Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing leave on state visit to Vietnam
Yangon, 15 March — At the invitation of the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam His Excellency Mr Tran Duc Luong and Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing left here by special flight this morning to pay a state visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
The Myanmar goodwill delegation led by the Senior General and wife was seen off at Yangon International Airport by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and wife, members of the State Peace and Development Council and their wives, the commander-in-chief (Navy), the commander-in-chief (Air) and their wives, the chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council the commander and wife, the ministers, senior military officers, ambassadors and charge d’ affaires ai of embassies in Yangon and their wives led by Deputy Dean of Diplomatic Corps Cambodian Ambassador Mr Nim Chantara, resident representatives of UN agencies, the charge d’ affaires ai of the Vietnamese embassy and staff and departmental officials.
The Senior General and wife were accompanied by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North West Command Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister for Industry -1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Health Prof Dr Kyaw Myint, Military Assistant to the chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Nay Win, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein, departmental heads and entrepreneurs.
Yangon, 15 March — At the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, Senior General Than Shwe, Her Excellency Begum Khaleda Zia, Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh will pay an official goodwill visit to the Union of Myanmar in the near future.
Yangon, 15 March—The Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control held its Special Meeting 1/2003 at the meeting hall of Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of Kyundaw Street and Hanthawady Street in Kamayut Township here this morning, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
In his address, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt said that with regard to drug elimination, the Government has laid down the 15-year drug elimination plan and is implementing it, adding that remarkable achievements have been made in the fight against narcotic drugs.
The Government has been making all-out efforts in the crusade against the narcotic drugs. However, the amount of the assistance provided to the campaign by the international community was insignificant in contrast with the efforts executed by the Government.
But the Government is working hard in the fight against drugs which posed danger to entire global people in the interests of own nation and own race as well as in the interests of the entire global people in accord with the faith of Myanmar people, accepting it as a national concern. Since the Government has been making relentless efforts for eradication of poppy cultivation and production and use of drugs, the national race leaders participated in the drive under the former’s leadership, paying serious attention to the conviction of the Government. As a result, progress has been made in implementing the 15-year drug elimination plan. At the same time, the Government has laid down the New Destiny Project and is implementing it to accelerate the momentum in implementing the 15-year drug elimination plan. Meanwhile, the entire national people in border areas are cooperating with the government in the project.
Although there has been a significant progress in the fight against drugs in Myanmar, some western powers are still regarding Myanmar as the one which does not cooperate in the anti-narcotic drugs drive. But the Government, with assistance or without assistance, will continue to make efforts in the campaign with national concept. Though the western powers do not acknowledge the efforts of Myanmar in the drug elimination tasks, it was obvious that the organizations related to those countries have acknowledged Myanmar’s efforts in the drive.
The Counter Narcotic and Crime (CNC) has been conducting surveys on illegal poppy cultivation and production in Myanmar yearly since 1993. It has conducted the surveys nine times up to this year. The CNC acknowledged that there was a decrease in poppy cultivation and production in Myanmar year by year.
According to the CNC’s survey, there were only 77,700 hectares of poppy acreage with the production of 630 metric tons in 2002 when compared with 163,100 hectares of poppy acreage with the production of 2,560 metric tons in Myanmar in 1996. Thus, there is a remarkable decrease in poppy cultivation and production. In addition, the poppy cultivation and production in Myanmar in 2003 was cut by half in comparison with those in 2002, according to the CNC. It is obvious that the international community has acknowledged the efforts of Myanmar in the fight against drugs with facts and figures but some western powers do not acknowledge Myanmar’s efforts by intermingling then with politics. The poppy farmers in border areas have to make just end meets in growing poppy. So also poppy-substitute cultivation and other business undertakings need to be created for them. The western powers do not provide any humanitarian assistance to the poppy farmers.
The government with its own financial strength has laid down the 15-year drug elimination plan and is implementing it to create poppy-substitute cultivation and other business undertakings for the poppy growers.
