YANGON, 1 Jan - 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 Dr Fidel Castro Ruz, President of the Council of State and of the Government of the Republic of Cuba on the occasion of the Anniversary of the Liberation Day of the Republic of Cuba which falls on 1 January 2004.

YANGON, 31 Dec - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt attended the dinner to mark Kachin traditional Inlon Innan harvesting ceremony hosted by Nyein Foundation on the lawns of Malikha Yeiktha in Myitkyina, Kachin State, at 7 pm on 29 December.

Also present on the occasion were member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), deputy ministers, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, local authorities, peace negotiators, national race leader of Kachin State Special Region-1 U Za Khun Ting Ring and members, national race leader of Kachin State Special Region-2 U La Mon Tu Gyaing and members, Chairman of Nyein Foundation Rev Dr Sabew Jum and members, priests, officials of the Baptist Council, national race leaders of the New Mon State Party, Kayan Pyithit Party, Kayinni National Democratic Party, Kayinni National and Kayah State All National Races Libration Front, peace negotiators of Kayin, Mon, Chin, Kayah, and Wa national races, members of Kachin State cultural troupes, national races guests and specially invited guests.

First, the Prime Minister and party arrived on the lawns of Malikha Yeiktha where the dinner was hosted. The Prime Minister was welcomed there by Chairman of Nyein Foundation Rev Dr Sabew Jum and peace negotiators, national race leaders, members of Kachin cultural troupes and local national races.

Before the dinner, fireworks were displayed to welcomed the Prime Minister and party and guests.

Members of Kachin cultural troupes sang the song National Brethren of the Union to mark the commencement of the dinner.

Rev Dr Sabew Jum extended greetings. He said he was pleased to see the dinner graced by the dignitaries of the State, national race leaders, religious leaders and townselders, and expressed his belief that all the national races would strive for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation by doing their bit under the leadership of the Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

He pledged to organize the national races to live like a family in the Union, expressing his firm conviction that all the national races are national brethren though slightly different in costume, dialect, traditions, culture, race and region settled. He said Nyein Foundation and Peace Negotiators Friendship Association of Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin and Mon States are determined to organize the peoples of Kachin and religious, social and peace organizations to strive by doing their bit for the success of the seven-point future policy programme of the State initiated by the Prime Minister and Our Three Main National Causes-Non-disintegration of national solidarity, Non-disintegration of the Union and perpetuation of sovereignty of the State-laid down as the national policy.

Conspicuous development can be seen in all the regions of the State thanks to the peace and tranquillity restored with the goodwill of the dignitaries of the State and national race leaders. He said he would like to thank the Government to see the people enjoying the fruits of development achieved with efforts to enhance the living standard of the people by the State. Before peace could not be restored in Kachin State, it lagged 20 years in development. All the peoples in Kachin State now felt the goodwill of the State, he added.

In conclusion, he said all the Kachin national races are actively participating for the development of the State under the leadership of the dignitaries of the State.

Afterwards, Rev Dr Sabew Jum presented gifts, a Kachin traditional silver sword and Kachin traditional bag.

Next, Rev Dr Sabew Jum presented traditional gifts to Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Commander Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, national race leader U Za Khon Ting Ring of Kachin State Speical Region-1 and national race leader U La Mon Tu Gaing of Kachin State Special Region-2.

Chairman of the committee for holding the dinner Rev Gregory Nordin presented Kachin traditional gifts for ministers to Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw.

Rev Dr Sabew Jum also presented Kachin traditional gifts to ministers, deputy ministers, national race leaders, peace negotiators and senior militray officers.

Afterwards, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt made a speech. He expressed pleasure to meet with the national brethren again at the ceremony commemorating the harvesting festival of the ethnic Kachin brethren. The ceremony is like a reunion of the family members.

