Yangon, 6 March — On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Ghana, which falls on 6 March 2003, 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 John Agyekum Kufuor, President of the Republic of Ghana.
Yangon, 5 March — Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Military Intelligence General Khin Nyunt received Rev Dr Konrad Raiser, General Secretary, World Council of Churches, Geneva, Switzerland, Dr Mathews George Chunakara, Executive Secretary for Asia, WCC, and party at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha here at 5 pm today.
58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade drills continue
Yangon, 5 March — The parade columns which will take part in the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade continued their drills at Myoma Grounds here 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 Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council 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.
Yangon, 5 March — A ceremony to open the new office of the Union Solidarity and Development Association of Lwaitaw village-tract, Taunggyi Township, southern Shan State, took place on 1 March morning, attended by Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint and members, departmental officials, members of social organizations, towns elders and local people totalling over 1,000.
On the occasion, U Khun Maung Baw, executive of Taunggyi Township USDA, reported to the commander on the emergence of Lwaitaw village USDA. Then, the commander and the secretary of Shan State USDA formally opened the USDA new office of Lwaitaw village-tract. Next, the commander also attended the opening ceremony of the village basic education middle school in Zale village, Lwaitaw village-tract, at 10 am.
Shan State education officer U Ohn Pe and towns elder U Khun San Lwin formally opened the school building and then the commander unveiled the signboard of the school.
Later, outstanding students opened the "Myanma Education Goal" stone inscription and the "To build modern and developed nation through education" billboard. The commander spoke on the occasion and then heard reports on measures being taken for education promotion of Shan State and efforts to construct the school. The ceremony ended with words of thanks by school board of trustees chairman U Tun Shwe.
A total of 199 students at primary school level and 264 students at middle school level totalling 463, are studying at the middle school of Zale village.
Yangon, 5 March — Chairman of the management committee for observance of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected barracks of Myawady and Aung San columns which will take part in the Armed Forces Day parade at Kyaikkasan Grounds this afternoon.
On arrival at the Kyaikkasan Grounds, the commander was welcomed by Parade Commander Brig-Gen Than Htay, Reserve Parade Commander Brig-Gen Myint Aung and senior military officers.
The commander inspected the parade drills of Myawady and Aung San Columns at the parade grounds and gave necessary instructions to officers of the columns.
Then, the commander, accompanied by Myawady Column Commander Col Myo Win and officials, inspected barracks, kitchens and dinning halls of the parade companies, shops and communication centers opened by Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare of the Ministry of Defence. The commander gave instructions on hygiene, medical treatment and entertainment matters.
Later, the commander inspected the barracks, kitchen, dinning hall and communications centers of Aung San Column and gave necessary instructions to the column commander Col Hla Moe and officials.
Yangon, 5 March — Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected sale of goods at tax-free markets in Yangon this morning.
Together with officials, the commander inspected the Hanthawady Tax-free Market at the corner of Hanthawady and Kyundaw Streets, Kamayut Township, at 6.30 am. Then, the commander inspected sale of the shops of ministries, Yangon City Development Committee, battalions and units under Yangon Command, departments, producers, Yangon Command, companies and Myanmar Rice Wholesalers Association at the producers’ tax-free market on Pantra Street in Dagon Township, Tamway Tax-free Market on Kyaikkasan Street in Tamway Township and Yankin Tax-free Market on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Yankin Township.
The commander called on officials to ensure sale of fresh vegetables and meat, use of correct weights and scales, systematic disposal of rubbish and constant supervision for keeping the markets clean and tidy.
Technical Advisory Group Meeting for Anti-TB Regimen used in Myanmar opens
Yangon, 5 March — “Tuberculosis is a public health problem threatening South East Asia countries. Millions of people die each year because they are infected with TB virus. The disease is picking up in the world again due to HIV,” said Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint at the opening of the Technical Advisory Group Meeting for Anti-TB Regimen used in Myanmar held at the Traders Hotel this morning.
The meeting was jointly sponsored by National Anti-TB Project of the Ministry of Health and WHO.
The minister said now new treatment tactics cannot still be applied for total eradication of the tuberculosis in a short time but the disease can be controlled. Streptomycin and isoniazid were employed in the treatment of tuberculosis for years in Myanmar, he added.
Treatment on alternate days was launched starting from 1999 and it was successful in Hong Kong, China and Indonesia, he said. Myanmar received medical assistance in 2002 and the government spends money on medicines for tuberculosis every year. Myanmar also received assistance from Global Fund for AIDS/ TB/ Malaria (GFATM), he continued.
