YANGON, 14 Jan - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt met with members of Dawei District Peace and Development Council, departmental officials, townselders, members of social organizations and entrepreneurs at the City Hall in Dawei at 7 am on 12 January.

First, Chairman Lt-Col Khin Maung Kywe of Dawei District Peace and Development Council reported to the Prime Minister on land use and reclamation, sown acreage and yield of monsoon paddy, cultivation of summer paddy, local rice sufficiency, cultivation of oil palm, rubber and pepper, arrangements for extended cultivation, issuance of fishing licenses, fishing and income, conservation of forest, mining of lead, tungsten and alloy, power distribution, regional development tasks, transportation, education and health care services in the district.

After hearing the report, the Prime Minister fulfilled the requirements and gave a speech. He said he, dignitaries of the State and departmental heads came to the region to help with the arrangements for the development and long-term progress of the region.

He had visited rural areas at the edge of Launglon Township to witness the educational, health, social and economic conditions of the rural people, transportation of the areas and fulfilled the requirements on the spot, the Prime Minister said.

As the transportation plays an important role in regional development, he had also looked into the transport conditions of Dawei region by car and gave instructions on maintenance of roads, the Prime Minister added.

Efforts were being made for the long-term development of the region by building a deepsea port and a highway to link the region with the neighbouring and regional countries. At the same time, plans were under way to establish an industrial zone in the region and to upgrade Maungma- kan beach into a modern resort of international standard, the Prime Minister said.

On completion of the projects, the region would develop speedily.

Requirements for development of education and health had been fulfilled during the visit. He had made arrangements to upgrade Auk Yebyu Basic Education High School (Branch) and Kyauk Nimaw Affiliated High School in Launglon Township into high schools and Launglon 16-bed hospital into a 25-bed one, the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister, pointing out the field tours of the dignitaries of the State to rural areas of the country, urged the officials concerned to make field tours of rural areas and look into the social life of local people and carry out necessary works for development of rural areas. Only with the supervision at different levels, regional and national development tasks would meet with success, he said.

The Government had been implementing national development projects for the equitable development of the entire Union. Besides border areas development projects, special development zones had been set up in states and divisions to ensure that there was no development gap in the entire nation.

In Taninthayi Division, development projects were based in Dawei and Myeik regions. So, universities and 200-bed hospitals had emerged in the regions.

In Shan State, besides Taunggyi, Lashio and Kengtung, a special development zone was established in Loilem-Panglong region and development projects were being implemented there, the Prime Minister said. Development projects were carried out in both eastern and western parts of Bago Division to ensure that they had harmonious development. In Kachin State , besides Myitkyina and Bhamo regions, development projects were being carried out in Mohnyin and Mogaung regions.

Moreover, five rural development tasks such as education, health, transportation, water supply and economic development were also being carried out in the entire country. As development of all the rural and urban areas of the country was essential for the harmonious national development, work implementation of township level departmental personnel was important, the Prime Minister pointed out. Township level departmental personnel were required to make field tours of rural areas and fulfil the requirements of the local people. The Prime Minister urged the township level officials to form work committees for respective work sectors in cooperation with the departments concerned and to practise collective leadership and cooperation. Citing the goodwill and kindness of parents to their offspring, the Prime Minister said that the Government had been implementing development projects in the entire nation without any discrimination.

As the Union was home to all the national races, harmonious development of all the regions of the country would strengthen the national consolidation, the Prime Minister said.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister urged those present to make concerted efforts, with the full sense of Union Spirit and national solidarity spirit, for the success of the seven-point future policy programme of the State laid down for the perpetuity of the Union and strengthening of national unity by the Government.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party arrived at Dawei Airport and inspected the passenger lounge and services for passengers. Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe and officials conducted the Prime Minister and party round the airport. Next, the Prime Minister gave instructions on upgrading of the runway of the airport.

Next, the Prime Minister, accompanied by Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, left Dawei by air and arrived at Kawthoung at 9.30 am.

The Prime Minister and party were met at Kawthoung Airport by Supreme Court Justice Dr Tin Aung Aye, Officiating Commander of Taninthayi Naval Base Headquarters Naval Captain Win Shein, Tactical Operations Commander Col Myint Tun, local authorities, departmental officials, and members of social organizations.

