YANGON, 12 Jan - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected the tasks being carried out for all-round upgrading of Kandawgyi Park and its surrounding areas this morning and gave necessary instructions to officials.

The commander arrived at the Relaxation Zone in the park at 4 pm, where he was welcomed by Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, Commander of No 4 Military Region Col Yan Naing Oo and officials. The commander and party there inspected progress of the measures being taken to beautify the park and gave instructions.

Next, the commander and party looked into the measures being taken for 'Viewing Deck' to be constructed at Mahamyaing Kyun and the place chosen for the erecting of white elephant statues. The commander then gave instructions on speedy implementation of the tasks for the upgrading of Mahamyaing Kyun in the Relaxation Zone.

Later, the commander and party went to the Education Zone, where he oversaw the progress of constructing flower shops, landscaping, the planting of flowering plants, and vegetable patches at Myepadetha Kyun. The commander also inspected the construction of a freshwater fish garden by the Fisheries Department.

The commander and party proceeded to the construction project of modern restaurants and looked into the tasks being carried out there. On arrival at the Central Forest Zone, the commander and party also inspected construction of modern restaurants. At the construction project of the Water Plaza, the commander oversaw the flooring work and the installation of iron beams. After hearing the reports presented by officials, the commander gave instructions on timely completion of the projects.

YANGON, 12 Jan - Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun, accompanied by Director-General of Internal Revenues Department U Win Naing, OSD Col Hsan Tun and General Manager of Myanma Economic Bank Lt-Col Maung Maung Win, met with officials under the Ministry of Finance and Revenue at the meeting hall of Mandalay Division branch of the Intarnal Revenue Department in Mandalay on 10 January morning.

At the meeting, the minister said that as the departments under the ministry are the ones that are engaged in the monetary matters the service personnel of the departments will have to carry out their work systematically. He added that being the departments that are mainly responsible for earning finances absolutely imperative are officials at different levels to make supervision for successful realization of the objectives of the departments.

Afterwards, the minister and party inspected Myanma Economic Bank Branch-2 at the corner of 23rd and 93th Streets in Aungmye Thanzan Township where officials reported to the minister on deposit and withdrawal of money in the bank. Next, the minister and party inspected MEB (Mandalay Division Head Office) on 83rd Street and Myanma Economic Bank Branch-3 on 26th Street in Aungmye Thazan Township where officials reported to the minister on measures taken. The minister gave necessary instructions.

In the afternoon of 11 January, the minister and party inspected Office of Customs Department (Mandalay Division). Officials reported on functions of the department to the minister who fulfilled the needs.

YANGON, 12 Jan - Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Tha Aye met with chairmen of Ward and Village Peace and Development Councils, national race leaders in the region and social organizations at the township hall of Hkamti on 8 January.

Chairman of Hkamti Township Peace and Development Council U Mya Oo reported on regional data. Chairman of District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Tin gave a supplementary report. Next, townselders and national race leaders reported on requirements. The commander fulfilled the requirements and presented exercise books for basic education schools in the township.

The commander visited People's Hospital and presented cash to patients.

The commander inspected the library, basic education high school and border areas and national races training school.

In the afternoon, the commander attended the opening ceremony of Township Court Office and Deputy Chief Justice U Khin Maung Lat formally opened the office.

Hkamti District Justice U San Lwin reported on construction of the office. Commemorative pennants were presented to the commander and officials.

On 9 January, the commander presented offertories to Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kesara of Khamti and members of the Sangha and supplicated on religious matters.

The commander and party went to Kalaymyo and donated provisions to members of the Sangha.

The congregation received the Five Precepts from Sayadaw Bhaddanta Tejavamta. The commander and party donated provisions to members of the Sangha, followed by sharing of merits gained.

YANGON, 12 Jan - The Special Refresher Course No 13 for police officers of Myanmar Police Force was opened at the Nawarat Hall of Central Institute of Civil Service (Phaunggyi) this morning with an address by Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing.

Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyun and members, Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi and senior police officers, Rector of the CICS Col Win Maung, the directors-general and deputy directors-general of departments under the Ministry of Home Affairs, departmental officials, course instructors and trainees.

