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ARCHIVES	Tuesday, 3 October 2006	THE MYANMAR TIMES

Nay Pyi Taw, 3 Oct— 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 Horst Kohler, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, on the occasion of the Day of German Unity of the Federal Republic of Germany which falls on 3 October 2006.

Nay Pyi Taw, 3 Oct— On the occasion of the National Foundation Day of the Republic of Korea which falls on 3 October 2006, 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 Roh Moo-hyun, President of the Republic of Korea.

The Union of Myanmar
The State Peace and Development Council
The Conservation of Water Resources and Rivers Law
(The State Peace and Development Council Law No. 8/2006)
The 11th Waxing Day of Thadingyut, 1368 ME
(2nd October, 2006)

2. The following expressions contained in this Law shall have the meanings given hereunder:

(a) Water resources mean all water sources above and underground within boundaries of rivers and creeks, banks and waterfronts. This expression also includes water resources that flow into rivers and creeks. However, the inland water is excluded;

(b) River means the navigable river for commercial and communication purposes. This expression also includes rivers along border areas within the territory of the Union of Myanmar;

(d) Waterway means the channel along which vessels can ply safely. This expression also includes navigation channel which can only be used with the aids of navigational safety signals;

(e) Vessel means powered vessel, non-powered vessel and any other kind of vessel that can navigate from one place to another with passengers and cargoes. This expression also includes timber and bamboo rafts;

(f) River-creek boundary means the water area within banks on both sides of rivers and creeks. This expression also includes shoals, sand bars and islands. However, islands adjoining with land are excluded.

(g) Bank boundary means steep or slope banks between the lowest water level and highest water level;

(h) Waterfront boundary means the land area adjoining with bank boundary prescribed in accordance with the Law to carry out the works of bank protection, waterway training and river-creek improvement;

(i) Jetty means the bridge constructed in the river for vessels to berth, and to enable passengers to embark and disembark and cargoes to be loaded and unloaded;

(j) Pier means the pontoon bridge anchored in the river and adjoining with bank for vessels to berth, and to enable passengers to embark and disembark and cargoes to be loaded and unloaded;

(k) Landing stage means the small bridge on the water for boats to berth and to enable people to bathe and draw water;

(l) Waterway training structure means revetment, diversion groynes, securing groynes, branch closing groynes, silt spurs and wave protection, constructed for river training;

(m) Environmental impact means polluting the environment or damaging ecosystem caused by vessels plying in the rivers and creeks or factories, mills, workshops and dwellers near rivers and creeks;

(n) Directorate means Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems.

(a) to conserve and protect the water resources and rivers system for beneficial utilization by the public;

(a) directing to carry out waterways conservation works based on the suggestions of the Department, for long-term durability of bridges spanning rivers; if necessary, co-ordinating with the relevant ministry;

(b) notifying the land boundary as waterfront boundary adjoining with bank boundary required to carry out the works of bank protection, waterway training and river-creek improvement;

(c) giving guidance to the Directorate for prescribing the necessary terms and conditions relating to navigation of vessels in the rivers and creeks for conservation of water resources, rivers and creeks;

(d) scrutinizing and issuing permit on application to salvage the sunken ship at river-creek boundary, bank boundary and waterfront boundary for economic purpose;

(e) determining navigation pilot charge, harbouring charge and other charges relating to conservation of rivers and creeks;

(f) communicating with local and foreign government departments and organizations for conservation of water resources, rivers-creeks and carrying out thereof;

(g) carrying out in accordance with the relevant international conventions, regional agreements and bilateral agreements for environmental conservation implemented by the Union of Myanmar for conservation of water resources, rivers and creeks.