At 10 am, the Prime Minister met with members of Kawthoung District and Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials, townselders, members of social organizations and national entrepreneurs at Myintzuthaka hall in Kawthoung.

First, Chairman of Kawthoung District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Soe briefed the Prime Minister on regional development tasks. The Prime Minister fulfilled the requirements for upgrading the Aye Yeiknyein Basic Education High School (Branch) and Pale Island Basic Education Middle School into high schools and made arrangements for approval of the organizational set-up of Thaungbyu Basic Education Primary School.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister made a speech.

He said he and the ministers and heads of departments came to Kawthoung to fulfil requirements for regional development.

He said Kawthoung has developed and become pleasant with magnificent buildings due to the government's fulfilments. Being a town bordering a neighbouring country, Kawthoung is a main business area for trading and fisheries, he said.

He spoke of the need for departmental personnel to make efforts for regional development and to preserve bilateral goodwill relations for perpetuity. He said lopsided trade must be avoided and emphasis is to be placed on fair progress on both sides. Various national races reside in Kawthoung. Unity among them is to be safeguarded forever.

He said departmental officials are to organize local people to make endeavours for regional development and food, clothing and shelter needs including sufficiency of food in the region and other personal goods without relying on others.

Taninthayi Division gets better foundations for success of ecotourism and therefore the government is making arrangements for development with added momentum, he added. He said he would inspect arrangements for Salone traditional festival to be held in Makyongalat Village on Ba Cho Island as part of promotion of tourism.

He called on departmental officials and local people to make concerted efforts for regional development hand in hand with the government and the people.

The Prime Minister and party inspected Bayintnaung Cape and measures taken for cleansing of Bayintnaung Statue.

The Prime Minister and party inspected Myoma Bridge in Kawthoung and gave instructions on upgrading of Myoma port. The Prime Minister and party went to Salone Island in Kawthoung Township by boat. They proceeded to dolphin breeding and training camp of Shanbhala Co Ltd. Regional Manager Dr Ye Min Oo reported on nature and habit of dolphin, breeding and training and health care for them. The Prime Minister and party watched skill demonstrations of the dolphins. Managing Director of Shanbhala Col Ltd Dr Phone Win reported on matters related to Salone Marina and Resort Project.

Consultant expert Mr Jim Styers of Myanmar Dolphin Project presented a small dolphin statue to the Prime Minister who posed for documentary photos together with experts and staff of Shanbhala Co Ltd.

The Prime Minister and party observed along the beach and environs of the island and conditions for ecotourism. They arrived at Makyongalat Village in Bo Cho Island where Salone traditional festival is to be held.

They were welcomed by members of village peace and development council, social organizations, teachers, students and local people.

Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu reported on arrangements for holding of Salone traditional festival at Makyon- galat Village, accommodations for visitors, arrangements for skill demonstration of Salone nationals and funfair and visit to dolphin breeding camp. Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe reported on transport arrangements for visitors who will be participating in the festival.

Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung also reported on arrangements for foreign visitors and diplomats who will be taking part in the festival.

The Prime Minister said the festival will be held with the aims of publicizing Myeik Islands and Salone nationals, promotion tourism in the island and ensuring regional development.

He also gave instructions on success of the festival.

He then presented bags of rice to the Salone nationals and posed for photos with them.

The Prime Minister and party arrived at Pale Island in Bokepyin Township at 6.30 pm. They were welcomed by members of Township Peace and Development Council, social organizations, managing director of Myanma Pearls Enterprise and service personnel, teachers and students.

They went to the pearl production unit and observed pearls there. Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint reported on the background history of pearl production, efforts for boosting production of pearl, undertakings with local and foreign firms under the production sharing system and annual production of pearl.

Next, Managing Director of Myanma Pearls Enterprise U Maung Toe reported on kinds of pearls produced in the world, popularity of Myanma pearl, change of pearl production, boosting yearly production of pearl in Myanmar, production cost, market and future tasks.

The Prime Minister then fulfilled the requirements and gave instructions on protection of sea pollution and security.

Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt presented a TV and video deck for Pale Island Basic Education Middle School to Headmaster U Tin Myint.

