Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council sends message of congratulations to Mr Jiang Zemin
Yangon, 17 March — 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 Jiang Zemin, upon his reelection as Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the People’s Republic of China at the 10th National People’s Congress.
State Peace and Development Council Chairman sends message of congratulations to dignitaries of NPC
Yangon, 17 March — Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent Messages of congratulations to the following dignitaries who have been elected to respective posts at the 10th National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China:-
(i) His Excellency Mr Hu Jintao, President of the People’s Republic of China
(ii) His Excellency Mr Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China
(iii) His Excellency Mr Wen Jiabao, Premier of the People’s Republic of China.
State Peace and Development Council Vice-Chairman Vice-Senior General Maung Aye sends message of congratulations to Mr Zeng Qinghong
Yangon, 17 March — Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of congratulations to His Excellency Mr Zeng Qinghong, upon his election as Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China at the 10th National People’s Congress.
Central Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport holds 2/2003 meeting
Yangon, 16 March— The Central Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport held its meeting No 2/2003 at the hall of Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha this morning, attended by Chairman of the Central Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
The Secretary-1 delivered an address. He said the meeting was to discuss the progress of work on upgrading of Yangon-Mandalay Highway, the main road of the State and requirements. The highway is the life-blood of the State economically as well as socially.
He said duties were assigned to seven private companies for upgrading the road to modern six-lane highway section by section and implementation of the tasks has completed to some extent.
He said special emphasis was to be placed on emergence of two-lane road in summer and cold season and efforts are to be made to prevent damage and destruction of the road by rain during the rainy season. At the same time, construction of the new earth road was to be undertaken.
The region in the south of Yangon-Mandalay Highway gets much rain, he said. Therefore the tasks to upgrade the road could not be implemented widely like the region in the north.
He spoke of the need to implement the tasks with might and main in the open season.
Then, he reviewed the conditions of the road sections of the private companies and gave instructions.
Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint reported on maintenance of the existing Mandalay-Meiktila road section by Hong Pang Co, Meiktila-Yamethin road section by Yuzana Co and Yamethin-Pyinmana road section by Asia World Co, finding of axis for new road, earth work, construction of detour road, bridges and culverts, stockpile of gravel and tar and constant supervision for speedy implementation of the tasks.
Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than reported on upgrading of the Bago-Nyaunglebin road section by Shwethanlwin Co, Nyaunglebin-Phyu road section by Olympic Co, Phyu-Yedashe road section by Kanbawza Co and Yedashe-Pyinmana road section by Dagon International Co with the use of machines and manpower, upgrading of the existing road, extension of the new road, construction of major and minor bridges and stockpile of gravel, tar, fuel and machines.
Next, Secretary of the CCESST Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun reported on embankment, paving of road, tarring, extension of the existing road, construction of 110 bridges and 346 culverts by private companies and arrangements for construction of 75 bridges which are 50 feet and above on the Union Highway by Public Works and private construction entrepreneurs.
Officials of Shwe-thanlwin, Olympic, Kan-bawza, Dagon International, Asia World, Yuzana and Hong Pang Companies reported on upgrading of the existing road and construction of new road, detour road and requirements. Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing reported on supply of gravel from quarries and stockpile of gunpowder used in quarries and Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than on construction of An Airport.
Next, those present gave supplementary reports and the Secretary-1 took part in the discussions and called for continued implementation of the tasks with greater momentum.
Religion
General Khin Nyunt attends coord meeting of Leading Committee for All-round Renovation of Shwedagon Pagoda
Yangon, 16 March — Patron of the Leading Committee for All-round Renovation of the Shwedagon Pagoda Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended the coordination meeting of the committee held at the Ancient Buddha Image Prayer Hall on the pagoda platform this afternoon.
The meeting was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Then, Shwedagon Pagoda All-round Renovation Work Committee Chairman Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint reported with the use of video slides to the Secretary-1 on gilding of pagoda on the upper precinct, renovation of satellite pagodas, vases and others, renovation of 49 pagodas and brick building in the outside of the precinct, renovation of northern and southern prayer halls and other prayer halls, tasks for sanitary system, the diamond bud and the vane donated by King Mindon, water supply tasks and fire preventive mersures, extension of car park at southern stairway, compiling the pagoda’s history, publishing books on the pagoda, works for recording the pagoda’s history on CD-ROMs, trust funds of the pagoda, offering of gold foils and gold plates to the pagoda and collection of gold plates.