(a) carrying out so as not to cause moving of urban ports and to keep the waterways good and for perpetual use;

(b) (b) making arrangements and carrying out to prevent erosion of towns and villages due to changes of river and creek course;

(c) making arrangements and carrying out so as not to adversely affect the environment in and around river and creek;
(d) determining dangerous water levels for towns; in so determining, cooperating with relevant government departments and organizations;

(e) giving necessary assistance to relevant government departments and organizations when co-ordinating to utilize river water as drinking water, for domestic use and for agricultural use the whole year round;

(f) protecting and maintaining the waterways of border rivers so as not to lose State-owned land, and making arrangements thereof;

(g) submitting report to the Ministry of Transport with recommendations after surveying and inspecting the waterways of river and creek for long term durability of bridges spanning rivers;

(h) prescribing terms and conditions to prevent water pollution, and supervising thereof;

(i) carrying out to deepen river courses and to increase cargo tonnage of vessels;

(j) carrying out works of technology related to hydro-technology, dredging and disposal of waste, required in the rivers to prevent silting up of rivers and creeks;

(l) removing vessels berthed, anchored, grounded or sunken causing obstruction or danger to plying vessels at urban and rural ports and narrow rivers-creeks and waterways;

(m)prohibiting anchorage of vessels at sites where there are underwater electric power cable connection, telecom cable connection, gas pipeline, water pipeline or underwater tunnel, and removing vessels anchored within the distance prohibited;

(n) collecting navigation pilot charge, harbouring charge and other charges and fees relating to conservation of rivers and creeks;

(a) granting permission after examining the application for permission to carry out the construction of switchback, dockyard, wet dockyard and water-tight dockyard, building of jetty and landing stage and vessel landing by drainage in the river-creek boundary, bank boundary and waterfront boundary;

(b) permitting, after scrutiny, to pile sand, shingle and other heavy substances within the bank boundary and waterfront boundary;

(c) issuing recommendation to the relevant government department and organization in respect of application for construction of buildings and bridges in the river-creek boundary, bank boundary and waterfront boundary;

(d) determining of waterway grade, issuing information on opening and closing of waterway and warning on the use of waterway from time to time;

(e) determining the size of vessel and number of barges to ply along each waterway, and determining of draught;

(f) choosing site in the river for the inland vessels to dock, demarcating of port boundary and opening and closing thereof;

(g) issuing recommendation to the relevant government department and organization after scrutiny as to whether or not the waterways of the rivers-creeks can be affected adversely, on the application to grant permit for business of sand suction, sand dredging, sand excavating, rivers shingle suction, panning for gold, gold mineral dredging or extracting resources in river-creek boundary, bank boundary and waterfront boundary;

(h) issuing notifications prescribing terms and conditions in accordance with the guidance of the Ministry in respect of the navigation of vessels in rivers and creeks for conservation of water resources, rivers and creeks.

7. The Directorate may, if necessary, delegate its functions and duties to the State or Divisional Offices, Sub-State or Sub-Divisional Offices and Sub-Regional Offices subordinate to it.

(a) carry out any act or channel shifting with the aim to ruin the water resources and rivers and creeks.

9. No person shall destroy, cause damage or cause collision of vessel with the river training structure either wholly or partly.

10. No person shall anchor the vessels where vessels are prohibited from anchoring in the rivers and creeks.

(a) dispose of engine oil, chemical, poisonous material and other materials which may cause environmental damage, or dispose of explosives from the bank or from a vessel which is plying, vessel which has berthed, anchored, stranded or sunk.

(b) catch aquatic creatures within river-creek boundary, bank boundary or waterfront boundary with poisonous materials or explosives.

(c) dispose of disposal soil and other materials from panning for gold, gold mineral dredging or resource production in the river and creek, into the river and creek or into the water outlet gully which can flow into the river and creek.

12. No person shall carry out growing of garden, digging, filling, silt trapping, closing pond, dyke building or erecting spur in the river-creek boundary, bank boundary and waterfront boundary without the permission of the relevant government department and organization.

13. No person shall carry out sand suction, sand dredging, sand excavating, river shingle suction, panning for gold, gold mineral dredging or resource production for commercial purpose in the river-creek boundary, bank boundary and waterfront boundary without the recommendation of the Directorate.

14. No person shall carry out sand suction, sand dredging, sand excavating, river shingle suction, panning for gold, gold mineral dredging or resource production from the sandbank maintained for prescribed river training work, prohibited place in the river and creek or the watercourse.

15. No person shall carry out the construction of switchback, dockyard, wet dockyard, water-tight dockyard, building of jetty, pier, landing stage or vessel landing by drainage in the river-creek boundary, bank boundary and waterfront boundary without the permission of the Directorate.

(a) ply a vessel which is not in conformity with stipulations regarding the size, horse power and number of flat in the river-creek.

