Nation’s independence lost easily due to lack of modern standing Armed Forces
Patriotism has great power to enhance national politics, national economy and national defence
With sense of comradeship, soldiers are loyal to each other, and loyalty helps strengthen unity
Nation will be able to ward off any kind of danger if people and
Tatmadaw are united, joining hands in amity
The following is the address delivered by Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe at the graduation parade of the 45th Intake of DSA.
The graduation parade of the 45th Intake of Defence Services Academy is a milestone of your success. As you are to be assigned duties as junior leaders of the Armed Forces, I will tell you all what you need to know.
When we study the history of mankind, we will see that there emerged organized groups for defence purpose because of the requirement to safeguard their own families and collectively defend their own communities. Hence, the armed forces has been indispensable for every independent people and nation since early history.
If we look at the current world affairs, we will see that there still exists the use of force in solving problems. In this regard, all the countries of the world are striving to defend themselves.
In our history, the independence was lost easily due to the lack of a modern standing Armed Forces. The independence and sovereignty should always be safeguarded with full awareness. We are in the process of building a strong and brilliant modern Tatmadaw to fully safeguard our independence and sovereignty. Modernization and development of the Tatmadaw should be on a par with the progress of the nation.
To become a capable Tatmadaw, every unit and soldier will have to be imbued with morale, discipline, loyalty, unity and three capabilities. Morale is the core element of the five basic qualifications. Having good morale will lead to acquiring discipline, loyalty and unity, and will be conducive to possessing the three capabilities.
Dynamism of patriotism of the citizens is much important for a nation. Patriotism has a great power to enhance national politics, national economy and national defence. In this regard, you should be patriotic soldiers fully endowed with national belief and conviction. Ours is a patriotic Armed Forces. Thus, we all needs to have the daring and sacrificing spirit for the national cause; the capacity and endurance to overcome all kinds of hardships with zeal, perseverance and courage; and the sacrificing spirit without giving priority to the self-interests. It is stated in the soldier’s codes of conduct that you will have to prove your love for the country with deeds, but not with words.
Ours is a disciplined Armed Forces. Discipline has direct relationship with obeying the orders. While we, the soldiers, are in the civilian life, we obey the civil laws. And when we become soldiers, we have to abide by the military laws in addition to the civil laws. Discipline adds value and strength to an organization. As it is a large organization, the Tatmadaw has been made to strictly adhere to the military laws as well as civil laws. I would like to tell you that our Tatmadaw has the fine traditions of valuing and observing the discipline.
Comrades, you are the persons who have vowed to risk your lives for the national cause. Thus, you will have to work for the safety of the lives and property of the nation’s people. You will have to safeguard the territorial waters, land and air space of the nation till the last man and last bullet, while never tolerating even an inch of alien intrusion. Here, I would like to say that our Tatmadaw will never betray the national cause — non-disintegration of the Union; non-disintegration of national solidarity; and perpetuation of sovereignty.
With the sense of esprit de corps among yourselves, you must be loyal to each other, because loyalty helps strengthen unity.
Our Tatmadaw has the tradition of possessing esprit de corps, obeying of orders, having mutual respect between the lower and upper ranks, observing military discipline and possessing national political outlook and unity. We have been able to further strengthen this tradition. However, the persons harbouring the negative view — the downfall of the Tatmadaw will lead to disintegration of the nation — are applying various means through internal and external connections to discredit and break up the Tatmadaw. We all will have to ward off this danger with unity. There must be unity within the Armed Forces, and the Tatmadaw and the people should be in cohesion. We will be able to ward off any kind of danger if the people and the Tatmadaw are united and joining hands in amity.
To be able to defend the nation well, the three capabilities — military capability, organizational capability and administrative capability — of the Tatmadaw must be effective and brilliant. The history of independence struggle has proved that ours is a capable Tatmadaw. Our country had faced a lot of disagreements resulting from political differences, and armed opposition and conflicts that broke out soon after regaining of independence. Our government has practically implemented the task of national re-consolidation.
In this regard, the 24 development zones have been set up in the nation; economic, health and education sectors upgraded; strenuous efforts made for development of border areas and national races; and five rural development tasks carried out fully in all areas. And we have brought progress to the whole nation on equal terms to the most possible degree. Because of these endeavours, per capita income will increase and the health and education indicators will improve. In the administration sector, the rule of law and community peace are prevailing in all parts of the nation. The people will be able to live in peace and tranquillity.