However, significant progress has been made in poppy substitutions — cash and perennial crops cultivation in Myanmar. There were poppy-substitute plantations countable by the thousand and progress has been made in poppy-substitute industries and livestock breeding tasks in border areas. A remarkable progress has been made in Myanmar’s cooperation with neighbouring countries in the fight against drugs. Achievements have being made in exchange of information and seizures of drug suspects between Myanmar and China. In addition, progress has been made in searching the markets of Myanmar’s poppy-substitute crops in the PRC. Similarly, progress has been made in Myanmar’s cooperation with Thailand. Thailand has been making efforts with added momentum after laying down a special plan in the fight against stimulants like amphetamine. Myanmar has laid down the 15-year drug elimination plan. In implementing the plan, the new destiny project has been laid down and is being implemented. The Secretary-1 urged all officials to make concerted efforts to successfully implement the drug elimination measures in accord with the national objectives.
Chairman of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing reported on measures undertaken by CCDAC. He said: in connection with crop substitution programme New Destiny Project was implemented. Out of 15,519.5 acres, 14857.75 acres of monsoon crops were cultivated. Percentage of implementation was 95.74%. In cultivation of cold season crops, 9,812.89 acres were targeted and 8,504.64 acres were cultivated and percentage of completion was 86.67%. Out of 25,332.39 acres, 23,362.39 acres of monsoon and cold season crops were cultivated. The total implementation percentage was 92.22%.
Under the New Destiny Project K 117.28 million were spent— K 42.5 million in Shan State (North), K 15 million in Pansay region, K 10 million in Shan State (South), K 7.48 million in Shan State (East), K 9.5 million in Kachin State, K 10 million in Sadon region in Kachin State special region-1, K 2.8 million in Kayah State, K 5 million for Tachilek Anti-Narcotics Association and Rehabilitation Centre, K 12.5 million for livestock breeding, K 1.854 million for construction of Shwepyiaye Camp and K 646,000 for purchase of 500 bags of rice for poppy growers.
In 2002, programmes for opium substitute livestock breeding were undertaken in Phekhon and Pinlaung Townships. Altogether K 12.5 million from the funds of the ministry were spent on distribution of pedigree fowl and pig in Tachilek, Wa, Tongta, Kunhein and Homein regions. Under the opium free zone establishment project, treatment for drug addicts in Tachilek District began on 6 December 2002. Social Welfare Department started its rehabilitation tasks at Tachilek Rehabilitation Centre on 7 January 2003. The Ministry of Health announced the order relating to control of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances under its notification No1/2003 dated 7-3-2003.
Anti-drug activities were reported on daily papers and Yadanabon newspaper and telecast on MRTV and Myawady TV and broadcast on Radio Myanmar. Interviews were also telecast in MTRV-3 programme.
Myanmar Anti-Narcotics Association formed 11 Township level associations in Yangon Division in 2002. The anti-narcotics associations were formed in Tachilek District, Taunggyi and Kengtung Townships in Shan State and Pyay Township in Bago Division (West). Duties were assigned to six groups led by member of CCDAC the minister and the deputy ministers to inspect implementations of the tasks under the New Destiny Project, narcotic elimination and development tasks and to fulfil the requirements in six project regions.
The members of CCDAC the ministers made seven field trips in 2002. He and Vice-Chairmen of CCDAC, accompanied by ambassadors, military attaches and local and foreign journalists, made field trips to Shan State (North), Shan State (East) and Wa region from 1 to 3 April 2002 and Shan State (East) and Shan State (North) from 6 to 8 December 2002. They witnessed the cooperation of the government and local people for eradication of narcotic drugs and regional development.
