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ARCHIVE	Thursday, 14 March 2002	ONLINE EDITION

Leading Committee Chairman inspects parade drills of military columns

Minister inspects booth of Ministry of Forestry

Labour Minister receives Ambassador

Armed Forces Day Commemorative Exhibition Subcommittee meets

Computer quiz on Twelve Objectives continues

"Soon" offered to members of the Sangha

Boosting of production in agriculture & livestock breeding coordinated

Beach volleyball, mini-volleyball tournaments open

Drug traffickers get life sentence

SPOTLIGHT

( 1 ) Leading Committee Chairman inspects parade drills of military columns
YANGON, 13 March- Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Kyaw Win inspected marching of military columns from Myoma Ground to the Resistance Park this morning.
Also present on the occasion were Chairman of the Management Committee for Observance of the
57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe,
Vice-Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Brig-Gen Aung Kyi and Brig-Gen Thein Swe, Chairman of the Best Company Selection Work Committee Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Chairman of the Security Work Committee Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint, senior military officers and officials.
Under the leadership of Parade Commander Brig-Gen Hla Tun and Reserve Parade Commander Col Than Htay, Tatmadawmen, members of Myanmar Police Force, Fire Services Department and Red Cross Society of Anawrahta Column led by Col Thaung Shwe, Kyansittha Column led by Col Tin Hla, Bayintnaung Column led by Col Khin Maung Win, Nawade Column led by Captain Han Sein (Navy), Aungzeya Column led by Col Khin Maung Latt, Hsinbyushin Column led by Col Myo Thant, Bandoola Column led by Col Aung Min, Myawady Column led by Col Hla Moe and Aung San Column led by Col Thaung Zin practised parade drills. Then, the Leading Committee Chairman gave necessary instructions to the officials and left the park at 9 am.

( 2 ) Minister inspects booth of Ministry of Forestry
YANGON, 13 March - Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone, accompanied by Deputy Minister Col Thaik Tun, directors-general and the managing director, inspected the booth of the Ministry of Forestry displayed at the Defence Services Museum for the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Exhibition. The minister viewed exhibits displayed at the booth and gave instructions on adding new items at the booth.
Ministers inspect Aung San Column
Yangon, 13 March- Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing and Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein inspected Aung San Column which will participate in the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade, in Kyaikkasan Grounds this evening. They were welcomed there by Deputy
Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, Deputy Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police
Brig-Gen Zaw Win, Myanmar Red Cross Society Executive Director U Aung Than, U Tun Sein and Aung San Column Commander Col Thoung Zin. Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein presented K 750,000 and Minister Col Tin Hlaing K 750,000 for the red cross companies which will take part in Aung San Column. Director U Aung Than and Col Thoung Zin accepted the donations. Later, the ministers and party inspected the hostels and mess halls of the companies and left necessary instructions.

( 3 ) Labour Minister receives Ambassador
YANGON, 13 March - Minister for Labour U Tin Winn received Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Shigeru Tsumori at the office of the Ministry of Culture at 3 pm today. Also present at the call were Director-General of the Labour Department U Soe Nyunt and officials.

( 4 ) Armed Forces Day Commemorative Exhibition Subcommittee meets
YANGON, 13 March -The Exhibition Subcommittee of the Work Committee for Holding Poem and Arts Contests to mark the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day held a coordination meeting at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Culture this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of the Work Committee Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt (Htilar Sitthu).
Also present were members of the Subcommittee Director-General of the Department of Cultural
Institute U Myint Thein Swe and poets U Tin Win (Pyinmana Maung Ni Thin) and Captain Maung
Nyunt (Retd) (Maung Kyin Nwe), and officials. The meeting focused on systematic exhibition of short and long poems, marching and military songs, and prize winners' photos and brief biographies. It also discussed exhibition of the Painting and Sculpture Subcommittee's paintings and sculptures, and the centre piece painting. The chairman of the Work Committee gave necessary instructions. Then, the meeting came to an end with concluding remarks by the deputy minister.
Winners announced for Military and Marching Song Competitions
YANGON, 13 March-Hailing the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, the Poem and Art Competitions Work Committee, chaired by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, announced winners in the Military and Marching Song Competitions today.
In the marching song contest, Nay Mon Shwe Win won the first prize, Win Tun (Myawady) the second prize, Saw Yan Kyaw the third prize and five won consolation prizes. Sgt Phone Myint stood first in the military song level-1 contest, Lay Naing Min (Myawady) second, Composer Soe Thit third and five won consolation prizes.
Saw Min Naung won the first prize in the military song level-2 contest, Cpl Saw Palar Hsay the second, Aung Hsan Win the third and five won consolation prizes. Number of competitors and creation of their works have increased in the open level compared with the previous year. The winners are to contact Myanma Radio and Television on 13, 14 and 15 March. First, second and third prizes will be presented to the respective winners at the prize presentation ceremony to mark the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day on 27 March 2002 in Yangon and consolation prizes at the respective military commands.
The first, second and third prize winners may contact Secretary U Ko Ko Htwe of Military and
Marching Song Competitions Subcommittee, MRTV, Pyay Road, on 22 March.

