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ARCHIVE Friday, 17 January 2003 ONLINE EDITION
Yangon, 16 Jan - Visiting Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Mr Li Lanqing and wife Madam Zhang Suzhen and party, left here by special flight this morning to visit Mandalay.
Before their departure, General Khin Nyunt cordially greeted the visiting Vice Premier at the VIP Lounge of the airport and presented a documentary photo album and video tape of the goodwill visit in Yangon to him.
Then, the visiting Vice Premier and wife cordially greeted the Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command and wife, the ministers and their wives, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and wife, officials of the Chinese Embassy and Chinese entrepreneurs in Yangon at the airport.
Next, Vice Premier Mr Li Lanqing and wife Madam Zhang Suzhen cordially greeted General Khin Nyunt and wife
Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe.
Afterwards, Vice Premier Mr Li Lanqing and wife waved at the Secretary-1 and wife and party who had come to the airport to see them off.
When the plane carrying the visiting Vice Premier and wife and party left here for Mandalay at 9.45 am, the Secretary-1 and wife and party waved at the guests from the VIP Lounge of Yangon International Airport.
Yangon, 16 Jan Ñ Members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than met with departmental personnel, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations and towns- elders in Gwa Township, Rakhine State, on 13 January.
Harmonious contribution of skill, ability and goodwill to the work will lead to achieving success. The social organizations are required to constantly participate in the drive to serve the public interests. On arrival at Kyaukphyu, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party were welcomed by Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Maung Oo and military and civilian officials.
After meeting with the departmental personnel, they left for Sittway. Yesterday morning, they met with local authorities and division level officials in Sittway. Commander Maj-Gen Maung Oo reported on farming, prawn and fish production, other economic enterprises, and health, education and social developments.
Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann urged them to work in harmony, implement the five rural development tasks and serve the public interests. Also speaking at the meeting, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than spoke of the need to strive to boost marine products and exceed the target of agricultural produce.
At the meeting with officials in Paletwa, China State, they fulfilled the departmental requirements. In Kyauktaw Township, they met with local farmers near Pazaing Dam. Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann said the State has been building dams to serve the interest of farmers.
They should strive to implement the five rural development tasks and study the advanced farming techniques. Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung presented crop seeds to the farmers. They then paid obeisance to Maha Muni Buddha Image. Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party inspected ancient palace excavation site and the Cultural Museum in Myohaung yesterday. They also paid homage to Shitthaung Pagoda.
Then, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann met with officials of government departments and social organizations at the precinct of the pagoda and gave urged them to preserve the cultural heritage, strive for the beautifying tasks of MraukU and Myohaung, and to cooperate service personnel and local people in regional development tasks.
At 10 am, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party arrived at An by helicopter, where they were welcomed by Col Myint Swe of An Station and officials. Then, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann met with officials of government departments and social organizations at An Yoma Hall and cordially conversed with them.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party proceeded to Mindon in Thayet District, Magway Division, by helicopter and arrived there at 1 pm. Magway Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Col Zaw Min, Thayet District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Tin Soe and departmental officials welcomed them.
Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann met with officials of government departments and social organizations at Mindon Township Peace and Development Council Office.
The chairman of the Township Peace and Development Council U Tin Soe reported Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party on matters related to agriculture, livestock breeding, economy, education, health and the gross domestic product and per capita income in the township.
Then, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann made a speech. In his speech he said it was heartening to see thriving agricultural works at the surrounding areas of the town. The State, spending large amount of money, had been building irrigation facilities for the benefit of the people. At the same time, upholding " Our Three Main National Causes" and laying down political, economic and social objectives, it was also striving for the development of the country. The momentum of development was higher than previous eras due to the concerted efforts of service personnel, people and social organizations.
He then urge those present to keep the development momentum of the country and oppose those offend against "Our There Main National Causes" and destroy the interests of the State.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party arrived at Thayet in the evening. They attended the ceremony to open the multimedia classrooms in No 1 Basic Education High School in Thayet, where they were welcomed by teachers, members of the school board of trustees and social organizations, students, and members of band troupes and dance troupes.
