YANGON, 5 Jan-The following are messages of felicitations from foreign Heads of State sent to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, on the occasion of the 56th Anniversary Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar.

On behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Indonesia, I have the great pleasure of extending to you and, through you, to the Government and People of Myanmar my sincere greetings and heartfelt felicitations on the auspicious occasion of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar.

I am pleased to observe that over the years, the relations between our two countries have been growing steadily both on bilateral basis and within the framework of ASEAN. I am confident that such cooperative relations will continue to strengthen in the years ahead as we strive for National Development and to contribute to the security and prosperity of our region.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration and best wishes for your good health and personal well-being as well as for the Progress and Prosperity of the People of Myanmar.

On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Singapore, I am delighted to convey to Your Excellency and the people of Myanmar our best wishes and warmest congratulations on this auspicious occasion of the 56th Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar.

Singapore-Myanmar bilateral relations have always been close. I am confident that our strong ties will continue to grow in the coming years for the mutual well-being and prosperity of our peoples.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

On the happy occasion of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar on behalf of the people and the Government of Nepal and on our own we extend to your excellency our cordial felicitations and best wishes for your excellency's personal health and happiness and for the progress and prosperity of the People of Myanmar. We are confident that the friendly relations between our two countries will grow further in the years to come.

YANGON, 5 Jan-The following are messages of felicitations from foreign Heads of Government sent to General Khin Nyunt, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, on the occasion of the 56th Anniversary Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar.

On the commemoration of the Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar, it is indeed and distinct pleasure to convey to you my heartiest felicitations and warmest congratulations.

Let me also seize this opportunity to assure you that the excellent cooperation existing between Myanmar and Indonesia will be further enhanced along with our joint endeavours to attain greater accomplishment in the coming years.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration.

I am confident that under your able leadership, Myanmar will continue to enjoy greater progress and development. I am pleased to note the progress in the implementation of the Road Map of Myanmar, and I wish to assure you that Malaysia stands ready to support the process in whatever way you consider appropriate.

It is also my sincere desire and hope that the close relations between Malaysia and the Union of Myanmar will be further strengthened for the mutual benefit of our two countries.

YANGON, 5 Jan- The following is the message of felicitations to Vice Senior General Maung Aye from Hamzah Haz of the Republic of IndonesiaVice-President.

On the auspicious occasion of the Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar, I have the great honour to convey to you my warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations.

It is my desire that the excellent relations and cooperation which exist between our two countries should be further developed for the mutual benefit of our two countries and peoples.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

YANGON, 5 Jan - Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt received visiting Mr Le Van Bang, a Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and party at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha here this afternoon.

The Special Envoy of the Vietnamese Prime Minister and party were accompanied by Mr Pham Quang Khon, Vietnamese Ambassador to Myanmar.

Foreign Minister receives Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister

YANGON, 5 Jan - Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung received Mr Le Van Bang, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and special envoy of Mr Phan Van Khai, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at Ayeyawady Room, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this morning.

Present on the occasion were Director-General U Thaung Tun of the Political Department and officials of the ministry.

In the evening, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win hosted a dinner in honour of visiting Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister and delegation at Karaweik Palace.

YANGON, 5 Jan - Workshop on the Application of the progressive Zoning Approach to FMD Control in the Union of Myanmar jointly spondored by the Livestock Breeding & Veterinary Department of the Ministry of Livestock & Fisheries and SEAFMD Regional Coordination Unit was held at Traders Hotel here today. The Director General of Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department attended the opening ceremony of the workshop and delivered an opening address.

The SEAFMD Regional Coodination Unit Dr. John Edwards was the main facilitator of the workshop. He stressed the importance of progressive Zoning Approaches to the FMD control in the South East Asia Region. Dr Masao Sasaki, Senier Adviser of Thai-JICA project from Japan International Cooperation Agency, also presented the project support of its agency to the ASEAN countries including Myanmar. The states and divisions responsible personnel from the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Departent discussed various pattern of animal movement within thier own regions with assessment of the degree of risk spreading the disease across the border. The workshop continues tomorrow.

YANGON, 5 Jan- The opening of Special Refresher Course No-4 for University and College Teachers was held at the Nawarat Hall of Central Institute of Civil Service (Phaunggyi) in Hlegu Township, Yangon Division, this morning with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

In his address, the Prime Minister said that nurturing the new generation youths who will take shape the future of the State to be equipped with academic spiritual and social powers is a prime task for the State and it is a national need in order to see that the Union of Myanmar to stand tall in international community.

To fulfil the need, the role of basic education teachers and university and college teachers who have been nurturing the students from primary level to graduates level is very important, he said.

The teachers who are nurturing the students in accord with the needs of the State must fully digest the objective conditions of the State, prospects of the State, and educational goal of the State, and in this way, they will be able to perform their national duties in the education sector energetically, he noted. Therefore, the government has opened refresher courses, three times for university and college teachers and 54 times for basic education teachers.

With the concept that human resource with high calibre and human resource that is needed in the respective regions must be nurtured in various regions of the Union, 154 universities and colleges have been opened the length and breadth of the nation. As there are new university and college teachers and those who have been promoted to higher ranks, refresher courses for university and college teachers have been opened again.