The Prime Minister upgraded the BEMS to affiliated Basic Education High School.

The Prime Minister and party inspected pearl oyster breeding camp. In the evening, they arrived in Myeik where they were welcomed by local authorities and social organizations.

YANGON, 14 Jan - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received Deputy Minister of Culture Mrs Meng Xiao Si of the People's Republic of China and party at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha, here, at 4 pm today.

Also present on the occasion were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet, Chinese Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun and embassy staff.

YANGON, 14 Jan - Chairman of the National Health Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt addressed the 50th Conference of the Myanmar Medical Association at the Hall-A of the MMA on The inbyu Road in Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township here this morning.

Also present were Vice-Chairman of the NHC Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, the Yangon mayor, deputy ministers, members of the NHC, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and Health Department, heads of department, resident representatives of the UN agencies, the president, executives and members of the MMA, Myanmar doctors living abroad, members of social organizations and guests.

Because of the spirit to serve the national interest or the family spirit - Blood is thicker than water - the 50th Conference of the 55-year-old MMA can be held today. The efforts to develop the Myanmar medical science and conduct public health care services are in accord with the lofty aims as well as the aims of the health sector to serve the national interest.

In this world today, there exist a continuous competition among the nations against one another on all fronts to serve their own interest. Rather than relying on others, a developing nation like Myanmar will have to strive with her own resources and the united strength of the nationalities for the prosperity and development of the people in enabling them to stand tall among the world nations.

To fulfil the national requirement, the State has been developing the qualification, mind and body, health and fitness and intellectual power in producing brilliant human resources. Health and fitness of the people is an essential social foundation that will help further strengthen other sectors developing the nation, relying on their own resources. Thus, the Government is making systematic efforts for development of the medical science, enabling the nation to apply the advancing sciences and technologies, diagnosis methods, and medical equipment and office automation, emergence of brilliant human resources in the health sector and development of research programmes that will benefit the public.

The health sector including the medical science sector is developing satisfactorily, resulting from the harmonious efforts of the Government, academics including the physicians, the private sector and the social organizations. In the health care sector, specialist hospitals, general hospitals, 350-bed hospitals, 300-bed hospitals and 250-bed hospitals have been extended in the entire nation. A 200-bed hospital has been built in ever, state and division and every development zone. Thus, there are 763 hospitals in the nation at present, up from 617 in the past. Up to March 2003, the MMA has over 18,000 member doctors and nearly 5,000 in-service doctors, up from 11,300 member doctors and 3,200 in-service doctors in 1987. Institutions of higher learning in the different fields of the health sector have been extended to 14 in the whole nation at present, to produce brilliant health resources. The four-year national education promotion programme of the health sector has been laid down and implemented to use international level teaching aids in teaching medical science. The medical universities now have resource centres, e-libraries, Internet and Intranet. Thus a practical surgical lesson can be studied by many places at the same time.

Post-graduate courses have been extended, and the number of post graduate courses have reached six and the master's degree courses, 29. In the past there were only on post-graduate diploma course and 12 master's degree courses. In addition, there are now seven Ph.D. courses and 30 Dr.Med.Sc. courses, and the Government has produced 17 Ph.D. degree holders and 55 Dr.Med.Sc degree holders. The Government is also giving enabling the candidates of different studies to attend MRCP, MRCPH, MRCOG, FRCS and MRCS courses at the prominent universities in the United Kingdom. Starting from 1991, 82 new MRCP degree holders, 28 new MRCPH degree holders, 35 new MRCOG degree holders, 78 new FRCS degree holders and ten new MRCS degree holders totalling 233 have emerged in the nation.

The new medical science and international level brilliant outstanding practitioners are emerging in the nation at present, and the Government is supplying advanced medical equipment in diagnosis and treatment sectors. Advanced equipment including cardiac catheterization unit, angiogram, heart and lung machine, magnetic resonant imaging, CT scanner, gamma camera probe counter, X-ray machine with fluroscopy, mammogram, auto-analyzer, c-arm X-ray with TV system, hand surgery operating microscope, eye-operating microscope, neuro surgical operating microscope, ultrasonic aspirator and argon plasma have been equipped at the hospitals in Myanmar.

