YANGON, 26 Jan - On the occasion of the 55th Anniversary of the Republic Day of India which falls on 26 January 2004, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent message of felicitations to Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, President of the Republic of India.

YANGON, 26 Jan - On the occasion of the Anniversary of the Australia Day, which falls on 26 January 2004, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to Major-General Michael Jeffery, AC, CVO, MC (Retd), Governor-General of Australia.

YANGON, 26 Jan - On the occasion of the 55th Anniversary of the Republic Day of India which falls on 26 January 2004, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Vice-President of the Republic of India.

YANGON, 26 Jan - On the occasion of the 55th Anniversary of the Republic Day of India which falls on 26 January 2004, General Khin Nyunt, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent message of felicitations to Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, Prime Minister of the Republic of India.

YANGON, 26 Jan - At the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt, Dato Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi, Prime Minister of Malaysia, will pay a working visit to the Union of Myanmar in the near future.

YANGON, 26 Jan - On the occasion of the Anniversary of the Australia Day, which falls on 26 January 2004, General Khin Nyunt, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to Mr John Howard, MP, Prime Minister of Australia.

YANGON, 25 Jan - The Htidaw was hoisted atop Gandakutitaik of Jina Manaung Buddha Image in Sonnathamyaing Swemyodaw (Myainggyingu Region) in Kayin State in conjunction with opening of 34-mile Thitsar Road linking Myainggyingu and Hpa-an and 99 bridges at respective places in Myainggyingu Region yesterday morning, attended by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of State Ovadacariya Hpa-an Mehsaung Monastery Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Indriya and Myainggyingu Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sujana and Sayadaws in Kayin State.

Also present on the occasion were Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, ministers, deputy ministers, Chairman of Kayin State Peace and Development Council Col Khin Kyu, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, local authorities, officials, social organizations, Chairman of Kayin National Buddhist Association U Saw Tha Htoo Kyaw and members, teachers, students and local residents.

The Prime Minister and party paid reverence to Jina Manaung Buddha Image. They also paid homage to Myainggyingu Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sujana.

The Htidaw hoisting ceremony took place at 11.30 am.

The Myainggyingu Sayadaw handed the Htidaw to the Prime Minister.

The lay persons conveyed the Seinbudaw (Diamond Orb) and Hngetmyatnadaw (Vane) to the decorated carriage. Local national race leaders and local people hoisted the religious objects atop the Gandakutitaik. The Sayadaw, the Prime Minister and party and national race leaders fixed the religious objects atop the Gandakutitaik and sprinkled scented water on them. The Prime Minister and party performed rituals of golden and silvery showers to mark the successful conclusion of the ceremony.

This was followed by opening of 34-mile Thitsar Road linking Myainggyingu and Hpa-an and 99 bridges constructed by members of Kayin National Buddhist Association and local nationals under the patronage of the Myainggyingu Sayadaw, at the entrance to Sonnatha Myaingswe Myodaw.

Chairman U Saw Tha Htoo Kyaw explained the purpose of opening the transport facilities, and expressed his thanks to the Sayadaw, the Government and the Head of State, and those who contributed towards construction of the facilities.

The Prime Minister formally unveiled the archway at the top of the newly-constructed road. Lt-Gen Maung Bo and Member of Kayin National Buddhist Association U Kyaw Thein formally opened the archway.

Together with the guests, the Prime Minister and party walked along the road and cordially greeted the local residents. The General and party paid homage to Bhesijja Muni bronze Buddha Image in Myainggyingu Region. The merit-sharing ceremony took place at the pandal on the platform of the bronze Buddha image.

The Myainggyingu Sayadaw administered the Nine Precepts to the congregation. Members of the Sangha recited the parittas.

The Prime Minister supplicated on religious matters. In his speech, the Prime Minister said that in the past, Sonnatha Myaingswe Myodaw (Myainggyingu Region) was difficult of access and it lagged behind in development until peace had been restored.

In November 1994, members of Kayin National Buddhist Association led by Myainggyingu Sayadaw made peace with the Government and have carried out regional development tasks hand in hand with the Government.

With the improvement of economy, local nationals brilliantly performed religious work such as construction of pagodas and monasteries. The Sayadaw renovated such old religious edifices as pagodas, monasteries, ordination halls, public rest-houses, Dhammayons while con-structing new ones in Kayin State. Consequently, the images of pagodas and monasteries in the region are gilded or white-washed to b e magnificent.

