Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San see off Thai General Somdhat Attanand and Madame
Yangon, 1 Feb — Commander-in-Chief of Royal Thai Army General Somdhat Attanand and Madame Khunying Suppanapa Attanand and party this morning left here for home by special aircraft of Royal Thai Air Force after paying a goodwill visit to Myanmar at the invitation of Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye.
Before their departure, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San met with the visiting Thai General and Madame at No 2 Tatmadaw Guest House.
Then, the visiting Thai General and Madame, together with Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, left the Guest House and arrived at Yangon International Airport at 8.30 am.
At the VIP Lounge of the airport, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye presented a documentary photo album and a video tape of the goodwill visit to General Somdhat Attanand.
At 9 am, the Thai General and Madame and party left for home by special aircraft of Royal Thai Air Force. They were seen off at the airport by Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San together with Thai Ambassador Mr Oum Maolanon and Thai Military Attaché Col Kasam Nakpun and officials of the Thai Embassy.
Secretary-1 accepts cash donations for building Thabbyinnyu Stupa, inspects preparations for conveyance of Maha Atula Pattanila Bowl
Yangon, 1 Feb—The 22nd cash presentation ceremony for construction of Thabbyinnyu Stupa was held at the stupa in Mayan-gon Township here this afternoon. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and accepted the cash donations.
The ceremony was opened with the three time recitation of Namo Tassa.
Secretary of the Work Committee for Construction of the Stupa Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung reported on progress in construction of the stupa.
Then, Chairman of Financial Sub-Committee Deputy Minister for Rail Tran-sportation Thura U Thaung Lwin reported on the use of funds in construction of the stupa.
Then, the cash presentation ceremony followed.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt accepted the cash donations— K 657,675 for Shwe Dagon Pagoda, K 500,000 each for Sule Pagoda, Botahtaung Pagoda, Thabbyinnyu Stupa, Maha Muni Image (Mandalay) and Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda, K 200,000 for Shwe Phone Pwint, K 14 million for Myataung Kyaungtaik of Mandalay and K 3 million for novitiation of 199 persons totalling over K19.36 million; and K 1 million each for Shwe Thein Daw Pagoda and Mya Chaung Pagoda in Kani Township; K 500,000 each for a primary school, a high school, a X-ray unit in Kani Township and No 1 BEHS in Monywa; K 500,000 each for Defence Services General Hospital (1000-bed); No 2 Military Hospital (500-bed); School for the Blind (Kyimyindine); School for the Dumb and Deaf (Mary Chapman); Home for the Orphans (Yangon); Myitta Yeikmon (Cancer) Hospice Foundation (Yangon); Psychiatric Hospital (Yangon); and Leprosy Hospital (Mandalay), totalling K 8 million. The cash is donated by Deputy Quartermaster-General Col Zaw Lin and wife Daw Kyi Kyi Win.
Then, the Secretary-1 and the ministers accepted the donations—K 200,000 by Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe; K 2.5 million by YCDC; K 1 million by the Ministry of Transport; K 4.6 million by U Kyaw Maung of Golden Pollen Co; K 200,000 by the Ministry of Industry-2; K 100,000 by Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen Than Tun and wife Daw Win Win Daung and family; K 2.5 million by U Khin Shwe of Zay Kaba Co; K 5.5 million by U Maung Maung of Asia Express; K 5 million by Nay Min Gyi Construction Group; K 5 million by Chit Kyi Yay Construction Group; K 2.5 million by National Holdings Trade Ltd; K 2.5 million by National Holdings Construction and Engineering Co; K 1 million by National Holdings Industry Co; K 1 million by National Holdings Service Co; K 2.5 million by U Aik Tun of Olympic Construction; K 3 million by Chan Tha Construction; K 1 million by Universal and Shwekyabyan Construction; K 1 million by Wa Wa Win Construction; K 1 million by Taw Win Construction; K 1 million by Sky Teet; K 1 million by Aung Thabyay Khine; K 1 million by Sakura Trading Centre Co Ltd and Sakura Construction Group; K 2.5 million by Shwe Pyi Thit Construction; K 1 million by Fortune Int’l Ltd; K 1 million by