I would like to tell you that you will be able to serve the interests of the State with three capabilities only if you have the political outlook, economic outlook and administrative outlook in addition to the military outlook.
Only when you possess four outlooks will you be good leaders in accord with the motto— victorious soldier of the future. Being the people of good character, we, Myanmars, will not make a person a leader unless he is of good character. Therefore in principle, you must have good character. You are to make self-assessment of how much you are endowed with the characteristics of a leader and to fulfil what is needed. You have to continue to study and apply leadership qualities after acquiring the sixteen qualities of leadership. A leader is a person who is responsible for the success of a mission mobilizing active participation of the organization he leads. To be able to successfully carry out a mission you will have to enhance the capabilities of all Tatmadaw members including yourselves in accord with the four major tasks of building the Tatmadaw.
I would like to talk about Union Spirit to you who will be discharging duties in various parts of the country. Ours is a Union where various national races reside together everywhere. All national races are living together in the nation made up of 14 States and Divisions. Loving kindness, attachment and truthfulness have grown firmly through age-long existence. Therefore, it is Union Spirit of national people who live in the same land and drinking water from the same source to build and safeguard a single motherland. In other words, Union Spirit is patriotism cultivated by correct national belief. Thus, upholding Our Three Main National Causes, you are to make efforts to vitalize Union Spirit nationwide.
The 21st century is the age of science and technology. With the advancement of technology, geographical barriers are reduced. In this age, all of you who will discharge defence duties of the State are to make preparations for modern warfare. Now you have learnt subjects relating to military science. In constant pursuit of education, you are to work hard to acquire master and doctorate degrees.
As you are on the threshold of knowledge age, you are required to march forward and make a constant study of always changing military science and technology. You will have to think of strategies which are likely to change due to the development of sophisticated weapons. Moreover, you must be able to participate in the tasks of building modern armed forces by translating your knowledge into practice while carrying out your duties at the regiments and units you are assigned to. You must be well-versed in knowledge-based management techniques. I would like to emphasize the fact that, in this age of quick and powerful warfare, you need to be always in training, have military vigilance and combat-readiness.
Today’s Tatmadaw is not only carrying out the defence duties but also shouldering the tasks of building the nation. Therefore, you are supposed to apply yourselves to the five rural development tasks and measures for the development of border areas and national races. In addition, you must contribute to the production work of the local people in order to enhance their economic life. You should also innovate new products by recycling waste materials and by-products. For example, you must innovate new methods of producing chemical compounds by using paddy, groundnut and cotton husks, crushed sugarcane, straw and corn-cobs and you must try to use these chemicals in producing medicines as well as personal and industrial goods. You should be well-informed and train yourselves to have an eye for the availability of natural resources wherever you are posted.
I would like to urge you to lend yourselves to regional development tasks in cooperation with Union Solidarity and Development Association, Myanmar War Veterans Organization, Myanmar Police Force, Myanmar Auxiliary Fire Brigade and Myanmar Red Cross Society.
In conclusion, I would like to call upon you all
— to try to possess morality, discipline, loyalty, unity and three capabilities;
— to hone the three capabilities;
— to make the Union Spirit flourish all over the country;
— to stick to ‘three constants’ to be able to face the challenge of modern warfare and;
— to actively take part in the national development tasks.
Senior General Than Shwe addresses passing-out parade of 45th Intake of DSA
Yangon, 21 Jan — The graduation parade of the 45th Intake of Defence Services Academy was held at the parade grounds of the Defence Services Academy in PyinOoLwin at 7.30 am today, with an address by Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe.
At the ceremony the Senior General inspected cadet companies.
Next, the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services took the salute of the graduation company.
Afterwards, the Senior General presented Aungsitthi Award to Cadet Kyaw Swe Thin, Excellent Training Award to Cadet Aung Myo Oo, Excellent Study Award (Computer) to Cadet Kyi Min Han, Excellent Study Award (Science) to Cadet Thant Zin Kyaw and Excellent Study Award (Arts) to Cadet to Ye Min.
Then, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe delivered a speech. (Reported separately)
Later, the Senior General left the parade grounds.
After the parade ceremony, the Senior General met with five outstanding award winner cadets and their parents at the hall of DSA headquarters.