In the region, the Maha Bhesijja Muni Bronze Buddha Image with 27 feet in height was cast and the 120' x 120' x 100' Gandakuti Kyaung-dawgyi was constru cted to keep the image. And, the merits sharing ceremony for construction of the image and the building was held on 23 March 1998.

Another 120' x 120' x 100' Gandakuti Kyaungdawgyi was built to house the Jina Manaung Buddha Image, and the Htidaw hoisting ceremony was held on that day.

The Sayadaw not only built pagodas but compiled religious treaties. Now the Sayadaw has compiled 38 religious treaties in Myanmar and Kayin languages.

The Sayadaw is making efforts for religious affairs and all-round development of Myainggyingu Region simultaneously. Under-standing that the transport plays a vital role in regional development, the Sayadaw enlisting the strength of the Kayin nationals and local people with the assistance of the State started to construct the Thitsar Road in 1998. A total of five large and 12 small bridges had to be constructed to complete the project. Now the road has been upgraded to a tarred one serviceable for all seasons.

Thanks to the emergence of the fine facility, the region will make further progress.

Afterwards, the General and party presented offertories to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha.

Next, Myainggyingu Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. The General and party performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the successful completion of the ceremony.

The Prime Minister met the chairman of Kayin National Buddhist Association and members and fulfilled the requirements for greater development of the region.

The Prime Minister presented a TV set, a video cassette player, a computer set and teaching and learning aids to Myainggyingu Basic Education High School, medical equipment to the health care centre, gifts to the national race leaders through U Saw Tha Htoo Kyaw, who next presented a gift to the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party left the region in the afternoon.

YANGON, 25 Jan - The Third Myanmar ICT Week went on for the fifth day today here at Myanmar Information and Com-munication Techno-logy (MICT) Park on Hline University Campus in Hline Township.

The workshop on 'Security issues and related products' was held in the morning session. U Thaung Tin, President of Myanmar Computer Scientists Association made a speech. The discussions included 'Prevention of virus-attack using intelligent enterprise security management system' by Daw Khin Mi Mi Aung, 'Virus and other problems relating Internet security' by In-charge U Wai Lin Kyaw of Special Interest Group of MCSA and 'Firewall and other technologies to prevent security system by SIG In-charge U Hla Win Kyaing.

In the afternoon, members of Board of MICTDC Directors U Tin Win Aung made a speech on opening of soft-launching e-procurement project.

Director U Than Win of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise, the Ministry of Electric Power, discussed matters on e-Procedure, Vice-President U Aung Soe Thin of Myanmar Computer Co Ltd discussed matters relating to e-Procedure Portal Prototype.

The workshop on 'Better Software Faster' was also held. Senior Consultant U Moe Thwin of Borland (Hong Kong) Ltd presented papers on 'Better software faster' and 'UML modelling solution'.

Also present on the occasion were Vice-Chairman of e-National Task Force and member of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board U Aung Myint, chairmen of computer associations, departmental officials, officials from computer companies and enthusiasts.

Product Promotion seminars held

YANGON, 24 Jan-Product Promotion seminars were held at MICT Park on Hline University Campus, Hline Township, where the Third Myanmar ICT Week 2004 is being held, attended by those from computer companies and banks, entrepreneurs and enth-usiasts.

At the seminar that began at 9 am at the Coference Hall, Chief Operation Officer of Myanmar Computer Com-pany Daw Chaw Khin Khin explained matters related to opening of e-Shops free of charge at Yangon City Mall for e-Commerce sector, and Vice-Chairman U Pyi Sone, matters related to new software Mini-ERP for SME (S) produced by MCC for e-Big sector.

Next, General Magager of Myanmar Information Technology Co Daw Ni Ni Tun presented matters related to ERM (Enterprise Resource Management System) based on Accounting System, HRM and Payrol System, Project Costing System, CRM System, etc produced by MIT.

After that, Sales Manager U Min Zaw of INTEGRA Systems Co explained matters related to the use of i-Ledger and its advantages in connection with i-Ledger Account System.

Next, officials of Myanmar World Distribution Co explained the use of Open Source Software for Agricultural Information Management System, e-Commerce Application, Virtual Document Library, Enterprise Portal and K-POS with security and authentication.

