Senior General Than Shwe inspects hotels at Ngapali Beach, feasibility survey of hydel power project in Thandwe
Yangon, 10 Feb — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe arrived in Thandwe, Rakhine State, by special flight of Myanma Airways at 2.45 pm on
8 February.
Then, the Senior General and party arrived at Annawa Yeiktha at Ngapali Beach in Thandwe Township and inspected environs of the Yeiktha.
Afterwards, the Senior General and party proceeded to Sandoway Resort Hotel and viewed development of the beach and scenic beauty.
Next, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw reported to the Senior General on opening of hotels and inns at the beach, arrival of tourists and local visitors and Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe on running of flights to Thandwe from various regions. Commander Maj-Gen Maung Oo gave a supplementary report.
After hearing the reports, the Senior General gave necessary instructions and inspected hostels of Sandoway Resort Hotel. Then, the Senior General and party inspected Shwewagyaing Camp and the Senior General gave guidance on upgrading of the Shwe-wagyaing Camp into an advanced resort for enjoying of tourists.
On 9 February morning, the Senior General and party, together with Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, ministers, deputy ministers, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office and officials who arrived in Thandwe on 9 February morning, inspected Ngapali beach in Thandwe.
At the club house of Ngapali Beach Golf Resort, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut reported to the Senior General and party on matters related to Thandwe Creek Hydel Power Project for development of Thandwe Township and more power supply and implementation for other hydel power projects surrounding areas of Thandwe region.
Yangon, 10 Feb — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe held discussions with Thai Prime Minister Dr Thaksin Shinawatra at Annawa Yeiktha, Thandwe, Rakhine State, at 9 am today.
At the discussions, leaders of both nations expressed deep satisfaction of the improved bilateral relations between Myanmar and Thailand and stressed the need to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries. Moreover, as Myanmar has excellent prospects in the tourism industry, Thailand wishes to carry out greater cooperation in the tourism industry. Furthermore, considerable success has been achieved in narcotic drug elimination being undertaken by the two countries and they agreed to promote bilateral cooperation in the future. They agreed to work together in international relations.
After the meeting, Senior General Than Shwe presented a documentary photo album and video tape on his visit to Myanmar to the Thai Prime Minister.
Later, Senior General Than Shwe and Thai Prime Minister Dr Thaksin Shinawatra and party viewed the scenic beauty of Ngapali beach.
International Relations
State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends message of felicitations to Iran
Yangon, 11 Feb — Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Seyed Mohammad Khatami, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on the occasion of the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran which falls on 11 February 2003.
Yangon, 11 Feb — On the occasion of the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which falls on 11 February 2003, U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Dr Kamal Kharrazi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Senior General Than Shwe hosts banquet in honour of Thai Prime Minister and party
Yangon, 10 Feb — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe hosted a banquet in honour of visiting Thai Prime Minister Dr Thaksin Shinawatra and party at Annawa Yeiktha in Thandwe, Rakhine State, at 8.15 pm on 9 February.
After the banquet, the Senior General and party and the Thai Prime Minister and party were entertained with songs and dances presented by Rakhine traditional dance troupes of Thandwe Township and students of Ngapali Basic Education High School.
Then, the Thai Prime Minister presented a flower basket to the entertainment group.
Next, the Senior General and party and the Thai Prime Minister and party viewed the releasing of Myanma traditional hot-air balloons.
Afterwards, the Thai Prime Minister and party left Annawa Yeiktha for Sandoway Resort Hotel in a motorcade at 9.30 pm.
Senior General Than Shwe meets Thai PM
Yangon, 10 Feb — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe met with Dr Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, who was on a working visit, at Annawa Yeiktha in Thandwe, Rakhine State, at 7.20 pm yesterday.
Also present were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt and Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung. Together with the Thai Prime Minister was Thai Foreign Minister Dr Surakiart Sathirathai.
Senior General Than Shwe and Dr Thaksin Shinawatra held talks for about an hour.