It is true that the brethren at the ceremony are also enjoying with happiness the peace and stability as well as the taste of tranquillity of the Union family born of the national solidarity firmly flourishing in the Union. In this regard, the national races are urged to further strengthen their resolve to always live in amity for perpetuation of the Union. The essence of the Inlon Innan harvesting ceremony including presentation of the fruits of the collective endeavours to the leaders, sharing of the fruits among the relatives and friends, and the wishes for an abundant supply of food for the future are the cherishable traditions of the Myanmar national races.

The national races have been preserving their own traditions and cultures and traditional festivals, with noble essence, while residing at places where plenty of food and water supply, in the nation for a period countable by the years in the thousand, and later became the national races including Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan. It is the true history of the Union.

Time and eras have changed, and there emerged the 14 States and Divisions in accord with the administrative system, but no state or division is a place of single national race, all are like mini Unions home to various national races. And it is one of the fine traditions of the Union.

For example, various national races including Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan are residing in Yangon Division, while Bago also is a home to multi national races including Kayin, Shan, Rakhine, Mon, Bamar, Chin, and PaO.

In Sagain Division Bamar, Kachin, Kayin, Chin, Rakhine, Shan, Naga, Kadu and Lushaing together. Shan State is a place where 33 ethnic Shan races as well as PaO, Palaung, Wa, Kokang, Lahu, Lihsu, Intha, Danu, Taungyoe, Kachin, Bamar, Kayin, Rakhine and Chin reside.

In addition to Kachin races including Jeinphaw, Maru, Rawon, Lihsu. Lacheik and Azee, Kachin State is also a home to Kayin, Bamar, Rakhine, Chin and Naga. But the Union formed with 14 mini unions has not emerged overnight. It was gradually formed by the national brethren living in unity since the time of their ancestors. Or in other words, it is a family heritage.

Perpetuation of the Union, the heritage handed down by the ancestors, while preserving the tradition of living in weal or woe and in togetherness, is the duty of present-day nation races. Without having any bias against any race, the Government has been laying down and implementing plans for harmonious development of all the national races based on parental love and goodwill. First the Government gave priority to prevalence of peace and stability in the border areas, while laying down and implementing border areas and national races development projects at the remote corners of the nation, where peace and stability had been restored, for regional development and raising the social standard.

The Government has launched projects to develop the rural areas of the remote regions that were far from the administrative machinery. In addition, it has been carrying out the development zone project to ensure that there is no development gap between the regions.

For example, Shan State already has three development zones, the first one, based in Taunggyi, the capital of the state, the second, based in Lashio, and the third, based in Kengtung. The Panglong region, the birth place of the Union, has also been designated as a development zone. Thus, the Panglong zone now has the Panglong University, Loilem Government Technological College, Panglong Government Computer College and Loilem 200-bed hospital. In addition to Myitkyina region, Bhamo region has also been designated as a development zone in Kachin State. Thus, a degree college, a computer college and 200-bed hospital have already been built there.

Development infrastructures including education and health sectors are being built in some vital regions that are not included in special development regions. In Kachin State a degree college was established in Mohnyin and a 100-bed hospital was opened. Moreover, arrangements are being made for opening of a Government Technical Institute, he said.

Emphasis is in palced on building of development infrastructures in the respective regions according to the requirements of their conditions. Now the government is giving priority to better transport in Chin State and task for uplift of health and education standard.

He said roads in Kachin State were upgraded for ensuring better transport between Myitkyina and Putao, Myitkyina and Phakant and Myitkyina and border areas. The region has developed economically as well as socially due to construction of major roads on the east and west banks of the Ayeyawady River linking Sagaing and Mandalay Divisions and Shan State, he said.

With the harmonious development of all parts of the Union all national races living in the various regions can share and enjoy fruitful results of development. Better foundations on equality and unity will further strengthen national solidarity and the Union Spirit among the national races, he added.

At a time when the government is making systematic efforts for strengthening of national solidarity and perpetuation of the Union Spirits, all national races are to live in unity forever while respecting cultural traditions of each other in accord with family characters and essence of family life such as mutual understanding, friendship, forgiveness and help that developed in the course of history. By doing so, perpetuation of the Union safeguarded by the forefathers will last as long as the world exists, he added.

