Meeting reviews observance of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day
Yangon, 28 March—The Leading Committee for Observance of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day reviewed its work at the Pyidaungsu Hall of Kyaikkasan Grounds here this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of the Leading Committee member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win.
In his address, Chairman of the Leading Committee member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win said that since the respective committees had made concerted and collective efforts the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day was successfully concluded, adding that the wellwishers made generous donations for the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day. Thus, handsome prizes could be given in the competitions to mark the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, he noted.
He thanked the respective committees, wellwishers and departmental officials for successful holding of the ceremony and called on the committees to review the work done for successful holding of the similar ceremonies in the years to come.
Then, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe made a speech.
The Chairmen of the Organizing Committees and the Work Committees and officials presented the accomplishments, followed by a general round of discussions.
The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by Chairman of the Leading Committee member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win.
New roads opened in Yangon South District
Yangon, 28 March — Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt attended the opening of the newly-constructed roads in Kyauktan and Thanlyin in Yangon South District this morning.
The commander, the minister and party first attended the opening of Lanmadaw-Thidamyaing tarred road in Western Ward, Kyauktan. Deputy Superintending Engineer of Yangon Division Development Affairs Committee U Thein Htut, Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Than Aung and Executive of Township DAC U Khin Maung Myint formally opened the road. The commander, the minister and party inspected the road.
They then attended the opening of Kyaunggon-Hseikkyi rural laterite road undertaken by Thanlyin Township DAC. Executive of Township DAC U Ko Ko, Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Kyin Han and Township USDA Secretary U Kyaw Min formally opened the road.
The commander, the minister and party inspected the road. They also inspected work for upgrading of Thanlyin-Kyauktan Road in Thanlyin and gave necessary instructions.
Armed Forces Day Exhibition crowded with visitors
Yangon, 28 March — The 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Exhibition has been opened at Defence Services Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road from 26 March.
The 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Exhibition booths were displayed for the third day and a total of 2,444 people, including foreigners, visited the exhibition. The exhibition will be opened daily from 9 am to 6 pm until 4 April.
Region
Military attaches and families visit 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Exhibition
Yangon, 28 March — The military attaches of foreign missions in Myanmar and their families visited 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Exhibition being displayed at the Defence Services Museum today.
They were welcomed there by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Military Intelligence General Khin Nyunt’s wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Lt-Gen Tin Oo’s wife Daw Khin Than Nwe, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min’s wife Daw Aye Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myat Hein’s wife Daw Htwe Htwe Nyunt, Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein, Brig-Gen Thein Swe of the Ministry of Defence, Deputy Director of Defence Services Museum and Historical Research Institute Major Zaw Win and military officers.
Brig-Gen Thein Swe extended greetings and Deputy Director Major Zaw Win explained the display of the booths.
Dean of Military Attaches Military Attaché Col Hj Harun Bin Hitam of Malaysia spoke words of thanks.
They then posed for a documentary photo and viewed round the exhibition.
Minister inspects construction of dams
Yangon, 28 March — Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin met with members of the Division Agricultural Coordination Committee in Aunglan, Magway Division, on 26 March and discussed matters related to cultivation of summer paddy, summer sesamum, long staple cotton and sugarcane, irrigation, and work being carried out. Officials of the Irrigation Department, Myanma Cotton and Sericulture Enterprise and Myanma Sugarcane Enterprise reported to the minister on work being carried out. The minister gave instructions on meeting the targets in cultivated acreage and purchase of cotton and sugarcane and systematic use of irrigated water.
Afterwards, the minister and party proceeded to the construction site of Gamone Dam in Okpo Township, Bago Division. Director U Tin Maung Ohn of the construction group-2 of the Irrigation Department reported to the minister on work done, irrigation system of the dam, construction of spillway, conduit and water supply canals and irrigation of over 400 acres of summer paddy. Then, the minister inspected the completion of the dam. The dam will be able to irrigate 12,000 acres of farmland.
Afterwards, the minister and party went to the construction site of Minhla Dam in the township. Responsible officials reported to the minister on construction of the embankment.
Then, the minister gave necessary instructions.
Officials urged to make efforts for dailies to reach villages and remote areas
Yangon, 28 March — Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan discussed newspaper distribution in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, on 23 March.
