YANGON, 10 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 the occasion of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar, the Thai people join me in extending our cordial congratulations and best wishes for your personal happiness and well-being as well as for the increasing welfare and prosperity of your country and its people.

On behalf of the people of Bhutan and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to send our warm felicitations and Tashi Delek to Your Excellency and the Government and people of Myanmar on the auspicious occasion of the Independence Day of Myanmar. I would like to take this opportunity to send our best wishes for Your Excellency's personal well-being and happiness as well as for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Myanmar. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest considertaion.

On the occasion of the anniversary of the Union of Myanmar's Independence Day, I am pleased to convey to the people of Myanmar my congratulations and those of the Government and the people of Australia. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

On the occasion of the celebration of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar on 4 January 2004, the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa join me in conveying to the Government and people of the Union of Myanmar warm greetings and congratulations. Allow me to take this opportunity to convey my sincere wishes for the prosperity of the people of Myanmar. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

On the occasion of the Independence Day, I wish to express, in the name of the Italian people and on my own, sincere wishes for the future of the people of Myanmar.

On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar, I extend to you, on behalf of the people of Serbia and Montenegro and in my own behalf, cordial felicitations and best wishes for further prosperity of your country. I take this opportunity to express my conviction that the friendly relations and cooperation between our two countries will continue to develop in the interest of our peoples as well as of strengthening peace and stability in the world. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar, I hereby convey on behalf of the people and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and on my own behalf our cordial felicitations and best wishes for continuous progress, peace and prosperity to the people and Government of the Union of Myanmar. Please permit me, Excellency, to also express my sincere best wishes for your good health and the strength to consolidate unity of your beloved country.

YANGON, 10 Jan - The following is the message of felicitations from foreign Head 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 occasion of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar, I extend to you my sincere felicitations and best wishes for further prosperity of your country. I am convinced that the relations and cooperation between our countries will continue to develop and be promoted in the interest of our friendly peoples. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Prime Minister attends opening of Ziwapala primary health care centre, Dhammapala library in Kwanmoe Dain model village, Kayan Township, Yangon Division

YANGON, 10 Jan - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, accompanied by the ministers, the deputy ministers, the deputy commander, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of departments, left here by car this morning and arrived at Kwanmoe Dain model village in Kayan Township, Yangon Division at 8.30 am.

The Prime Minister and party were welcomed there by the Chairman of Yangon South District Peace and Development Council and members of Thanlyin, Kyauktan, Kayan and Thongwa Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental personnel, social organizations and local people.

A ceremony to open Ziwapala primary health care centre and Dhammapala library in the model village was held at the respective venues, attended by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were the ministers, the deputy ministers, the deputy commander, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, members of district, township and ward/village Peace and Development Councils, departmental personnel, social organizations, wellwishers and local people.

A ceremony to share merits gained for construction of Ziwapala primary health care centre and Dhammapala library was held at the Sasana Jotika Dhammayon in the village at 8.45 am. The ceremony was graced by the attendance of members of the Sangha led by Maha Nayaka Sayadaw of Mandalay Masoeyein Taikthit Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhama Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Rajadhammabhivamsa. The ceremony was opened with the three-time recitation of Namo Tassa.

Next, the congregation received the Five Precepts from Presiding Sayadaw of Nyaungbingwin Kyaung in Kayan Township Bhaddanta Vijaya.

Next, members of the Sangha recited parittas.

Next, the Prime Minister and party and wellwishers presented offertories to members of the Sangha.

After that, Maha Nayaka Sayadaw of Mandalay Masoeyein Taikthit Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhama Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Rajadhammabhivamsa delivered a sermon and the Prime Minister and party and wellwishers shared merits gained.

The merit-sharing ceremony ended with the three time recitation of Buddha Sasanan Ciram Titthatu.

Afterwards, the opening ceremony of Ziwapala primary health care centre was held in front of the centre.

Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Col Wai Lwin and Wellwisher U Ye Tun formally opened the centre.

Next, the Prime Minister unveiled the stone inscription of the centre and sprinkled it with scented water and the ceremony ended. After the ceremony, the Prime Minister and party inspected the health care centre.

Next, the opening ceremony of Dhammapala library in the village was held in front of the library.

Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Chairman of the Township Peace and Development Council U Than Oo and wellwisher U Win Naing formally opened the library and the ceremony ended. After the ceremony, the Prime Minister and party viewed round the library.

Next, the ceremony to hand over the health care centre and library to the departments concerned was held at the hall of Basic Education Middle School (Branch) of the village.

Secretary of Kayan Township USDA U Myint Oo read a message on the health care centre and library of Nayaka Sayadaw of Mandalay Masoeyein Taikthit Bhaddanta Kesarabhivamsa.

Next, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt presented a TV set, video cassette player and computers for No 1 BEHS of Kayan, a TV set, video cassette player and computers for No 2 BEHS of Kayan to the respective school heads.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt presented medical equipment and cash donations for Ziwapala health care centre in Kwanmoe Dain Model Village to the township PDC chairman. Next, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan presented books for Dhammapala Library to the chairman. Afterwards, wellwishers donated K 12.5407 million for Ziwapala health care centre and Dhammapala Library, which was accepted by Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein and Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan.

Chairman U Aye of the committee for construction of the clinic and library and Head of the township Health Department Dr Tin Nwe Kyi presented documents related to the clinic and commemorative pennant to Head of Yangon Division Health Department Dr Hla Myint. Secretary U Myint Swe presented documents related to the library to District IPRD Staff Officer U Tin Maung Aye, who then presented a commenmorative pennant to Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan.

Then, Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan said it is an auspicious day as a clinic and library could be constructed in Kwanmoe Dain Model Village, Kayan township. In present day, the Head of State has been making tours of rural and border regions and fulfilling the needs for the socio-economy of the rural people. He said that efforts are also being made for the development of human resources, which are vital for development of the State. We can see that some nations are standing tall among the world countries because of their advanced human resources although they have only few natural resources. Now it is the time when the Head of State himself is nurturing in all aspects for the development of human resources, he added. Therefore, townselders and student youths are urged to take such good opportunities and strive their utmost for their enhancement of socio-economic life, education and health.

Later, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party arrived at Kayan. The Prime Minister met with members of district and township PDCs, departmental officials and social organizations at Byamaso Hall in Kayan Township.

Kayan Township Chairman U Than Oo reported on extended cultivation of monsoon paddy, pulses and beans and edible oil crops, raising of poultry, fish and prawn, education and health sectors, construction of roads and bridges, and regional development tasks in the township; Thongwa Township Chairman U Khin Maung Aye, on regional development tasks including extended cultivation of monsoon paddy, pulses and beans and edible oil crops, education, health and communication sectors, building of roads and bridges, and rural water supply in the region; Thanlyin Township Chairman U Tin Zaw Win, on township's agriculture, transport, education and health sectors; and Kyauktan Township Chairman U Khin Zaw, on agriculture, education, health and transport sectors of the region, and tasks being implemented for clean water supply.

The Prime Minister attended to the needs, saying that according to the reports, he learnt that the regions have achieved success in the agricultural sector greater than it was last year.

He added that he has fulfilled the requirements for regional development. Only when townships are developed, so are the States and Divisions and the entire nation. Similarly the development of townships depends on that of rural regions. So, emphasis must be placed on progress of rural areas including border regions, he noted.

That is why the Government has been implementing the five rural development tasks for ensuring rural development and uplifting the living standard of the rural people, he remarked.

All should participate in the development projects with the sense that the tasks for development of a township is not concerned with the incharge of the township alone but with all the staff of the departments in the township, he pointed out.

Those in charge of the townships are to make field trips right down to the rural areas of townships concerned in fulfilling the requirements for accomplishment of the five rural development tasks and to carry out tasks in harmony after forming respective township development committees, he said.

The Government has been taking systematic measures for promotion of education and health sectors of rural people and at the same time it is implementing sector-wise projects including transportation and water supply, he disclosed.

Furthermore, various means and ways are being employed for supply of water for ever greening of 30-mile radius of Yangon City. So, respective officials in the townships in the 30-mile radius of Yangon City are to take preparatory measures for the project, he remarked.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister said township level officials to make collective effort hand in hand with the local people for regional development and elevating of the living standard of local people.