The government has laid down the seven-point future policy programme that can guarantee non-disintegration of the Union and perpetuation of national solidarity and essence of family life existed among the national races in the long run in successive eras and is implementing it, he said.

He urged all national races to make concerted efforts for prevailing of peace, unity and continued progress in the Union based on the Union Spirit and national solidarity for successful implementation of the seven-point future policy programme.

In conclusion, he wished prevalence of peace and prosperity in the Union including Kachin State. He also wished that all national races can endeavour for perpetuation of the Union based on national solidarity and the Union Spirit and consolidation of unity, friendship, understanding and sincerity safeguarded among them in the course of history.

He wished the Union made up of states and divisions enjoy peace, stability and prosperity forever.

Next, Rev Htog Shal Lwan Dong wished the prosperity of the State. Next, Chairman of KIO U Lamon Tu Gyaing made a speech. He said:

Today is an auspicious day for us. It is because of the first arrival of General Khin Nyunt in Kachin State as a Prime Minister. We thanked Chairman of Nyein Foundation Rev Dr Sabwe Jum and officials who invited General Khin Nyunt to Kachin State. The harvest festival is a significant one and of full essence among Kachin traditional festivals. The festival is to offer fruits and rice produced from farms first to those who are worthy of respects, ancestors, parents and heads. Kachin nationals believe that they are free from dangers and gain success in their future work by doing so.

Therefore, the opportunity to offer feast to the Prime Minister like this is a historic golden opportunity for those who live in Kachin State. We upholding Our Three Main National Causes are to march to the new year in unison regardless of race and religion.

Afterwards, member of Kachin Traditional Culture Karoe Zein sang a song titled "the Union".

Next, national race leader of Kachin State Special Region-1 U Za Khon Ting Ring made a new year speech. He said: Whenever Kachin traditional harvest festivals that are held yearly arrive we have the opportunity to meet with and pay respects to the State leaders. We are grateful to officials concerned for regaining the fine tradition of seeking guidance from the State leaders today. We are pleased to be able to strengthen the national solidarity, to ensure perpetuation of the independence and sovereignty and help build the national unity through the new harvesting festival.

This year's new harvesting festival is significant since the Prime Minister, high-ranking officials and leaders of the national race peace group participated in it, thereby contributing to further strengthening the nationalism and Union Spirit. We believe that the seven-point roadmap of the State will make progress and the National Convention We are grateful to the Tatmadaw who not only bring about peace across the nation but also safeguard independence and sovereignty for being able to hold the harvest festival in which the national races from north to south and from east to west could meet. We are pleased to be able to engage in national and regional development tasks. The affairs of the national races is the affairs of the Union. Only when all the national races have been able to make efforts in unison will the Union make progress. We the national races will have to be united regardless of dialect, native and religion. We are to forge mutual trust and understanding and build friendship and co-operation among the national races. At the same time, we are to safeguard peace. We are to coordinate and address our internal affairs with goodwill. Much of progress has been made owing to the participation of the national races, the Tatmadaw and the people.

The national races are striving together with the Tatmadaw for national development. Accordingly, if the political parties and politicians participate in national development together with the Tatmadaw will the Union of Myanmar make progress all the more.

Next, Chairman of Nyein Foundation Rev Dr Sabew Jum presented Kachin traditional gong Simsa Bau Kyit bearing words "Manaw-Myeyan-Nyeinchan-Than-Moung- Than-Go-Swe-Myelet-Twe" to Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

Next, the Prime Minister and party together with the national race leaders of Kachin Special Region-1 and Kachin Special Region-2, New Mon State party, New Kayan State party, Kayinni National Democratic party, Kayan State National Races Liberation Front and peace negotiators of Kachin, Kayin, Mon, Chin, Kayan and Wa national races beat the traditional gong.

Next, the Prime Minister and party had a documentary photo taken together with the national race leaders and Kachin national races while members of Kachin traditional cultural troupe sang a song titled "Mye Let Twe".