Next, Marketing Manager Daw Mi Mi Aye of ACE Data System explained the computer systems suitable for small and medium entrepreneurs.

The semimar continued at 1 pm. Director U Di Pa of Myat Tha Pyay Co explained sales of six kinds of com-puters with Hyper Threading Technology and Serialata Dick by the company.

Next, Software Develop-ment Manager U Than Htaik of Forever Group explained matters related to Staff Management System, Photo Library Management System, Library Manage-ment System and Video Library Management System.

Next, Director U Ye Thura Thet of Myanmar Information Technology Pte Ltd explained matters related to Hospital Information System and Senior Systems Executive U Ye Soe Myat, matters related to Tele Consulting Application for Health Care and the seminar ended

YANGON, 25 Jan - A workshop on e-Life was held at the MICT Park in Hline Township here on 22 and 23 January 2004.

Present on the occasion were UMFCCI President U Win Myint, Vice-Presidents and CEC members and officials of computer companies and banks, businessmen and enthu siasts.

Managing Director of Cho Cho Co U Wai Phyo explained facts on e-Life. He dealt with matters on IR concept, Star time attendance & access control, home security system, autogate, Juzt Rebood + Lock + Guard, Digital Video Recorder, Network Attach Storage, Laser & Thermal motion detectors for security, enterprise resource planning, firewalls and IDS, IQ & warehouse management system and camera remote surveillance & DVR system

YANGON, 25 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, departmental heads and officials, left here by Tatmadaw aircraft and arrived in Hpa-an yesterday morning.

The Prime Minister and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, Chairman of Kayin State Peace and Development Council Col Khin Kyu, local authorities and officials. On arrival at Hpa-an University, the Prime Minister and party were welcomed by Pro-rector U Saw Han Shein and faculty members. First, the Prime Minister and party inspected construction of 3-storey main building of the university.

At the briefing hall, Pro-rector U Saw Han Shein reported to the Prime Minister on background history of the university, courses being conducted, specialized subjects, strength of students and staff, opening of IT rooms applying 65 sets of computers. Minister for Education U Than Aung made a supplementary report.

The Prime Minister gave instructions on measures to be taken for skill promotion of teachers, producing intellectuals and intelligentia with high calibre, making arrangements for appointing teachers at the university.

Next, Chairman of Yuzana Construction Group U Htay Myint reported to the Prime Minister on progress in building of two-storey building and the three-storey main building, construction of concrete road, growing flowers on the campus, erecting lamp-post, measures being taken for supplying water and electricity.

After fulfilling the requirements, the Prime Minister gave instructions on producing highly qualified intellectuals and intelligentsia needed in nation-building endeavours and nurturing the students to be equipped with national unity spirit and Union Spirit.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister inspected building of multi-purpose hall, lecture halls and measures being taken for keeping the campus green and pleasant.

Next, they proceeded to Government Technical College (Hpa-an) and inspected the construction of three-storey main building.

Principal Daw Than Than Htay of the college reported to the Prime Minister on academic matters including background history of the college, courses being conducted and strength of students and staff.

The Prime Minister gave instructions saying that as the GTC (Hpa-an) will emerge as a university, the teachers are to pursue ever developing education and nurture engineers with high calibre and constantly produce engineers who are experts in building bridges and dams.

The Prime Minister and party, accompanied by Commander Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, arrived at Sonnathamyaing Swe-myodaw (Myainggyingu Region) in Hlaingbwe Township, Kayin State, by Tatmadaw helicopter. The Prime Minister and party were welcomed there by Tactical Operations Commander Col Kyaw Soe, local authorities, departmental officials, members of social organizations, the chairman and members of Kayin National Buddhist Organization, national cultural troupe and local national people.

The Prime Minister and party attended ceremonies to hoist Htidaw atop Gandakuti Taiktaw of Jina Manaung Buddha Image, to open 34-mile long Myainggyingu-Hpa-an Thitsa road and 99 bridges and merit sharing ceremony.

Next, the Prime Minister and party proceeded to Kawkareik where they were welcomed by Col Tin Hla Oo of Kawkareik Station, local authorities, departmental officials and members of social organizations.

On arrival at No 2 Basic Education High School in Kawkareik, the Prime Minister and party were welcomed by Township Education Officer U Aye Min, members of the School Board of Trustees, Headmistress Daw Aye Myint Kyi, teachers and students.

