YANGON, 9 Jan - Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National

Races Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received Chairman of Kayah State Special Region-1 U Htay Ko and party at the Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyittha here at 4 pm today.

Also present together with Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt were Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Brig-Gen Than Tun, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein, Director-General of the Government Office U Soe Tint, Director-General of Department for Progress of Border Areas and National Races Col Than Swe, Director-General of Health Department Dr Wan Maung and senior military officers of the Office of Chief of Military Intelligence.

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.

The national race leaders also reported matters related to regional development, economy, education and health and construction of roads and bridges.

YANGON, 9 Jan - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, viewed the booths of the Myanma Rice Milling Industry Fair-2004 organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry at Yangon Trade Centre on Upper Pazundaung Road, Mingala Taungnyunt Township, this afternoon.

They were welcomed there by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, deputy ministers, the vice-mayor, departmental heads, members of the leading committee for organizing the fair, the president of the UMFCCI, the chairman of Myanmar Rice Millers Association and executives, experts from the nation and abroad, and entrepreneurs.

The Prime Minister and party inspected the 10-ton rice mill of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading, 10-ton rice mill of Mandalay Industrial Zone, rice reprocessing plant of the Nexus Agricultural Resources Sdn Bhd of Malaysia, 25-ton rice reprocessing plant of Thaung Win Industry, rice milling process booth and rice mill parts production booth of Myanmar Rice Millers Association, quality rollers produced by local and foreign companies, sieves, rice reprocessing machines, paddy threshers, paddy cleaning machines, rice mills, rice mill parts, quality electronic apparatus booth, rice mill spare parts booth and paddy/rice weighing machines booth of Trust & Development Co Ltd, and the booth of the UMFCCI.

Patron of the Leading Committee for Organizing the fair Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone presented a gift to mark the fair to the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister left the fair later in the afternoon.

YANGON, 9 Jan - Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa this afternoon inspected the fire brigade band that will take part in the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade.

The minister was accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, Officer on Special Duty Brig-Gen Thura Sein Thaung and senior officials of the Fire Services.

After viewing the demonstration of the band, he gave suggestions to officials.

Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, heads of department under the ministry, Chairman of MJWA U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), and CEC members, Chairman of the Work Committee for Organizing the Seminar U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin) and committee members, Chairman of Myanmar Artists and Artisans Asiayon (Central) U Thaung Han, Vice-Chairman of Myanmar Publishers Association U Khin Maung Lay (Po Thaukkya) and resource persons and guests.

In his address, Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan said that the Ministry of Information has been holding the paper reading sessions and literary seminars since 1965 for literary development and the present seminar being the 25th. The seminar was held to exchange views among compilers, graphic designers and publishers, he added.

In the course of Myanmar literary history, he said, quality books full of knowledge for the people emerged owing to concerted efforts of the literati and publishers, uplifting the national prestige and integrity. There were literary works worthy of praise in Myanmar literature in the course of history. Therefore, modern printing techniques are needed to be applied for continued development of Myanmar literature.

As Myanmar literature is of high standard with substance and good style of writing, those in the literary world are to make efforts to penetrate the world with Myanmar literary works. At the same time, efforts are also to be made to translate Myanmar literature of high standard into the international languages. The literature of high standard will emerge if publishers, illustrators and graphic designers strive together, applying advanced techniques, he stressed.

For systematic development of publishing industry, he said, efforts are to be made to acquire new ideas and new business partners from seminars, workshops and book fairs held in Asia and other nations to modernize the literary world.

Literature has been able to safeguard the national culture and influence the way of thinking and behaviour of readers. Therefore, efforts are to be made for constantly producing new generation writers.

To be able to keep pace with changes in the world, it is required to recognize and respect intellectual property rights being practised in the world. It is encouraging to see introduction of e-books, he said. He called for efficient use of the new process. These are enough materials for Myanmar literature to penetrate the world, he added.

He expressed his belief that the seminar would create new ideas to contribute to development of publishing work and urged those in the literary and publishing world to serve the interests of the State and the people out of goodwill, making Myanmar literature to penetrate the world.