Next, the Prime Minister and party together with the national race leaders and guests enjoyed the feast.

During and after the dinner, Kachin traditional cultural troupe entertained the guests with Kachin traditional tune and dances. Next, the Prime Minister presented the new year gifts to peace negotiator Rev Dr Sabew Jum, the Chairman of the New Harvesting Festival Organizing Committee, the national race leaders of Kachin Special Region-1 and Kachin Special Region-2, New Mon State party, New Kayan State party, Kayinni National Democratic party, Kayan State National Races Liberation Front. Next, the Prime Minister presented flower baskets to members of Kachin traditional cultural troupe and the ceremony concluded. After the ceremony, the Prime Minister and party had a group photo taken together with the national race leaders and members of Kachin traditional cultural troupe. Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party and guests left the lawns of Malihka Yeiktha where the feast was held.

YANGON, 31 Dec - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Minister of Defence, together with Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Chairman Western Command Commander Maj-Gen Maung Oo, senior military officers, departmental officials and responsible personnel attended the opening ceremony of multimedia classrooms at Kyeintali high school in Gwa Township of Thandwe District, Rakhine State, on 30 December morning.

The opening ceremony was held on the premises of the school. Headmaster U Htein Lin and School Board of Trustees Chairman U Win Myint formally opened the classrooms by cutting a ribbon.

Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than unveiled the signboard of the classrooms and viewed round computer application room, computer aided instruction room, language laboratory room, electronic media video system room, visual presenter room, electronic media audio system room, printed media reading corner, painting room and domestic science room.

In delivering an address on the occasion, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than said that human resources development is essentially needed for achieving rapid development and thus focus is made on developing the education sector by laying down plans and implementing them. Of the five rural development tasks, one is to promote the education standard of rural people and efforts are being made in this direction, he observed.

Nowadays, new primary, middle and high schools are being opened extensively and affiliated schools are also opened at suitable places. Required number of teachers are appointed and necessary teaching aids provided. Regarding the higher education, arts & science universities, technical institutes and computer universities as well as colleges and degree colleges are being opened in 24 special development regions, he noted. Multimedia classrooms are opened at schools under the sponsorship of the Government and participation and support of wellwishers, he said.

Then, Commander Maj-Gen Maung Oo presented K 1 million for Kyeintali station hospital to Medical Officer of the station hospital Dr Aung Chan Mon and K 1 million for Kyeintali Home for the Aged to Trustee Board member Dr Maung Maung Kyi.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than cordially greeted teachers, parents and students of the schools. At 12.50 pm, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than together with the commander and party inspected Kyeintali station hospital and gave necessary instructions. Later they left by car and arrived Beda camp at 3.10 pm. Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Chairman South-Western Command Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing and officials welcomed them.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party proceeded to Beikkalay bridge near Daunggyi village in Yekyi Township and inspected the cultivation of pedisein and matpeon 15,000 acres. In Ayeyawady Division in 2003-2004 cultivation season, summer paddy is targeted to be grown in 1.6 million acres and so far 0.8 million acres have been put under summer paddy. Pulses & beans are targeted to be grown in 1,322,040 acres and so far they have been grown in 1,253,847 acres. Edible oil crops are targeted to be grown in 363,107 acres and so far they have been grown in 266,613 acres. Maize is targeted to be grown in 135,226 acres and so far they have been grown in 114,381 acres. Chilli is targeted to be grown in 54,960 acres and so far they have been grown in 42,559 acres. Vegetables are targeted to be grown in 69,000 acres and so far they have been grown in 63,723 acres.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party proceeded by car and arrived Bo Myat Htun Bridge across River Ayeyawady at 8 pm. Officials reported the maintenance works and Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave necessary instructions. Then he left for Yangon.

YANGON, 1 Jan - The Motion Picture Academy Awards Presentation Ceremony for 2002 of the Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise of the Ministry of Information was held at the National Indoor Stadium-1 in Thuwunna, Thingangyun Township, here this evening. Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe graced the ceremony.

