Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing arrive back from Vietnam
Yangon, 17 March- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing arrived back here this evening after paying a state visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at the invitation of President of the SRV Mr Tran Duc Luong and Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh.
The Myanmar delegation led by Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing was welcomed back 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) and the Commander-in-Chief (Air) and their wives, the Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council 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 Ambassador of Cambodia Mr Nim Chantara, resident representatives of UN Agencies, the charge d' affaires ai of Vietnamese Embassy and staff and military and civilian officials.
Yangon, 17 March - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe paid a courtesy call on President Tran Duc Loung of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at the Hall-B of the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, at 2.15 pm on 15 March.
On the occasion, the two Heads of State exchanged views on nation-building experience and cordially discussed matters relating to bilateral relations between the two countries, regional affairs and international affairs.
Senior General Than Shwe explained the purpose of his visit to the SRV that he and his entourage arrived there to further strengthen friendship relations between the two countries. He also expressed his wish to promote bilateral cooperation in every sector.
President Tran Duc Loung said that the State visit of Senior General Than Shwe to Vietnam is a very important one for bilateral relations of the two countries and it must be recorded in the history of Myanmar-Vietnam relations. The SRV will make cooperations with Myanmar in economic sector and arrangements have already made to cooperate in education, health and social sectors. He also spoke of the importance of unity among ASEAN member nations in international affairs.
Yangon, 17 March-President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong and Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting Myanmar goodwill delegation led by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing at the International Conference Centre in Hanoi on 15 March evening.
Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing left the Melia Hanoi Hotel and arrived at International Conference Centre by car. They were welcomed there by Vietnamese President Mr Tran Duc Luong and Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh.
Then, the dinner was hosted at the first-floor of ICC.
At the dinner, Vietna-mese President Mr Tran Duc Luong made a speech. He said:
On behalf of the State and people of Vietnam, I would like to extend my warmest welcome to Your Excellency Mr Chairman, Senior General and Madame and members of the Myanmar delegation on your official visit to Vietnam, which brings about the friendly sentiments of the fraternal Myanmar people to the Vietnamese people. On this occasion, I would also like to express the sincere thanks and best wishes of the State, Government and people of Vietnam to Your Excellency, and through Your Excellency, to the Government and people of Myanmar.
Your Excellency Mr Chairman, I still recall with fond memories the warm reception and hospitality extended to myself by the State, Government and people of Myanmar during my visit last May. We were received by the Myanmar people as their family's members. On this occasion, the Vietnamese people would also like to reciprocate to Your Excellency Mr Chairman and Madame and distinguished Myanmar guests with such cordial sentiments.
Myanmar and Vietnam are close to each other. Both countries have an age-old culture deeply imbued with national identities. The Myanmar people are hardworking, courageous, patriotic and creative. We are very happy to note that under the leadership of Your Excellency Chairman, the Myanmar people have recorded great successes in firmly safeguarding national independence and sovereignty, and in the cause of national construction and development.
I sincerely wish the Myanmar people greater achievements to build Myanmar into a prosperous and forceful country, thus contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region.
We note with satisfaction the rapid developments in various areas of the Vietnam-Myanmar relations. Our sincere and candid talks today have further deepened our mutual trust and understanding. I therefore strongly believe that the fruitful conclusion of your visit to Vietnam this time will open a new chapter in the relations of traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and Myanmar, both bilaterally and under the framework of ASEAN as well as other regional and international arrangements in the interests of our two peoples and for the benefit of peace, stability, cooperation and development in our region. With that in mind and in this ambience of friendship between Vietnam and Myanmar, I would like to invite you to join me in a toast:
- To the prosperity of Myanmar and to the happiness of her people,
- To the ever-grown tradi- tional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and Myanmar,
- To the good health of Your Excellency Mr Chairman and Madame,
- To the good healthy of you all present here tonight.
Next, Senior General Than Shwe made a speech.
On behalf of the Myanmar delegation, I would like to express our profound thanks to Your Excellency and the leaders of Vietnam for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to us since our arrival in this historic city of Hanoi. I also wish to convey our sincere appreciation for the grand banquet arranged in honour of our delegation.
I am deeply touched by your kind words and friendly sentiments you have just expressed, which I fully reciprocate. The warmth of the welcome accorded us is no doubt a reflection of the traditional close ties of friendship that exist between Myanmar and Vietnam.