First, Headmistress Daw Tin Tin Win of the school and Chairman U Aung Kyi of the school board of trustees formally opened the ceremony.
Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than formally unveiled the signboard of the multimedia classrooms.
Then, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party viewed the skill demonstration of students in the multimedia classrooms. At 4 pm, they left Thayet by helicopter for Yangon via Innma in Pyay District, Bago Division, and arrived back here in the evening. Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party arrived at Gwa, Taungup, Kyaukpyu, and Sittway and cordially greeted officials and other ranks of respective stations and their families on 13 January, those of Paletwa, Kyauktaw, MraukU, Kyikanpyin Camp of Maungtaw, and Buthidaung on 14 January and those of Am, Thayet and Innma on 15 January at the halls of the respective stations.
Central Executive Committee member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung, who accompanied Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, met with secretaries and executives of Rakhine State, districts, and township USDAs at the Rakhine State USDA office on 13 January and discussed matters related to organizational tasks, future tasks and rural development tasks.
The central executive committee member also met with those of MrakU Township on 14 January and discussed matters related to the association.
Religion
Yangon, 16 Jan - A ceremony to lay cornerstones at the northern prayer hall of Sule Pagoda took place at the pagoda and attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Chairman of Yangon City
Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay.
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panindabhivamsa invested the congregation with the Nine Precepts, and then members of the Sangha recited metta sutta paritta. Next, the commander supplicated on renovation work of the eastern and northern prayer halls of the pagoda. Later, religious objects, gold bricks and provisions were presented to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha. The Sayadaw then delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained.
On arrival at auspicious time, the commander enshrined the religious object, and cornerstones were also put at designated places. The commander covered the reliquary with stone inscription and sprinkled scented water on it. The ritual of gold and silver showers
were then performed to mark the success of the cornerstone-laying ceremony.
The northern prayer hall is to be constructed with the cash donation of wellwisher excellent performance in social field (first grade) Thihathudama Manizaw-tadaya Thirithudama Manizawtadaya U Thein Win, Thihathudama Theingi Thirithudama Theingi Daw Ni and family of Shwe Than Lwin Co; and the eastern prayer hall, with the cash contribution of wellwisher U Kyaw Win, Daw Yi Lay Wei of Kyaw Win & Co Ltd and family.
Region
Yangon, 16 Jan - The following is the message of felicitations from Mr Kofi A Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations, sent to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, on the occasion of the 55th Anniversary Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar.
" It gives me great pleasure to extend to you and to the Government and the people of Myanmar my warmest congratulations on the occasion of the Independence Day. This is a crucial time in the life of our United Nations. There is no time to lose if we are to translate into reality the agenda of peace and development set out in the Millennium Declaration. From poverty to pollution, from AIDS to armed conflict and terrorism, the international community must redouble its efforts if we are to bequeath to our children a world of choices, not constraints.
We need to do more to act on what unites us, so that we can seize common opportunities while defending against shared threats and forces that would seek to divide humankind. As we pursue that noble global mission, it is heartening to know that the United Nations can count on the continued leadership, commitment and support of Myanmar. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration."
Yangon, 16 Jan - Members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence attended the Naga Traditional New Year Festival for 2003 in Lahe on 15 January morning and presented gifts to Naga national race leaders.
U Ki Shi Mu of Leshi Township presided over the ceremony together with co-chairmen U Tin Ohn of Lahe Township, U Ye Aung of Nanyun Township, U Naung Khun of Khamti Township and U Maung Win of Homalin Township. Daw Sha Na Maing and U Hsay Baraw acted as masters of ceremonies and U Say Ba Rok ads co-emcee. First, Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, the commander, the ministers, the representatives of Naga ethnic groups and cultural troupes and guests saluted the State Flag. Then, Meeting chairman U Ki Shi Mu gave a
speech.
Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint delivered an address. He said members of the State Peace and Development Council among Naga national brethren of Naga regions and foreign guests attend today's auspicious festival. He added he would like to explain measures for the national unity and development of the State being undertaken by the Tatmadaw Government. National brethren have not only warded off various dangers of
the country but also preserved culture, prestige and nationalism.
They have also safeguarded sovereignty of the country with the Union Spirit. The Government is striving day and night for ensuring peace and building a modern and development of the nation. Especially, efforts are being made for economic development of the State and the people as well as uplift of living standard. Development projects are being implemented in respective sectors. In doing so, not only 141 dams and reservoirs have been opened but also river water pumping projects extended for supplying water to farmlands and ensuring availability of drinking water.
In the road and bridge sector, altogether 149 bridges which are over 180 feet long have been built.
A total of 28 hydel power projects are being implemented in the electric power sector. One hundred and fifty universities and colleges as well as a lot of basic education schools have been opened in the education sector. With regard to the health sector, 750 hospitals have been constructed. Tasks are being carried out for development of the economic infrastructure in States and Divisions. A large sum of money have been spent on development of border areas including the Naga region. Altogether 24 development zones were designated in the country and tasks of the regions are being implemented. For development of the border areas, Regional Work Committees for Development of Border Areas and National Races have been formed in States and Divisions. Likewise, five rural development tasks have been laid down and are being undertaken.
In Sagaing Division, the Government has spent over K 79.9 million to date on roads and bridges, health, education, agriculture, livestock breeding, energy, public relations, communications, housing estates, religious, social welfare and cooperative tasks for development of Kabaw region connecting with the region of Naga national races. Similarly, the Government has spent over K 85.2 million on development tasks in the
Naga region. In conclusion, Lt-Gen Ye Myint said the Government is providing assistance for all-round development tasks throughout the country with goodwill as well as the Naga region.
National races are urged to ensure durability and improvement of existing peace, unity and development results of the country. And strenuous efforts are to be made to carry out local development tasks with national unity and the Union Spirit.
Then, Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing and Central Executive Committee Member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association in-charge Sagaing Division Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint extended greetings.
Next, Naga national Ma Ei Lwe reported on history of the festival. Then, Naga national race leaders presented traditional Naga clothes as new year's gifts to Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Ministers Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint and Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko. Afterwards, member of the Panel of Patrons of USDA (Central) Lt-Gen Soe Win presented K 1 million to Lahe Township Education Officer U Tin Aung and Headmaster U Thet Maung of Lahe BEHS. Then, Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and Maj-Gen Soe Naing gave away gifts to Naga national race leaders U Hla Pe, U Hat Hti and U Hsa Mu. Next, CEC member Brig-Gen Thura Aye
Myint, Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko presented K 300,000 and gifts each to Naga national race leaders U Shi Thee, U Kyawt Na and U Par Hsei. Then, Commanding Officer Lt-Col Rue San Kyu of the local battalion and the Naga national race leaders presented prizes to 102 outstanding students from Lahe, Khamti, Nanyun, Leshi and Homalin townships in 2001-2002 matriculation examination.
After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, the commander, the ministers and the deputy minister had the documentary photo taken together with heads of Naga nationals, representatives and cultural troupes. Then, the guests were served with Naga traditional food.
Next, Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Ye Myint, the commander and the ministers visited the exhibition at the festival. In the evening, the commander, the ministers and the deputy minister attended the sports competitions and presented prizes to the winners. The Naga Nationals' traditional bonfire to mark successful completion of the festival was held at the sports grounds at 5 pm. It was attended by Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, the commander, the ministers and the deputy minister, Naga national heads, Naga traditional dance troupes, local people, tourists, people of Naga ethnics in townships and villages in Hkamti District, departmental officials and guests numbering over 10,000.
First, Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing launched the bonfire. Then, those present joyfully participated in the festival. Cash prizes were presented to the traditional dance troupes and the festival concluded successfully. On 14 January morning, the ceremony to erect the banner post was held at the sport grounds.
