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ARCHIVE	Wednesday, 13 March 2002	ONLINE EDITION

The Working Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races held the coordination meeting No 1/2002

Secretary-1 addresses opening ceremony of Course in Diplomacy for Officers-CID/2002

A special press conference

Princess floating restaurant and recreation centre opened

Illicit timber logs seized in DaikU

Highest buyers of Gems honoured

Gems Emporium fetches over US$ 20m

SPOTLIGHT

( 1 ) The Working Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races held the coordination meeting No 1/2002
Poppy cultivation, opium production declining as national brethren of border areas cooperating
with government State spends K 23,390.66 million to implement border areas development plan
in entire nation
YANGON, 12 March- The Working Committee for Development of Border Areas and National aces held the coordination meeting No 1/2002 at the meeting hall of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs at 3 pm today, with an address by Chairman of the Working Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Also present on the occasion were members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-
Gen Ye Myint and Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, ministers, deputy
ministers, members of the Working Committee and Subcommittees, the director-general of the
State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads and officials. First, Chairman
of the Working Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of
the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an address. He said the
government started the development task for national races living in border areas in 1989.
It has been implementing the tasks in all the 14 states and divisions including Wa region for over
12 years. During the 12 years, armed insurgency almost ended in all border areas, he said. Peace
and tranquillity has also been restored at the areas. As the rule of law has been restored in the
entire nation, the government is striving with added momentum for proportionate progress of all
border areas. Based on genuine goodwill, mutual trust and confidence and sincerity towards all
the national races, the government is making endeavours for regional development and uplift of
living standard of local people, he said. He said that he himself frequently visited the border areas
and undertook the tasks practically.
National races are joining hands with the government in participating in border areas
development tasks. This is why unprecedented progress has been made in developing border
areas. Due to zeal of the Wa national leaders and local people and the mutual love,
understanding, trust and sincerity between them and the government, the Wa region which
lagged behind progress most in the past is now achieving significant development. Based on the
progress made in Wa region, efforts must be made for development of other regions in
combination with the government's assistance and efforts of local
leaders.
Therefore, the task force consisting of the deputy ministers and departmental heads was sent to
Kokang and Wa regions, Kachin special region-2 and regions in Mon State to gave necessary
advice and provide assistance to them. Previous month, he said, a team consisting of chairmen of
work sub-committee and heads of departments led by the Minister for Progress of Border Areas
and National Races and Development Affairs made a field trip to Laukkai-Kongyan region and
provided assistance to them for development.
He spoke of the need to continue the tasks without hesitation. The Secretary-1 said the first term
of the second five mid-year plan of border region development project is going to be ended soon.
During the second five year plan, Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on the five tasks. He
quoted the Senior General as saying that eradication of poverty will be made in the country if the
people in rural areas are rich.
Therefore, rural development tasks must be carried out seriously. The Secretary-1 said rural areas
means border areas that lagged behind development. He spoke of the need for officials who
engaged in the tasks to raise the momentum based on the guidance of the Head of State for
ensuring better transport in border areas, development of education and human resources, getting
drinking water, better health care services and uplift of rural economic life. In according with the
guidance of the Head of State, necessary assistance will be provided to the region after inspection
in some regions left under-developed. Arrangements have been made to build a university, a
technological college and a computer college that will contribute towards the development of
Loilem including Panglong region which produced Panglong Spirit. He said the Loilem Hospital
was upgraded to a 200-bed hospital for uplift of health care services of local people in honour of
the Panglong region. Local people are to participate in the task.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary-1 quoted the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than
Shwe, as saying, " As the border areas development task and drug elimination tasks have inter-
relation between each other, efforts should be made in accord with the master plan drawn for
progress of border areas and national races. At the same time, energetic efforts are required to
root out the narcotic drugs. " He said in accord with the guidance, priority has been given to
building roads and bridges, which are the basic infrastructures, in the border regions which
lagged behind development.
Other areas including education, health and public relations included in the social infrastructures
and agriculture, forestry, water supply, livestock breeding, irrigation and mining included in the
economic infrastructures are being developed in all sectors. Some border regions are achieving
progress which exceeds the expected target. Poppy cultivation and narcotic drugs production
have been decreased to a significant degree. Mongla is a model region in eliminating the narcotic
drugs. The State has rendered assistance to the endeavours of the local people which are being
made with firm determination.
Thus, Mongla was been declared as an " Opium Free Zone " to the world in 1997. Conducting of
opium-substitute cropping and farming, setting up of cottage industries and value added
industries have been extended in Wa region to be able to declare the whole region another"
Opium Free Zone " of Myanmar in 2005. Kokang region is also striving to totally free itself from
drugs by the year 2005. The State is implementing the 15-year narcotics elimination plan under
its own expenditure. The plan got only a few amount of foreign assistance.
Although the nation is not rich, it is continuously striving to root out the drugs as a national
tasks. As the national people have understood the manace of the drugs, they are joining hands
with the government in rooting out the drugs. Thus, poppy cultivation and opium production is
declining. In the previous year buckwheat, an opium substitute crop, was grown on 3,110 acres,
and yielded 169.438 tons. This year, 4,160 acres of land was put under buckwheat. Up to 7 march
2002, 154.47 tons of buckwheat have been purchased.
The crops is exported to Japan. As the buckwheat is popular among the world nations, the
officials at different levels should strive to extend buckwheat cultivation. Although the nation is
striving in all sectors to root out the drugs, some big nations are launching slanders against her
concerning the drugs. The nation is refuting the slanders. And at the same time the media should
strive to distribute the news on the endeavours of the national people to cultivate opium-substitute
crops. Since the start of the border areas development plan in 1989 and up to February 2002, the