After that, the Prime Minister and party inspected surgical ward (men), ward (children) and X-ray room of Kayan Township People's Hospital. Medical Superintendent Dr Tin Nwe and officials conducted them round the hospital.

Next, they visited Pali Tekkatho Kaingkon Monastery and presented rice, cash donations and offertories to Sayadaw Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Sobhita and members of the Sangha.

The Prime Minister and entourage also visited Sakkja Marazin Bronze Buddha Image in Kayan and made cash donations for all-round renovation of religious edifices in the compound. The Prime Minister and party viewed the thriving green gram plantations along Thanlyin-Kayan Road. The Prime Minister cordially met with local farmers of Thaiktugan Model Village in Thongwa Township and fulfilled their requirements on education sector. The Prime Minister also viewed the green gram plantations near the village.

The Prime Minister and party arrived back in the evening.

YANGON, 10 Jan - Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint, Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein, Deputy Minister for Transport Col Nyan Tun Aung, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of departments, left here in the morning on 8 January and arrived at Kengtung Airport at 11.30 am.

The Secretary-2 and party were welcomed by Chairman of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Commander of Triangle Region Command Maj-Gen Khin Zaw, senior military officers and departmental officials.

The Secretary-2 and the commander went to the construction site of Kengtung Airport. Deputy Minister Col Nyan Tun Aung reported on data of construction of Kengtung Airport. Deputy Superintending Engineer U Aung Kyaw Myint of Kengtung Airport construction project special group-3 and officials reported on stockpiling of gravel, fuel, machines, progress of work, tasks being implemented in the present financial year and requirements.

The Secretary-2 fulfilled the requirements and gave instructions on completion of the project in accord with the standard set under the guidance of the Head of State. He also inspected the extension of the runway and progress of work. The asphalted old runway is 4,700 feet long, 70 feet wide and 12 inches thick.

Under the guidance of the Head of State, beginning 1995-96 fiscal year the old runway was extended to 8,000 feet long, 75 feet wide and 22 inches thick one on which Fokker F-28, can land. Now, 7,800 feet of the runway has been asphalted. As the second phase, it will be upgraded to 8,000 feet long, 150 feet wide one which Y-8, cargo planes can take off and land.

Vice-Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and party went to the site of Kengtung government computer college near Yanghla Village on Kengtung-Mongla Road, four miles of Kengtung. They were welcomed by Principal Daw Sandhi Bo and teachers.

Engineer-in-charge U Win Tin of Naungton Construction Co Ltd reported on progress of work of the main lecture hall of the college and tasks to be undertaken. Minister U Thaung, Commander Maj-Gen Khin Zaw and Chairman of Naungton Construction Co Ltd U Sai Tip Aung gave supplementary reports.

The Secretary-2 and party inspected construction of the three-storey reinforced concrete main lecture hall. The government computer college was opened on 19 March 2001. Construction of the main lecture hall started on 1 July 2002. Eighty per cent of the project have been completed.

The Secretary-2 and party proceeded to Kengtung government technological college. Principal U Win Tun Oo reported on historical background of the college, location, courses being conducted, development of human resources, civil service and academic matters.

Engineer-in-charge U Thein Aung of Naungton Construction Co Ltd reported on start of the project on 16 July 2002, construction of lecture halls, completion of the project and tasks to be done.

The commander, Minister U Thaung and Chairman U Sai Tip Aung gave supplementary report. The Secretary-2 gave instructions and inspected the construction.

The Secretary-2 and party went to the site of No 2 highland farming reclamation project in Monglat Village tract.

Director of No 2 highland farming reclamation project U Nyo Win reported on implementation of the project with the aim of uplifting the social standard of the local people, settlement and conservation of environment and reclamation of highland farming. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Zaw gave a supplementary report.

According to the 10-year highland farming project, 25,000 acres of land will be reclaimed in eastern Shan State beginning 2003-2004. Out of 2,000 acres in the first year of the project, 706 acres have been reclaimed-390 acres in Kengtung district, 110 in Tachilek district, 67 in Mongphyat district and 139 acres in Monghsat district. In Monglat village tract, 50 acres out of 220.69 have been reclaimed. The Secretary-2 gave instructions and inspected the reclamation of farmlands.

