Yangon, 4 March — The Special Refresher Course No 4 for Judicial Officers was opened at the hall of the Institute of Nursing this morning, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt said the State Peace and Development Council has laid down and implemented political, economic and social objectives for the Union of Myanmar to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world nations, to improve the social and economic standard of the people and to enable them to live with peace of mind within the framework of law.
The government has been building political, economic and social infrastructures which a peaceful, modern and developed nation should have; and a peaceful, modern and developed nation is the national goal for national development and advancement of the economic and social sector of the people. Laws have been enacted to install a judicial system that is fair and independent and in accord with the existing laws.
In launching the national modernization and development drive in the whole nation with the participation of not only the government bodies, but also with the cooperation of social organizations, technicians, intellectuals and the people, the government has mobilized the national strength.
Hence, the infrastructures for national development including highways, small and large bridges, dams, hydel power plants; economic infrastructures including heavy industries, modern farms and mineral and gem mining enterprises; and social and religious infrastructures including institutions of higher learning, basic education schools, advanced general hospitals, cultural edifices and religious buildings are emerging the length and breadth of the nation.
At a time when the nation is enjoying solid infrastructural development in all sectors, the judicial sector, that is taking the duty to ensure the rule of law and public security, is required to develop itself within the bounds of law and in conformity with the political, economic and social developments.
The responsibility to develop the law enforcement sector, covering the administration of justice, in accord with the national goals depends on the morale, skill and work efficiency of technicians and intellectuals of the specific fields including judges, law officers, attorneys, police officers, Bureau of Special Investigation officials, forensic experts and doctors, and management officials.
The government is striving day and night for national development, and its final goal is for the people to fully enjoy a high standard of living, and peace, social happiness. In addition, the rule of law, and the sector to ensure freedom of extending social relations among the public play a key role to enjoy life with peace of mind.
The law is a prescription defining the rules of public social relationship. In other words, it is a definition enabling the public to do business and extend social relations with peace of mind. Moreover, it serves the public interest as the controls and directives for flourishing of systematic relationship, and fair attitudes and convictions among the people.
Thanks to the law, the civilized Myanmar society, that is based on the practice of living within principles, mutual understanding and straightforwardness, can be set up.
It is the duty of every civilized citizen to abide by the existing laws of the State, the rules and principles of the community and ethics of the human society.
Moreover, the law-abiding practice of every citizen is the primary requirement for national peace, progress and prosperity.
In this regard, the task of enabling the people of all walks of life to respect and observe the law and to know the value of the law, and the law to equally protect every person is the main duty of the persons including judges taking the responsibilities of the law enforcement sector.
The firmness and straightforwardness of the State’s judicial pillar play a key role in ensuring the rule of law, the abidance of the law and the equal protection of the law, in upholding the justice and truth and in solving all problems in accord with the law.
Thus, the judges should have the firm conviction that they are responsible for national peace, ensuring a crime-free society and the rule of law.
He said in carrying out the tasks for community peace and tranquillity and rule of law the judges from judicial sector are to constantly safeguard three morals of precepts, rightness and wisdom, and their codes of conduct, accepting rightness, fairness and sympathy.
He said courts are machinery of the State that settles grievance and loss of person and society according to law and prevent dangers from disrupting the interests of the people and the State. Offences that cause dangers are to be judged effectively and correctly without partiality.
He said the courts at different levels are to settle the cases of the people who rely on the courts through correct ways. By doing so, the people would realize the protection of law and priority to those who are right legally and they would respect and rely on judicial system of the State and the prescribed laws.
Therefore, he said, the judges are responsible personnel for upright of judicial sector. He spoke of the need for them to avoid wrongdoings, failure to discharge duty and partiality. The judges are to undertake remedial measures, to continue their studies for proficiency and to discharge their duties conscientiously. He urged them to practise judicial power upright for coming out the truth and the interest of the people towards honesty and justice.
He said the people wanted the courts to pass the decision on judicial affairs without delay. The judges are to make decisions on cases without partiality. He spoke of the need to realize that that was a heavy duty. A right and precise decision needs right review, serious and wise judgement, strong morale and lack of attachment. Therefore, it is necessary for the judges, law officers, police officers and personnel related to judicial department to make their right judgement through honesty without partiality for enabling the public to get peace of mind, he added.