(b) ply a vessel which is not in conformity with the prescribed draught in the river-creek.

17. No one shall, without abiding by the signal for the vessels to halt and wait by the responsible person as river training work, surveying work, dredging work, navigation work or obstruction clearance work is being carried out, ply the vessel passing through.

18. No one shall drive loading goods above the loaded draught or ply outside the demarcation channel.

19. No one shall dispose of any substance into the river-creek that may cause damage to waterway or change of watercourse from the bank or vessel which is plying, vessel which has berthed, anchored, stranded or sunk.

(a) cast the fishing net, lay net, drift net, set up net which may cause silting or blocking of the watercourse in river-creek.

(a) build lavatories unsuitable to the urban and rural community lifestyle in the bank area and watercourse area.

22. No one shall, without the permission of the Directorate, pile sand, shingle and other heavy materials for business purposes in the bank area and waterfront area.

(a) without the permission of the Ministry of Transport, salvage the sunken vessel for business purposes.

(b) without the permission of Directorate, build structures and bridges in river-creek boundary, bank boundary and waterfront boundary.

(c) destroy or cause to destroy or remove the navigation symbols, mile posts or navigation marks without the permission of the Directorate.

(a) violate the conditions relating to navigation of vessels in rivers and creeks prescribed by the Directorate for conservation of water resources, rivers and creeks.

(b) violate the conditions prescribed by the Directorate so as not to cause water pollution and change of watercourse in rivers and creeks.

25. Whoever violates any of the prohibitions contained in sections 8, 9, 15 or section 23 may, on conviction, be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or with fine not exceeding kyats 50,000 or with both.

26. Whoever violates any of the provisions contained in sections 10, 11, 12, 13 or section 14 may, on conviction, be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or with fine not exceeding kyats 30,000 or with both.

27. Whoever violates any of the prohibitions contained in sections 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 or section 24 may, on conviction, be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 1 year or with fine not exceeding kyats 10,000 or with both.

28. Whoever has, on conviction, been punished under sections 25, 26 or section 27 and if there is any loss and damage by his act, he shall be punished with fine for the relevant offence and shall also be ordered to pay the value of the loss and damage as compensation. If the said compensation is not paid, it shall be recovered as fine under section 386 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

29. Whoever attempts or conspires or abets in the commission of an offence under this Law shall be punished with the punishment provided for such offence in this Law.

30. Any government department and organization or any person desirous of constructing drainage, utilizing river water intake, constructing bridges spanning rivers, connecting underground pipe, connecting underground electric power cable, connecting underground telecom cable or digging in rivers and creeks, bank boundary and waterfront boundary, under the requirement of work, shall in order not to adversely affect the water resources and rivers and creeks, carry out only after obtaining the approval of the Ministry of Transport.

31. The relevant Ministry, government department and organization shall, in respect of works contained in sub-sections (c) and (g) of section 6, grant permission on works that may be permitted under their authority only when the recommendation of the Directorate has been obtained, in order not to adversely affect the water resources, rivers-creeks and watercourses.

32. Notwithstanding anything contained in any of the existing laws, action shall only be taken under this Law on matters relating to the maintenance and protection of water resources and rivers and creeks.

33. The Obstruction in Fairways Act, 1881, the Defile Traffic Act, 1907, the Inland Steam Vessels Act, 1917, the Outports Act, the Ports Act and the Yangon Ports, Act and rules, procedures, orders and directives issued under the said Laws may continue to be applicable in so far as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Law.

34. No suit or prosecution shall lie against any public servant for anything which is done in good faith under this Law.

35. Offences under this Law are determined as cognizable offences by the Myanmar Police Force.

(a) the Ministry of Transport may, with the approval of the Government, issue such rules and procedures as may be necessary.

(b) the Ministry of Transport may issue such notifications, orders and directives or the Directorate may issue such orders and directives as may be necessary.

Nay Pyi Taw, 3 Oct— General Soe Win, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar has sent a message of felicitations to Her Excellency Dr Angala Dorothea Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, on the occasion of the Day of German Unity of the Federal Republic of Germany which falls on 3 October 2006.

Nay Pyi Taw, 3 Oct— On the occasion of the National Foundation Day of the Republic of Korea which falls on 3 October 2006, General Soe Win, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to Her Excellency Mme Han Myeong-sook, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea.

