Yangon, 7 Jan - The following is the message of felicitations from President of Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Tran Duc Luong to State Peace and Development Council Chairman of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe on the occasion of the 56th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar.

" On behalf of the State and people of Vietnam and in my own name, I would like to extend to Your Excellency and, through Your Excellency, to the people of Myanmar, our warmest congratulations on the occasion of the 56th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar.

It is our wish that the people of Myanmar will continue to accord further achievements in the course of construction and development of Myanmar into a prosperous country and for the happiness of the Myanmar people.

We are delighted to note that our relations of traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation have achieved new encouraging developments in recent years, thus contributing to the further consolidation of the existing fine relationship between our two countries, for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world over.

Please accept, Your Excellency, my best wishes for your good health, happiness and the assurances of my highest consideration".

Yangon, 7 Jan - The following is the message of felicitations from Prime Minister of Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Phan Van Khai to Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt on the occasion of the 56th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar.

"On behalf of the Government and people of Vietnam, I would like to extend to Your Excellency and, through Your Excellency, to the Government and people of Myanmar, our warmest congratulations on the occasion of the 56th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar.

I am very satisfied at the fine recent developments of the relations of the traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and Myanmar and I firmly believe that, with the common efforts made by our two Governments and peoples, our relationship will be further consolidated and developed on the bilateral basis as well as in the framework of ASEAN, regional and international organisations for the interests of our two peoples and that of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world over.

Please accept, Your Excellency, my best wishes for your good health, happiness and the assurances of my highest consideration".

Yangon, 7 Jan - Border Areas and National Races Development Work Committee Chairman Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received Chairman U Takleh of Shan State Nationalities People's Liberation Organization, Secretary U Chit Maung, CEC member U Sein Win Naung, In-Charge (Regional Development Tasks) U Peter and Deputy In-Charge (Relation and Commerce) U Maung Maung Win at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha here at 4 pm today.

At the meeting, the national race leaders expressed their support for the seven-point future political programme of the State and pledged to take part in the tasks to successfully implement the programme under the leadership of the government. Afterwards, they reported on regional development tasks, road and bridge construction tasks and economic matters.

Yangon, 7 Jan - The National Convention Management Committee held a work coordination meeting in Pyidaungsu Hall at Kyaikkasan Grounds here this morning.

Present were Chairman of the NCMC Maj-Gen Lun Maung, Vice-Chairmen Director of Supply and Transport of the Ministry of Defence Maj-Gen Than Htay and Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, and members of the NCMC and subcommittees.

Chairman of the NCMC Maj-Gen Lun Maung gave a speech.

Chairmen and officials of the Decoration Subcommittee, Invitation and Accomodation Subcommittee, Reception Subcommittee, Entertainment and Welfare Subcommittee, Transport Subcommittee, Information Subcommittee, Health Subcommittee, Financial Subcommittee and Security Subcommittee presented work done and requirements sector-wise.

The chairman and the vice-chairmen gave suggestions, followed by a general round of discussions. The chairman then gave concluding remarks.

Yangon, 7 Jan - Management Committee for Organizing the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day held a coordination meeting at the meeting hall of the Resistance Park here this afternoon, with an address by the Chairman of the committee Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

Vice-Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint and Brig-Gen Nyan Win, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Hla Shwe, Camp Commandant of the Ministry of Defence Maj-Gen Hla Aung Thein, members of the committee, chairmen and members of the work groups, officials and guests.

Speaking at the meeting, the commander said dutiful performances of the members of the committee and work groups are required to hold the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day on a grand scale in accord with the objectives - to strive hand in hand with the people for successful realization of the State's seven-point policy programme; to crush internal and external destructive elements hindering the stability and progress of the State through people's militia strategy; to implement border area development tasks and the five rural development tasks hand in hand with the entire people; and to build up a strong and efficient Tatmadaw to uphold 'Our Three Main National Causes'.

They will have to make harmonious efforts sector-wise for the soldiers of the parade columns to march with full energy and high spirit, so that the ceremony will help raise the dignity of the nation. Heads of the administrative camps should make preparations for the convenience of the soldiers of the parade columns during their stay at the hostels. They will have to look into the requirements to ensure that every sector is in accord with hygienic conditions.

