Religion

Yangon, 8 Sept - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Boris Trajkovski, President of the Republic of Macedonia, on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Macedonia which falls on 8th September, 2003.

Yangon, 8 Sept - General Khin Nyunt, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Branko Crvenkovski, Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia, on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Macedonia which falls on 8th September, 2003.

Today, we celebrate the First Literacy Day of the United Nations Literacy Decade- the international framework for action launched last February to galvanize the work for improved literacy rates around the world, focused on the international goal of raising literacy levels by 50 per cent by 2015.

There are more than 860 million illiterate adults in the world today, two-thirds of whom are women. Helping them achieve literacy is not only vital in its own right; it is a prerequisite for reaching the other objectives the world has set itself in the Millennium Declaration. Literacy unlocks the door to learning throughout life, is essential to development and health, and opens the way for democratic participation and active citizenship.

While the challenge is greatest in developing countries, no society in the world can claim that illiteracy has been fully eradicated. Many developed countries are experiencing modest but worrying levels of illiteracy. In all countries, illiteracy is connected to patterns of poverty, social exclusion and inequalities.

The literacy challenge, therefore, cannot be addressed in isolation. It requires an integrated approach that places literacy in context and draws on contributions from all actors Government at every level, civil society, the private sector, community groups, professional educators and, last but not least, family, friends and colleagues of those seeking to develop their literacy skills. Acquiring literacy is an empowering process, enabling millions to enjoy access to knowledge and information which broadens horizons, increases opportunities and creates alternatives for building a better life. It is essential to the education of girls and (lie empowerment of women, the most effective tools we know for development across all society. That is why the first two years of the Literacy Decade will give special emphasis to women's literacy, as a stepping stone to our ultimate goal of literacy for all. On this day, let us vow to work together to ensure that mass illiteracy has no place in the 21st century.

It is both good and necessary that we celebrate International Literacy Day each year. For some of us, it is a timely reminder that we should not take literacy for granted or underestimate its importance. For others, newly empowered by the acquisition of literacy skills, it is a moment to celebrate access to opportunities once beyond reach. It is an occasion, furthermore, to applaud the work of literacy tutors, extension workers and volunteers whose patient and persistent efforts make such a difference to people's lives. However, it is for those excluded from the world of writing and written communication that International Literacy Day is most significant, for it symbolizes our collective commitment to address their literacy needs now and in the future.

According to recent global estimates, there are approximately 862 million non-literate people over the age of fifteen. The fact that we continue to quote more or less the same figure from year to year is a genuine cause for concern hut it does not mean that no progress is being made. The Global Monitoring Report on Education for All (2002) points out that adult literacy has improved by 10 percentage points over the last 20 years, from 70 per cent in 1980 to 80 per cent in 2000. This is a significant advance, representing hundreds of millions of people who have gained access to literacy over that period.

The continuing high absolute numbers, however, indicate the scale of the literacy challenge remaining. They alert us that improved rates of literacy progress need to outpace population growth and make inroads into those parts of society where illiteracy is most deeply embedded. The latter tend to be groups that are harder to reach: women, particularly among minority groups and in rural areas; linguistic and cultural minorities; the very poor of urban and rural areas; and street children and adolescents who dropped out of school. To effectively address the literacy needs of such groups, not only innovative strategies but also proportionately more resources are required.

Of particular concern is the stubborn fact that two-thirds of those without access to literacy skills are women. This represents a denial of basic rights for the women themselves but it also constitutes a massive waste of capacity that poor countries and disadvantaged communities can ill-afford. There is abundant evidence that women make valuable contributions to all aspects of' development. Literacy is vital for releasing women's potential which, once tapped, becomes a tremendous force for improving their status and dignity and for enhancing their impact on family welfare, community development and positive social change. Thus, as revealed through its effect on women's lives, literacy is a key to development, especially because it places people at the centre of the development process. In addition, literacy is a key to learning. It is the basis of lifelong learning which, in our fast-moving world of changing technology and increasing knowledge, bears the rich promise of a fresh start and a second chance.

On close inspection, literacy turns out to be a complex matter about which we still have much to learn. Ascertaining the scope and character of the problem of illiteracy is complicated by the use of different criteria of measurement and by the way in which varying contexts pose different challenges. The techniques of mass campaigns, for example, may be inappropriate for addressing residual pockets of entrenched disadvantage. Moreover, many countries, both developed and developing, are finding that rates of schooling are no sure guide to real levels of literacy in terms of who can and who cannot use the written word. As part of the EFA drive, UNESCO and other partners are developing new approaches which will assess the way people actually use literacy in their daily lives, thereby revealing the levels of literacy within the population.