In this 21st century, science and technology develop with rapid momentum without stopping in their respective fields but penetrate into and overwhelm other sectors such as politics, economy, social, defence and culture and create interchanges. At such a time like this, academicians cannot bury themselves in their own fields.

Moreover, only human resource with high qualification can brave the challenges of today's world and face future challenges and serve the interests of the State and the people.

The Prime Minister also spoke of the need for teachers not to lose sight of scientific and technological development in international sphere. Realizing the prospect and goal of the State, teachers must lend themselves with their academic skill to realization of national objectives.

With this concept, the teachers are to nurture their students, he said.

With the aim of promoting science and technology in such development sectors as economic, social and defence fields, uplifting the education standard of the entire nation and emerging good foundations for education that emphasizes on constant learning, the government is implementing national education promotion plans, he elaborated.

As regards national plan in the higher education sector, he said, the National Education Promotion Special 4-year Plan (2000-2001 to 2003-2004) is being implemented in the higher education sector by linking the basic education sector with the higher education sector. The plan has been implemented in the third phase of education promotion programme which has been accelerated year by year in the basic education sector.

Under the National Education Promotion Special 4-year Plan, modern teaching facilities based on computer science and electronic technology have been installed, laboratories, research departments and e-libraries established in universities and colleges for the students to reach the international standard.

Especially, e-learning centres and resource centres that used satellite communication system based on modern information and communication technology were systematically established. e-Education system was first launched on 1 January 2001.

In 2001-2002 fiscal year, the Head of State gave guidance on implementation of the 30-year long-term plan on education, health and social sectors for future national interest in line with economic plans on agricultural, industrial, mineral and energy sectors. Therefore, the 30-year education plan linking the activities of the second year of special four-year national education promotion project was undertaken, he said.

There were only 32 universities and colleges in 1988 and there are now 154 universities and colleges due to the government's encouragement to the education sector. Efforts for promotion of human resource development are being made with greater momentum.

He said the regions that lagged behind in development were designated as special development regions and universities and colleges were opened there. Therefore, new generation youths there got opportunities to learn higher education.

Better foundations on education that can realize Myanma Education Vision "to create an education system that can generate a learning society capable of facing the challenges of the Knowledge Age" have emerged in the whole education sector, he said. He said Myanmar ICT Park and Mandalay ICT Park, infrastructures for information and communication technology were established in Lower and Upper Myanmar. Various information and communication technologies can widely be used in learning of higher education and education management system. This is the huge basic foundation for realization of the Myanma Education Vision, he added.

In Myanmar there are 455 e-learning centres using electronic data broadcasting system, 44 centres using V-SAT system, 11 centres using fibre optic network, 20 centres using iPSTAR broadband system, 630 centres consisting of 100 basic education schools linking the Internet and seven centres where video conferencing can be held make use of wireless communication system. Anyone can enjoy opportunity of leaning at any time in their respective regions because of ICT network throughout the country. Between 2000-2001 and 2003-2004 fiscal years, about 300,000 people got opportunity to learn their studies at home through ICT, saving travelling and living expenses of over K 4,430 million.

Database on educational information and management was established and homepage on higher education is uploaded on the Internet. It is very convenient and easy for managers and those wishing to seek knowledge.

At a time when the better foundations for gaining science and technologies of international standard and highly-qualified human resource, faculty members of universities and colleges are to train their pupils to raise their education standard and teach them morale, social ethics and responsibilities in accord with the State's education objectives.

In making efforts to bring more dignity to the nation and national people in international community, it is needed to train today's youths to be endowed with modern technical know-how and to have national spirit and patriotism. It is a must to nurture them to become intellectuals and intelligentsia who will serve the nation's interest with their knowledge and wisdom. Teachers are to train new generation students to become noble-minded intellectuals and intelligentsia with high morality who cherish social norms and value national spirit and national reconsolidation and Union Spirit so that the Union will make progress more in future. Nowadays, the government has already laid down and is implementing the seven-point future political programme to strengthen the long-existing firm national reconsolidation, to preserve the independence and sovereignty and to build good infrastructures for stability of the nation.

To successfully implement the seven-point future political programme that will shape the future of the national people, national people's active participation and support with full national spirit are needed.

Teachers together with students and the public, knowing the international affairs and the true situation of the nation, the tradition, culture and future prospects of the nation, are to realize that the seven-point future political programme is the correct national path and to organize all to actively take part in the tasks.

Especially, all teachers, viewing the international incidents with national awareness, are to lead students and the public to have a wide range of knowledge to be able to safeguard the national interests, aware of the intention of instigation and avoid it. In addition, teachers at universities and colleges, realizing the role of new generation youths which is importance for perpetuation of the Union and to stand tall among international community, are to nurture student youths to follow the correct national path in accord with national objectives.

In conclusion, he urged all, - to participate in the tasks with firm national spirit for successful implementation of the seven-point future political programme for emergence of modern, discipline-flourishing democratic nation - to strive for producing the outstanding intellectuals and intelligentsia continuously who will safeguard the modern and developed nation with national spirit and Union Spirit, - to unitedly strive for successful implementation of national education programmes in accord with the Myanma education motto "building the modern and developed nation through education", and - to earnestly study, discuss and keep in mind the nation's situation, the international affairs and other political, economic and social affairs to be conducted at this course.