Ahyon Oo Construction; K 500,000 by Myanma Gems Enterprise; K 3.5 million by Myanmar Nay Yaung Chi Joint Venture Jewellery Co; K 5 million by Aung Myin Thu Jewellery Co; K 2.8 million by Tet Khan Joint Venture Jewellery Co; K 1 million by Maung Wait Construction Group; K 1 million by Tet Lan Construction; K 1 million by Tosta Construction; K 1 million by Golden Flower Construction; K 1 million by U Win Sein; K 500,000 by High Rise Construction; K 500,000 by Htut Khaung Construction; K 500,000 by Asia World Co; K 300,000 by Htay Myanmar Co; K 300,000 by Pinlon Hteik Htar; K 500,000 by FMI; K 200,000 by Shwe Kaba Construction; K 100,000 by Myanmar Ahhla Construction; K 100,000 by Win Shwe Yi Construction; K 850,000 by Yadana Market of Myanma Gems Museum; K 500,000 by Asia Shwe Daung Joint Venture Jewellery Co; K 500,000 by Yadana Ava and Aye Aye Khine Jewellery Co; K 500,000 by Kyaw Myint Aung and Phusin Jewellery Co; K 500,000 by Chan Lon Jewellery Co; K 500,000 by Fuji Jewellery Co; K 300,000 by Myanmar VES Joint Venture Co; K 300,000 by Road Administration Department; K 200,000 by U Khin Maung Lay of Sein Thiha Co; K 200,000 by U Maung Maung Aung of Vicking Marine Co; K 300,000 by Myanma Shipyards; K 300,000 by Department of Civil Aviation; K 300,000 by Department of Marine Administration; K 300,000 by Myanmar Airways; K 300,000 by Inland Water Transport; K 100,000 by Myanmar Maritime University; K 300,000 by Institute of Marine Technology; K 300,000 by Myanma Five Star Line; K 300,000 by Myanma Port Authority; K 500,000 by Yangon Airways; K 300,000 by Department for Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems; K 500,000 by Myanmar Seafarers Association; K 100,000 by Myanma Jute Industry; K 300,000 by Daw Tin Tin Oo and family; K 100,000 by Principal U Kyaw Soe and Assistant Director Daw Kyu Kyu Win; K 100,000 by U Nyein-Daw Ohn Kyin; K 50,000 by Myanmar Rice Merchants Association; K 30,000 by U Ko Thu Rein-Daw Swe Swe Han and K 10,000 by U Than Lin-Daw Thaw Thaw Tun. Next, the Secretary-1 gave instructions on construction of the Stupa. The ceremony ended with the three time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Min Dhamma Hill in Insein Township and inspected building of the site where Maha Ahtula Pattanila bowl is to be kept.
Then, the Secretary-1 and party paid homage to Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image.
Next, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and officials reported to the Secretary-1 on matters related to holding the second Buddha Pujaniya and conveying Maha Ahtula Pattanila bowl.
Then, U Htay Khine of Aung Thabyay Khine Co-Daw Khin Ma Htwe presented K 2.5 million for throne of the bowl. The Secretary-1 accepted the donations.
Then, the Secretary-1 and party left Min Dhamma Hill in the evening.
Region
Lt-Gen Kyaw Win views extempore talks contest to mark 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day
Yangon, 1 Feb — Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win viewed the basic education high school level (Central) extempore talks contest to mark the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day at the hall of Yankin Education College this morning.
First, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung made a speech. Then, Chairman of the sub-committee for the contest Director-General U Bo Win of the Education Planning and Training Department explained matters related to holding basic level contests and rules of the contest. Afterwards, the contest started. A total of 17 students from states and divisions took part in the contest.
After the contest, Chairman of the Panel of Judges Prof Dr Kyaw Win of History Department of Yangon University announced the first, second, third and special prizes.
Ma Su Wadi Nwe of BEHS-6, Ahlon, won first prize, Ma Mya Phyu Kyaw of BEHS-5, Sittway, second prize and Ma Myat Mon Khing of BEHS, Laymyethna, third prize.
Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Director-General U Saw Lwin, Director-General U Bo Win and Director-General U Tin Nyo presented prizes to the winners.
Basic Education Middle School (Central) Level Extempore Talks Contest is to be held tomorrow.
Union Day Organizing Management Committee meets
Yangon, 1 Feb— The Management Committee for Organizing the 56th Anniversary Union Day held the second coordination meeting at Pyithu Hluttaw Building on Pyay Road this afternoon.