This is a significant year for literacy. In February, the United Nations Literacy Decade (2003 - 2012) was launched. The Decade presents the challenge of doing things differently, of finding fresh ways to provide literacy opportunities, of giving the excluded the chance to participate. It also presents the challenge of sustaining our efforts over ten years as we work towards the goal of increasing global literacy levels by 50 per cent by 2015.

Governments, civil society and the international community agree on the seriousness of these challenges and on the need to act that is not the problem. There is also agreement on the fact that literacy is part of the fundamental human right to education. The problem is to turn this agreement to practical effect through concrete commitments reflected in priorities, budgets, plans and implementation. Let us face this problem squarely as the United Nations Literacy Decade gains momentum - more than 800 million people are waiting.

Yangon, 7 Sept-The Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control held its special meeting No 2/2003 at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Home Affairs this morning, with an address by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

In his address, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt said that the successive governments have been making constant efforts for elimination of poppy cultivation and narcotic drug production.

The government has speeded up drug elimination tasks systematically. Nowadays, peace and tranquillity prevailed in the regions where poppy was grown and drug produced in the past in the absence of peace and tranquillity. Significant progress has been made in those regions in eradication of poppy cultivation and drug production with the participation of local people and national race leaders in accord with the policy of the government.

The national race leaders in cooperation with the government are striving for regional development and improvement of the living standard of local people. At the same time, they are making efforts for elimination of narcotic drug, the evil legacy of colonialists, in the regions under the leadership of the government.

The government laid down 15-year drug elimination plan in 1999 and has been implementing it. At present, it reached the last year of the first 5-year plan of the 15-year plan. The New Destiny Project has been laid down as part of the main 15-year plan in 2002-2003 fiscal year to successfully implement the drug elimination projects.

In poppy cultivation and drug production, only drug dealers made much of profits and became prosperous. The innocent farmers could not make ends meet. Thus, in destroying the poppy plantations under the New Destiny Project, seeds of poppy substitute crops were distributed to farmers free of charge on humanitarian grounds, land was reclaimed by the governmental departments, and provisions were given to farmers free of charge.

The government has been fulfilling the food, clothing and shelter needs of the poppy growers while taking measures for spiritual development of the latter. The government has been making efforts on self-reliance basis in elimination of poppy cultivation as well as in fulfilling the basic needs of the poppy farmers with its own funds. Some big nations which made accusations, saying that there is poppy growing and drug production in Myanmar, have not provided any aid to Myanmar in connection with the drug elimination project.

Far from giving aid to Myanmar, the big nations turned a blind eye to the efforts for drug elimination in Myanmar. However, Myanmar in cooperation with the US and the UNODC conducted the opium yield survey. In the reports of those organizations, it was stated that there had been a decrease in poppy cultivation and poppy yield year by year. Myanmar in cooperation with the US conducted the opium yield survey in March 2003. In cooperation with the UNODC, Myanmar conducted ground survey on poppy cultivation from January to March 2003 in 50 townships in Shan State (South), Shan State (North) and Shan State (East) including six townships of Wa region.

According to the ground survey, there were 81,400 hectares of poppy plantations in 2002 in Myanmar and there were 62,200 hectares of poppy plantations in 2002 with a decrease of 24 per cent.

The poppy cultivation practice was the evil legacy of colonialists and the national races in border areas earned their living by growing poppy for years. It is encouraging to see that there is a decrease in poppy cultivation in a short period in poppy elimination drive being carried out on humanitarian grounds.

The ASEAN member nations acknowledged the result of the ground survey on poppy cultivation. Local authorities and national race leaders are making concerted efforts in various ways and means for elimination of drug in border areas.

Under the New Destiny Project, five ministers and four deputy ministers made field trips and organized the local poppy growers to engage in cultivation of poppy- substitute crops. As a result, the elimination of poppy cultivation is making progress. The international community has realized the success in elimination of poppy cultivation in Myanmar. That is why the meeting of the ECOSOC held at the UN Headquarters in April 2003 chose Myanmar as a UN drug commission member. Myanmar has the right to serve as the commission member for four years from 2004 to 2007. Thus, Myanmar will have the leading role in the management section of the UN drug elimination drive.

As progress has been made in drug elimination drive, the cooperation among the national race leaders and local people has increased. The national race leaders and local people are now making all-out efforts for ensuring drug elimination in both Wa region and Kokang region in 2005.

The national race leaders and local people have been making earnest efforts for regional development, improvement of the living standard of local people and engaging in poppy substitute crops farming while striving for elimination of narcotic drugs. As a result, opium refineries have been exposed and destroyed during the period of 2003.