He thanked WHO, International Union Against TB and Lung Diseases (IUATLD) and Japan International Cooperation Agency for their assistance in anti-tuberculosis project in Myanmar.
Director-General of Medical Science Department Dr Maung Maung Wint also spoke on the occasion.
WHO Resident Representative Dr Agostino Borra took part in the discussions.
Present were Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo, the directors-general of departments under the ministry, rectors, Dr Holger Sawert of WHO, the Executive Director of UATLD in France and Switzerland, officials of UN agencies, heads of departments and medical superintendents.
Yangon, 5 Feb — Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, inspected cultivation of summer paddy with the use of water from Bawli Creek near Pyinmalwin Village, DaikU Township, this morning.
MAS Managing Director U Tun Than reported on summer paddy fields under cultivation with water from the dams as well as creeks.
Then, the minister met farmers and discussed matters related to boosting par acre yield.
The minister and party went to the Kawliya Dam Construction Project, part of Sittoung Basin Development Project, being undertaken by the Irrigation Department Construction Group 1 in the same township. Director U Khin Maung Yu reported on construction of Kawliya Dam upstream the confluence of Kawliya Creek and Kya Creek, and ID Director-General U Kyaw San Win, on construction of dams under the Sittoung Basin Project, and water supply in Bago Division. The minister gave necessary instructions.
Afterwards, the minister inspected construction of the main dam, spillway, outfall channel and control tower, and left instructions on meeting the set standard, timely completion, work site safety and health care services for the staff. The minister looked into the research and conducting of courses at the Research and Development Centre for Vegetables and Fruits. The managing director conducted the minister round the centre.
Then, the minister inspected the plantation of mango trees which are bear fruits in all seasons and orange plantations.
Yangon, 5 March — The third four-monthly meeting for 2002 of the Ministry of Immigration and Population was held at the Population Department here today with an address by I & P Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa.
At the meeting, heads of State/Division/District I & P departments reported on tasks which had been undertaken during the third four months and those present laid down the future tasks. I & P Deputy Minister U Maung Aung made concluding remarks.
Yangon, 5 March — Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe attended the opening ceremony of Sanpya cooperative consumer product shop of Thazin Trading Cooperative Ltd on Ward-2 in Mayangon Township this morning.
Officials of Yangon Division Cooperative Department, Yangon Division General Enterprise Cooperative Syndicate and Thazin Trading Cooperative Ltd formally opened the shop. Afterwards, the minister and party viewed round the shop and gave necessary instructions.
Yangon, 5 March — Minister for Education U Than Aung, accompanied by No 1 Basic Education Department Director-General U Tin Nyo and Director (Finance) U Myo Nyunt arrived at Pwesagyigon Basic Education Primary School in Bago Township yesterday afternoon and inspected construction of the new school building.
The minister and party then went to No 2 BEMS and inspected multi-media classrooms and plantations.
Afterwards, the minister and party visited No 1 BEHS where they inspected arrangements for holding the matriculation examination and left necessary instructions.
Then, Secretary General of the Union Solidarity and Development Association U Than Aung visited Bago Division USDA office and gave necessary instructions to officials.
Yangon, 5 March — Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, arrived at Dawbon Ship-yard of the Marine Administration Department here this morning and inspected its operations.
At the dockyard, Factory-Manager U Myint Aung and Director-General of the Inland Water Transport reported on organizational set-up, building of new vessels and repair work, and use of electricity and fuel. The minister gave instruction on upgrading of the dockyard, thrifty use of electricity and fuel.
Then, the minister proceeded to Thaketa Jetty and inspected Chinshwehaw ship of the Myanma Five Stars Line and PSC & RB course conducted by the MFSL and left necessary instruction.
International Relations
Yangon, 5 March — Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw received Honorary Consul of the Union of Myanmar Mr Won B Dahn of Busan, the Republic of Korea, at his office at 2 pm today.
Yangon, 5 March — Under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and with the assistance of the Ministry of Transport, a total of 64 tourists and 27 crew members from the United States of America arrived here via Ayers Rock, Australia, yesterday by chartered flight Air-2000 under the arrangement of Adventure Myanmar Travels & Tours Co Ltd and New Horizons Travels and Tours Co Ltd. They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by officials of Myanma Tourism Service, Adventure Myanmar Tra-vels and Tours Co Ltd and national race girls.
They visited Shwe-dagon Pagoda yesterday and downtown Yangon today. They will visit Bagan-NyaungU tomorrow.