Also present on the occasion were Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council and Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife, the ministers and their wives, the attorney-general, the deputy ministers, responsible officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, the chairman and members of the panel of the judges of Myanma Motion Picture Promotion and Scrutinizing Board, officials of the motion picture censor board and video censor board, directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the Ministry of Information, officials of Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon, Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association, Myanmar Thabin Asiayon and Myanma Music Asiayon, film artistes, technicians, film makers, and fans.

Before the ceremony, guests were entertained with songs by artistes in the accompaniment of Myanma Athan modern orchestra.

U Wint Aung and Daw Khin San Myint acted as masters of ceremonies. The academy awards ceremony started at 6 pm. On the occasion, Miniser for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan delivered an address. In his speech, he said: I would like to first and foremost extend my warm greetings to Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, who graces the film academy awards ceremony with his presence, and Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, members of the State Peace and Development Council, the ministers, the deputy ministers, departmental heads, and chairmen and executives of Myanma Motion Picture Asiayon, Thabin Asiayon, Music Asiayon, and other NGOs, movie stars, guests, and movie fans. I wish them all the auspiciousness, and peace of mind and body.

I also would like to express my thanks towards them all for their presence at the ceremony.

Talented performers and technicians will be picked out from movies screened during 2002 and awards for outstanding performance will be presented to them. The Government has been presenting film academy awards since 1952. Therefore, today's ceremony is not an ordinary one. It is golden jubilee film academy awards ceremony replete with all significance. The encouragement given by the Government to the drive to promote the quality of Myanma movies is seen as such:

- Three academy awards for the best film, the best actor and the best actress were presented in 1952; - with an additional academy award for best director, four academy awards were presented in 1954; - with an additional academy award for best cameraman, five academy awards were presented in 1956; - with two additional academy awards for supporting actor and actress, seven academy awards were presented in 1962; - but, in the time of the State Peace and Development Council Government, 11 academy awards are being presented with four additional awards for screenplay, music, sound, and editing. Moreover, award with two-tical gold content is presented instead of two-tical silver content. Should there be two persons whose performance is excellent enough to win a particular academy award, the academy awards of same kind are presented to both of them. A total of 254 academy awards have so far been presented to brilliant performers, musician and technicians. The gradual increase in both number and value of the awards sheds light on the Government's goodwill towards the development of film world as well as performers and technicians.

By giving awards like this, the Government is taking measures to enhance the quality of the film world. The same thing can be said of those engaged in acting career as they are also striving for the benefit of the film world, the country, and the race. These can be seen throughout the history of the movie world. To reiterate their commitment to the movie world:

- it will be found how hard those engaged in acting career tried to develop the film industry of pre-war era amidst the shortage of technology and equipment into present-day film industry; - honour is due to them because they managed to inspire Myanmar people with artistic skills to arouse their nationalism under the suppression of the colonialists throughout the pre-independence period; - there are historical evidences that they not only opposed the colonialists and the fascists but also fought them during the periods of independence struggle; - apart from it, they also play an active part in the nation-building tasks as they did in the independence struggle; - it is delightful to see the prospect of Myanma film industry become bright as everyone in the film industry has carried out national duties throughout successive years; and it is also believed that they will continue doing their bit in the implementation of the seven-point roadmap designed to create a modern and developed democracy while maintaining the success already achieved in the film industry.

It is incumbent upon all the professionals in acting career to keep up the film industry as they did in the past.

An enormous amount of foreign movies, video tapes and CDs have found their way into Myanmar. According to statistics, it is found that there were 38,610 movies on video tapes and laser CDs and 755 films, totalling 39,365 during the period from 1988 to 2003. Everybody in the film industry should be aware of these circumstances as it is more effective to use the weapon of media to counter of the penetration of foreign media.