At the meeting held at the sub-printing house in Myitkyina, the minister said the people in the state are able to read Myanma Alin and the Kyemon dailies in time thanks to the sub-printing house that was opened in accord with the guidance of the Head of State. Officials are required to make efforts for the dailies to reach the villages and remote areas of the state in no time. Only then, the local people in the areas will know about the nation-building tasks well.
The minister then met with staff of Information and Public Relations Department, Printing and Publishing Enterprise, TV retransmission stations and Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise in Kachin State. He said media is a delicate profession that is much important for the State. The personnel of the profession are required to run the media effectively. He also discussed staff welfare programmes.
The next day, he visited the retransmission station in Myitkyina, urging staff to use power efficiently and promote staff welfare programmes. During inspection of the Township IPRD Office, he spoke of the need to extend the TV programmes and libraries till reaching the undeveloped villages. He also urged staff of MMPE to show more documentaries at the cinemas.
Officials will have to visit the rural areas, and should make arrangements for the media to reach every village, he told officials.
Regional workshop on global fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria opened
Yangon, 28 March — The opening of the Asia Regional Workshop on global fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was held at the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road here this morning, with an address by Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint.
In his address, the minister said that the Government of the Union of Myanmar has formed the National Health Committee (NHC) since 1990. It is an inter-ministerial and inter-sectoral policy-making body on health concerns in Myanmar. Currently, the committee comprises 17 members and is chaired by General Khin Nyunt, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council.
The Ministry of Health takes the responsibility of raising the health status of the people by providing promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative health care, and encourages private sector and community participation as well as inter-sectoral and NGO cooperation and co-ordination in health activities.
Within the policy and guidance provided by the National Health Committee, the National Health Plan was drawn up with the primary objective of attaining “Health for all” using the Primary Health Care approach. Under the disease control programme, Malaria, Tuberculosis and HIV-AIDS are the three priority diseases being addressed in the National Health Plan. The Ministry of Health has expanded health staff and teams for HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria control programmes in strategic areas of the country.
Despite marked increase in the government inputs for these three diseases, and also additional inputs from UN agencies and other organizations, there is still an urgent need for funding for HIV/AIDS, TB and Malarial prevention and control activities in Myanmar. Country Coordination Mechanism, Myanmar, has submitted proposals to the Global Fund for both the first and the second round. The Global Fund secretariat has provided positive response for funding of the TB component in the second round. Apart from the TB component, funds are still needed for further improvement in quality of services, geographic expansion and scaling up of activities in HIV/AIDS and malaria prevention and control in Myanmar.
Resource mobilization for health is one of the important issues for most developing countries. I have learnt that during the two-day workshop, matters related to resource mobilization is one of the key issues for discussions. The discussion and recommendations of the workshop will address these issues and it will bring about concerted collaborative efforts towards the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria in the region.
Then, Chief Fund Portfolio Director of GFATM Dr Purnima Mane made concluding remarks.
Representatives of 11 nations in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Region, the sponsor nation and non-governmental organizations, regional directors of GFATM Headquarters and GFATM Region totalling about 80 are attending the workshop that continues tomorrow for the last day.
Cash and kind donated to MMCWA
Yangon, 28 March — Well-wishers donated cash and kind to Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association at the MMCWA hall in South Okkalapa Township here this morning.
Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe accepted a theatre curtain worth K 178,000 donated by Committee members of MMCWA Daw Khin Swe Nyunt, Daw Thet Thet Swe and Daw Myint Than, medicine and medical equipment worth US$ 1250 donated by Indian Ambassador’s wife Mrs Kum Kum Bhatia, K 1 million for health care services of MMCWA and K 1 million for prevention of violence against women and rehabilitation donated by Director Daw Thin Thin Tin of Soo-Pin Co Ltd. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented certificates of honour to well-wishers.
Chairperson of the association Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe spoke words of thanks to well-wishers.
Judicial affairs course concludes
Yangon, 28 March — The on-job training course No 2 on judicial affairs and prosecution of Ministry of Home Affairs concluded at the assembly hall of the ministry here this morning with an address by Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing.
First, the minister delivered an address and presented prizes to six prize winners. Then, prizes, assignments and gifts of honour were presented to trainees concerned by Chief Justice, Attorney-General and officials.
Totalling 163 trainees, 107 of the Administration Department and 56 of Myanmar Police Force, attended the course, which lasted for 5 weeks.