Myanmar has been actively participating in drug elimination drive together with neighbouring countries. It has been exchanging information on drug and cooperating in drug elimination drive with the People's Republic of China. In cooperation with Thailand, Myanmar is making significant progress in implementing Yaungkha model village development tasks in Monghsat Township with the assistance of the former.

Under Yaungkha model village development project, a primary school holding about 500 students and a 16-bed station hospital were constructed and the poppy-substitute farming has been meeting with success in the region. At a time when progress has been made in drug elimination drive, continued efforts are to be made for further progress in accord with the objectives.

Next, Chairman of CCDAC Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing reported on measures taken by CCDAC. He said that CCDAC is paying emphasis on eradication of poppy cultivation in the country out of the five tasks of drug eradication- eradication of producing drugs; eradication of consumption; prevention; cooperation of the public; and cooperation with international community. It is targeted to eradicate poppy cultivation in 22 townships of the project areas- 20 townships in Shan State (North), one in Shan State (South) and one in Shan State (East). The New Destiny Project is being implemented under the supervision of the Task Force consisting of four deputy ministers and the Supervisory Committee that comprises five ministers. Under the pilot project that has been implemented in the previous year, poppy cultivation has decreased by 50 per cent in the whole northern Shan State. As regards cultivation of poppy-substitute crops, it is targeted to grow monsoon crops on 19,327 acres of land in 2003-2004 cultivation season and up to 31 July 2003, over 18,000 acres of land had been put under monsoon crops and thus 96 per cent of land had been put under cultivation. Arrangements have been made to grow winter crops. Over K 117.3 million had been spent on the New Destiny Project. According to the instruction, rice and salt have also been donated and arrangements are being made to donate rice and salt for the second time. Under the New Destiny Project, the extra fund of K 102.0 million was allotted for the 2003-2004 fiscal year.

The Livestock Breeding Committee is achieving success in breeding chicken and pigs in Wa region, Tonta region, Konhein region, Homein region and Mongpyin, Monghsat, Mongtong regions. The Medical Treatment Committee has successfully given treatment to 117 drug addicts in Mongpyan, Mongpauk region of Wa Special Region-2. The Second Bi-regional Partners Meeting on Harm Reduction Among Injection Drug Users, organized by the Ministry of Health of the Union of Myanmar and the World Health Organization was held in Yangon attended by 60 representatives of eight countries and the WHO. In this period 749 drug addicts had been given treatment.

The Rehabilitation Committee has conducted Supervisor Course on Drugs and HIV Prevention for Volunteers in Taunggyi and Yangon and 50 Drug Supervisors have completed the course. Similar courses have been opened in Kayin and Kayah States and Mandalay Division. Altogether 99 trainees have completed the courses. Likewise, under the arrangement of the Social Welfare Department, 25 members of Tachilek District Anti-Narcotics Association have attended the course. The Education Committee for Students have conducted courses for 45 teachers in Kawthoung District and 70 teachers in Myawady District under the Project to establish Drug Free Zones in Kawthoung and Myawady Districts. In August also, 126 basic education teachers attended Educational Courses on Narcotic Drug opened in three townships in Mandalay and talks on the danger of narcotic drugs were held for 77,217 students of 39 basic education schools in Mandalay.

The danger of stimulant tablets has decreased in the above-mentioned regions and with the cooperation of national race leaders, measures are being taken to reduce the number of stimulant tablets.

The minister also said that last year, he and the Foreign Minster led the diplomats and correspondents to visit Wa region for many times. Poppy plantations could not be found even in the region like Longhton region. According to the survey conducted by UNODC, only 24 per cent has been reduced. It is because the data were based on only 50 townships and the data of other townships were taken in average. In the previous year poppy cultivation season, the police commanders of two divisions and five states, district police commanders of 16 districts and township police commanders of 50 townships were assigned duties to prevent growing of poppy.

As regards stimulant tablets, Myanmar is somewhat like a trafficking centre. The precursor chemicals arrived in the country from China, Thailand and India. Previously, only four countries have been cooperating in the tasks for control of precursor chemicals and this year India is cooperating in the task. After the ministerial meeting on drug control of China, India, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, held in July 2003 in Chiang Rai of Thailand, the Chiang Rai Declaration was issued. The declaration pledged to accelerate cooperation in controlling chemical precursors used in drug refinery; to accelerate cooperation in development, education, control, information exchange, giving medical treatment, rehabilitation and controlling the precursor chemicals; to make bilateral cooperation and create markets for opium-substitute products and seeking assistance of international community; to seek ways and means by experts of the five countries to effectively control the precursor chemicals; and to invite technologies and monetary assistance from the international community especially, the UN Drug and Crime Office.

