Yangon, 27 Feb — Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar has sent a message of congratulations to His Excellency Mr Roh Moo Hyun, President of the Republic of Korea on the occasion of his inauguration as President.
Yangon, 27 Feb — Chairman of Myanmar Computer Technology Development Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt received visiting Assistant Investigator of Sichuan Provincial Science and Technology Department of the People’s Republic of China Mr Wang Shouyi and party at Zeyarthiri Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha here this evening.
Yangon, 27 Feb — The visiting Chinese Wushu delegation led by Vice-Chairman of the State Sports Bureau of the PRC Vice-President of World Wushu Federation Mr Li Zhijian left here by air this morning.
They were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Myanmar Olympic Committee Chairman Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Ambassador of China to Myanmar Mr Li Jinjun and officials, Director-General of the Sports and Physical Education Department U Thaung Htaik, President of Myanmar Wushu Federation U Khin Maung Lay and executives.
Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein inspects construction works of Thayagon model village and agricultural farm
Yangon, 27 Feb — Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein arrived at Thayagon Agricultural Farm of MWVO headquarters near No 4 Highway in Hmawby Township yesterday afternoon.
At the briefing hall, Maj Ye Min, person in charge of the farm reported to Lt-Gen Thein Sein and party on cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy in 320 acres of land, reclamation of land with the use of machinery, construction of an embankment for prevention of floods and rural water supply tasks, paving of gravel on 6400 feet out of 7100 feet of road in the village, construction of low-cost houses, supply of electricity and education tasks with the use of charts. Member of the central organizing committee Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa gave a supplementary report. Lt-Gen Thein Sein attended to the needs.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Thein Sein and party inspected Swanahman Rice Mill of the village WVO, construction works of the model village, low-cost houses and village Peace and Development Council Office, sinking of tube-wells, supply of electricity to 201 houses of the village with use of a 20 Kilo-watts generator and paving of rural roads to link No 4 Highway, Thayagon Village and Moegyoepyit Village and gave necessary instructions.
Then, Lt-Gen Thein Sein and party inspected thriving of 136 acres of summer paddy irrigated with the water from Hmawby creek, and measure for irrigating the nearby farms by construction of a sluice gate on the creek. Then, Lt-Gen Thein Sein gave necessary instructions.
After inspecting the village by car, Lt-Gen Thein Sein and party left there at 6 pm. MWVO has made arrangements for repair of a 60x30 feet building of the basic education middle school in the village at a cost of K 1 million for the convenience of the students of the village.
Development projects inspected in Kyimyindine Township
Yangon, 27 Feb — Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected arrangements being made for development of the wards on the other bank of Hline River in Kyi-myindine Township, Yangon West District, this afternoon.
The commander and party arrived at Setsan Ward on the other bank of Hline River in Kyimyindine Township at 2.30 pm. Then, the commander paid reverence and presented offertories to Abbot of Aungmingalar Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Visada and supplicated on assistance to be provided for development of the wards.
They met with officials of No 3 Basic Education Department, the headmistress and the teachers at No 7 Basic Education Primary School in Setsan Ward.
At the meeting, the commander discussed arrange-ments being made for upgrading the basic education schools to promote the education standard of the ward dwellers. Afterwards, the commander and party looked into construction of dispensary in Setsan Ward. Head of Yangon Division Health Department Dr Thein Win Naing reported on work being done. The commander fulfilled the requirements. The commander also met with the headmistress and village elders at Setkalay affiliated BEHS and explained the plans for providing necessary assistance by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council for the school. Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Tin Win reported on measures being taken for development of the wards.
The commander spoke of the need for respective local authorities, departmental personnel and ward dwellers to make collective efforts in unison and to implement projects for ensuring smooth transport for development of the wards on the other bank of Hline River in Kyi-myindine Township. Then, the commander and party left the bank.
Development tasks inspected in Ayeyawady Division
Yangon, 27 Feb— Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Chairman South-West Command Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo arrived at Yekyi Township on 25 February morning and met the departmental officials from the township.
The commander was reported on land reclamation in the township by Head of Settlement and Land Records Department U Aung Tin Myint and on growing of winter crops and multiple cropping by Township Agriculture Service Manager U Myint Thein. After leaving necessary instructions to the officials, the commander proceeded to Laymyethna Township Peace and Development Council Office where he met officials. The commander heard reports presented by Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Kyi Than and Township Agriculture Service Manager U Thein Zaw. Afterwards, the commander inspected growing of summer paddy with the use of water from Nankathu Dam in Hinthada and construction site for Ma Mya Creek-water pumping project in Myanaung Township. The dam is of earthen type and 11,800 feet long and 150 feet high. On completion, it can supply water to 10,000 acres in the surrounding areas. The commander also visited Kyankhin Cement Plant and gave necessary instructions.