The MWJA chairman extended greetings.

The chairman of the work committee for the seminar U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin) delivered an introductory speech. Dr Kyaw Sein chaired the seminar together with Daw Khin Khin (Kalya Weikza/Theikpan) and Daw Khin Khin Sein (Yuwady Khin Sein Hlaing).

The chairman introduced those present to the novels and papers included in the writers' sector. Daw Khin Swe Oo and U Myint Kywe (Maung Myint Kywe) read their papers and assessed the discussions of those present.

The seminar continues until 13 January from 1 to 4 pm daily. U Maung Maung Aye (Alingar Wutyi) (poet Maung Haymar) presented K 250,000 for the seminar; Daw Cho Cho Tin (Ma Sandar) and member of Mingala Taungnyunt Township WJA U Kyaw Nyunt (Kyaw Nyunt Yi), K 50,000 each; and U Chit San (Chit San Win)-Daw Maw Maw (Lamin Ein) and Dr Tha Tun Oo (Today Publishing Centre), K 40,000.

YANGON, 9 Jan - Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, together with committee member Col Tin Soe and officials, this morning inspected arrangements for water supply for Hlawga Dam through Ngamoyeik Dam, construction progress of the control tower and intake structure and flow of water through the inflow channel.

Col Tin Soe and engineers reported on daily supply of water for Yangon City and storage of water. The minister gave necessary instructions. He also looked into the recreation camp in Uto Region in Taikkyi Township.

YANGON, 9 Jan - A get-together of doctors who graduated from the Institute of Medicine-1 in 1966-67-68 academic years will be held in conjunction with the ceremony to pay respects to faculty members at the Traders Hotel here at 4 pm on 17 January 2004, it is learnt.

YANGON, 9 Jan - A rural road was opened in Meiktila Township on 4 January hailing the 56th Anniversary Independence Day.

The earth road linking Galon village and Kyaukphyugon village was built by the Township Development Affairs Committee.

Officials formally opened the road.

YANGON, 9 Jan - To hail the 56th Anniversary of Independence Day, a gravel road, 1470 feet long and 12 feet wide, undertaken by Kantbalu Township Development Affairs Committee was opened on 2 January. Some 1500 People including local authorities, departmental staff and members of social organizations attended the opening of the road.

Similarly, No 3 gravel road in Paunglaung Ward-1 was opened on 4 January by Pyinmana Township Development Affairs Committee with 3,000 people in attendance including Col Win Myint and Col Khin Maung Htu of Pyinmana Station. The road is 1302 feet long and 13 feet wide.

Likewise, 1400-ft long and 12-ft wide Nawaday gravel road, undertaken by Kalaw Township Development Affairs Committee, was inaugurated on 3 January. Kalaw Station Commander Brig-Gen Mya Win, officials and locals totalling 2500 attended the opening of the road. Nyaungdon Township Development Affairs Committee opened Sartaik tarred road, 1220 feet long and 12 feet wide, on 3 January.

YANGON, 9 Jan - The 56th Anniversary Independence Day Commemorative Exhibition continued for the seventh day at the Tatmadaw Convention Centre on U Wisara Road today.

Chairman of the Committee for Organizing the 56th Anniversary Independence Day Commemorative Exhibition Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein and departmental heads of departments and enterprises under the Ministry of Information visited the exhibition today.

Pictures and photos depicting the tours of border areas by the Head of State, tasks for development of border areas and national races, international cooperation in elimination of narcotic drugs, six objectives of the development of border areas and opium-substitute agriculture and livestock breeding tasks in border areas were on display at the booth of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs.

At the booth of Uplift of health, fitness and education standards of the entire nation of the Ministry Health, pictures and photos depicting the objectives of the Ministry of Health, three strategies for success of the objectives, 15-point national health policy, development of hospitals and dispensaries, guidance of the Chairman of the National Health Committee, health development projects for rural regions, development of traditional medicine, treatments for cleft lip and palate patients were demonstrated.

Students took great interest in Computer quiz. Book shop of News and Periodicals Enterprise of the Ministry of Information and Sarpay Beikman Book shop are opened at the exhibition.