Similarly, Laos-based ambassadors and military attaches led by Deputy Prime Minister of Laos visited Tachilek, Kengtung and Mongla regions from 13 to 15 February 2003. He and Vice-Chairman of CCDAC Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung explained measures undertaken in the regions. After the excursion tour, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar donated 100,000 yuan and Italian Ambassador US $ 100,000. The Japanese Ambassador discussed assistance in connection with development activities for eradication of narcotic drugs with four ministers on 28 December 2002. Cultivation of buckwheat is being undertaken for opium substitute crop cultivation. It is necessary to extend other crops cultivation that earns money for cultivation of buckwheat alone is not sufficient. Therefore arrangements are being made for cultivation of stevia crops.
Chairman of JBB Stevia Laboratory Ltd and party together with CCDAC officials visited Pinlaung and Phekhon Township in connection with cultivation of stevia. A delegation led by Adviser of JMSSO former Prime Minister of Japan Mr Tsutomu Hata visited Myanmar in February and discussed cultivation of stevia. Arrangements are being made for signing of MoU. Development projects being implemented in Shan State Special Region-1 Kokang region under Myanmar-China narcotic drugs control programme. NNCC of the People’s Republic of China would provide cultivation techniques and crop seeds worth 300,000 yuan. He spoke at length on conducting of agriculture technique courses, providing over 12 tons of various kinds of crops, 200,000 saplings, fertilizer and pesticides. The four-member supervisory committee was formed and the Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar provided US$ 12,000 for construction of agriculture and livestock breeding training school.
All-round development project is being undertaken in Yaungkha Village, Monghsat Township in accord with the MoU on Myanmar-Thai narcotic drug control. Thailand would provide 20 million bahts for narcotic drug control in the border areas. Tasks on supply of water, agriculture and livestock breeding including construction of dispensary and school would be implemented step by step. Experts from Thailand arrived at the project area on 11 December 2002 and chose the site for construction of school and hospital. Three small dams that would irrigate 850 acres of lands would be built.
He said Myanmar in cooperation with international organization such as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the US is collecting data on ground survey of illicit poppy cultivation.
The illicit crops monitoring programme was launched in 11 townships in Shan State from January to March in 2001 in cooperation with CCDAC and UNODC. According to the programme, there were 10,939 acres of poppy in 284 villages in 11 townships. The average opium yield per acre was 4.23 kilos.
Similarly, the collecting data on ground illicit poppy cultivation was also carried out in 53 villages in Shan State ( North), (South), Shan State (East) and Wa regions.
In 2003, similar survey was conducted in 50 townships in Shan State from January to March.
Myanmar in cooperation with the US conducted opium yield survey for nine times from 1993 to 2003. According to the data collected, annual opium yield gradually fall beginning from 1996. In 2002 opium acreage was about 77,700 hectares and opium production was only 630 tons. In 2003, production is expected to fall another 50 percent compared with the previous year. With the decrease of poppy cultivation in Myanmar, tasks on cultivation of opium substitute crops and livestock and breeding and other economic enterprises are to be extended. It is obvious that poppy cultivation and production considerably fall in Myanmar according to opium yield survey of UN and CNC and illicit crops monitoring programme of UNDOC. It is accepted as Myanmar’s endeavours.
However, Myanmar was accused of producing stimulant tablets. Production of stimulant tablets has nothing to do with opium cultivation. Chemical precursors such as ephedrine, pseudo ephedrine and caffeine came from neighbouring countries. Rich people from abroad made the technicians produce the stimulant tablets in mountainous regions.
Over 6.5 tons of ephedrine was seized in 1999; 2.6 tons in 2000; 3.9 tons in 2001 and 1.7 tons in 2002. Over 58,000 litres of Chemical precursors were seized in 1999; 89,000 litres in 2000; 159,000 litres in 2001 and 29,000 litres in 2002. Over 28.89 million stimulant tablets were seized in 1999; 26.76 million in 2000; 32.43 million in 2001 and 9.399 million in 2002. Every year seizures increased in number but they decreased in 2002 because of tight security in the border areas.