Development projects looked into in Taungup Township
Yangon, 27 Feb — Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Brig-Gen Maung Oo, together with departmental heads, inspected the upgrading of An-Padekyaw Road to a 40-foot-wide one, construction of Awset Hill bypass and the sites chosen for construction of drains on 24 February.
After hearing the reports presented by officials concerned, the commander gave necessary instructions and attended to the needs.
Then, the commander went to the Padekyaw-Ma-i Road Construction Project site in the same township. At the briefing hall, engineers in-charge reported on work being done. The commander left instructions. At the briefing hall of Ma-i Bridge Construction Project, Superintending Engineer U Tin Htut and engineers incharge reported on progress in construction of bridges on Ma-i-Kyaukphyu Road. The commander gave necessary instructions.
Then, the commander addressed the ceremony to hand over a computer set and accessories donated by Rakhine State Peace and Development Council for promotion of education standard to Kintaung Village Basic Education Middle School in the same township.
On the morning of 25 February, the commander saw over the thriving pepper nursery farm of Township Peace and Development Council. Officials conducted the commander round the farm. Then, the commander gave instructions.
The commander inspected the Shwe Metta Home for the Aged under construction with the donation of Thiri Thudhamma Manizaw-tadara U Khin Maung Win-Daw Soe Soe Thu and family, the toll gate of Public Works (Taungup) and check point. The commander left necessary instructions and fulfilled the requirements.
The commander held discussions with Commander of Taungup Station Col Myint Soe, Chairman of Thandwe District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Khin Maung Than, departmental officials, members of social organizations and townselders at Taungup Town Hall. Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo discussed implementation of the five rural development tasks and attended to the needs.
In the evening, the commander looked into the 500 KVA Diesel Power Station under the Myanma Electric Power Enterprise in the same township. Officials conducted the commander round the station. Then, the commander gave necessary instructions and attended to the requirements.
Departmental works coordinated in Shan State (South)
Yangon, 27 Feb — The work coordination meeting of Shan State Peace and Development Council and state, district and township level departments took place at the City Hall in Taunggyi on 23 February. It was attended by Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint, senior military officers, members of the State Peace and Development Council, state level departmental officials, local authorities, social organizations and officials.
The commander gave instructions on cooperation of departments for successfully implementation of projects in Shan State (South).
Next, local authorities of the townships in Taunggyi District reported to the commander on tasks being carried out in the region. The commander gave necessary instructions and the first day session of the meeting ended.
The second day session of the meeting was held on 24 February. The local authorities of the townships in Loilem District reported on regional development tasks and future plans; and state level departmental officials on implementation of projects of their respective departments. The commander fulfilled the requirements and gave instructions on needs for agricultural works and regional development affairs.
Armed group members exchange arms for peace
Yangon, 27 Feb — The State Peace and Development Council, with genuine goodwill as well as with might and main, is exerting every effort to establish a peaceful, modern and developed nation. Armed group members, realizing the goodwill of the government, have been exchanging arms for peace individually or in groups with the conviction that their regions lagged far behind development because of their age-long destructive acts, which in no way benefited the nation and the people.
From 1 to 31 January 2003, Lt Khaing Khaing Lin, Second Lt Thu Rain, Cpl Khaing Soe Naing, Lance Cpl Tun Lwin and Privates Khaing Lin and Nay Lin Oo of ALP armed group exchanged arms for peace together with one home-made gun, one round of ammunition, one grenade, one walkie-talkie and one computer set in South-East Command area; Segt No No, Cpl Tarta and Private Kyaw Moe Oo of KNP armed group in Eastern Command area; Private Saw Thana of Company-2, Division-2 of KNU armed group in Southern Command; and Private Saw Thabal (a) Saw Than Nyunt of company-3, battalion-10 of KNU armed group together with one .38 revolver and five rounds of ammunition in Coastal Region Command area.
Altogether 11 persons who exchanged arms for peace during the period were warmly welcomed by officers of respective military camps and were provided with necessary assistance. Likewise, there are still some more remnants of armed groups to follow suit.
Yangon, 27 Feb — Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected tax-free markets here this morning and attended to the needs.
The commander arrived at tax-free markets in Dagon, Kamayut, Mayangon, Yankin, and Tamway townships and on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road and inspected the selling and buying of vegetables, meat and fish, eggs, rice and consumer products and fulfilled the requirements.
At the markets, the commander urged the officials concerned to supervise the selling of fresh vegetables, meat and fruits, cleaning of the markets, sanitation tasks and maintenance of the markets.
In his tour of inspection, respective district peace and development council chairmen, local authorities, officials of Yan-gon City Development Committee welcomed the commander.
