U Than
Hlaing (Tekkatho Thin Kha) and U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin) submitted the papers
to the conference, and Dr Myint Than (Dr Myint Than-Nyaunglebin) took part in
the discussions. Next, the conference decided five matters, approved three
points and put five matters on record. In the afternoon session, new executive
committee members for the fourth term of the MWJA were elected. Chairman of the
Election Supervision Commission Dr Kyaw Sein (Dr Kyaw Sein) and members
supervised the election matters. The Chairman of the Election Supervision
Commission declared new CEC members including Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung)
and assignments of their duties. The new CEC members took the oaths. At the
final session, Chairman of the MWJA U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) gave an
introductory speech. Next, the conference successfully concluded with the
chanting of slogans. After the con-ference, Minister Brig Gen Kyaw Hsan posed
for documentary photos together with new CEC members of MWJA.

Foreign
Minister sends felicitations to Republic of Belarus
Nay
Pyi Taw, 3 July — U Nyan Win, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of
Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Sergei
Nikolaevich Martinov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the
Republic
of
Belarus
, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the
Republic
of
Belarus
, which falls on 3 July 2006.

Energy
Minister inspects CNG filling stations in Thanlyin, Ahlon
Yangon,
2 July — Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi inspected the construction of
new CNG filling station under the Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise in
Thanlyin
Township
. General Manager (CNG) U Thein Htay submitted reports on completion of task and
installation of machine parts. The minister urged the officials to complete the
construction task earlier than schedule. The minister also looked into
installing of power lines, CNG cylinders and compressor. Minister Brig-Gen Lun
Thi and party proceeded to Ahlon Township LNG Filling Station and inspected the
filling of LNG into cylinders, storage of propane and butane cylinders and fire
preventive measures. At Filling Station No (0262), the minister inspected the
sale of fuel, pumps and its storage. Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi fulfilled the
requirements and gave the necessary instructions.

Minister
presents prize to highest buyer gem merchants
Yangon
, 2 July —
Patron of Central Committee for Organi-zing the Special Sale Minister for Mines
Brig-Gen Ohn Myint viewed the sale of jade, gem and pearl through tender and
competitive bidding at Myanmar Convention Centre this evening. Next, the
minister presented a medal and a gem painting to Mr Thirapol Pattarajettit of
People’s Republic of
China
who was the higest buyer of jade lots. Afterwards, a reviewing coordination
meeting of the special sale was held at MCC. It was attended by Patron of
Central Committee for Organizing the Special Sale Minister for Mines Brig-Gen
Ohn Myint, Secretary Managing Director U Thein Swe and Committee members. The
meeting ended with the concluding remarks by the minister.

International
Cooperatives Day marked
Nay
Pyi Taw, 2 June — A ceremony to mark International Cooperatives Day was held
at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Cooperatives yesterday, with an address
by Patron of Leading Committee for Organizing the Inter-national Cooperatives
Day Minister for Cooperatives Maj-Gen Tin Htut. Also present on the occasion
were officials of Cooperative Depart-ment, the Director-General of Cottage
Industries Department, the Managing Director of Cooperatives Exports and Imports
Enterprise and officials, responsible personnel of central cooperative society
and respective cooperative societies, principals of cooperative colleges, local
authorities and members of social organizations. First, Maj-Gen Tin Htut made a
speech on the occasion. Member of Central Cooperative Society Leading Committee
Daw Toe Nanda read out the message sent by International Coopera-tives
Federation. Next, the minister presented prizes for outstanding students to
principals of
Cooperative
Degree
College
and
Cooperatives
Colleges
.

2,384
merchants buy 2,613 lots of jade, gem, pearl
Yangon
, 2 June —
The special sale of jade, gem and pearl for 2006 continued to sell remaining
jade lots through competitive bidding from 9 am to 3.50 pm today and local and
foreign gem merchants bought 32 lots of jade. The special sale was launched
through tender and competitive bidding from 20 June to 2 July and it concluded
successfully this evening. A total of 2,301 jade lots were sold through tender
and competitive bidding during the sale. A total of 2,613 lots of gem and jade
were bought by local and foreign merchants. A total of 2,384 gem merchants—
1,467 of 403 foreign companies from 10 countries and 917 of 386 local
companies— visited the special sale. Patron of Central Committee for
Organizing the Special Sale Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint closely
supervised the special sale.