After the opening ceremony, Myanmar Education Committee Chairman Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt greeted trainee university/college teachers and left there at 10 am.

Altogether 1,490 teachers from universities and colleges are attending the one-month course.

YANGON, 5 Jan - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt attended the dinner hosted in honour of the Myanma motion picture Academy Award winners for 2002 awarded by Myanma Motion Picture Asiayon held on the lawns in front of Myama Motion Picture Museum of Myanma Motion Picture Asiayon on Wingaba Street in Bahan Township, here, this evening.

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, Yangon Division PDC Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, the Yangon mayor, deputy ministers, officials from the SPDC Office, departmental heads, patrons of MMPA, president and executives, Academy Award winner artistes, members of MMPA and invited guests.

The Prime Minister was welcomed there by the patrons, the president and executives of MMPA and artistes.

MMPA President U Sein Tin explained the purposes of the ceremony. He presented honorary gifts to Best Music Award winner Gitalulin U Ko Ko, Best Sound Award winner Po Htaung, Best Cinematography Award winner Kyaukpyu (Padetha) and Best Music Award winner to Khin Maung Gyi; Vice-President-1 U Myint Naing to Best Director Award winner Bagyi Soe Moe, Best Supporting Actor Award winner Nyunt Win, Best Actress Award winner Khin Zarchi Kyaw, Best Scriptwriter Award winner Nyein Min and Best Film Editing Award winner Zaw Min (Hanthamye); Vice-President-2 U Hla Myo (A-1 Maung Hla Myo) to Best Director Award winner Kyi Soe Tun, Best Actor Award winner Lu Min, Best Supporting Actress Award winner May Than Nu, Film Producers Daw San San Swe (Kyetagun film production) and Academy Daw Myint Myint Khaing (Sein Wa Ni film production).

On behalf of Academy Award winners, Lu Min and May Than Nu spoke words of thanks and the ceremony came to an end.

Ministry of Transport computer course concludes

YANGON, 5 Jan - The closing of the basic computer course No 5/2003 of the Ministry of Transport was held in conjunction with the opening of the basic computer course No 1/2004 at the meeting hall of the Myanma Shipyards on Bayintnaung Road this morning.

Present on the occasion were Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Deputy Ministers U Pe Than and Col Nyan Tun Aung, Officer on Special Duty Brig-Gen Myo Tin, departmental heads, and officials.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said according to the functional nature of the ministry, there are many processes in which modern communication systems are used to contact foreign nations. The Government is making huge investment in the promotion of the national education programme. The courses are being conducted with the aim of sharpening the abilities of the staff, he said. Next, the deputy ministers and Brig-Gen Myo Tin presented course comple-tion certificates to trainees of the course No 5/2003.

YANGON, 5 Jan - The Internal Revenue Department held its work coordination meeting for the 2003-2004 fiscal year at the meeting hall this afternoon, with an address by Maj-Gen Hla Tun, Minister for Finance and Revenue.

It was attended by Deputy Minister Col Hla Thein Swe, Director-General of the IRD U Win Naing, departmental heads and officials.

In his speech, the minister urged the departments to keep high the efficiency of their employees. He also spoke of the need to serve the interest of the country.

The meeting continues tomorrow.

YANGON, 5 Jan - Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein and officials, inspected the Yeku Transmitter in Mayangon Township this morning.

At the meeting hall of the station, officials and engineers reported on the location and area of the station, the launching of radio programmes, condition of the machinery, security measures, and fire prevention measures.

After hearing the reports, the minister gave instructions on smooth operation of the machinery, the keeping of the surrounding areas of the station clean, and the taking of fire preventive measures through coordination with officials of the fire services department.

Next, the minister, the deputy minister and officials inspected round the station and left instructions.