Deputy Chief Justices and Chief Justices of Supreme Court were appointed in order to supervise the functions of the judges and courts at different levels without partiality and to restore better judicial system, he said.
Similarly, he said, in order to carry out the duties effectively, deputy attorneys-general were appointed at the attorney-general’s office that takes charge of duty of protecting losses of the people and discharge the functions of the government organizations in conformity with the law.
He said work efficiency of the courts at different levels, the attorney-general’s office and law offices including Supreme Court would improve. The Secretary-1 called on officials to make efforts for straight forward and firmness of judicial sector and not to cause loss of the people.
He said all judges are to make all-out efforts to be in conformity with the law, procedures, to be correct in making fair judgement.
He also urged them to endeavour to ensure fair, firm judicial system and to win the public trust in courts which represent justice in accord with the judicial objectives of the State.
In conclusion, he urged them to implement the national policy and political, economic and social objectives through judicial sector, to ensure fair, firm judicial system and to enable the people to have social enjoyment and to make right decisions preserving their dignity and codes of conduct without partiality.
A total of 232 judicial officers are taking the special refresher course, which will be conducted at the Central Institute of Civil Service (Phaunggyi) for four weeks.
Secretary-1 attends coord meeting for offering “soon” to title recipient Sayadaws
Yangon, 4 March — A coordination meeting to offer “soon” to Sayadaws and title recipient Sayadaws who will be attending the 2003 Religious Title Presentation was held at the meeting hall of Zeya Thiri Beikman in Konmyinttha here at 5 pm today.
Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing will offer “soon” to the Sayadaws and title recipient Sayadaws. The meeting was attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
Secretary of the Working Committee for Offering “Soon” Deputy-Quartermaster-General Col Myint Ohn reported on arrangements for offering “soon” to the Sayadaws. Chairman of the Working Committee Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo gave a supplementary report.
Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin reported on invitation to the Sayadaws.
Then, chairmen of decoration and transport subcommittee, “soon” offering and reception subcommittee, offertories collecting subcommittee, invitation subcommittee, security subcommittee and medical subcommittee and officials reported on work done subcommittee-wise.
In his address, the Secretary-1 said that Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing yearly offered “soon” to the Sayadaws to religious titles offering ceremony and title recipient Sayadaws. Like previous years, “soon” will be offered to the Sayadaws to the ceremony and title recipient Sayadaws this year. He added that the working committee and respective subcommittees had been formed for ensuring systematization of offering “soon”. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 called on those present based on the last year’s experiences to make efforts to ensure convenience and smoothness on offering “soon”.
Then, the ceremony came to an end.
Region
Secretary-1 addresses coord meeting of Management Committee for Development of Hotels and Eco-tourism
Yangon, 3 March —Chairman of the Management Committee for Development of Tourism Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt addressed the coordination meeting of the Management Committee for Development of Hotels and Eco-tourism held at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall at Konmyinttha here this afternoon.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt made an opening speech. He said the committee was founded and tasks for promotion of tourism industry have been systematically undertaken. However, the development of the industry falls short of expectation. It is needed to accelerate the implementation of the tasks.
This year sees more success in the industry and the success has been due to the reputation in tranquillity of Myanmar and extension of tourism in regions which attract the tourists most. There have been more tourists at the beaches such as Ngapali, Chaungtha and Ngwehsaung. Moreover, snow-capped Khakaborazi mountain ranges in the northernmost part of Myanmar and unspoilt natural valleys such as Hponkan and Hukaung, must be publicised and tourism promoted.
Myeik, Kawthoung and Dawei regions in the southernmost part of Myanmar possess untouched flora and fauna, birds and bio-diversity, archipelagos, natural underwater resources such as coral reefs and various kinds of sharks including rare species. The number of the tourists informed of these good natural beauties have increased and they pay visits to Myanmar. At a time when tourism industry is flourishing, the State invites the national entrepreneurs to take part in endeavours for promoting the industry. And the State will render assistance to them as much as possible, he added.
If efforts are made according to the rules and regulations and procedures, the smokeless industry will develop with momentum and the entrepreneurs as well as respective regions and local people will enjoy the fruits. So, under the guidance and the assistance of the State, the national entrepreneurs are unitedly striving for development of the industry, he elaborated.