In his address, Minister Col Tin Hlaing said that altogether 2,982 trainee officers have already been trained and taught from course No 1 to course No 12, adding that subjects on current political, economic, social and management conditions in Myanmar as well as functions of the police force, Bureau of Special Investigation and Prisons Department will be taught at the present course.

In building a new modern developed nation personnel of departments under the ministry are to strive to their utmost, realizing the prevailing situation of the nation, he stressed. The four-week course is being attended by 250 trainees.

YANGON, 12 Jan - Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Naing and officials inspected 11 miles two furlongs long road linking Ngwehsaung Village and other four villages in Pathein Township on 10 January.

The commander inspected beaches from Ngwehsaung to Nyaunghmaw village and beach hotels there.

The commander inspected Shaukchaung Bridge in Shaukchaung Village and gave instructions on maintenance of the bridge, regional development and upgrading of Gyaingle-Magyihmaw-Hsinma village road to all-weather one.

The commander inspected Kyaukkyi and Gyaingle bridges. The commander and party went to Ngwehsaung Village Basic Education High School. They then inspected construction of new extended building and the primary school in the school compound. The commander and party met teachers and members of the school board of trustees. The 200 feet long and 30 feet wide new extended building is being built at a cost of K 9.9 million including K 2.7 million by the Ministry of Education. The primary school is being built on self-reliance basis with the contribution of K 6.6 million by the people.

YANGON, 12 Jan - The Maternal and Child Welfare Association of Yangon Command launched the floral and fruit arrangement course No 2/2004 at the hall of the command here this morning.

It was attended by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife Daw Khin Thet Htay, Patron of the Supervisory Committee for Yangon Division MCWA.

Also present on the occasion were Yangon City Development Committee Chairman Mayor's wife Dr Daw Khin Hsan Nwe, Deputy Commander Col Wai Lwin and wife, senior military officers of the command and their wives, members of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, Chairperson of the Supervisory Committee for Yangon Division MCWA and Yangon Division Health Officer Dr Hla Myint and members of the committee, and officials.

Daw Khin Thet Htay explained the purpose of opening the course.

As part of measures to increase the family income, the Yangon Division MCWA conducts the course. A total of 44 trainees are attending the course.

YANGON, 12 Jan - Chairman of the Shan State Peace and Development Council (North) Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing, accompanied by Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hla Myint and departmental officials, on 9 January morning arrived at the site where modern water supply system was to be launched for 1,000-acre plantation in special high yield agricultural zone in Lashio. Officials of the Asia World Co Ltd reported on construction of 80-ft long, 80-ft wide and 6-ft high reservoir, and plans for water supply system.

Afterwards, the commander inspected the modern water supply system at 100-acre of macademia plantation and gave necessary instructions.

Next, the commander also inspected the construction site of the reservoir which will have a water storage capacity of 240,000 gallons of water, coffee plantation and pigeon pea plantation and gave necessary instructions.

Later, the commander proceeded to 120-acre

YANGON, 12 Jan - Col Myo Myint, Director-General of the Development Affairs Department under the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, inspected the construction project of Minywa-Kyaungsu wooden bridge on Thanatpin-Thabawkan-Minywa motor road being undertaken by the DAD of Bago Division this morning.

At the briefing hall of the project, he heard a report on construction of the approach road, the erecting of concrete piles and the laying of floors and gave necessary instructions. The wooden bridge under construction is 250 feet long and 14 feet wide.

The director-general also looked into the tasks being carried out to keep Shwemawdaw Pagoda Road clean and also the nursery garden in Shinsawpu Park in Bago Division.

The director-general also inspected development measures being taken to beautify Bago Division.

YANGON, 12 Jan - The ceremony to present gifts to resource persons who presented papers at Myanma Rice Milling Industry Exhibition 2004, to present prizes to best booths and to review results of the exhibition was held at the second floor of Yangon Trade Centre on Upper Pazundaung Road, here, this morning, with an opening address by Chairman of the leading committee for holding the exhibition Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Aung Tun.

Also present on the occasion were the secretary of the leading committee and members, chairmen and officials of sub-committees, the president of the UMFCCI, the president of Myanmar Rice Millers Association, the president and members of Myanmar Rice and Paddy Wholesalers Association, guests, officials from the local and foreign companies that took part in the exhibition and departmental officials. Brig-Gen Aung Tun made a speech and Managing Director U Min Hla Aung of Myanma Agriculture Produce Trading explained the results of the exhibition.