As regards cooperation with the international community, agricultural and livestock breeding training school has been built with the contribution of US$ 12,000 by the ambassador of China to Myanmar. After completion of the building of the school, 50 local farmers can attend it.

The minister also reported on implementation of Yaungkha Village Development Project in Wa region. He said that a primary school that can accommodate 500 students has been built and 200 students are attending the school this academic year. A 16-bed hospital has been built. Out of 1000 acres that have been reclaimed, nearly 800 acres are supplied with water and macadamia are grown there.

In conclusion, the minister said that arrangements are being made for hosting the 14th IFNGO ASEAN Workshop and the CCDAC will give necessary assistance for the success of the workshop.

Vice-Chairman of CCDAC Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt reported on distribution of seeds for opium-substitute crops and quality strain chicken, pig and cow, dissemination of technologies, providing monetary assistance, building of dams and the ministry's cooperation with international community.

Next, Vice-Chairman of CCDAC Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung reported on Myanmar's presentation on drug control at the meetings of UN and international organizations, Myanmar's endeavours for drug eradication, making arrangements for the field trips of diplomats and foreign correspondents and future plan.

Afterwards, members of CCDAC Minister for Labour U Tin Winn reported on efforts being made for drug eradication in Tachilek District, cultivation of poppy-substitute crops, income generation for the former drug addicts and giving talks on drugs; Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone on destruction of poppy seeds and bulbs in the previous year in Shan State and field trips made to ensure there was no poppy cultivation; Minister for Social Welfare Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa on establishment of rehabilitation centre and courses being conducted; Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint on medical treatment given to drug addicts; Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein on assistance being provided by the ministry, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin on building of dams for growing poppy-substitute crops and providing seeds and agricultural methods. Next, Acting Secretary of CCDAC Deputy Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Brig-Gen Zaw Win reported on the implementation of the decisions made at the meeting No 1/2003 of CCDAC.

Later, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Phone Swe, Chairman of Education Committee Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and officials reported on work done and future tasks.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt then made concluding remarks. The Prime Minister said that Myanmar has been constantly striving for eradication of drug which is the evil legacy of colonialism. In the endeavours to eradicate drugs, local national race leaders have been first organized and poppy growers are later cooperating in the New Destiny Project. At such a time, it is necessary to meet success in carrying out growing of poppy-substitute crops and livestock breeding tasks, extension of rehabilitation work and accelerating the cooperation with neighbouring countries.

He also said that as the tasks to eradicate narcotic drugs in a short time on its own strength is a heavy responsibility for Myanmar, effective cooperation of the international community is essential for total eradication of narcotic drugs. Although there is no assistance, Myanmar will carry on striving for eradication of narcotic drugs in the country, the Prime Minister said.

He urged the officials to strive for achieving success in the implementation of the 15-year Drug Elimination Plan and the New Destiny Project.

Yangon, 7 Sept - The second coordination meeting of the Leading Committee for holding the 11th Myanmar Tradional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions was held at the National Museum on Pyay Road here this afternoon attended by Patron of the leading committee for organizing the Myanmar Tradional Culturtal Performing Arts Comptitions Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

It was also attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Chairman of the leading Committee Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, the ministers, Yangon Mayor, the deputy ministers, committee members, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental officials, chairmen of work committees and sub committees, and officials concerned. First, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt made an address. He said measures are being taken to successfully organize the performing arts competitions by forming the leading committee and subcommittees. The competition has been held for 11 times including this one and there is progress year after year.

The MRTV and Myawady Television go on air the facts about the competition including the programme of discussions of persons who are proficient in the performing arts. It can be seen that state and division level performing arts competitions are also being held.

This year, the competitions will be held on a grand scale in accordance with the six objectives.

As the performing arts competitions are held every year, the national character has been instilled into Myanmar youths, he said. He also urged those present to give advice for holding the competitions on a grand scale.

Next, Maj-Gen Myint Swe reported on tasks being carried out for organizing the competitions.

Afterwards, chairmen and officials of the work committee and sub committees also reported on tasks being carried out sector-wise.

Next, chairmen and officials of the Panel of Judges for singing, dancing, marionette, Anyeint, composing and musical instrumental playing submitted their arrangements for the competitions. Afterwards, those present listened to and approved the theme song composed by Gita Lulin U Ko Ko for the 11th Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt made concluding remarks, saying he was delighted to see the active participation of artistes for successful organizing of the competitions. It is honourable for new generation youths to receive the fine legacy of arts handed down by doyen artistes. He also expressed thanks to the doyen artistes for their efforts with patriotic spirit to inculcate the youths with a sense of Myanma traditional cultural arts.