146. U Myint Maung Kyaw, Director, Development Affairs Department (Head Office), Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs. 147. U Than Oo, Deputy Director, Border Areas and National Races Development Department (Head Office), Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs. 148. Maj Soe Tint, Deputy Director, State/Region Development Supervisory Office, Myitkyina, Border Areas and National Races Development Department, Ministry for PBANRDA. 149. Capt Aung Tin Kyaw, Assistant Director, State/Region Development Supervisory Office, Myitkyina, Border Areas and National Races Development Department, Ministry for PBANRDA. 150. U Soe San, Principal, Border Areas and National Races Development Training School, Loikaw, Ministry for PBANRDA. 151. U Than Aung, headmaster, Border Area Youths Development Training School, Layshi, Ministry for PBANRDA. 152. Daw Than Than Lwin, principal of Women's training school of domestic science, Yay, Ministry for PBANRDA. 153. U Hla Myo, Deputy Director, Lashio Township Development Affairs Committee, the Ministry for PBANRDA. 154. Daw Cho Cho Khin, senior engineer, Myingyan Township Development Affairs Committee. 155. U Saw Tun, manager, Myanma Five Star Line, Ministry of Transport. 156. U Tun Aye, captain (coastal vessel), Myanma Five Star Line, Ministry of Transport. 157. U Thiha, captain (coastal vessel), Myanma Five Star Line, Ministry of Transport. 158. U Ko Ko Maung, captain (coastal vessel), Myanma Five Star Line, Ministry of Transport. 159. U Ko Ko Aung, chief engineer (sea-going) Myanma Five Star Line, Ministry of Transport. 160. U David Grendall, chief naval officer, Myanma Port Authority, Ministry of Transport. 161. U Tin Htut, tutor, Institute of Marine Technology, Ministry of Transport. 162. U Aung Soe, assistant manager, Myanma Airways, Ministry of Transport. 163. U Tun Tun, second officer, Myanma Port Authority, Ministry of Transport. 164. Daw Than Than Nwe, manager, Myanma Five Star Line, Ministry of Transport. 165. U Myat Thura, Director (admin), Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture. 166. U Sein Win, Director (production), Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture. 167. Daw Khin Kywe Oo, Professor (Myanmarsar), University of Culture (Yangon), Ministry of Culture. 168. Daw Aye Aye Nwe, Professor (History), University of Culture (Yangon), Ministry of Culture. 169. Daw Khin Kyi Pya, Professor (admin), University of Culture (Yangon), Ministry of Culture. 170. U Tin Htwe, deputy general manager, Planning & Training Department, Myanma Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Posts & Telegraphs. 171. U Soe, principal, head-office-based refresher camp, Myanma Telecommunications, Ministry of CPT. 172. U Aye Kyaw, deputy general manager, Myanmar Telecommunications, Ministry of CPT. 173. U San Tin, Head of Office of the Ministry of CPT. 174. U Khin Maung Nyunt, assistant general manager, Myanma Telecommunications, Ministry of CPT. 175. U Zaw Win (Ma-1894), Director, Fire Services Department, Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. 176. U Kyaw Soe (Ma-6943), Director, Fire Services Department, Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. 177. U Mya Thein (Ma-1891), Deputy Director, Fire Services Department, Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. 178. U Win Maung (Ma-0701) Deputy Director, Fire Services Department, Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. 179. U Maung Maung Soe (Ma-0673), Deputy Director, Fire Services Department, Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. 180. U Win Swe, executive engineer (B), Htauksharbin oil field, Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise, Ministry of Energy. 181. U Ye Win, executive engineer (B), Thargyitaung oil field, Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise, Ministry of Energy. 182. U Myint Wai, assistant executive engineer, Indaw oil test well, MOGE, Ministry of Energy. 183. U Ban Chein (0066) deputy assistant director, engineer-in-charge, Myanma Petroleum Products Enterprise, Ministry of Energy. 184. U Shwe Myat Tha, assistant geologist, Technical Development and Cooperation Department, Ministry of Science & Technology. 185. U Aye Ko, assistant geologist, Technical Development and Cooperation Department, Ministry of Science & Technology. 186. U Myint Win, assistant lecturer, Insein GTI, Ministry of Science & Technology. 187. Dr Aye Aye Khaing, demonstrator, Government's technical college, Kyaukse, Ministry of Science & Technology. 188. U Khin Maung Cho, pro-rector, Myeik University, Ministry of Education. 189. U Sein Myint, Director (admin), No 1 Basic Education Department, Ministry of Education. 190. U Aye Thein, Director, No 2 Basic Education Department, Ministry of Education. 191. U Hla Aung, Director, No 2 Basic Education Department, Ministry of Education. 192. U Kyaw Hoe, Director, No 3 Basic Education Department, Ministry of Education. 193. Daw Mya Mya Kyi, principal, Taunggyi Education College, Ministry of Education. 194. U Hla Than, retired Education Officer, Ministry of Education. 195. Daw Khin Myo Myint, Education Officer, Ministry of Education. 196. U Tin Win, Myanmar Educational Research Bureau, Ministry of Education. 197. Daw Myint Myint, assistant secretary, Myanmar Board of Examination, Ministry of Education. 198. U Khin Maung Sein, assistant secretary, Myanmar Board of Examination, Ministry of Education. 199. Daw Htwa Tin, Township Education Officer, Pyay, Bago Division (West), Ministry of Education. 200. Daw Tin Aye Hsint, Principal, No 2 Basic Education High School, Kamayut Township, Ministry of Education. 201. U Kyaw Soe Myint, Director, Sports and Physical Education Department, Ministry of Sports. 202. U Than Zaw, Director, Sports and Physical Education Department, Ministry of Sports. 203. U Zaw Lin, Director, Sports and Physical Education Department, Ministry of Sports. 204. U Nyan Tun, Director, Sports and Physical Education Department, Ministry of Sports. 205. U Maung Win, Director, Sports and Physical Education Department, Ministry of Sports. 206. U Tin Win, Deputy Director, Sports and Physical Education Department, Ministry of Sports. 207. Dr Sein Win, Director (Research /Development), Traditional Medicine Department, Ministry of Health. 208. U Khin Maung Win, Director, Traditional Medicine Department, Ministry of Health. 209. BC 16521, Lt-Col Kyaw Phyo, Chairman, Kawthoung District Peace and Development Council, Taninthayi Division. 210. BC 21380, Maj Aung Zaw Latt, Chairman, Namhkam Township Peace and Development Council, Shan State (North). 211. Maj Chit Myaing, Secretary, Maubin District Peace and Development Council, Ayeyawady Division. 212. U Ta Lote Gyi, Chairman, Pauktangyi Village-tract Peace and Development Council, Hinthada Township, Ayeyawady Division. 213. U Myint Ko, Chairman, Kyontwan Village-tract Peace and Development Council, Hinthada Township, Ayeyawady Division. 214. U Hla Myint, Chairman, Layeintan Village-tract Peace and Development Council, Dedaye Township, Ayeyawady Division.