At the festival, New Year's gifts over 3,000 clothes, exercise books, towels, blankets, soap, sports gears, calendars and personal goods, 200 bags of rice and 6,150 viss of salt donated by the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Sport, the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Religious Affairs Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council and North-West Command Headquarters were presented to local people in Hkamti,
Leshi, Homalin, Nanyun and Lahe townships through heads of Naga nationals.
Yangon, 16 Jan - The 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Higher Education Level TV Quiz competition was held at the Studio-A of Myanma Radio and Television on Pyay Road here this morning.
The competition was held in accord with the objectives of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and 12 higher education students from universities and colleges took part in it. In the contest Maung Soe Moe Aung of Institute of Education stood first, Cadet Tun Lin Lat of Defence Services Technological Academy second and Ma Aye Thu Zar Maung of Taunggyi Education College third and special awards went to other students.
First, second and third prizes winners will be presented prizes at the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day prize presentation ceremony.
Yangon, 16 Jan - The National Synthesis Workshop on Paukkhaung Model Forest, jointly conducted by the Forest Department of the Ministry of Forestry, regional model forest project and JIFPRO of Japan, was opened at the head office of the Forest Department in Insein Township this morning.
Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun made an opening address. A total of 50 delegates from Forest Products Joint Venture Corporation, Myanmar Forest Products and Timber Merchants Association, Forest Reserve Environment Development and Conservation Association (FREDCA), and staff of the ministry attended the workshop. Resource persons will submit 9 papers on undertakings, experiences, results and laws and regulations on extraction of timber in Paukkhaung model forest project during three years and the workshop will continue tomorrow.
Yangon, 16 Jan - Any one may apply for the purchase of K 50-worth Aungbalay lottery tickets at Aungbalay Lottery Division of the Internal Revenue Department. Each applicant may buy the lottery booklets numbering from 100 to 20,000 by Payment Order Cheque during office days of the second week of every month at the central sale centre in Yangon. Whosoever wishes to purchase the booklets is to submit, either in person
or by the representative together with the letter of authority, the application form attached with the payment order of Myanma Economic Bank Branches 4,5 and 6, and his or her national registration card and family root to the division. Completely-filled applications should be sent either to respective township revenue offices or Aungbalay lottery division (Yangon) or Aungbalay lottery division (Mandalay branch) not later than 15-2-2003.
Yangon, 16 Jann - The coordination meeting of the work committee for holding the Third Mayor's Cup Pet Show and Contest-2003 was held at the office of the Veterinary and Slaughter Houses at Combined Office on Seikkantha Street in Kyauktada Township this afternoon.
The pet show and contest will be held at the Indoor Stadium of the Yangon City Development Committee in Mingalar Taungnyunt Township from 5 to 9 March. Handsome prizes will be presented to winners and best shops. Detailed information is available at Ph 241786, 286746 and 291026 during office hours.
Helath
Yangon, 16 Jan - Myanmar Medical Association held its 49th Conference at Toungoo District Peace and Development Council Office in Toungoo, Bago Division, yesterday morning.
At the meeting, the address of Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt was read out by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.
The minister read out the Secretary-1's speech, saying that only the healthy and fit citizens possessing high morale can make efforts for the national development to reach the international level. In addition, only if the nation is developed, will the government be able to provide cent per cent health care for the people.
The State has been making systematic efforts according to the objective health and fitness of the entire nation to enable the national development drive and the public health and fitness to benefit mutually. As in the other sectors of the nation, the State has been giving priority to the participation of all the health resources including doctors and nurses, government bodies and non-governmental organizations for progress of the health sector. To be able to organize doctors under MMA contributes to reinforcing and the national health development drive. The State has laid down national health projects covering the whole nation to promote health care services, develop human resources, and for the health infrastructure and medical equipment to meet the international standard.
