YANGON, 13 Jan - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo, the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, the entrepreneurs and officials, left here by air on 11 January morning and arrived in Dawei, Taninthayi Division, at 8.30 am.

The Prime Minister and party were welcomed at Dawei Airport by Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and military and civilian officers and members of social organizations.

Next, the Prime Minister and party together with Commander Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, arrived at the site for construction of Hnyawbyin deep sea port in Launglon Township. En route to the deep sea port, the Prime Minister met with teachers of Yebyu Village (Lower) Basic Education High School (Branch) in the township and inquired about learning of the students and fulfilled the requirements.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party proceeded to Kyauknimaw Affiliated High School and inquired about the academic matters of the school and attended to the needs for upgrading the school.

The Prime Minister and party inspected transport conditions along the road, palm oil plantations on either side of the road and the beach.

On arrival at Hnyawbyin Village, the Prime Minister and party were welcomed by members of the Township and Village Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials, members of social organizations, students and local people.

At the briefing hall, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe reported on matters related to construction of Hnyawbyin deep sea port to be used by the 50,000 ton-capacity ocean-going liners, which was 43 miles away from Dawei, conditions for construction of warehouse and the industrial zone.

Next, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung reported on matters related to construction of Hnyawbyin deep sea port and regional development tasks in cooperation with the neighbouring countries and organizations in the region.

Giving instructions, the Prime Minister said that although Taninthayi Division had railroads linking to neighbouring countries during the Second World War, the railroads fell into ruin due to various reasons in later periods.

But now, as the communication between neighbouring countries and Myanmar improved, there arise opportunities in which reconstruction of these railroads linking with other countries could be made.

Myanmar is in the hub of the Southeast Asian region and South Asian region. Therefore, at a time when further cooperation has been enhanced in economic, social and cultural sectors among regional countries, arrangements are under way to be able to construct roads linking with regional countries.

Moreover, steps are being taken to enhance cooperation in economic, trade, social and cultural sectors, especially in tourism industries among regional countries Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.

Likewise, India, Myanmar and Thailand have made arrangements for further strengthening cooperation including construction of the main road linking the three nations.

He said that he was there to witness the conditions for construction of the deep sea port in Dawei region, construction of the main road to link the neighbouring nation and establishment of the industrial zone in Dawei region.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister called on ministers and local authorities to make integrated and coordinated effrots for regional development and for successful realization of the national objectives.

Next, the Prime Minister greeted the local people and inquired about education, health and economic conditions of the region and made arrangements for upgrading of Hnyawbyin Village Basic Education Primary School.

After that, the Prime Minister and party left the village and viewed round Tawkye waterfall and lake in Tawkye Village, Launglon Township.

Next, the Prime Minister and party arrived at Launglon Township Hospital where they were welcomed by Medical Superintendent Dr Hla Hla Kyi and hospital staff.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party inspected the ward, medical store, laboratory and operation theatre and fulfilled the needs to upgrade the 16-bed hospital into a 25-bed one. On arrival at Maungmakan Beach development project site in Launglon Township, Dawei District, the Prime Minister and party were welcomed by members of the Township PDC, departmental staff and social organizations.

At the briefing hall, Dawei District PDC Chairman Lt-Col Khin Maung Kywe reported on location and area of the beach, land utility, three separate parts of Maungmakan Beach, Kyaukhsin Beach and Hmyawyit Pagoda's environs and transportation; Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu on arrangements for hotel services by hoteliers; and Chairman of Maungmakan Developers Group Dr Khin Shwe and Chairman of Myanmar Hotliers Association U Khin Zaw on arrangements for hotel services at the beach.

Next, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung also reported on tourism services to be carried out in Myanmar in cooperation with local organizations and neighbouring countries.

In response to the reports the Prime Minister said Maungmakan region is a beach resort blessed with natural beauties.

Encouragement is being given to the development of Myanmr's tourism to catch up with global tourism industry, which has now become so popular, he said.

Dawei region tends to be an international sea port, and therefore, upgrading tasks are needed for the beach compatible with global tourism industry, he added.

Departmental officials, local authorities and national entrepreneurs are to cooperate closely in the promoting the beach, he said.