The Prime Minister said he learnt that the states and divisions are also making arrangements for participating in the competitions, and altogether five teams are going to take part in the marionette contest (Professional level). All the participants of the performing arts competitions which are held annually would recount their fond memories when they arrived back home. Therefore, they would have realized the genuine goodwill of the State and preservation of traditional customs. As a result of that there are more and more contestants year by year.

There have emerged good prospects on account of the active participation in the competitions, he added. Myanmar is an ideal country in preserving her traditional customs.

Such fine traditions must be preserved in the time of our government, he noted. So, arrangements are to be made for successful organizing of the coming competitions.

Later, the Prime Minister inspected the samples of paintings, posters, postcards, pamphlets, invitation cards, medals and certificates which will be used for the competitions.

Yangon, 7 Sept - Myanmar Police Force Management System Reform Committee held its 13rd coordination meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of the committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, ministers, the attorney-general, the chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, deputy ministers, deputy chief justice, officials and chairmen of the subcommittees.

In his address, the chairman said the government formed the Management System Reform Committee of Myanmar Police Force in 1994 to improve form and essence of Myanmar Police Force which is performing the duties of community peace and tranquillity and prevalence of law and order. Now it has entered its ninth year.

In accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, the committee was formed with the aim of developing MPF to be well-organized force, the force on which the people can rely, and the reserve force of national defence.

Under the committee, six sub-committees have been formed and now success has been achieved in carrying out its duties.

The Prime Minister quoted the Head of State as saying that the first duty of MPF is to ensure community peace and tranquillity and prevalence of law and order and under the protection of the law, national people are earning their living with peace of mind; the second duty is in time of emergency, MPF has to serve the State in defence and security; and the third duty is to carry out nation-building tasks.

Moreover, the Head of State has given instructions that MPF must be a patriotic force, must possess great calibre and must be modern; and with the aim of ensuring the people to earn their living with peace of mind, MPF is to carry out its security duty to reach up to the stage at which there is neither burglers nor dacoits in the community.

Only when the MPF is oneness with the people and is serving the interest of the people, will the goal be realized.

In carrying out its main duties for community peace and tranquillity and prevalence of law and order, members of MPF must uphold the righteousness, equality and sympathy and refrain from partiality and bribery. In exposing cases and sending them to the court, police officers have to carry out their duty thoroughly. Moreover, they are to cooperate closely with judges, law officers, forensic doctors and laboratory experts and these officials are to give necessary assistance to the police officers.

In punishing an offender according to the law, it is necessary to do so the right person and in doing so the one should be free of greed, anger and ignorance as well as various reasons. It is also necessary to do away with the habit of the police of colonial period. Now is a time when patriotic spirit and dynamism of nationalist spirit is very important for the nation. It is necessary to nurture the members of MPF to possess the high spirit and to be ready for defending the nation.

At a time when some powerful countries with superiority in wealth and technologies are trying to dominate the sovereign nations, the strong nationalist spirit of own citizens is becoming important as one of the strengths of the country. Members of MPF are to organize the people to be one with them and to possess patriotic spirit.

As regards police units, they are to nurture themselves to be endowed with good morale based on the five basic quality- good morale, well-disciplined, loyalty, unity and efficiency. The commanding officers must lead their respective units according to the 16 principles of leadership upholding the 12 traditions of MPF. They must be ready to perform their main duty as well as any duty assigned by the State. They must also have the spirit of duty consciousness. National duties must be carried out with duty consciousness.

Due to the measures taken actively by MPF, success has been achieved in narcotic drug control.

The problem of trafficking in persons that the international community has to face today becomes critical and thus effective measures have to be taken to tackle the problem. The problem of trafficking in persons that Myanmar has to face is not like the one in other countries where well-organized criminal gangs are running the business.

In connection with human trafficking, a project to take action against those who want to work illegally abroad was implemented after formation of Central Supervisory Board and boards at different levels. These boards in cooperation with regional authorities and social organizations, are taking measures on giving education talks and accepting those who return from abroad.

Up to July 2003, 82,251 persons were given advice, 11,544 were sent home and actions were taken against 1028. A reception camp was opened in Myawady of Kayin State and up to 18 August 2003, 10005 persons- 6526 men, 3164 women and 315 children- were accepted.

Working Committee for Prevention against trafficking in persons was formed under the supervision of Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs. Members of the working committee made field trips to Shan, Kayin and Rakhine States from August 2002 to March 2003.

Up to 21 August 2003, altogether 223 cases were exposed and 417 human traffickers were arrested. Altogether 1106 persons were prevented from being misled. Out of the cases, the court sentenced the human traffickers of 83 cases. Under the supervision of the Management Reform Committee, there have been achievements in MPF. The committee provided assistance for emergence of efficient police force.