A total of 4715 people including monks, students and teachers visited the exhibition today. The exhibition will be kept open from 9 am to 5 pm till 11 January. Admission is free.

Yangon, 9 Jan - Resource persons presented suggestions to develop the rice milling methods in Myanmar at the paper reading session of the Myanmar Rice Milling Industry Fair 2004 at Yangon Trade Centre here today.

With the help of audio-visual aids, two Myanmars, a doctorate degree holder from Malaysian and a Japanese from Satake Corporation read papers - Different patterns of rice use in Myanmar; Supply Chain Management; New Concepts in Rice Milling; and Quality promotion of rice mills in Myanmar.

Afterwards, a question and answer session followed.

The paper reading session was opened with the speech delivered by Chairman of the Fair Organizing Leading Committee Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Aung Tun. All interested persons may attend the paper reading session that is being held at the same venue daily from 8:30 am to noon till 11 January.

YANGON, 9 Jan - Sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and organized by Quartz International Co Ltd, Yangon Trade Fair 2004 will be held on a grand scale at Yangon Trade Centre on Pazundaung Road here from 30 January to 2 February.

On display at the fair will be local and foreign cosmetics and consumer goods, textiles, plastic wares, foodstuff, electronics and electrical appliances, construction materials, household utensils, stationery, small machines, traditional medicines and medicines.

YANGON, 9 Jan - A coordiantion meeting of the Invitation and Accommodation Subcommittee for organizing the Fourth World Buddhist Summit took place at the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here at noon today, with an address by Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Minister for Religious Affairs.

Those present at the meeting were Secretary of the work committee for organizing the Fourth World Buddhist Summit Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, department heads, members of the subcommittee, officials and guests.

First Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung addressed the meeting. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko reported on matters related to invitations and accommodation; Director-General of the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Sann Lwin on arrangements being made to send out invitations to attend the summit; Director General of the Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint on discussions with the Japanese group for holding the summit; and Managing Director of Myanma Hotels and Tourism U Htay Aung and Chairman of Myanmar Hotliers' Association Dr Khin Shwe on invitations, reception and accommodation.

Those present also took part in the discussions.

Later, the minister made concluding remarks and the meeting ended.

Yangon, 9 Jan - Chairman of the central committee for all-round renovation of the Shwephonepwint Pagoda in Pazundaung Township Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan met with committee members and discussed the construction of Phayagyi Koesu Stairway this morning. Engineers and Chairman U Ko Ko Gyi of the pagoda board of trustees and members also attended the meeting.

First, the minister paid homage to the pagoda and looked into construction tasks. After paying obeisance and offering lights and water to the Buddha images, the minister inspected the site chosen for construction of the stairway and scale models. He then left necessary instructions there.

YANGON, 9 Jan - A ceremony to donate cash to the medical funds for treatment of innate cleft lip and palate patients organized by Yangon Division Maternal and Child Welfare Supervisory Committee was held at Sanpya Hospital in Thingangyun Township here this morning, attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife Daw Khin Thet Htay, patroness of the supervisory committee.

Also present on the occasion were Commander of No 2 Military Region Brig-Gen Myo Myint, Director-General Dr Wan Maung of the Health Department, local authorities, departmental officials, medical superintendents, member of social organizations and wellwishers.

First, the commander made a speech. Next, the chairperson of the supervisory committee explained the efforts for providing medical treatments free of charge to cleft lip and palate patients.