A look at the standard of the film industry will reveal that there are still weaknesses in scenes, presentation, acting, production, shooting, technology, cinema service and so on. Only the remedy of such weaknesses can raise the standard of the film industry, and Myanma films will be able to penetrate the world. To overcome these obstacles:

(1) Scenes and plots should be created with new outlooks and ideas that deviate from routine romantic ones without harming Myanma culture; (2) It is necessary for all directors, performers and technicians to make efforts to enhance the quality of film industry; likewise, producers are to make films of high quality and standard for their long-term economic benefits; (3) Measures are to be taken to overcome the shortage of technology by hiring necessary machinery and shooting the films on joint venture; (4) Seminars, workshops and courses are to be conducted to upgrade Myanma film industry; (5) Ways and means are also to be sought to acquire new technologies, to make new contacts, to put Myanma films on foreign markets, and to participate in international film festivals and seminars; (6) Efforts are to be made to modernize cinema halls by using the 'high quality through competitions' system; (7) It is necessary for Myanma Motion Pictures Asiayon to conduct more acting courses than now so as to produce talented individuals; (8) Arrangements are to be made to shoot high-quality films and sell them to foreign nations so as to earn foreign currency to buy modern shooting machines; and (9) All those in the film industry are to be united in overcoming the difficulties and promoting the film industry. Only then will everything encountered now be able to be solved out to reach the developed and successful Myanma film industry. The Ministry of Information, on its part, will do everything to the best of its ability to render assistance to the development of the film industry.

The list of the winners of academy awards for the year 2002 will soon be announced. The purpose of presenting academy awards by the State is: (1) to recognize the brilliant performance of artists and technicians; (2) to inspire the other performers with the achievements of prize winners; and (3) to raise the standard of Myanma film industry and make it sure to be on a par with the world film industry.

To name the academy award winners, the seven basic criteria stated in the Film Act, which was enacted in 1966, was adopted. They are: (1) to develop the standard of Myanma motion picture; (2) to propagate Myanma traditional culture; (3) to arouse patriotism and love of the country; (4) to get national races united; (5) to widen the scope of knowledge with correct thought and outlook; (6) to be of great help to morale and good conduct; (7) to be of great help to the perpetuity of sovereignty, develop-ment and stability of the State. A total of 19 movies produced in 2002 were scrutinized repeatedly on the basis of the seven criteria.

Therefore, those who win the awards are to continue to sharpen their artistic skills and those who miss the awards are also to keep on trying to win ones in the years to come.

Artists and technicians now also participate in the nation-building tasks enthusiastically just as they did in the past. It is necessary for them to play an active part in the implementation of the seven-point roadmap, through which a modern and developed nation will be established, by keeping Union Spirit and Our Three Main National Causes in the fore.

Next, he called upon movie fans to render their assistance to the development of Myanma film industry. He also spoke of the need for the entire national people to cooperate with the Government and the Tatmadaw in building a modern and developed democratic nation.

Next, the list of academy award winners were announced. Best Sound Award went to Po Htaung and group for his work in 'Hsan-yay'; Best Cinematography Award to Kyaukpyu (Padetha) for his work in 'Yaukhama-soda-takhatonka-thamatpa'; Best Film Editing Award to Zaw Min (Hanthamyay) for his work in 'Nga-thudapa-yaukkya-meinma'; Best Scriptwriter Award to Nyein Min for his script in 'Nga-thudapa-yaukkya-meinma'; Best Supporting Actress award to May Than Nu for her performance in 'Nga-thudapa-yaukkya-meinma'; Best Music Awards to Khin Maung Gyi for his work in 'Nga-thudapa-yaukkya-meinma' as well as to Gitalulin Maung Ko Ko for his work in 'Hsan-yay'; Best Supporting Actor Award to Nyunt Win for his performance in 'Hsan-yay'; Best Film Awards to 'Nga-thudapa-yaukkya-meinma' and 'Hsan-yay'; Best Director Awards to Bagyi Soe Moe for his work in 'Nga-thudapa-yaukkya-meinma' as well as to Kyi Soe Tun for his work in 'Hsan-yay; Best Actor Award to Lu Min for his performance in 'Shwe-hmon-kye-thaw Moe-kaung-kin'; Best Actress Award to Khin Zarchi Kyaw for her performance in 'Nga-thu-da-pa-yauk-kya-mein-ma'.