Then, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw made reports on plans for participation of the national entrepreneurs for development of hotels and tourism industry in Ngapali Beach in Rakhine State, Salon, Kyun Zila and Wa Ale islands in Myeik archipelago. He also reported to the Secretary-1 on arrangements for extension of resorts and assistance to be given by the ministry.
Members of the State Peace and Development Council, ministers and departmental officials made suggestions for development of the industry.
Afterwards, national entrepreneurs briefed on tasks being undertaken and requirements. The General attended to the needs and the meeting came to a close.
Lt-Gen Kyaw Win attends extempore talks of USDA
Yangon, 4 March — As a gesture hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, central level extempore talks of the Union Solidarity and Development Association were held at the Diamond Jubilee Hall on Pyay Road this morning.
Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Member of the Panel of Patrons of USDA Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Kyaw Win attended the contest.
First, sixteen USDA contestants from states and divisions competed under respective titles drawn out of sixteen designated titles.
In the evening, Leader of the panel of judges Professor of the History Department of Yangon University Dr Kyaw Win announced the prize winners.
Then, Central Executive Committee member of USDA U Pan Aung presented first prize to Maung Saw Steven of Kayin State, who competed under the title “ Brilliant historical tradition of Tatma-daw”, second prize to Maung Aung Khin Zaw of Yangon Division, who took part in the contest under the title “ Development of border areas and national races, and third prize to Ma Mya The Phyu of Rakhine State, who competed under the title “Bayintnaung Kyawhtin-nawrahta”. Afterwards, CEC member Col Tin Hlaing and Secretariat Member Bri-Gen Kyaw Hsan of USDA presented consolation prizes to the winners. Chairman of the Work-committee for Holding the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Literary and Photo Contests CEC member of USDA U Thein Sein presented gifts for judges of the competition to Prof Dr Kyaw Win.
First, second and third prize winners are to receive the prizes at the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Prize Presentation Ceremony in Yangon.
Cornerstones laid for construction of traditional medicine factory
Yangon, 4 March — Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe attended the cornerstone laying ceremony for construction of Kyaw Traditional Medicine Factory of Kyaw Pharmaceutical Co Ltd at No 107/108, at the corner of Yawahtwinwun U Po Hlaing Street and Dabayin Wundauk U Mye Street, Shwelinban Industrial Zone, Hlinethaya Township, Yangon North District, this morning.
Staff Officer of Yangon Division Religious Affairs Department U San Thin Hlaing, master of ceremonies, read out the stone inscription.
Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe laid the gems casket and the central cornerstone in the middle of the foundation. Then, the commander and officials put cornerstones at the designated sites. The commander laid the stone plaque in the middle of foundation. The commander and officials sprinkled scented water on it. Then, the first session of the ceremony went into recess.
Afterwards, the cash donations presenting ceremony followed. Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Thayet Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kesara invested the congregation with the Five Precepts. Members of the Sangha recited parittas.
The commander and officials presented offertories to members of the Sangha.
Managing Director of the company Dr Aye Kyaw-Dr Daw Khin San Wai and family donated K 2.7 million to mark the cornerstone laying ceremony including K 200,000 for the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day; K 500,000 each to the National Health Committee, Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, the Office of the Ministry of Health, the Traditional Medicine Department and the Food and Drug Administration Department. The commander and officials accepted the donations.
The Magway Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. Then, the managing director briefed the commander and party on facts about the traditional medicines produced by the company, the scale model of the factory and arrangements for construction of the factory.
Commander inspects drill practice of parade columns
Yangon, 4 March — The parade columns which will take part in the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade continued their drill practice at Resistance Park today.
Columns drilling under the command of Parade Commander Brig-Gen Than Htay and Reserve Parade Commander Brig-Gen Myint Aung were the Anawrahta Column under the command of Column Commander Col Myint Han, the Kyansittha Column under the command of Column Commander Col Tha Aung, the Bayintnaung Column under the command of Column Commander Col Win Htay, the Nawade Column under the command of Column Commander Captain Myint Thein (Navy), the Aung Zeya Column under the command of Column Commander Col Thein Hlaing, the Hsinphyushin Column under the command of Column Commander Col Min Zaw, the Bandoola Column under the command of Column Commander Col Win Swe, the Myawady Column under the command of Column Commander Col Myo Win and the Aung San Column under the command of Column Commander Col Hla Moe.
