Trainees to teach children in border areas to become educated and spiritually developed persons Nurturing them with the aim of turning out brilliant intellectuals and intelligentsia necessary
Senior General Than Shwe gives guidance to trainees of primary teachership course No 35 of UDNR
Yangon, 28 Jan— Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance to the trainees of primary teachership course No 35 of University for Development of National Races at Mingala Hall in Pyithu Hluttaw building this morning.
Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein acted as master of ceremonies.
Senior General Than Shwe delivered an address. He said: The Institute for Development of National Races has been upgraded to university level for over 10 years. You from border areas have studied at the university. After completing your studies, you will be discharging duties as teachers in the border areas where national races live.
The State has properly nurtured you at the university. You have educational duties like other education staff and you, as good organizers of the State, are responsible for successfully implementing the policies and tasks laid down by the State.
In order to discharge such duties, you have studied at the university. After being nurtured by the State to improve your life, to possess correct thought and to become good organizers, you are to go to the respective regions of national races.
You have the duty to educate the children of the border areas. You have to accept firmly that you have to build correct concept and belief, in other words, propagation of the Union Spirit.
In connection with the first duty, most of the national races live in far-flung areas which are difficult of access. They lost opportunity to pursue education because there was no peace at that time. Therefore they are weak in education. You are to strive for improvement of their education, accepting that you are the forces to remedy such weakness.
Therefore, you are to teach the children in the border areas to become educated and spiritually developed persons through the education sector. It is necessary to nurture them with the aim of turning out brilliant intellectuals and intelligentsia.
It is needed to turn out a lot of intellectuals and intelligentsia for development of the Union. Education is the foundation for emergence of intellectuals and intelligentsia. Regarding the second duty of regional development tasks, you are to practically apply development subjects studied at the university as you are the products of UDNR, and at the same time you will have to continue to study.
There are spiritual and physical developments. Regarding spiritual development, the government is making efforts to wipe out evil legacy of the past history in the border areas.
The government is striving for elimination of cultivation and production of narcotic drugs.
You are to organize the national people in the border areas in order to make them realize that drug trafficking is not the right way of earning a living, and to encourage the will to earn a living through lawful means.
Narcotic drugs tarnish the dignity of the country and people and also harm the local people themselves. The drugs bring evil things to both the nation and the people as well as the present life and the future. You need to inculcate this kind of thought in local people.
The government has laid down five rural development tasks and is implementing them for material development. Nationalities in rural regions are responsible for regional development. You need to lead and organize local people for having the sense to make endeavours for regional development. You also need to accept the leadership of superior officials.
In building a nation, rural areas are to be built first, then, township, district, state, division and up to central level. Rural area is a very basic one and nationalities in rural regions are the most basic. Rural areas are to be established in building a
nation. If the foundation of a building is good, it will last long. The whole Union is to be established from rural
areas.
Similarly, a separate ministry is undertaking the border areas and national races development project in border areas where there is poor transport and no peace and tranquillity for transport, economic, education and health development.
Moreover, the government is implementing the 24-development-zone project to narrow the gap between the national races and the regions of the Union, they are living in.
After realizing the implementation of the national races development project, 24 development regions project and rural development project, you need to discharge the development tasks yourselves whatever role you are in and to actively participate in the task, accepting the leadership of superior officials.
The third duty is that you are to undertake the task to equip the national races in the regions you are in with the correct thought and concept. You need to cultivate the thought of national races in order to reach the national path of non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty. You are to build thoughts and concepts that lead to the emergence of a peaceful modern development nation, the
national goal.
The Union of Myanmar was under the servitude of the imperialists for over 100 years. During their rule, with the aim of exploiting natural resources, they practised various divide-and-rule tactics to break up unity, to sow discord among the national races and to misunderstand among them.
The government is trying to get rid of the evil legacy of the colonialists’ divide-and-rule policy, to inculcate into the nationals of the Union the idea that they are all own brothers and sisters and to eliminate the system in which there is at least one person in every locality who lords it over the others. In each and every jungle there crows a rooster, as a Myanmar saying goes. You, on your part, should strive for the flourishing of national unity and Union Spirit among the local people.
There is a Myanmar saying that the nation will be peaceful only if there is unity among its people. It is up to all the national people of the Union to strive for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation. In the same way, unity is indispensable for accomplishing everything, as the saying “Unity is strength” goes.