Billions of kyats, millions of dollars spent in developing ICT infrastructure and facilities
Secretary-1 addresses opening of Second Annual Myanmar ICT Week
Yangon, 21 Jan — The opening ceremony of the Second Annual Myanmar ICT Week jointly organized by the Union of Myanmar e-National Task Force and Myanmar Information & Communication Technology Development Corporation (MICTDC) was held at the Myanmar ICT Park on Hline University Campus in Hline Township here at 8.30 am today. Chairman of Myanmar ICT Development Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt addressed the opening ceremony.
In his address, the Secretary-1 said: I recall with great pleasure that one year ago I had the privilege of inaugurating MICT Park, ushering in a new phase in ICT development in Myanmar. Today, we are celebrating this first anniversary by opening the ICT Week 2003 and I am deeply gratified to deliver the opening address. I wish also to extend a most cordial welcome to the distinguished visitors from abroad.
In the short span of one year, the success and the achievements attained by MICT Park have indeed been impressive. Created with the aim of serving as the ICT hub of the country, the MICT Park today serves as a center for ICT development and a source for human resource development. At present, 32 local software companies are enjoying world class IT infrastructure at the MICT Park. Moreover, it is home to two foreign companies as well as to Japan-Myanmar e-learning center and an incubation center for promising local software programmers. Activities in the facility include soft ware development, human resource development, national level projects, data processing services, consultancy services, application service provider, internet service provider and hardware manufacturing. Due to the strong demand from local IT sector, the MICT Park is now being expanded including the construction of more production and office blocks, and shopping mall. Phase 2 of the expansion programme is being launched today and there already exists a master plan for Phase 3.
The rapid expansion of the scope and depth of MICT Park shows that the future is indeed very bright for the venture. I am also deeply gratified to learn that a similar ICT Park will be opened in Mandalay later in the year. I would therefore like to congratulate the Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Development Corporation (MICTDC) for its vision and endeavours.
Congratulations also go to Bagan Cybertech for its excellent work in providing IT services. Today, Bagan Cybertech is offering telephone voice services, e-mail, intranet and internet facilities, VSAT, iPStar and Broadband Wireless Access for the general public. I would also like to commend Bagan Cybertech for making e-mail and intranet facilities available to students at very confessional rates. Moreover, the expansion of Bagan Cybertech telecommunication services to Mandalay in December 2002 must be welcomed since it would fill the ICT gap in upper Myanmar. Allow me to wish the Bagan Cybertech every success in its endeavours.
Technology, especially information and communication technology, is making very rapid progress and touching all aspects of our lives. Our Government is therefore paying special attention to science and technology. Being fully aware of the power and capabilities of ICT to make a great leap forward in socio-economic development, we are establishing the necessary institutional and legal framework; providing assistance and support to government agencies and the private sector; while promoting international and regional cooperation. In terms of institutions, the Myanmar Computer Science Development Council was formed to provide guidance to ICT industry in the country. Moreover, Myanmar Computer Federation and its affiliated associations today constitute a strong engine for development of computer science in the nation.
With regard to legislation, a Computer Science Development Law had already been promulgated to promote computer industry while preparations are underway for the emergence of a comprehensive cyber law.
The Government has spent billions of Kyats and millions of dollars in developing the necessary ICT infrastructure and facilities to promote IT in government as well as private sector. e-Government is no longer a dream but is fast becoming a reality. e-Education is now available all over the nation, providing equal education opportunities to students everywhere. Similarly, e-Commerce and e-Banking are now being practiced by the business community. Since last year, e-passports have been issued to Myanmar nationals who have to travel abroad frequently in order to make their trips more convenient and efficient. Similarly, to facilitate the obtaining of visa to visit Myanmar, on-line visa will soon be available to foreign visitors. Moreover, the use of smart cards is increasing, both in Government as well as in private sectors. Visiting dignitaries are most impressed by computer-related skills demonstrated by young students at the nation’s smart schools.
Even as we strive to develop our ICT, we welcome the cooperation extended by friendly countries and enterprises. Myanmar is signatory to the e-ASEAN Framework Agreement and has actively participated in its activities. An e-National Task Force has been created to meet the challenges and opportunities that emerged with e-ASEAN Initiative. We are also very grateful to the assistance provided in the ICT field under the Initiative for ASEAN Integration by ASEAN as well as +3 countries. Likewise, we greatly appreciate the cooperation and assistance extended by our partners from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Korea and India. All in all, ICT in Myanmar has made tremendous progress due to the support of the Government, participation of the private sector and the enthusiasm of the people, particularly the younger generation.