Secretary of the committee Staff Officers (Grade-1) of Yangon Command Lt-Col Min Naing explained the minutes of the previous meeting and accomplishments.

Chairman of the Parade Work Committee Maj-Gen Win Myint, chairmen of the other work groups and officials presented progress of work and future programmes. Officials of the Myanmar Police Force, Fire Services, Myanmar Red Cross Society and departments also gave suggestions, followed by a general round of discussions. The commander looked into the requirements.

Yangon, 7 Jan - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected the livestock breeding farms of the command today and gave necessary instructions.

First, the commander arrived at No 1 Livestock Breeding Farm in Sawbwagyigon, Insein Township, at 2.30 pm. In-charge of the farm Maj Soe Myint Aung reported to the commander on breeding, production and incubation of broilers at the briefing hall of the farm. Next, Secretary Lt-Col Thein Sint of the Yangon Command Leading Committee for Agriculture and Livestock Breeding briefed the commander on agriculture and livestock breeding tasks being carried out in the command.

After hearing the reports, the commander gave instructions on taking measures to fulfil the meat and fish requirement of the people in Yangon.

Afterwards, the commander inspected the briquette factory and incubators in the farm and gave instruction on systematic breeding of broilers and cultivation of vegetables.

Next, the commander inspected Tai Shwegon vegetables, meat and fish shop of the command in Sawbwagyigon and gave necessary instructions.

Later, the commander proceeded to the main fish breeding pond of the command in Mingaladon Township. In-charge of the ponds Maj Thet Hlaing reported to the commander on breeding and hatching of fish, breeding of pigs and layers. The commander then fulfilled the requirements. Afterwards, the commander inspected round the fish breeding ponds and fulfilled the requirements.

Next, the commander inspected the poultry farm of the camp commandant office of the command gave necessary instructions. The command engages in agriculture and livestock breeding tasks systematically and distributes meat, fish, eggs and vegetables to the public through tax-free markets in Yangon.

Yangon, 7 Jan - Yangon City Development Committee Chairman Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, accompanied by officials, inspected the tasks being carried out at the construction project of YCDCÕs Water Treatment Plant in Botahtaung Township this afternoon and gave instructions.

At the briefing hall of the project, the mayor heard reports on tasks being carried out at the project by Dr Tun Than Tun. Next, the mayor attended to the requirements and looked into the project site.

The mayor also inspected the progress of the tarring of the six-lane Strand Road, construction of drains on both sides of the road, and the laying of tiles on the pavement.

Yangon, 7 Jan - Wellwishers donated cash and kind to Myanmar National Women's Affairs Federation at a ceremony held at the hall of Social Welfare Department on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here this morning.

It was attended by Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Chinese Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun and embassy staff, MNWAF President Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Adviser Daw Khin Than Nwe, Vice-Presidents Professor Dr Daw May May Yee, Daw Khin Lay Thet, Daw Than Than Nwe and Daw Khin Khin Win, General Secretary Professor Dr Daw Khin Aye Win, guests and wellwishers. The president of the MNWAF expressed her thanks and presented K 100,000 to the federation through Vice-President Professor Dr Daw May May Yee, who then presented a certificate of honour to her. The adviser presented K 150,000 donated by wives of members of the State Peace and Development Council to the MNWAF president, who then presented a certificate of honour to her.

Next, the Chinese embassy to Myanmar presented five sets of computer and printer worth K 3,530,900; the Ministry of Information, K 300,000; and Myanmar War Veterans Organization, k 500,000.