Thai Prime Minister arrives in Union of Myanmar on working visit
Yangon, 10 Feb — At the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe, Thai Prime Minister Dr Thaksin Shinawatra arrived in Putao, Kachin State, by special aircraft of Royal Thai Air Force at 11.30 am on 9 February to pay a working visit in Myanmar.
The Thai Prime Minister and party were welcomed at Putao Airport by Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Myanmar Ambassador to Thailand U Myo Myint, senior military officers of Northern Command, departmental officials, Bamar, Rawan, Lisu, Tai-Khanti and Jingphaw national children and traditional dance troupes.
The Thai Prime Minister and party cordially met the local people and traditional dance troupes.
Then, the Prime Minister and party, together with Commander Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and Myanmar Ambassador U Myo Myint, flew by Tatmadaw helicopter to enjoy snow-capped areas along Phongamrazi mountain ranges and Myanma scenic beauty.
They then arrived at Kaunghmulon Pagoda, eastern bank of Malikha River, Machanbaw Township, and paid homage to the pagoda. Next, the Thai Prime Minister and party donated cash towards the funds of the pagoda.
Afterwards, the Thai guests proceeded to Mulashide Kachin village in Putao Township where they were welcomed by local people and traditional dance troupes.
Next, the Thai Prime Minister and party cordially met with local people and viewed round traditional utensil shops of Rawan, Lisu, Tai-Khanti and Jingphaw.
Then, they arrived at Khakaborazi Guest House in Putao at 1.45 pm.
Commander Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe hosted a luncheon to the visiting Thai Prime Minister and party at the guest house.
After the dinner, the commander presented traditional utensil and the fruit basket to the Thai Prime Minister.
Then, the Thai Prime Minister and party, accompanied by Minister U Win Aung and Myanmar Ambassador U Myo Myint, left Putao for Mandalay International Airport by special aircraft of Royal Thai Air Force at 2.45 pm.
The Thai Prime Minister and party were seen off at the airport by the commander, departmental officials, local national races and traditional dance troupes.
On arrival at Mandalay International Airport, the Thai Prime Minister and party were welcomed by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, senior military officers and division level departmental officials.
Two Myanmar girls presented the bouquet to the Thai Prime Minister at the airport.
Next, the Thai Prime Minister and party, accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and Myanmar Ambassador U Myo Myint, left Mandalay International Airport for Thandwe, Rakhine State, by special aircraft of Royal Thai Air Force.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt welcomes Thai PM Dr Thaksin Shinawatra and party in Thandwe
Yangon, 10 Feb — Visiting Thai Prime Minister Dr Thaksin Shinnawatra and party arrived in Thandwe, Rakhin State from Mandalay International Airport by special aircraft of Royal Thai Air Force on 9 February evening to pay a working visit in Myanmar at the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe. They were welcomed at Thandwe Airport by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
The delegation led by Thai Prime Minister Dr Thaksin Shinnawatra, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Surakiart Sathirathai, Thai Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Oum Maolanon, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister Mr Pongsak Rutapongpaisal and high rankng officials, accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and Myanmar Ambassador to Thailand U Myo Myint, arrived at Thandwe Airport at 5.45 pm by special aircraft of Royal Thai Air Force.
When the Thai Prime Minister descended from the aircraft, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt warmly welcomed him at the top of the ladder of the aircraft.
Next, the Secretary-1 welcomed Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Surakiart Sathirathai and party.
The Thai PM cordially met with Chairman of the Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Maung Oo, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win.
At the airport’ building, the Thai guests were welcomed by members of Rakhine cultural troupe, children wearing the traditional costumes and the Rakhine traditional drum troupe.
Afterwards, a couple of Rakhine children presented bouquet to the Thai PM and party. Then, the young girls presented gifts of Ngapali to the visiting Thai PM and party.
The visiting Thai PM and party were welcomed at Thandwe Airport by heads of department, state, district and township level departmental officials, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association and members of social organizations.
Then, the visiting Thai PM and party together with Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt left Thandwe Airport for Sandoway Resort Hotel by car and arrived there at 6.15 pm. After greeting the visiting Thai PM and party, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt left the hotel
Yangon, 10 Feb— Thai Prime Minister Dr Thaksin Shinnawatra and party left Thandwe by special aircraft of Royal Thai Air Force this morning after paying a working visit in the Union of Myanmar at the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe.