The holding of ICT Week 2003 is also a celebration of the success of MICT Park as well as the launching of Phase 2 of the project. Events being held in connection with the occasion include MoU signing ceremonies, workshops, exhibition, certification authority and JITEC examinations as well as public awareness activities. Allow me to congratulate the organizers for the excellent arrangements and programmes.
In conclusion, may I wish MICTDC, Began Cybertech, MICT Park ever greater success. And may ICT development in Myanmar achieve greater success and serve to leapfrog Myanmar into the ranks of advanced ICT nations.
Then, Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee for Holding MICT Week 2003 Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw made a speech. The minister said: It is with great pleasure that I extend this very warm welcome to all those gathered here at this ceremony to mark the first anniversary of the MICT Park which has been established under the guidance and support of the Government of the Union of Myanmar.
Since its establishment beginning 21st January 2002, a total of 28 companies have settled in and are trying their utmost to promote and upgrade the development of Software in Myammar. Furthermore, since the construction of 3 additional units of production blocks have been completed, more companies will be able to come in and operate.
I would like to sincerely thank in particular the Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt for his guidance and full support for the development of IT in Myanmar. Myanmar realizes that she needs to make every effort in keep up with the global communities in the rapidly advancing IT age. With this in view we are now planning to establish another MICT Park in Mandalay, our second capital. As a latecomer to IT, Myanmar stands to gain much by cooperating with other ASEAN countries. We would benefit from their advanced technology and experience. For a start our youths will be gaining much knowledge from the exhibition booths, talks and workshops conducted on the occasion of this first anniversary of MICT Park.
The main objective in holding this exhibition is for Myanmar to have a chance to cooperate with other communities thereby gaining much valuable advice, experience and knowledge of Information Technology from neighbouring countries, other ASEAN nations, IT companies and associations thereby upgrading and developing her own technology.
This morning we would witness the signing of an agreement and understanding on various key areas such as the establishment of Myanmar certification authority, electronic procurement and trade data interchange. We could not stress enough the importance of collaborative efforts such as these with our brothers who are already ahead of us in their national ICT development. The signing with the Software Park of Thailand also signifies our commitment to continuously cooperate with our ASEAN neighbours. We believe that it is a necessary step towards accomplishing mutual benefits for the region ICT private sector.
Although the second Annual Myanmar ICT Week promised to keep you busy, I hope that you would make some time to explore our enchanting (beautiful) city of Yangon.
Afterwards, the MoU Signing Ceremonies were held at the hall of the park. First, Vice-Chairman of Myanmar e-National Task Force Deputy minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win and CEO Datuk Dr Mohamed Arif Nun of MDC (Malaysia) signed an MoU concerning ICT. Then, Chairman of Myanmar ICT Development Corporation Brig-Gen Thein Swe and CEO Datuk Dr Mohamed Arif Nun of MSC Trust Gate (Malaysia) singed an MoU concerning ICT. Next, Chairman of Myanmar ICT Development Corporation Brig-Gen Thein Swe and Director Dr Alvin Mah of ASEAN Trade EDI singed an MoU concerning Trade Electronic Data Interchange.
Then, Chairman of Myanmar ICT Development Corporation Brig-Gen Thein Swe and Chief Executive Dato Mohd Salleh Masduki of Commerce dot Com of Malaysia singed an MoU concerning ICT. Then, Chairman of Myanmar ICT Development Corporation Brig-Gen Thein Swe and Deputy Director Mrs Suwipa Wanasathop of Software Park of Thailand signed an MoU concerning the establishing of National Certification Authority. CEO Datuk Dr Mohamed Arif Nun and Deputy Director Mrs Suwipa Wanasathop spoke words of thanks.
Afterwards, Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw presented a gift commemorating the opening of the Second Annual Myanmar ICT Week to Secretary -1 General Khin Nyunt.
Then, Brig-Gen Thein Swe and CEO Datuk Dr Mohamed Arif Nun exchanged souvenirs, and the first session of the ceremony ended.
At the second session of the ceremony, Chairman of Myanmar ICT Development Council Secretary -1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt formally opened the Second Annual MICT Week Exhibition and the three buildings of the Production Block.
Then, the Secretary-1 and party and guests viewed round the exhibition booths of modern electronic equipment used in information technology, satellite communication systems and equipment, computer parts and books on IT of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, the Ministry of Information, twelve foreign companies and 64 local companies.
The exhibition opens from 9 am to 5 pm from 22 to 27 January. Enthusiasts may visit the exhibition free of charge.