Afterwards, member of the Committee for Recording the Pagoda’s History Computer scientist U Saw Lwin of Oktha Press briefed them on arrangements for recording the pagoda’s history on CD-ROMs for Buddhists at home and abroad.
Member of the Pagoda Board of Trustees U Kyi Myint made a report on tasks for recording the pagoda’s history.
After that, those present took part in the discussions for all-round renovation of the pagoda. Patron of the leading committee General Khin Nyunt attended to the needs and gave instructions on renovation of the pagoda.
The meeting came to a close with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Thittahtu. After the meeting, the General viewed the Buddha images and books, photos, calendars, CD-ROMs and VCDs on the history of the pagoda. He then inspected renovation of religious buildings, Buddha images, satellite pagodas, southern and northern prayer halls, and the throne for the diamond bud and vane donated by King Mindon on the pagoda platform and gave instructions to the officials.
Prizes presented at monastic education school in Sangyoung Township
Yangon, 16 March — The monastic education school of Shwetaung Monastery in Sangyoung Township, Yangon West District, held the respect-paying ceremony for the teachers and prize presentation ceremony at the monastery this morning.
Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and officials presented offertories to the Sayadaws.
The commander, Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein and Assistant Director of No 3 Basic Education Department U Myint Maung presented prizes to outstanding students. Chairman U Myo Tint presented K 1 million donated by Sangyoung Township to the school through commander.
Soon offered to members of Sangha
Yangon, 16 March — Staff families of the Cooperative Department of the Ministry of Cooperatives offered soon and provisions to 450 members of the Sangha led by Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw and teaching and administrative Sayadaws at the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon) at Mogok soonsarhsaung of the university in Mayangon Township yesterday.
Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe presented offertories to the Sayadaw. The director-general of the Cooperative Department presented K 180,000 for a meal of 450 members of the Sangha of the university to Director of the Department of the Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana Lt-Col Khaing Aung. Afterwards, the minister inspected the cooperative societies in North and South Okkalapa Townships.
Rural development tasks inspected in Hmawby Township, Yangon Division
Yangon, 16 March—Hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, the ceremony to introduce the rural development undertakings for Thayagon Model Village in Hmawby Township, Yangon Division was held at the village this morning, attended by Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee for Myanmar War Veterans Orgainzation Member of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein.
Lt-Gen Thein Sein, arrived at Basic Education Middle School in Thayagon Village at 7.30 am and inspected progress in construction of the new school building. Then, the ceremony to hand over the new school building was held at the school.
Head of MWVO’s Headquarters Lt-Col Win Maung (Retd) reported on assistance provided by MWVO for offspring of those in the village in education sector and handed over the related documents to the headmistress.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Thein Sein and party attended the opening of laterite road at the entrance to the village. Lt-Col Win Maung (Retd), Executive of Yangon Division Union Solidarity and Development Association U Tin Maung Win and Executive Officer of Hmawby Township Development Affairs Department U Tun Myaing formally opened the road.
Next, Lt-Gen Thein Sein and party inspected the road and low-cost housing project in the village.
Then, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung handed over the documents related to the housing projects to the owners. Later, Lt-Gen Thein Sein and party attended the opening ceremony of the tube-well in the village. Then, officials concerned formally opened the tube-well.
The 200 feet deep tube-well will supply drinking water for the village at the rate of 1500 gallons per hour. After that, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung handed over the documents related to Thayagon Village Dispensary to In Charge of the dispensary Midwife Daw Kyi Myint. Then, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe handed over K 100,000 for the dispensary to Head of Hmawby Township Health Department Dr Cho Tun.
Next, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung presented the publications for the village library and Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe K100,000 to officials. Afterwards, Lt-Gen Thein Sein and party attended the opening ceremony of the generator for the village and inpected the generator. The 20-kilo watt generator will supply electricity to 201 houses in the village.