Therefore, it is the bounden duty of all Myanmar nationals to totally eliminate discord, hatred and disunity among themselves with Union Spirit.
Our nation is the Union where various national groups live together and each and every region is also like a small union where different nationalities reside. As we have been living together so long that we are inseparable, love and friendship and unity are a must for all of us.
If Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan are divided, there can be no peace nor development in the Union. No other thing is as important as development of the Union. As you are good and able organizers, you will have to try your utmost to develop the regions where you are assigned duties, to wipe out evil legacy and to propagate Union Spirit among the
locals.
In the 21st century, the whole world is on the road to rapid development. At a time like this, if we were disunited, it would be like that we were moving against the road of progress.
Therefore, it is your third duty to bring the national outlook and convictions onto the right path with the objective of translating a peaceful, modern and developed nation into reality.
In conclusion, I would like to urge you all to carry out your educational duties as well as the tasks for regional development and shaping the outlook and convictions of the local people.
Then, on behalf of the trainees, Danu national Maung Myo Khaing of Ywa- ngan Township, Shan State (South) spoke on the occasion. He said:
First of all, I would like to say that we will regard your guidance as the guidelines in carrying out our duties and we promise that we will follow your guidance. At the same time, I would like to wish the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and other State dignitaries health and happiness. The State is nurturing the national youths to become educational employees as well as junior leaders for regional development. We will soon graduate from our alma mater and will be carrying out the duties assigned by the State. In carrying out our duties, we will try our best to nurture to become all-round developed citizens.
The government has tried to gain peace and stability in the nation and is now taking systematic measures to bring about improvement in the social life of the national people. As a result, we, the people living in remote areas, are now able to enjoy the fruits of all-round development. While striving for the development of border areas, the State is carrying out the development tasks for 24 development regions. This being so, all the regions and areas throughout the Union are equitably developing. Due to such development, there is a good transport between the border areas and major cities. Small villages in these areas have also become towns and cities. Rural areas where water was once scare have now abundant water supply. As children rely on parents who can improve their lives, so also the people rely on their government always trying to fulfil all their requirements.
Because of the developments achieved, our belief in the fact that “there will be development only if there is unity” has become stronger. And we strongly believe that the successful implementation of political, economic and social objectives of the State will lead to the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation. Accordingly, we will unitedly lend ourselves to the full realization of these objectives by organizing the entire people.
We all have been living together in unity and amity for ages. And we have built our State with the unity of national brethren and ward off all the dangers which befell it.
Today also, we all national brethren are unitedly building a new modern and developed nation under the leadership of the government by preserving the fine traditions handed down to us by our ancestors. The development of the State resulting from its own genuine strength is a shot in the arm for us. Therefore we are determined to keep on trying till our country becomes a modern and developed nation. We must be careful that there are internal and external elements who can't bear to see our nation develop are plotting to cause the disintegration of the Union by sowing discord among the national people. In spite of their wicked attempts, our country has been able to stand as an independent and sovereign nation only because of the national unity. However, they will continue. with their vain efforts to sabotage our nation. We must keep constant vigilance against such machinations to maintain the development already achieved. We will lead our pupils and the local people by propagating Union Spirit among them and inculcating correct outlook and knowledge into them.
In conclusion, the State and our alma mater have trained to become educational employees with good organizational skills. Not only that our alma mater has offered us all the branches of study worth learning and taught us to fully realize the aims and objectives and work programmes of the State. As we are the sons and daughters nurtured by the State, we make a solemn promise that we will try our best to become worthy sons and daughters who can execute the duties assigned to us, upholding our three main national causes.
On behalf of the trainees" Akhar national Ma Bu La spoke words of respects. She said that it was a great pleasure for us to receive the serious guidance given by the Head of State and I would like to say that we are to pay serious attention to the guidance.
We are the last batch of the primary teachership course of the university. The university will confer only B.Ed in the coming years to be able to carry out the educational measures of border areas. We feel honoured to attend the university established with the aim of boosting the living standard of national races and developing the Union. Requirements are being fulfilled throughout the course. Thus, the gratitude we owe the Government is great and we will repay it by nurturing ourselves to become the ones who discharge the State's duty with might and main.