Thanks to harmonious endeavours of the Government in all sectors, qualified human resources are continuously emerging in the nation, all branches of the medical field are advancing, and treatment, diagnosis and rehabilitation operations of the hospitals are developing.

Moreover, through the combination of modern hospital equipment and brilliance and competence of professors and specialists, various sorts of medical performances can be carried out successfully, which will make medical history.

For instance, open heart surgery and kidney transplant can be performed at both Yangon General Hospital and Mandalay General Hospital. Besides, cardiac operations can be carried out with the use of cardiac catheterization laboratory in these two hospitals.

Similarly, Myanmar physicians have successfully separated conjoined twins and carried out performances on replantation of a forearm cut off and a traumatically amputated crushed distal forearm. These successes have brought credit to the entire people and will go down in the medical history.

As regards the diseases control sector, thanks to the combined and concerted efforts of the medical staff, social organizations and the people including physicians as mass activities, epidemic diseases have been nearly eradicated.

In the year 2003, the WHO declared that Myanmar was totally free from leprosy and polio. Likewise, effective measures can be taken to fight against such diseases as trachoma and blindness, and elephantiasis, removing them from the public health problems. Success has been achieved to some extent in a bid to prevent and control such diseases as hepatitis B and C diseases and dangue hemorrhagic fever which are infected from other countries.

Particularly, Myanmar won a significant victory in preventing against the disease SARS that spread all over the world in 2003, as a result of the collective efforts of medical experts and the entire people with full sense of health knowledge. The departments concerned, social organizations and the people hand in hand with the international NGOs widely carried out tasks as the national duty for control and prevention of HIV-AIDS that pose danger to the mankind. Educative talks on HIV-AIDS can be given well to the national people and the achievements can be made known to the international community through the First Anti-AIDS Exhibition.

In connection with the public health care services, social organizations such as Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation, Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association and Myanmar Medical Association and so on and so forth are actively and enthusiastically participating in the steps for reduction of mother and child fatal rate, caring of pregnant women in giving birth, reproductive health services, AIDS-HIV prevention and control tasks, nurturing of children, and profanation of iodine deficiency. In such a time when the Government's drive to uplift the national health standard and the health sector is making progress remarkably, all physicians are to make continuing efforts in unison to accelerate the already-gained development momentum, the Prime Minister urged.

Sheer accomplishments of the State's lofty and noble aims of public health care services and successful implementation of national health plans mainly depend on high qualifications, firm nationalistic resolution and great perseverance.

Today, it is necessary to nurture and produce a lot of healthy and highly-qualified medical experts equipped with nationalistic spirit, who play a main role in enabling the nation to stand tall among the international community. So, all the physicians are to endeavour to maintain the momentum of health care services, he stressed. The Prime Minister again called on the physicians to make efforts to enable the Myanmar Medical Association with a fine historical tradition to exist long. He also urged the physicians to participate in the tasks for successful implementation of the State's seven-step Road Map for the emergence of a peaceful, modern, developed and discipline-flourishing democratic nation that can stand tall in the world nations.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister wished the physicians to carry out tasks with added momentum to ensure ever lasting of the association and to serve the interest of the people and the nation; and to provide health care services for the people to become fit and strong and highly-qualified citizens through the medical knowledge. After the conference, Minister Dr Kyaw Myint formally opened the medicines and medical equipment exhibition.

Next, the ministers and the guests viewed the booths round the exhibition.

YANGON, 14 Jan - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received Shan national race leader U Khun Mein and party of Shwe Pyi Aye Development village, who have returned to the legal fold, at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha, here, at 4.50 pm today.

Also present on the occasion were Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Maj-Gen Thein Swe, Vice Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein and Director-General U Soe Tint of Government Office.

The national race leaders expressed their support for the seven-point future political programme of the State and pledged to actively participate in the tasks to successfully implement the programme. Afterwards, they reported matters relating to regional development, agriculture and economic enterprise.

YANGON, 14 Jan - Member of the State Peace and Development Council and Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, accompanied by Chairman of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing and Vice-Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Aung Kyi, arrived at Tangyan yesterday afternoon. At the hall of the local battalion, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win met with officers, other ranks and their families, departmental staff and gave instructions on extended agriculture for regional development.