Then, Lt-Gen Thein Sein looked into the dredging of Hmawby Creek and attended to the needs. At the briefing hall of the agriculture camp of MWVO, the In Charge of the camp reported to Lt-Gen Thein Sein and party on cultivation of summer paddy and rural development tasks, upgrading of road linking Thayagon and Mogyopyit villages, water supply and measures being taken for enabling the villagers to own the low-cost houses.
Then, Lt-Gen Thein Sein fulfilled the requirements. Then, Lt-Gen Thein Sein and party arrived at the briefing hall of the farm of MWVO’s Headquarters and met with those from District, Township and Village Peace and Development Councils, social organizations and local populace.
Lt-Gen Thein Sein explained the purpose of rural development tasks which have been carried out under the five rural development tasks in accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe. Then, officials reported on rural development tasks for the village and work being carried out for agricultural undertakings. Next, the chairman of Thayagon Vilage Peace and Development Council spoke words of thanks and the ceremony ended. Then, Lt-Gen Thein Sein and party left the village at 10.30 am.
Tamadaw parade columns continue drills practice
Yangon, 16 March — Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspected practice of parade drills this morning along the route between Myoma Grounds and the Resistance Park.
The parade columns — Anawrahta, Kyansittha, Nawaday, Aungzeya, Hsinphyushin, Bandoola, Myawady and Aung San — led by Parade Commander Brig-Gen Than Htay and Reserve Parade Commander Brig-Gen Myint Aung, practised the drills.
Chairman of Management Committee for Observance of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Chairman of the committee for selection of best parade column Vice Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Htin Aung Kyaw, Vice-Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint and Maj-Gen Aung Kyi and Maj-Gen Thein Swe, senior military officers and officials also inspected the drills.
Roads, Thanlwin bridge construction inspected
Yangon, 16 March — Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, on 13 March inspected construction tasks at Kyaikto-Thaton road section undertaken by the Ministry of Construction as well as Thaton-Durinseik road, Durinseik-Myaikalay road, construction of approach road of Thanlwin Bridge (Hpa-an) and Kawkareik-Kawparan-Zathapyin road and gave necessary instructions.
The responsible superintending engineers reported on progress of work and tasks being undertaken.
On 14 March, Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, the minister, the deputy minister and party went to Thanlwin Bridge construction site on Mawlamyine Bank.
At the briefing hall on Malamyine bank, Deputy Superintending Engineer U Myo Chit reported on progress of approach road and bridge, tasks being undertaken and installation of iron beams. Deputy Superintending Engineer U Ohn Han also reported on construction tasks at Moattama bank including approach road and bridge construction. The minister gave instructions on work to the officials.
Then, Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun and party inspected driving of piles and went to Moattama bank and inspected progress of work.
Yangon, 16 March — Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs held third four-monthly work coordination meeting 2002 at the meeting hall of the ministry here at 1 pm yesterday attended by Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw.
At the meeting, the minister delivered an address. The state and division level managers of the Myanma Posts and Telecommunications reported on work being carried out and future tasks. The minister gave necessary instructions to officials and the first day of the meeting ended at 5 pm.
Commander inspects regional development tasks
Yangon, 16 March — Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen Tha Aye, together with departmental officials, on 10 March inspected summer paddy plantation at Maungmashaung Village in Dawei Township.
Then, they went to general administration office of Kaleinaung Sub-Township. Official of Dawei District General Administration Department reported on extension of Kaleinaung Sub-Township with the use of chart. Next, the commander urged local people to participate in cooperation with departments in regional development tasks. Next, the commander met with townselders in Kanbauk Station and gave necessary instructions.
He then inspected Zargi creek Bridge and Kyauklongyi Bridge construction tasks and attended to the needs. Similarly, the commander also met with townselders and officials in Htaingyi Village and gave instruction on upgrading of village to village linking roads. On 11 March, the commander inspected construction of wooden bridge on Dawai-Launglon Road and the site chosen for construction of a hotel in Myinkwazauk Beach in Kyatlut Village.
Information tasks inspected in Mandalay
Yangon, 16 March — Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, inspected the booth of the Ministry of Information at Myanma Industrial Exhibition-2003 at Hsinbyukan grounds in Mandalay this morning and gave necessary instructions to officials.
Next, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein, together with Chairman of the work committee for holding the exhibition Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, inspected the rehearsal for opening of the Myanma Industrial Exhibition-2003.
Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein then went to the sub-printing house where he inspected publishing, distribution of newspapers and storage of paper and raw materials, and gave instructions on fire safety work. He also met with the staff of the departments and enterprises under the ministry at Mandalay District IPRD office and explained the information tasks.
Nursery Market Festival continues
Yangon, 16 March—The Nursery Market Festival continued at Myaypadetha Park in Bahan Township here today with the aim of providing necessary assistance for growers and to attract the public to be interested in agriculture, horticulture, livestock breeding and vegetable farming.
Kitchen crops, fruits and saplings of herbal plants are being shown at the festival. Scientific methods on livestock breeding, fish and prawn breeding are also displayed there. Any one may contact the festival to purchase quality seeds, saplings. Fertilizers and pesticides as well as farming crops are available at the booths.
Seedlings and saplings of vegetables and plants cultivated in plastic and earthern pots and plastic bags are available at the nursery market festival at Myapadetha Park, Various kinds of plants in different sizes for respective seasons can be bought there.
Fish breeding booth is also shown and livestock products are sold.
CEC member meets USDA members, departmental officials in Pathein
Yangon, 16 March — Central Executive Committee member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Deputy Minister for Information U Thein Sein on 13 March met with 580 USDA members, organizers and executives in six townships in Pathein District including division level departmental heads and social organizations at Ayeyashwewa Hall in Pathein.
At the meeting, CEC member gave talks on noble national policy and peace and development of the State. Similarly, CEC member U Thein Sein gave talks to local authorities, social organizations and USDA executives, organizers and members from seven village-tracts in Pathein Township and from four townships and Kyaungkon Township in Maubin District on 14 and 15 March respectively.
Mobile library opened in Kyaikto
The Kyaikto Township Information and Public Relations Department and Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association opened a mobile library at the pre-primary school in Htinkauk Village in the township on 7 March morning. Patron of Township MCWA Daw Tin Myint and Village Peace and Development Chairman U Win Aung formally opened the library.
Township Agricultural Coordination Committee of Natogyi meets
Natogyi Township Agricultural Coordination Committee held a meeting at the hall of the office complex of the township on 6 February morning. Cultivation of 1,100 acres of long staple cotton, irrigation capacity of dams and reservoirs in the township and expansion of monsoon paddy cultivation were discussed at the meeting. The meeting passed one resolution on extended cultivation of 1,371 acres of monsoon paddy in the township.
Manual water pump opened in Wundwin Township
Hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, Wundwin Township Development Affairs Committee opened a manual water pump in Nyaungoakphee Village on 25 February. The committee has opened 26 tube-wells and 11 manual water pumps in 17 villages in the township in 2002-2003 financial year.
Fire fighting demonstrated in Kyaiklat
A demonstration on fire fighting was held in Kyaiklat Township on 9 March. Township Agricultural Produce Trading Manager U Than Tun and the head of township fire brigade explained the measures being taken for prevention of fire in the township. Members of the township fire brigade demonstrated with the use of fire extinguishers.
Fire fighting course opened in Mandalay
Basic Fire Fighting Course No (4/2003) was opened at Myanma Alin and Kyemon Sub-Printing House of the News and Periodicals Enterprise under the Ministry of Information in Mandalay on 2 March. Printing Officer U Thet Tin and Staff Officer of Fire Services Department U Soe Than explained the purpose of conducting the course. A total of 17 trainees are attending the one-month course.
Provisions offered to members of the Sangha
A provision offering ceremony to members of the Sangha took place at Maha Shwezigyi Pagoda on Maha Kammabala Hill in Kanbalu, Shwebo District, Sagaing Division, on Dabodwe Fullmoon Day (16-2-2003). Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Naing and wife Daw Tin Tin Latt offered provisions to members of the Sangha led by Chairman of Township Sangha Nayaka Committee U Candima.
Cash donated for construction of new building
Wellwishers donated cash towards the fund for the two-storey building which is under construction in the precinct of Minkyaung Monastery in Chaungzon, Mon State, on 9 March.
Those wishing to donate cash for the construction may contact Sayadaw Bhaddanta Naginda (Tel 057-24013).