( 5 ) Computer quiz on Twelve Objectives continues
YANGON, 13 March- Hailing the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, computer quiz on Twelve State's Objectives continued at the booth of Twelve State's objectives of the Defense Services Museum at 9 am today. First, Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director of the Resettlement, Ministry of Defense, explained the purpose of holding the quiz. Assistant Lecturer U Khin Maung Win of the University of Computer Studies explained the methods of taking the quiz. Members of USDAs from Hline, Dawbon and Botahtaung Townships participated in it and Director Brig-Gen Aung Thein and officials encouraged the participants.
Prize-winners of essay and poetry competitions announced
YANGON, 13 March - The work committee for holding literary, arts and extempore talks competitions for university, college, institute and basic education schools held essay and poetry competitions at university, college, institute and basic education high/middle school levels in commemoration of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day 2002 on 12 and 13 January.
Winners of the competitions were announced today. In the essay competition at university, college and institute level, Ma Loial Tun of Mawlamyine Education College stood first, Cadet Thein Min San of PyinOoLwin Defence Services Academy second, and Ma Su Khin Lay Oo of Yangon University of Economics third. Consolation prizes went to Ma Saw Einda Thet Maung of Bago Degree College, Maung Thiha Aung of Phaunggyi Central Cooperative College, Ma Hnin Zarchi Wan of Pathein Education College, Cadet Hein Nyi Zaw of PyinOoLwin Defence Services Academy and Ma Thiri Nyo Win Kyaw Min Thein of Workers College. In the poetry competition at university, college and institute level, Cadet Aung Ko Ko Thet of Defence Services Technological Academy, Cadet Tin Zar Maw of Defence Services Medical Academy and Maung Zaw Myo Aung of Mandalay University of Distance Education stood first, second and third respectively. Consolation prizes went to Ma Saw Einda Thet Maung of Bago Degree College, Cadet Aung Ko Ko of PyinOoLwin Defence Services Academy, Ma Thet Su Myat Veterinary Science University, Maung Nyi Nyi Naing of Pakokku University and Maung Hlwam Moe Myint of Mandalay Education College. In the essay competition at basic education high school level, Maung Nyein Chan Aung of Sagaing BEHS 3 won the first prize, Ma Kay Kay Zin of Pathein BEHS 2 the second prize, and Ma Shumawa of Nyaunglaybin BEHS 1 the third prize. Ma Poe Dalimon of Pyay BEHS 3, Ma Chit Su San of Kengtung BEHS 2, Ma Yu Yu Hlaing of Ahlon BEMS 3, Maung Ko Ko of Dawei BEHS 2 and Nan Khine Sanda Lwin of Hpa-an BEHS 2 were consolation-prize winners.
In the poetry competition at basic education high school level, the first prize went to Maung Pyay Sone Aung of Pathein BEMS 6, the second prize to Maung Kyaw Phyo Hsint of Loikaw BEHS 1, and the third prize to Ma Su Mon Lin of Myitkyina BEHS 2 while consolation prizes went to Maung Myo Thant Zin of Mawlamyine BEMS 4, Maung Min Wunna Moe of Hpa-an BEHS 4, Ma Khaing Su Myat of Hlaing BEHS 1, Nang San Nwan of Kengtung BEMS 3 and Maung Thet Lwin of Aungmyethasan BEHS 11. In the essay competition at basic education middle school level, Ma Htet Su Wai of Myeik BEHS 1, Ma Htet Su Su Lwin of Toungoo BEHS 1 and Ma Nay Chi Lin of North Okkalapa BEMS 1 stood first, second and third respectively. Maung Kyaw Thet Wai of Mawlamyine of BEMS 4, Ma Myat Thuza Khin of Betye Kyanknin BEHS, Ma Poe Poe San Maung of Yaksawk BEHS, Ma Khine Zar Myint of Bhamo BEHS 3 and Ma Win Thiri Kyaw of Prize-winners Hsaiywa, Hsinkai BEMS were consolation-prize winners. In the poetry competition at the basic education middle school level, Maung Zaw Min Htet of Mawlamyine BEMS 7 stood the first place, Maung Thura Soe of Nattalin BEHS the second place, and Maung Paik of Sagaing BEHS 2 the third place.
Consolation prizes went to Ma Chawklya Kyaw of Pathein BEMS 6, Maung Phyo Zeya of BEMS
Thayetywa, Salin, Maung Pyay Maung Lat of Nyaunglaybin BEHS 1, Maung Thant Zin Tun of
Nyaungshwe BEMS 1 and Ma Htet Htet Lwin of Ahlon BEMS 3. The winners of the first, second and third prizes will be awarded on 27 March 2002, the Armed Forces Day. Prize-winners at university, collage and science level are personally to inform to the Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar) on Thaton Road, Kamayut Township and prize-winners at basic education high/middle school level to the principal of Sanchaung BEHS 1 on 24 March. Winners of consolation prizes will be awarded at ceremonies of the Armed Forces Day of their respective military commands the same day.