The deputy minister then gave away gifts to the resource persons who presented papers at the exhibition. The deputy minister, the managing director and the UMFCCI president presented the first, second and third prizes to winners for best rice mill booths, winners for best rice milling spare parts booths and winners for paddy-related equipment booths.

Afterwards, a general rounds of discussions on results of the exhibition followed. The meeting came to a close with the concluding remarks by the deputy minister.

YANGON, 12 Jan - The 59th Anniversary of Armed Forces Day Exhibition Organizing Committee held its first coordination meeting this afternoon at the meeting hall of the Defence Services Museum here.

It was attended by senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence and departmental officials.

First, Chairman of the committee Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Hla Shwe made an opening address at the meeting.

Next, responsible officials reported on arrangements for exhibition booths and those present discussed general matters.

The meeting came to an end with concluding remarks by Brig-Gen Hla Shwe.

YANGON, 12 Jan - The Seminar on Publishing in Myanmar of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association continued for the fourth day today at the hall of MWJA in Sarpay Beikman building this afternoon.

It was attended by MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), Vice-Chairmen News and Periodicals Enterprise Managing Director U Tin Kha (Takkatho Tin Kha) and U Than Maung (Than Maung), Secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay) and CEC members, Chairman of the work committee for holding the seminar U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin) and members, Myanmar Printing and Publishing Entrepreneurs Association Chairman U Maung Maung, resource persons and guests. At the seminar, resource persons submitted thier papers.

The seminar continues tomorrow.

YANGON, 12 Jan - The 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day commemorative military band contest of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) continued for the second day today at the People's Square on Pyay Road here. Before the contest, students' band troupes of Dagon Township BEHS No 2 and Hmawby Township BEHS No 1 performed their skill demonstration. The band troupe of Central Command, the band troupe of Coastal Region Command, the band troupe company-2 of Eastern Command, the band troupe of Officers' Training School, the band troupe of North-West Command and the band troupe of No 55 LID participated in the contest.

Chairman of the committee for organizing the military band contest Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Hla Shwe presented cash awards to the students' band troupes.

Among the spectators were Director of Resettlement Maj-Gen Aung Thein, senior military officers, invited guests, Tatmadawmen and their families and students.

YANGON, 12 Jan - The 28th ceremony to pay respects to teachers of Kyimyindine ABM School will take place at the house of Sayamagyi Daw Hla Shein in the compound of the School at 14 February noon. Old students wishing to make a donation of cash and kind should contact Daw Yi Yi May, Tel: 220370, Daw Yin May, Tel: 526248, Daw Nyunt Nyunt Aye,Tel: 535546, Daw Kyi Kyi Sein, Tel: 380101, Daw Swam (Shanma) ,Tel: 223325, and Daw Lwin Lwin Kyaw, Tel: 578921.

YANGON, 12 Jan - The South-East Asia Constituency Meeting on the Global Fund, hosted by Myanmar was held at Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road, here, this morning with an opening address by Health Minister Dr Kyaw Myint.

Also present on the occasion were Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association President Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Vice-President Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint, Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation Vice-President Prof Dr Daw May May Yee, directors-general from the ministry, the Project Managers of AIDS/STD, Malaria and TB Elimination Projects, resident representatives of UN agencies, delegates from Myanmar, Indonesia, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, India, the Maldives and East Timor and invited guests.

Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint delivered an opening address. He said:

In Myanmar, the CCM was formed in March, 2002, with 19 members from organizations including UN agencies and NGOs, and later expanded to 29 members. The 29 members include nine from the Ministry of Health, one from the other related government ministries, nine from the NGOs and three from the private sector, one from HIV/TB/Malaria patients group, four from the UN and two from religious/faith groups, he explained.

Under the guidance of the State Peace and Development Council, the Ministry of Health is striving to raise the health standard of the nation and to ensure the highest attainable level of health for the entire nation by systematically developing and implementing health plans that will lead to achieving the "Millennium Development Goals."