Chairman of the Management Committee Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe delivered an address. He said that today’s meeting is the second coordination one of the management committee. Sub-committees had reported their respective sectors in the previous meeting and undertook their tasks. He invited to report the progress of works and requirements to the meeting.
The Union Day is a significant one of the country. National unity is of great importance in Myanmar. Therefore, all the responsible officials are to carefully implement their tasks. Four national objectives for the 56th Anniversary Union Day have been laid down. They are:
— for all the nationals to safeguard the national policy— non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of the national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty;
— to keep Union spirit always alive and flourishing among the entire national people.
— for all the nationals to strive in harmony for the emergence of an enduring State Constitution that will pave the way for the building of a new discipline-flourishing nation; and
— to ward off, with national solidarity, the danger of destructionists from inside and outside the nation who are disturbing the stability, peace, modernization and development of the State.
As such, tasks are to be implemented with political essence in accord with the national objectives. Thrifty measures for organizing the Union Day ceremony are to be taken as much as possible. Later, the commander urged those present to make strenuous efforts for undertaking their respective tasks with might and main to observe the 56th Anniversary Union Day. Next, officials of the sub-committees reported on the progress of works. Later, the commander attended to their needs and gave concluding remarks.
Union Day commemorative talks, exhibition, prize-presentation ceremony held
Yangon, 1 Feb — The 56th Anniversary Union Day commemorative Union Day talks, exhibition and prize-presentation ceremony were held at the Sayagyi U Ba Lwin Hall of Myoma School, the No 2 Basic Education High School in Dagon Township here at 9 am today.
First, Headmaster U Tin Maung Tun delivered an address. Next, student Ma Sandi Soe Aung gave talks on the Union Day objectives. Later Directror-General of the No 3 Basic Education Department U Tin Win and officials presented prizes to the winners in the Union Day commemorative essay competition, poetry competition, computer painting competition, poster competition and cartoon competition.
After the ceremony, the guests veiwed round the the 56th Anniversary Union Day commemorative wall-magazines, paintings, posters, traditional utilities of national races displayed at the exhibtition.
UDNR trainees visit factories in Thayawady, Padaung
Yangon, 1 Feb — To study regional knowledge on their return, the trainees of Primary Teachership Course No 35 of the University for Development of National Races, accompanied by leader of the excursion group Pro-Rector Daw Khin Si Si and teachers, left here on 30 January morning.
They arrived at Enamel Ware Factory in Thayawady, Bago Division (West), at 8 am.
The trainees were welcomed there by Chairman of Thayawady District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Thein Lwin, General Manager U Soe Tint of Myanma Ceramics Industries, Factory Manager Maj Htin Kyaw and officials.
At the hall of the factory, Lt-Col Thein Lwin extended greetings. Then, officials explained enamel ware work and production process of the factory.
On behalf of the trainees, trainee Maung Than Win of Kayah State spoke words of thanks. Then, they were served with breakfast. Next, the trainees visited the factory.
In the afternoon, the study group arrived at Technical Training School (Hsinde) of Myanma Agricultural Machinery Industries in Padaung Township. The group were welcomed there by Managing Director Col Myo Tint of Myanma Agricultural Machinery Industries, Pyay District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Khin Win, No 1 Farming Equipment Factory General Manager U Kyaw Kyaw, Technical Training School (Hsinde) Principal U Win Thein and officials. Next, the trainees were served with lunch.
Managing Director Col Myo Tint extended greetings and Factory General Manager U Kyaw Kyaw explained facts about the factory.
Trainee Maung Aung Naing Oo of Kayin State expressed thanks. Township Union Solidarity and Development Association executive member U Than Zin Aung presented gifts to the study group.
Then, the trainees visited the factory.
At 7 pm, the managing director hosted a dinner in honour of the trainees at the mess hall of the training school.
Entries invited to Myanma Beauty & Nature Colour Photo Contest till 14 Feb
Yangon, 1 Feb — The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism announced to hold the Myanma Beauty and Nature Colour Photo Contest for contribution towards development of the Myanma tourism industry, not later than 31 January.
The schedule date for the contest was extended till 14 February for ensuring participation of more entries in the contest and convenience of photographers throughout the country. Entries are to be sent to U Kaung Htut (Deputy Director), Directorate of Hotels and Tourism, No 77/91, Sule Pagoda Road, Yangon.
Union of Myanmar
State Peace and Development Council
Declaration No 1/2003
15th Waning of Pyatho, 1364 ME (1 February 2003)
Assignment of duty as Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council
The State Peace and Development Council has assigned duty to Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win as Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council.