The State believes thata peaceful, modern and developed nation can no doubt be built by highly- qualified new generation youths. To enlist the strength of the new generation youths the Government has laid down the education promotion Programme, the special four-year plan for promotion of the national education, the long-term national education plan and steps are being taken for nurturing the highly qualified human resources, Multimedia classrooms have been opened at the basic education schools and the students are pursuing education in earnest across the nation. we are so delighted to see new generation pursuing education with all-out efforts. Arrangements have been made to bring about harmonious and equitable development in all states and divisions. When peace and tranquility prevails in border areas, the number of school has increased significantly. With -an increase in the number of the schools the national brethren now have the chance to pursue the higher education. With those facilities, it is believed that all the national brethren of border areas will make efforts for national and regional development. All of us are to train and nurture ourselves to be the outstanding persons on whom the State can rely and to make efforts whatever sector we are in.
Since the time of its assuming state duties, the government, laying down correct policies and objectives, has been striving with might and main for the development of the country and prevalence of peace and tranquility. As a result of these efforts, our country have achieved development never known in previous eras. We appreciate the government's efforts for the development tasks as a goodwill of the State to enable us and posterity to stand prestigiously among the world's nations. We unanimously have decided to strive, with the earnest desire to develop the Union, to live together in unison in the Union, and to adore the Union, and the Union Spirit, for turning the country into a more modem and peaceful Union, legacy of our forefathers. The firmness of the Union Spirit that is prospering among the national races is vital for the development of our country. Therefore, the university, prescribing the main objective as "to strengthen the Union Spirit of the national races by pursuing their education goa1 and living amicably at the university", cultivated understanding, friendship, and confidence among us. We will convey the Union Spirit firmly rooted in our heart together with us to the regions where we are assigned duties and. are determined to cultivate it among the people and new generation youths of national races.
While we are striving to keep abreast with the neighboring countries, the Union Solidarity and Development Association that serves the interest of the state and the people has emerged as a national organization, Over 19 million of its member new generation youth are, hand in hand with the people, actively participating in the nation-building tasks ' with belief in lofty tasks of the association. Being USDA members, we pledge to make efforts for realization of the tasks laid down by the association ' with the participation of the people and to organize them to actively take part in the service of national interest.
Then, the ceremony concluded at 10.10 am.
After the ceremony, Senior General Than Shwe and party cordially greeted supervisor teachers and trainees.
Yangon, 28 Jan — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe hosted a dinner in honour of the trainees of Primary Teachership Course No 35 of University for Development of National Races at the Pyithu Hluttaw Building on Pyay Road this evening.
At 6.15 pm, the Senior General arrived at the building and cordially greeted the trainees of PTC No 35 in front of the Ami-Myanmarpyi Image before the dinner.
Before and during the dinner, Myanma Athan Modern Music Troupe entertained the audience and the Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture after the dinner.
Region
Yangon, 28 Jan — Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt addressed the coordination meeting on implementation of agreements between Myanmar and People’s Republic of China during the State visit of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister Senior General Than Shwe to PRC from 6 to 11 January 2003.
Addressing the meeting, General Khin Nyunt said the Head of State’s visit is the most successful one for not only friendship but also for expansion of economic, political, and social sectors between the two countries.
The delegation led by PRC State Council Vice Premier Li Lanqing arrived here recently and discussed matters relating to extension of bilateral cooperation and rapid implementation of the agreements reached between the two countries, he said.
The ministers who included in the visit to China also discussed their respective tasks with their dialogue partner ministers. Moreover, the discussions were made with officials of Sichuan Province and Yunnan Province. They discussed bilateral cooperative tasks concerning the Ministries of Electric Power, Industry-1 & 2, Agriculture and Irrigation, and Energy and reached agreements. This coordination meeting was now convened for rapid implementation of the agreements by ministries concerned, he added.
Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on cooperative tasks on technical assistance for production of hybrid paddy, establishment of agricultural research, cultivation of rubber and production of rubber products, technical assistance for highland cultivation, availability of quality sugarcane and development of agro-based industries.
Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung reported on construction of pulp factory (Monywa), Costic Soda Factory (Sittaung), Glass and Bottle Factory, Printing and Paper Factory (Thabaung), upgrading of Thayawady Ceramic Factory, construction of PyinOoLwin Pharmaceutical Factory, Kyaukse Blanket Factory, Aluminum Factory, Grinding Ball Factory and Cosmetics Factory.
Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin reported on construction of Electric Generator Plant, Radial Tyre Factory and Mandalay Industrial Training School.
Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut reported on condition of cooperation of Shweli Hydel Power Project, Tendering for Yeywa Hydel Power Project and survey task for Shwesaryay Hydel Power Project.
Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi reported on construction of fertilizer plant with the use of coal, exploration of petroleum and natural gas at the inland sites and offshore petroleum and natural gas exploration and implementation and purchasing of drilling materials and spare parts for fertilizer plant.
Then, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan reported on coverage and telecast of news about Myanmar in Chinese newspapers and TV, and sending Myanmar trainees to China for scholarship.
Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung reported on bilateral cooperation for development of science and technology and sending trainees for scholarship.
Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung reported on the agreements reached during the Senior General’s visit to China and the matters discussed and agreements signed with Vice Premier Li Lanqing during his visit to Myanmar .
Then, the ministers and those present at the meeting gave supplementary report on their respective tasks regarding cooperation between the two countries.
Later, the secretary-1 made concluding remarks and the meeting came to a close.
Secretary-1 addresses coord meeting on implementation of agreements between Myanmar and PRC
Yangon, 28 Jan — Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt addressed the coordination meeting on implementation of agreements between Myanmar and People’s Republic of China during the State visit of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister Senior General Than Shwe to PRC from 6 to 11 January 2003.
Addressing the meeting, General Khin Nyunt said the Head of State’s visit is the most successful one for not only friendship but also for expansion of economic, political, and social sectors between the two countries.
The delegation led by PRC State Council Vice Premier Li Lanqing arrived here recently and discussed matters relating to extension of bilateral cooperation and rapid implementation of the agreements reached between the two countries, he said.
The ministers who included in the visit to China also discussed their respective tasks with their dialogue partner ministers. Moreover, the discussions were made with officials of Sichuan Province and Yunnan Province. They discussed bilateral cooperative tasks concerning the Ministries of Electric Power, Industry-1 & 2, Agriculture and Irrigation, and Energy and reached agreements. This coordination meeting was now convened for rapid implementation of the agreements by ministries concerned, he added.
Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on cooperative tasks on technical assistance for production of hybrid paddy, establishment of agricultural research, cultivation of rubber and production of rubber products, technical assistance for highland cultivation, availability of quality sugarcane and development of agro-based industries.
Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung reported on construction of pulp factory (Monywa), Costic Soda Factory (Sittaung), Glass and Bottle Factory, Printing and Paper Factory (Thabaung), upgrading of Thayawady Ceramic Factory, construction of PyinOoLwin Pharmaceutical Factory, Kyaukse Blanket Factory, Aluminum Factory, Grinding Ball Factory and Cosmetics Factory.
Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin reported on construction of Electric Generator Plant, Radial Tyre Factory and Mandalay Industrial Training School.
Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut reported on condition of cooperation of Shweli Hydel Power Project, Tendering for Yeywa Hydel Power Project and survey task for Shwesaryay Hydel Power Project.
Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi reported on construction of fertilizer plant with the use of coal, exploration of petroleum and natural gas at the inland sites and offshore petroleum and natural gas exploration and implementation and purchasing of drilling materials and spare parts for fertilizer plant.
Then, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan reported on coverage and telecast of news about Myanmar in Chinese newspapers and TV, and sending Myanmar trainees to China for scholarship.
Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung reported on bilateral cooperation for development of science and technology and sending trainees for scholarship.
Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung reported on the agreements reached during the Senior General’s visit to China and the matters discussed and agreements signed with Vice Premier Li Lanqing during his visit to Myanmar .
Then, the ministers and those present at the meeting gave supplementary report on their respective tasks regarding cooperation between the two countries.
Later, the secretary-1 made concluding remarks and the meeting came to a close.
Deterrent action to be taken against those who are involved in drug trafficking
Shan State (East) Drug Elimination Work Committee Chairman Minister for Labour U Tin Winn discusses matters on drug eradication
Yangon, 28 Jan—Chairman of Shan State (East) Drug Elimination Work Committee Minister for Labour U Tin Winn inspected construction of the diversion weir by Wa national race group about six miles north-east of Ponpa-kyin on 22 January morning.
Leader of Wa national races U Aik Lauk and officials reported work being carried out to the minister who gave necessary instructions.
