YANGON, 2 Jan - Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe hosted a social dinner to diplomatic corps led by the Dean Singaporean Ambassador to Mayanmar Mr Simon Tensing de Cruz and wife, and resident representatives of UN agencies on the lawns of Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road here this evening.

Also present at the dinner were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win, ministers and their wives, deputy ministers and their wives, responsible personnel of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, and guests.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe arrived at the Tatmadaw Guest House and greeted members of the diplomatic missions and their wives, and resident representatives of UN agencies and their wives.

Next, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt extended greetings and spoke on the occasion. The Prime Minister said: Since the assumption of responsibilities as Prime Minister, I received many requests for appointments from members of the Diplomatic Corps. Although I would very much like to have had such opportunities, it has not been possible due to my heavy schedule. I have therefore arranged this gathering so that we will have a chance to meet with each other.

Around the world, the New Year is a time for celebration; a time to be with friends and family; a time to rejoice and look forward to the coming year with anticipation . It is also a time for rejuvenation; a time for stock-taking.

As we gather to celebrate the New Year, I would therefore like to reflect on the past year. The year 2003 was an eventful year, both at home and abroad.

In stark contrast to the strife and uncertainty that prevailed in many parts of the world, Myanmar remained an oasis of peace and stability. The insurgency, which emerged together with our independence, has subsided and people from all parts of the country are enjoying the benefits of peace.

In the economic sphere, Myanmar has been able to overcome the challenges posed by pressures from outside and to achieve significant growth in our economy. The agricultural sector, which is the backbone of our economy, continues to achieve success qualitatively and quantitatively. The most important development is the decision to liberalize the rice trade, thus further consolidating the market economy in the country. According to preliminary figures, the number of tourists continues to rise considerably. Cross border visitors increased by over 20 per cent last year.

Important advances had also been accomplished in social field, particularly in health and education sectors. In 2003 alone, 22 new hospitals were opened and 6 existing hospitals upgraded. In the education sector, the national literacy rate increased from 91 per cent in 2000 to 92.2 per cent in 2003.

A political development that deserved special mention was the laying down of the groundwork for a smooth transition to a disciplined modern democratic state. On 30th August, I outlined a roadmap for transition to democracy. As you are no doubt aware, the seven-step roadmap includes reconvening of the National Convention to draft a new constitution, adoption of the constitution by referendum, holding of free and fair election, convening of Hluttaws, the election of state leaders and formation of government and other central organs that would lead the nation in the future. The roadmap has been welcomed enthusiastically by all strata of society in Myanmar. It has also won praise and support from the leaders of ASEAN at the Bali Summit in October.

Steps have already been taken to implement the roadmap. The three main organs necessary for the successful convening of the National Convention namely the National Convention Convening Commission, the National Convention Work Committee and the National Convention Management Committee have already been formed and are carrying out preparations for the holding of the National Convention.

As Myanmar is composed of over 100 national races, it is of paramount importance that we achieved consensus in the drafting of a new constitution. I had extensively travelled to States and Divisions where the national races live, with the aim of strengthening national unity and for the development of these regions.

Out of the 17 armed groups that had returned to the legal fold, I recently met with the leaders from 6 of them and every group has welcomed the roadmap and reaffirmed its desire to take part in the Convention. I will also be meeting with the remaining groups.

We are determined to implement the seven-step roadmap. It is our hope that we will continue to receive understanding and support from our regional and international friends. Trying to exert pressure on Myanmar for political motives will only serve to unnecessarily prolong the process.

In the international arena, Myanmar is working to ensure a favourable regional and international environment conducive to our national objectives. We seek to maintain good and friendly relations with all countries in the region and the world so that we can thrive and prosper together.

In the course of the year, we are happy to note that our relations with the countries of the region made significant progress. Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe paid official visits to China, Vietnam and Laos. He also attended the ASEAN SARS Summit in Thailand.

Similarly, we were able to receive Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn, Thai Prime Minister Dr Thaksin Shinawatra, Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, Chinese Vice-Premier Li Lanqing and Indian Vice-President Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.