State has spent K 23,390.66 million in implementing the plan at all the regions of the nation.
The State is using a large amount of money to cement national unity and living standards in the
border areas. Development of the border areas will lead to improvement of the living standards of
the local people. It will also help strengthen national solidarity and flourish the Union spirit.
The ministries, the subcommittees should strive in harmony with added momentum to
successfully implement the border areas development plan. Then, Minister for Progress of Border
Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt reported that K 632.61
million for ordinary expenditure, K 2,236.06 million for capital expenditure and K 797.33
million for provided funds, total amount K 3,665.98 million were received for carrying out
development tasks in border areas for 2001-2002 financial year. Tasks undertaken in respective
border regions from 1989-90 to 28-2-2002 are as follows: Regarding the road and bridge sector,
2,654/2 miles of earth road, 1,402/5 miles of gravel road, 283/3 miles of tarred road were
constructed and 2,596/7 miles road, 39 large bridges, 627 small bridges and 16 suspension
bridges were maintained.
Regarding the health care service sector, 46 hospitals, one station health care unit, 74
dispensaries, 18 rural health care units and 30 branches of rural health care units were opened -
Regarding the education sector, 366 Basic Education primary Schools, 48 BEMSs and 19 BEHSs
were built.
Regarding the agriculture sector, 31 agriculture offices and 113 agriculture camps were
constructed; 40 dams are being built and are under construction; survey work have been
undertaken for construction of 17 dams and four canals; and 11 tractor stations were built.
Regarding the forest sector, four reserve forests were demarcated; arrangement are being made
for demarcation of four reserve forests; and 12 saw mills and seven forest nursery were
established. - Regarding the livestock and breeding sector, 19 livestock breeding farms and 41
veterinary offices were opened and 111 pedigree cows and asses were distributed.
Regarding the energy sector, power supply is being carried out in 177 towns with the use of 241
generators and eight towns with hydel power. - Regarding the public relations sector, 85 TV
retransmission stations were built. Regarding the communication sector, 53 post offices were
opened; 45 radio telephones were installed; 54 local exchanges were built; 442 miles of trunk-call
line and 21 carrier machines were installed; and 45 telegraph offices, 11 microwave stations and
nine communication buildings were built.
Regarding the human resource development in border area, 17 national race youth training
schools, two Nationalities Youth Resources Development Degree Colleges and 12 Domestic
Science Training Schools for the Women were built. Moreover, development tasks for border
areas and national races are being carried out by the Work Committee in cooperation with
UNDP, UNDCP, JICA, KOICA and other NGOs.
The Work Committee and UNDCP are cooperating in the implementation of southern Wa region
substitution development project with the five-year plan from August 1998 to July 2003. Within
the period of the plan, tasks were undertaken in construction of nine project buildings, injection
treatment for children of 234 project villages, water supply for 11 villages; construction of four
BEPSs and two BEMSs, power supply of Pangsang-Mongpauk, construction of 13.24-kilometre-
long Mongpauk-Mongka road, establishment of the forest nursery and distribution of seeds. The
project fund was set up with US$ 11.6 millions and K 28.36 million and UNDCP provided US$
8.84 millions to the project.
Under the CDRT project of the UNDP from September 1999 to April 2002, construction of 136
primary schools, repair of 20 primary schools, construction of 343 lakes, wells and other water
supply, 1,517 lakes, 227 tanks for water filtering, construction of 4,545 fly-proof latrines, 26
dispensaries, and one station hospital, distribution of coffee saplings and cultivation of seasonal
crops were undertaken. The Karamosia International, an NGO of Japan, is implementing the
Hotaung region alternative development project in southern Wa region from October 1999 to
March 2002 and has constructed an industrial development centre in Mongphyan region. It
contributed ´ 220 million equivalent to about US$ 2 million and has spent US$ 0.35 million on
the project to date.
Moreover, in cooperation with Border Areas and National Races Development Department, the
Karamosia International is carrying out cultivation of crops and planting trees in the surrounding
areas of Inlay Lake with the contribution of US$ 0.822 million. Likewise, the Swiss Foundation
for Development Cooperation (SWISSAID), an NGO of Switzerland, in cooperation with Border
Areas and National Races Development Department, is implementing the Kachin State and Shan
State development project (2001-2004) with the contribution of US$ 0.45 million. Besides, on 13
December last year, the officials of the two nations signed the Exchange of Notes for which the
Japanese government granted ´ 800 million for Laukkai-Kongyan road upgrading project and
Kyashishu Village electric power supply project.
In poppy substitute crop cultivation project, a total of 1,980 acres of buckwheat was cultivated in
Kokant region, 180 acres in Kutkai, 400 acres in Tamonye, 200 acres each in Panhsay and
Kyaukme, 500 acres in Kaungkha and 700 acres in Monekoe. Altogether 154.47 tons of
buckwheat have been purchased up to 5 March 2002 and of them 18 tons have been exported to
Japan for the first batch. With the Japanese government's grant of ´ 624 million, the five-year
rural water supply project is being implemented for Shan State (North) beginning 2001-2002
fiscal year.
As part of border areas human resources development project, altogether 17 youth training
schools were opened in the respective border areas by the Education and Training Department
and 446 primary school students, 848 middle school students and 337 high school students are
being nurtured and trained. In addition, domestic schools for women were opened in Muse,
Lashio, Mongsat, Kentung, Tachilek, Loikaw, Myawady, Ye, Myeik, Kawthoung, Haka and
Maungtaw for uplift of morale character and all-round development of food, clothing and shelter
and altogether 9,350 national race trainees are being taught. Then, chairmen of the respective
work sub-committees and officials reported on work to be carried out for regional development.
Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of
Defence and those present at the meeting gave supplementary reports.
In response to the reports, the Secretary-1 said that work for development of border areas and
national races was carried out at first in the areas where there was no armed insurgency and later
in border areas in northern and southern part of the nation including Chin and Rakhine States.
At present, work for development of border areas and national races is being carried out
throughout the nation in accordance with the guidance of the Head of State. In addition, rural
and national development work was being extended to 22 developing areas in 14 states and
divisions so as to be able to carry out the development work in all parts of the nation.
Now, there were 23 developing areas in all as Panglong region developing area was added to 22
developing areas, and the developing areas will be extended as necessary. In conclusion, the
Secretary-1 called upon all to make harmonious cooperation in wide and effective
implementation of all development work being undertaken in developing areas, rural
development tasks, and tasks for border areas and national races being under taken in all parts of
the nation.

