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ARCHIVES	Sunday, 28 October 2007	THE MYANMAR TIMES

Nay Pyi Taw, 28 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 Vaclav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Czech Republic which falls on 28 October 2007.

Nay Pyi Taw, 28 Oct- Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Mirek Topolanek, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Czech Republic which falls on 28 October 2007.

Dagon Bridge inaugurated in Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township Distinguish between right and wrong, stay away from destructive acts, actively take part in nation-building endeavours

Yangon, 27 Oct - Dagon Bridge built by bridge construction project special group-1 of Public Works was inaugurated at the pandal near the bridge in Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township this morning.

Prime Minister Lt-Gen Thein Sein delivered an address and formally unveiled the stone plaque.

Also present were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win, the ministers, the Yangon mayor, the deputy ministers, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads, Deputy Superintending Engineer U Tint Lwin of bridge construction project special group-1, members of social organizations and people numbering 14,000.

In his address, Prime Minister Lt-Gen Thein Sein said Dagon Bridge, the second bridge linking Yangon and Thanlyin, Kyauktan, Kayan and Thongwa, was successfully opened. Although there is Thanlyin Bridge which links Yangon and Yangon East regions, a new bridge was built for more progress in those regions. He said the six-lane bridge which can withstand 75 tons of loads will contribute towards the development of economic, commercial, education and health sectors in Thanlyin, Kyauktan, Kayan and Thongwa Townships. Ten-wheel- and 12-wheel container trucks can go from Myanmar International Thilawa Terminal to South Dagon Industrial Zone, Hlinethaya Industrial Zone, Tharkayta International Container Yard.

The government has been fulfilling the requirements for national development, raising living standard of the people and smooth transport, he said.

He said the government is also fulfilling economic, production, commercial, education, health and social needs for each region. Therefore, much progress has been made nationwide. Everyone can see progress everywhere, he added.

He said towns and villages have developed and cities of international level have emerged in border areas. Social living standard and other sectors in rural areas have improved and their knowledge is high.

He said new roads and bridges, airports, water supply, electric power supply and communication services indicate better socio-economic life of the people.

Before 1988 there were Sagaing and Sittaung Bridges. Now there are 15 major bridges. Yadanabon Bridge across Ayeyawady River is under construction, he said.

In transport and communication sectors, there are nearly 70,000 miles of tarred, gravel and earth roads. There are 3,150 miles of railroads in states and divisions. In aviation there are over 70 airports including two international ones.

In water transport there were 13 ports in the past and now there are 28 ports and three modern container yards. Wharves for vessels has increased to 70 from 57, he said.

There were 204 dams built after 1988 and over 2.65 million acres of lands can be irrigated. With the consumption of power of 1,500 million units there were 14 hydroelectric power plants in 1988. At present, a total of 50 hydroelectric power plants have been built and the consumption of power is 6,100 million units.

In addition, the implementation of 17 hydroelectric power projects that can generate 10,000 megawatts is well under way. In the education and health sectors, there are more than 40,550 basic education schools and 160 universities and colleges, and a total of 839 hospitals are being put into operation.

It can been seen that more infrastructures have been built with momentum in a short period. In doing so, the development of infrastructures reflects the genuine goodwill of the government towards the people. Such development will contribute a lot to the interests of the people. It can be witnessed that there have been development in all aspects of agriculture, livestock breeding, industry, trade and technology. The socio economic life of all citizens including those in rural areas is improving.

The youth today are having the opportunity of pursuing higher education linking up with the world nations.

Moreover, the emergence of factories and mills as well as construction undertakings have created job opportunities for local people.

In the same way, better conditions for educated people and businessmen to extensively engage in trade, services were created, thereby contributing much to development of services based on modern communications technology and production based on high tech.

Quality painting, sculpture, movie and music as well as creative arts of high standard are in the offing and on the path to international market.

At a time when progress has been made in various sectors there are still attempts to undermine peace and national development. Hence, the entire people are to exercise a constant vigil against such perpetration with national awareness and outlook.

Realizing the perpetration and atrocities of internal and external destructive elements with the intention of undermining national development, blocking the flow of foreign investment into the nation and trade, closing down factories and mills, making jobless and economic dislocation, the entire people are to ward off all the destructive acts.

The government is constantly building all the required infrastructures in bringing about national development, fulfilling the food, clothing and shelter needs and enabling people to lead a peaceful life.

In conclusion, he stressed the need for the entire national people to distinguish between the right and wrong and stay away from destructive acts and actively take part in nation-building endeavours in order to fully enjoy the fruits of national development created by the government with own resources.

In his address, Commander Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win said that after 1988, roads were upgraded and new roads constructed in Yangon Division. In addition, thirty-one over-180-foot-long major bridges including Maha Bandoola Bridge, Thanlyin Bridge, Bayintnaung Bridge, Aungzeya Bridge, Shwepyitha Bridge, Panhlaing Bridge and Twantay Bridge were built in the division for ensuring smooth transportation of the people and speedy flow of commodities.