He continued to say that the existing health development plans are "Myanmar Health Vision 2030", "Special Four-Year Plan for Promoting National Education (Health Sector)", "Rural Health Development Plan", "Project for Upgrading Hospitals", and "National Health Plan". With these plans, the health care infrastructure of the country along with access to health care has been improved by the establishment of more health care facilities, and training and deployment of more health care professionals and workers.

The ministry is also closely collaborating with UN agencies, local and international NGOs and other partners in the country as well. One of the outstanding achievements in disease prevention aspect for the year 2003 was the success achieved in the "First Exhibition on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Activities" at a national level that was held in Yangon during November 2003, he said.

In 2003, Myanmar was able to declare itself free from Leprosy and Polio, indicating the success of an integrated and well-coordinated effort involving communities, NGOs, public and private sectors as well as international agencies. The commitment, enthusiasm, competency of health care providers and strong partnership among all the stakeholders were also major contributing factors.

Provision of better health care services need more resources. In attempting to mobilize external resources to fill the resource gap, CCM Myanmar had submitted proposals to the Global Funds to fight AIDS, TB, Malaria (GFATM) for the AIDS, TB and Malaria. Proposal for the TB component was approved in the second round, Malaria component in the third round and HIV component in the third round with subject to verification in January 2004, he said.

One of the significant progresses during the past few months was that UNDP was selected by the Global Fund Board to act as Principal Recipient (PR) for National TB Programme on receiving Global Funds.

Myanmar has been collectively fighting against common health problems that occurred along the border areas with the aim to enhance better health collaboration and improve the health of the people in the border areas with emphasis on reduction of morbidity and mortality from Malaria, HIV/AIDS and TB, he elaborated.

The Ministry of Health of Myanmar and the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand are also preparing to apply for the Global Funds to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria along border areas. Preliminary meetings on development of a "Joint Proposal for Myanmar-Thailand Cross Border Disease Control Programme" were already conducted during 2003 in Bangkok and Yangon.

Since the establishment of GFATM in last two years ago, our member countries from South-East Asia region have been submitting proposals to the GFATM board and many have been approved. This meeting will provide us with a very good opportunity to clarify certain modalities in handling GFATM funds and to exchange countries' experiences in implementing GFATM funded projects. It will also enable us to understand current situation of the GFATM funds. Besides, member countries will have a chance to know about the technical support arrangements and mechanisms for the forth coming round four.

In conclusion, the minister thanked the member countries for allowing Myanmar to host such an important meeting in Myanmar, and UNAIDS for supporting this meeting. He said he is sure the discussions and deliberations that came out during the meeting period will not only be fruitful and valuable for the member countries, but also further strengthen the existing friendship among the member countries.

Afterwards, Global Fund Board Member Dr Suwit Wibulpolprasert made a speech and the opening ceremony came to a close. The Global Fund Meeting, organized by the ministry and Global Fund, was held in March, 2003. Delegates from eight countries from Southeast Asian region, representatives from UN agencies attended the South-East Asia Constituency Meeting on the Global Fund that continues tomorrow.

YANGON, 12 Jan - The Rehabilitation and Resettlement Work Committee of Myanmar Women' Affairs Federation held its work coordination meeting at the meeting hall of Social Welfare Department on 2 January, attended by Vice-President of the Central Executive Committee Professor Dr Daw May May Yi, advisers, leader of the work committee and members.

At the meeting, Professor Dr Daw May May Yi made a speech and those present dealt with future tasks.

YANGON, 12 Jan - The work coordination meeting for Young Women Work Committee of Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation was held at the meeting hall of Social Welfare Department here on 9 January.

It was attended by Vice-President of the Central Executive Committee of MWAF Professor Dr Daw May May Yi, advisers Daw Myint Myint Ko and Professor Dr Daw Than Nu Shwe, leader of the committee Daw Khin Myo Myint and others.

At the meeting, Vice-President Professor Dr Daw May May Yi discussed matters related to work to be carried out by the committee, followed by a general round of discussions.