Senior General Than Shwe greeted the Thai Prime Minister and party at Annawa Yeiktha in Thandwe.
Then, the Thai Prime Minister and party, accompanied by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Maung Oo, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win and officials, arrived at Thandwe Airport from Annawa Yeiktha by motorcade.
Next, the Thai Prime Minister and party cordially met with members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Rakhine cultural troupes and children at the airport. Then, the Thai Prime Minister and party greeted the ministers. Before ascending to the special aircraft, the Thai Prime Minister cordially greeted the Secretary-1.
Later, the Thai Prime Minister and party left the Union of Myanmar for Thailand by special aircraft of Royal Thai Air Force at 11.30 am.
Region
Expatriates and terrorist insurgents in collaboration with internal destructive elements have been committing destructive acts to cause unrest in the nation
Yangon, 10 Feb — A regular press conference on anti-government activities perpetrated by expatriate NLD terrorist insurgents and NCGUB in cooperation with some members of NLD and SNLD parties within the country and rumours about private banks in connection with general service enterprises was held at the Tatmadaw guest house on Inya Road this morning.
Present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, heads of department, officials of the Ministry of Information, U Sein Win of Kyodo news agency, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Hla Htwe and President U Sao Kai Hpa and correspondents and guests.
Major Thaik Soe of the Ministry of Defence acted as master of ceremonies.
Head of Department Brig-Gen Than Tun of the Ministry of Defence explained that the Government has laid down the national objectives and is making all-out efforts for the emergence of a new modern and developed nation and for the emergence of genuine multiparty democracy system; that in the process, prevalence of peace and tranquillity in the nation plays a key role; that only when there is peace and tranquillity can the national reconsolidation be forged and can sound infrastructures for building a new nation laid down by the State be created. However, the expatriates and terrorist insurgents in collaboration with internal destructive elements have been committing destructive acts to cause unrest in the nation.
The press conference will clarify the arrest of some henchmen sent by expatriate NLD terrorist insurgents to cause disturbances in the country and commit subversive acts; and the action taken against some political party members receiving aids from expatriates and insurgents to launch anti-Government activities.
Thet Nwe (a) Nyein Lu sent by expatriate NLD and ABSDF insurgents to commit the destructive acts was arrested in Shwepyitha Township where he was putting up on 11 December 2002. Thet Nwe (a) Nyein Lu in January 2000 went to Ranong, Thailand via Myeik and Dawei, where he worked on a fishing boat. He was arrested on October 2001 by Thai police and deported to Maesot. During his stay in Maesot he was persuaded by Tun Aung Kyaw of expatriate NLD to join expatriate NLD. He served as an organizer for the organization after attending the political defiance course, the human rights course and the media course.
It is learnt that Thet Nwe (a) Nyein Lu attended the explosive course at Walaykhi Camp, west of Honpyan Refugee Camp in Thailand, south of Myawady. There is an insurgent camp of expatriate NLD at a place in the jungle about a mile from Walaykhi Camp. There are over 50 insurgents with assorted small arms at the insurgent camp. Those arms were provided by Expatriate Sein Win of NCGUB with foreign assistance. There are similar armed insurgent groups in other places, he explained.
Thet Nwe (a) Nyein Lu together with nun Thin Thin Oo on 3 November 2002 left Maesot. When they arrived Yangon they stayed in Shwepyitha Township. As he had no citizenship scrutiny card he accompanied the nun to avoid being searched at the respective check points throughout the journey.
There are two groups entering the nation. One went to Mandalay. Thet Nwe (a) Nyein Lu and his group were despatched to Yangon and Delta region. The duties of the groups were to collect political news in the nation and to recruit ex-convicts and take them to the jungle. The duty of Nyein Lu was to cause an explosion near Insein Jail. The group being sent to Mandalay was to meet with the NLD members in Mandalay, and to cause unrest along the way while they were conveying the NLD bronze hat with a broad brim from Mandalay to Yangon. They had a scheme to explode the control tower at Thazi Station.