Countries that maintain balance of power in regional and international affairs without accepting domination of others can bring about long-term interest of world peace Special Refresher Course No 10 for faculty members opened

Yangon, 2 Oct—A ceremony to open Special Refresher Course No 10 for faculty members of universities and colleges was held at the Nawarat Hall of the Central Institute of Civil Service (Phaunggyi) in Hlegu Township, Yangon Division this morning with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein. Also present on the occasion were Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence, the ministers, the Yangon Mayor, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the deputy ministers, members of CSSTB, departmental heads, the Rector of CICS and the heads of department, course instructors and trainee faculty members.

In his address, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein said that changes and developments in international arena including changes in science and technology are occurring at greater pace. At such a time, constant efforts are to be made with national awareness for the nation to be on a par with changes and developments and for the people not to be struck by any evil consequence of those changes.

Moreover, at such a time like this, the emergence of a dynamic society is imperative. Only then, will it be possible to stand tall among the world community. In other words, today is the time when the entire people are to make concerted efforts day in, day out for national development.

Regarding this, it is incumbent upon the education sector to contribute its shares in bringing about national development and putting the national interest on the right track. All round development is to be realized through the strenuous efforts of intellectuals and intelligentsia.

Efforts are to be made on the basis of the education sector for development of such sectors as agriculture, farming, industry, production, commerce, transport, management and services to be in line with the advancement of science and technology.

The government has laid down and is systematically implementing the national education promotion plan for uplift of the education standards of the entire nation and for the emergence of a constant learning society. Tasks and duties of the education sector of today is immense and extensive. That is why all the faculty members are to make relentless efforts for national development through the education sector.

To bring about national development and strong national economy, to meet the food, clothing and shelter needs of the people and to enhance the education, economic and social standards, the government has laid down the 12 political, economic and social objectives and is implementing them. In doing so, it has laid down and is implementing national projects at the respective sectors. As a result, different parts of the nation are seeing remarkable development.

Thanks to the implementation of long-term and short-term national economic plans progress has been made in all spheres on a yearly basis. And marked progress has been made in an effort to boost production and trade volume, increase the per capita income and switch to normal trade system in border trade.

In the meantime, industrial zones were established and equipped them with modern machinery, hydel power stations and small and medium power projects implemented, national grid extended and more oil and gas explored for the development of industrial and production sectors, for mills and factories to run at full capacity and for sufficient supply of electricity.

In the administrative and executive sectors, efforts are being made for prevalence of law and order, community peace and tranquillity, for the emergence of swift and proper administrative machinery and e-Government, for bringing about one-stop-service wherever necessary and for getting rid of corruption and bribery. As consequences, unprecedented progress has been made in different sectors.

Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has occasionally given guidance, calling for making integrated efforts with goodwill in order to be able to leave behind a peaceful, modern and developed nation in the hands of posterity. In accord with the guidance, dignitaries of the State are making collaborative efforts and the nation is making progress in a short time, overcoming hindrances and obstacles.

Nowadays, it is safe to say that unprecedented peace and stability has prevailed in the nation in the course of history. Thanks to prevalence of peace and stability coupled with national unity and strong national economy, the country is in the process of transition to democracy.

He said national goal can be seen due to the already-achieved national objectives. At that time destructive elements with bad attitudes are making instigation and committing terrorist acts to undermine peace and stability and cause uprising in the country.

In fact, most of Myanmar people want to earn their living peacefully. Being pious, they hate riots, terrorism and jealousy. Destructive elements with political ill will to seize the power are deliberately making honest people suffer hardships. Moreover, they are making instigation to spread discontent among the people against the government using various fabrications.

It is time to take lesson from the international events that the acts that people take to the streets for the downfall of the present government cause disunity and grudge among the people and instability in the country.

A national force without any sectarianism and can safeguard the country and lead the people is needed as long as there is such kind of situation, violence and instigation.

Only when a large number of countries that hold non-aligned policy and can overcome the external influence emerge will there be peace and tranquillity in the world.

Big nations that attempt to dominate the developing countries should realize the fact that only countries that maintain the balance of power in the regional and international affairs without accepting the domination of others can bring about the long-term interest of world peace.