It can be said that construction of Dagon Bridge on Bago river linking Dagon Seikkan Industrial Zone and Thanlyin was the undertaking of rural development task. Thanks to completion, Dagon Bridge can withstand 75-ton vehicles on its six-lane motorway to be free from traffic jam. Furthermore, the bridge will contribute much to development of four industrial zones in Dagon Myothit township on Yangon bank and Thilawa Industrial Zone on Thanlyin bank. Moreover, the bridge was constructed with the aim of enabling local youth to easily pursue education not only at Yangon East University, Myanmar Maritime University, Technological University and Yangon Cooperative Degree College in Thanlyin Township but also at University of Culture, Institute of Economics, Dagon University and Nationalities Youth Resource Development Degree College in Dagon Myothit townships.

In addition, agricultural products, fish and meat from Kayan, Thongwa, Thanlyin, Kyauktan townships and Thanatpin and Kawa townships of Bago Division can be sent to Yangon through the bridge in a short time. Likewise, the people in the division will enjoy fruits of transport facilities through Dagon Bridge to receive medical treatment at specialist hospitals in Yangon. In conclusion, the commander urged local people to help maintain the bridge for its durability.

Afterwards, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun delivered an address. He said that in the past, the government granted permission to Public Works and national private companies to take charge of constructing only some main roads through agreements under the build, operate and transfer system (BOT). But since September 2007, permission has been granted to private entrepreneurs to take charge of building any roads through agreements with Public Works under BOT system. The newly-opened Dagon Bridge was built with 19 piers, 398 RCD piles and 240 pre-stressed RC beams. Especially, the government successfully built the bridge for serving the interest of the people without assistance of foreign countries.

Next, Prime Minister Lt-Gen Thein Sein, together with Commander Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun, Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min and Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, formally opened Dagon Bridge.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party posed for documentary photos together with officials and local people.

The Prime Minister unveiled the stone inscription and sprinkled scented water on it. The commander and the ministers also sprinkled scented water on the stone inscriptions.

Dagon Bridge across the Bago River links Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township and Thanlyin Township. The bridge is 4,540 feet long and its clearance is 130 feet wide and 18 feet high. The bridge can withstand 75-ton loads.

The six-lane motorway of the bridge, flanked by six-foot pedestrian, is 72 feet wide. The upper structure of the bridge is of RC beams and concrete floor, and the lower structure is of RC piers and RC bored piles.

Dagon Bridge, built by Myanmar engineers, will contribute to the smooth transportation of export and import commodities of industrial zones in Yangon Division including Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Industrial Zone and Dagon Myothit (South) Industrial Zone that are supporting industrial zones for construction of Thilawa Special Economic Zone.

Thanks to completion, the bridge will serve the interest of local people in smooth transportation of commodities.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and wife enjoy Maha Doat Drama for Marionette Contest

Nay Pyi Taw, 27 Oct - The Maha Doat Drama for the Marionette Contest of the 15th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued at the hall of Agricultural Research Department on Nay Pyi Taw Yezin University Campus, here, this evening.

Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and wife Daw Khin Saw Hnin, Chairman of the Leading Committee for Organizing the Competitions Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Maj-Gen Wai Lwin and wife, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and wife, members of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board U Soe Oo and U Kyaw Aung and their wives, Secretary of the Work Committee for Organizing the Competitions Director-General of Fine Arts Department U Yan Naing Oo, Lt-Col Nyo Saw of Nay Pyi Taw Command, departmental personnel and local people enjoyed the performance of the marionette troupe at the contest.

People attend mass rallies to support National Convention and welcome forthcoming Constitution in Yangon North District

Yangon, 27 Oct - Mass rallies to support and welcome the National Convention and forthcoming Constitution were held in Insein, Hlinethaya, Htantabin and Shwepyitha townships today.

Over 21,000 local people attended the mass rally at Insein Railway Football Ground in Insein Township. It was presided over by Rector of Yangon Technological University Dr Aung Shein together with six members of the panel of chairmen.

U Yin Bo Aung of Union Solidarity and Development Association tabled a motion calling for the support of the National Convention and the forthcoming Constitution. Daw Khaing Khaing Oo of Township Women's Affairs Organization, Daw Tin Tin Htwe of Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association, U Saw El Si of Township War Veterans Organization, Township Law Officer U Win Tin and townselder U Soe Min Thein seconded the motion. The mass rally ended by chanting of the slogans, seeking approval from the attendees.

A similar mass rally was held at Hlinethaya Industrial Zone Sports Ground in Hlinethaya Township, this morning, attended by over 21,000 local people. Rector Dr Zaw Min Aung of Yangon West Technological University presided over the mass rally together with six members of the panel of chairmen. U Aung Tin Win of USDA tabled a motion and Daw Than Than Htay of Township WAO, Daw Mya Mya Thway of Township MCWA, Captain Myo Win Tun (Retd) of Township WVO and townselders Dr Kyi San Htet and Dr Than Aung seconded the motion. Those present approved the motion and chanted the slogans at the end of the mass rally.