Chairman of Management Committee for organizing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Deputy Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Maj-Gen Aung Kyi and Maj-Gen Thein Swe, senior military officers and officials inspected the drills.
Industry-2 minister inspects generator production
Yangon, 4 March — Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin inspected No-2 machinery and the machine tool factory (Yangon) of the Myanma Machine Tool and Electrical Industries in Hline Township here this afternoon.
The minister gave instructions on production of generators, fire preventive measures and frugal use of electricity.
Refresher course of I & P Ministry concludes
Yangon, 4 March —The refresher course No 9 conducted by Ministry of Immigration and Population concluded this morning at the Population Department on Mahabandoola Road here with an address by I & P Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa.
Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and Deputy Minister U Maung Aung presented gifts to the course instructors and trainee U Myint Shwe who stood first in the course
Minister for Energy attends opening of training course
Yangon, 4 March — The opening ceremony of Plant Safety Training Course No 19 was held at the Training and Education School of No 1 Oil Refinery (Thanlyin), with an address by Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi.
A total of 17 graduate staff from respective plants and departments under the Myanma Petrochemical Enterprise are attending the five-week course, which was aimed at getting knowledge of work site safety. Twelve subjects concerned with Plant Safety and preventive measures will be lectured at the training course, it is learnt.
Minister for Energy attends opening of training course
Yangon, 4 March — The opening ceremony of Plant Safety Training Course No 19 was held at the Training and Education School of No 1 Oil Refinery (Thanlyin), with an address by Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi.
A total of 17 graduate staff from respective plants and departments under the Myanma Petrochemical Enterprise are attending the five-week course, which was aimed at getting knowledge of work site safety. Twelve subjects concerned with Plant Safety and preventive measures will be lectured at the training course, it is learnt.
PBANRDA Minister attends coord meeting
Yangon, 4 March — Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt attended a work coordination meeting of the twelve township development affairs committees under the Yangon Division Development Affairs Committee at Thanlyin, Yangon South District, Yangon Division, this afternoon and spoke on the occasion.
Then, the minister heard reports on arrangements for con-struction of urban and rural road and water supply tasks being conducted in the 2002-2003 fiscal, estimated income to be reaped in the 2003-2004 fiscal, and cash allotments for road, bridge and water supply projects.
Officials also reported to the minister on progress in their tasks.
Next, Director-General of Development Affairs Department Col Myo Myint reviewed on the work done and future tasks. The meeting drew to a close with concluding remarks by the minister.
Literary and Arts organizing work committee meets
Yangon, 4 March— The 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Literary and Arts Competition and Exhibition Organizing Work Committee held its 3rd coodination meeting at the office of the Director of Defence Services Museum and Historical Research Institute here today.
Work Committee Vice-Chairman Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear Admiral Soe Thein addressed the meeting. Joint Secretary of the committee Lt-Col Myo Myint Than reported on the tasks carried out for resolutions of the 2nd meeting.
Those present also took part in the discussions. The meeting came to an end with concluding remarks by Rear Admiral Soe Thein.
100,000 acres of land to be put under coffee in PyinOoLwin, Nawnghkio
Land reclamation is being carried out to cultivate coffee plants in Nawnghkio Township, Shan State (North) under the guidance of the Head of State.
On 25 February, Myanma Farm Enterprise Managing Director U San Myint and officials inspected 1,000 acres of lands reclamation to cultivate coffee plants near Hoko Village in Nawnghkio Township under the Prisons Department’s New Life Project. They also inspected 1,000 acres in Gangaw Village and another 1,000 acres in Ohnmakha Village undertaken by Mandalay City Development Committee and Union Solidarity and Development Association Headquarters respectively.
A total of 100,000 acres of coffee plants are due to be cultivated in PyinOoLwin Township, Mandalay Division and Nawnghkio region , Shan State (North) under the guidance of the Head of State.
Now, 1,860 acres of land have been allocated to 118 private entrepreneurs and four organizations.
Asphalt streets put into service in Mudon
Self-reliant asphalt streets — U San Pe Street and Zaytawun Street in Myoma ward-3 and ward-4 — built by Mudon Township Development Affairs Committee and public, were inaugurated on 11 February.
Local authorities and officials of township DAC formally opened the streets.