The Prime Minister called for continued efforts to become a police force on which the people can rely.

Next, Vice-Chairman of the committee Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing made a speech, saying that the committee has entered its 10th year and success has been achieved thanks to the instructions and close supervision of the committee chairman and sound advice and participation of the six subcommittees. Upholding the guidance of the Head of State, emphasis was placed on the four tasks - spiritual development, training, staff welfare and management.

Under the leadership of the deputy minister, the crime reduction, education and information committee was constantly discharging crime reduction tasks. The committee carried out tasks systematically, thereby distinctly resulting in greater success, and now in Southeast Asia, Myanmar is a region where least criminal cases occur. Under the instructions of the State's leaders, the police code of conduct for police officers and the police manual have been drawn and then practised, hence leading to further achievements. Criminal journals and magazines are being published in order to make the people notice the MPF's functions.

After forming organizing committees at different levels, the Home Affairs Ministry level organizing committee has been steadfastly taking organization measures. The MPF, the reserve force for national defence is made up of combat as well as security battalions, which are always well trained to carry out national-defence duties.

He said that there has been great changes in management system of the MPF. In accordance with the instructions of the government, the Ministry of Home Affairs after laying down the 30-year plan is making efforts for harmonious development of the four departments. Plans are under way to have access to internet in communicating the MPF Headquarters and State and Division and district level Myanmar Police Forces. Strenuous endeavours are being made for turning the MPF into a modern force equipped with patriotism being loyal to the State. Acting Secretary of the committee Deputy Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Brig-Gen Zaw Win explained progress in realizing the resolutions of the 12th meeting of the committee.

Chairmen and officials of the work implementation and judicial affairs subcommittee, legal affairs subcommittee, management subcommittee and training subcommittee explained the accomplishments of the respective bodies.

The Prime Minister gave necessary instructions and made closing remarks.

Yangon, 7 Sept - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office arrived at the site for construction of the recreation zone on Kandawgyi Pale Island being undertaken by the Yangon City Development Committee this afternoon.

The Prime Minister and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, YCDC Chairman Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin and officials.

The Prime Minister next inspected construction of the garden city in the recreation zone. Officials conducted the Prime Minister round the site.

Later, the Prime Minister gave instructions.

Yangon, 7 Sept-Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint, this morning inspected renovation of Mandalay Central Women's Hospital, construction of Mandalay Institute of Pharmacy and Mandalay Mental Health Hospital, and functions of Mandalay Industrial Zone-2 and this afternoon met with members of Mandalay Division and Township Agricultural Supervisory Committees, and gave necessary instructions.

At the briefing hall of Mandalay Central Women's Hospital, the medical superintendent reported on renovation work, officials of Myanma Industrial Construction Services, on work progress, work being carried out and future tasks.

Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected construction of the respective wards of the hospital.

Next, they arrived at the construction site of Institute of Pharmacy (Mandalay) near Tawdwin Village, Patheingyi Township.

At the briefing hall, officials reported on progress in construction work, progress in earth work and paving of gravel roads.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected construction work and gave instructions to officials.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party proceeded to the construction site of Mental Health Hospital, where they were briefed by officials on progress in construction of medical wards, staff quarters, water tank, out-patient department, work being carried out and tasks to be taken.

Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspected construction tasks and gave instructions to officials.

Afterwards, they arrived at No 2 Industrial Zone, where they inspected production of edible oil mill machines, grinders and feetstaff machines. They next arrived at Myanmar Wanli Steel Factory of the industrial zone. Owner of the factory reported on production process of the factory and sale of the products at reasonable prices.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected production of iron rods for construction and gave instructions to officials.

At 2 pm, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party met with members of Mandalay Division Agricultural Supervisory Committee and members of Madaya, Singu, Tagaung and Thabeikkyin Township Agriculture Supervisory Committees at the hall of Central Command and gave necessary instructions.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint made a speech. He said that Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has assigned duties to officials concerned to put over 800,000 acres of land under monsoon paddy and paddy is thus to be cultivated on the irrigated farmland at least once a year. Means and ways are to be sought for availability of irrigated water and dams, reservoirs and canals are to be renovated. Innovative measures are to be taken for reclamation of more land. Means and ways are to be sought to meet the target of monsoon paddy cultivation. In the process, cooperative and collective steps are to be taken among departments concerned.

Next, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint reported on sustained efforts made for cultivation of monsoon paddy, renovation of dams and reservoirs and land reclamation.