( 2 ) Secretary-1 addresses opening ceremony of Course in Diplomacy for Officers-CID/2002
Myanmar on right path to achieve national goal of peaceful, prosperous, modern and
developed state
YANGON, 12 March- A ceremony to open the Course in Diplomacy for Officers-CID/2002,
organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was held at Wunzin Minyaza Hall of the ministry
at 8.30 am today, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-
Gen Khin Nyunt.
Also present on the occasion were ministers, the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, Minister for
Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, officials of the State Peace
and Development Council Office, directors-general, deputy directors-general of departments
under the ministry, Myanmar ambassadors, scholars of universities and trainees. At the opening
ceremony, the Secretary-1 delivered an address.
He said: It gives me great pleasure to learn that the Course in Diplomacy 4/2002 being opened
today is being attended not only by personnel from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but also by
trainees from other Ministries as well as from the Attorney-General's Office and the Office of the
Supreme Court.
Today, the nature of the international relations has assumed wider dimensions and, in addition to
diplomats, personnel from different government ministries, non-government organizations
(NGOs), businessmen and entrepreneurs and even various circles of the society are playing
important roles in diplomacy. Therefore, it becomes imperative for government ministries and
various organizations to be acquainted with the characteristics and complexities of modern-day
diplomacy. As such, in order for the government service personnel to be able to protect and
advance effectively the national interests of the nation, special courses are being arranged for
them.
It is only when enough skilled diplomats as well as government service personnel who are
knowledgeable about diplomacy and international relations have been nurtured will Myanmar be
able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world. May I therefore take this opportunity
to express our deep appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for arranging such courses for
Myanmar diplomats as well as for service personnel from other ministries. A review of the
current international situation will reveal that the conditions in the world are both complex and
delicate.
Even as conflicts and acts of violence are happening daily in most corners of the world, the gap
between the rich and the poor, and the technological divide between advanced and developing
nations are also becoming wider and wider. It can also be observed that while some small and
developing nations face internal strife and even the danger of disintegration, powerful nations
and groups of nation are openly interfering in the internal affairs of other countries under various
pretexts in order to mould them according to their wishes. In other words, there have appeared
many instances where the very independence and sovereignty of smaller nations are under threat.
Under these circumstances, it is of paramount importance for developing nations like Myanmar
to possess the necessary national resilience to be able to withstand the attempts by outside powers
to intervene in their internal affairs and to exert influence over them. As such, Myanmar is
endeavouring day and night to strengthen the nation under the guidance and leadership of the
Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe.
Moreover, in these endeavours, it is paying special attention to the development of the nation's
political, economic and defence might. The issue of armed insurgency that has plagued the
nation since the time of the regaining of independence is now almost completely resolved and for
the very first time, Myanmar is enjoying peace and stability practically in the entire country. In
addition, the strengthening of the Union Spirit among the national brethren has also resulted in
the consolidation of internal unity and solidarity.
The Government is also trying its best for all the national races and all organizations and
institutions from all spheres in the country to come together and cooperate with each other in
working for the development of the nation. Therefore, I wish to reiterate that the Government is
always keeping the door open to those groups who have still not yet joined hands with us. In
striving for the strengthening of the all-round capability of the country, economic development
and progress play a crucial role. It is our belief that while peace and stability contribute to
economic progress, lasting peace and tranquillity can only be assured by sustained economic
growth. Based on the prevailing peace and stability in the nation, the Government is working day
and night on nation-building efforts.
Due to the correct policies and strategies adopted by the Government and the whole-hearted and
joint endeavours of the Government, people and the Tatmadaw (Armed Forces), it can be said
with confidence that Myanmar is on the right path to achieve the national goal of a peaceful,
prosperous, modern and developed state. Relying on our own resources and efforts, the economy
has grown steadily despite the fact that some western nations have imposed embargoes and
sanctions and that Myanmar has practically received no official development assistance.
If one looks at Myanmar's economic growth, it can be seen that the economy attained an average