The commander, the patroness of the supervisory committee, the commander of No 2 military region, the director-general, and the chairman of Yangon Division Maternal and Child Welfare Supervisory Committee accepted K 4,887,500 donated by wellwishers including K 1 million by Central Development Co, K 647,500 by U Zeya Thura Mon and Daw Khine Khine Myint of Gungul Engineering and Fresh Aircon, K 350,000 by U Zaw Zaw Naing of May Khala Co, K 200,000 by Yangon West District Peace and Development Council and Nyeinchanye Bus Line Supervisory Committee, and K 100,000 each by Annawa Marine Product Co, U Annawa of Trade Park Co Ltd, U Hla Thein and group of Kyedaw Ward, North Okkalapa Township Peace and Development Council, U Tin Win of 45th Street, U Aung Aung of Shwe Family, Daw Sein of South Okkalapa Industrial Zone, Dr Zaw Tun of Olympic Construction, Top Star Co, Shwe Gaba Maung Maung Co ltd, Daw Khin Ohn Myint of Pwintphyu Restaurant, Chairman U Kyaw Tint of Thakayta Industrial Zone Supervisory Committee, U Aung Kyi of (GFQ), U Thein Tun of Unicolour Exercise Book, U Sein Hla Win of Thingangyun, Propalties Fish and Prawn Trading, U Nyein and Daw Ohn Kyin of OK Rice Broker House, U Myo Lwin and Daw San San Win and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers.

Next, Daw Khin Thet Htay handed over operation expenses for cleft lip and palate patients and K 300,000 medical funds for hospital to specialists, medical superintendents and officials.

Afterwards, the commander and wife viewed round the cleft lip and palate patients who had undergone surgery and comforted them.

YANGON, 9 Jan - A medical team led by President of the Society of Rehabilitation under Myanmar Medical Association Professor Dr Than Toe will give medical treatments to patients with pain syndromes, hemiplegia, paraplegia and amputees and give educative talks in Hinthada, Ayeyawady Division, on 11 January.

Patients can receive medical treatments at Hinthada People's Hospital from 9 am to 12 noon on that day.

YANGON, 9 Jan - After studying the industrial zones and socio-economy of the locals, a group of students from advanced diploma courses read papers on their finds at the institutions of higher learning in Meiktila and Monywa.

Led by Professor Daw Aye Aye Myint of Yangon Institute of Economics, and accompanied by their supervisor teachers, the students of applied economics diploma course and applied accounting course of the YIE conducted their study tour in Meiktila, Monywa and Mandalay from 29 December 2003 to 1 January 2004.

On 30 December, Tutor Daw Mya Mya Thet of YIE of the group read the paper - The role of Myanmar economic sector - at Meiktila Institute of Economic, in which Pro-Rector U Than Swe of the host institution, faculties and students were the active participants discussing the paper from different points of view.

Ma Khin Nyein Soe, a student of the applied economics diploma course, presented the paper - The economics of the public sector - at Monywa Institute of Economics the next day. Her paper was discussed by Rector of U Aung Myint, teachers and students of the host university. During their tour of Mandalay, Monywa and Meiktila, they also studied the private enterprises in addition to the industries.

YANGON, 9 Jan - Myanmar Royal Academy English Language Centre opens intermediate level English grammar , spoken English, writing and reading, GCE English and medical English courses including special English 3-month and 6-month courses for summer.

Post-Intermediate English, English in business studies, TOEFL English and Chinese speaking courses will be opened in the second week of January.

English grammar, speaking, writing and reading courses at 10 varying levels for basic education students, undergraduates and post-graduates will also be opened at the end of February. Interested persons may contact the language centre at No 57, Ground Floor, 9th Street (Middle), Lanmadaw Township (Ph: 222121).

YANGON, 9 Jan - Myanmar Karatedo Federation is gearing up for conducting a Karatedo coach course No 1/2004 at Aung San Gymnasium here from 20 through 24 January. Executive of MKF U Min Maw and wife Dr Mya Mya Win will sponsor two trainees each from the States and Divisions.

The Karatedo clubs that have joined the MKF and those from the Karatedo teams of ministries may attend the free course. Those wishing to attend the course are to enlist at the MKF (Aung San Gymnasium) by 17 January. Dial 01-379939 for further information.

YANGON, 9 Jan - A combined team comprising members of local Tatmadawmen, members of local intelligence unit, Myanmar Police Force, departmental personnel and local people destroyed 142.7 acres of poppy plantations in the valleys near Bawran Village in Gaungbi Village-tact, Peking Village in Yene Village-tract and Lapinlon Village in Yilonyikan Village-tract from 24 to 29 December 2003. Up to 29 December 2003, a total of 4765.37 acres of poppy plantations have been destroyed.