( 6 ) "Soon" offered to members of the Sangha
YANGON, 13 March - The families of Southern Command held the 33rd "soon" offering ceremony to members of the Sangha who took part in the Toungoo District Sudhamma Pariyatti Oral Examination at the Myazigon Sarthintaik in Toungoo on 12 March morning.
Present were Toungoo Kyanikan Sayadaw Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhad-danta Suriya,
Ovadacariya Sayadaws and Patron Sayadaws, Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Aung Min and wife Dr Daw Wai Wai Tha,
Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Thura Maung Ni, Brig-Gen Thrua Myint Thein of Toungoo Station,
senior military officers and their wives, Secretary of the Council Lt-Col Aung Min, departmental
officials, commanders of battalions and regiments, townselders and guests. The Kyanikan Sar-thintaik Sayadaw invested the congregation with the Five Precepts.
Then, the Sayadaws recited the parittas. The commander and wife and officials presented offertories to the Sayadaws. Afterwards, the Kyani-kan Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits gained. After the ceremony, the commander and wife and officials offered "soon" to 1,200
members of the Sangha.
Meeting for tourism development held
YANGON, 13 March- A meeting of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and tour operators for
development of tourism in Myanmar was held at Asia Plaza Hotel yesterday. Present were Deputy
Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, officials of departments and enterprises
under the ministry, private tour operators from companies and Asia Plaza Hotel.
On behalf of the Minister for Hotels and Tourism, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu said the ministry is responsible for development of tourism and it is systematically carrying out measures for development of tourism according to its annual objectives. In doing so, efforts are to be made for
cooperation of related ministries and private tour operators and the sector of private tour operators is to be promoted, he said.
Arrangements will be made for Myanmar private tour operators to have contact with external tour
operators, world tourism board and Asia and Pacific private tour operators association.
Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt reported on matters relating to the 13th Meeting of Mekong Region Work Committee on Asia and Pacific to be held in Sedona Hotel and the 7th Mekong Tourism Forum. Chairman U Khin Zaw of Tour Mandalay took part in the discussions.

( 7 ) Boosting of production in agriculture & livestock breeding coordinated
YANGON, 13 March - The Ayeyawady Division Supervisory Committee for Boosting Production in Agriculture and Livestock Breeding held a meeting at the office of the Division Peace and Development Council on 12 March. It was attended by Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Chairman South-West Command Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo, Secretary Lt-Col Sein Maung and members, Chairman of Pathein District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Maung Pyone, departmental officials and members of the Supervisory Committee. The commander made a speech on the occasion.
Then, the master of ceremonies presented the minutes of the previous meeting. Afterwards, members of the Supervisory Committee reported on work being carried out. The secretary and the officials gave supplementary reports. The commander fulfilled the requirements and made concluding remarks. Later, the coordination meeting of Ayeyawady Division Forest Department followed at the same venue, attended by the commander. Director of Forest Department U San Lwin reported on tasks being implemented in Ayeyawady Division. Then, the commander gave necessary instructions.
Commander looks into development works of Taungup
YANGON, 13 March- Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Brig-Gen Maung Oo, accompanied by Brig-Gen Kyi Thein of Taungup Station and officials, met district and township level engineers at the Yeiktha in Taungup on the morning 10 March and discussed construction of roads and bridges in the region. District Senior Engineer U Nyan Tun reported on tar availability for repairing Taungup-Thandwe Road and progress of work and officials on tasks being carried out for development of the region.
At 9 am, the commander met with departmental personnel, social organizations and local people at the Town Hall in Taungup and gave instructions on making efforts for regional development. Then, the commander inspected the construction site of Wetkyaik Dam, Panmyauk-taung Microwave Relay Station and Gyogyarkwin Reservoir. The commander attended to the requirements. Next, the
commander inspected the repair of Taungup-Thandwe road and gave necessary instructions.
Computer sets donated
YANGON, 13 March - The Asia Wealth Bank (Taunggyi Branch) donated ten sets of computer for basic education schools of Mongkai, Leikha and Kehsi in Shan State (South) at the City Hall in Taunggyi on 10 March. Vice-Chairman of AWB U Aik Tun presented the donation through Deputy Commander of Eastern Command Col Myint Aung. The AWB is making arrangements to construct a 25-bed hospital and new school buildings and to renovate the old ones in Mongkai. The vice-chairman then explained the functions of AWB including introduction of on-line banking system.