The MNWAF president accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. Thiha Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Tint Hsan - Dr Htay Htay Nyein of ACE Construction Group presented K 5 million; the leading panel of patrons of Myanmar Women's Sports Federation, K 110,000; Thiri Thudhamma Manijo-tadhara U Nay Win Tun (Chairman, Ruby Dragon and Jade Dragon Co)-Daw Nan Aye Aye Myint and family, K 3 million; (U Maung Maung Nyunt)-Daw Khin Swe Yu (Managing Director, Science & Technology Advisory Group Co Ltd), K 3 million; Thiha Thudhamma Manijotadhara Thiri Thudhamma Manijo-tadhara U Thein Win-Thiha Thudhamma Theingi Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Ni and family (Shwe Than Lwin Co Ltd), K 1 million; Tampawady Co Group Chairman U Maung Maung Lwin-Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Thiha Thudhamma Theingi Daw Sein Sein and family, K 1 million; Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Hse (Ngwe Yadana Co), K 500,000; U Thein Maung-Daw Pa Pa (Sandi Traditional Medicine Enterprise), K 500,090, MNWAF law enforcement work group, K 130,000; and finance and administration work group, K 70,000. Vice-Presidents Daw Khin Lay Thet and Daw Than Than Nwe accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to them. Today's donations amounted to over K 18.8 million.

Yangon, 7 Jan - Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing left here this morning to attend the fourth ASEAN Ministers' meeting on control of transnational crimes and the first ASEAN +3 Minis-ters meeting to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 7 to 10 January 2004.

The minister was seen off at the airport by Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, heads of departments of Myanmar Police Force and departments under the ministry and families.

International Relations

Minister receives Chinese guests

Yangon, 7 Jan - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung received President Ms Fang Fang and party of China National Building Material Equipment Corporation (CBMEC) of the Republic of China at his office here yesterday morning. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, directors-general and managing directors of the departments under the ministry.

Yangon, 7 Jan - Minister for Labour U Tin Winn received Japanese ambassador Mr Yuji Miyamoto at his office here yesterday afternoon. Also present at the call were Director-General U Soe Nyunt of Labour Department and officials.

Yangon, 7 Jan - Acting on information, a combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and the Special Anti-drug Squad searched a farm hut at an estimated map reference (LP-5382), where Sai Pyan, son of U Ho Jian, near Kaungkyan village in Kengtung Township, at 9.30 pm on 31 December. The authorities seized Sai Pyan there and launched another search at the hill slope some 200 yards east of the hut.

The authorities seized one SR brand machine used for producting stimulant tablets, one Bonny brand grinder, one iron tray used for drying stimulant tablets, one scale, 60 packs of chemical powder used for producting stimulant tablets, one gun, and three books.

According to the confessions made by Sai Pyan, the combined team raided his house at Ward 5 in Kengtung and seized one van with licence number plates Ba/524, one Nissan Condor light truck with licence number plates 2kha/1986, one white DT motorcycle with licence number plates 1ya/3547, one Wave brand motorcycle (without licence number plates), and papers related to drug deals. On 1 January 2004, the authorities managed to arrest Sai Shen, Sai Pyan's brother, at his hut near Kaungkyan village.

Their confessions led to the seizure of 20,525 stimulant tablets, 0.1 kilo of amphetamine, 13 packs of chemical powder, 48 kilos of the mixture of amphetamine powder and chemical powder, 0.1 kilo of mixed pink chemical powder, one .22 pistol and five rounds of ammunition, and one magazine. Those seizures were found in a valley some 100 yards south of the hut.

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

Yangon, 7 Jan - A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit, the criminal investigation department and Taunggyi Anti-drug Squad, stopped and searched a passenger bus with number plates Tha/8065 leaving Taunggyi for Mandalay at Kayinmayeht-wet in Sao San Htun, Taunggyi, on 11 April 2003. The authorities discovered 4.407 kilos of raw opium from passenger Tin Soe.

Taunggyi No 2 Police Station filed a lawsuit against Tin Soe, son of U Tun Kyaw of Lonkhin in Phakant under Sections 15/19(a) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

Later on 8 September, Taunggyi District Court handed down 25 years' imprisonment on him under Section 19(a).

In a similar action, a team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Tachilek Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, searched the house of Aik Sai (a) Aik Shen in Tachilek on 25 May 2003. The authorities found Aik Rong in the house together with 1.1 litres of opium oil, 0.06 kilo of opium gel, and 0.024 kilo of opium along with 50 stimulant tablets.

Tachilek Police Station filed a lawsuit against Aik Rong, son of U Aik Sam of Tachilek under Sections 15/19(a)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. Later, Tachilek District Court sentenced him on 20 years' imprisonment under Section 19(a) on 6 October.