Commander inspects regional development tasks in Myeik
Yangon, 27 Feb — Chairman of the Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen Tha Aye arrived at Thapyay paper factory owned by Coastal Region Command on 23 February morning. In-charge of the factory Lt-Col Saw Win reported on tasks being carried out in the factory. Then, the commander gave instructions on production of quality exercise books, papers and preparatory tasks.
Then, the commander inspected all-round renovation works of Taung Tha Ya Pagoda in Kalwin village-tract, Myeik and made cash donation. Next, he inspected extension of road and round- about leading to Myeik Airport. Officials reported on work being undertaken and the commander urged them on timely completion of work. The commander and party also inspected Myeik Farming Zone. In-charge of the zone U Soe Than and officials reported on progress of works. The commander gave instructions on water and electricity supply in the zone and attended to the needs.
Yangon, 27 Feb — Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials, on 25 February and yesterday inspected extended construction of Kwinchaung Bridge and Baingda Bridge on Yangon-Mandalay Highway.
The two bridges are being extended into four-lane ones. At the Kwinchaung Bridge, responsible engineers reported on progress of work in approach structures construction and tasks being undertaken. The minister urged the officials for timely completion of the bridge.
Yesterday, he arrived at Baingda Bridge construction site and gave instruction on timely completion of bridge and meeting the set standard. Deputy superintending engineer and the engineer of Special Construction Group-13 reported on progress of work.
Yangon, 27 Feb — The work coordination meeting of Kachin State Union Solidarity and Development Association was held at the meeting hall of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Office on 24 February. Present on the occasion were Patron of Kachin State USDA Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Secretary Lt-Col Myint Thein and council members, Kachin State USDA Secretary U Yar Wan Ja, chairmen of Myitkyina, Bhamo and Putao district USDAs and executives of state, district and township USDAs.
Secretary U Yar Wan Ja and secretaries of the district USDAs reported on the tasks of the association and participation of members of the association in regional development tasks.
The commander attended to the requirements and made closing remarks.
Initiative for ASEAN Integration seminar held
Yangon, 27 Feb— “The Initiative for ASEAN Integration: How can Myanmar maximise the benefits from it” seminar was held at MICT Park in Hline Township here this morning.
The seminar was attended by chairmen and members of the ASEAN COCI Sub-committee on Information and work committees, representatives from ministries, representatives from the Attorney-General Office, the Chief Justice Office, the Auditor-General Office and the Office of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Association, the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association and Myanmar Music Association, representatives of Ruby and Sapphire Company, City News, Myanmar Times, Maha News journal, New Idea journal and Kumudra journal.
First, Director-General U Khin Maung Htay of Myanma Radio and Television of the Ministry of Information extended greetings. Then, the seminar was held. Director-General U Khin Maung Htay presided over it.
In the morning session, Director U Than Tun of ASEAN Affairs Department, Director-General Col Nyan Tun Aung of Department of Transport of the Ministry of Transport, Tutor Dr Wah Wah Maung of Department of Applied Economics of Yangon Institute of Economics presented papers.
Director-General Col Nyan Tun Aung of Department of Transport presided over the afternoon session of the seminar.
Chief Engineer U Tint Lwin of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications and Dr Daw Khin Ohn Thant presented papers.
Afterwards, queries raised by those present were replied by the resource persons. Then, the seminar came to a close.
Ninth kidney transplant successfully performed
Yangon, 27 Feb — The ninth kidney transplant was successfully performed at the New Yangon General Hospital yesterday morning.
Specialists led by Head of Renal Unit of Yangon People’s Hospital Director-General of the Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar) Professor Dr Paing Soe, Prof U Than Aye of New Yangon General Hospital and Prof Dr Khin Tun of Thingangyun Sanpya Hospital and Prof U Tin Myint successfully conducted the kidney transplant on patient U Tin Maung Win.
Kidney transplant operations will be performed on U Maung Khaing on 28 February, on U Khin Maung Latt on 1 March, and on U Sa San Aung on 3 March. Staff of Pathology Department, Ultra Sound Unit, Blood Bank, and Micro Biology Department of Yangon General Hospital and Yangon People’s Hospital helped the surgical group to conduct the operation.
The Ministry of Health of the Union of Myanmar has so far performed transplant operations on 19 out of 22 patients who had to receive new kidneys. All the patients are doing fine.
Yangon, 27 Feb — The students who will sit for the matriculation examination to be held from 12 to 21 March 2003 can draw out their identity cards from the supervisors of respective examination centres all over the country beginning 3 March.
Lists of roll numbers and examination centres for the students in Yangon City Development Committee area will be posted at the offices of respective township education offices starting 5 March.