Next, officials of Mandalay Division Agriculture Supervisory Committee reported on target for cultivation of monsoon paddy in the division and progress in cultivation, arrangements being made for cultivation of more monsoon paddy, means and ways sought for cultivation of monsoon paddy.

The meeting came to a close at 3.15 pm with the concluding remarks by Lt-Gen Ye Myint. Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party this morning left Mandalay by air and arrived back here in the afternoon.

Yangon, 7 Sept - The opening ceremony of Win Thu Za shop selling goods produced by the Ministry of Industry-1 was held at No12 Ward, Hline Township, Yangon West District this morning, attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung.

Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun, Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein and members of Hline Township Peace and Development Council, members of Maternal and Child Welfare Association, members of social organizations and guests.

First, Managing Director of Myanma Foodstuff Industries U Kyaw Myint and Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein formally opened the Win Thu Za shop.

Next, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe formally unveiled the signboard of the shop.

After that, the commander, the minister and party inspected sales of goods produced by the Ministry of Industry-1 in the shop. Similarly, they attended opening ceremony of Win Thu Za shop on Pinlon street in No 36 Dagon Myothit (North), Yangon East District.

Managing Director of Myanma Ceramics Industries Col Soe Yi explained the purpose of the opening of the shop. Minister U Aung Thaung made a speech on the occasion.

The newly opened Win Thu Za shops will sell a variety of goods from 8 am to 5 pm daily except public holidays.

Yangon, 7 Sept - Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan met with those in charge and staff officers of departments and enterprises under the Ministry of Information at the office of Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise in Mandalay, Mandalay Division, this morning.

First, the minister gave instructions on security of cinemas in Mandalay, arrangements for prevention of fire, distribution of quality newspapers of the sub-printing house, acquisition of a wide range of publications at Mandalay Sarpay Beikman Library, measures to be taken for the convenience of those who visited the e-library and concerted efforts for successfully carrying out the tasks of Information.

Afterwards, the minister inspected the Mandalay Branch of Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise (Upper Myanmar) and gave necessary instructions.

Next, the minister inspected the printing and distribution of dailies at Mandalay sub-printing house. The minister gave instructions on enhancing the quality of dailies, maintenance of machines, minimizing loss and wastage, work site safety and security of the house.

Yangon, 7 Sept - Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe yesterday morning arrived at Bagan-NyaungU Airport where Director-General of Civil Aviation U Win Maung reported to him on progress of the extension of the runway, use of machinery and other arrangements. Next, the minister gave instructions on timely completion of work and attended to the needs.

The minister and party next inspected earth work with the use of machinery for extension of the runway and extension of apron, and fulfilled the requirements.

In the afternoon, the minister and Commander of the North-West Command Maj-Gen Tha Aye arrived at the construction site of Monywa Airport where officials concerned reported to them on progress of the construction of the runway, tower and airport building. Next, the commander and minister inspected construction of airport building and tower, tarring of the runway and paving of gravel. The runway of Monywa Airport will be 6,000 feet long and 100 feet wide.

Afterwards, the commander and minister this morning met with the members of the supervisory committee and management committee of Monywa Industrial Zone, and industrialists at the hall of Monywa Industrial Zone.

At the meeting, officials of the committees reported on organizational set up of the industry and tasks being carried out. Next, the commander and minister made addresses and attended to the needs.

Yangon, 7 Sept - Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) families and wellwishers donated provisions and cash to monasteries in Botahtaung and Pazundaung Townships in Yangon East District at a ceremony held at Mingalayama Pali Tekkatho Kyaungtaik in Botahtaung Township this afternoon.

Present were Sayadaws of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha and members of the Sangha led by chairmen Sayadaws of the township Sangha Nayaka Committees, Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, departmental heads, local authorities, members of social organizations and wellwishers.

The congregation received the Five Precepts from Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of the Kyaungtaik Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Ratthasara.

The Secretary-2, the Commerce minister, senior military officers, officials and wellwishers presented offertories to the Nayaka Sayadaw and members of the Sangha.

Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Maj-Gen Saw Hla and Maj-Gen Aung Thein of the Ministry of Defence, Officer on Special Duty Brig-Gen Thura Sein Thaung of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and departmental heads accepted the cash donation for the trust fund by wellwishers.

The Secretary-2 and wellwishers shared the merits gained. At the ceremony, Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) families and wellwishers donated 183 bags of rice, 94 viss of edible oil, 399 viss of beans and pulses, 98 viss of iodized salt, 99 boxes of soft-salt, 2,989 bottles of various kinds of traditional medicine, 30 packets of noodle and K 2,511,270 to monasteries in Botahtaung and Pazundaung Townships.