17th
plenary meeting of Fifth 47-member State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee commences
Yangon
, 2
July—The 17th plenary meeting of Fifth 47-member State Sangha Maha Nayaka
Committee was held at the convocation hall of State Pariyatti Sasana University
on Kaba Aye Hill here this morning and Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen
Thura Myint Maung attended the ceremony and supplicated on religious matters. It
was also attended by Sayadaws led by Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka
Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Magway
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara, adviser U Arnt Maung, Director-General of Religious
Affairs Department U Myo Kyaw, Pro-rector (Admin) Dr Myint Kyi of International
Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, officials of Religious Affairs
Department and Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana and
others. Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara presided over the meeting and
Joint-Secretary of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Agga
Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kitti of Zeyalankara
Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Myingyan acted as master of ceremonies. Next, Magway
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara delivered an Ovadakatha. After that, Minister for
Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung supplicated on religious matters.
He said that the emergence of the three gems, the Buddha, the Dhamma and the
Sangha is for the well-being of the entire humanity in the world as well as of
celestial beings. The Buddha formed an organization of members of the Sangha who
would preserve and maintain the ever-flourishing Buddhism. The First All Ganas
Sangha Meeting was successfully held in 1980 and Sangha Organizations at
state/division, ward/village and township levels were set up to carry out
religious matters. Besides, the World Buddhist Summit was held in December 2004
and the 25th Anniversary of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee was marked, he
said. The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee is implementing matters on
Vinicchaya such as conducting Vinaya courses and distributing treatises on
Vinaya. In addition, the committee is taking charge of building monasteries only
in Sasana areas, choosing abbots, making sure that members of the Sangha are to
hold of Sasana registration cards, collecting Waso census, building new pagodas
and other religious matters in accord with Sangha rules and regulations. It is
also found that the committee is taking measures for conferring religious titles
on outstanding members of Sangha, donating four requisites and taking action
against the monks who violate Sangha rules and regulations. In doing so, Ovadha
is sought from the Sangha Maha Theras if there is difficulty. The minister said
measures are also being taken for adoption of Pariyatti education policies,
prevention against malpractices in exams, formation of Sangha education central
supervisory committees, establishment of Pariyatti Universities, systematic
adoption of curriculum for exam papers, translation of Pali-Myanmar dictionaries
into English to enable the world to know the essence of Theravada Buddhism.
Moreover, outstanding monks who passed various religious exams are being highly
trained and sent abroad for Buddhist missionaries. At the same time, religious
magazines, journals and books are being published under the supervision of the
chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and Sayadaws. In conclusion, the
minister said it is heartening to see that Sayadaws and members of Sangha, the
government and disciples are taking part in their respective roles for the
perpetuation of Buddhism. Afterwards, Joint-Secretary of State Sangha Maha
Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Dhaja Presiding
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Visara of Mahawithutarama Kyaungtaik in Pakokku presented
report on work carried out during the period of Fifth State Sangha Maha Nayaka
Committee. Next, Sayadaws from states and divisions supplicated on the
respective religious matters and the morning session went into recess. The
afternoon session started at 1 pm and the attendance discussed Vinicchaya,
religious and academic matters and the meeting ended in the evening. The meeting
will continue tomorrow. Wellwishers U Kyi Nyunt ( retired Deputy Minister)-Daw
Aye Myint and family of
Sangyoung
Township
offered ‘soon’ to members of the Sangha who attended the meeting.

Ministry
of Industry-1 holds Waso robes offering ceremonies
Yangon,
2 July — Under the aegis of Secretariat Member of the Union Solidarity and
Development Association Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung and wife Daw Khin
Khin Yi, staff families of the Ministry of Industry-1 held the 4th Waso robes
offering ceremony at Aletaik Monastery in the precinct of Thayettaw Monastery in
Lanmadaw
Township
yesterday noon. Also present on the occasion were directors-general and
managing directors of departments and enterprises and staff. First, Chairman of
Lanmadaw Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma
Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Paññajota administered the Five Precepts. The minister
and wife and staff families offered Waso robes and provisions to the Sayadaws.
Afterward, the chairman Sayadaw delivered a sermons, followed by sharing of
merits gained. Next, the 3rd Waso robes offering ceremony of staff families of
the Ministry of Industry-1, under the aegis of Minister U Aung Thaung and wife
Daw Khin Khin Yi, was held at Tipitaka Maha Gandawin Nikaya Monastery on
Kyansittha Road in Dagon Myothit (East) Township. Yesagyo Sayadaw Tipitakadhara
Tipitakakovida Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Vayamindabhivamsa administered Five
Precepts. The minister, wife and party donated Waso robes and alms to the
Sayadaws.

Members
of Pungpahkyem WAO, MCWA meet
Yangon
, 2 July —
Patron of Shan State (East) Women’s Affairs Organization Chairperson of Shan
State Maternal and Child Welfare Supervisory Committee Daw Kyu Kyu Hla made a
field trip to Pungpahkyem of Mon-ghsat District on 9 June. At the combined
office of the town, she met with members of Township WAO and MCWA and national
race girls. At the meeting, she said that as Pungpahkyem shares with the other
country, WAO members are to prevent trafficking in national race girls. And, it
is necessary to nurture national race girls for ensuring uplift of their living
standard. MWAF and MCWA are constituted with the aim of assisting development of
health, education, social and economic sectors of the region. Therefore, she
said, members of the associations are to go right down to the grassroots level
for realizing the objectives of the associa-tions. For producing qualified
members, multiplier training courses are to be conducted for the members. In
conclusion, Daw Kyu Kyu Hla urged WAO members to strive for ensuring uplift of
living standard of local expectant mothers and children. Chairperson of State
WAO Daw Mar Mar Thein, Head of Kengtung Township Health Department Dr Tin Shein
and Joint-Secretary of State MCWSC Dr Zin Mar Oo gave lectures. Later, Daw Kyu
Kyu Hla cordially greeted those present.