MMCWA holds course conclusion variety show
Yangon, 28 March — A variety show to mark the conclusion of a singing and dancing course for children (2002-2003) was held at the building of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association in South Okkalapa Township this morning.
The course was conducted by Early Childhood Development Centre of MMCWA. In Charge of the Management Committee Daw Htay Htay made a speech on the occasion. Next, CEC member and management committee member Dr Daw Htay Nwe presented completion certificates and MMCWA Patrons Daw Thet Thet Swe and Daw Myint Thein souvenirs to the respective teachers.
Then, the children entertained with songs and dances. Afterwards, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented gifts to Daw Nilar Lwin and Daw Pa Pa of the University of Culture who taught singing and dancing to the children. Later, Chairperson Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairman Dr Kyi Soe, Secretary Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint and CEC member Daw Khin Swe Nyunt presented gifts to the children who participated in the variety show.
MNWCWA meets Shan State (North) Special Region 2 WCWA
Yangon, 28 March — Members of the Myanmar National Working Committee for Women’s Affairs meet 30 members of Shan State (North) Special Region 2 Women’s Affairs Committee today.
The MNWCWA members met them at Department for Development of Women in Kamayut Township, Yangon Division. Member of Myanmar National Committee for Women’s Affairs and MNWCWA Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe briefed them on violence against women and Vice-Chairperson of MNWCWA Prof Daw May May Yi, on salient points of the MNCWA.
Secretary of MNWCWA Director-General of Social Welfare Department U Sit Myaing explained about the department.
MNWCWA member Daw Khin Aye and leaders of sub-bodies were also present. Leader of the visiting team Daw Wu Kwai Yon raised questions. The team members then visited the department.
Over K 8.9 million awarded in 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Literary and Art Competition
Yangon, 28 March — The prize presentation ceremony of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day commemorative Literary and Art Competition was held at National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township yesterday afternoon.
At the ceremony, handsome prizes were awarded in the respective competitions.
K 1,990,000 was awarded for 80 prizes including 47 consolation prizes in the literary and photo competition, K 2,890,000 for 145 prizes including 100 consolation prizes in the poem and arts competition, K 2,205,000 for 130 prizes including 99 consolation prizes in the university, college, institute and basic education schools level extempore talks competition, K 365,000 for 15 prizes including 9 consolation prizes in the TV Quiz competition, K 365,000 for 8 prizes including 5 consolation prizes in the twelve objectives booth competition and K 1,112,730 for travel allowance totalling K 8,927,730.
Yangon, 28 March — Thirty members of Shan State (North) Special Region 2 Women’s Affairs Committee attended the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade at the Resistance Park here yesterday.
They arrived here to visit famous pagodas and study the nation-building tasks at the invitation of the Chairman of the Working Committee for Progress of Border Areas and National Races.
The 30 national races ladies watched a movie at Thamada cinema this afternoon, and visited the Union National Races Village. They also went shopping at Yuzana Plaza.
Road linking northern and southern Shan State opens
Yangon, 28 March — Loilem-Panketu-Hsipaw road linking northern and southern Shan State was opened in Tonlaw village, Loilem district, southern Shan State, on 25 March.
The road was opened to hail the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day.
The maximum load-bearing capacity of the 12-foot tarred road is 60 tons. The road lying on the 30-foot surface has two-foot shoulders on either side. It was built at a cost of K 341 million.
Chairman of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing and Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint made speeches, urging the local people to help maintain the facility.
Officials of the project also explained points of the road.
The two commanders unveiled the plaque, and officials concerned formally opened the road.
Military officers, local authorities, departmental personnel, members of social organizations and local people totalling over 5,000 attended the ceremony.
Rural roads opened in Mon State
Yangon, 28 March — The opening ceremony of self-help Kywechan-Ahlet gravel road in Paung Township, Mon State, was held at the archway of the road on 21 March.
Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South East Command Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, Thaton District Chairman Lt-Col Tin Aung, officials and local people attended the ceremony.
Lt-Col Tin Aung and Paung Township Chairman U Mya Kyaing formally opened the road and the commander and those present viewed along the road. The 8-mile-one-furlong long gravel road was constructed at a cost of K 15.8 million by the development affairs committee and local people.