Next, the Prime Minister and party went to Dawei University where Pro-rector U Kyaw Kyaw Htay, professors, associate professors and faculty members welcomed them.

At the briefing hall, Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt reported on the history of the university, masters' degree courses, conditions of first and second year courses, majors, student population, IT centre rooms in which 105 computers are installed, organizational set-up and strength of staff, administrative and academic matters and construction tasks.

Senior Engineer U Thein Saw of Public Works reported on progress in construction of two-storey building with 10 lecture rooms, two-storey building with 20 rooms for administrative staff and hostels, water and electricity supply and future tasks.

The Prime Minister next gave instructions on construction of the convocation hall and viewed round the lecture rooms, hostels and offices.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party proceeded to Dawei No 1 BEHS. Next, a cash donation ceremony was held at the school.

Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt presented a set of computer for the school to Headmistress Daw Myint Myint.

Chairman of Zaykabar Co Ltd U Khin Shwe and Chairman of Yuzana Co Ltd U Htay Myint presented K 500,000 each and Managing Director of Tour Mandalay Co Ltd U Khin Zaw K 200,000 to Headmistress Daw Myint Myint.

The Prime Minister and party inspected class rooms.

The Prime Minister and party went to No 3 Basic Education High School, Dawei, where they were welcomed by Headmistress Daw Win Nyunt, teachers and students.

A ceremony to donate teaching aids and cash was held at No 3 BEHS, Dawei.

The Prime Minister presented a computer for the school to Headmistress Daw Win Nyunt.

Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Chairman of Zaykabar Co Ltd U Khin Shwe and Chairman of Yuzana Co Ltd U Htay Myint presented K 500,000 each and Managing Director of Tour Mandalay Co Ltd U Khin Zaw K 200,000 to the headmistress.

The Prime Minister and party inspected computer application and computer aided instruction room. They visited Lawkatha-raphyu Reclining Buddha image in Dawei.

The Prime Minister and party paid respects to members of the Sangha led by Bhaddanta Sundra of Pitakat Taikkyaung in Kanaingda model village. The Prime Minister offered robes to the members of the Sangha.

Next, the Prime Minister presented cash for all-round renovation of the pagoda and Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe donations to the board of trustees.

The Prime Minister and party paid obeisance to the pagoda and inspected the renovation works.

The Prime Minister and party arrived at Dawei railway station where they were welcomed by officials.

Officials reported on running of Mawlamyine-Dawei Road and gave instructions. The Prime Minister inspected Dawei railway station.

The Prime Minister and party stayed at Heinda Yeiktha.

YANGON, 13 Jan - The Myanmar Police Force Management Reform Committee held its 14th coordination meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of the committee Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein.

Also present on the occasion were the minister for Home Affairs, the chief justice, the attorney-general, the chairman of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the vice-chief of Military Intelligence, officials and departmental heads.

In his address, the Secretary-2 said that the committee has been laying down future tasks after reviewing progress made by the MPF and weak and strong points.

The MPF has to mainly take two uphill responsibilities for community peace and prevalence of law and order, and so it is important to reform the MPF established in the colonial period for its modernization, he noted.

The Head of State has given guidance to reform the police force to become the State's reserve force with good discipline. In this regard, the police force must be a patriotic, skilled and modern one. That is why the management reform committee has been formed, he added.

The 13th coordination meeting passed resolutions for members of the MPF:

- to fully practise correctness, justice and sympathy and to restrain from partialities and receiving bribes - to fully keep public order and to prevent and solve crimes in a correct, effective and fast way - to cooperate with related organizations for ensuring full uprightness of judicial system - to treat the culprits with positive altitude - to fully discharge national-defence duties if necessary - to be one with the people - to make efforts for accomplishment of the project for prevention against trafficking in person and elimination of narcotic drugs, and - to strive to become skillful force in form and essence.

It is incumbent upon the MPF members to make efforts for cent per cent accomplishment of the resolutions. At such an opportune time when the MPF is carrying out reforming tasks, all are to endeavour at full capacity for emergence of the police force with full essence, he urged. He invited the members to make suggestions for reforming the management systems.