YANGON, 12 Jan - The ITF 14 and Under ASEAN Championships 2004 Zone-2 jointly sponsored by International Tennis Federation and Myanmar Tennis Federation was opened at Theinbyu tennis court this morning, attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

Also present were Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Yangon Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Patron of Myanmar Tennis Federation Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Vice-Chairman of Myanma Olympic Committee Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, General Secretary of MOC Director-General of Sports and Physical Education Department U Thaung Htaik and members, leading patrons of Myanmar Women's Sports Federation, presidents of sports federations, ambassadors and embassy staff, international tennis development officer Mr Suresh Menon and official of ITF, President of Myanmar Tennis Federation U Zaw Zaw (Max Myanmar Co Ltd), Secretary Dr Tin Aung Lin (Aung Mingalar Co Ltd), executive committee member Major Tin Saw Naing (Ministry of Defence), tennis players and guests. Managers, coaches and players of Myanmar, Malaysia, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Laos and Mongolia took the designated places and saluted the State flag. Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint and Patron of Myanmar Tennis Federation Maj-Gen Kyaw Win delivered opening addresses. Next, President of Myanmar Tennis Federation U Zaw Zaw (Max Myanmar Co Ltd) extended greetings.

Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Patron of TFM Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and officials presented flowers to the players.

The commander, the minister and Mr Suresh Menon formally opened the championships. They then posed for documentary photos and watched the events.

The tournament will continue till 20 January. Admission is free.

YANGON, 12 Jan - The opening events of the ITF 14 and Under ASEAN Championships 2004 Zone-2 jointly sponsored by International Tennis Federation and Myanmar Tennis Federation began at Theinbyu Tennis Court this morning.

Five Myanmar players advanced into quarter final.

Phyo Mintha and Babar of Pakistan, Aik Kyauk and Shanmugam of Malaysia, Zin Bo and Kwang of Malaysia and Win Htet Paing and Dinesh Kanthan of Sri Lanka will play in the quarter final.

In women's singles event of the quarter final, Moe Chit The of Myanmar will play against Arudpragasam of Sri Lanka. The events will continue on 13 January.

Chess Championship qualifiers open

YANGON, 12 Jan - The National Chess Championship Qualifiers (Second Stage), organized by Myanmar Chess Federation, was held at Aung San Indoor Stadium, here, this afternoon.

Altogether 36 players are taking part in the competitions that continue till 21 January.

YANGON, 12 Jan - The soccer tournament organized by the Myanmar Football Federation continued here this afternoon at Aung San Stadium.

In the match between Development Affairs team and Tagun team, the former beat the latter 3-2. The man of the match award went to Aung Zaw Myo of Development Affairs team.

YANGON, 12 Jan - A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Yangon Special Anti-drug Squad searched Pale Yadana Guest House at No 51, Ledauntkan Street, Thingangyun Township, on 26 August 2002. In the search, the authorities found 140 stimulant tablets and 204 grams of heroin and arrested Myint Swe, Tint Naing, Polon (a) Myo Min Tun, Pauk Phaw, Aung Htay and Ko Sai (a) Zaw Min Oo.

Thingangyun Police Station filed a lawsuit against Myint Swe, son of U San Myint of South Okkalapa Township; Tint Naing, son of U Thein Aung of Mayangon Township; Polon (a) Myo Min Tun, son of U Tint Naing of Lashio; Pauk Phaw, son of U Tun Lu of Lashio; Aung Htay, son of U Thaung Htay of Pantanaw Township; and Ko Sai (a) Zaw Min Oo, son of U Bo of Lashio, under Sections 15/19 (A) / 21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic and Substances Law. The case was handed to Yangon East District, which on 28 November 2003 sentenced the drug traffickers each to 20 years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A).

In a similar action, a combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and the district crime control unit, acting on information, searched Win Guest House in Ward 5, Kamayut Township, on 17 January 2003 and caught Ar Ti (a) Myint Soe and Ma Rasuri together with 195 stimulant tablets.

Kamayut Police Station filed a lawsuit against Ar Ti (a) Myint Soe, son of U Tin Ko of Kawkayeik Township, and Ma Rasuri, daughter of u Kho Li of the same township, under Sections 15/19 (A) / 21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

The case was handed to Yangon District Court, which on 24 November 2003 sentenced Ar Ti (a) Myint Soe to 20 years' imprisonment under Section 19 (A) and Ma Rasuri to 5 years' imprisonment under Section 15.