I first visited Vietnam in March 1995. During the visit, I had the pleasure of seeing the legendary beauty of your country and experienced the friendliness of the Vietnamese people. I also had the opportunity to be in Hanoi in December 1998 to attend the 6th ASEAN Summit. Today, I am happy to be back again in this beautiful city. The visit will afford me not only with the opportunity to renew old friendships but also to observe first hand the outstanding progress Vietnam has made in recent years.
The discussions that I had with Your Excellency and other Vietnamese Leaders earlier this afternoon once again underlined the genuine sentiments of friendship, understanding and cooperation that exist between our two countries and our two peoples. These ties of comradeship date back to the days of the struggle for independence by our two peoples. We in Myanmar always recall with pride the modest role we were able to play during the Vietnamese struggle for liberation.
I am happy to note that the friendship between our two countries have seen all-round growth in recent years. There is also growing cooperation between our two countries in various fields. Our two nations share a similarity of views on international issues. A new dimension was added to our bilateral relations when both Vietnam and Myanmar became members of ASEAN.
The economies of Myanmar and Vietnam are growing rapidly. However, the full potential is still to be reached in terms of economic and commercial cooperation. This afternoon, we were able to exchange views on enhancing economic activities and finding new areas of partnership. Allow me to take the opportunity to express Myanmar's willingness to work with Vietnam for the consolidation of economic ties.
Myanmar is today enjoying unprecedented peace and stability. We are striving to transform Myanmar into a modern and developed state. Relying on our resources, we have been able to make substantial progress in raising the socio-economic development of the country as well as the standard of living and quality of life of the entire people. Moreover, Myanmar places special importance on human resource development in order to build a learning society that would be able to meet the challenges of the Age of Knowledge. We are therefore confident that Myanmar will be able to contribute towards regional peace and prosperity.
We in Myanmar have followed with keen interest the achievements made by the Vietnamese people in nation building. Permit me to conclude by expressing our full confidence that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the guidance of the Government, the people of Vietnam will surely be able to attain further heights of triumph.
May I now invite you to join me in a toast:
- To the health and happiness of His Excellency Tran Duc Luong, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh;
- To the continued progress and prosperity of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;
- To ever lasting friendship between the peoples of Myanmar and Vietnam; and
- To the health and happiness of all the Distinguished Guests present here tonight.
Afterwards, Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong and Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh hosted a dinner to Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party. The Vietnamese cultural troupe members presented entertainment to the guests over dinner. Then, Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing presented flower baskets to the cultural troupe members and had a group photo taken.
After the dinner, the Myanmar goodwill delegation led by Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing arrived back at the hotel where they were putting up by car.
Yangon, 17 March - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe met with Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Phan Van Khai on 15 March afternoon at the Government Office in Hanoi.
They held talks on bilateral cooperation in all sectors and the development of economic and trade between the two countries to be carried out.
Yangon, 17 March- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing, left here on 15 March by special flight for Vietnam on a State Visit. Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party arrived at Noibai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam at 9.45 local time.
The special aircraft carrying Myanmar goodwill delegation led by Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing touched down at the airport. Myanmar Ambassador to Vietnam U Khin Aung and Head of Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Mr Doan Xuan Hung boarded the plane and welcomed Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing.
Daw Kyaing Kyaing meets Vietnamese President's wife Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh
Yangon, 17 March - Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe, met Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh, wife of Socialist Republic of Vietnam President Mr Tran Duc Luong at the Hall-A in the President House in Hanoi, Vietnam, at 2 pm on 15 March.
Senior General Than Shwe calls on Chairman of National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Yangon, 17 March - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe paid a courtesy call on Chairman of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Nguyen Van An at Ba Danh Hall in Hanoi at 9.30 am yesterday.
On the occasion, Chairman of the National Assembly Mr Nguyen Van An expressed his delight to see the Myanmar goodwill delegation led by Senior General Than Shwe. He said the SRV and Myanmar have traditional ties of friendship and the two nations have rendered assistance to each other before the national independence was regained. And this policy has been followed to date.
He continued to say that National Leader Ho Chi Minh visited Myanmar and from that time onwards, new bilateral relation sector between the two countries could be set up. This visit will further strengthen the relation of the two countries.
Then, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe said he was delighted to see the Vietnamese Government and public warmly welcomed Myanmar delegation on its arrival. He said he and his entourage arrived there to observe the development of Vietnam and promote bilateral cooperation between the two countries. He said that he visited Vietnam thrice including this one.
Afterwards, Chairman Mr Nguyen Van An and Chairman Senior General Than Shwe cordially discussed matters relating to mutual interest of the two countries.