In the evening, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspected high-yield summer paddy plantations in Nanpao village in Lashio Township and gave instructions to local farmers on high yield of crops and local rice sufficiency.

This morning, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, accompanied by Commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing and officials, inspected the coffee nurseries undertaken by the North-East Command. He also looked into the high-yield strain of paddy on 40 acres of land undertaken by Shan State (North) police station.

At Humon irrigated high-yield paddy plantation on 120 acres of land, the commander reported to Lt-Gen Kyaw Win on measures being taken for local sufficiency of food.

The deputy commander, officials and farmers also reported on step by step nursing of seedlings of high-yield paddy strain and progress of the tasks.

After hearing the reports, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win gave instructions on assistance being rendered by the Government for regional development, the collective efforts of departmental employees to successfully carry out their duties, and harmonious cooperation among local farmers, departmental officials and local people. Next, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win himself spread the strains of high-yield paddy crops together with the local farmers.

Lt-Gen Kyaw Win also oversaw the 40-acre nursing ground being undertaken by Lashio District Peace and Development Council, and another 40-acre paddy field being worked by the local battalion. Later, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspected a brick making industry, being undertaken by North-East Command and Soe Soe Pyay Pyay brick company on the basis of mutual benefit, which will produce 60,000 bricks daily, and plantations of macadamia plants and honey orange plants. After hearing the reports presented by officials, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win gave instructions and attended to the requirements.

YANGON, 14 Jan - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe discussed with officials the cultivation of summer paddy and conducting of development activities in Htantabin Township, Yangon North District, this morning.

Accompanied by officials, the commander observed summer paddy fields along the Yangon-Nyaungdon Road and gave instructions to officials on the use of four methods - application of correct cultivation techniques, quality strains, natural and chemical fertilizers and water.

At the special zone to produce 100 baskets of paddy per acre, the commander heard a report on cultivation of summer paddy and other crops and irrigation projects presented by officials. During his meeting with local farmers, the commander urged them to grow summer paddy as targeted, and to extend mixed cropping.

The commander then inspected Kyunngu water pumping station, and heard reports on its functions. He spoke of the need to upgrade the feeder canal and the distributor canals to irrigate summer paddy fields. At Lamudan water pumping station at Bawlekyun in the township, the commander observed the feeder canal and operations of the station. He also urged local farmers to grow beans and pulses, edible oil crops and vegetables in addition to paddy. Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe also inspected construction of stalls at the Htantabin Municipal Market and the sports ground.

YANGON, 14 Jan - Deputy Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Than Htay, accompanied by Managing Director Col Sein Tin Win of Myanma Petroleum Products Enterprise and officials, arrived at Monghsat on 10 January and inspected the distribution of fuel oil there.

The deputy minister met Col Tin Yu of Monghsat Station and the chairman of Monghsat District Peace and Development Council and staff and attended to the requirements.

On 11 January, the deputy minister and party arrived at Tachilek.

After inspecting the extended construction tasks for fuel oil distribution station, they proceeded to Kengtung.

On 12 January morning, the deputy minister met with the staff and gave instructions and inspected construction tasks. The deputy minister arrived back here in the evening.

YANGON, 14 Jan - Video tapes, laser discs and digital discs, which were inconsistent with Television and Video Law, were destroyed in the compound of the Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of Hanthawady Road and Kyundaw Street in Kamayut Township here this morning.

Present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Head of Department of the Office of the Military Intelligence Headquarters Brig-Gen Than Tun and senior military officers, members of the central committee for video scrutinizing board, departmental heads, journalists, and guests.

In his explanation, Brig-Gen Than Tun said that uncensored video tapes and laser and digital discs were seized and action was taken against the culprits. It is the fifth time that such ceremony has been held.

In our country, the video censorship board decides what films are fit for public entertainment in order to prevent our culture from being influenced by alien decadent culture. Steps are being taken to deter the porn films, video tapes and discs from entering the country. A total of 915 porn video laser discs were among the seizures to be destroyed.