The Secretary-2 and party proceeded to Kengtung Degree College where they were welcomed by Principal U Aung Nyunt and faculty members.

The Secretary-2 and party inspected the e-Education Resource centre, e-Education learning centre, language lab and computer training centre and library and met faculty members.

The Secretary-2 and party visited Khema Ratha Pagoda in Kengtung. The Secretary-2 presented cash donations to pagoda board of trustees and signed in the visitors' book.

They went to Maha Myatmuni Pagoda in Kengtung and offered lights. The Secretary-2 presented cash to chairman of the pagoda board of trustees and signed in the visitor's book.

YANGON, 10 Jan - The opening of the 13th Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Contest to mark the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day took place at the People's Square on Pyay Road here this morning.

It was attended by Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, Chairman of the Management Committee for Observance of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Vice-Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint and Maj-Gen Aung Kyi, Chairman of the Committee for Holding the band contest Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Hla Shwe, senior military officers, departmental heads, members of the Organizing Committee, Panel of Judges, military bands and others.

Lt-Gen Kyaw Win delivered a speech on the occasion. The military bands saluted the chairman of the Leading Committee.

Next, the bands of the students representing Tamway Township Basic Education High School No 4 and Mingala Taungnyunt Township BEHS 3, the bands representing Fire Services Department, Myanmar Police Force, the Guard of Honour of Defence Services and the band of the Military Band Unit performed skill demonstration.

U Saw Aung Naing of Myanma Alin Musical Instruments Co Ltd and wife and family, and U Khin Maung Htoo of the American Services (Myanmar) Co Ltd, donated K 1 million each to the Committee for Organizing the contest through the chairman of the Leading Committee.

Lt-Gen Kyaw Win presented cash awards to leaders of the bands that presented skill demonstration.

Altogether 51 bands from the Commander-in-Chief (Navy)'s Office, the Commander-in-Chief (Air)'s Office, military commands, Light Infantry Divisions and military training schools are taking part in the contest.

YANGON, 10 Jan - Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung, accompanied by departmental heads of the Ministry of Forestry, inspected the wood-based industry of Myitmakha Co in Hline Township this morning.

Officials of the industry reported to the minister on production process of the factory. Next, the minister proceeded to Hlinethaya Industrial Zone and inspected the wood based industries of CD International Trade, Win Enterprise, Soe Than Brotheres Co, Khine Insayi, Asia Wood Co and fulfilled the requirements.

YANGON, 10 Jan - Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Tha Aye and Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe arrived at Kale Airport yesterday afternoon and heard reports on upgrading of the runway.

Afterwards, the commander and the minister gave necessary instructions.

Later, the commander and the minister proceeded to Kale Industrial Zone. Brig-Gen Khin Maung Aye of Kale Station, the chairman of the industrial zone and entrepreneurs reported to them on requirements. After fulfilling the requirements, the commander and the minister inspected the allotment of land and construction tasks in the zone.

The commander and the minister met with local farmers and industrialists at the hall of Kale Station and fulfilled the requirements. Afterwards, the commander and the minister inspected the vehicles assembled in Kale Industrial Zone this morning.

Later, the minister arrived at Bagan-NyaungU Airport and attended the ceremony to pave the 4-inch thick tarred runway. After the ceremony, the minister inspected the machinery to be used in upgrading the airport.

YANGON, 10 Jan - Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Secure and Smooth Transport held a coordination meeting at Yangon Command Headquarters at 5 pm yesterday.

Present on the occasion were Deputy Commander Col Wai Lwin, senior military officers, local authorities, officials, chairmen of private bus lines running in the division and guests.

At the meeting, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe dealt with tasks to be carried out by the supervisory committee for convenience of the passengers.

Members of the supervisory committee reported on supervisory measures being taken for convenience of the passengers, and punctual departure and arrival of passenger buses, trains, ships and aeroplanes; rectors of the universities and colleges in Yangon, on assistance to be rendered for smooth transportation of teachers and students; chairmen of the private bus lines, on supervising bus drivers and conductors; and those present, on measures to be taken for minimizing traffic accidents.

The commander delivered concluding remarks.

YANGON, 10 Jan - Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin arrived at the Ngamoeyeik Dam in Hlegu Township yesterday.

