Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt receives guest
Yangon, 20 Feb — Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt met General Secretary Dr Ahn Jae Woong of Christian Conference of Asia, Hong Kong SAR, China, at Zeyarthiri Beikman on Konmyittha at 5 pm today.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspects river water pumping projects in Mandalay Division
Yangon, 20 Feb — Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, met township level officials and members of social organizations and discussed matters related to regional development at the office of TadaU Township Peace and Development Council yesterday morning.
Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Ko Ko Lay reported on geographical facts about the township, measures being taken for regional development projects, cultivable acres of land and sown acreage, and extended cultivation plan for regional food sufficiency.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint discussed progress in implementing regional projects. In his speech, Lt-Gen Ye Myint said that their tour was aimed at rendering assistance in carrying out regional development tasks in Mandalay Division, and the drive to ensure for local rice sufficiency and providing necessary assistance. He added that spending a huge sum of funds, the government had been constructing diversion weirs and dams and implementing river water pumping projects to grow for ensuring regional rice sufficiency in Myingyan, NyaungU and Kyaukse districts and TadaU Township. Paddy should be cultivated at least once a year, and the land will have to be put under other crops also. Water from irrigation facilities should be used effectively for full utilization of the land.
In the process, it was needed to use high-yield and quality strains and fertilizers for boosting per acre yield. It was required to collect exact data on sown acreage, population and rice production for local food sufficiency. Means and ways will have to be sought for more water supply and land reclamation. In doing so, endeavours were to be made under the supervision of respective departmental officials and local authorities with assistance of social organizations.
The government has constructed the roads linking TadaU Township and other townships. Therefore, one can travel from one place to another in the region in a short time. Departments and authorities at different levels were to collectively strive for upgrading these roads and to make field trips to grassroots level for development of the township. In conclusion, he called on respon-sible personnel to make all-out efforts with the conception that ensuring development of their region relied on them.
Then, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party went to the Road Construction Special Group 13 of Public Works in TadaU section of NyaungU-Myingyan-Myotha-TadaU Road near Yaykamoe Village. Chief Engineer U Aung Ngwe reported on work progress. Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave necessary instructions.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected progress in tarring TadaU-Myotha section from mile post 492 to 494/4 and paving stones from mile post 492 to 494/5. They then inspected work progress along TadaU-Myotha section.
They headed for the Natthataw Dam Construction Project near Natthataw Village, Ngazun Township, Myingyan District. At the briefing hall, Assistant Director of District Irrigation Department U Khin Maung Shwe reported on location, embankment type and conduit pipe of the dam, climate and rainfall of the region, number of acres to be irrigated, progress of land preparations, construction of spillway and conduit pipe and arrival of heavy machinery. District Peace and Development Council Vice-Chairman Lt-Col Win Myint and Division ID Director U Tin Aung gave supplementary reports.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspected damming Natthataw Creek with the use of heavy machinery, construction of conduit pipes and arrangements for damming Shwelinban Creek and left necessary instructions.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party went to Kyauktalon River Pumping Project (Extension) in Htanzinhla region, Ngazun Township. At the briefing hall, Deputy Director-General of the Water Resource Utilization Department U Hla Myint Maung and Assistant Director U Win Hsan reported on salient points about the projects, work progress, supply of electricity, cement and fuel and requirements.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave instructions on arrangements to be made for ensuring full irrigation of planned fields, cultivation of at least one cropping of paddy and minimizing loss and wastage and attended to the needs.
At 3 pm, they met with departmental officials at Ngazun Township Peace and Development Council office and discussed regional development and food sufficiency. Also present were Myingyan District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Win Myint, Ngazun Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Myint Ko Than and members, members of Township Agricultural Supervisory Committee, departmental officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association and local populace.
Chairman U Myint Ko Than reported on progress in implementing projects guided by Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, conditions of paddy fields to be irrigated from Kyauktalon, Ywathit and Ngamya river water pumping projects in Ngazun Township and Myotha Dam, Phaungkataw Dam and Natthataw Dam and regional development endeavours.