It is clearly seen that conflicts and problems grow bigger because of the one-sided intervention ignoring the historical background and prevailing conditions of the regions concerned.

Regarding Myanmar, some western countries ignore official statements of the government and assessments and reviews by the upright scholars and researchers. Based on fabricated news and reports sent by opportunists and expatriates who are unable to judge the objective conditions and developments of Myanmar and receive external assistance, they make accusations on the country and put pressure on her politically, economically and diplomatically.

Whilst far-away countries are levelling accusations that Myanmar is a threat to regional peace and security, her neighbouring nations expressing no single word of accusation are strengthening cooperation with the country for regional and economic development, said the Secretary-1.

Myanmar and her neighbors are actively cooperating in border trade, establishment of special industrial zones in border regions, extraction of oil and gas and implementation of hydel power projects on a bilateral or multilateral basis. He added that in collaboration with the neighbours and UN agencies, Myanmar is also taking measures to solve the problems of cross-border crimes, human trafficking, smuggling of narcotics, illegal workers and illegal immigration that the world is facing. Most of ASEAN countries including Myanmar had their history of being colonies. So they know the essence of safeguarding independence and sovereignty and they maintain mutual respects of each other. They never interfere in each other’s internal affairs and they are always unanimous in assessing and deciding regional as well as international affairs.

The Secretary-1 continued that attempts to put political and economic pressures may harm the interest of ASEAN countries, the birthplace of five principles of peaceful co-existence, and Asian countries. And this will not produce any good result at all.

In providing economic and humanitarian assistance to other countries, every country should respect the international standards such as free from interference in the affairs of a country and from adopting the double-standard policy. It is not only the international standard but also vital for UN.

People of the world, including Myanmar people, should not fall victims to the political interference.

It is the time to safeguard the international morale standards, basic principles of UN and equal opportunities for all people in the world.

Every nation has self- determination to choose the right track in the interests and future of a nation.

In an attempt to pave the way to the democracy and perpetuation of the State, the Government is making endeavours including holding National Convention.

The Government is implementing the Seven-Point Road Map to achieve its goal — emergence of a peaceful, modern, developed and discipline-flourishing democratic nation.

While the Government is facing interference in internal affairs and countering the disturbances of other countries, faculty members and people are also to safeguard and promote our integrity as a nation.

It is a duty of the faculty members to turn out intellectuals and intelligentsia who can promote and safeguard the country’s interests.

In conclusion, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein urged faculty members to strive for the promotion of education standard as part of an effort for perpetuation of the State as a sovereign nation and to participate in implementing the tasks for emergence of a peaceful, modern, developed and discipline-flourishing democratic nation with Union Spirit and Patriotic Spirit.

After the opening ceremony, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein cordially greeted the trainees. A total of 817 faculty members are attending the four-week course.

Departmental personnel urged to organize farmers to realize cultivation targets to ensure food sufficiency

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Oct — Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Kyaw Win of the Ministry of Defence visited a rural health centre at Namkok village in Hopong Township, southern Shan State, on 30 September.

Accompanied by Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Thaung Aye and officials, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win made arrangements for the progress of the centre.

At the village high school, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspected classrooms, multi-media teaching centre and laboratory. He urged teachers to produce brilliant local youths, while improving their own qualification, at a time when the government is narrowing the education gap between the rural and urban areas. They should cooperate with parents, local people and local authorities, he said.

In Hsihseng Township, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win met with Tatmadawmen and families of a local battalion, speaking of the need to discharge their national defence duties well, to crush destructive elements together with the people and to carry out regional development undertakings with public help. He then presented gifts, financial assistance and stationery to afficials.

At his meeting with local farmers he held discussions on proper use of fertilizers.

Lt-Gen Kyaw Win met with departmental personnel, social organizations and local elders at the town hall in Hsihseng, saying that the government has been making efforts for equal development of all regions with goodwill. Local people should join hands with the government and should work in harmony and unison for progress. He also dealt with matters relating to physic nut cultivation and to extend rice and edible crop cultivation for ensuring food sufficiency.

Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and Brig-Gen Thaung Aye presented gifts, school furniture and stationery for rural schools. At his meeting with Tatmadawmen and families of a local battalion, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win urged them to take part in the public welfare task together with the local people and to extend farming for their own welfare. He then presented gifts to them.