In conclusion, the Secretary-2 called on the MPF members to make collective efforts in reforming tasks in the interests of the nation and the MPF; to become disciplined, fine, brave and competent one; and to actively charge the duties to smoothly operate the State's administrative mechanism.

Vice-Chairman of Myanma Police Force Management Reform Committee Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing took part in the discussions. He said he would present the main points of the work done by the committee in the year. Myanmar Police Force Reform Committee was formed ten years ago. Achievements were made due to the guidance of the Head of State and suggestions and cooperation of six sub-committees. According to the guidance of the Head of State, Myanmar Police Force is making efforts to possess three capabilities-patriotism, efficiency and modernization.

Moreover, he said, members of MPF are trying to become qualified members loved by the people.

In connection with crime reduction measures, he said, public cooperation plays an important role in crime reduction. Five crime reduction tasks are now being undertaken. In implementation of the functions of the police force, regional outposts were opened. As a result, outbreak of crimes decreased.

Members of MPF discharging their duties with five outlooks are participating in regional development and administration tasks. They also discharge their security duties on farming, industries and freight transport effectively.

In conclusion, he said tasks on MPF management reform are gaining momentum and MPF is making efforts to b ecome modern, patriotic and loyal one.

Next, Secretary of MPF Management Reform Committee Director-General of MPF Police Brig-Gen Khin Yee reported on implementation of the resolutions of the previous meeting.

Chairmen and officials of intelligence sub-committee, management sub-committee, work implementation sub-committee, judicial sub-committee, legal sub-committee and training sub-committee reported on work done and tasks to be undertaken.

The Secretary-2 took part in the discussions. The meeting came to a close after concluding remarks given by the Secretary-2.

YANGON, 13 Jan - With a view to creating market for goods, securing market for domestic goods, developing import-substitute goods industry and marketing new export items, the opening of the Cooperative Product Exhibition and Market Festival was held at Cooperative Trade Centre (Saya San Plaza) at the corner of Saya San Road and University Avenue in Bahan Township, here, this morning, attended by State Peace and Development Council Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein.

Also present on the occasion were Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the Yangon Mayor, deputy ministers, ambassadors of foreign missions in Yangon, officials from the SPDC Office, departmental heads, members of the leading committee and sub-committees for holding the festival, officials of cooperative booths from states and divisions, social organization members, band troupe and pom pom troupe members of Sangyoung BEHS-2 and Latha BEHS-2 and invited guests.

Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein formally opened the billboard of the market festival. Minister for Cooperatives Maj-Gen Htay Oo and Director U Maung Maung Myint of the trade centre formally opened the market festival.

The Secretary-2 and guests looked around the booths displayed there. Altogether 271 booths of ministries, companies, entrepreneurs, 109 cooperative societies from states and division were opened there.

The market festival will be kept open from 9 am to 9 pm daily till 19 January. There will be solo music concerts and sales promotion programmes at the market festival.

YANGON, 13 Jan - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, inspected the products at the leather factory under the Myanma General and Maintenance Industries in Hline Township and gave instructions this morning.

Next, the minister inspected Gauze and Cotton Wool Factory No 26 under Myanma Textile Industries in Mayangon Township and gave instruction on extended distribution of the goods.

The minister also looked into Soap Factory No 1 of Myanma Pharmaceutical Industries in Hline Township and Kunthaya Shop in the compound of the ministry at the corner of Kaba Aye Pagoda Road and Sethmu-1 Street.

YANGON, 13 Jan - Wellwishers donated cash to the Social Welfare Department under the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement at a ceremony held at Kyimyindine School for the Blind on Panbingyi Street in Kyimyindine Township, this morning. It was attended by Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, officials, wellwishers and the students.

In charge (Business) of Shan State (South) Special Region-6 PaO National Organization Central Committee Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Nay Win Tun (Chairman, Ruby Dragon Jade and Gems Co Ltd)-Daw Nan Aye Aye Myint and family presented K 1 million to the trust funds of Kyimyindine School for the Blind, and K 3 million to Mandalay School for the Deaf and other training schools through the minister, who next presented a certificate of honour to them and expressed words of thanks. After the ceremony, the minister and guests and wellwishers viewed the lecture rooms of the school.