When they were under watch, the two nuns—Thin Thin Oo and Ma Than Htay— were arrested in front of the City Hall on 6 January 2003 as they were staging a protest. The two were sent to the nation under the arrangement of Thein Win of expatriate NLD in Maesot, Thailand. They are not genuine nuns. Ma Than Htay was initiated into nunhood when she was about to leave for Yangon.
At a time when efforts were being made to foil the attempts of expatriate NLD insurgents to infiltrate into the country information was received that Maung Maung Myint of Thunanda Street, Nya Ward, North Okkalapa, who had contact with anti-Government organizations in Thailand, was making arrangements to meet Htay Aung of ABSDF in Maesot. Upon investigation, it is learnt that Maung Maung Myint was making arrangements to distribute the propaganda pamphlets and the authorities concerned arrested him at a teashop at the corner of the entrance to Sanpya Hospital in Thingangyun Township on 5 February 2003 together with 400 anti-government pamphlets titled “World Political Declaration”. Further information led to the seizure of about 50 similar pamphlets at his house.
Upon investigation, it is learnt that Maung Maung Myint himself compiled those pamphlets and sent the drafts to Vice-Chairman Khin Win (a) Bodaw of Kamayut Township National League for Democracy. Khin Win (a) Bodaw took the responsibility to publish the pamphlets. Khin Win (a) Bodaw disbursed K 40,000 to Maung Maung Myint for his travelling expenses to make contact with Htay Aung of ABSDF.
While discharging duties as the Vice-Chairman of Kamayut Township National League for Democracy, Khin Win (a) Bodaw had been making contact with armed insurgent groups after secretly forming the anti-government organizations. He frequently met with ex-convicts and UGs, and held discussions on political affairs. They had been making contacts with expatriates and insurgents after forming an unlawful organization called Total Revolutionary Committee (TRC). Khin Win (a) Bodaw sent Maung Maung Aye of Shwepaukkan Myothit, North Okkalapa Township, in January 2002 to make contact with expatriate Aung Saw Oo of NCGUB, with whom he had been friendly terms, when they were in jail. Maung Maung Aye met with Aung Saw Oo with the help of Than Htut and Tin Aung of expatriate NLD. Aung Saw Oo sent a letter to Khin Win (a) Bodaw. Tin Aung and Than Htut of expatriate NLD also sent letters to Khin Win (a) Bodaw to continue engaging in anti-government activities in Yangon and to distribute the pamphlets and declarations of NLD and other political parties to expatriate NLD and NCGUB.
Maung Maung Aye went to Maesot for the second time in early September 2002. Together with Maung Maung Aye, Khin Win (a) Bodaw collected pamphlets issued by NLD, declarations and information on political activities in Yangon and sent them to expatriate NLD and NCGUB. On his second trip to Maesot, Maung Maung Aye was informed that K 1.9 million would be given by anti-government organizations in Maesot for carrying out political activities in Yangon. The funds would have to be used in anti-government activities and for ex-convicts.
Two months later, Maung Maung Aye visited Maesot for the third time and made similar contacts. And then on 4 December he went to see U Soe Myint at his shop at the Mingala Market. The latter gave him a cheque worth 1.9 million kyats and he drew the money from the branch of Asia Wealth Bank at the Mingala Market. The money was sent by the anti-government organizations in Maesot. The way the money was sent was like this: They asked one Ma Thida to send money. She lived in Kawkareik and bought Thai products from one Ma Po’s shop in Maesot and sent them to Yangon. Ma Po requested Ma Thida to send 1.9 million kyats to one Daw Ahmar in Yangon. Therefore, Ma Thida contacted her acquaintance by the name of U Soe Myint and asked him to give Daw Ahmar 1.9 million out of 2 million kyats he owed her. After making these arrangements, Maung Maung Aye went to see U Soe Myint. U Soe Myint examined the National Registration Card of Daw Ahmar and wrote a cheque to enable Maung Maung Aye to draw money from the branch of AWB at the Mingala Market. After deducting 30,000 kyats for travelling expenses and 300,000 kyats for his capital from 1.9 million kyats and gave 1,570,000 kyats to Khin Win (a) Bodaw. Then, Khin Win gave 70,000 kyats to Soe Win (a) Soe Naing Win to open a tea shop at Theingyaung junction in Dagon Myothit (South). Then, Khin Win lent the remaining 1.5 million kyats to Aung Htaik and his cousin Zaw Weik of Seiktaingkya tea shop in Ma Po Street (Myaynigon) with three per cent interest. Forty thousand kyats out of the 45,000 - the very first interest on the loan - was given, as travelling expenses, to Maung Maung Myint who was to go to Maesot to contact Htay Aung.