1. U Win Myint, President, Union of Myanmar Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Commerce. 2. U Sein Tun, President, Myanmar Rowing Federation, Ministry of Sports. 3. U Tin Han, Chief Coach, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports. 4. U Khin Zaw (Kaythipan), Film director. 5. U Shwe Nan Tin, Cultrual Theatre, Nanshe Ward, Mandalay. 6. U Ye Dwe, Building T-1, Room 101, Thumingala Housing Estate, Nanwingon Ward, Thangangyun Township. 7. A1 U Soe Myint, No 33 Sittathukha Road, Kyaukmyaung, Tamway Township. 8. Harp U Thein Han (Pyapon Thein Han Gyi), 365-B, Shwehninsi Kyaung Street, 8 1/2th mile, Mayangon Township. 9. Saing U Sein Hla Myaing, No 41 Bo Ottama Road, Kyimyindine Township. 10. U Mya Gyi (Oboe), Building 18/room 3, Wailuwun Housing Estate, Sangyoung Township. 11. U Tun Shwe (Singer), No 1426, Kyanmaryay Hospital Road, Ward-1, Htuparyon, Thakayta Township. 12. U Min Naung, No 218, Dhammathukha Kyaung Road, Ward-13, Thaming Post Office, Hline Township, Yangon. 13. U Maung Maung Gyi, Building H, Room 304, Second Floor, Manawhari Yeiktha, No 47 Baho Road, Ahlon Township. 14. U Lay Nyunt, No 84, Min Road, Maubin. 15. U Maung Maung Latt, Building 68, Room 5, AFPFL Quarter, Mingalar Taungnyunt Township, Yangon. 16. Daw Tin Aye (Htar), No 9, Nawaday Road, Mayangon Township. 17. Daw Nwe Nwe San, Building 80, Room 1, Pawhsanmhwe Road, Thuwunna, Thingangyun Township. 18. Daw Amar Sein, No 152, 34th Street, Yangon. 19. Daw San Shar Tin, 42/9-B-3, New University Avenue Road, Yangon. 20. U Myint Thein, No 1339, Bogyoke 3rd Road, Banyadhala Ward, Dalla Township, Yangon. 21. U Tin Maung Myint, No 641 Min Zeti 1st Lane, Ywama (West) Ward, Insein Township, Yangon Division. 22. U Win Myint, near Bawga Bala Rice Mill, Watkway Ward, Myitnge, Mandalay Division. 23. U Khin Soe, Security, No 4 Basic Education Middle School, Ward-2 Mayangon Township, Ministry of Education. 24. U Min Khaing Than, Junior Assistant Teacher, BEHS, Kamawat, Mudon Township, Ministry of Education. 25. U Nyunt Wai, Deputy Supervisor, No 1 Saw Mill, Ministry of Forestry. 26. U Saing Myint Aye (Retd, Defence Services), No 203, Mya Thandar Ward, Wuntho, Sagaing Division. 27. U Mya Maung (Retd, Myanma Electric Power Enterprise), No 365, Lower Kyimyindine Road, Saw Yan Paing North Ward, Ahlon Township, Yangon Division. 28. U Sein Than, technician 4, Sarpay Beikman Press, Printing and Publishing Enterprise, Ministry of Information. 29. Daw Than Than Nwe, Auditor, Auditor-General's Office. 30. U Tin Aye (Retd), 24/20 Yanpyay East 5th Street, Ward 2 (South), Thakayta Township, Yangon Division. 31. U Myint Aung (a) Myo Myint Maung, Staff Officer (Admin) Bureau of Special Investigation, Ministry of Home Affairs. 32. U Soe Myint, Deputy Supervisor, Passengers Transportation, No 8 Line, Road Administration Department, Ministry of Rail Transportation. 33. U San Oo, (Technician, Production), No 2 Machine and Machine Tool Factory (Yangon), Workshop 1, Ministry of Industry-2. 34. Air/18849 Sergeant Nyan Win, Computer Division, Office of Commander-in-Chief (Air), Ministry of Defence. 35. Army/299432 WO I Tun Min, Defence Services Records Office, Ministry of Defence. 36. U Myint Than, No 25, Pyithaya Street, Ward 19, Dagon Myothit (South). 37. U Soe Shein, Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association, No 337, Hlawga Street, Ward 54, Dagon Myothit (South), Yangon Division. 38. U Myint Tun, Sa La Ka 32065, Junior Engineer 2 (Electrical), Yangon West District Public Works, Ministry of Construction. 39. U Than Kyaing, Foreman, Engineering Section, No 2 Plywood Factory, Ministry of Forestry. 40. U Kan Nyunt, Records Keeper, Education Planning and Training Department, Ministry of Education. 41. U Thein Shwe, Laundery 4, President's Office. 42. U Tin Hla, Driver, 7/10/217 (Kha), Shwe Wah Phu Park, Shwepyitha, Yangon Division. 43. U Win Myint, Technician 5, No 1 Furniture Factory, Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Forestry. 44. U Kyaw Tun, Division Education Officer (Examination) (Retd), No 2 Basic Education Department, Ministry of Education. 45. U Khin Maung Shwe, Assistant Engineer (Electrical), Mandalay General Hospital, Ministry of Health. 46. U Cittara (a) U Ye Hsu, Monk, Maha Weikzaydaya Kyaungtaik, Phayalan Ward, Kawhmu, Yangon Division. 47. U Tin Win, No 754, Ponnami Street, Ward 88, Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township, Yangon Division. 48. U Myint Swe, Technician 1, Myanma Agriculture Service, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. 49. U Tun Myint, Supervisor, Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Forestry. 50. U Tin Myint, Welding 5, Myitnge Carriage and Wagon Shed, Ministry of Rail Transportation 51. U Kyi Lin, Supervisor (Security), Yangon Technological University, Ministry of Science and Technology 52. U Saw Aung, Technician 3, Sagaing Textile Factory No 1, Ministry of Industry-1 53. U Thein Han, Assistant Supervisor, Myanma Agriculture Service, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation 54. U Win Htay, Technician 5, No 1 Furniture Factory, Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Forestry