7.5 per cent per annum growth against a plan target of 5.1 per cent during the 1992-93 to 1995-
96 Short-Term Four-Year Plan. Similarly, Myanmar's economy grew by an average 8.4 per cent
in the 1996-97 to 2000-2001 Short-Term Five-Year Plan, surpassing the planned 6 per cent
annual growth. At present, the nation is implementing the 2001-2002 to 2005-2006 Short-Term
Five-Year Plan. Although the Plan calls for 6 per cent annual growth, we are confident that we
will be able to exceed the target.
Because of the endeavours of all responsible persons in the nation, Myanmar currently is
enjoying peace and tranquillity as well as all-round economic growth and development. Likewise,
Myanmar's international standing has also improved. Its ties and cooperation with its neighbours
and the countries in the region as well as with like-minded and friendly nations are growing
stronger day by day and it is participating more actively in international fora including the
United Nations and in regional associations like ASEAN and BIMST-EC.
Regrettably, opposition groups within and outside the country as well as some countries continue
to ignore the achievements in Myanmar and spread false allegations to tarnish the image to the
country, to give pressure and to try to isolate Myanmar for their own political motives. These
opposition groups and nations even tried to grad in international organizations in their nefarious
schemes. Moreover, Myanmar has to confront all sorts of allegations regarding human rights,
forces labour and narcotic drugs designated to damage the international reputation of Myanmar.
An objective evaluation will show that these accusations are very different from the actual
situation in the country and are politically-motivated. Even UN organizations have acknowledged
that narcotic production and trafficking have fallen sharply as the Government is undertaking
elimination of narcotic drugs as a national cause. It is also known to all that Myanmar is taking
legislative, administrative and executive measures to eradicate forced labour in the country. To
show that human rights abuses are neither practised nor condoned, the UN Human Rights
Special Rapporteur Professor Sergio Pinheiro has been permitted to visit various parts of the
country and to observe at first hand the true situation.
He was even able to visit jails and to meet with the prisoners and detainees freely. Up to now,
nearly 200 women prisoners who are pregnant or who are with small children have had their
sentences suspended and set free as a humanitarian gesture. In brief, it can be said that
significant strides have been made towards the national goal of a peaceful, prosperous, modern
and developed state sue to the vigorous and systematic efforts of the Government. On the other
hand, the future society that we aim for is the emergence of a disciplined democratic nation in
accord with the aspirations of the people. As many instances in the world have shown, countries
that did not take systematic steps in changing from one system to another often have to counter
unrest and instability that sometimes threaten the very fabric of nationhood.
We cannot permit the existing positive and favourable conditions in the nation to be undermined.
Allow me at this juncture to say the western nations that, if your intention is to see democracy
flourishing in Myanmar, if your wish is for Myanmar to be a nation contributing to regional and
international peace and prosperity, you should try to help and assist the Government in its
endeavours instead of placing obstacles and hindrances. Trying to obstruct these efforts in the
part of the Government through sanctions and embargoes will only result in delaying the
progress towards these goals. On our part, we are committed and determined to strive to reach
our noble goal whether or not we received assistance from abroad.
While the Government is making untiring and vigorous efforts towards the establishment of
democracy and national development, we are very much disturbed by an untoward incident aimed
at undermining our cherished goals and disintegration if the armed forces. Nevertheless, we are
doubly committed to carry on to reach the objectives of the country. In these times and
circumstances, it is all the more important for the service personnel to be well-versed in the
policies laid down by the State as well as to understand domestic and international conditions.
In this context, I am convinced that trainees will make every efforts to diligently study the
subjects of diplomacy and international relations as well as the initiatives and activities of the
State which are being taught in the Course. Let me take this opportunity to put on record my
sincere appreciation to the Minister and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Heads of
Department, Retired Ambassadors, and also Professors for taking time to teach the trainees
despite their heavy responsibilities. In conclusion: may I wish the trainees who participate in this
course will become truly distinguished personnel who could shoulder the duties of the State; may
all the officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs become loyal and distinguished diplomats; and
may a peaceful, modern, developed and democratic state emergence in the short period due to the
unremitting efforts to these loyal service personnel. Altogether 40 trainees of ministries, the
Chief Justice's Office and the Attorney-General's Office are attending the 17-week course.