Pirated Myanmar karaoke songs discs are also on the increase annually. Such kinds of discs are available even on roadside platforms and at shops in Yangon and Mandalay. Therefore, the video censorship board, the city development committee, the Myanmar police force and other responsible organizations held a meeting in November to address the issue. Later, the authorities launched a one-month educational campaign and announced through newspapers, journals and magazines that severe action will be taken against law-breakers in the wake of the campaign. However, the sales of pirated tapes and discs did not come to a halt. Therefore, the authorities made many arrests in Yangon and Mandalay, seizing a total of 8,882 pirated karaoke discs. The seizures will be destroyed at this ceremony and the persons involved will also be dealt according to the law.

Next, Managing Director of Myanma Motion Pictures Enterprise U Bo Kyi explained that at a time when the Government is taking measures to ensure the emergence of video tapes that will help accelerate the modernization pace of the country, preserve Myanma cultural heritage and strengthen the national solidarity, the Television and Video Law was enacted to bring under control the video tapes which will spoil our culture and traditions.

If the number of pirated tapes and discs are not on the decline, more punitive action will have to be taken against the unscrupulous persons. Later, he called upon those present on the occasion to render cooperation in these measures to educate the general public through media.

Later, Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Brig-Gen Than Tun and officials inspected the tapes and discs on display to be destroyed.

The pirated video tapes and discs were then crushed by road-rollers.

The number of pirated video tapes and discs destroyed were 5,397 Myanmar and foreign video tapes, 44,690 video laser discs, 584 digital video laser discs, 5,435 song tapes, and two laser discs. The value of the seizures stood at some K 30 million.

YANGON, 14 Jan - The team comprising officials of Yangon Division Police Commander's Office, Yangon Division Video Supervision Committee and Ward Peace and Development Council, acting on information, searched the house of Aung Moe at No 52, 14th Street, Aungyadana 14th Street, 4/North Ward in Thakayta Township today.

The officials found machines used in copying VCDs, 90 Myanmar Karaoke original VCDs, 320 uncensored VCDs and 30 X-rated VCDs in a room in the back of the house.

The team also searched the house of Phyo Thiha at No 22 (GF), 42nd Street, Ward 7, Botahtaung Township, and found machines used in copying VCDs, 16 Myanmar Karaoke original VCDs, 338 uncensored VCDs and 31 X-rated VCDs in the attic of the house.

At the house of Naing Win Aung at Room 9/B, No 110, 52nd Street, Ward 1 in Pazundaung Township, the team found 1,500 uncensored Myanmar Karaoke VCDs and related items in the attic of the house.

The police stations concerned filed against Aung Moe, Phyo Thiha and Naing Win Aung who illegally copied and distributed uncensored Myanmar Karaoke VCDs and X-rated VCDs.

YANGON, 14 Jan - Salone traditional festival will be held in Ma Kyone Galat Village in Kawthoung Township from 14 to 17 February 2004 under the aegis of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council and Kawthoung District Peace and Development Council.

Visitors can get information on the festival on the website under the name of Myanmar.net/mtt/salone.htm www.salonefestival.com and www.sea Gypsy festival.com.

The tour will be arranged by Shabhala Tours Co. The e-mail address is info@salonefestival.com.

YANGON, 14 Jan - The 2004 Cooperative Product Exhibition & Market Festival continued for the second day at the Cooperative Trade Centre (Saya San Plaza) here today. Minister for Cooperatives Maj-Gen Htay Oo visited the exhibition this morning and gave necessary instructions. Contracts worth over K 59.425 million were signed this morning. Consumer goods, import-substitute items, regional products, textiles, cosmetics, etc are displayed at 279 booths there.

YANGON, 14 Jan - The 56th Anniversary Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar organized by Myanmar Ambassador to Malaysia U Hla Maung was held at the Prince Hotel and Residence KL in Kuala Lumpur on 5 January evening.

It was attended by Chief Guest Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar and wife, ambassadors of foreign embassies in Malaysia and their wives, high ranking departmental officials of Malaysia, entrepreneurs, journalists, Myanmar entrepreneurs, technicians and doctors and their families in Malaysia, and staff of the Myanmar Embassy and the Office of the Military Attaché in Malaysia and their families totalling over 500 persons. The Myanmar Ambassador and the Malaysian Foreign Minister made best wishes each other, and the ambassador presented a gem mosaic picture of Mogok gemland to the foreign minister. The guests were entertained with traditional Myanmar dances and hosted with traditional Myanmar food.