The root of the problem is chemical precursors and all neighbouring countries are to make efforts for prevention of precursors. Myanmar hosted a meeting on control of chemical precursors in January 2003 in cooperation with Myanmar, China, India and UNODC. The meeting discussed difficulties faced in Myanmar, exchange of information and technical assistance. A seminar on control of chemical precursors between law enforcement officers of Myanmar and India will be held in Moreh under the sponsorship of UNDOC at the end of this month. Information was exchanged at grassroots levels in Thailand and central level transnational meetings and cooperation is being promoted by opening offices of liaison officers. It shows how Myanmar is serious on stimulant tablets issue.
Then, Vice-Chairman of CCDAC Minister for PBANRDA Col Thein Nyunt explained the cultivation of poppy substitute crops in Shan State (East) and Wa region, assistance for cultivation of perennial crops and raising of pigs, assistance rendered to drug addict rehabilitation centres, creation of job opportunities for local people and cultivation of buckwheat as a poppy substitute crop and export of buckwheat in respective years. CCDAC member Minister for Labour U Tin Winn explained matters on formation of anti-narcotics associations and discussions with local people over eradication of drugs in Tachilek and Monghsat Districts, Shan State (East), findings in success of cultivation of poppy substitute crops, and conditions of education, communication and transportation. CCDAC member Minister for SWRR Maj-Gen Sein Htwa explained matters related to conducting educative courses in rehabilitation centres in Yangon, Mandalay, Myit-kyina, Lashio, Namlatt (Taunggyi), Tachilek, Shwepyitha and Shwepyiaye youth rehabilitation camps and participation of trainees in the courses. Secretary of CCDAC Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi explained implementation of the minutes of Special Meeting (3/2002) of CCDAC.
Then, the chairmen and secretaries of Supervisory Group for CCDAC working groups, working group for cultivation of poppy substitute crops, livestock breeding working group, working group for medical treatment, working group for dissemination of knowledge among youth, working group for organizing the public, rehabilitation working group, working group for international relations, and working group for prevention and control of narcotic drugs reported on works being carried out and future tasks. Those present also took part in the discussions.
The Secretary-1 then made concluding remarks. He said Myanmar’s anti-narcotics endeavours have practically been successful according to the reports of the officials. Poppy cultivation was an evil legacy that Myanmar had tried to solve throughout the periods. Anti-narcotic endeavours have been successful with the cooperation of local people and national race leaders in border areas under the leadership of the government.
The suppression of the danger of stimulant tablets will meet success only through the cooperation with neighbouring countries. Hence, prevention of the in-flow of chemical precursors required in making stimulant tablets and prevention of the smuggling the stimulant tablets out of the country will be carried out harmoniously. In conclusion, he called for continued efforts for accelerating the momentum in the anti-drug movement by decreasing the poppy cultivation and opium production while raising the momentum in suppressing the stimulant tablets. The meeting then ended.
Secretary-1 attends cornerstone laying ceremony of Myanmar Maritime University
Yangon, 15 March — Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended the cornerstone laying ceremony of the Myanmar Maritime University under the Ministry of Transport at Thanlyin-Kyauktan Development Zone in Thanlyin Township, Yangon South District, at 8.30 am today.
Staff Officer of Yangon Division Religious Affairs Department U San Thin Hlaing acted as master of ceremonies.
At the auspicious time, the Secretary-1 laid the silver casket with nine different kinds of gems in the middle of the foundation.
Then, the Secretary-1, the commander and the ministers put cornerstones at the designated places.
The Secretary-1 laid the bronze plaque in the middle of the foundation and sprinkled scented water on it.
After the ceremony, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt performed rituals of golden and sliver showers to mark successful completion of the ceremony.
The Secretary-1 arrived at Kyaikhmawwun Yayle Pagoda in Kyauktan at 9.30 am.
The Secretary-1 offered flowers and lights to the Buddha image of the pagoda and presented cash donations to the pagoda through the chairman of the pagoda board of trustees. The Secretary-1 then had a stroll round the pagoda and inspected all-round renovation tasks for the pagoda. Then, the Secretary-1 cordially greeted the pilgrims and left the pagoda.