Appointment of Ambassador agreed on
Yangon, 17 March - The Government of the Union of Myanmar has accorded agreement to the appointment of Mr Paul John Grigson as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Commonwealth of Australia to the Union of Myanmar in succession of His Excellency Mr Trevor David Wilson.
Educated at the University of Queensland, the Australian National University and the Securities Institute of Australia, Mr Grigson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and journalism, a Bachelor of Letters and a Graduate Diploma in Finance. He had served in various capacities at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He also served as Deputy Head of Mission from 1993 to 1994 and Charge d' Affaires a.i from July to October 2000 at the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh.
Mr Grigson was also a senior adviser in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet from 1998 to 2000. He is a senior career officer in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is currently serving as Assistant Secretary, Maritime South-East Asia Branch in the Department.
Myanmar, Vietnam issue Joint Statement
Myanmar and Vietnam issued a Joint Statement on the occasion of the State Visit of Senior General Than Shwe to Vietnam in Hanoi on 17 March.
1. At the invitation of His Excellency Mr Tran Duc Luong, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar paid a State Visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from 15 to 17 March 2003.
2. His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing were accompanied by His Excellency Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife; His Excellency Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of the Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council; His Excellency Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Chairman of the Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council; His Excellency Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation; His Excellency U Aung Thaung, Minister for Industry (1); His Excellency Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Commerce; His Excellency Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife; His Excellency Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries; His Excellency Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Energy; His Excellency Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, Minister for Health; His Excellency Maj-Gen Nay Win, Military Assistant to the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council; His Excellency U Khin Maung Win, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs; His Excellency U Khin Aung, Ambassador of the Union of Myanmar to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and high ranking officials of the Government of the Union of Myanmar.
3. His Excellency Chairman Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and his entourage were accorded a warm welcome and a cordial reception by the leaders and people of Vietnam reflecting the significance of the visit in further promoting the close bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between the two countries. The leaders of Vietnam extended to the Chairman and through him to the people of Myanmar the best wishes of the Government and people of Vietnam. His Excellency Chairman Senior General Than Shwe expressed great pleasure in having the opportunity to visit the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for the third time in eight years and conveyed to the leaders of Vietnam the cordial greetings and best wishes of the Government and the people of Myanmar.
4. During the visit, His Excellency Chairman Senior General Than Shwe held bilateral talks with His Excellency President Tran Duc Luong, called on His Excellency Nong Duc Manh, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, His Excellency Phan Van Khai, Prime Minister and His Excellency Nguyen Van An, Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam. Chairman Senior General Than Shwe also laid wreath in Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and visited a number of economic and cultural sites in Hanoi.
5. The bilateral talks between President Tran Duc Luong and Chairman Senior General Than Shwe were held in an atmosphere of friendship, mutual understanding and trust. On the Myanmar side, attending the talks were all the official members of the Delegation. On the Vietnamese side, attending the talks were Deputy Prime Minister HE Mr Nguyen Tan Dung, Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Mr Nguyen Dy Nien, Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Office HE Mr Nguyen Van Chien, Minister of Trade HE Mr Tuong Dinh Tuyen, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development HE Mr Le Huy Ngo, Minister of Industry HE Mr Hoang Trung Hai, Minister of Public Health HE Madame Tran Thi Trung Chien, Vice Minister of Public Security HE Mr Nguyen Khanh Toan, Vice Minister of Defence HE Mr Nguyen Van Rinh, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Mr Le Cong Phung, Ambassador of Vietnam to Myanmar HE Mr Pham Quang Khon, Assistant to the President HE Mr Nguyen Van Thanh, Vice Minister of Fisheries HE Mr Nguyen Viet Thang.
6. The two Heads of State informed each other of recent developments in their respective countries and exchanged views on ways and means to further enhance traditional friendship, and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, as well as on regional and international issues of mutual concern.
7. Senior General Than Shwe informed the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam of the political, economic and social advancements taking place in the country, particularly achievements attained in establishing peace and stability as well as in economic progress. He also reaffirmed Myanmar's independent and active foreign policy. He stressed the importance Myanmar places on maintaining friendship with all countries in the world, particularly with neighbouring countries in the spirit of goodwill, friendship and mutual understanding guided by the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, particularly the principles of mutual trust and respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in each other's internal affairs and the settlement of disputes by peaceful means.
8. President Tran Duc Luong congratulated Chairman Senior General Than Shwe on the socio-economic achievements recorded by the people of Myanmar under his leadership in the past years. President Tran Duc Luong reaffirmed Vietnam's support to the efforts made by the Government and the people of Myanmar with a view to preserving territorial integrity and national unification, national unity and reconciliation and political stability and sustaining the national development, thus making contributions to peace, stability, cooperation and development in South East Asia and the world at large.