The commander inspected the construction of new station hospital in Paung Township after attending the opening of a bridge in Ahlet Village in the township. The commander inspected round the construction site and fulfilled the requirements.
Next, the commander attended the opening of self-reliance tarred road of the road transport administration department and that of the post office in Tinhlaing Ward, Thaton Township.
The RTAD tarred road is 800 feet long and 12 feet wide and was constructed at a total cost of K 1,222,000— K 600,000 contributed by the development affairs committee and K 622,000 by the local people. The Post Office tarred road is 700 feet long and 12 feet wide and was constructed with the contribution of K 850,000 by the development affairs committee and K 600,000 by the local people.
The commander also attended the opening of the model village of Seikkyun Village Maternal and Child Welfare Association and Mayangon Village delivery room in Thaton Township. Then, the commander inspected the breeding of sea prawn near Seikkyun Village.
On 23 March, the commander attended the opening of Zeyamon No (1) self-help tarred road in Zeyamon Ward, Kyaikhto.
The road is 16 feet wide and 3,246 feet long. Of a total of K 8,186,400 spent for the construction of the road, K 6.67 million was contributed by wellwisher U Kyaw Teza and family.
Construction of Ayeyawady River (Yadanabon) Bridge inspected
Yangon, 28 March — Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Naing, inspected the construction works of the Ayeyawady River Bridge (Yadanabon) project (Sagaing) on 24 March.
Deputy Superintending Engineer U Hsan Win of the project reported to the commander on work being carried out. Then, the commander inspected round the project site and gave necessary instructions. Afterwards, the commander inspected the cultivation of summer paddy in Sagaing Township and attended to the needs.
Commander attends opening of rural road in Ayeyawady Division
Yangon, 28 March — Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Htay Oo, officials and local people attended the opening of Thudawgon-Kyaung-pan-gon gravel road held in Thudawgon Village, Pathein Township, Ayeya-wady Division, on 26 March.
Pathein District Chairman Lt-Col Hla Thwin, Director of the Ayeyawady Division development affairs committee U Ohn Thwin and Pathein Township USDA Secretary U Aung Kyaw Sein formally opened the road.
The road is 5,480 feet long and 10 feet wide and was constructed with the contribution of K 600,000 by local people and K 6,391,500 by the development affairs committee.
Then, the commander attended the prize presentation ceremony of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Chairman’s cup five-district men’s/women’s table tennis competition held at People Gymnasium. After the final match, the deputy commander and officials presented prizes to the respective winning teams. Then, the commander presented the championship to Myaung-mya District team.
Armed group members exchange arms for peace
Yangon, 28 March — Upholding “Our Three Main National Causes”, the State Peace and Development Council is making effective efforts for national reconsolidation.
Remaining armed group members, understanding the correct endeavours and genuine goodwill of the government and realizing their destructive acts, have been exchanging arms for peace individually or in groups.
In February 2003, sergeant Khine Htoo of KNU armed group of Company 3, Battalion 5, Brigade 2 exchanged arm for peace in Southern Command, private Saw Al Htoo of KNU armed group of Company 3, Battalion 10 in Coastal Region Command, and captain Kaung Yee and private Ba Tun of Mon armed group bringing one M-16 rifle, one 0.30 Carbine, three magazines and 27 assorted rounds of ammunition in South-East Command.
Officials warmly welcomed them at the commands concerned and necessary assistance was offered to them. It is reported that there are remnants of armed insurgent groups to follow suit.
World TB Day observed in Shan State (East)
Yangon, 28 March — The 2003 World TB Day ceremony of Shan State (East) was held in Kengtung on 24 March afternoon.
First, Chairman of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Commander of Triangle Region Command Brig-Gen Khin Zaw made a speech. Head of Shan State (East) Health Department Dr Sai Kham Hlaing gave talks on tuberclosis. Then, the commander and wife and officials presented prizes to winners of essay, painting and cartoon competitions to mark the 2003 World TB Day. After the ceremony, commander and those present viewed round the prize-winning essays, paintings and cartoons.
Entries invited for International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking commemorative competitions
Yangon, 28 March — The short story, article, song, poem, cartoon, painting, poster, computer drawing and computer poster competitions, organized by the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control, will be held to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking which falls on 26 June.