Yangon, 15 March — Members of the Public Relations and Information Committee Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director-General of Myanma Radio and Television U Khin Maung Htay, Director (News) of the News and Periodicals Enterprise U Hla Tun, Correspondent of Kyodo News Agency U Sein Win, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Hla Htwe, President U Sao Kai Hpa and member correspondents, and chief editors and deputy chief editors of dailies visited the 40th Myanma Gems Emporium 2003 organized by the Central Committee for holding Myanma Gems Emporium at the hall of the Myanma Gems Emporium on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this afternoon.
Then, they viewed the jade figurines of MGE to be sold at fixed prices, gem mosaic shops on the ground floor, uncut jade displayed near the building, gems and pearl lots to be sold through competitive bidding on the third floor and high quality jade in the auction hall of the emporium.
Then, the press conference on the gems emporium commenced. At the press conference the deputy minister said high quality jade and gems and pearl lots are to be sold at the emporium. A total of 348 gem merchants from 70 companies in 13 countries replied to attend the emporium so far. Most of foreign gems merchants are from the People’s Republic of China and Thailand. Number of merchants who attended the emporiums was always greater than the number of those who replied to the emporium. There are a total of 1423 lots of jade to be sold at the floor price of US$ 21.32 million, 219 lots of gems to be sold at the floor price of US$ 14.66 million, 224 lots of pearl to be sold at the floor price of US$ 1.35 million, 9,672 pieces of gems and jade figurines to be sold at the fixed price worth US$ 1.59 million and 224 lots of pearls to be sold at the floor price of US$ 1.3 million at the emporium.
Chairman Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein, Secretary Managing Director of Myanma Gems Enterprise U Khin Oo and members of the central committee replied to the queries raised by those present.
Significant jade lots in the emporium are imperial jade Lot No 1173 of Myanmar Sithu Joint-venture Co ( two blocks, 87 kilos, floor price US$ 4.5 million), imperial jade Lot No 1172 of Yadana Tuangtan Joint-venture (two blocks, 92 kilos, floor price US$ 2 million) and imperial jade Lot No 1171 of Myanmar Sithu Joint-venture Co (two blocks, 77 kilos, floor price US$ 550,000).
It is estimated that about 1,000 local and foreign gem merchants will attend the emporium. Number of jade to be sold at the emporium is more than the previous year and this has been due to the increased production of quality jades as a result of cooperation between the government and private entrepreneurs, and profits gained from confidence on the government.
Although production and sale of Myanma pearls have decreased for some period, over 100,000 high quality pearls could be produced this year thanks to the joint-venture between the government and local and foreign companies.
Measures are being taken to ensure the former pearl merchants to re-enter the Myanamr’s pearl market.
Mayor inspects agriculture and livestock breeding farm
Yangon, 15 March — Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay, accompanied by officials, formally opened Seinpan self-reliant road in Ward-2, Shwepyitha Township, and inspected Maubin wetland agriculture and livestock breeding farm of the Production Department of YCDC in Maubin Township this morning. Then, the mayor inspected the staff welfare shop of the farm at the junction of Yangon-Nyaungdon road and Maleto-Mezali road in Maubin Township. Afterwards, the mayor and party inspected the breeding and hatching of fish, raising of 200 pigs, 25,000 ducks, and fresh water shrimps, thriving fields of Manawthukha paddy, and arrangements for marketing of the products. Then, the mayor attended a ceremony to present prizes to outstanding staff of the farm. Afterwards, the mayor donated K 100,000 to Phayalay Village Monastery, and presented K 300,000 for the staff of the farm to an official.
The Union of Myanmar
The State Peace and Development Council
The Law Amending the Myanmar Registration of Ships Act
( The State Peace and Development Council Law No. 4 / 2003 )
The 12th Waxing Day of Taboung, 1364 M.E.