A similar ceremony was held at Thantithukha Dhammayon in the compound of Koehtatgyi Pagoda in Sangyoung Township this afternoon. Member of Sangyoung Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Shwehlaing Pariyatti Sar-thintaik Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Bhaddanta Samvara invested the congregation with the Five Precepts.

Next, Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, senior military officers, departmental officials and wellwishers presented offertories to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha.

Afterwards, wellwishers presented cash donations for the trust fund. Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein, Maj-Gen Hla Aung Thein, Maj-Gen Aung Thein, Maj-Gen Saw Hla and Col Tin Naing Tun of the Ministry of Defence and Yangon City Development Committee member Col Tin Soe accepted the donations.

Sangyoung Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Chairman Naynattha Monastery Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Bhaddanta Janaka delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. At the ceremony, Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) families and wellwishers donated 471 bags of rice, 268 viss of edible oil, 336 viss of beans and pulses, 1,681 viss of iodized salt, 336 bottles of soft salt, 4,613 bottles of various kinds of traditional medicine, 15 bottles of satumadu and K 5,678,700 to 15 monasteries and one nunnery in San-gyoung Township, Yangon West District.

Yangon, 7 Sept - The visiting Indian delegation led by Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Naval Staff of Indian Navy Admiral Madhvendra Singh (PVSM, AVSM, ADC), accompanied by Commander of Ayeyawady Naval Regional Command Headquarters Commodore Maw Thein and Military Attaché of Indian Embassy in Yangon Col Shakti Gurung, visited Mandalay yesterday morning.

On arrival at Mandalaly International Airport at 9 am, the delegation was welcomed by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein and senior military officers, Indian Consul-General Mr PK Bhutiani and officials. Next, the dele-gation members went to PyinOoLwin by Tatma-daw helicopter.

Brig-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, Principal of Defence Services Administration Training School Brig-Gen Hla Shwe, Commander Brig-Gen Tun Yi of No 1 Defence Services Hospital (700-bed) and military officers.

At the Defence Services Technological Institute, Commandant Brig-Gen Win Myint and officials greeted the delegation members. Next, the delegation viewed round by car in the compound of the institute. At the DSA explained about the academy. The delegation posed at the convocation hall of DSA with the commandant and party. The delegation visited National Kandawgyi Garden in PyinOoLwin and went to Mandalay. At 1.30 pm the goodwill delegation called on Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint. Also present at the call were Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win and military officers, Col Shakti Gurung and Mr PK Bhutiani.

The delegation also visited and studied Myanasankyaw Palace, Shwe Nandaw Cultural Museum, Sein Myint Embroidery Shop in Sangha Takkatho Street, Galonmin Gold Foil Shop in Myatpa Ward and Bagan Archaeological Zone. In Bagan the delegation paid homage to Arnanda Pagoda, and visited U Ba Nyein Lacquer House. Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min hosted a dinner in honour of the Indian delegation at the Bagan Hotel. The delegation this morning visited Bagan Archaeological Museum and Shwezigon Pagoda.

Indian goodwill delegation concludes visit

Yangon, 7 Sept - The visiting Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Naval Staff of Indian Navy Admiral Madhvendra Singh (PVSM, AVSM and ADC) and party left here for home by air this evening.

The goodwill delegation was seen off at Yangon International Airport by Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Chief of Staff (Navy) Real Admiral Soe Thein, Commander of Naval Dockyard Command Headquarters Real Admiral Paw Tun, Ayeyawady Naval Region Command Headquarters Commodore Maw Thein, senior military officers, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Rajiv Kumar Bhatia and Military Attache' Col Shakti Gurung.

First, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min received the visiting Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Naval Staff of Indian Navy Admiral Madhvendra Singh (PVSM, AVSM and ADC) and party at airport's lounge.

Next, Vice-Admiral Kyi Min presented documentary photo album and video tape to Navy Admiral Madhvendra Singh (PVSM, AVSM and ADC).

Afterwards, presenting, Vice-Admiral Kyi Min and party saw off Admiral Madhvendra Singh (PVSM, AVSM and ADC) and party.

Yangon, 7 Sept - A Myanmar delegation led by Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo left here by air this morning to attend the 21st ASEAN Health Ministers' Meeting of WHO and the 56th Regional Committee Meeting to be held in New Delhi, India, from 8 to 13 September.

The delegation was seen off at the Yangon International Airport by directors-general and deputy directors-general of the departments under the ministry, WHO Resident Representative Mr Agostino Borro and officials.

The delegation also comprises Deputy Director-General of Medical Research Department (Upper Myanmar) U Than Aung, Director Dr Ye Myint and Deputy Director of Medical Science Department Dr Than Zaw Myint.