Speaking on the occasion, Lt-Gen Ye Myint said that Ngazun Township needs food sufficiency. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe himself arrived in Ngazun in January 2003 and managed to build river water pumping projects and dams as well as regional development tasks. Therefore, local people of Ngazun Township are to participate in the regional development tasks and digging of feeder canals. Likewise, it is necessary to reclaim farmlands and put the land under paddy with the use of irrigation facilities. Local authorities are urged to supervise these tasks. Departmental personnel are also to discharge their duties conscientiously and go right down to grassroots level in the regional development tasks. Then, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party went to Ywathit river water pumping project in Ngazun Township. Deputy Director-General U Hla Myint Maung of Water Resource Utilization Department reported on benefited areas of the project, availability of heavy machinery and fuel, digging of canals and installation of the pump.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint called on local authorities to cooperate with local people in digging the canals among the farmlands.
Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave instructions on use of water, cultivation of monsoon paddy and digging of canals among the farmlands.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspected the site for installation of the pump at the bank of Ayeyawady River and flow of water in the river. They then arrived at Ngamya river water pumping project in Ngazun. Deputy Director-General U Hla Myint Maung reported on the main pump station, water pumping programme, irrigated areas, arrangements for digging the main canal and tributary canals and power supply.
After hearing the reports, Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspected the bank of Ayeyawady River where the main pump station will be built. Then, he gave necessary instructions. Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party left the project for Myingyan and they arrived back here via Mandalay today.
Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspects Ayethaya Industrial Zone, Nanthida Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Farm
Yangon, 20 Feb — Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, arrived at Ayethaya Industrial Zone in Taunggyi on 19 February.
At the briefing hall, industrial in-charge U Myint Thein reported on allotment of 3,728 plots in 245 acres of the industrial zone, construction of the gravel road, installation of eight transformers for power supply, sinking of five tube-wells for water supply and manufacturing of Shan Star Jeep and Shan Jeep and Shan Star Double Cab Jeep, oil mill, threshers and spare parts. The commander gave a supplementary report.
Then, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe gave instructions on manufacturing of local-made vehicles and machinery meeting the set standard and to sell them at reasonable price, cooperation in development of the industrial zone and production of natural fertilizers.
Next, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe arrived at Theinmin Natural Fertilizer Plant. Plant owner U John reported on production process of super phosphate, T-Super and compound natural fertilizers. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe gave necessary instructions.
At the Shan Star Double Cab Assembling Factory, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe heard reports on production process of Shan Star Double Cabs by Production in-charge U Thein Win. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe gave necessary instructions.
At the Shan Star Assembling Factory, in-charge U Ko Lay conducted Lt-Gen Aung Htwe round the factory.
Then, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe proceeded to Nanthida Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Farm of Eastern Command in Nyaungshwe Township. Farm In-charge Maj Maung Maung Lay reported on the location and area of the farm, cultivation of 78.19 acres of paddy, 17 acres of sugarcane, 13.3 acres of fish ponds and breeding of poultry, pig and cow on the rest, conducting of agriculture and livestock breeding tasks to 137 trainees, breeding tasks of the farm on commercial scale and supply of water from Tayaw and Nanthida creeks. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe gave instructions on cultivation of pulses and beans.
Next, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspected the training hall of the agriculture and livestock breeding course, thriving of oil palms, poultry farming, breeding of 500 pigs and fish ponds and gave necessary instructions to officials.
Lt-Gen Aung Htwe coordinates upgrading of roads and bridges in Loilem
Yangon, 20 Feb — Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence arrived at the meeting hall of Loilem Station on 18 February morning. Brig-Gen Nyunt Hlaing of Mongpan Station reported to Lt-Gen Aung Htwe on upgrading of special development strategic roads in Shan State (South) and (North) including works being carried out to upgrade 96-mile long Loilem-Lecha-Panketu-Tonlaw road section such as extension of the embankment of the road to 30 feet, extension of the shoulders, tarring, maintenance tasks, digging of drainage along the road, undertaking of road upgrading works by Tatmadawmen and personnel of Public Works, assistance of the command headquarters in the tasks, requirement of machinery and use of fuel and asphalt. Then, Superintending Engineer of Shan State Public Works U Soe Tint reported to Lt-Gen Aung Htwe on assignment of 10 engineers in three townships in Taunggyi District and seven townships in Loilem District in road construction tasks, work being carried out by using 551 workers, maintenance of bridges on the road, arrangements for maintenance of 400-foot long Hsarlaw bridge by the bridge special groups, construction of a reinforced concrete bridge to replace 80-foot long old Tonlaw bridge, and requirements of grinder and machinery. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint gave a supplementary report on assistance rendered to the road upgrading work by the command such as supply of manpower, machinery, asphalt, fuel and cash, supervisory tasks carried out weekly, cooperation of Public Works and Tatmadaw and requirements.