YANGON, 13 Jan - A ceremony to conclude of the Seminar on Publishing in Myanmar of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association and to host a dinner was held at Sarpay Beikman Building on Merchant Street, here, this evening, attended by Deputy Minster for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein.

Also present on the occasion were departmental heads from the ministry, Chairman of MWJA U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), CEC members, Work Committee Chairman U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin) and committee members, Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisians Association Chairman U Thaung Han, resource persons and invited guests.

U Myint Kywe (Maung Myint Kywe) acted as MC. The fifth day of the seminar was held. U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) presided over the seminar together with members U Thaw Kaung and U Tin Kha (Tekkatho Tin Kha).

U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) delivered an opening speech and U Myint Kywe (Maung Myint Kywe) read the report (draft) of the work committee.

Chief Editor Dr Tin Tun Oo of Thuta Swezon publishing house presented gifts to the chairmen and resource persons and MCs.

U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) spoke words of thanks and the ceremony came to a close. After the ceremony, dinner was hosted to those who attended the seminar.

YANGON, 13 Jan - The National Convention Convening Work Com-mittee held its coordination meeting at the meeting hall of Work Committee in Kyaikkasan Grounds here this morning.

Present were Chairman of the National Convention Convening Work Com-mittee Chief Justice U Aung Toe, Vice-Chairman Attorney-General U Aye Maung, Secretary U Thaung Nyunt, Joint- Secretary-1 U Khin Maung Myint, Joint-Secretary-2 Dr Thaung Myint and members.

Chairman U Aung Toe delivered an opening address. Next, Vice-Chairman Attorney-General U Aye Maung and Secretary U Thaung Nyunt discussed matters relating on the national convention.

The meeting came to a close after concluding remarks by the chairman.

YANGON, 13 Jan - The 13th Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Contest to mark the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day 2004 continued at the People's Square on Pyay Road this morning.

Bands of the students representing Kamayut Township No 2 Basic Education High School and Dagon Township No 1 BEHS presented skill demonstrations.

Next, No 88 LID band troupe, Eastern Command band troupe, Northern Command band troupe, Yangon Command Company 1 band troupe, No 77 LID band troupe and Yangon Command military band troupe took part in the contest.

Chairman of the Committee for Organizing the contest Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Hla Shwe presented cash awards to the band troupes of the students.

Also present on the occasion were Provost Marshal Maj-Gen Saw Hla, senior military officers, members of the panel of judges, guests, students and others.

YANGON, 13 Jan - Myanmar Rice Milling Industry Fair-2004, co-organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, continued today at Yangon Trade Centre on Upper Pazundaung Road in Mingala Taungnyunt Township here.

Rice mills and spareparts are on display at 150 booths of 36 local companies and foreign companies of China, Japan, India, Malaysia and Thailand. In addition, industrial zones of the states and divisions also put their rice mills and parts on display.

The fair continues tomorrow.

YANGON, 13 Jan - The Seminar on Publishing in Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association concluded today at the hall of MWJA at Sarpay Beikman building here today.

Present on the occasion were MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), Vice-Chairmen News and Periodicals Enterprise Managing Director U Tin Kha (Tekkatho 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 today's seminar, resource persons submitted their papers and it concluded in the evening.

YANGON, 13 Jan - The Ministry of Health examined some traditional medicines used as a tonic in treatment and prevention of disease. It is found that ingredients of the medicines include much more heavy metals than permitted. These medicines are harmful to the public and are unfit for consumption.

The traditional medicines are Yathayana medicine powder, Thanpya medicine powder, Kyauksaydan medicine powder, Baythitza Shwepya powder, Yathayana Seinyadana tablet and Shwepyayay. The ingredients include more amount of heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and mercury than it should be.

YANGON, 13 Jan - The matches of the ITF 14 and Under ASIAN Championships 2004 Zone-2, jointly organized by International Tennis Federation and Myanmar Tennis Federation, continued at Theinbyu Tennis Court here this morning.