Then Brig-Gen Than Tun further clarified about the letter confiscated from Maung Maung Myint. On 28 January, 2003, Khin Win (a) Bodaw went to U Sai Nyunt Lwin, joint secretary-1 of Shan National League for Democracy, and showed him a letter written in Maung Maung Myint’s hand-writing entitled “United Front of Monks and Students (UFMS). U Sai Nyunt Lwin processed that letter by the computer in his office and gave it back to Khin Win (a) Bodaw. Maung Maung Than got computer-typeset letter photocopied by the photocopier shop in Einshinma market near Shwegondaing traffic lights in Bahan Township. Maung Maung Than and Maung Maung Myint divided 1,000 photocopies among themselves. Maung Maung Myint gave 50 copies to Tin Aye, member of the Thingangyun Township National League for Democracy. Then Tin Aye distributed the photocopied letters.
The title of the letter “United Front of Monks and Students” can mislead the people and the content is full of slanderous statements on the Tatmadaw government.
Maung Maung Aye who drew the money provided by expatriate NLD from Mingala Market bank branch of Asia Wealth Bank gave the rest of the money to Khin Win (a) Bodaw. He watched Khin Win (a) Bodaw and how to spend that money. Khin Win (a) Bodaw deposited it at Seiktaingkya teashop and drew the interest. Maung Maung Aye was disappointed with Khin Win (a) Bodaw for not using the money in political movements.
So, he went to Maesot in December 2002 and met Than Htut of expatriate NLD. He told him about the control of money by Khin Win (a) Bodaw. He explained to Than Htut about the formation of nine-member committee for he did not want to contact with Khin Win (a) Bodaw. According to his programme, although the committee was the nine-member committee but it was to be formed with delegates from 14 states and divisions. The 14-member of the committee had to organize two persons each. They were to organize the people to increase the number of the members of the committee up to 200. The first leader of the nine-member committee Maung Maung Aye would stage demonstration in front of the People’s Square and the Sule Pagoda on 27 April 2003 and deputy leader Tun Yin, an NLD member of Dalla Township NLD and members of the committee would stage demonstration in turn on 28 April.
After Maung Maung Aye had arrived back to Yangon, he formed the nine-member committee at his house on 3 January 2003. The committee included Maung Maung Aye, Tun Yin of Dalla NLD, Thaung Kyi of North Okkalapa NLD, Thein Kyi of Shwepyitha NLD and joint secretary Tin San of Thanlyin NLD the day on which it was formed. Soe Myint of NyaungU NLD, Maung Maung Than of South Dagon NLD, Po Aye of Hlinethaya NLD and Khin Soe of Kungyangon NLD were also members of the committee.
During the political transitional period, the government wants to see stable, peaceful and disciplined political movement. Holding the attitudes and thoughts of 88, some politicians found weakness and faults of the government and the Tatmadaw exaggerated them and caused unrest. It was found that they committed destructive acts after contacting with unlawful groups secretly and receiving assistance from them.
Such acts are to be exposed. In connection with this case, those who are detained now are to be investigated according to law. Action will be taken against those who should be filed a lawsuit.
Regarding the rumours on service enterprises in connection with private banks, Governor of Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung said the people are not to trust the rumours about the private banks and to do business with the banks for regular banking services with confidence.