The diversion weir is being built by Wa national races on self-reliant basis to irrigate about 1,000 acres of farmland in the region.
Then, the minister and party proceeded to Nanphaing Village and met with the villagers and gave instructions on cultivation of poppy-substitute crops.
Then, the minister and party inspected the poppy-substitute Shew Lein Maw Orange plantation of U Yan Shauk Kyi and raising of 100 pigs at the plantation.
Next, the minister and party met with township-level departmental officials, townselders, social orgainz-ations and local peoples.
In his address, Minister U Tin Winn said that the Governments of successive eras, after Myanmar had regained independence, were making all-out efforts in the fight against narcotic drugs. Before 1988 the poppy plantations were destroyed by the Tatma-dawmen, the police force members and the people with the help of US Government. But the poppy cultivation have not been eradicated since the poppy farmers had to live in miserable conditions and they had to fulfil their food, clothing and shelter needs by growing poppy. At the same time, various armed insurgent groups encou-raged the poppy cultivation, making the ends meet by the income from opium.
The Tatmadaw Go-vernment, after assuming the State’s responsibility, has been making earnest efforts for the national development ceasing the armed insur-gency and consolidating the unity among the national races.
The national race armed groups returned to the legal fold and joined hands with the Government in undertaking the development tasks of border areas. Moreover, measures are being taken with the help of the national race leader for eradication of poppy cultivation. To fulfil the food, clothing and shelter needs of the poppy farmers, steps are being taken to ensure
the cultivation of poppy-substitute crops.
Although there is only a few acreage of poppy in Monghsat District and there is a decrease in poppy cultivation in the region, there still have been frequent seizures of stimulant tablets in Tachilek and Monghsat Districts. To ensure total drug eradication, drug trafficking and the use of drug. The people need to pass the information related to the drug in the wards and villages to the authorities concerned. Only then will efforts for drug eradication meet with success.
The drug problem is a global concern and efforts are being made in cooperation with the neighbouring countries and UNDCP for drug elimin-ation. The amount of foreign assistance Myanmar re-ceived is insignificant in comparison with that the neighbouring countries received. But the efforts for eradication of narcotic drugs is meeting with success due to the public participation in Myanmar.
The UN and US Government acknowledged the drop in poppy cultivation in Myanmar but they may make accusations con-cerning stimulant tablets. Thailand at present is making accusations concerning the drugs. Thus, the help of the local people is needed for total eradication of the stimulants in the region.
Then, Col San Pwint of the Ministry of Defence made a speech. He said that the Golden Triangle region was notorious for producing drugs in the past. In the 1950s poppy cultivation and production in the region increased with the incursion of the nationalist Chinese. Later, the armed insurgent groups were involved in the drug business. The drug problem was assumed to have been brought to an end as the MTA groups led by U Khun Sa who is branded as an opium king surrendered in January 1996. But the drug problem surfaced again due to Ywet Sit’s SURA with the support of Thailand.
Thailand has been hurling accusations at every seizure of drugs in its territory saying that the drugs came from Myanmar. In reality Yaba (a) stimulants were produced and used in Thailand since 1983 and the drugs were found in Tachilek only in 1996. Thailand has been accusing Myanmar of being engaged in poppy cultivation in the past. It is putting the blame on Myanmar concerning the drug problem.
To refute the accusations manufactured by Thailand we need to prove that the nation is free from the drugs. The problem of stimulants also needs to be systematically addressed. The public participation is needed for total drug eradication. Deterrent action is to be taken against those who are involved in the drug trafficking.
Next, Secretary Police Brig-Gen Tin Win made a speech. He said that the control of drugs is one of the four main responsibilities of Myanmar Police Force. The MPF is discharging the duty, he said and called on the public to participate in the drug control.
Then, Director U Nyi Nyi of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs explained on measures being taken for development of border areas and national races and urged the re-spective officials to make collective and collaborative efforts for drug elimination.
Afterwards, on behalf of the local people, Lahu national U Myint Maung pledged that there will be no poppy cultivation in the region in 2003 and the ceremony ended.
After the ceremony, Minister U Tin Winn greeted those present at the cere-mony.
Then, Minister U Tin Winn and Col San Pwint of the Ministry of Defence met with Wa national race leaders at the guest house in Hwaiaw Village, Ponpakyin Township. The minister urged the national race leaders to cooperate and coordinate in the fight against drugs and to expose and seize those who are involved in trafficking of the stimulants to be able to refute the accusations.