( 3 ) A special press conference
-   Acts of U Aye Zaw Win and his sons solely aimed at establishing family power and seeking
    family interests
- May cause nation to deviate from desired goal of modern democracy
- Can break up unity within Tatmadaw and harm peace and stability
YANGON, 12 March-A special press conference with local and foreign media journalists on
matters relating to the conspiracy to seize State power and the attempts to break up unity within
Tatmadaw and cause antagonism was held at the Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road here at
noon today.
It was attended by Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen
KyawWin, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Deputy Minister
for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein,
Brig-Gen Khin Aung Myint of the Ministry of Defence, senior military officers, departmental
heads, officials of the Ministry of Information, Correspondent U Sein Win of Kyodo News
Agency, Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club Patron U Hla Htwe, President U Sao Kai Hpa,
member correspondents and invited persons.
Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win explained matters on the conspiracy to
seize State power and the attempts to break up the unity within Tatmadaw and cause antagonism.
He said: Today's press conference is the follow-up of the previous press conferece held on 9-3-
2002. At the previous press conference, it has been disclosed that U Aye Zaw Win and his sons
Aye Ne Win, Kyaw Ne Win and Zwe Ne Win conspired to seize State power and made attempts
to break up unity within the Tatmadaw and cause antagonism. At today's press conference,
matters on how they hatched their scheme will be explained.
As explained at the previous meeting, U Aye Zaw Win, Aye Ne Win, Kyaw Ne Win and Zwe Ne
Win, whenever they encountered difficulties in their business undertakings, were critical of the
State leaders. It is also learnt that they have expressed their dissatisfaction because they could no
longer enjoy privileges as before and the State has been giving economic opportunities to the
nationalities organizations. They discussed the need to effect changes in the leadership of top
State leaders with a view to changing the existing conditions of the State to suit their needs.
According to the statements of other witnesses, not only U Aye Zaw Win and sons but also Daw
Khin Sandar Win numbering five family-members had frequent closed-door meetings in the
Nawarat Concord office in recent months.
According to the statement of U Aye Zaw Win, a military force to disarm the security force was
needed in trying to meet the Senior General for effecting changes. Aye Ne Win and younger
brothers were assigned duties to mobilize the required military force and persuade a senior
military commander and U Aye Zaw Win was to enter Senior General Than Shwe's residence
with the use of military force to disarm the security guards. Then, when the residence was under
siege, he would voice complaints to the Senior General and put pressure on him. After that,
Senior General Than Shwe would be taken to Ady (Maikha) Road to meet with U Ne Win. The
person who would not obey the order of U Ne Win would be detained at his residence and the
person who would follow the directions of U Ne Win would be appointed as leader. The changes
in the Government would be made by forming a new Government with those who would stay
under the influence of U Ne Win. At that moment, the military force of the senior military
commander they could have organized would take security duty near the residence of U
Ne Win and Senior General Than Shwe would be pressed. That was one way.
Another way was that using the military force of a senior military commander they could have
organized, U Aye Zaw Win and youngest son Zwe Ne Win were to enter the Senior General's
residence while Aye Ne Win and Kyaw Ne Win were to go into the residences of General Maung
Aye and Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt simultaneously. To do so, they intended to use sufficient military
force to disarm the security units of the respective residences. Afterwards, Senior General Than
Shwe, General Maung Aye and Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt would be taken to the residence of U Ne Win
on Ady (Maikha) Road. Before U Ne Win, they would be asked to peacefully hand over the State
power and a new government would then be formed with those who would follow the directions
of U Ne Win. To facilitate this, the commander they could have organized would have to arrange
for the security of U Ne Win by taking security duty near U Ne Win.
Of the two ways, the one to choose would depend on the commander they could have organized.
The way that would come out through consultations with the commander would be used. U Aye
Zaw Win and his sons using military force and U Ne Win's influence would put pressure and
detain the ruling State leaders to effect changes in the leadership of the State. They had conspired
to form a new government by deviating from the Tatmadaw Government's policy for the
emergence of genuine multi-party democracy. It is clear that to successfully carry out their plot,
they had committed acts to mobilize some military forces and cause disintegration of the
Tatmadaw. They would take advantage of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day when military
troops of various places are in Yangon for the occasion. In this way, they attempted to seize state
power, making a stooge of the Tatmadaw.
Of the business enterprises of U Aye Zaw Win and sons, the Golden Crown Co headed by Kyaw
Ne Win was kept open in the premises of Nawarat Hotel. Although they had declared to be doing
construction business, there had been no construction undertakings whatsoever. They have been
grooming over 50 persons who would follow their orders by providing them high salaries.
Wherever they go, they are always seen with their properly trained followers like their own
private security guards.
When going outside, they moved in a motorcade and their own security guards ahead and back.
They also used their own security guards at their residences and offices. They kept own security
guards by giving each of them from K 40,000 to K 50,000 per month. They have to spend about
K 3 million per month to give as salaries to those private security guards.
When the authorities searched the office and store room of Golden Crown Co on 8 March 2002,
altogether 59 communication sets which could be used only by the Tatmadaw and state security
organizations were found together with bases, re-transmission devices, trunk-call aerial antennae
and aerial cables. Some of them are used-ones and some brand-new. Similarly, 27 rubber batons
that could be used only by security control battalions, 20 signal lights carried by traffic police, 2
mine sweepers, badges of police offices, badges and arm emblems of security force members,
arm-bands, uniforms, caps and trousers, boots armoury, belts, camouflage and equipment were