General services enterprises are not the monetary organizations established under the Union of Myanmar Central Bank Law and Financial Institutions of Myanmar Law. The government does not recognize them as financial organizations.
General services enterprises are not monetary organizations but economic enterprises. People contributed money to those enterprises with confidence in each other. Earning interest on contributions is not in conformity with rules and regulations of Union of Myanmar Central Bank Law.
Unlike general services enterprises, the private banks are systematically organized under the rules and regulations of the Union of Myanmar Central Bank Law and Financial Institutions of Myanmar Law. The private banks are performing financial services under close supervision and with the backing of the Central Bank of Myanmar.
General services enterprises are nothing to do with the private banks. Matters to withdraw money from the general services enterprises are nothing to do with banking services. The governor of CBM urged the people not to trust in recent rumours.
Under the directives of the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, the CBM supervises State-owned banks and the private banks in accord with the law, rules and regulations and all the banks carry out the banking services accurately. Therefore, the people are to do business with the banks for regular banking services with confidence.
Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Head of Department of the Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Than Tun and Governor of CBM U Kyaw Kyaw Maung replied to queries raised by the local and foreign journalists.
The press conference ended at 10.45 am.
Next, the journalists observed documents on anti-government activities in collaboration with expatriate NLD, insurgents, NCGUB and some party members of official NLD and SNLD in the country, photos of those who distributed anti-government pamphlets, remittance from runaway insurgents to some party members of NLD and documents on cash assistance by external anti-government organizations.
Rail Transportation Ministry meets
Yangon,10 Feb — Third four-monthly coordination meeting of the Ministry of Rail Transportation was held at the meeting hall of the ministry here this morning. Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min, Deputy Ministers of the Ministry Thura U Thaung Lwin and U Pe Than and the directors-general and managing directors and the Central Institute of Transport and Communications under the ministry and officials attended the meeting.
At the meeting, Minister Maj-Gen Aung Min made an address. In his address, he urged the staff to make efforts for punctuality and safety of the trains and development of the ministry.
Then, the responsible officials reported on undertakings of respective departments.
A&I Minister inspects water pumping projects in Myingyan
Yangon,10 Feb — Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, together with departmental officials, arrived at Htanlontat diversion dam project site at Samon river in TadaU Township yesterday.
The minister inspected condition of Samon river and earthen work in dam project and gave necessary instructions to officials. The minister and party also inspected construction site of Natthadaw dam in Ngazun Township, Myingyan District. Then, The minister and party went to Kyauktalon river water pumping project in Ngazun Township. Officials of the Water Resources Utilization Dapartment reported on tasks being carried out to the minister. The minister and party inspected irrigation from main Kyauktalon canal, construction of the main canal, cultivation in irrigated areas and gave necessary instructions.
Next, the minister and party inspected Yawthit river water pumping project site which can irrigate 1,000 acres of land for the hole year on conpletion. The minister and party arrived at Phaungkadaw dam and inspected irrigation work.
In the evening, the minister and party discussed cultivation of crops with the water supply of Semikhon section 2 river water pumping project and inspected irrigation plan.
Later, the minister and party inspected extension of Simikhon Section 2 river water pumping project which is under construction. On completion, that project can irrigate 11,000 acres of Kai, Rannapo and Tawpu Aingma regions. The minister left necessary instructions.
Coordination meeting of PBANRDA Ministry continues
Yangon,10 Feb — The coordination meeting of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Department and the departments under the ministry continued at the Development Affairs Department at Thanlyatson Road in Botahtaung Township this morning with an address by PBANRDA Minister Col Thein Nyunt.
First, state and division deputy superintending engineers reported on implementation of roads and bridges construction and water supply in the rural areas.
Next, Deputy Director-General U Mya Nyein and Director-General Col Myo Myint of the Development Affairs Department reported on undertakings and future plans of the department.
Then, the minister urged the officials to make efforts for the rural development tasks with added momentum.