1. U Aye Ko, Sculpture Technician-1, Myanma Gems Enterprise, Ministry of Mines 2. U Nyunt Aye, Sculpture Technician-1, Myanma Gems Enterprise, Ministry of Mines 3. U Kyi Lwin, Coach, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports 4. U Tun Tin Aung, Coach, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports 5. Maung Tun Tun Lin, Selected Myanmar Athlete, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports 6. Maung Soe Paing Phyo, Selected Myanmar Athlete, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports 7. Maung Han Win Aung, Selected Myanmar Athlete, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports 8. Maung Zaw Htet Aung, Selected Myanmar Athlete, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports 9. Maung Nyan Lin Kyaw, Selected Myanmar Athlete, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports 10. Maung Paw Tun Kyaw, Selected Myanmar Athlete, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports 11. Maung Kyaw Zeya Min, Selected Myanmar Athlete, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports 12. Maung Min Min Tun, Selected Myanmar Athlete, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports 13. Maung Tun Tun Win, Selected Myanmar Athlete, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports 14. Maung Bo Bo Aung, Selected Myanmar Athlete, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports 15. Maung Kyaw Kyaw Soe, Selected Myanmar Athlete, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports 16. Maung Myo Min Tun, Selected Myanmar Athlete, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports 17. Maung Tun Min Oo, Selected Myanmar Athlete, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports 18. Maung Kyaw Zin Win, Selected Myanmar Athlete, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports 19. Maung Sithu Win, Selected Myanmar Athlete, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports 20. Maung Naing Win, Selected Myanmar Athlete, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports 21. Maung Aung Zaw Myo, Selected Myanmar Athlete, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports 22. Maung Marla, Selected Myanmar Athlete, Myanmar Football Federation, Ministry of Sports 23. Ma Yin Yin Khaing, Athlete, Myanmar Track and Field Federation, Ministry of Sports 24. Maung Ha Hone, Athlete, Myanmar Wushu Federation, Ministry of Sports 25. Ma Mya Sandar Oo, Athlete, Myanmar Weightlifting Federation, Ministry of Sports 26. Ma Cho Cho Win, Athlete, Myanmar Weightlifting Federation, Ministry of Sports 27. Maung Min Zaw Oo, Athlete, Myanmar Body Beauty and Physical Culture Federation, Ministry of Sports 28. Maung Kyuu, Athlete, Myanmar Shooting Federation, Ministry of Sports 29. Maung Kan Shwe, Athlete, Myanmar Rowing Federation, Ministry of Sports 30. Maung Phone Myint Tezar, Athlete, Myanmar Rowing Federation, Ministry of Sports 31. Maung Aung Kyaw Moe, Athlete, Myanmar Rowing Federation, Ministry of Sports 32. Maung Khin Maung Myint, Athlete, Myanmar Rowing Federation, Ministry of Sports 33. Maung Yan Paing, Athlete, Myanmar Rowing Federation, Ministry of Sports 34. Maung Myo Zaw, Athlete, Myanmar Rowing Federation, Ministry of Sports 35. Ma Khin Mar Oo, Athlete, Myanmar Rowing Federation, Ministry of Sports 36. Ma Thein Htay Win, Athlete, Myanmar Rowing Federation, Ministry of Sports 37. Ma Naw Ar Lela Shi, Athlete, Myanmar Rowing Federation, Ministry of Sports 38. Ma Khin Mar Thin, Athlete, Myanmar Rowing Federation, Ministry of Sports 39. Maung Saw Khay Sha, Athlete, Myanmar Rowing Federation, Ministry of Sports 40. Maung Aung Lin, Athlete, Myanmar Rowing Federation, Ministry of Sports

(To be continued)

YANGON, 5 Jan-The Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control held its meeting 1/2004 at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Home Affairs this afternoon.