Next, some good scenes that helped them win the awards were shown. Then, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan presented motion picture award for 2002 and K 100,000 each contributed by the VeVe Co to the winners.

The award winners spoke words of thanks and the ceremony came to an end. After the ceremony, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe cordially greeted the award winners.

YANGON, 31 Dec - A meeting to explain the formation of the Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation was held at International Business Centre on Pyay Road here at 9 am today. MWAF President Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe attended the meeting and delivered an address.

Present were MWAF Vice-Presdients Prof Dr Daw May May Yi, Daw Khin Lay Thet, Daw Than Than Nwe and Daw Khin Khin Win, General Secretary Prof Dr Daw Khin Aye Win, Divisional WAC Patrons Daw Khin They Htay and Prof Daw Hla Myint and others.

YANGON, 31 Dec - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, together with officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and Myanma Agriculture Service, went to Gwa in Rakhine State on 29 December and inspected regional development tasks.

On arrival at Kakalay junction on Yangon-Pathien Road in Kyaunggon Township at 9 am, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party were welcomed by Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Chairman South-West Command Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing and military officers. Next, they proceeded by car along Yangon-Pathein road and Ngathainggyaung-Gwa road. They reached Beda camp at 10.55 am and were welcomed by Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Chairman Western Commander Maj-Gen Maung Oo and responsible personnel. They proceeded to terrace horticultural farm of U Nyi Nyi in Daungchaung village-tract on Ngathaing-gyaung-Gwa road. They inspected cultivation of cashew, betel nut and pepper on 41 acres.

Thence, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party went to Gwa and met with local authorities, departmental personnel and townselders at the Township Peace and Development Council Hall. Officials concerned reported implementation of five rural development tasks, cultivation of paddy and other crops as well as transportation and educational affairs.

In delivering an address, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than said that in building up the nation into a modern and developed one, prevalence of peace and tranquillity, the rule of law and order, economic growth and human resources development are fundamental requirements. He observed that Gwa township is self-sufficient in rice and he urged local people to extend the cultivation of pulses & beans, oil crops and perennial crops system-atically by applying advanced technology and utilising natural and chemical fertilizers. He also urged to make efforts for extending fish and prawn breeding works and poultry farming in the region.

Later, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party viewed round the developments in the town. They arrived Nyaungchaung affiliated middle school in Gwa Township at 5.30 pm. Responsible personnel reported matters on education.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than donated a set of computer to the school. Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected Kanthaya Beach in Gwa Township and gave necessary instructions.

YANGON, 31 Dec - Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt received Mr Phandouangchit Vongsa, Minister of Information and Culture of the Lao People's Democratic Republic at the Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha here at 4 pm today.

Also present on the occasion together with Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet.

Present together with the visiting Minister of LPDR was Laotian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Chanthavy Bodhisane.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt receives Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Leaders Magazine

YANGON, 31 Dec - Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt received Mr Henry O Dormann, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Leaders Magazine at the Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha here at 2.30 pm today. Also present on the occasion were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win and Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet.

YANGON, 31 Dec - Minister for Immigration & Population Maj-Gen Sein Htwa received Country Director of WFP Mr Bhim Udas at his office at 3 pm today.

Present on the occasion were Deputy Minister U Maung Aung, Director-General of Immigration and National registration Department U Maung Htay, Deputy Director-General of Population Department U Myo Min and officials.

YANGON, 1 Jan - U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Felipe Perez Roque, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, on the occasion of the Anniversary of the Liberation Day of the Republic of Cuba which falls on 1 January 2004.

YANGON, 31 Dec - A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and special anti-drug squad, stopped a motorcyle ridden by Mashi Tan Guan of Liza town and Tan Naung of Kaungyayan village of Bhamo Township, at the entrance of Si-in village in Bhamo Township and seized 15.5 kilos of raw opium together witrh arms and ammunition on 24 December. Action is being taken against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.