Then, Col San Pwint of the Ministry of Defence made a speech.
Next, Minister U Tin Winn and party attended the meeting between the minister and local people for drug elimination held at the Basic Education Middle School of Nakaungmu Village in Mongto Town-ship. Minister U Tin Winn made a speech on the occasion. He said poppy cultivation has decreased after 1989 due to cooperation between the Government and the national race leaders. Arrangements have been made for cultivation of poppy substitute crops and measures have been taken for finding the market and better transport. There has been a significant decrease in poppy cultivation. Sixty percent of poppy cultivation decreased in 2002 in comparison with that of 1996.
Then, Col San Pwint of the Ministry of Defence delivered speech.
Next, Secretary Police Brig-Gen Tin Win explained measures being taken by the Myanmar Police Force in the fight against drugs, the effective action taken against those involved in the drug trafficking and matters on prevention of human trafficking.
Later, on behalf of the local people, Lahu national U Khin Maung Latt pledged that there will be no poppy cultivation in the region and the ceremony came to a close.
After the ceremony, Minister U Tin Winn greeted those present at the cere-mony and left there for Monghsat.
Yangon, 28 Jan — A ceremony to fix the last gold nuts and bolts to the frame of Chindwin Bridge (Monywa) on Monywa-Kale new road was held at the bridge on 26 January morning. Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Naing and Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun made speeches at the ceremony.
First, Maj-Gen Saw Tun made a speech. In his speech he said under the guidance of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, Chindwin Bridge (Monywa) project was started with a stake driving ceremony on 9 December 2000. The bridge was one of the important bridges on future Asia/ASEAN highway or new Monywa-Yagyi-Kalewa road constructed to overcome the road blockades due to the landslide of Yonzale mountain on old Monywa-Kalewa road. The State, laying down plans to narrow the development gap between rural and urban regions of the country, is implementing regional development projects including transport infrastructures. Development of transport infrastructures would contribute towards the better health, education and economic conditions of respective regions. Therefore, the State, hand in hand with local people, has been building both rural roads and bridges and highways and major bridges for the development of rural areas.
The Ministry of Construction had built 602 miles of road in Sagaing Division, increasing the total length of road in the division from 1332 miles in 1988 to 1934 miles now. Then, the minister thanked the commander, departmental officials, engineers and local people for their concerted efforts in construction of the bridge.
Then, Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing made a speech. In his speech he said the State, laying down objectives for all round development of the nation, implemented irrigation facilities and river water pumping projects for the agriculture sector, hydel power generation projects and industrial zone projects for the industrial sector, road and bridge construction projects for the transport sector and other develop-ment projects for the health and education sectors. Construction of roads and bridges in Sagaing Division, an essential requirement for infra-structure development of social and economic sectors, would contribute towards the development tasks for national races living in the border area and smooth flow of goods to the border areas. Sagaing division, enjoying the local rice sufficiency and producing a surplus for other regions of the State, was becoming the rice bowl of Upper Myanmar. The division also grew other four main crops, increasing the cultivation acreage and per acre yield.
Therefore, roads and bridges are vital for the transportation of agricultural produce. Chindwin Bridge (Monywa) would benefit the regional and inter-state/division tran-sportation, tourists who wish to enjoy the traditions of Myanmar national races and scenes of Chin Hills, and smooth flow of goods in Tamu, Kabaw, Pakokku and Gangaw. Chindwin Bridge (Monywa) is scheduled to be inaugurated together with the 115-mile long new Monywa-Yagyi-Kalewa road. As a result of the earnest efforts of responsible personnel, the road with 171 bridges were now nearly completed. Then, the commander urged those present to strive for the successful inauguration of the bridge and the road. Afterwards, Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun and Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein sprinkled scented water on gold nuts and bolts and, at the auspicious time, fixed the nuts and the bolts. Then, the commander and party performed the rituals of golden and silver showers and the ceremony concluded. Chindwin Bridge (Monywa) is scheduled to be opened soon.
Shan State (North) USDA donates new school building
Yangon, 28 Jan — A ceremony to open a new school building donated by Shan State (North) Union Solidarity and Development Association was held at the affiliated basic education high school in Naungmon Village, Lashio Township, on 26 January afternoon.