Moreover, I myself was able to participate in the 9th ASEAN Summit held in Bali in October and the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo in December.

A historic event in Myanmar's international activities is the holding of the Bagan Summit among Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand in November. The 4 nations' economic cooperation strategy adopted in Bagan is aimed at increasing competitiveness, generating economic growth in border areas, creating jobs and reducing income disparity.

I am happy to be able to say that in 2003 Myanmar has been able to contribute actively in regional forums, from ASEAN to BIMST-EC.

Cooperation with the United Nations was also maintained in 2003. We welcomed to Myanmar the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Mr Paulo Sergio Pinheiro and the United Nations Secretary General's Special Envoy, Ambassador Razali Ismail.

We are looking forward with great confidence to the coming year. 2004 will see significant developments in the National Convention process. On the part of the Government, we shall be doing our best for its success. We would like to see the emergence of a peaceful, modern and democratic society that reflects the objective conditions in our country as well as the aspirations of our people.

We also look forward to greater economic growth, improved social conditions and closer cooperation with our friends abroad. We shall be endeavouring for further strengthening of our international relations.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you personally for your dedication in promoting closer ties between our countries and between Myanmar and International Organizations.

As Heads of Mission, Your Excellencies not only represent your countries in Myanmar but you are, in a broader sense, bridges to the world. You are instrumental in promoting better understanding of Myanmar, its challenges, its endeavours and its hopes for the future. We greatly appreciate your cooperation in this regard and we are confident that we will continue to receive it in the New Year.

In conclusion, allow me to wish all Heads of Diplomatic Missions and Representatives of UN agencies, your families as well as the countries and organizations you represent every success in the New Year.

Later, Mr Simon Tensing de Cruz spoke words of thanks.

Afterwards, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe hosted the dinner to the guests.

YANGON, 2 Jan - The leading committee for organizing 'Myanma Rice Milling Industry Exhibition 2004' held a coordination meeting at Yangon Trade Centre in Mingala Taungnyunt Township this morning.

Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Patron of the leading committee and Minister for Commerce, and Brig-Gen Aung Tun, Chairman of the committee for the Exhibition and Deputy Minister for Commerce, inspected preparatory measures for the exhibition and gave instructions.

At the meeting, Brig-Gen Pyi Sone spoke of the need of the respective work committees to cooperate and coordinate work for the successful holding of the exhibition. Brig-Gen Aung Tun and U Min Hla Aung, Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading, reported to the minister on tasks being carried out. Officials of the work committees also presented their reports.

Next, the minister and the deputy minister looked into measures being taken by Myanmar Rice Millers Association to display spare parts of rice mills at the exhibition and attended to the requirements.

'Myanma Rice Milling Industry Exhibition 2004' will be held on a grand scale at Yangon Trade Centre in Mingala Taungnyunt Township here from 9 am to 5 pm from 8 to 11 January. Admission is free.

YANGON, 2 Jan - Under the aegis of the Myanma Industrial Development Committee, a study tour of mills and factories was launched and a workshop was held at Saya San Hall of Kyaikkasan Grounds here at 7 am today.

YANGON, 2 Jan - A meeting was held at the Ministry of Industry-1 this morning on assemble of buses and trucks in Myanmar.

The meeting was held under the programme to develop the industrial zones with greater momentum.

Chairman of Myanma Industrial Development Committee Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung discussed in detail the assembling of the quality cars.

Chairman of Myanma Industrial Development Work Committee Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Deputy Minister for Rail Transportation U Pe Than, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin and Chairman of All Bus Lines Control Committee Brig-Gen Myint Swe (Retired) presented plans to implement the programme.

Heads of the industrial zones and industrialists also took part in the discussions. Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw discussed the design for the buses and trucks.

Minister U Aung Thaung looked into the requirements. Also present were Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe and deputy ministers.

YANGON, 2 Jan - The first coordination meeting of the committee for observance of the International Year of Rice took place at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation on Thiri Mingalar Lane of Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here on 30 December.

It was attended by Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Chairman of Myanmar Academy of Agricultural, Forestry, Livestock and Fishery Sciences U Tin Hlaing, officials of the respective ministries, representatives of FAO to Myanmar, IRRI, Myanmar Rice Millers Association, Myanmar Rice Merchants Association and NGOs.