( 14th March, 2003 )
( Continued from yesterday)
6. Section 19 of the Myanmar Registration of Ships Act shall be substituted as follows:-
19. ( a ) If the certificate of registry of any ship shaII be lost or mislaid, so that the same cannot be found or obtained for the use of such ship when needful and proof thereof shall be made to the satisfaction of the registering-officer of the port at which the ship is registered, such officer shall, where the certificate shall have been lost or mislaid, permit such ship to be registered de novo, and certificate there of to be granted.
( b ) The certificate of regjstry of a ship shaII be used only for the lawful navigation of the ship and shall not be subject to detention by reason of any title, lien, charge or interest whatsoever had or claimed by any owner, mortgagee or other person to on or in the ship.
(c) If any person, whether interested in the ship or not refuses, without reasonable cause, on request to deliver up the certificate of registry when in his possession of under his control to the person entitled to the custody thereof for the purposes of the lawful navigation of the ship, or to the registering-officer, or to any other person entitled by law to require such delivery, he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable, on conviction to a fine not exceeding Kyats 75,000.
( d ) Where the registry of a ship is closed or deemed to be closed under this Act, the registered owner of the ship at the time of the closure shall deliver up the certificate of the ship at the time of the closure shall deliver up the certificate of registry to the registering-officer for cancellation within 60 days of the closure and if he fails, without reasonable cause, to deliver up the certificate of registry within that period, he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable, on conviction to a fine not exceeding Kyats 75,000.
( e ) If any person uses or attempts to use for the navigation of a ship a certificate of registry which is not legally granted in respect of the ship or the registry of which has been closed or deemed to be closed, he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable, on conviction to a fine not exceeding Kyats 75,000.
7. Section 24 of the Myanmar Registration of ships Act shall be substituted as follows:-
24. In imposing a punishment of fine on the convicted person who is not a citizen of the Union of Myanmar under this Act, it shall be paid in foreign currency equivalent to the amount in Myanmar currency as determined by the Government.
8. Section 25 of the Myanmar Registration of Ships Act shall be substituted as follows:-
25. (a) The fees demandable in respect of the granting any certificate of pass under this Act for a foreign ship, shall be paid according to the rates prescribed for this purpose by the Ministry of Transport by notification.
(b) The fees for the initial or registration or registration anew of a Myanmar ship registered under this Act shall be Kyats 100 per gross ton of the shop.
(c) All unpaid fees on respect of any ship due to the registering-officer shall constitute a maritime lien on the ship, subject only to liens for wages.
(d) The Ministry of Transport may, with the approval of Government either generally or on specific occasions reduce the faces prescribed under this section.
9. After section 26 of the Myanmar Registration of Ships Act, section 27 shall be inserted as follows:-
27. For the implementation of the provisions of this Act:-
(a) the Ministry of Transport may, with the approval of the Government issue necessary rules and proceduces;
(b) the Ministry of Transport and the Department of Marine Administration may issue necessary notification, orders and directives.
( Sd. ) Than Shwe
Senior General
Chairman
The State Peace and Development Council
International Relations
Princess Sirindhorn visits MraukU and Sittway
Yangon, 15 March — Visiting Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand made a tour of MraukU and Sittway in Rakhine State on 13 March.
Together with Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife, Myanmar Ambassador to Thailand U Myo Myint and wife, Director-General of the Department of Myanmar Missions Abroad U Ko Ko Kyaw, Thai Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Oum Maolanon and wife, Princess Sirindhorn left Putao Airport in Kachin State by special flight and arrived at Sittway Airport at 2 pm on 13 March.
The Princess, accompanied by Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Maung Oo and wife, helicoptered to MraukU Township in Sittway District. She was welcomed there by Commander of MraukU Station Col Khin
Maung Myint, officials and local people by waving the miniature flags of the two nations and chanting slogans “May the Prince of Thailand be healthy” “May the ties of friendship between the two countries be strong”.