Buddha Pujaniya of Mawtinsun Pagoda held
Chairman of District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Hla Thwin formally opened the Buddha Pujaniya of Maha Makutavamsi Hsandawshin Mawtinsun Pagoda in Ngapudaw Township, Pathein District, Ayeyawady Division on 3 March.
Completion certificates presented
Yangon, 16 March — A ceremony to present completion certificates of basic education primary level and middle level for 2002-2003 academic year of Yankin Education College Practising School was held at 10 am today at the school here.
First, students sang the song “Myanma School”. Next, Headmistress Daw Yin Yin Nwe delivered an address. Then, the headmistress gave away primary level completion certificates to 270 students and middle level completion certificates to 160 students. Afterwards, the ceremony came to a close with the song “Flowers in Bloom” sung by the students.
Fianance & Revenue Minister receives guests
Yangon, 16 March — Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun received Dr Alfred Henning and party of Indo German Chamber Commerce “IGCC” and Korean German Chamber of Commerce & Industry “KGCCI” at his office yesterday afternoon.
Tourists on adventurous journey in Kachin State
Yangon, 16 March — Under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and arrangement of the Shwelaytagon Travel Service, a six-member group led by Australian citizen Mr Brett Melzer successfully carried out primary observation of adventure tour such as rafting in arduous journey and Kayak boat-rowing along the route of Maykha and Malikha in Putao region during the period from 16 February to 14 March.
The group included internationally experienced tourists in rafting and boat-rowing from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
They all enormously enjoyed natural beautiful scenery and the rapid current along the Maykha and Malikha rivers unlike the other countries.
Yangon, 16 March — A total of 716 gem merchants — 410 from 153 foreign firms of seven countries and 306 from 112 local firms— have already arrived at the 40th Myanma Gems Emporium 2003 being held in the Myanma Gems Emporium Hall on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road today.
The arriving merchants viewed the gems being displayed at the emporium from 9 am to 5 pm for the second day. After being welcomed there by Secretary of the Central Committee for Holding the Emporium Managing Director U Khin Oo of Myanma Gems Enterprise and Secretaries of Jade, Gems and Pearl Sub-committee, they conducted the merchants round there. The officials concerned rendered assistance to the merchants.
More foreign gem merchants will arrive at the emporium and keep on viewing the gems there.
Myanmar delegation leaves for Brunei
Yangon, 16 March — Two-member Myanmar delegation led by Director-General U Myint Thein Swe of the Department of Cultural Institute left here by air this afternoon to attend the 38th ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information meeting.
The meeting will be held in Brunei from 18 to 22 March. They were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, directors-general of the departments under the ministry, officials and their families.
SME management, e-commerce courses conclude
Yangon, 15 March — The SME management advanced course for entrepreneurs and e-Commerce with Struts and JWSDP application course, jointly sponsored by the UMFCCI (Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry) and JODC (Japan Overseas Development Corporation) concluded with ceremony held at the MICT Park in Hline Township here at 4 pm yesterday.
First, UMFCCI Vice-President U Htain Win delivered an address. Next, SME expert Mr Hinoyuki Nakura and e-Commerce expert Mr Satoshi Kodaira made speeches. The course completion certificates were then given away to trainees by officials.
Sport
Yangon, 16 March — ASEAN Youth U-14 Championship 2003 Thailand soccer tournament was held in Bangkok, Thailand, at 4:45 pm local time today.
In group (A), Selected Myanmar Youth team beat Vietnam Youth team 5 -2. Selected Myanmar Youth team and Indonesia Youth team will play at 4:45 local time on 19 March as second match.
Third Asian Billiards Championship opened
Yangon, 16 March — The 3rd Asian Billiards Championship-2003, organized by Myanmar Billiards and Snooker Federation, was opened at Asia Plaza on Bogyoke Aung San Street here this afternoon.
At the opening ceremony, the athletes of participating countries, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Myanmar, took their positions at designated places. Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint extended greetings.
Next, Secretary General Mr Syed Mahboob explained facts about the 3rd Asian Billiards Championship.
Then, the minister, Mr Syed Mahboob and the MBSF president greeted the athletes individually.
After the ceremony, the minister watched the demonstration of snooker given by snooker champions, Praprut and Udon of Thailand. The round Robin matches between participating countries will commence at Asia Plaza at 10 am tomorrow.