Work
group leaders of MWAF meet trainees of Women’s Care Centre in Twantay
Yangon,
2 July — To mark the Myanmar Women’s Day which falls on 3 July 2006, Leader
of Rehabilitation and Reintegration Working Group under the Myanmar Women’s
Affairs Federation Daw Tin Tin Nwe and members gave words of encouragement to
women at Women’s Care Centre in Twantay under the Social Welfare Department in
Twantay
Township
yesterday morning. Head of the centre Daw Than Htay reported on tasks of the
centre and Deputy Director-General U Aung Tun Naing gave a supplementary report.
Daw Tin Tin Nwe gave lectures on facts about the MWAF, matters related to
Myanmar Women’s Day, personal hygiene, healthy life and HIV/AIDS. Ma Ei Thet
Thet Swe donated K 256,000 for the cost of one-day menu, refreshments and
slippers for the trainees of the centre to Daw Than Htay. Later, a certificate
of honour was presented to the wellwisher.

Attorney-General
offers Waso robes to members of the Sangha
Yangon,
2 July—Under the aegis of Presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Paññajota of
Bangladeshi Monastery in Natchaung Ward,
Tamway
Township
, lay devotees held Waso robes offering ceremony for the 10th time at the
monastery this morning. The ceremony was graced by the presence of members of
the Sangha led by Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha
Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara
who delivered a sermon. Attorney-General U Aye Maung, member of Civil Service
Selection and Training Board U Hla Myint Oo, members of the Monastery Board of
Trustees and lay devotees presented Waso robes and offertories to members of the
Sangha. Next, Col Han Tint of Myanmar Military Attaché Office in
Republic
of
Korea
and wife Dr Daw Le Le Win presented 100 sets of robes to members of the Sangha
and Bisnu Padacha Kamar of
Bangladesh
, eight requisites and K 100,000 for the monastery to officials.

Health
care services under close supervision in Bago District
Nay
Pyi Taw, 2 July — Secretary of National Health Committee Deputy Minister for
Health Dr Mya Oo together with officials met with members of Madauk Station
Health Committee, townselders, health staff, members of social organizations at
the meeting hall of Madauk Station Hospital in Bago District on 27 June. The
deputy minister urged them to promote health care services of the rural people,
maternal and child care, provide access to clean water and use of fly- proof
latrines and preventive measures of malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
Afterwards, the deputy minister viewed patient wards, the operation theatre, the
delivery room and the medical store. The deputy minister and party also
inspected functions of
Painzalok
Station
Hospital
,
Kanyutkwin
Station
Hospital
,
Penwegon
Station
Hospital
and construction of
Nyaungbintha
Station
Hospital
, and fulfilled the requirements. Deputy Minister Dr Mya Oo met with officials
concerned at
Zeyawady
Station
Hospital
, and called for promoting health care services and ensuring uplift of health
standard of the rural people.

Upgrading
of roads, tasks of Water Treatment Plant inspected
Yangon,
1 July — Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung
Thein Lin together with officials this morning inspected tarmacking
Mindhamma Road
in
Hline
Township
and heard reports on repaving of four tarred roads by officials. The mayor also
inspected upgrading of
Pyay Road
in
Mingaladon
Township
and gave instructions to officials. Next, Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin and party
went to the Water Treatment Plant of YCDC Water Supply Project (Ngamoeyeik) in
Hmawby
Township
and viewed thriving physic nut plants near the project site.

Vice-Mayor
attends conclusion of Basic USDA Organizing Course
Yangon,
2 July — Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col
Maung Pa, this morning went to tax-free markets in Tamway, Yankin and Kamayut
Townships and inspected sales of goods at the shops at a reasonable price to
customers and fulfilled the requirements. Next, the vice-mayor met with the
chairman of Myanmar Rice and Paddy Dealers Association at its office in
Seikkan
Township
. Afterwards, Central Executive Committee member of Union Solidarity and
Development Association Col Maung Pa made an addressed at the conclusion of the
Basic Organizing Course No 10 of Seikkan Township USDA.

Managing
Director inspects Mya Ayeya market vessel
Yangon,
1 July—Managing Director of Inland Water Transport under the Ministry of
Transport U Soe Tint this morning inspected loading and unloading of commodities
of Mya Ayeya market vessel which arrived here from
Mandalay
.
The
managing director also met with staff members and shopkeepers on board the
vessel and fulfilled their requirements. Under the guidance of the Head of
State, the vessel is being run along Ayeyawady river so that the rural people
along the route will be able to buy goods produced from lower and upper
Myanmar
at reasonable prices. The ports where the vessel berths are Mandalay, Sagaing,
Myinmu, Myetaw, Simikhon, Pakokku, NyaungU, Chauk, Hsinphugyun, Yenangyaung,
Minbu, Magway, Minhla, Michaungye, Aunglan, Thayet, Kamma, Pyay, Kyithe,
Kyankhin, Myanaung, Hinthada, Zalun, Dhanupyu and Maubin.