Reassignment of duty of Minister
The State Peace and Development Council has reassigned Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung as Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office with effect from today.
Permission granted for retirement
The State Peace and Development Council has permitted the following Ministers to retire from duties with effect from today.
(1) Maj-Gen Ket Sein Minister for Health
(2) U Khin Maung Thein Minister for Finance and Revenue
Appointment of Ministers
The State Peace and Development Council has appointed and assigned duties to the following persons as the ministers of the ministries shown against each.
(1) Maj-Gen Aung Min Minister for Rail Transportation
(2) Dr Kyaw Myint Minister for Health
Myanmar delegation attends 111th WHO Executive Board Meeting in Geneva
Yangon, 1 Feb — The Executive Board of World Health Organization held its 111th meeting at WHO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, from 20 to 28 January.
Chairman of the Executive Board Leader of the Myanmar delegation Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Kyaw Myint together with delegation members Director-General Dr Kyi Soe of Health Planning Department, Director-General Prof Dr Maung Maung Wint of Medical Science Department and Director Ye Myint of Health Department attended the meeting.
On 19 January, Deputy Minister Prof Dr Kyaw Myint, together with Myanmar Permanent Representative to WHO Ambassador U Mya Than, Directors-General Dr Kyi Soe and Prof Dr Maung Maung Wint and Deputy Permanent Representative U Tin Maung Aye, discussed with officials of the Executive Board at WHO Office. Legal Adviser Mr Tom Topping and Dr Bill Kean explained programmes of the meeting and procedures.
On 20 January morning, the 111th Executive Board Meeting was held with an address by Chairman of the Executive Board Deputy Minister for Health Pro Dr Kyaw Myint.
WHO Director-General Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland submitted the report. Then, members of the Executive Board discussed the budget for 2004-2005 of WHO.
On 21 January morning, the Executive Board Meeting continued. Chairman Deputy Minister Prof Dr Kyaw Myint explained procedure for electing the director-general post of WHO. Members of the Executive Board elected five candidates in the first phase of the secret voting system.
In the evening, Chairman Prof Dr Kyaw Myint attended meetings of the Ishan Dogramaci Family Health Foundation Selection Panel and the Sasakawa Health Prize Selection Panel.
On 22 January morning, the Executive Board Meeting went on. Implementation of the minutes of the Special Meeting on AIDS of UN General Assembly, survey of health care capability, development of the traditional medicines sector and appointment of the America Regional Director were discussed. The WHO director-general and respective directors clarified the discussions.
With regard to the traditional medicine sector, Deputy Minister Prof Dr Kyaw Myint explained the history of traditional medicine in Myanmar, tasks being carried out for uplift of the traditional medicine, academic matters of Traditional Medicine University and Institute of Traditional Medicine, health care services of traditional medicine hospitals and clinics, research works, future tasks and issue of Traditional Medicine Law.
Then, the Deputy Minister discussed Intellectual Property Rights related to Myanmar traditional medicines. The Executive Board accepted his discussions. As a result of discussions of the Deputy Minister, draft of Traditional Medical Science and Herbal Plants Preservation Board was amended. It is beneficial to the Union of Myanmar.
In the evening, the Deputy Minister attended meetings of the Leon Bernard Foundation Committee and the United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Selection Panel.
On 23 January, Deputy Minister Prof Dr Kyaw Myint met with WHO Executive Director Dr David Heyman and discussed projects being implemented by Myanmar in cooperation with WHO and future projects.
On 24 January, the Executive Board Meeting continued. Implementation of resolutions on the flu, terrorism and health report, health development tactic for child and youth, traditional medical science and international health bylaw were discussed at the meeting.
On 27 January, Deputy Minister Prof Dr Kyaw Myint and members of the Executive Board interviewed five candidates for the WHO director-general post.
On 28 January morning, Dr Jong Wook Lee of the Republic of Korea was elected as the Director-General Post of WHO.
The Myanmar delegation led by the Deputy Minister arrived back here yesterday.
Yangon, 1 Feb — The second Myanmar ICT Week 2003 continued for the tenth day at the MICT Park on Hline University Campus today. Being a holiday, business persons, students, youth, service personnel and the public visited the exhibition today.