At the dam, officials reported on progress of work and future plans. YCDC member Col Tin Soe gave an account on supply of additional 90 million gallons of water to Yangon City and its outskirts and new towns on completion of the project. The mayor dealt with earlier completion of the project and inspected the project site.

YANGON, 10 Jan - The Seminar on Publishing of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association continued for the second day today at the hall of MWJA in Sarpay Beikman building this afternoon.

It was attended by MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) and CEC members, Chairman of the work committee for holding the seminar U Myo Thant (Maung Su Shin) and members, the patron and chairman of Myanmar Artists and Artisans Asiayon, officials of Myanmar Printing and Publishing Entrepreneurs Association, resource persons and guests.

News and Periodicals Enterprise Managing Director MWJA Vice-Chairman U Tin Kha (Takkatho Tin Kha) presided over the first session of the seminar together with U Win Maung (Min Yu Wai) and Dr Myo Thant Tin (Dr Myo Thant Tin). Resource person U Htay Maung (Htay Maung) presented paper on editing sector and answered the queries put by those present. Patron of MAAA U Min Naing (Min Naing) presided over the second session together with U Thaung Han (Bagyi Thaung Han) and U Thant Zin (Bagyi Hla Tin Tun). Resource person U Kyaw Thaung (Bagyi Kyaw Thaung) submitted paper on illustration sector and replied to the queries raised by those present at the seminar.

YANGON, 10 Jan - The 56th Anniversary Independence Day Commemorative Exhibition continued for the eighth day at the Tatmadaw Convention Centre on U Wisara Road from 9 am to 5 pm today.

At the "Build the modern and developed nation through education" booth of the Ministry of Education, map showing the location of universities, colleges and institutes in 2003-2004, photographs depicting the activities of the higher education sector, human resources development centres, 30 years long term plan (Education Sector), the basic education sector, non-formal education and literacy campaign were on display.

At the booth of the Ministry of Science and Technology, objectives, organizational set-up and human resources development programmes were shown.

Students took part in computer quiz. News and Periodicals Enterprise of the Ministry of Information has opened NPE Book Shop along with the Sarpay Beikman Book Shop of Printing and Publishing Enterprise near the exhibition hall.

A total of 7,066 persons including students and teachers of basic education schools in Insein Township and Basic Education High School No 3, Bago, visited the exhibition today. It will be kept open from 9 am to 5 pm daily till 11 January. Admission is free.

YANGON, 10 Jan - A Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs and for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw left for Hyderabad in India by air this morning to attend Asia IT Ministers' Second Meeting to be held on 12 and 13 January.

The delegation was seen off at the airport by Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, the chairman of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, officials of the Indian Embassy in Myanmar and departmental officials.

Member of the CSSTB U Aung Myint, Chief Engineer U Zaw Tint of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, President U Thein Oo of Myanmar Computer Federation and executive U Thaung Tin of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry accompanied the minister as the members of the delegation.

YANGON, 9 Jan - In celebrating the anniversary of the Myanmar Information and Communication Technology (MICT) Park and the ICT Week from 22 to 26 January 2004, the Myanmar National Counter Strike Championships Network Game will be held in junior and senior divisions. Those teams wishing to participate can get themselves registered not later than 20 January 2004 at net-zone, red apple, inet, cyber city net bar, the goons and XgamerZ, Lan Wizards and MSM internet cafe.

YANGON, 10 Jan - Director-General of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thura U Aung Htet while playing together with Director U Zaw Gun and deputy Directors U Maung Maung and U Tun Thein get hole-in-one at Okkala Golf Course today. He stroke the Top Point No 3 ball with Dunlop Good-7 golfclub from 126 yards away.

Drug

Narcotic drugs seized

YANGON, 10 Jan - Acting on a tip-off, the team made up of members of local intelligence unit and Tachilek Anti-Drugs Squad searched the house of U Ya Pa Lon of No 4/62 in Ward Hsanhsai (Ka) Ward, Tachilek, on 8 November 2003, and seized 41 grams of heroin.

A similar team, acting on information, searched Hsan Lwin in the house of Khin Maung Htay in Myoma (A) Ground, Tamu, on 24 December 2003, and seized 124.572 grams of raw opium hidden in his jacket.

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