Union Day Flag goes to Thanlyin Township from Dagon Myothit (South) Township
Yangon,10 Feb — The Union Day Flag which stopped over at the sports grounds in Dagon Myothit (South) Township last night, Yangon East District, was conveyed to Thanlyin Township of Yangon South District from Dagon Myothit (South) Township by Union Boat and delay teams this morning.
Chairman of Yangon South District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Sein Hlaing planted the Union Flag in the silver bowl on the stage at Thihadipa Sports Grounds in Thanlyin Township at 8.50 am.
The Union Flag conveyance ceremony from Dagon Myothit (South) Township to Thanlyin Township of Yangon South District was held at the sports grounds in Dagon Myothit (South) Township this morning, attended by departmental officials, local authorities, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Myanmar War Veterans Organization, Myanmar Police Force, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Working Committee for Women’s Affairs, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigades, school heads, teachers and students.
First, those present with the Guard of Honour of Yangon Command saluted the Union Flag. Meanwhile, the military band of Yangon Command played the national anthem. At 6.45 am, Chairman of Yangon East District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Pyay took out the flag and carried it. Lt-Col Aung Pyay then handed over the flag to Lt-Col Sein Hlaing.
Then, Lt-Col Sein Hlaing carried the flag and planted it in the silver bowl on the Union Boat at 6.50 am.
Then, the Union Flag was carried by the Union Boat through Pale Yadana Road, Pyidaungsu Road, junction of Dagon (South) and (North), No 2 Highway, Ngamoeyeik Bridge, Pyidaungsu Overpass, Laydauntkan Road, Waizayanta Road, Thuwunna Bridge, Ayeyawun Road, approach road to Thanlyin Bridge and Thanlyin Bridge. It was accorded a rousing welcome by numbers of thousands of local people.
On arrival at the archway of Thanlyin Township, Lt-Col Sein Hlaing took out the flag from the silver bowl at 7.40 am. Lt-Col Sein Hlaing carried the flag and handed over it to Yangon South District USDA Secretary U Lwin Oo.
The relay team led by District Commissioner U Soe Min of General Administration Department conveyed the flag and handed over it to Lt-Col Sein Hlaing again.
Next, Lt-Col Sein Hlaing, flanked by the four officers of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and MPF and Union nationals, conveyed the flag into Thihadipa Sports Grounds and planted it in the silver bowl on the stage at 8.50 am.
Local people together with the Guard of Honour of Yangon Command saluted the Union Flag. Meanwhile, the military band of Defence Services (Navy) played the national anthem.
Booths of education and health, booths of Yangon South District Information and Public Relations Department, Myanma Agriculture Service, Forest Department and Myanma Posts and Telecommunications were displayed at the exhibition at the sports grounds. Shwe Yi Lwin Cooperative Society sold personal and household goods to the visitors.
In the evening, No 1 Mobile Public Relation Unit presented variety dances to the audience.
56th Union Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony rehearsed
Yangon,10 Feb — The full-dress rehearsal of the 56th Anniversary Union Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony was held at People's Square on Pyay Road this morning. Present on the occasion were Chairman of Management Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Union Day Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.
The rehearsal included the taking place of the State Military Band, arrival of the Union Flag, saluting the Union Flag, the reading out the message sent by the State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe, the taking place of the Union Flag relay team, relay of the flag and departure of the State Military Band.
Yangon, 10 Feb — The opening ceremony of Japan-Cup Judo competition, sponsored by ASEAN-Japan Exchange Year 2003 Coordination Committee in Myanmar, was held at Aung San Stadium this morning. Myanmar Olympic Committee Chairman Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint made an opening speech at the ceremony. Altogether 10 teams of the ministries are taking part in the contest which will continue till 11 February.
The minister also attended the opening of Myanmar National Disabled Sports Competitions at 9.15 am.
Victorious football team honoured
Yangon, 10 Feb — Kanbawza Bank Ltd honoured football team of Shan State (South), which won the 48th Inter State and Division Union Shield Men’s Open soccer Tournament, at M-3 Food Center yesterday evening. Present on the occasion were KBZ Bank Chairman U Aung Ko Win and officials, guests, the manager and coach of the football team.