Dinner hosted to mark Myanmar ICT Week
Yangon, 21 Jan — A ceremony to host a dinner marking the first founding anniversary of Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Park (MICT Park) and second Myanmar ICT Week Programme was held on the lawns of the MICT Park on Hline Campus of Yangon University on Hline Township at 7 pm today.
Coord meeting for ASEAN Information Seminar Series held
Yangon, 21 Jan — According to ASEAN Information Seminar Series (Fy 2002-2003), SAEAN Seminars to be held in Myanmar, a coordination meeting of Supervisory Committee for Holding the Projects and Work Committees was held at the meeting hall of Myanma Radio and Television on Pyay Road this afternoon. Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein delivered an address on the occasion. Then, Director of MRTV U Phone Myint explained preparations for the seminars.
Next, those present made round discussions on resource papers and administrative matters in the seminar of Myanmar in ASEAN to be discussed in MICT Park on 31 January and the meeting ended with concluding remarks by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein.
Region
General Khin Nyunt addresses coord meeting of Management Committee for Development of Tourism Industry
Yangon, 21 Jan— Chairman of the Management Committee for Development of Tourism Industry Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended the coordination meeting 1/2003 of the committee held at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall on Konmyintha here this morning and made an opening speech.
In his speech, the Secretary-1 said plans have been laid down and are being implemented for increase number of tourists visiting Myanmar. All-out efforts are to be made for attracting tourists because the number has fallen short of expectation for this year. Myanmar possess many places of interest such as interesting tourist destinations and ancient cultural edifices. As regards the eco-tourism, there are many natural world in both northern and southern parts of Myanmar.
There are also natural beauties - snow-capped mountain ranges in Putao region in the northern part of Myanmar, and archipelagoes in the southern part. Building of more roads to Putao region and building of ice-rinks for skiing will attract tourists. Resorts suitable to the existing beauty are to be established at Myeik archipelagoes, and tour itineraries are to be drawn for tourists to be able to enjoy seaside natural beauty. When respective ministries make cooperation, tourism industry in the southern part of Myanmar will boom, he pointed out. The General continued to say that according to the discussions with the Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China who recently visited Myanmar, a lot of Chinese people are willing to visit Myanmar possessing many interesting places. So, bilateral discussions are to be made for them to visit Myanmar.
Chairman of the Management Committee for Development of Tourism Industry General Khin Nyunt said ministers, officials and entrepreneurs are to discuss matters relating to promoting of tourism industry around Myeik archipelagoes in Taninthayi Division. Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig Gen Thein Zaw reported on arrangements for attracting tourists to northern part of Myanmar, making each of the islands in Myeik archipelagoes interesting, plying of hovercrafts, and forming of committees for development of eco-tourism in Taninthayi and Myeik archipelagoes.
Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Minister for Forestry U Aung Pnone, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Chief of Staff (Navy) Maj-Gen Soe Thein and Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein briefed on respective sectors for development of tourism industry and development of eco-tourism in Myeik archipelagoes in Taninthayi Division. Then Chairman of Myanmar Hoteliers Association U Khin Shwe, Chairman of Myanmar Travel Association U Khin Zaw also took part in the discussions. The meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by the General in the evening. Present on the occasion were the Yangon Mayor, deputy ministers, the members of the Management Committee for Development of Tourism Industry , officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental officials, chairmen and members of Myanmar Hoteliers Association and Myanmar Tour Operators" Association, and hotel and travel agency entrepreneurs.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspects regional development tasks in Bago Division
Yangon, 21 Jan— State Peace and Development Council member Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, visited Hsandawshin Maha Buddha Phayagyi Pagoda in Shwekyin yesterday morning. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than paid obeisance to the pagoda. Then, he viewed the flow of Shwekyin Creek and gave instructions on making preventive measures of erosion for the pagoda and all-round renovation of the pagoda. He offered flowers and lights to the pagoda and made cash donation.
Afterwards, he proceeded to Yenwe Bridge construction site in Pyuntaza, Nyaunglaybin Township where he was welcomed by Bago Division Superintending Engineer U Kyaw Lwin of Public Works and officials. At the briefing hall there, Chief Engineer Daw Si Than of the Bridge Construction Special Group-5 reported to Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than on completion of the construction tasks and arrangements for opening of the bridge. After giving necessary instructions, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected the bridge already completed.