also confiscated. These things could have been intended to be used when their conspiracy met
success as well as in making demands to the State leaders.
The hat badge and the arm badge designed by Aye Ne Win are significant. The hat badge
portrays a ka-daung (dancing peacock) wearing a magaik crown. The ka-daung implying the sun
represents U Ne Win. The arm badge portrays three swords symbolizing the three brothers. It
also includes a picture of a tiger holding a royal tha-mee fan ( a Yak tail fly-whisk) which stands
for Aye Ne Win, a harp representing the ancestors of the grandmother, and a ngayant fish
representing the ancestors of the grandfather.
Other confiscated items not known for astrology or the lowly way were a gold basket, a silver
basket, a gold dove, a silver dove, a gold gong, a silver gong, a thanhlet (a royal weapon), a
figurine of a frog, miniature statues of the leaders of the State. The media persons will have to
find the answer to all that by themselves.
What he could tell is that Myo Myint Aung (a) Setkya Aung Pwint Khaung (a) Saya Lay of 956,
12th Yathawady Street, Ward 13, South Okkalapa, was hired as an adviser at Sky Link Company
at a monthly salary of K 300,000. The company was managed by U Aye Zaw Win and Kyaw Ne
Win . The man was provided with an Isuzu Trooper car (Plate No 3kha/6383) and a cellular
phone. The company also provided him with a barrel of octane petroleum per month. According
to the papers seized at Golden Crown Company, the expenditure for staff salary alone for the
month, February, amounted to K 3.3 million and FEC 16,311. The individual monthly salaries of
the office staff and the security staff of the company can be also found in the papers. The list of
code names and code words can be also found in the documents.
The three brothers, Aye Ne Win, Kyaw Ne Win and Zwe Ne Win, always went outside in a
motorcade under the protection of their private security guards. When they had a quarrel with
other youth, the security guards bullied and hit the other youth like gangsters. Kyaw Ne Win was
said to be a womanizer spending a large sum for the purpose. Due to these misdeeds, it was
rumoured in public that the grandsons of U Ne Win were gangsters.
Kyaw Ne Win and Zwe Ne Win and their security guards entered Feel Restaurant at 11.30 am on
3 January 1999 while Maung Kyaw Ye Lin, 18, son of U Moe Nyunt, of Ward 7, Mayangon
Township, and his friends were dining at the restaurant located at Ward 6, in the same township.
They took Maung Kyaw Ye Lin and friends to the compound of the Traffic Police Office near
Inya Lake. They released Maung Kyaw Ye Lin's friends, Maung Thet Toe Han and Maung Ye
Zaw Tun, but held Maung Kyaw Ye Lin. Under orders of Kyaw Ne Win and Zwe Ne Win, the
security guards slapped, hit and kicked Maung Kyaw Ye Lin. The security guards also shaved his
head and his eyebrows. They also made him do exercise under the sun as punishment. Kyaw Ne
Win and brothers used the Army unit in their quarrels with other youth resulting from enmity.
The brothers made the soldiers of the unit go beyond the limit in hitting other youth. The soldiers
who were involved in the quarrel faced actions in accord with the military rules.
Similarly, there was another rowdy incident at 5.30 pm on 30 July 2001. Kyaw Ne Win and four
accomplices pulled down Kyaw Thu, 20, from his car near the traffic light at the junction of
Insein and Parami roads in Hline Township. The reason was that Kyaw Thu who was driving a
Dyna light truck of Wa Wa Win Construction Company carrying iron grilles did not make way
for their Land Cruiser car (4Kha/9) to overtake him. After hitting Kyaw Thu, they took him to
Nawarat Concord Hotel and forced him to carry rice bags. The problem ended as the victim did
not file a law suit against them.
Grudge against the State leaders
For their acts misleading the public and their breach of social rules, the authorities concerned,
under theinstructions of the Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen
Khin Nyunt, warned, U Aye Zaw Win and sons against going outdoors under personal security
and using communication facilities. They also warned them to abide by the law. It was heard that
the whole family bore grudge for giving them the warning.
They sold GSM telephones to the public before they got permission and they did something that
should not be done. Authorities concerned had to intervene and handle the case break out lest
there should be a problem between them and the people. Regarding the sale of GSM telephones
in cooperation with the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs, Kyaw Ne Win
assigned duties to KLN Co and sold the phones before the permission was obtained. The KLN Co
gave Kyaw Ne Win K 545 million out of K 627.67 million realized from the sale of 1,092
telephones. Regarding the illegal measures undertaken without the permission, authorities
concerned detained telephone seller, and made arrangements to draw money for those who paid
money in advance to get telephones. The KLN Co made arrangements to repay the money to
those who bought the telephones and authorities concerned demanded the money from Kyaw Ne
Win. Payments were then made to those who bought the telephones. U Aye Zaw Win, Daw Khin
Sandar Win and sons were indignant against State leaders concerning the money they had to
refund.
Confiscation of cars without licence
In connection with the offences committed by U Aye Zaw Win and his sons, some witnesses were
questioned. Out of the vehicles used in the Golden Crown Co, 15 were without licence. The
photos of the vehicles without licence were put on display.
Position of senior military commanders
After investigating the senior military commander said to have been involved in the attempt as
they have persuaded, it is clearly found that they directly told him their plot. It is obvious that
they have conspired to commit a treason. Some military commanders were indirectly persuaded.
It was revealed that U Aye Zaw Win and sons persuaded those who might have sympathy for
them and admired them.
The acts of U Aye Zaw Win and sons Aye Ne Win, Kyaw Ne Win and Zwe Ne Win were
improper and solely aimed at establishing family power and seeking family interests. It could
harm the political history of Myanmar at a time when national solidarity has flourished and could
also deviate from the way of ensuring the emergence of a new modern and developed democratic
nation desired by the citizenry. Moreover, it can destroy the unity within the Tatmadaw and harm
the peace and stability of the country.
Their acts amount to committing crimes and are violations of economic laws. Action will be
taken against them in accordance with the existing laws.
Then, the Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence gave replies to the questions raised by the
mediamen. The special press conference ended at 12.45 pm. Afterwards, the journalists viewed
the confiscated items and documentary photos displayed there.