ICT future tasks and technologies aiming at the enabling the new generation youth to use Internet and services of Suntac Technologies were on display at the respective booths. The exhibition continues from 9 am to 5 pm till 5 February.
Minister U Tin Winn discusses drug elimination tasks in Tachilek
Yangon, 1 Feb — Minister U Tin Winn inspected the Central Inland Freight Handling Committee Office in Tachilek and met with staff and workers of the township offices of the Labour Department and CIFHC on 26 January. The minister urged those present to unitedly carry out their duties and explained the arrangements for opening a clinic of the Social Security Board.
Afterward, Chairman of the Work Committee for Elimination of Drugs in Shan State (East) Minister U Tin Winn met with Tachilek District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Aung Nyunt Thein, Chairman of Tachilek District Anti-Narcotics Association U Maung Tint and members at the office of the Special Anti-Drug Squad in Tachilek. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said he recognized the organizational work carried out with the active participation of district chairman and the anti-narcotics association that led to the successful opening of a self-reliant Community Based Drug Addict Treatment Centre. Organization tasks to establish similar centres in other townships and village-tracts must be carried out, he urged.
The minister said he had learnt that only about 28 acres of poppy had been grown in Minglin Village-tract in Tarlay Township of Tachilek District this year. Those poppy plantations were destroyed, and seeds of substitute crops and livestock were provided to the poppy growers. Although it was late in the poppy cultivation season, vigilant watch must be kept to ensure that there were no poppy cultivation in Minglin and other regions. No poppy cultivation ensures the success of drugs elimination by half. Stimulant tablet problem must be handled with the participation of national races. As Mongpahlo-Kyainlat road leads to Kyaingkokl in the other country across the Mekong river, it is a possible new route for drug trafficking. In conclusion, the minister urged those present to check such activities, and to implement the guidance of the Head of State to establish a drugs-free district.
Then, the chairmen of Tachilek District Peace and Development Council and Tachilek District Anti-Narcotics Association explained matters related to the organizational work carried out in the villages.
Drug Elimination discussed in Kenglat, Shan State
Yangon, 31 Jan— Chairman of Shan State (East) Work Committee for Drug Elimination Minister for Labour U Tin Winn and party arrived in Wanlan Village in Tarlay Township on 25 January. The minister discussed drug elimination issue with village people. The minister and Brig-Gen Phone Swe of Monghsat Station went to Kenglat region and met departmental personnel, townselders, members of social associations and local people.
In his discussions, Minister U Tin Winn said the Head of State has assigned duties to five ministers for elimination of narcotic drugs. In 2003, the New Destiny Project is being implemented for decline of poppy cultivation. It is expected that poppy cultivation will fall to 90 per cent due to the efforts of the ministers and the deputy ministers concerned and public cooperation. Poppy cultivation declined because of cooperation of local people.
The government not only destroyed the poppy plantation but also organized local people for cultivation of poppy substitute crops. And it also made arrangements for transport of regional products to markets.
Poppy was grown on 28 acres in Monglin Village, Tarlay region, this year. These poppy plantations were destroyed in November and December. Tachilek District Peace and Development Council and District Anti-narcotics Association provided poppy substitute crops and animals to poppy growers.
Now there is no cultivation of poppy and no production of heroin in Tachilek District but there is still trafficking of stimulant tablets. Drug traffickers can go from Mong Parsho-Kenglat region to Laos crossing Mekong River. He spoke of need to actively take part in efforts to prevent stimulant tablets from flowing into the region.
Police Brig-Gen Tin Win explained duties of Myanmar Police Force, anti-drug activities, gradual decline of poppy cultivation, assistance of central organizations, cooperation with international communities and prevention of human trafficking. He then handed out the pamphlets on prevention of human trafficking to those present.
Col San Pwint of the Ministry of Defence explained conditions in the Golden Triangle Region which is notorious for drugs. One can go from Mong Parsho-Kenglat region to China, Laos and Thailand through Mekong River. The region may be used as a route of carrying stimulant tablets. He urged reporting drug news to officials.
Director of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Department U Nyi Nyi, Dr Khin Maung Gyi of the Ministry of Health and General Manager of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation U Pyay Nyein reported on implementation of the tasks.
Then, the meeting came to a close, chanting anti-drug slogans. Minister U Tin Winn cordially greeted those present. The minister and party inspected waterways of Mekong River and running of ships and boats. The minister met departmental officials in Tarlay region.