The minister delivered a speech on the occasion. Those present watched the feature on International Year of Rice sent by FAO. All-round discussions were then held after which the meeting ended with concluding remarks by the minister.

YANGON, 2 Jan - In hailing the 56th Anniversary Independence Day, four tarred roads in Monywa and a tube-well in Kansi village were commissioned into service on 30 December 2003.

Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Northwest Command Commander Maj-Gen Tha Aye, senior military officers, local authorities, departmental personnel, and local people attended the opening ceremonies.

The four roads were Sayaytan road, Zwe road, Phaungphweyay road and 80-ft road.

YANGON, 2 Jan - The Basic Printing Course No 2/2003 sponsored by Printing and Publishing Enterprise under the Ministry of Information concluded at the GTC Printing House in Aung San, Insein Township, Yangon Division at 11 pm today with an address by Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan.

Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, the directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry, officials of PPE, OSD to the ministry, course instructors and trainees.

In his address, Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan said that the Ministry of Information is conducting courses with three objectives- to enable the trainees to be more qualified in their respective fields and to be able to prepare for the future; to enable the trainees to enhance their spiritual values in addition to qualification in their professional fields; and to enable the trainees to successfully carry out departmental work.

He spoke of the need for the trainees to try their best to be more qualified and well-versed in their practical fields with the effective use of their qualification and knowledge.

The trainees are to have the four outlooks-minimizing loss and wastage, practising thrift, fair competition and carrying out the tasks with esprit de corps in serving the State duties, he noted.

Nowadays, the momentum of development is keeping pace with changes owing to the constructive results of modern industrial science and is overwhelming the printing spheres as well. Myanmar has gained experience in printing for over 200 years and the trainees with their printing knowledge are to serve the interests of the State and the people.

Next, the minister presented prizes to the outstanding trainees.

Afterwards, the deputy minister presented completion certificates to the trainees and the ceremony ended.

After the ceremony, the minister together with the deputy minister and heads of department inspected the GTC Printing House and gave instructions on minimizing loss and wastage, worksite safety and fire prevention measures.

YANGON, 2 JAN - The Nwethaki road which was built on self-reliance basis at Kagyi ward, North Okkalapa Township here was opened to hail the 56th Anniversary Independence Day.

Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe attended the ceremony. The Nwethaki road is 1715 feet long 20 feet wide and was built at a cost of K 8,627,861. Of them, K 5,147871 feet donated from wellwishers and K 3,480,000 contributed by YCDC.

YANGON, 2 Jan - Myanmar Mamee Double Decker Ltd launched its K 100-million lucky draw programme at its head office in Pyinmabin Industrial Zone, Mingaladon Township, this morning.

General Manager of the company Mr Ng Kim Seok and Marketing Executive Daw Khin Thet Khaing briefed those present on the programme and replied to the queries of the guests. The lucky draw period is from 1 January through 31 March and the winners can draw their cash prizes until 30 April this year.

YANGON, 2 Jan - In accord with the objective of "Uplift of health, fitness and education standards of the entire nation", the State has been taking necessary measures to enhance the health standards of the people and carrying out prevention tasks. In so doing, the government has always been exposing counterfeit medicines hazardous to the health of the people.

The National Investigation Bureau, acting on information, searched and seized 40 capsules of counterfeit Amclox from Su medicine store, shop No 2 Mingala Market, and 320 capsules of counterfeit Ampicillin from shop No 246/247, Building 3, New Bogyoke Market, on 17 December 2003. On further investigation, 20 capsules of counterfeit Ampicillin from shop No 566, 4th Floor, 13,940 capsules of counterfeit Ampicillin from shop No 775, and 7,400 capsules of counterfeit C-Clox from shop No 520 in Advanced Mingala Market were seized on 18 December.

A total of 3,570 capsules of counterfeit Ampicillin and 8,740 tablets of counterfeit S-Mox (Amoxycillin) were seized from Aung Myo Medical Store, Bagan Road, 54th Ward, Dagon Myothit (South) Township on 19 December.