At Phone-inn region near Kaungngin village in Hopong Township, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win observed thriving paddy and other crop fields. After hearing reports presented by officials,

Lt-Gen Kyaw Win said the departmental personnel should organize local farmers to realize the cultivation targets to ensure local food sufficiency.

Back in Taunggyi, he inspected the Government Computer College where officials explained salient points of the institution. He said teachers have the duty to produce outstanding computer technicians on whom the nation can rely.

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Oct— The Shan State (North) Special Region-5 (KDA) on 25 September issued the declaration on its stance on the decision to put Myanmar on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council.

The declaration of Shan State Special Region 5 (KDA) on its stance on decision to put Myanmar on UNSC agenda

1. Due to the submission of the permanent US representative to the UN that Myanmar situation was posing a threat to regional stability and peace, a decision was made on 15 September 2006 to put Myanmar on the agenda of the UNSC.

2. With regard to the decision, the US, usurping the authority of the United Nations,

(a) not only encroaches Our Three Main National Causes of the State but also impedes the progress of the National Convention being convened with the participation of representatives from all walks of life in line with the seven-step Road Map of the State.

(b) is resorting to various means to undermine the fruitful results that the Government and the peace groups have achieved — peace and tranquillity, prevalence of law and order, national unity, all-round development and democratization process,

3. Therefore, the KDA hereby declares that the US interference in Myanmar’s internal affairs is an act of hegemony and it is totally unacceptable and the KDA condemns and protests against such evil acts.

Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Htay Kywe, Min Zeya, Pyone Cho being questioned Preventive action taken against unrest, sabotage

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Oct — Information about the perpetrations to cause internal commotion and commit terrorist attacks inside the nation has been received at a time when the US led the move to put Myanmar on the agenda of the UN Security Council in the previous month, with an accusation that Myanmar affairs pose a threat to international peace and security.

The information also said that the NCUB, formed with expatriates and insurgents, was conspiring with remnants of the underground cell of the Burma Communist Party against the nation. It organized a central committee to realize the people’s struggle scheme. A committee to struggle within the bounds of law was also formed with UGs under the central committee. The dailies issued on 20 September already featured a news report about the committee in which a group of persons under the name “the new generation students”, some of the so-called seasoned politicians, and some members of the CRPP and NLD were active members.

In order to prevent internal unrest and instability and terrorism, the authorities concerned called in for questioning Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Htay Kywe of the so-called “88” generation students on 27 September, and Min Zeya and Pyone Cho on 30 September.

Nay Pyi Taw, 3 Oct — On the occasion of the National Foundation Day of the Republic of Korea which falls on 3 October 2006, U Nyan Win, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Ban Ki-moon, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea.

Nay Pyi Taw, 3 Oct—U Nyan Win, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeler, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, on the occasion of the Day of German Unity of the Federal Republic of Germany which falls on 3 October 2006.

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Oct — Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan attended a ceremony to present scholarship awards to the students, who are the children of staff families winning distinctions in the matriculation examination for 2006, held at the meeting hall of the ministry here this afternoon and presented scholaship awards to them after making a speech on the occasion.

Present on the occasion were directors-general, managing directors, deputy directors-general, general managers, directors, chief editors, the head of office, staff officers of state, division, district and township Information and Public Relations Departments, responsible personnel, staff families and outstanding students.

First, the minister gave a speech on the occasion, saying that all service personnel and departments concerned should take harmonious measures to hit the ministry’s targets. At the same time, only if all the ministries joining hands with the people residing inside the country make harmonious efforts in their respective fields will the country make progress. The development of the country will lead the entire people to a higher standard of living. Unlike in the past, the present government has already made progress. It has restored peace and stability. The service personnel of the ministry are capable of carrying out a wide range of media functions with their superb skills. In order to enhance the knowledge of rural people, a total of 54,707 libraries could be opened in all parts of the country. Apart from these measures, Myanmar TV transmission channels have been extended for the purpose of giving knowledge and entertainment to the people. MRTV, Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association, Music Asiayon and Myanmar Motion Pictures Asiayon are taking cooperative measures in media work in the national interests with the same mind. The service personnel are to abide by rules and regulations, laws and policies laid down by the State while performing their tasks. They are to the make all-out efforts to safe guard of the national interests individually. The prize-winning students are to try their best to become the citizens whom the country can rely, added the minister.