YANGON, 14 Jan - A delegation from the People's Republic of China headed by Deputy Minister of Culture Mrs Meng Xiao Si arrived here by air yesterday evening.

The delegation was welcomed at the Yangon International Airport by Deputy Minister for Culture Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, officials and PRC Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun.

Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung received the PRC delegation at his office on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here at 11 am today. Present on the occasion were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and heads of departments.

The Chinese delegation this morning visited Shwedagon pagoda and paid homage to the pagoda. Mrs Meng Xiao Si made cash donations to the pagoda and signed in the visitors' book.

The delegation next visited the National Museum on Pyay Road here. In the evening, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung hosted a dinner in honour of the delegation at Karaweik Palace.

YANGON, 14 Jan - The first round matches of the Asian Zone-2 U-14 Tennis Tournament jointly organized by International Tennis Federation and Tennis Federation of Myanmar took place at Theinbyu tennis court here this morning.

Among the spectators were Patron of TFM Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, President U Zaw Zaw (Max Myanmar Co Ltd), Secretary Dr Tin Aung Lin (Aung Mingalar Co Ltd) and executives.

At today's matches, Phyo Min Tha and Zin Bo of Myanmar team beat the players from Malaysia and Sri Lanka and reached the finals of the first round matches for men's singles event.

At the doubles events, Phyo Min Tha and Win Htet Paing of Myanmar team beat Zin Bo and Aung Kyaw Naing of Myanmar team and reached the final of the first round. Pakistan doubles team of Barbar and Nazir reached final as their rival team had sustained injury and could not play for the match.

At women's singles event, Malaysia and Sri Lanka reached final, and a Malaysia team and a Malaysia-Sri Lanka team reached final at the doubles event.

Final matches for the first round of the tournament will take place tomorrow morning at the same venue.

YANGON, 14 Jan - Military Attache of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Myanmar Senior Colonel Xu Shulai got hole-in-one at the Dean Cup Invitational Golf Tournament, sponsored by him at Dagon Golf Course at 3.30 pm yesterday. He drove the ball with Titleist Honma Twin Marks No 6 to the 13th hole from 150 yards away. He was playing together with Thai Military Attache Col Kasem Nakpun, Russian Military Attache Col Victor S Timoshkov and Lt-Col Myo Aung.

YANGON, 14 Jan - The press conference on the Myanmar Golf Open 2004, organized by Myanmar Professional Golfers Association (MPGA) and the Octagon and mainly sponsored by the Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd, was held at Sedona Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, here, this afternoon.

The press conference was attended by MPGA and Myanmar Golf Federation (MGF) President Maj-Gen Win Hlaing, officials from Sports and Physical Education Department, departmental officials, Secretary U Aung Kyi of MGF, Deputy Managing Director Col Aung San of Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd, Officer on Special duty Col Soe Win of News and Periodicals Enterprise, Director (News) U Hla Tun and officials, President U Sao Kai Hpa of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club and members, mediamen, Myanmar selected golfers and invited guests.

Maj-Gen Win Hlaing presented a brief account of the golf tournament. Managing Director Mr Arend Ng of Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd explained assistance to be rendered at the golf tournament. MPGA Secretary U Chan Han briefed on arrangements for the golf tournament and Myanmar Star Player U Kyi Hla Han extended greetings. Afterwards, queries of the mediamen were replied and the ceremony came to a close.

The golf tournament will be held at Yangon Golf Club, Danyingon, here, from 12 to 15 February. A total of US$ 200,000 will be presented to the winners including US$ 32,300 for the first prize, US$ 22,260 for the second prize, US$ 12,400 for the third prize.

The co-sponsors of the golf tournament were Myanmar Airways International (MAI), Sedona Hotel, Yangon, Wilson, Grand Slam (Munsing wear), Inetol (Headwear Company), Canon (Accel International Co Ltd), Maruman (Kaung Myat Co Ltd), Dagon Beer (Dagon Brewery Co Ltd), Alpine Purified Drinking Water (Loi Hein Co Ltd), UPG (United Paint Group), Mims Logistics and Max Myanmar Co Ltd.