Respects paid to retired teachers of Ngaphe BEHS
Under the arrangement of Ngaphe Township Peace and Development Council the ceremony to pay respects to retired teachers of Ngape BEHS was held at the school on 9 February. At the ceremony, old students and local authorities paid respects to 18 retired teachers and donated offertories.
New school building handed over
A new school building for Basic Education Primary School, Aungnancho village, Lewe Township, in Mandalay Division was opened on 12 February. School Building Committee member U Maung Cho handed over the documents related to the building to township Education Officer U Nyunt Tin.
Gravel road opened in Pyinmana
Hailing the 58th Anniversary of Armed Forces Day,1,800-ft-long gravel road linking Natthaye Village and Panbesu Village in Pyinmana Township was inaugurated on 16 February.
The new gravel road was built by local people and township Development Affairs Committee.
Village Youth Library opened
Htantabin Village Youth Library in Pakokku Township was opened on 15 January. Pakokku District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Myi Tun, Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Tin Than formally opened the library and Myanmar Writers and Journalist Association member U Ohn Pe (Pakkoku) unveiled the signboard. Marking the opening ceremony of the library, talks on literature, was followed. .
International Relations
Yangon, 4 March — Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw received Vice-President Mr Zhang Ren-jun and party of ZTE Corporation of the People’s Republic of China, at his office at 12.30 pm today.
Commerce Minister receives Korean guests
Yangon, 4 Mar — Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Managing Director of Myanmar Posco Steel Co Ltd of the Republic of Korea Mr Kyeong Yeol Yoo and party at his office on Strand Road at 1 pm today.
Health Minister receives UN official
Yangon, 4 March—Minister for Health Prof Dr Kyaw Myint received Chief of Operation & Chairperson of UN Theme Group on HIV/AIDS Mr Najib M Assifi at his office this afternoon.
Deputy Minister for Culture receives Bangladeshi Ambassador
Yangon, 4 March— Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt received Ambassador of Bangladesh to Myanmar Mr A B Manjoor Rahim at his office this morning.
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs receives Indian guests
Yangon, 4 March— Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win received diplomatic trainees of the Foreign Service Institute, the Republic of India, led by Mr Santosh Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs and Dean of Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here at 10 am today.
Sport
ISD Beach Volleyball Tourney held
Yangon, 4 March — Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint attended the final match and prize-presentation ceremony of the 6th Inter-State and Division Men’s Beach Volleyball Tournament held at the Youth Training Camp (Thuwunna).
After the final match, Deputy Director-General of Sports and Physical Education Department U Thein Aung presented first, second and third prizes to Mandalay Division, Kachin State and Rakhine State respectively. Then, the minister presented championship shield to Mandalay Division and the best player award to Maung Maung Htwe of the division.
In the afternoon, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint attended the coordination meeting of the Leading Committee for Organizing the third Asia Billiards Tournament held at the Ruby Hall of the National Indoor Stadium-1, and made a speech.
The president, the secretary and officials of Myanmar Billiards Federation explained arrangements for holding the tournament and departmental officials concerned their respective tasks. The minister then gave necessary instructions fulfilled the needs.
Information Technology
Seminar on Cisco Indochina Road Show held
Yangon, 4 March — The opening of Seminar on Network (Cisco Indochina Road Show) Jointly organized by Cisco Systems (Thailand) and Winner Computer Group took place at the meeting hall of the MICT Park in Hline Township this morning.
The chairman of MICTDC made a speech on the occasion. General Manager of Cisco Systems (Thailand) Mr Seksan Pimpan extended greetings. Then, Director Mr Kumaran Singaran explained matters related to the seminar of Network with the use of audio visual aids and the opening ceremony came to a close.
In the afternoon, the seminar continued. Experts of Cisco System demonstrated subjects — Corporate Overview, Business and Industry Trends Architecture Over View, Telecom and Enterprise Solution, and replied to the queries raised by those present.