MTF Patron Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, President U Zaw Zaw (Max Myanmar Co Ltd), Secretary Dr Tin Aung Lin (Aung Mingalar Co Ltd) and executives, ambassadors, ex-president and ex-secretaries of MTF, ex-selected players and tennis enthusiasts watched the matches.

In men's singles events, Phyo Min Tha (Myanmar) beat Barbar (Pakistan) 6-2, 7-5 and Zin Bo (Myanmar) beat Kwang (Malaysia) 6-4, WO to advance to semi-finals.

Shanmugam (Malaysia) beat Aik Kyauk (Myanmar) 6-3, 7-5 and Dinesh Kanthan (Sri Lanka) beat Win Htet Paing (Myanmar) 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 to advance to semi-finals.

In women's singles events, Arudpagasam (Sri Lanka) trounced Moe Chit The (Myanmar) 6-2, 6-3 to advance to semi-finals.

In doubles events, Phyo Min Tha and Win Htet Paing of Myanmar crushed the couple from Malaysia and Sri Lanka 6-3, 6-1; Zin Bo and Aung Kyaw Naing of Myanmar, the couple from Sri Lanka WO to advance to semi-finals which will be held on 14 January morning at the same venue.

YANGON, 13 Jan - The Gold Uni Golf Classic event is scheduled to be played from 27 to 30 January 2004. It is sanctioned by the Myanmar Professional Golfers Association and Myanmar Golf Federation and jointly sponsored by Gold Uni and Xie family with Imperial Jade joining in as the official water supplier.

Gold Uni will serve as a tune-up and final test for all the local players taking part in the prestigious Myanmar Open to be held from 12 to 15 February 2004. With the official venue Yangon Golf Club upgraded to tip top conditions the challenge for the 800,000 kyats winners cheque promises to be exciting.

The event is open to all Myanmar Professional Golfer Association members. Special invitations will be given to the top 6 Myanmar Golf Tour order of merit amateurs. Last date for registration with event organizer Han Event Management will be 25 January 2004.

YANGON, 13 Jan - The National Hockey Championship sponsored by the Myanmar Hockey Federation was opened with ceremony held at Theinbyu hockey ground yesterday morning.

Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, YCDC Chairman Yangon City Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Myanmar Olympic Committee Chairman Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Myanmar Hockey Federation President No 2 Military Region Commander Defence Services Records Office Commandant Brig-Gen Myo Myint, officials and guests were present on the occasion.

YANGON, 13 Jan - Acting on a tip-off, members of local intelligence unit searched Kyinpaing Hotel in Zarmani Myothit, Laukkai, at 11.30 pm on 24 December 2003 and seized drug absconder Kyauk Kum Myin (a) Kyauk Kaung Myin of China together with 17 grams of heroin and 80 stimulant pills.

A ceremony to hand over the drug culprit to China was held at Kyinthu Hotel, Yanlonkyaing Station in Laukkai on 31 December afternoon, attended by Lt-Col Aye Lwin of Laukkai Station and officials, Deputy Head of Drugs Control Unit of Kyeinkham District Police Force of China Police Lt-Col Pekwumshi and members.

The leaders of Myanmar delegation and Chinese delegation made speeches.

Head of Laukkai District Police Force Police Major Khin Maung Myint presented the documents relating to the culprit, Kyauk Kum Myin (a) Kyauk Kaung Myin, 47, son of U Kyauk Paung Chan.

Afterwards, the culprit was handed over to the Chinese officials on Yanlonkyaing Bridge.

YANGON, 13 Jan - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Tachilek Special Anti-Drug Squad, acting on information, on 29 December 2003, searched the house of Ah Be of Ahdee Village, Lwetawkham Village-tract, Tachilek Township and arrested him together with 40,000 stimulant tablets hidden under a bed, one America-made Rimintan shotgun and its 18 rounds of ammunition, one Czech-made .22 gun, one America-made 9mm pistol and its 50 rounds of ammunition and one shotgun.

In a similar incident, a combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Tachilek Special Anti-Drug, acting on information, on 29 December 2003, searched the house of Soe Naing (a) Ah Gwan of Ahdee Village, Loitawkham Village-tract, Tachilek Township and arrested Ah Je (a) Zaw Tun who was at the house together with 550 stimulant tablets.

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