It was attended by Chairman of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing, Central Executive Committee member of USDA Col Tin Hlaing, local authorities, members of USDA and social organizations, teachers and students totalling over 3000.
Secretary U Aye Thaung of Shan State (North) USDA and Headmaster U Tin Shwe formally opened the school building. Then, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing and CEC member Col Tin Hlaing spoke on the occasion.
Executive of Shan State (North) USDA U Kan Myaing explained the purpose of donation. Col Tin Hlaing and U Kan Myaing handed over one hundred desks donated by Lashio District Peace and Development Council and documents related to the school building to Joint Education Officer of Shan State Daw Nan Ywet Sai Loung.
Afterwards, the commander and the CEC member attended the opening of Naungmon Village Library and formally opened the library.
Shan State (North) USDA, in an effort to undertake rural development tasks, donated the school building on 140'x30' area worth over K 4 million with the contribution of State USDA members and local people and other maintenance work in the school.
The commander and Minister Col Tin Hlaing attended the opening of the office of Mongyai Township General Administration Department in Lashio District the same day.
Yangon, 28 Jan — Director-General Col Myo Myint of Development Affairs Department under the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs together with officials, inspected drinking water ponds in Muse on 26 January.
The officials looked into tarring of circular road which is 12,600 feet long. The road is being built at a cost of K 21.77 million.
Sports gears presented to Chin State U-13 football team
Sports and Physical Education Department presented sport gears to Chin State under-13 football team, in Mindat Township on 7 January. Chairman of Mindat District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Ohn Myint Oo gave a speech and presented sports equipment to the team. Coach U Thang Lain is training players of the under-13 football team in Mindat Township.
Cleft lip patients treated in Myaing
Under the arrangements of Magway Division MCWA Patron Daw Khin Mi Mi, Magway Division Working Committee for Women’s Affairs Chairman Division Commissioner U Aung Win of General Administration Department with the assistance of Magway Division Health Department Head Dr U Kyaw Hla Myint, wellwisher U Khaing Htwe-Daw Thin Thin Khaing and family (Asia Brave Trading Ltd) of Yangon and the 15-surgeon team led by Dr Daw Rebecca Din arrived at Myaing Township Hospital on 18 January. Local authorities, social organizations, wellwishers and health staff assisted in the treatment. The medical team performed cleft lip treatment on 5 patients, general surgical operations on 14 patients and medical care services to other 200 patients free of charge at the hospital.
Rural dispensary handed over to Health Department
The self-reliant rural dispensary, built at a cost of over K 2.6 million, was handed over to Health Department in Htongyi Village, Bago Township, on 15 January. Village Peace and Development Council U Ba Aye handed over documents related to the dispensary to Dr Daw Tin Tin Win of Bago Township Health Department.
Teaching aids CD-ROMs donated in Natmauk
A ceremony to donate CD-ROMs on matriculation curriculum to Basic Education High Schools in Natmauk Township by Natmauk Township Union Solidarity and Development Association was held at Natmauk BEHS on 15 January. Township USDA Secretary U Aung Kyaw Soe presented CD-ROMs to Township Education Officer U Thaung Swe. Then, teachers taught the pupils with the use of CD-ROMs.
Long cotton cultivation duty assigned in Yemethin
A ceremony to assign duty on cultivation of late-monsoon long cotton to officials and cotton growers was held at the meeting hall of Myanma Cotton and Sericulture Enterprise in Yamethin on 16 January. Local authorities, departmental officials and cotton growers from 17 village-tracts attended the ceremony. A total of 4,850 acres of late-monsoon long cotton will be cultivated in Yamethin this year.
Cash and kind donated to MMCWA
YANGON. 28 Jan - A ceremony to donate cash and kind to Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association was held at the meeting hall of the building of the association this afternoon.
First, donor U Khin Maung Aye and wife Daw Khin Lay of Gold Power Co donated 100 weighing machines worth of K 1.1 million and Golden Cow and Gold Power nutritious powder worth K 600,000, U Zaw Tun and U Khin Maung Oo ( Noble Film Productioin ), K 500,000 and the family of the late Daw Than Than Myint, K 100,000 to MMCWA. Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe accepted the donation and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers and Chairperson Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe spoke words of thanks.
Yangon, 28 Jan — Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint received Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Myanmar Mr Chanthavy Bodhisane at his office at 1.30 pm today.