( 4 ) Princess floating restaurant and recreation centre opened
YANGON, 12 March - Under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport, a ceremony to open
the Princess floating restaurant and recreation centre of Tet Nay Aung Co Ltd and Hnin Thitsa
Co Ltd was held at Wadan jetty (Padamya jetty) this evening. It was attended by Daw Khin Than
Nwe, wife of Lt-Gen Tin Oo, the ministers, the Yangon mayor, the deputy ministers, the vice-
mayor, departmental heads, officials of the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Hotels and
Tourism and Tet Nay Aung Co Ltd, artistes and invited guests. First, Minister for Transport Maj-
Gen Hla Myint Swe, Managing Director of Tet Nay Aung Co Ltd U Zaw Win and Managing
Director of Hnin Thitsa Co Ltd Daw Khin Thida formally opened the restaurant and the
recreation centre. Then, dinner was hosted to those present. The restaurant and the recreation
centre were built dividing into two sections on Wadan Jetty Nos 1 and 2. Section-1 has an air-
conditioned hall with a capacity of 500 persons and a balcony from which the beauty of Yangon
river can be enjoyed. Section-2 has a modern musical sloon, a beauty Salon, a karaoke lounge
and a fitness centre.

( 5 ) Illicit timber logs seized in DaikU
YANGON, 12 March - A combined squad of members of local intelligence unit and Myanmar
Police Force, acting on information, laying in wait at the edge between DaikU and Bago
townships on 10 March and seized eight trucks with illegal logs. The logs on the trucks were
about 35 tons of Pyingadoe and 10 tons of others. Six timber merchants bought the said logs from
illegal loggers in the area of Bago Yoma and DaikU and smuggled them into Yangon. Action
was taken against drivers Zaw Hein, Saw Mu Shin, Win Bo, Zaw Lin, Tin Lin and Thein Zaw
and timber merchants Kyaw Gyi, Soe Shein, Thaung Yin and Aung Tun who were arrested in
connection with the seizure of the logs. Drivers Maung Myo and Min Lwin Oo managed to
escape. The authorities concerned are in pursuit of the remaining illicit timber merchants Nay
Win Naing and Naing Win of Phayagyi Village in Bago Township who did not accompany the
trucks.