The parents are to supervise and control their children to become the outstanding persons in the future. Next, the minister presented prizes to five students who won six distinctions in the matriculation examination for 2006. Afterwards, Director-General U Khin Maung Htay of MRTV, Director-General of Information and Public Relations Department U Chit Naing, Managing Director of Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Aung Nyein, Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Soe Win and Managing Director of Myanmar Motion Picture Enterprise Col Aung Myo Myint presented prizes to a total of 36 distinction-winners. Afterwards, the minister reviewed on the reports presented by the directors-general and managing directors and made concluding remarks.

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Oct — CEC member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, accompanied by responsible personnel arrived at the office of the planning department office in Magway Division on 29 September and held a meeting with service personnel.

During his meeting, the minister clarified the tasks to be carried out and made arrangements to fulfil the requirements.

Next, Minister U Soe Tha together with Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Phone Maw Shwe formally opened the billboard of USDA in Magway.

Afterwards, they gave encouragement to the blood donors in Magway Division People’s Hospital and presented them souvenirs.

During the meeting, the minister made a speech. Next, the minister and the chairman of Magway Division PDC presented prizes to outstanding students who on distinctions in the matriculation examination for 2006.

Afterwards, they accepted cash to mark the annual general meeting donated by wellwishers and presented them certificates of honour.

Yangon, 2 Oct — Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min and Deputy Minister Thura U Thaung Lwin arrived at Insein Locomotive Shed on 30 September morning.

At the briefing hall, deputy general manager U Saw Valentine of the factory and senior electrical engineer U San Myint briefed the minister and party on import of necessary items for locomotives. Tasks were carried out for maintenance of frame, engine and bogie of the locomotives.

In connection with the reports on building of the locomotives, Deputy Minister Thura U Thaung Lwin gave a supplementary report.

Next, Minister Maj-Gen Aung Min gave instructions on taking steps for realization of the guidance given by the Head of State. Afterwards, the minister and party inspected major repairs and building of locomotive and gave necessary instructions.

Yangon, 2 Oct—The Yangon Command Maternal and Child Welfare Association organize a ceremony to provide health care services and assistance to elderly persons at the command today.

It was attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Hla Htay Win and wife Daw Mar Mar Wai, Chairperson of Yangon Division Maternal and Child Welfare Supervisory Committee. The commander and wife presented gifts to the senior citizens. Daw Mar Mar Wai explained latest developments on health care services to older people.

The commander presented certificates of honor to the well-wishers who donated traditional medicines worth K 892,100.

The commander and wife also presented clothes, provisions and traditional medicines worth K 652,000 to the aged and inspected activities on health care provided by staff of the Department of Traditional Medicine to the aged.

Nay Pyi Taw, 29 Sept — A meeting was held at the natural herbal plants garden here today for establishing a natural herbal plants garden in Nay Pyi Taw. Present at the meeting were Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Mayor Col Thein Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Ministry of Health Dr Paing Soe, directors-general of the departments, managing directors and officials concerned.

The minister made an opening speech, and the officials gave an account of work progress. In response, the minister gave instructions on establishment of a 135-acre garden in accordance with the guidance given by the Head of State.

Yangon, 2 Oct — The mid-year Myanma Gems Emporium for 2006 will be launched at Myanma Gems Mart and Myanmar Convention Centre as of 19 October.

Myanmar national entrepreneurs mining gems in accord with Myanmar Gems Law as well as those selling gems according to terms will have an opportunity to attend and buy the gems at the emporium.

The Central Committee for Myanma Gems Emporium has announced that those wishing to attend the emporium can contact subcommittee offices for administration opened at MGM and MCC commencing 3 October.

Yangon, 2 Oct—The third cash-donation presenting ceremony for Thantithukha Sasana Building under construction in the compound of the staff quarters of the Ministry of Commerce at Toeche Ward 41 in Dagon Myothit (North) Township, Yangon East District, took place at the building yesterday morning.

Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence and guests offered alms to the chairman of Yangon Division Sangha Nayaka Committee and members of the Sangha.

Lt-Gen Myint Swe and Yangon East District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein accepted cash donations from 67 wellwishers.