It was attended by Chairman of CCDAC Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint, Chairmen of the Working Committee deputy ministers, guests and others.

Reviewing measures taken by the CCDAC and the Working Committee in 2003, CCDAC Chairman Minister Col Tin Hlaing said that steps were taken with added momentum for cultivation of poppy-substitute crops in 2003 under the 15-year narcotic drugs eradication plans and the New Destiny Project, adding in the process, altogether 8,221 baskets of seeds of high yield paddy, maize, wheat and gram, 395,756 kilos of seeds of hybrid paddy and maize, edible oil crops and vegetables, and 13,656 viss of seeds of kitchen crops were distributed; that 1616.6 tons of fertilizer, 765.5 litres of pesticide and 80 kilos of pesticide powder were distributed for 559,323 perennial plants; that 2175.5 acres of model cultivation plots, 76.5 acres of pilot cultivation plots were under taken and 6,017 acres of land were reclaimed for cultivation of poppy-substitute crops; that 19,473 acres of monsoon crops were cultivated in 2003-2004 against the targeted acres of 19,327, accounting for 101 per cent; that 4,993 acres of winter crops were cultivated up to 30 November against the targeted acres of 10,570, representing 47 per cent; that cultivation of monsoon crops and winter crops was completed 82 per cent.

In the livestock breeding sector, vaccines and treatment were given to animals in villages of the project area in 2003 and pedigree pigs were distributed to Mongpyin and Lweyon region, Monghsat and Mongtung townships in Shan State (East), Kunhein and Homein region, Pangsan of Wa region, Namtit, Mongmaw, Pangsaing and Dimar region in Shan State (South), spending K 12.5 million disbursed out of the funds of the New Destiny Project; and under the Kokang Region Livestock Breeding Project, milch cows, sheep and poultry were distributed with the funds of the respective ministries and 0.11 million fingerlings distributed by the Fisheries Department in 2003.

In the health care services, the Ministry of Health issued Order No 1/2003 relating to control of drugs and psychotropic substances on 7-3-2003 to ensure the systematic control of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and enable the patients in need of medicines to buy and use medicines easily; that workshop on Order No 1/2003 was held at the auditorium of Myanmar Medical Association, Yangon on 19-9-2003, attended by delegates from State and Division Committees for Drug Abuse Control, heads of State and Division Health Departments and specialists of the respective drug control centres.

The educative committee gave lectures to and trained the basic education high school teachers in 40 projected townships in 2003 under the SHAPE project co-sponsored by the Ministry of Education and UNICEF; that the educative course on narcotic drugs for the basic education teachers in Kawthoung and Bokepyin townships was conducted under project for building of Kawthoung District Drug Free Zone and altogether 5,500 students were given lectures on scourage of drugs, AIDS, stimulant tablets and tobacco. Similarly, the drug educative course was opened in Mandalay, attended by the basic education teachers from three townships in Mandalay Division and altogether 55,188 students were given educative lectures by the teachers who had completed the course as a result.

Likewise, the rehabilitation committee was able to carry out the tasks at the rehabilitation centres't on a regular basis in 2003 and opened the Tachilek rehabilitation centre on 9 January 2003 under the Project for building of drug free zone in border areas; that the educative lectures were given to 25 members of the Tachilek District Anti-Drug Association. The working committee for giving education to the public carried out the media task relating to activities on control of drug and education through Myanma Television, Myawady Television, MRTV-3, Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise, News and Periodicals Enterprise, Printing and Publishing Enterprise and Information and Public Relations Department; that three video plays on control of drugs and HIV/AIDS were taped and screened in 2003.

Under the New Destiny project, the government distributed 6,000 bags of rice and 150 bags of salt to the farmers who quitted cultivation of poppy in Lashio and Laukkai regions of Shan State (North) in 2003 to fulfil their food, shelter and clothing needs; that the four deputy ministers who made the field trips to the respective regions themselves handed over the funds necessary out of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races to the farmers. Likewise, under the arrangement of WFP and NGOs such as World Vision Care and ADRA, 760 tons of rice worth US$ 186,000 were distributed to the farmers who are no longer engaged in poppy cultivation in Kokang Special Region-1, Shan State (North) in October and November 2003; that the ceremony to donate 760 tons of rice was held at the Drug Elimination Museum in Laukkai, Kokang region on 15-11-2003 and the donation reflects that the international communities acknowledged Myanmar's efforts for eradication of drugs and provided necessary assistance.

In addition, the State Peace and Development Council enacted the Money Laundering Law on 17 June 2002 under the Law No 6/2002; that the Ministry of Home Affairs issued the Control of Money Laundering Rules under the Notification No 1/2003 and at the same time, the investigation body was formed and assigned duties to conduct investigation into the money laundering on Asia Wealth Bank and Myanmar Mayflower Bank in Myanmar.

He said after the announcement of rules on money laundering worries arose among the people and monetary organizations. In connection with this, a press conference was held to deter making profits by unscrupulous elements spreading rumours.