( 6 ) Highest buyers of Gems honoured
YANGON, 12 March - Sales of gem lots at the 39th Myanmar Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda
Road here at 11.45 pm yesterday.Gems Emporium Central Committee Chairman Deputy
Minister for Mines U Myint Thein presented a mosaic and a certificate of honour to Mr Chatchai
Kijragoonrat of JJ and Ton Jewellery Ltd of Thailand who is the highest buyer of gem lots at the
emporium.

( 7 ) Gems Emporium fetches over US$ 20m
YANGON, 12 March-A total of US$ 20,089,200 was realized at the 39th Myanma Gems
Emporium held at the Myanma Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road from 5 to 11 March- US$
5,7669,703 from 307 jade lots, US$ 13,525,190 from 88 gem lots, US$ 120,474 from 20 pearl
lots through tender system and competitive bidding, and US$ 673,833 from jade figurines,
jewellery, gems and jade at fixed prices.

Shwedagon Pagoda tops visit list for tourists
YANGON’S magnificent Shwe-dagon Pagoda has attracted an average of nearly 103,640 foreign visitors a year since 1995, according to figures released by trustees of the revered site. The figures show that 97,315 foreigners visited the pagoda last year, down slightly on the number of overseas visitors the previous year. The figures, provided by the Shwedagon Pagoda Trusteeship Council, show that 55,588 foreigners visited the pagoda in 1995, jumping to 87,413 overseas visitors in 1996, which was promoted internationally by the government as Visit Myanmar Year. In what appears to have been a flow-on effect of Visit Myanmar Year, the number of foreign visitors to the pagoda, regarded as one of the wonders of the world, peaked at just over 192,000 in 1997. There were 96,751 foreign visitors to the pagoda in 1998, 95,902 in 1999 and 100,497 in 2000. Government figures show that 119,304 foreign tourists visited the country in 2000. This suggests that nearly all overseas tourist arrivals visit the pagoda. Not surprisingly, the figures show that visits by foreigners to the pagoda are highest during the cooler months when tourist arrivals are at their highest. In January, February, March, November and December last year, the pagoda averaged just over 11,800 foreign visitors a month. The monthly average for overseas visitors during the rest of the year was about 5470. Income derived from entrance and camera fees charged to foreigners is a useful source of revenue for the pagoda. Foreigners are charged an entrance fee of US$5 or FEC5, generating more than $486,000 last year. U Win Kyaing, the head of the Trusteeship Council’s office, says income generated by foreign visitors goes towards renovations and repairs. "The foreign exchange is also useful if we have to buy equipment from overseas," he said. Foreigners - who account for a fraction of the estimated 45,000 Myanmar who visit the pagoda a day - often tend to be overwhelmed by the beauty of the Shwedagon. The responses from tourists at the pagoda last week are typical of foreign visitors. "This is my first visit to Myanmar and I wanted to see the Shwedagon pagoda, which I had read about before I left for my trip," said French tourist, Ms Joelle Ribon. "It is very impressive; it makes me feel very small," said Ms Ribon, a Parisian. Mr Herbert Kreis, an Austrian, was on his third visit to Myanmar and second visit to the pagoda. "It is impressive," said Mr Kreis, from Vienna. "It is famous." "I like this place," said Mr Mohan, a visitor from Singapore, who described the pagoda as "magnificent." "I am a Hindu but I respect Buddhism," Mr Mohan said. "I come here several times whenever I am in Yangon," he said. "I pay respects to the pagoda; I think that belief is one thing and respect is another."

$25m in contracts a Fair result
MORE than US$25 million in export contracts has been generated by the first trade fair held in Myanmar to promote the fisheries and livestock sectors. The figure was released by the Directorate of Trade, which co-sponsored the Fishery and Livestock Fair in conjunction with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. The figure was for contracts signed up until February 21, a day before the close of the week-long fair, held at Yangon Trade Centre in Pazundaung township, east of the city centre. Most of the contracts were for seafood products. "The fair has been a great success," said U Kyi Maung, deputy director general of the Directorate of Trade. He said companies which had secured substantial export contracts included Advance Seafood Industries, Min Zar Ni, the General (Myanmar) Group of Companies and Annawar Fisheries Holdings. Most of the contracts were signed with importers in Australia, Britain, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, New Zealand, Singapore and the United States, said U Aye Kyu, a deputy director of the Directorate of Trade. Myanmar companies which exhibited at he fair welcomed the opportunities it provided to expose their products to overseas buyers and said they looked forward to similar events in future. A total of 154 companies had booths at the fair, including 132 from Myanmar. The 22 foreign companies were from Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

            (The Myanmar Times/Feb.25-Mar.3 2002)

For further information, inqueries may kindly be made to the nearest Myanmar Embassies or Consulates
or email to mission.myanmar@ties.itu.int

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