9. Chairman Senior General Than Shwe expressed his happiness to see the important achievements made by the Vietnamese people, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Chairman Senior General Than Shwe expressed his conviction that Vietnam would record greater accomplishments in materializing socio-economic targets in the years to come, which help enhance the country's position and role in the region and the world.
10. Chairman Senior General Than Shwe also expressed his high regard for Vietnam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, openness, multilateralization and diversification of external relations and positively international integration. The Chairman maintained that this open foreign policy had been making positive contribution to peace and stability in the region and the world as well.
11. The two leaders expressed satisfaction that, since the visit to Myanmar by President Tran Duc Luong in May 2002, the economic and trade relations between the two countries had seen remarkable developments. The commitments made during President Tran Duc Luong's visit had been successfully implemented step by step. The two leaders welcomed the developments and stressed that the two sides need to further enhance economic, investment and trade relations in commensurate with the sound political relationship and vast potential of the two countries.
12. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of bilateral economic relations, in particular, the promotion of investment and trade between the two countries. To that end, they agreed to fully utilize existing mechanisms for bilateral cooperation, particular the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation, and the Joint Trade Committee. They agreed further to strengthen cooperation in the fields of agriculture, forestry, fishery, and fishery-related industries and energy.
13. The two sides agreed to promote their cooperation in the field of security through information exchanges and join efforts to fight and prevent terrorist activities against their respective Governments and countries. In this spirit, the two leaders welcomed the need of considering signing at an early date by the two countries the Agreement on the Prevention and Fight Against Criminal Activities.
14. The two sides agreed upon the need to strengthen cooperation on bilateral basis as well as in the ASEAN framework with a view to consolidating unity and cooperation to cope with current challenges and enhancing the role and position of ASEAN in the region and the world. The two sides also agreed to further their cooperation at regional and international political and economic fora.
15. The two sides noted that with the accession to WTO and its increasing integration into the world economy, Vietnam would play an important role to the sustained development and prosperity of Vietnam and the region. In that spirit, Myanmar supported Vietnam to join WTO.
16. The two sides shared the view that together with the State visit to Myanmar by President Tran Duc Luong in May 2002, the State visit to Vietnam of the Chairman Senior General Than Shwe would contribute strengthening the traditional friendship relations and multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and Myanmar in the interest of the peoples of the two countries and for peace, cooperation and development of the region and the world over.
17. Chairman Senior General Than Shwe expressed his sincere thanks to President Tran Duc Luong, the Government and people of Vietnam for the warm and friendly reception accorded to him and the members of his delegation which reflects the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Myanmar.
18. Chairman Senior General Than Shwe invited President Tran Duc Luong and Madame to pay a State Visit to the Union of Myanmar at a convenient time. President Tran Duc Luong accepted the invitation with pleasure.
Hanoi
17 March 2002
Yangon, 17 March - A total of 974 foreign and local gem merchants - 558 from 213 foreign firms of 11 countries and 416 from 152 local firms have already arrived at the 40th Myanma Gems Emporium being held in the hall of Myanma Gems Emporium on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road today.
The arriving merchants from foreign firms are 432 from 175 firms of the People's Republic of China, 5 from 4 Japanese firms, 93 from 19 Thai firms, 12 from 5 Singaporean firms, 2 from 1 Malaysian firm, 2 from 1 Israeli firm, 4 from 3 American firms, 1 from 1 French firm, 4 from one Indian firm, 2 from 2 Sri Lankan firms and 1 from 1 Korean firm. The merchants kept on viewing the gems being displayed at the emporium from 9 am to 5 pm for the third day. At the emporium, lots of jade will be sold at tender system and competitive bidding system on 18, 19 and 20 March.
Region
Secretary-1 inspects extension of Strand Road, upgrading of Wadan jetty areas
Yangon, 17 March- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt inspected measures being taken for upgrading Yangon City this morning.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt arrived at Thanlyetsun in Botahtaung Township, Yangon Division at 11.30 am today. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay, deputy ministers, the vice mayor and departmental officials.
Officials of Yangon City Development Committee reported to the Secretary-1 on the site chosen for construction of the waste-water treatment plant and future tasks. The mayor and the commander gave supplementary reports.
In response to the reports, the Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. The Secretary-1 and party arrived at the briefing hall of No 7 Sule Wharf of Myanma Port Authority in Seikkan Township, where the road is being extended into six-lane one. They were welcomed there by departmental officials.