Because of the collective efforts of the MMA, the health families, humanitarian organizations and wellwishers, the nation's health infrastructure is
developing significantly. There are now 765 hospitals including general hospitals in Myanmar up from 613 in 1988. Twenty-five-bed hospitals have been upgraded to 50-bed facilities, 100-bed hospitals to 200-bed and then to 300-bed facilities. A total of 104 hospitals have been upgraded in the whole nation. In 1988, there were only eight hospitals and six dispensaries at the remote border areas, but in 2002, there were 50 hospitals, 83 dispensaries, 29 rural health centres and 41 sub-rural health centres. The number of doctors increased from 12,268 in 1988 to 15,981 in 2002. More specialists have been appointed at the hospitals to uplift the quality of health care services.
In 1988, there are 226 specialist physicians in 16 different fields of medical science at the hospitals, and now there are 1,179 in 19 different fields. Institutions of medical science have been extended from four in 1988 to 14 at present to development the human resources, and post-graduate courses have been extended to 23, master's degree courses 25, Dr Med Sc to seven and doctorate degree courses 29. Eighty more MRCP physicians, 23 more MRCOG physicians, 25 more MRCP (Child) physicians, 83 more FRCS physicians and 30 more PhD physicians have emerged since 1988. There are now one Medical Research Department each in upper Myanmar and lower Myanmar. Plans are under way to open another one in central Myanmar. The nation's annual health expenditure increased to K 9,236.4 million in fiscal 2001-2002 from K 464.1 million in 1988. The
expenditure for 2002-2003 is K 10,509.8 million. From fiscal 1999-2000 to this date, the State has spent US $ 13.3 million to provide advanced medical equipment for hospitals in Yangon, Mandalay, states and divisions and districts. Because of the State's firm resolution to upgrade the health care sector and the all-round efforts of the academics of the medical field including physicians, the qualification and the standard of the medical science sector has been improving.
Nowadays, satellite communication system has been used in academic institutions of the health field, medical treatment sector and seminars. Myanmar can now successfully conduct surgical operations which are beyond the reach of other developing countries. For example, pen heart surgery and kidney transplant can be conducted successfully not only in Yangon, but also in Mandalay. Myanmar physicians had successfully
separated the girl conjoined twins in Mandalay in August 2002. It is something to be proud of Myanmar, as it was the 19th successful such operation in the world. As for Myanmar, it is the third successful operation.
Myanmar also successfully conducted a hand micro surgery. With the help of wellwishers, Myanmar physicians are successfully conducting surgical treatment on patients of the poor with cleft lip and palate. Regarding the disease control, such diseases as polio, leprosy, tuberculosis and trachoma are almost eradicated because the fight against them is being staged as a national campaign. Moreover, social organizations, in cooperation with one another, are lending themselves to the national task of fighting against HIV/AIDS on a national scale with added momentum, and therefore the international community has recognized the measures taken by Myanmar to prevent and control the spread of the disease. As a result, Myanmar was admitted to the coordinating board of UNAIDS in May 2002.
Not only that, Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Kyaw Myint was appointed as President of the Executive Board of WHO for a one-year tenure. This can be regarded as a success of Myanmar's health sector. It can be obviously seen that there has been remarkable success in health care services of Myanmar due to the correct leadership of the government and cooperation of health experts and social organizations. However, the pessimists and those who harbor malice against Myanmar, turning a blind eye to the improvements of its health care services, are saying one thing or another against it. Therefore, all the health staff should counter these malicious criticisms with true facts and correct figures and by showing high efficiency in their work. The Union of Myamar is not a subject to any other nation and it is making every endeavour for its development and prosperity on self-reliance basis.
The government is essaying to develop its own human resources with the conviction that the development of the nation depends on its own people. He urged all the health staff to try their best to disseminate technologies on modern diagnosis and treatment and to be able to stand as a reliable national force of the health sector. Finally, the secretary-1, in his speech, wished that Myanmar Medical Association might be able to further enhance the interests of the nation and the people and it might be able to promote the standard of Myanmar medical science and services for public health.