After hearing the reports, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe gave instructions on implementation of road upgrading works systematically, completion of tasks on March 20, submission of work plans for concrete bridge to replace old wooden bridges on the road, arrangements for availability of fuel and asphalt in time, minimizing loss and wastage, harmonious cooperation of Tatmadawmen and personnel of Public Works, maintenance of vehicles for transportation of rocks and earth for the road, and systematic use of machinery. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe urged officials to successfully and strictly carry out the tasks laid down by their superiors. Afterwards, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and wife Daw Khin Hnin Wai attended the merit sharing ceremony of the prayer hall of Maha Myat Muni Pagoda in Loilem Myole Kyaungtaik.
Yangon, 20 Feb — Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, together with Managing Director of No 2 Mining Enterprise U Hla Thein, yesterday afternoon inspected production process and progress in repairing the five-ton kiln at the Tin Refinery in Thanlyin Township and gave instructions.
Then, the minister inspected patches of seasonal crops and perennial trees in the parking lot and left instructions on ensuring cent per cent production and efficient use of electricity and fuel.
Afterwards, the minister went to the Salt Mill under Myanma Salt and Marine Chemical Enterprise in Thakayta Township, where he was welcomed by Managing Director of MSMCE U Saw Win. The minister inspected production and storage of salt, production of oral rehydration salt, agriculture and livestock breeding services for staff welfare, staff quarters and use of electricity. The minister left instructions on production and distribution of the products to the people, efforts to be made for exceeding the targets and efficient use of electricity.
40th Myanma Gems Emporium 15 to 23 March
Yangon, 20 Feb— First meeting of the Central Committee for holding the 40th Myanma Gems Emporium to be held from 15 to 23 March this year was held in conjunction with the review of the sale of mid-year Myanma Gems Emporium held in October 2002 at Myanma gem hall on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here today. Patron of the central committee Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint made a speech.
Also present were Chairman of the central committee Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein, Secretary Managing Director of the Myanma Gems Enterprise U Khin Oo, members of the central committee, and secretaries of respective subcommittees.
Secretaries of respective subcommittees reported on sale of mid-year gems emporium and arrangements for the 40th Myanma Gems Emporium. The joint-secretary of the central committee reported on arrangements for admission of Myanmar nationals to the 40th Myanma Gems Emporium.
Then, Deputy Minister U Myint Thein reported on arrangements for sale of jade, pearl and gems lots. The meeting approved of the holding of the 40th Myanma Gems Emporium from 15 to 23 March. Then, the meeting ended with concluding remarks by the minister.
After the meeting, the minister inspected round the jade lots arranged to be sold at the emporium at the ground floor of the hall.
USDA Secretariat Member meets with township USDA members
Yangon, 20 Feb — Secretariat Member of Union Solidarity and Development Association Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan met with secretaries, organizers and executives of Pazundaung and Mingala Taungnyunt township USDA and members totalling 163 at Pazundaung Township USDA Office and those of Yangon North District and Hlinethaya Township USDAs totalling 153 at the township USDA office this afternoon respectively.
At the meetings, Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan urged those present to carry out organizational tasks, preparations for opening of training courses in summer holidays. He also gave instructions on the need to make the people know the true situation as currently internal and external destructive elements are floating rumours to deceive the people, prevention of fires by cooperating with members of fire brigades and implementation of the five rural developments tasks of the State by cooperating with the people.
Home Affairs Minister tours Mon State
Yangon, 20 Feb — Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, accompanied by officials, inspected agriculture and livestock breeding farms of the ministry, buildings of units and departments, and police stations and met the staff families in Kyaikto, Bilin, Mawlamyine, Kyaik-maraw, Thanbyuzayat and Kyaik-khami townships in Mon State on 17 and 18 February. On 17 February, the minister looked into trial breeding of fish in Attaran River with cage system, perennial trees, vegetable patches, thriving summer paddy fields and pilot cultivation of Hsinshweli strain paddy at the agriculture and livestock breeding farm of the ministry in Kyaikparan Village, Kyaikmaraw Township. At the briefing hall, the director reported on work done and the person in-charge of the farm, on staff welfare services. The minister gave instructions and presented copies of magazines.