On 20 December, the NIB arrested Tin Hlaing (a) Netla who smuggled counterfeit medicines into the country, son of U Si Ro Kuma, of No 46/B, Ground Floor, 123rd Street, Mingalar Tuangnyunt Township, together with 2,274,200 capsules of counterfeit Ampicillin, 119,800 capsules of counterfeit S-Mox (Amoxycillin), 1,254,600 capsules of counterfeit Cloxacillin-250, 64,500 capsules of counterfeit Degecid, 27,000 capsules of counterfeit Zinetac, 840,000 capsules of counterfeit Ciprolox-250, 101 pieces of false rubber blocks used in sealing medicine registration numbers and expiry dates, two pieces of rubber blocks used in sealing brands and two ink pads.

Under the arrangement of Suray, who lived in Calcutta, and Biki, who lived in Morei, India, Tin Hlaing (a) Netla smuggled counterfeit Amoxycillin, Ampicillin, C-Clox, Ciprolox, and Degecid produced in India without registering there into the country by Morei-Tamu-Monywa-Mandalay-Yangon route, and distributed them in Bogyoke Market and Mingala Market from April 1993 to the year 2000. He made contact with Chinese citizen medicine counterfeiter Lauk Gyaung of Htansan Road, Shweli, PRC, through Kyaw Kyaw Naing (a) Abbdu Sharbu, son of U Kalamyar of No Ta/235, South Ward, Muse, as of March 2002, and ordered counterfeit Amoxycillin, Ampicillin, Cloxacillin and Ciprolox, which were smuggled and distributed in the country by Shweli-Lweje-Bhamo-Mandalay-Yangon route. In August 2003, he smuggled counterfeited Degecid capsules worth K 2 million and in September 2003, Zinetac capsules worth K 4 million produced in India into the country through his contacts in Kale and Tamu.

A total of 25,000 capsules of counterfeit Ampicillin, 139,200 capsules of counterfeit Amoxycillin, 3,040 capsules of counterfeit Cloxacillin-250, 28,880 capsules of counterfeit C-Clox and 2,400 capsules of counterfeit Amclox were seized from the warehouse of counterfeited medicine distributor Saw Lwin (a) Ballu of Pale Ngweyaung Ward, Aungmyaythazan Township, Mandalay, who also smuggled counterfeit medicines produced by Biki into the country. A total of 97,500 capsules of counterfeit Ampicillin and 44,250 capsules of Amoxycillion from shop No 91, Building E, Zegyo Market, Mandalay, 10,400 capsules of counterfeit Ampicillin and 22,200 capsules of counterfeit Ciprolox-250 from Aung Kyaw Moe Medicine Store, shop No 759, Mingala Market, Yangon, and 20,840 capsules of counterfeit Ampicillin and 3,700 capsules of counterfeit Cloxacillin from K K Win Naing Medicine Store, shop No 787, Mingala Market, Yangon, were also seized. The three bought and distributed counterfeit medicines smuggled in by Saw Lwin.

During the period from 17 to 25 December 2003, 2,392,680 capsules of counterfeit Ampicillin, 182,540 capsules of counterfeit S-mox (Amoxycillin), 236,700 capsules of counterfeited Amoxycillin, 1,261,340 capsules of counterfeit Cloxacillin, 36,280 capsules of counterfeit C-Clox, 2,440 capsules of counterfeit Amclox, 290 capsules of counterfeit Ampiclox, 862,200 capsules of counterfeit Ciprolox-250, and 65,067 capsules of contraband and counterfeit Degecid and 27080 capsules of counterfiet Zinetac, totalling 5,012,617 capsules of counterfeit medicines were seized. Counterfeit medicines smuggled in from India were produced by an unregistered company in India. Counterfeit medicines smuggled in from China were produced by a company owned by a fugitive wanted for counterfeiting medicines by the authorities of the PRC.

Action is being taken against those who engaged in smuggling and distribution of counterfeit medicines.

YANGON, 2 Jan - A press conference to clarify the seizure of counterfeit foreign-made medicines was held at the Institute of Nursing on Bogyoke Aung San Street this afternoon.