Then, President of Myanmar Medical Association Prof Dr Myo Myint presented a projector worth K 3 million to Commander Maj-Gen Aung Min for use in the District Peace and Development Council's Hall. Maj-Gen Aung Min and Maj-Gen Ket Sein formally opened the Medicines and Medical Equipment Exhibition marking the 49th Myanmar Medical Conference.
Yangon, 16 Jan - The Myanmar Health Research Congress of the Ministry of Health will be held at the Department of Medical Research ( Lower Myanmar ) for 5 Days from 27 to 31 January, 2003. A total of 72 research papers and 16 posters will be presented. All participants, researchers and interested persons are requested to attend the Congress.
International Relations
Yangon, 16 Jan - A Preparatory Meeting of Senior Officials on the 2nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology, which is hosted in Myanmar, took place at the Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning.
Leader of Myanmar delegation Deputy Minister for Science and Technology Dr Chan Nyein chaired the meeting and spoke on the occasion. At the meeting, deputy ministers from ASEAN countries discussed matters related to programmes to be included in the meeting which will be held on 17 January, cooperation in the science and technology field among the ASEAN countries as well as with ASEAN's dialogue partners the People's Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea. The meeting ended in the afternoon.
Later, members of the delegations from ASEAN countries visited the National Museum, Myanma Gems Museum and the Union national races village.
Yangon, 16 Jan - To attend the 2nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology to be hosted in Myanmar, Thai Minister of Science and Technology Mr Phinij Jarusombat and members of the delegation and Singaporean Minister of National Development Mr Vivian Balakrishnan and members of the delegation, arrived here by air this morning.
Yangon, 16 Jan - A Thai delegation led by Minister of Commerce of Thailand Dr Adisai Bodharamik arrived here this afternoon. Brig-Gen Pyi Sone hosted dinner in honour of the delegation at Kandawgyi Palace Hotel here.
Yangon, 16 Jan - Under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, with the assistance of the Ministry of Transport and with the arrangement of Myanmar Lotus Asia Tours Ltd, 39 Italian tourists arrived here by Lauda Air Boeing 767/300, a chartered flight, this morning. They will be on a trip to Yangon-Bagon-Poppa-Mandalay-Pintaya-Inle itineraries, and will leave here on 23 January. Officials from the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar Lotus Asia Tours Ltd and national belles of the cultural dance troupe welcomed them.
Drug
Yangon, 16 Jan - On 6 January 2003, Tatmadawmen from local battalion, members of local intelligence unit, members of Special Anti-drug Squad and Shan State (North) Special Region-1, acting on information, stopped and searched three motorcyclists in Ward 2, Laukkai Township.
Two of the cyclists escaped the arrest and the driver Le Kye Yon, 30, son of U Li Than Khaik, was seized together with 12.9 kilograms of herion. Further investigation revealed that one of the two escaped culprits was Kyon Kaw Kywin, 40, son of U Kyauk Chwin, living in Ward 2 Laukkai. The combined group searched the house of Kyon Kaw Kywin and seized his wife Kya Shauk Hua, 33, daughter of U Kya Shauk Myin and Kyon
Kaw Tone, 31, son of U Kyauk Chwin, together with 11 sachets of ephedrine weighing 18.8 kilos, 1,870 stimulant pills, 100 grams of chemical powder and two equipment used in making stimulants.
Upon further investigation, the combined team searched the houses of those who were supposed to be engaged in drug trafficking. Kya Maw, 21, son of U Shauk Li, and Kyin Hua, 26, son of U Lauk Lit, were arrested together with one 300-gram heroin powder sachet found in the garage, 139 heroin powder sachets weighing 41.7 kilos and four sachets of raw opium mixed with acid weighing 4.7 kilos in the basement of U Lauk Kyauk
Hpa. The owner of the drugs U Lauk Kyauk Hpa was avoiding the arrest.
Altogether 54.603 kilos of heroin, 1,870 stimulants, 18.8 kilos of ephedrine powder, 4.7 kilos of raw opium mixed with acid, 100 grams of chemical powder and two equipment used in making stimulants and five culprits were seized in the incident. The police station concerned filed them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.