Yangon, 5 March — Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw received Vice-President (Port Operations) Commander Mr Ku Yuen Mun and party of Star Cruise Shipping Agencies based in Malaysia 1 pm and General Manager Mr Teddy Chia of Grand Plaza Parkroyal (Yangon) Hotel at 1.30 pm at the ministry today.
Information Minister receives guests
Yangon, 5 March — Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan received visiting Vice-Chairman Mr Peter Kirwan of Goss Graphic Co of the United States of America and Area Manager Mr Saku Satkunaratnam at his office on Bo Aung Kyaw Street at 2 pm today.
They discussed matters related to servicing and maintenance of Goss printing machines of the News and Periodicals Enterprise and upgrading of the newspapers quality.
Chief Justice receives Ambassador
Yangon, 5 March — Chief Justice U Aung Toe received Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to the Union of Myanmar Mr Chanthavy Bodhisane at his office at 10 am today. Supreme Court Director U Soe Nyunt and Head of Office U Myint Thein were also present at the call.
Yangon, 5 March — The Government of the Union of Myanmar has agreed to the proposed appointment of Mr Andreas G Skarparis as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cyprus to the Union of Myanmar in succession to Mrs Rea Yiordamlis.
Mr Andreas G Skarparis was born in 1946 in Nicosia, Cyprus. He is a graduate of the Law school of Athens University and has received post-graduate training at home and abroad in various fields. He joined the diplomatic service in 1975 and has served in various capacities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and at the Cyprus Missions in Nairobi, Moscow, Belgrade and Copenhagen.
At present, he is serving as High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to the Republic of India.
Myanmar Brewery Ltd awarded ISO 9001:2000 certificate
Yangon, 5 March — Myanmar Brewery Ltd held a reception to mark the winning of ISO 9001:2000 Certificate at Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road here this afternoon.
Present on the occasion were Maj-Gen Win Hlaing and officials of the Ministry of Defence, Singaporean Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Simon Tensing de Cruz, Director (News) of News and Periodicals Enterprise of the Ministry of Information U Hla Tun and officials, Vice-Chairman of Myanmar Brewery Ltd Mr Tan Wee Tee, General Manger Mr David Teng and members of the board of directors, journalists and guests.
General Manager Mr David Teng extended greetings and Resident Representative of International ISO Consultant and BM Trada Mr William explained about the ISO 9001:2000, HACCP & GMP certificates.
Then, Maj-Gen Win Hlaing made an speech. Next, Officials of MBL explained the endeavours of the company to achieve the certificate.
Afterwards, Maj-Gen Win Hlaing and Vice-Chairman Mr Tan Wee Tee honoured the MBL.
Then, Vice-Chairman Mr Tan Wee Tee presented a gift to Maj-Gen Win Hlaing. Maj-Gen Win Hlaing also presented a gift to the Singaporean ambassador.
ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization and is composed of organizations of over 170 world’s nations.
This certificate is accredited to the company that its quality management system is on a par with the best companies in the world.
Myanmar Brewery Ltd is the first company in Myanmar to achieve this certificate.
Yangon, 5 March — Minister for Labour U Tin Winn received Director-General Ambassador Mr Blaise Godet of the Political Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland, and party at his office at 3 pm today.
Yangon, 5 March — Supervised by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and arranged by Power Hotel of Bagan, Mandalay Hill Resort Hotel and Irrawaddy Thai International Co Ltd of Thailand, a study group, in comprising 64 tour operators of 30 Thai tourism companies, paid visits to Bagan and Mandalay from 28 February to 3 March.
They arrived at Mandalay International Airport by Phuket Air from Bangkok on 28 February and proceeded to Bagan by Air Mandalay. On arrival at the Mandalay Airport on 2 March after visiting Bagan, they were welcomed there by officials of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.
During their visit, a workshop was held at the Mandalay Hill Resort Hotel on 3 March. It was attended by the Thai tour operators, Deputy Director-General U Myo Lwin of the H & TMinistry and officials. The tour operators left for home on 3 March afternoon.
Religion
Yangon, 5 March—The Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana today announced that the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee has fixed the date to hold the 20th annual Buddhist Culture Examination organized by respective Township Sangha Nayaka Committees from 10th to 12th Waning of Kason 1365 ME (from 25 to 27 May) simultaneously, all over the country.
Drug
Yangon, 5 March — A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit, Mandalay Special Anti-drug Squad and Railway Police Force, acting on information, searched No 142 up-train at Thazi Railway Station on 6 February and seized 4 packets of marijuana weighing 5.88 kilograms from passenger Tin Aye.