Drug
Myanmar-US Combined Team Conducts Ninth Opium Yield Survey towards Eradication of Narcotic Drugs
1. In accordance with the programme towards the eradication of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances being implemented in collaboration by the governments of Myanmar and the United States of America, a combined Myanmar - US team led by member of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) of Myanmar Brigadier General Kyaw Thein set out on 24 February 2003 and conducted an Opium Yield Survey till 3 March 2003 in Hopong Township in Shan State (South); in Mongpyin, Mongkhat, Mongpauk and Kyaintong townships in Shan State (East); in Kutkai and Kunlong townships and the Laukkai and 'Wa' regions in Shan State (North). The combined team visited far-flung, isolated and highly inaccessible regions by military helicopter to conduct a survey of illegal opium cultivation plots and to gather opium bulbs and opium leaf samples as part of the survey. The team also interviewed the opium peasants in the respective regions and inspected opium plots that had been destroyed.
2. During their tour, the team visited the Special Region No: 2 of the 'Wa' region in Shan State (East) and observed the Wan Hon Agriculture Plot, the Lwe Hsanhson Opium Hill coffee plantation and tea plantation. Their tour of observation also included a visit to the Kyaintong-Mongzin Pig Farm and Feed Factory as well as the 'Wa' Alternative Development Project -(WADP) being undertaken by the United Nations Office on Drug Control and Crime - UNODC in the Mongphyan region. Next on the itinerary were the Lonhtan Tin Processing Factory, the opium substitute tea cultivation plot in Mongmaw Region, the Granite Factory, tea factory, the Longan, lychee, and mango orchards and the opium substitute soy bean cultivation plot and other development projects being carried out in Shan State (North) No: 2 Special Region.
The team also went on a tour of the Lashio Coffee Nursery and Plantation, the Model Chicken and Pig Breeding Farms, 'the Distribution of High quality Bonmon Hsin Shweli corn seeds, the apiculture farm, and the Naungmon honey orange orchard being implemented under the sponsorship of the North-Eastern Military Command. The next stop was the No: 1 Special Region of Laukkai in Shan State (North). Here they made an observation tour of the Anti-Narcotic Drug Museum, substitute cultivation of mango and orange orchards, livestock breeding for alternative development and other endeavours being made for regional development and narcotic drug control. The team then proceeded to the Kaukkhar Special Region No: 5 in Shan State (North).
The team inspected the ongoing work in the cultivation of tea as an opium substitute crop and the hilltop terrace cultivation project as well as the substitute crop cultivation of wheat, green peas, lentils, Chinese lablab beans and soy bean. They also met and held discussions with regional leaders of the national races. The combined team next met with those responsible for cultivation of opium substitute crops, the substitution of livestock breeding, treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts and drug interdiction and held detailed discussions. The members of the team were especially interested in the Fifteen Year Plan for the Elimination of Narcotic Drugs with particular focus on the substitution crop and livestock breeding programmes now being implemented in the first five years of the Plan in Shan State (North). They were especially interested on the New Destiny Project and asked detailed questions about it.
3. The Ninth Opium Yield Survey, was headed by Steven Suddaby on the American side of the team and members included officials of the US Department of State, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the US Department of Agriculture and responsible officials of the US Embassy in Yangon.
4. The combined Myanmar-US Opium Yield Survey was first initiated in 1993 and has been regularly held every year since then. According to reports issued by the US government as well as according to the findings of the annual Base Line Data Survey begun on Myanmar's own initiative in 1998, both the area under opium cultivation and production of opium have consecutively fallen at a significant rate since 1997. It is also a fact that in this years current opium cultivation season the area under opium cultivation had fallen drastically due to the government's New Destiny Project. Moreover during the current tour it was seen that there was not a trace of any opium cultivation west of the Thanlwin River in Shan State (North) and in the Kokang Region. Accordingly it can thus be forecast realistically that that there will be an additional decrease of 50% in opium production as against the production of the previous year.
5. The Opium Yield Survey carried out in collaboration by the governments of Myanmar and the United States of America is the ninth such survey. A comparison of the resulting data collected from the previous years' surveys as well as their satellite pictures with the data that results from the current survey of 2003 and satellite pictures, will show an enormous difference; that the area of land under opium cultivation and the production of opium have both fallen considerably. The comparisons will show unmistakably there has been a vast improvement especially in Shan State (North) region.
2.75 acres of poppy fields destroyed
Yangon, 4 March — A combined team comprising members of Tatmadawmen, local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force on 19 February destroyed 2.75 acres of poppy plantation and two huts 500 yards from Naungkham deserted Village, Napon Village-tract in Kyaukme Township, Shan State (North).
A total of 1,184.33 acres of poppy fields had been destroyed up to 25 February.