The bridge was built by the Bridge Construction Special Group-5 of the Public Works on 16 August 2001. The reinforced concrete type bridge is 360 feet long and 48 feet wide. It has 48 feet wide motorway and two 6-ft wide walkways on either side. It can withstand 60-ton loads. As the construction of the bridge is completed cent per cent, it will be opened soon.
Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Commander Maj-Gen Aung Min and party inspected thriving vegetable plantations at Baida vegetable zone in Pyuntaza in Nyaunlaybin Township and gave instructions.
The area of the Baida vegetable zone is over 2,000 acres and potato, tomato, cauliflower, cabbage, water melon, chilli and kitchen crops are grown in it. The vegetables have been marketed in the green grocer trading centres in Yangon Division.
Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, the commander and party arrived at the construction site for the Baida Bridge in Pyuntaza. Assistant Engineer U Myint Lwin of Bridge Construction Special Group-13 conducted them around the site. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on timely completion of the bridge and worksite safety.
The 300 feet long bridge is being built by the Bridge Construction Special Group-13 of the Public Works. The reinforced concrete bridge will have 48 feet wide motor way and two six-feet wide walkways on either side. It can withstand 60- ton loads.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party then inspected renovation of Bago-Nyaunglaybin road section for extension of Yangon-Mandalay Highway, being carried out by Shwe Thanlwin Highway Co Ltd. At the briefing hall of the company, No 77 LID Commander Brig-Gen Than Htay and officials of the company welcomed them. Chief Engineer U Saw David Tha of the company reported on upgrading of Bago-Nyaunglaybin road section, renovation of bridges and future tasks. The commander then added a report.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on upgrading of roads and bridges, renovation of roads and construction of four-lane earthen road which will be 48 feet wide and 48 miles long in this open season. Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, the commander and party arrived at the Zwebet Sluice Gate Project in Kywetesu Village, Waw Township in the division. Bago Division Irrigation Department Director U Aye Myint reported on water supply and sluice gate construction tasks, Bago District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Ohn Myint on growing of summer and monsoon paddy, beans and pulses and oil crops in vacant land in the division. The commander presented a supplementary report.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than stressed growing of summer paddy, beans and pulses and oil crops, exceeding of the targets, growing of multiple cropping, and boosting of per acre yield. Then, he inspected earth works and piling for the sluice gate. It is built to let out surplus water of Moeywingyi Lake in the rainy season and to store water in the later part of the rainy season for agricultural use. The construction of the sluice gate was started in 2002-2003 and it will have eight 12 feet wide outlets, four six feet wide outlets. The leading channel will be 1,500 feet long and the outfall channel, 2,000 feet long. The benefited area is 40,000 acres of land.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, the commander and party arrived at the site for renovation of water outlet of Kali Creek in Phayagyi Village in Bago at 11.50 am. Assistant engineer U Han Than of the Irrigation Department reported on renovation tasks and supply of water for summer paddy with temporary channel.
After leaving necessary instructions there, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, the commander and party inspected thriving of paddy fields along Thanatpin road and arrived at Summer Paddy Production Boosting Special Zone (500 acres) where division/township level departmental officials and farmers welcomed them. Myanma Agriculture Services Deputy General Manager U Win Maung briefed on production of paddy in the zone and growing of model plantation and testing plantation for farmers.
After giving instructions and attending to the needs, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than proceeded to Alainni Dam project near Kyankhwun village in Bago Township. At the briefing hall there, Irrigation Department Director U Kyaw Thein briefed on completion of the project, water supply and arrangements for the opening ceremony of the dam.
After leaving necessary instructions to the officials, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than left for Yangon and arrived back here in the evening.
Media works in organizing Union Day co-ordinated
Yangon, 21 Jan—Print and electronic works for organizing the 56th Anniversary Union Day for 2003 were coordinated at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Information at 11 am today with an address by member of the Central Committee for Organizing the 56th Anniversary Union Day Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan.
Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan said in his address that officials of departments and enterprises under the ministry are to strive to reflect the national unity in organizing the Union Day ceremony.
He called on officials to make efforts for holding the ceremony more significantly compared to the previous year through media and to hold discussions and present good idea.
Then, Deputy Minister U Thein Sein reported on information matters.
Next, Deputy Director-General of Myanma Radio and Television Lt-Col Thein Aung, Director-General of Information and Public Relations Department U Chit Naing, Managing Director of Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Myint Thein, Director (News) of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Hla Tun and Managing Director of Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise U Bo Kyi reported on arrangements being made for holding the ceremony and future tasks, followed by a general round of discussions. The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan.