Minister Col Tin Hlaing went on to say that CCDAC actively participated in narcotic drugs control in cooperation with ASEAN countries and other countries including China and India in 2003. As a result, Myanmar was chosen as a member of Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). Myanmar delegation attended the 46th ministerial level meeting of CND held in Vienna, Austria from 8 to 17 April 2003. The commission agreed to choose Myanmar as a member of CND at the meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific held on 29 April. The choice of Myanmar as CND member was the first in the founding of CND since 1946. Myanmar will perform duties for four years from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2007. He said altogether 109 Myanmar delegates attended the conferences on narcotic drugs control held in foreign countries five times, seminars four times, meetings 11 times, training courses four times, workshops seven times and made study tours three times.

He said international meetings included the ministerial level meeting on narcotic drugs control of Myanmar, China, India, Thailand and Laos held in Thailand from 22 to 26 July 2003 and MoU ministerial level meeting and senior officials meeting of six countries held in Vietnam from 22 to 25 September 2003.

In 2003 Myanmar hosted the 24th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Drug Matters (ASOD) from 14 to 15 October. The meeting of ACCORD work group for ASEAN-China cooperation in anti-narcotic drugs was held on 16 October. After the meetings arrangements were made for the delegates to observe narcotic drugs control and regional development tasks in Myanmar-China border areas in Shan State (North).

The eighth Myanmar-Thailand law enforcement officials meeting was held in Taunggyi from 10 to 11 November 2003. Resolutions on cultivation of opium substitute crops, cooperation in control and exchange of information were passed. Yaungkha Model Village construction project was successfully implemented in Shan State (East). Moreover, the 16-bed hospital was opened on 26 December.

Similarly, the second senior officials meeting on narcotic drugs control between Myanmar and China was held in Tachilek on 26 November 2003. The meeting discussed exchange of news of seizures of narcotic drugs, conducting courses, purchase of products of opium substitute crops by China, sending of follow-up news of Myanmar citizens who are arrested in connection with narcotic drugs cases in China and assistance from China. China was pleased to see Myanmar's efforts for narcotic drugs control and provided 500,000 yuan and handed over two vehicles for use in narcotic drugs control in Chinshwe-haw. Myanmar has handed over 22 culprits who were wanted in China for their involvement in narcotic drugs since 2001. Myanmar is participating in control of paraphernalia in cooperation with India, China, Laos and Thailand. The meeting on control of paraphernalia of Myan-mar, China and India was held in Yangon and the meeting agreed to enhance control of carrying illegal paraphernalia through border areas.

Myanmar conducted opium yield survey beginning 1996 in cooperation with the US. As a result, cultivation and production of opium decreased. Poppy cultivation in Myanmar dropped by 26 per cent from 105,000 hectares in 2001 to 77,700 hectares in 2002. Poppy cultivation also decreased by 39 per cent to 47,134 hactares in 2003. Poppy production was 630 tons in 2002 and 484 tons in 2003. According to the ground data collection of poppy cultivation conducted in cooperation with UNODC poppy cultivation was 81,400 hactares in 2002 and 62,200 hactares in 2003. This indicates 24 per cent decrease in poppy cultivation. Poppy production decreased from 828 tons to 810 tons. This shows that poppy cultivation and production in Myanmar is decreasing, according to the results of opium yield survey conducted in cooperation with the US and UNODC.

Poppy growing ground data collection will be made in cooperation with UNODC this year to expose illegal poppy plantations in 18 townships in Taunggyi zone of Shan State (South), nine townships in Kengtung zone of Shan State (East), six townships in Lashio zone of Shan State (North), 6 townships in Wa special region, and other Wa targeted zones. Training was provided to members the operation teams in respective zones starting from 1 January. The outcome of endeavours made by the respective work committees of the CCDAC in 2003 was encouraging. The 2003-2004 fiscal year is the last fiscal year of the first 5-year period of the 15-year plan for narcotic drugs eradication. Therefore, efforts are to be made with added momentum to exceed the target of the first 5-year period.

Next, Minister for Labour U Tin Winn also took part in the discussions. He said after drawing up the New Destiny Project for eradication of poppy cultivation, the team made up of four deputy ministers conducted field tour of project areas, giving supervision and attending to the requirements. As a result, the cultivation of poppy was on the decline. However, steps are to be taken to make a plan for a field trip to solve the ongoing problem of stimulant tablets produced with chemicals. Efforts are to be made to render assistance to the establishment of drug rehabilitation centres in Tachilek as well as in Myawady and Kawthoung, and to fulfil the food, clothing and shelter needs of farmers who no longer engage in cultivation of poppy. Care should be taken to obtain precise data concerning the poppy cultivation so as to release correct news. Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint reported on tasks carried out for drug addicts treatment in Tachilek, Myawady and Kawthoung in 2003 and arrangements made for opening a drug addicts treatment centre in Lashio, Kutkai and Muse in Shan State (North).

Later, Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi reported on progress made in the implementation of the resolutions of the CCDAC's meeting No 3/2003 held on 9 October 2003. The chairmen of the work committees of the CCDAC and those present at the meeting also reported on tasks being carried out by their respective work committees and future tasks. Afterwards, the meeting ended with the concluding remarks of the chairman of the CCDAC.