Yangon, 28 Jan — The Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw left here on 23 January by air and arrived in Phnom Penh to attend the 6th ASEAN Tourism Ministers' Meeting, the 2nd ASEAN +China, Japan, and Korea ministers' meeting and ASEAN Tourism Forum (AFT-2003) held in Phnom Pneh, Cambodia on 24 January. Then, H&T Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw met with Cambodian Tourism Minister Mr Veng Sereyvuth and discussed matters relating to visa and exchange of information between the two countries. Also present at the call was Myanmar Ambassador to Cambodia U Saw Hla Min.
The minister on 24 January morning attended the 6th ASEAN Tourism Ministers' Meeting and discussed implementing programme for agreement and promotion of ASEAN Tourism Industry at the meeting.
Then, the minister in the afternoon met with President of Bangkok Airways Dr Prasert Tong Osoth and discussed with him direct flight schedule between Bagan and Siem Reap.
Next, the minister attended the 2nd ASEAN + China, Japan, and Korea ministers' meeting and the ministers from the respective countries made a round discussion on measures to be taken to promote tourism industry between ASEAN and China, Japan and Korea, development affairs for investment in ASEAN regional tourism services and formation plan for ASEAN tourism information and communications association. The minister and party on 25 January made a study tour of Siem Reap where Angkor Wat is situated. It is the main tourist attraction of Cambodia and arrived back Yangon by air on 26 January.
Yangon, 28 Jan — Minister for Livestock Breeding and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein met President Mr Francois Gontier of EEM Co Ltd of France and party at his office at noon today.
Yangon, 28 Jan — Myanmar Computer Science Association will hold MCSA Professional Certificate (Network Engineering) and Software Engineering examinations on 1 March 2003 in Yangon. Anyone can appear for the examinations.
The exam is divided into two parts — Part (A) and Part (B). The subject of the exam is according to the Myanmar Cross Certification IT Engineer Exam guide. Those who only pass this exam may apply for the foreign scholarship. Applications can be bought at the MSCA office in MICT Park. Applicants are to apply not later than 23 February. For more information, contact Ph 01-652276.
MICT Week extended to 5 February
Yangon, 28 Jan —MICT Week to mark the 1st founding anniversary of Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Park (MICT Park) continued at Hline University Campus and it will be extended till 5 February.
YANGON, 28 Jan - With the supervision of Myanmar Computer Federation and the assistance of Centre of the International Co-Operation for Computerization (CICC), IT Caravan started leaving Yangon this morning. IT Caravan is to give talks and demonstration on Information Technology in all parts of Myanmar. A ceremony to mark its departure of Yangon was held at MICT Park. IT Caravan comprises a toal of 18 persons including 15 computer technicians and entrepreneurs from Myanmar led by Chairman of Myanmar Computer Federation U Thein Oo and three delegates from CICC in Japan. IT Caravan will Stop-over in Pyay Township in Bago Divi- sion, NyaungU Township and Meiktila Township in Mandalay Division and Toungoo Township in Bago Division and held talks and demonstration on information technology including use of lnternet.
Bagan Cyber Tech will assist Internet and Communication Systems to be needed during IT Caravan's week-Iong trip.
Yangon, 28 Jan — A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Tamu Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, on 24 December 2002 searched Naungkyar, Bahmon and Ye Lwin at the junction of Kyun Nguatto, in Tamu and seized 190 stimulant tablets in a plastic bag in the underwear of Naungkya (a) Hsanghngar, an Indian citizen. In connection with the case, action is being taken against Naungkya, 18, son of U Ibonhsar of No 197, Airport Road, Imphal, India, Bahmon, 18, son of U Yar Lin of Kyar-in Village, Kalay Township, and Ye Lwin, 23, son of U Hpaik Htan of Zaytan Ward 10 of Tamu under Sections 15/19(A)/20(B)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by the Tamu Police Station.
23 acres of poppy fields destroyed in Dimawhso
Yangon, 28 Jan — Eight acres of poppy plantation on Padaing Mountain range and 15 acres two miles west of Dawrawkhu Village, in Dimawhso Township, Kayah State, were destroyed on 19 and 20 January by the combined team comprising members of Tatmadaw, local intelligence unit, Myanmar Police Force and departmental staff.
A total of 943.89 acres of poppy plantation had been destroyed during this poppy growing season till January 2003.