Entries for short story, article and poem are to be sent not later than 20 May and entries for song, painting, cartoon and poster competitions, 25 May to Police Col Maung Myint, Secretary of Crime Reduction and Information Committee, Office of Commander of Yangon Division Myanmar Police Force on Bank Street (corner of Strand Road and Sule Pagoda Road). Entries for computer drawing and compute poster competitions are to be sent to the CCDAC by 15 May.
Prize-wining works will be announced on 18 June and the prizes will be presented to respective winners on 26 June.
Composers, artistes of marching & military songs honoured
Yangon, 28 March — A ceremony to honour composers and artistes of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day commemorative marching and military songs were held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Culture this evening.
First, Deputy Minister U Soe Nyunt made a speech. In his speech, the deputy minister honoured the composers and artistes, who are discharging the duty of the State with music. On behalf of the composers and musicians, Bogale U Tint Aung spoke words of thanks. Afterwards, officials presented cash awards to the composers and artistes. Then, officials and the composers and artistes posed for documentary photos.
Wellwishers invited for sinking tubewells
Yangon, 28 March— The Development Affairs Committees under the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs are making concerted effforts in sinking tubewells in order to get sufficient fresh water in rural areas in States and Divisions where there is a shortage of water.
One 200 feet deep two-inch diametre tube-well costs K 250,000; one 400 feet deep two-inch diametre tube-well costs K 500,000; and one 200 feet deep four-inch diametre tube-well costs K 500,000.
Those wishing to donate cash for the tube-well sinking projects for rural areas may contact the Director-General (Tel: 01-245420 & 253088), the Deputy Director-General (Tel: 01-240118), the Director (Engineering) (Tel: 01-291967), the Directors (Sagaing Division Development Affairs Committee) (Tel: 071-21012), the Director (Magway Division Development Affairs Committee) (Tel: 063-23164) and the Director (Mandalay Development Affairs Committee ) (Tel: 02-54657).
Sarpay Beikman Book Fair continues
Yangon, 28 March —In hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, the Sarpay Beikman Book Fair which has been held since 19 March 2003, continued at Central Printing House at the corner of Anawrahta Road and Theinbyu Road here today.
Altogether 58 shops sold books on various kinds valued at over K 750,000 at the Book Fair. Over 3,000 people and members of the Sangha visited the Book Fair today. The Book Fair is kept open daily from 9 am to 5 pm till 30 March, it is learnt.
International Relations
Information Minister receives Japanese guests
Yangon, 28 March — Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan received Mr Shimura of Shinohara Shoji KK Company of Japan and party at his office at 4.30 pm today.
Information Minister receives German guest
Yangon, 28 March — Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan received Mr Kurt Nass of Commercial and Industrial Consulting Firm of Germany at his office at 4 pm today.
Yangon, 28 March — Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs and for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw received Director of Software Park (Thailand) of Thailand Mr Rom Hirampruk at his office at 2 pm today.
Similarly, the minister received General Manager Mr T Arai of Sumitomo Corporation of Japan and party at 2.30 pm and Director Mr Grey E Worburton of Myanmar Atlantic Co of Australia and party at 3 pm today.
Drug
Yangon, 28 March — A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force, acting on information, searched the passengers who got off from No 132 Lashio-Mandalay down-train at Myohoung Railway Station in Mandalay on 12 March and seized 60 soap-boxes of heroin weighing 0.92 kilos from Ma Kyan Shauk Si, daughter of U Kyan Hte of Region-17, Ward-5 in Lashio, and Daw Mar Htu, daughter of U Fu Win Han.
On 14 March, members of the local intelligence unit, acting on information, lay in wait in front of the detached houses in Zeyathiri Street, Pyigyipyawbwe (West) Ward, Chanayethazan Township, Mandalay, and arrested Ma Htet, daughter of U Sein of Yaysin Corner, Kyunlonokshaung Ward, Chanmyathazi Township, Mandalay, Amar Kyi, daughter of U Maung of 42nd Street, between 78th and 79th Streets, Beetan Ward in Maha Aungmyay Township, and Daw Tin May (a) Daw Gwet Htaw, daughter of U Htein of 89th street, Pyigyipyawbwe (West) Ward, Chanayethazan Township, together with 30 soap-boxes of heroin weighing 348.64 gm.
Action is being taken against them under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by the police stations concerned.