Then, the minister inspected construction of buildings of Myanmar Police Force and power and water supply in the same township, and fulfilled the requirements.
On 18 February morning, the minister inspected Myoma police station in Mawlamyine. Next, he watched military parade contest of the policewomen and gave prizes. Afterwards, the minister inspected Mudon Township General Administration Department and police station and met with the staff families. The minister went to Thanbyuza-yat Township GAD and police station and inspected the office, staff quarters and vegetable patches and gave instructions on abiding by the rules and regulations. The minister inspected Mawlamyine Prisons Department in the afternoon, Bilin Township GAD, Kyaikto Township Prisons Department and Moppalin Quarry in the evening and met with the staff families. The minister left necessary instructions and attended to their needs.
Management Committee for Organizing 56th Anniversary Union Day holds review meeting
Yangon, 20 Feb — The Management Committee for Organizing the 56th Anniversary Union Day held the meeting to review tasks of the management committee at Pyithu Hluttaw Building on Pyay Road, here, at 2 pm today, with an address by Chairman of Management Committee Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.
Next, chairmen and officials of the sub-committees reported their respective undertakings and gave suggestions. Later, the commander gave the concluding remarks.
Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe meets cleft lip and palate patients at Pathein General Hospital
Yangon, 20 Feb — Vice-Chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party arrived at Pathein General Hospital yesterday.
They were welcomed there by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Htay Oo and military officers, Patron of Ayeyawady Division Supervisory Committee for MCWA wife of the commander Daw Ni Ni Win and party, Secretary of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Sein Maung and members, Acting Medical Superintendent Dr Khin Maung Than and staff, Plastic, Maxillo-facial and Oral Surgery Specialist Dr Ko Ko Maung and party of Thingangyun Sanpya Hospital and MCWA members of Pathien.
First, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party cordially met with cleft palate and lip patients and those who were given treatment from 26 townships in the division and presented cash assistance to the patients.
At the operation theatre, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party viewed surgical operations provided to the patients by Dr Ko Ko Maung of Thingangyun Sanpya General Hospital, Dr Han Htay, Dr Kyin Thein and party of Ayeyawady Division. Next, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party attended the ceremony to donate cash, medicines and medical equipment to in born disabled children by MMCWA at the Pathein Medical Association Hall. Also present were Commander Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Patron of Ayeyawady Division MCWA Supervisory Committee Daw Ni Ni Win and party, authorities, wellwishers and MCWA members. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe gave a speech and presented K 615,930 for medical operations at Pathein General Hospital and cash assistance K 204,000 for 102 cleft lip and palate patients to Acting Medical Superintendent Dr Khin Maung Than; and K 1,909,273 to be spent on medicines in the operations to Prof Dr Ko Ko Maung of Thingangyun Sanpya General Hospital.
Then, wellwishers donated cash to MMCWA. Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe accepted K 500,000 donated by Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council through Commander Maj-Gen Htay Oo; K 500,000 by South-West Command through Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Tint Swe, K 500,000 by South-West Command MCWA through Daw Ni Ni Win; K 200,000 by Ayeyawady Division MCWA SC through wife of the secretary of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Daw Tin Tin Oo; K 500,000 by Yuzana Cold Storage; K 300,000 by U Cho’s Rice Mill of Pathein; K 500,000 by Aungthabye Khaing Co; K 700,000 by Tun Ayeya Co; K 300,000 by Annawa Pathein Prawn Hatching Enterprise and K 1 million by Max Myanmar. The certificates of honour were presented to the wellwishers.
Next, Daw Ni Ni Win accepted 30 bags of rice for the patients donated by Pathein District Rice Millers’ Association; and medicines worth K 236,200 by Dr Ko Ko Maung.
Afterwards, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party inspected lectures being conducted at the Course No 4/2003 on Youth Education Training Camp (Multiplier), organized by Ayeyawady Division MCWA SC. Altogether 28 trainees from seven townships of Pathein District are attending the course which will last till 23 February.
Then, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party inspected Pathein Township MCWA Office. They met with executives of the Township MCWA and explained future tasks of the association.