In a motorcade, the Princess went to the MraukU Hotel in MraukU.
Then, the Princess visited Shitthaung (a) Yan Aung Zeya Stupa in the MyaukU ancient heritage area, where she was welcomed by Director-General of the Archaeology Department U Nyunt Han, Director of the Department of Cultural Institute Daw Nu Mra Zan, officials and members of the pagoda board of trustees.
She offered flowers, water, lights and joss sticks and paid reverence to the Buddha Image in the Gantakutitaik of the stupa. Afterwards, she paid homage to the Buddha images and observed statues depicting 550 Jatakas on the grotto wall of the stupa. Director-General U Nyunt Han and Director Daw Nu Mra Zan conducted her along the grotto. The Princess signed in the visitors’ book, and presented cash donations for the Shitthaung Stupa and the Htokkantthein Stupa to Chairman of the pagoda board of trustees U Htwi Sein, who then presented a picture of the Shitthaung Stupa to the Princess.
The Princess also visited the Arntdawthein Stupa and offered flowers, water, lights and joss sticks of incense to the Buddha images in Gantakutitaik of the stupa. She paid reverence to the Buddha images of MraukU era in the grotto of the stupa. She then observed Buddha images and sculptural decorations on the wall of the grotto of Htokkantthein Stupa. Then, the Princess offered flowers, water, lights and joss sticks to the Buddha images in the upper reliquary Gantakutitaik of the stupa. She arrived back at the MraukU Hotel.
In the evening, Commander Maj-Gen Maung Oo and wife Dr Daw Nyunt Nyunt Oo hosted a dinner to the Princess. Rakhine State and MraukU Township cultural troupes entertained the Princess with Rakhine traditional songs and dances. The Princess presented a flower basket to the members of the troupes. After the dinner, Commander Maj-Gen Maung Oo and the Princess exchanged souvenirs.
The Princess spent the night at the MraukU Hotel.
Yesterday morning, the Princess visited the Archaeological Museum in MraukU Township. She observed cultural heritages of Danyawady, Vesali, Laymyo and MraukU eras and the scale model of ancient MraukU City in the booths of the museum. She then observed the stone stupas and signed in the visitors’ book. Director-General U Nyunt Han presented a souvenir to the Princess. She observed the Nandawgon palace site excavated by the Archaeology Department. The officials conducted the Princess round the site.
She observed Arnanda Sandra Stone Inscription of Rakhine King Vesali (AD 729) in the Shitthaung Stupa.
The Princess proceeded to Sittway Airport. She was seen off at the airport by the commander and wife, departmental officials, local authorities, officials of USDA, MCWA and WCWA, Red Cross Society, Auxiliary Fire Brigade, nurses and others. Members of Rakhine State Cultural Committee and USDA also saw off the Princess by waving the miniature flags of the two nations and chanting slogans “May the Princess of Thailand be healthy” “May the ties of friendship between the two countries be strong”. The visiting Princess arrived back at Yangon by special flight at 2.35 pm.
Thai Princess Sirindhorn visits National Museum, Drug Elimination Museum
Yangon, 15 March — Visiting Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand, arrived at the National Museum on Pyay Road at 3 pm yesterday. They were welcomed there by Department of Cultural Institute Director-General U Myint Thein Swe, directors and officials.
Next, the Princess viewed the scale models of Mandalay Myanansankyaw Golden Palace, photographs, paintings, furniture and costumes at the Yadanabon Era booth and royal appurtences in successive monarchies at the royal appurtence booth. Curator Daw Mi Mi That Nwe and assistant curator Daw Htay Htay Swe conducted her round the booths. The Princess then studied National History Show Room, the booths on Myanma ancient ornaments and Myanma rural arts and Mon stone inscriptions.