Surgical diplomas conferred on post-graduates
Yangon, 21 Jan — Under the joint cooperation between the Medical Science Department of the Ministry of Health and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh of the Great Britain, the first ceremony to confer diplomas on post-graduates in surgery was held for the first time at Yangon Hall of the Sofitel Hotel on Alanpya Pagoda Road yesterday evening attended by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein and his wife.
Professor John Temple spoke on the occasion and presented the Medal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh to Secretary of Myanmar FRCS Head of the renal surgical unit of Thingangyun Sanpya Hospital Professor Dr Khin Tun, and surgical diplomas to 10 FRCS and 10 MRCS.
After the ceremony, the minister and the deputy minister cordially greeted the surgical diploma holders.
Arrangements for booths of Information Ministry coordinated
Yangon, 21 January — Work coordiantion meeting on display of the exhibition booths of the Ministry of Information at the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Exhibition was held at the meeting hall of the ministry on Bo Aung Kyaw Street at 4.30 pm today. Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan made a speech.
Then, Director-General U Khin Maung Htay of Myanma Radio and Television, Director-General U Chit Naing of the Information and Public Relations Department, Managing Director U Myint Thein of Printing and Publishing Enterprise, Director (News) U Hla Tun of News and Periodicals Enterprise and Managing Director U Bo Kyi of Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise reported on the arrangements of the respective enterprises and departments for the exhibition.
Those present also took part in the discussion. The meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by the minister.
Field tour conducted for development of women’s affairs in Kawthoung
Yangon, 21 Jan — To carry out development tasks by the work committee for women’s affairs at different levels for the women’s sector, member of Myanmar National Committee for Women’s Affairs and Myanmar National Working Committee for Women’s Affairs Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe led members of MNWCWA and left here for Kawthoung in Taninthayi Division by air yesterday morning.
Then, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and members met with members of the district WCWA and coordinated tasks of the committee. The coordination meeting was
also attended by wife of the commander member of Taninthayi Division WCWA leader of the Committee for Prevention of Violence against Women and Rehabilitation Daw Wai Wai Khaing, Chairman of District WCWA U Chit Ko Ko and officials of the district/township WCWA.
Group Leader Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe spoke on the occasion, saying that the purpose of their visit was to carry out the development activities of the women sector more extensively and to make coordination with division/district/township/village WCWAs. She was then introduced to members of the WCWA.
Officials reported on tasks being carried out by District WCWA, followed by general round of discussions. Next, Group Leader Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe gave instructions, and the coordination meeting drew to an end with concluding remarks of member of MNCWA Vice-Chairperson of MNWCWA Professor Dr Daw May May Yi.
Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party also attended the meeting between MNWCWA and division/district/township WCWAs at Myitsuthaka Hall in Kawthoung. It was also attended by wife of the commander Daw Wai Wai Khaing, local authorities, members of social organizations, teachers, Red Cross and fire brigade and local people totalling some 400. Chairman of District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Phyo extended greetings.
Later, Group Leader Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, in her speech, said that the Government is making efforts with added momentum for all-round development of the State. They were there in order to participate in these tasks and help solve the difficulties encountered in promoting the improvement of the life of women. Therefore, difficulties should be presented to them.
Next, Vice-Chairperson of MNWCWA Professor Dr Daw May May Yi gave an account of the directives on women’s affairs given by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
Leader of the Health Group Daw Moe Moe Khaing then reported on the tasks being undertaken for the development of the education and health of the women.
Group Leader Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe then said that violence against women and the trafficking of women and children causes hindrances in the improvement of the life of the women, and that hurts the State.
Leader of the information group Daw Mya Mya also explained the economic and information sectors; Leader of the girls’ group Daw Khin Myo Myint, the culture and young women sectors; and Leader of the women and environmental conservation group Daw Yin Yin Lay, the participation of women in environmental conservation.
Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe handed over medicines and stationery donated by MNWCWA to Chairman U Chit Ko Ko of the district WCWA and the discussions came to a close at 11.30 am.
Then, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party cordially greeted those present and viewed round the documentary photos in the hall.
Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party proceeded to the domestic science training school of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs and inspected the tailoring course and income promotion tasks being carried out by the tailoring group.
In the afternoon, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party arrived at Masoyein monastery in 10th-Mile Model Village, Kawthoung, and offered robes to Sayadaw U Khemacara and members of the Sangha. Afterwards, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party discussed ways to solve the difficulties of the village people. Then, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe donated K 50,000 to WCWA of the model village.