International Relations
Tourists arrive by chartered flight
Yangon, 20 Feb — Under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and arranged by the Ministry of Transport and Myanmar Lotus Asia Tours Ltd, a chartered flight carrying 100 tourists on board from Italy landed at Yangon International Airport this morning. The tourists were welcomed at the airport by officials and national race damsels of the cultural dance troupe. The tourists will tour Yangon, Bagan, Popa, Mandalay, Pindaya and Inle trip in two groups and leave here on 27 February.
CPT Minister receives Korean delegation
Yangon, 20 Feb — Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw received Mr No Chun Park, representative of Thai branch of LG International Corporation of Korea at his office at 2.30 pm today.
Yangon, 20 Feb — The executives co-ordination meeting of ASEAN Chambers of Commerce & Industry was held at the Grand Plaza Pearl Royal Hotel on Signals Pagoda Road here this morning.
The meeting was attended by delegates from ten ASEAN countries.
Matters on review of ASEAN-CCI constitution, opening of ASEAN-CCI secretariat as permanent office and others were coordinated.
Vietnamese delegation visits Bagan-NyaungU, Kalaw
Yangon, 20 Feb — The goodwill delegation led by Minister of National Defence Sr Lt-Gen Pham Van Tra of Socialist Republic of Vietnam, accompanied by Vice-Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Aung Kyi and Head of Department of Office of Military Intelligence Brig-Gen Kyaw Han, left here by Tatmadaw aircraft on yesterday morning and arrived in Bagan-NyaungU.
Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min and officials welcomed them. The Vietnamese guests visited Bagan Culture Museum, Shwezigon, Ananda and Pyatthadgyi Pagodas. In the evening, Col Zaw Min hosted a dinner to the guests at Bagan Hotel.
This morning, they left Bagan-NyaungU for Heho by Tatmadaw aircraft. They were welcomed at Heho Airport by Commandant of Command and General Staff College Brig-Gen Nyan Win and officials. At Command and General Staff College in Kalaw, Commandant Brig-Gen Nyan Win explained facts about the college. The guests visited the lecture halls. Then, the guests were served with lunch at the college. The Vietnamese guests arrived back here in the evening.
Sport
Myanmar Open Golf Tourney to be held from 27 Feb to 2 March
Yangon, 20 Feb — Myanmar Open Golf Tournament 2003, jointly organized by Myan-mar Professional Golfers Association and Asian Professional Golfers Association and sponsored by Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd, will be held on a grand scale as an international event at Yangon Golf Club here from 27 February to 2 March.
A total of 157 professional golfers inclu-ding defending champion Thonchai Jaidee (Thai), second prize winner Edward Loar (USA), third prize winner Thammanoo Sriroj (Thai), Champion of 1998 Pagan Golf Club Taimur Hussain (Pakistan), Cham-pion of 2001 Anthony Kang (USA) Boonchu Ruangkit (Thai) who won champion-ship in Myanmar golf tournaments twice, parti-cipant of Japan golf tournaments Zaw Moe, Order of Merit 1999 winner Kyi Hla Han, Myanmar PGA champions Soe Kyaw Naing, Aung Win, Win Htwe Hlaing, and other talented golfers from 25 countries including the United States of America, Sweden, Japan, Republic of Korea, India, Pakistan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singa-pore, Myanmar, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will take part in the tournament. Fans may visit the tourna-ment free of charge.
The tournament will be jointly organized by Han Event Management and Octagon.
Drug
Raw opium, stimulant tablets seized in Kalaw, Monghsu
Yangon, 20 Feb — A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force, acting on information, searched a passenger bus with the number plates 5 Kha/6669 on 1 August 2002. The authorities seized three bags of raw opium weighing 12.24 kilos from the passenger Ohn Shein.
Action was taken against Ohn Shein, 41, son of U San Nyein of Region-2 Nyaungphyu Sakkhan Ward in Taunggyi under Section 15/19(A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Kalaw Police Station.
The Taunggyi District Court handed down 30 years’ imprisonment on him under Section 19 (A) on 20 January.
Similarly, a combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Taunggyi Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on a tip-off, stopped and searched a DT motorcycle on 11 April 2002 and seized 800 stimulant tablets and 34.6 g of heroin from Aik Htat riding on it.
Action is being taken against Aik Htat, 20, son of U Khin Kon of Region-5 of Lwe Hsaung Htauk in Monghsu under Section 15/19 (A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Lwe Hsaung Htauk Police Station concerned.
The Loilem District Court handed down 20 years’ imprisonment on him under Section 15/19(A) on 16 January.