Head of YCDC (Road/Bridge) U Bo Htay reported on progress of work in extending the 11,324 feet long road section which is stretching from Theinbyu Road in Botahtaung Township to Ywathitchaung in Lanmadaw Township and work being carried out for extending the 19,000 feet long section which is running from the junction of Bayintnaung Road in Kamayut to Ywathitchaung in Lanmadaw Township.
The Secretary-1 fulfilled the requirements on extension of the Strand Road and upgrading of the port areas and gave instructions on sharing of duties for ensuring speedy progress of work.
The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the project site for upgrading of Wadan jetty being undertaken by Myanma Port Authority in Seikkan Township.
They were welcomed there by departmental officials. First, the Secretary-1 inspected upgrading and beautifying the approach of Wadan Jetty.
At the briefing hall, Managing Director of MPA U Thein Htay reported to the Secretary-1 on work being carried out section-wise for upgrading and beautifying the approach road of Wadan jetty areas, growing of flower and shade trees and arrangement of recreation facilities along the Strand Road. Then, Deputy Minister for Transport U Pe Than and Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe gave supplementary reports on assistance provided for upgrading Wadan jetty areas and extension of the Strand Road to the Secretary-1.
In response to the reports, the Secretary-1 gave instructions and inspected upgrading and beautifying the jetty areas along the Strand Road by car.
USDA Management Multiplier Course ends
Yangon, 17 March- Management Multiplier Course No 2 conducted by Yangon North District Union Solidarity and Development Association concluded this afternoon at Hmawby Township USDA Office. A total of 88 trainees from Taikkyi, Hlegu, Hmawby, Htantabin townships attended the two-week course.
USDA Central Executive Committee Member Col Tin Hlaing made an address and awarded prizes to outstanding trainees. He then accepted 2,380 USDA membership applications presented by Htantabin Township USDA Secretary U Than Myint. Yangon Division USDA Secretary U Aye Myint presented course completion certificates.
Yangon, 17 March - Under the arrangement of Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare, No 1 Mobile Public Relations Unit entertained last night the parade columns which will take part in the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day with music, dances and movie.
Anawrahta, Aungzeya, Bayintnaung columns at No 1 Transit Centre and Nawaday column at Ayeyawady Naval Regional Command Headquarters were entertained with dance and songs . At local battalion in South Okkalapa Township, Kyansittha column was entertained with Myanmar movie.
Forms for gems and jade blocks to be submitted
Yangon, 17 March - Myanma Gems Enterprise will grant permits of gems and jade blocks that will expire in April, May and June 2003 in accord with Myanma Gems Law. The respective gems entrepreneurs are to submit their forms to MGE (Head Office) between 10 March and 9 April 2003 in accord with the rules and regulations.
Religion
Yangon, 17 March - A ceremony to mark Fullmoon Day of Taboung was held at Mahatheindawgyi in the compound of State Pariyatti Sasana University on Kaba Aye Hillock this morning. The ceremony was organized by Basic Buddhist Culture Course Instructor Sayadaw member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Archivist Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Pannasami (Magadi-Thazi) and course trainees.
Similarly, pagodas here were packed with pilgrims and devotees offering flowers, water, lights and fruits to the pagodas, and Sayadaws and members of the Sangha delivered sermons.
Drug
Yangon, 17 March - A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Bago Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, on 21 April 2002 searched the vehicle with number plates 2 ka/ 1682 at Bago toll gate and seized 3.2 kilos of marijuana from Ma Shwe Kyi (a) Ma Myint Kyi. On further investigation, the authorities searched the house of Ye Shin and Ma Sha Tin and seized some marijuana powder together with Ma Nwe (a) Ma Yin Mya. Action was taken against Ma Shwe Kyi (a) Ma Myint Kyi, daughter of U Hla Kyaing of Hlinethaya Township, Ye Shin, son of U Tun Aung of Taungootan ward, Kyaukkyi Township, Ma Sha Tin, daughter of U Aung Kyi and Ma Nwe (a) Ma Yin Mya, daughter of U Toe of Ward-15, Hlinethaya Township under Sections 15/19(A)/21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Bago No-1 Police Station.
The Bago District Court on 17 February handed down 5 years' imprisonment under Section 15 and 15 years' imprisonment under Section 19(A) on Ma Shwe Kyi (a) Ma Myint Kyi to serve separately, 5 years' imprisonment each on Ye Shin, Ma Sha Tin and Ma Nwe (a) Ma Yin Mya under Section 16(C).