Next, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party arrived at the oil palm plantation project site of Yuzana Co Ltd in Taninthayi Division and met with national races women staff there. At the briefing hall, Chairman Lt-Col Kyaw Phyo of the District Peace and Development Council and In-charge of the plantation reported on increasing job opportunities for women in the district and decrease of the number of women working in the other country. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe said that she was pleased with the condition of job opportunities for women and urged those present to seek ways for further promotion of job opportunities for women in the region.
Free medical treatment given to patients
Yangon, 20 Jan — The medical team comprising specialists and nurses of the Society of Medical Rehabilitation of Myanmar Medical Association had given medical treatments free of charge to 178 patients at Mawlamyine People's Hospital and 111 patients at Kyaikkame Hospital on 10 and 11 January respectively. The team also donated medicines and crutches to those patients in need at the latter hospital.
Yangon, 21 Jan — Member of the Central Executive Committee of the Union Solidarity and Development Association U Thein Sein gave a lecture on correctness of the State’s policies and success in national development activities in all sectors at the executives management multiplier course No (18) at the office of Bahan Township USDA this afternoon.
Foreign Heads of State send felicitations to Senior General Than Shwe
Yangon, 21 Jan — The followings are the messages of felicitations from foreign Heads of State 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.
From Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait:
On the auspicious occasion of the Independence Day of Myanmar, it gives me great pleasure to extend to Your Excellency, in the name of the people of Kuwait and on my own behalf, most sincere wishes for Your Excellency’s personal health and happiness with continued progress and prosperity to your friendly people.
From Mohammed VI, King of Morocco:
As the friendly nation of the Myanmar Union celebrates its Independence Day, it gives me great pleasure to send my heartfelt congratulations. Along with my best wishes to Your Excellency for good health and happiness, and to your people for further progress and prosperity.
I would like to take this opportunity to assure Your Excellency of my keen desire to work with you to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation which unite our countries, for the sake of their mutual interests.
Coord meeting on control of chemical precursor in Myanmar, India and China held
Yangon, 21 Jan—The work coordination meeting on control of chemical precursor in Myanmar, India and China co-sponsored by the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control and Bangkok-based UN Drug and Crime Office was held at Hotel Nikko here on 20 January morning, with an opening address by Chairman of Chemical Precursor Supervisory Committee Deputy Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Brig-Gen Zaw Win.
In his address, Police Brig-Gen Zaw Win said that the aim of the meeting is to enhance the cooperation of Myanmar, India and China in control of trafficking in chemical precursors used in producing narcotics including Ephedrine, adding that Myanmar is situated between India and China which produced a large amount of chemicals and shares borders with them.
Myanmar imports chemicals from neighbouring countries as it is not an industrialized nation. However, unscrupulous businessmen are smuggling the chemicals into the country and much of them were seized in the opium refineries at border regions and on their way to Myanmar, he noted. The three countries are to seek means and ways but not to put the blame on each other, he stressed. He urged the precursor control teams of the three countries are enhance cooperation by means of exchanging information received at border regions.
Then, Coordinator for Control of Chemical Precursor in East Asian and Pacific Region Mr Wong Hoy Yuen of Bangkok-based UNDCO made a speech.
Altogether 26 delegates from Myanmar, India and China attended the meeting which ended today.
The meeting discussed participation of UNDCO in Myanmar-India cross-border cooperation, providing assistance to Myanmar by India and China, and holding another meeting in Myanmar in August 2003 .
Matters on human trafficking control discussed
Yangon, 21 Jan — Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung received Senior Reporting Officer Mr Phillip Linderman of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons of the State Department, the United States of America, and Mr John Henyes, First Secretary of the Embassy of USA, at his office here this afternoon.
Mr Phillip Linderman discussed matters on human trafficking with members of the work committee for prevention against human trafficking — Brig-Gen Khin Yi, Director-General of the Supreme Court U Tin Aye, Director-General of Attorney-General’s Office Dr Tun Shin, Director-General of the Social Welfare Department U Sit Myaing, Director-General of the Immigration and National Registration Department U Maung Htay, Police Brig-Gen Zaw Win, Police Col Sit Aye, U D Abel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Daw Htu Yaw of Myanmar National Working Committee for Women’s Affairs, Executive of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Dr Daw Htay Nwe — at the meeting hall of the Myanmar Police Force Headquarters.