It was attended by Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, Brig-Gen Than Tun of the Ministry of Defence, members of the Central Food and Drug Administration Committee, drugs advisory committee, departmental heads, officials of Myanmar Police Force, Myanmar Medical Association, medicine and medical equipment merchants and entrepreneurs association, proprietors of drugs stores and guests.

The deputy minister delivered a speech on the occasion. Next, Brig-Gen Than Tun clarified the seizure of counterfeit foreign-made drugs.

The deputy minister made concluding remarks. Next, those present viewed the seized drugs and documentary photos on the seizures.

YANGON, 2 Jan - Officials announced today that Gaba Yadana Theikpan medicine of the La Nay brand was not a pure traditional medicine, and was harmful to health.

"The Ministry of Health found that the Gaba Yadana Theikpan is not a genuine traditional medicine as its ingredients include western medicines, and taking of the medicine will be hazardous to health", the officials announcement said.

Ingredients of the Gaba Yadana Theikpan include western medicines - Paracetamol, Prednisolone and Chlorpheniramine maleate.

YANGON, 2 Jan - With the cooperation between the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand, six Myanmar girls aged 6 to 12, who had been trafficked into Thailand for child labour, arrived back here safely by air this evening.

The children were from Myawady and Bilin townships, lured from their parents by traffickers in person and sold into the neighbouring country the previous year. Thai newspapers dated 10 September 2003 stated that minor children were selling candies and flowers at Karaoke clubs and bars in Bangkok. The officials of Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok thus made some inquiries concerning the case and found out that among them were six Myanmars.

The Myanmar Embassy seeking assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand made arrangements to save and send them back to their mother land. In response to the request of the Myanmar officials, the Bureau of Anti-Trafficking in Women and Children of the Department of Social Development and Welfare of Thailand gave protective custody to the little victims and then transferred them to the Myanmar Government. It is learnt that based on the friendly ties between the two nations, further investigations will be conducted to find out other trafficked Myanmar women and children and to take action against the traffickers.

The girls were accompanied by an official of Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok. They were welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, the Ministry of Immigration and Population, the Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation and the UN Inter-Agency Project (UNIAP).

YANGON, 2 Jan - Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee and Minister for Sports, attended a coordination meeting held by the committee for U-14 Asian Tennis Championship 2004 (Zone-2) at Ruby Hall of National Stadium-1 (Thuwunna) this afternoon.

Present at the meeting were Myanmar Tennis Federation Patron Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, officials of the ministry, the chairman and executives of MTF, and departmental officials.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that the tournament was held here with the aim of developing the youth tennis sport and producing brilliant tennis players of new generation. It is also an opportunity to show the guests the stable and developed conditions of the country, the ability to host international tournaments grandly, and the kind hospitality of Myanmar people. Thus, officials are required to do everything in their capacity to hold the tournament successfully.

Next, the chairman of MTF reported on preparatory measures being taken for the tournament to be held from 9 to 20 January. Departmental officials also presented their reports. Maj-Gen Kyaw Win later made supplementary reports on arrangements being made by MTF.

YANGON, 2 Jan - Acting on information, members of Muse Anti-drug Squad checked Bayan Aung (a) Latwe, a suspect, near the clock tower on Pyidaungsu Road, in Muse, on the evening of19 November in 2003. The authorities arrested him as a total of 1,600 stimulant tablets bearing letters WY were found on him.

Further investigation into the case led to the arrest of Lakham (a) Kham Aung, who is the owner of the stimulants. He was arrested at Kachin festival.

In a similar action, a combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit, Kawthoung Anti-drug Squad and Myeik Police Station, on a tip-off, searched Than Htay at the corner of Aung San Road and Shweleikpya Street in Myeik on 28 November 2003 and arrested him as a total of 320 grams of opium dust were seized from him. Another 2.816 kilos of opium dust were also found in his house. Further investigation into the case led to the arrest of Win Aye and Thet Lwin Oo (a) Win Lwin Oo.

Action is being taken against the drug pushers by police stations concerned under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.