In Htantabin Township, over 10,000 people marched into the mass rally at the township sports ground. Rector Dr Aung Aung Min of Yangon West University together with six members of the panel of chairmen presided over the mass rally. U Thaung Kyi of USDA tabled a motion calling for the support of the National Convention and the forthcoming Constitution. Daw Kyi Kyi Win of Township WAO, Daw Kyi Kyi Win of Township MCWA, U Ba Pe of Township WVO and townselders U Han Aye and U Thein Toe seconded the motion. Later, the mass rally ended by chanting the slogans, seeking approval from the attendees.

Over 12,000 local people attended the mass rally at Nawarat Sports Ground in Shwepyitha Township. Advocate U Win Bo Aye presided over the mass rally together with six members of the panel of chairmen. After U Min Wai of USDA tabled a motion, Daw Yi Cho Cho of Township WAO, Daw Than Than Aye of Township MCWA, U Myint Aung of Township WVO and townselders U Nay Myo Aung and U Thant Zin Moe seconded the motion. After seeking approval from the attendees, the motion was approved. Later, those present chanted slogans at the end of the mass rally.

Nay Pyi Taw, 27 Oct- Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan this afternoon received 17 journalists from nine ASEAN countries who were currently on tour of Myanmar under the ASEAN Journalist Visit Programme Phase-IV.

Together with the minister at the call were Managing Director U Aung Nyein of Printing and Publishing Enterprise, Managing Director U Soe Win of News and Periodicals Enterprise, Managing Director U Aung Myo Myint of Myanmar Motion Picture Enterprise, deputy directors-general, general managers and officials of departments and enterprises under the ministry.

At the call, the minister explained matters relating to current situation of Myanmar and promoting of the role of media and replied to the queries raised by the journalists. In addition, the journalists called on Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Aung Myo Min at the ministry at 10.30 am, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Paing Soe at noon and Deputy Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Col Thurein Zaw at 4 pm.

Nay Pyi Taw, 27 Oct- A 16-member Myanmar delegation led by President of Myanmar Rice Millers' Association U Tin Win and General Secretary U Thaung Win yesterday left here by air for Nanning, Guangxi Province, the People's Republic of China, to attend the 4th China-ASEAN Trade Fair to be held from 28 to 31 October, to sign MoU with Chinese rice mill producing companies and to study rice milling in China. They were seen off at the airport by President U Win Myint of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and officials.

Nay Pyi Taw, 28 Oct- U Nyan Win, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Karel Schwarzenberg, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Czech Republic which falls on 28 October 2007.

Nay Pyi Taw, 27 Oct - The Drama Contest of the 15th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued for the fourth day at the convocation hall of University of Veterinary Science in Nay Pyi Taw Yezin this evening.

Danyawady Soe Paing (Bank) and troupe of Bago Division took part in the drama contest.

Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence and wife Daw Marlar Tint, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Soe Naing and wife, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein and wife, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and wife, Deputy Minister for Rail Transportation Thura U Thaung Lwin, member of Civil Service Selection and Training Board U Nyi Tun and wife, Secretary of the Work Committee Director-General U Yan Naing Oo of Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture families of regiments and units of Nay Pyi Taw Command and committee members, heads of department, students of townships, wards and villages in Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana District enjoyed the performance of artistes in the drama contest. The drama was directed by Danyawady Soe Paing (Bank) with scripts of Captain Soe Paing (Retd) and depicted the strength of unity of national races and strong Union Spirit.

Nay Pyi Taw, 27 Oct-The people of Sedoktara and Yesagyo in Magway Division, Nyaungdon, Bogale, Wakema, Labutta and Hinthada in Ayeyawady Division and Phakant and Karmaing in Kachin State who wish to see stability of the State, the rule of law and community peace and tranquillity regarded recent protests in-stigated by some monks and NLD members as a threat to peace and stability. So they held mass rallies to denounce such protests on 25 October after seeking permission from the authorities con-cerned.

In Sedoktara and Yesagyo of Magway, over 5,500 and 12,500 people respectively walked in procession shouting slogans calling for Our Three Main National Causes', Adoption of constitution' and holding placards that read We favour peace and stability', We oppose unrest and violence' and Don't destroy peace and stability'.

Similarly, some 30,000 people of Nyaungdon, over 25,000 people of Bogale, some 50,000 people of Wakema, about 35,000 people of Labutta and over 30,000 people of Hinthada, Ayeyawady Division, walked in procession shouting slogans calling for Our Three Main National Causes' and The seven-step Road Map must be successful' and holding placards that read We support the National Convention and the constitution', the seven-step Road Map must be successful' and No neo-colonialism'.

In like manner, more than 35,000 people of Phakant and some 6,500 people of Karmaing of Kachin State, walked in procession, chanting slogans and holding placards to condemn recent protests.