At 4.50 pm, the Princess and party proceeded to the Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of Kyuntaw Street and Hanthawady Street in Kamayut Township where they were welcomed by Secretary of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi and officials. The Princess viewed the exhibits on narcotic drug elimination endeavours in successive eras. Brig-Gen Khin Yi and CCDAC Joint-Secretary Police Col Khan Aung explained the facts about the museum. Later, the Princess signed in the visitors’ book and left there in the evening after accepting the bronze medal of the replica of the museum.
Yangon, 15 March - Under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and with the assistance of the Ministry of Transport and arrangements of Asian Trails Tours Co Ltd, 94 Italian tourism entrepreneurs arrived at Yangon International Airport by flight TG 303 of Thai Airways this morning.
They will tour Yangon, Bagan, Popa and Mandalay during their visit and leave Myanmar on 20 March.
Yangon, 15 March - A total of 612 gem merchants- 327 from 117 foreign firms, 285 from 105 local firms have arrived at 40th Myanma Gems Emporium 2003 being held at the hall of Myanma Gems Emporium on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road today. The merchants viewed the gems displayed at the emporium from 9 am to 5 pm. They were welcomed there by Emporium Organizing Central Committee Secretary Managing Director U Khin Oo of MGE and officials. The officials concerned also rendered assistance to the merchants. More foreign gem merchants will arrive at the emporium on 16 and 17 March and keep on viewing the gems displayed at the emporium.
Secretary-1 attends prize presentation of MNOC Chairman's Cup Football Tournament
Yangon, 15 March — The final match and prize presentation ceremony of second Myanmar National Olympic Council Chairman's Cup open football tournament 2003 took place at the Youths Training Centre (Thuwunna) this afternoon, attended by Chairman of MNOC Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
In the final match, Finance and Revenue Ministry team played against Commerce team. The latter beat the former 4-2 in the penalty shoot-out, and fetched the trophy and K 7.5 million. The Energy Ministry team stood third.
Then, prize presentation ceremony was held. General Secretary of MOC President of Myanmar Football Federation Director-General of Sports and Physical Education Department U Thaung Htaik presented K 50,000 to man of the match Soe Paing Phyo of the Commerce Ministry team. Next, Chairman of MOC Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint presented medals and K 2.5 million to Energy Ministry team and Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Lt-Gen Min Thein medals and K 5 million to Finance and Revenue team.
Afterwards, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe presented medals to the players of Commerce team individually.
Then, Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein presented medals and K 100,000 each to the best player awards in respective places Soe Paing Phyo of Commerce team, Zaw Htet Aung of Energy team, Lwin Oo of Finance and Revenue team and Marla of Commerce team and a medal and K 200,000 to the best player of the tournament Myo Hlaing Win (F & R). Premium Marketing Ltd presented a pair of Pan brand football boots worth K 27,000 to the best players each.
The fair play award went to the Finance and Revenue team.Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt presented the shield and K 7.5 million to the Commerce team.
Yangon, 15 March — A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and members of Zayawady Police Station, acting on information searched Ma Malarlamon Thiya’s house at Sinmawtaw village, Jpu village-tract, Zayawady on 11 October 2002. The authorities seized 4.233 grams of marihuana.
Action was taken against Ma Malarlamon Thiya, 26, daughter of U Ramdisiya under Section 15/16(C) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Zayawady Police Station.
The Pyu District Court handed down 7 years’ imprisonment on her under Section 16(C) on 20 February.
Similarly, a combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and members of Tachilek Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, searched Saisam’s house on Tawwin street at Weinkyauk village, Haungleik village-tract, Tachilek on 17 September 2002. The authorities arrested Saisam and Aeikthaung together with 1,800 stimulant tablets. Action was taken against Saisam, 36, son of U Lonsam and Aeikthaung, 39, son of U Aeikkat under Sections of 15/19(A)/21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Tachilek Police Station.
The Tachilek District Court handed down 25 years’ imprisonment on Saisam under Sections 15 and 19(A) and 20 years’ imprisonment on Aeikthaung under Section 19(A)/21 on 3 March.