( 8 ) Beach volleyball, mini-volleyball tournaments open
YANGON, 13 March- Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint attended the opening ceremony of the 5th Inter-State and Division Beach Volleyball Tournament and 7th Inter-State and Division Mini-Volleyball Tournament under-13 for 2002, at the Youth Sports Training Centre in Thuwunna here this morning.
Also present were General Secretary of the Myanmar Olympic Committee Director-General of the
Sports and Physical Education Department U Thaung Htaik and officials, patrons of the Myanmar
Women's Sports Federation and members, President and executives of the Myanmar Volleyball
Federation, guests and fans. First, the teams took designated places and the minister made an address and opened the contest. A total of eight matches took place in today's programme and the matches will continue at 7 am tomorrow.
Myanmar beat Singapore 1-0
YANGON, 13 March - Group-11 matches of U-20 Asia Youth qualifier-2002 were held in Singapore this evening. In one match, Myanmar Youth Selected team beat the host Singapore Youth Selected team 1-0. Lwin Oo, at the fifth minute of first half, scored the goal for the Myanmar team. Myanmar team will play against the People's Republic of China youth team on 15 March evening.
Myanmar trounces Hong Kong 9-0 in qualifier of Asia Youth U-17 Football Tournament
YANGON, 13 March - The first match of group-7 qualifier of Asia Youth Under-17 Football Tournament took place at the football ground of Youth Training Centre (Thuwunna) at 4
pm today. Among those who enjoyed the match were Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint and the ministers, the
deputy ministers, members of the panel of patrons of Myanmar Women's Sports Federation, officials from the ministry and Myanmar Football Federation, guests and
football fans.
Taking designated positions in the ground, Myanmar Youth Selected team and Hong Kong Youth
Selected team, led by referees of Asia Football Federation, saluted the flags by singing the anthems of the two countries. General Secretary of MOC Director-General of the Sports and Physical Education Department President of MFF U Thaung Htaik and the group-7 Match Comm of AFF Mr Miguel MG Villadolid greeted the players of both teams. After the players of both teams greeted each other, the captains of the two teams exchanged the pennants. Myanmar Youth Selected team played against Hong Kong team, in which the former completed a 9-0 whitewash win over the latter. On 15 March at 4 pm as the second match, Hong Kong team will meet Singapore team.
Traditional kite-flying Contest to be held
YANGON, 13 March- The Third Traditional kite-flying Contest and Market Festival, to be sponsored by CISS Co Ltd with assistance provided by Ministry of Sports, Sports and Physical Education Department and Myanma Traditional Sports Federation, will be held at the youth football training grounds of the Youth Training Centre in Thuwunna, Thingangyun Township, from 8 am to 8 pm daily from 3 to 7 April. Over 40 shops will sell personal goods and cosmetics, kite accessories shops and the booth related to the kite will be opened at the market festival.
Visitors will be entertained with the Myanma orchestras and men's and women's traditional chinlon
contests beginning 7 pm daily. Those wishing to open the shops may contact CISS Co Ltd, Ph: 525127 and 530746, Bayintnaung Tower, Bayintnaung Road, Kamayut. Competitors for the Kite Contest may take applications beginning 11 March and must submit their applications together with entries at the office of the federation. Competitors must contact the temporary office of the contest organizing committee at the youth football grounds in Thuwunna at 10 am on 1 April.

( 9 ) Drug traffickers get life sentence
YANGON, 13 March - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Tachilek Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, searched the house of Kyashikha of Namtphone Village in Tachilek Township. Along with Kyashikha in the house were Kyahti and Kyahtaw. The authorities seized 150,000 stimulant tablets in the handbag from the ceiling of the bedroom on 28 September 2001.
In connection with the case, Tachilek Police Station filed Kyashikha, 33, son of U Kya Saw of
Namtphone Village in Tachilek Township, Kyahti, 25, son of U Kyayaw of Pauk Village in Mongyan Township and 30-year-old Kyahtaw under section 15/19 (A)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. On 4 February 2002, Tachilek District Court handed down five years' imprisonment under section 15 and life sentence under section 19 (A) each on them to serve separately.

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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