The students of basic education high schools and affiliated BEHSs in YCDC area can get their identity cards from respective principals and external candidates, from the supervisors of respective examination centres beginning 7 March.
Three hospital examination centres to be opened
Yangon, 27 Feb — Under the coordination of the Ministry of Health and the Myanmar Examinations Board, arrangements have made for opening three examination centres for the students who are receiving medical treatment in hospitals to enable them to sit for the matriculation examination to be held from 12 to 21 March.
The three hospital examination centres are Yangon General Hospital, the Central Women’s Hospital and Waibagi General Hospital.
In-patient students wishing to take the matriculation examination may contact the medical officers of respective hospitals.
Workshop on bridge designing & building held
Yangon, 27 Feb — Workshop on Designing and Building of Steel Frame Bridges, jointly organized by Public Works of the Ministry of Construction and Japan International Corporation Agency, was held at the Central Training School of the Ministry of Construction here this morning.
At the workshop, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Mr Kiyoshi Koinuma, Deputy Chief of Mission of Japanese Embassy and Mr Takahiro Sasaki of JICA made speeches. The workshop was also attended by Deputy Ministers U Tint Swe and Brig-Gen Myint Thein, directors-general and managing directors of departments, engineers and officials.
In the evening, the minister hosted a dinner to Japanese engineering group at Panhlaing Bridge construction project in Hlinethaya Township.
Religion
Yangon, 27 Feb — The second annual meeting of the fifth Mandalay Division Working Committee of the Sangha took place at Maniyadana Yama Mya Taungtaik in Mandalay on 25 February morning.
It was attended by Chairman of Mandalay Division Sangha Nayaka Committee Presiding Nayaka of Mya Taungtaik Shwewah-win Monastery Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika-dhaja Bhaddanta Sasana-bhivamsa and members of the Sangha, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, senior military officers, local authorities, Director of the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Aung Thein Nyunt and officials. Secretary of Division Sangha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sasanabhivamsa acted as master of ceremonies.
Member of Division Ovadacariya Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Indaka Pandita and the chairman of Division Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee sought Ovadakathas.
The commander supplicated on religious matters and offered robes to members of the Sangha. Next, the meeting continued according to the agenda.
Accompanied by Chairman of the Working Committee for Organizing Myanma Industrial Exhibition (2003) Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, the commander inspected arrangements for the exhibition in Hsin-phyukankwin, Chan-myathazi Township. Those in-charge of respective booths conducted the commander round the exhibition. The commander and the deputy minister then attended to the requirements.
Sport
Kingston, Lin share the lead at Myanmar Open 2003
Yangon, 27 Feb— The first round of Myanmar Open 2003 golf tournament, sponsored by Myanmar Professional Golfers Association and Asian Professional Golfers Association (Asian PGA) and Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd, started at Yangon Golf Club in Danyingon here this morning, attended by MGF President Brig-Gen Win Hlaing and executives, Managing Director Mr Arend Ng and officials of Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd, distinguished guests and golf enthusiasts.
After the first round, James Kingston (South Africa), ex-champion of the event in 2000, and Lin Keng-Chi (Chinese Taipei) scored 67 strokes each (five under par) to share the first place.
“I won here two years ago and it is a good chance for me this year. It is not easy to say ‘winning’ at this moment as there are three rounds to go,” said Kingston, 37.
“I am feeling pretty relaxed here, playing with old friends from the Asian PGA Tour” said Lin.
Myanmar’s Aung Win and India’s Mukesh Kumar tied at the second place with 68 each (four under par).
Rick Gibson (Canada), last year’s champion Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand), Aaron Meeks (the USA), Chung Joon (Korea) and Harmeet Kahlon (India) shot 69 each to tie at the third place.
They were followed by Myanmar’s Myint Thaung with 71, Soe Kyaw Naing and Zaw Moe with 73 each and Kyi Hla Han with 74.
The tournament, organized by Han Event Management and Octagon, continues tomorrow at the same venue.
Drug
Stimulant tablets and raw opium seized
Yangon, 27 Feb — A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Lashio Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, searched the house of Lauk Choung of Ward 2, Laukkai and arrested Yan Kyin San and Lauk Eal together with 3,000 stimulant tablets, 2 kilos of raw opium, 100 grams of fragrant powder, 1.5 kilos of Sudo Ephedrine powder, 7 kilos of ammo-nium chloride, 8 pyi of poppy seeds, paraphernalia and ammu-nitions on 9 January 2002.
Similarly, a combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Myitkyina Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, on 15 February 2003 searched the house of Kyi Han of No 110, Kalutgon, Myoma Ward, Phakant Township and seized 2.171 kilos of raw opium.
Action is being taken against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by the police stations concerned.