The Prime Minister and party inspected Electronic Media (Language Lab), computer aided instruction, computer application and e-mail, electronic media (video system), printed media (reading corner), electronic media (audio system), and electronic media (visual presenter).

Next, the Prime Minister and party went to District People's Hospital in Kawkareik. Medical Superintendent Dr Soe Myint, specialists, doctors and nurses welcomed them.

The Prime Minister and party inspected operation theatre and patient wards.

After inspecting the site suitable for constructing a new building in the compound of the hospital, the Prime Minister gave instructions on construction of a new building and renovation of the existing one.

Afterwards, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt met with members of Kawkareik District and Township PDCs, departmental officials, townselders and local national race.

First, Chairman of Kawkariek District PDC Lt-Col Kyaw Win Maung reported to the Prime Minister on location and area of the district, sown acreage, cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy and beans and pulses, food sufficiency in the district, livestock breeding tasks, measures being taken in the education and health sectors.

Next, officials of the respective departments reported on work being carried out and requirements.

After fulfilling the requirements, the Prime Minister made a speech.

He said those in charge of the special regions and the ministers came to the region to fulfil the requirements for development of Kayin State. He said he had visited Kawkareik Basic Education High School and hospital and gave instructions on education and health this morning.

According to the reports of officials in Kwkareik District and his inspection, there is sufficiency of food in the region. But farming and livestock breeding activities are to be extended. He spoke of the need to make efforts for increase of pass rate of matriculation examination in the education sector.

Only when there are intellectuals and intelligentsia with efficiency will building a modern developed nation be successful. The government is laying emphasis on continuous development of human resources in the country including Kayin State, he said.

He said the government has laid down policies and objectives on education, health, agriculture, livestock breeding and transport sectors and given directives to grassroots levels.

He said that those in charge of regions and departmental personnel are responsible for realization of the objectives, development of the region and raising the living standard of local people. With this concept, they are to work hard so that achievements will be made.

Now the Head of State himself made trips to the grassroots levels and promptly fulfilled the requirements for equitable development in all-round sectors. After realizing this, officials concerned are to fulfil the needs of the people while making trips to the regions, he said.

Kawkareik lies on the main trade road between Myanmar and Thailand and it possesses basic foundations for agriculture. He urged departmental officials to provide assistance for extended farming and livestock breeding on commercial scale, he said.

He said better transport is important for regional development and economic progress. That is why the government is laying emphasis on ensuring better transportation in the country, he added. Roads are being extended and upgraded and arrangements are being made for upgrading of the Myawady-Kawkareik-Hpa-an Road to be all-weather one for promotion of trade between Myanmar and Thailand.

With better transportation, economic, education, health and social conditions and living standard of the people will improve. He called on officials to work hard after formation of the sector-wise committees for realization of the objectives set in various sectors.

Next, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt presented TV sets, VCRs, a set of computer each and teaching aids to Nos 1 and 2 BEHS through the headmasters of the schools.

The Prime Minister also presented medicines for District People's Hospital to the medical superintendent .

Next, the Prime Minister and party paid homage to Jinasukha Lawka Tharaphu Pagoda in Kawkareik and the Prime Minister donated cash to the pagoda funds.

Later, they arrived in Mawlamyine in Mon State. Deputy Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Myo Hla, local authorities and officials welcomed the Prime Minister and party.

At the Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) Construction Project on the bank of Mawlamyine, the Prime Minister and party inspected laying of concrete, completion in laying slab, installing of iron beams from pile No 22 to 13.

At the briefing hall of the project, Chief Engineer (Bridge) U Han Zaw reported to the Prime Minister on facts about the project, completion in building the piles of the main bridge, completion of approach bridges on the banks of Mawlamyine and Mottama, installing of iron beams on 16 spans out of 21.

Deputy Minister for Transport U Pe Than reported to the Prime Minister on the current of Thanlwin river and arrangements to be made for vessels to move safely under the bridge. Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min reported on participation of Myanma Railways in the Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) Construction Project and measures being taken for building Mawlamyine station.

After giving necessary instructions, the Prime Minister said that on completion, Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) will be the longest and the biggest one in Myanmar, that the bridge is being built by Myanmar engineers and thus it is to be documented in the history of Myanmar engineers. He also spoke of the need to put on record the engineers who are engaged in the construction of the bridge. Next, the Prime Minister and party viewed construction of the bridge from the view-point.

Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) is located on Yangon-Mawlamyine-Myeik-Kawthoung road. It will link Mawlamyine and Mottama spanning Thanlwin river.

As regards motor road, the approach bridge on the bank of Mawlamyine will be 1,624 feet long and 2,252 feet on the bank of Mottama. The main bridge will be 7,699 feet and the total length of the bridge will be 11,575 feet.

The approach bridge for the rail road on the bank of Mawlamyine will be 8,716 feet and 10,051 feet on the bank of Mottama and the main bridge will be 7,699 feet. The total length of railroad will be 26,466 feet.

The bridge will support 28 feet wide motorway and 14 feet wide rail road in addition to 6 feet wide pedestrian lanes on both sides of the motor road. It will be a rail-cum-road bridge.

Secretary-1 visits Hlinethaya industrial zone, Third MICT Week-2004

YANGON, 25 Jan- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win inspected factories in Hlinethaya industrial zone and visited the Third MICT Week- 2004 this morning.

The Secretary-1, accompanied by Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Maj-Gen Thein Swe, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Yangon Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of departments, arrived at electrical equipment factory of AA Electronics Co Ltd in Hline Township this morning. The Secretary-2 inspected Star TVs, VCDs, air-conditioners, washing machines, coolers and heaters and refrigerators produced by the company.

Chairman of AA Electronics Co Ltd U Myat Thin Aung said the company was established for production of electronic goods. Black and white TVs were produced in 1998 and colour TVs in 1999 and VCDs in 2002. He said arrangements have been made for production of washing machines, coolers and heaters and refrigerators and electrical devices. Over 50,000 TVs and 25,000 VCDs were produced so far. He reported on requirements for production of electronic goods.

Next, Managing Director U Than Win Aung reported on production of various kinds of electrical appliances. The Secretary-1 then gave instructions.

Chairman U Myat Thin Aung and Vice-Chairman Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Khin Myint Myint presented ten TVs for use in education activities to Vice-Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Lt-Gen Soe Win. The Secretary-1 inspected production process of TV and VCD and products.

The Secretary-1 and party went to Thanlwin Aye Co in Hlinethaya Industrial Zone-2 and inspected Mega Jeep and Managing Director Daw Myint Myint Win reported on arrangements for production of passenger buses and trucks.

Factory Manager U Ko Ko Aye reported on production and sale of Mega Jeep.

The Secretary-1 inspected vehicle spare parts and production of Mega Jeep and gave instructions.

They went to Shwethaya Motor Co where Managing Director U Khin Maung San reported on production of light Shwethaya wagons and 10-wheeled trucks.

An industrialist reported on requirements. Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw reported on designs of passenger buses and trucks.

In his address, the Secretary-1 said the industrial zones are making efforts for production of passenger buses and trucks with the encouragement of the government.

They are to be produced in accord with the designs and quality set by the Ministry of Industry-2.

He said the government is providing assistance for rapid development of industrial zones and private industrial sector. He called on private industrialists to make endeavours for development of industrial sector.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected car body booth and ten-wheeled truck.

They also inspected production process of the car.

The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to MICT Park in Hline Township. Vice-Chairman of e-Nation-al Task Force member of Civil Service Selection and Training Board U Aung Myint and members of Myanma Information and Communication Techno-logy Development Corpor-ations reported on the Third MICT Week-2004.

The Secretary-1 observed Network Game Centre and booths of IT companies.

Next, they also obeserved booths of Myanma Telecommuni-cations and companies.

YANGON, 25 Jan - The opening of Myanma traditional food & delicacies' fair, organized by Yangon Division Women's Affairs Federation was opened at People's Park here this morning, 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 federation.

Also present on the occasion were Dr Daw Khin Hsan Nwe, wife of Yangon City Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Yangon Command Deputy Commander Col Wai Lwin and wife, military region commanders and their wives, Yangon Division WAF President Daw Cherry Ye Khaung and members, local authorities, presidents and members of district/township WAFs and others.

Patron Daw Khin Thet Htay formally opened the fair. Vocalists presented entertainment programmes.

Patron Daw Khin Thet Htay and party viewed sales of Myanma traditional snacks. A lot of people visited the fair which continues tomorrow.

YANGON, 25 Jan - A ceremony to conclude Myanmar rice marketing course No 3 (programme-1), organized by the educational affairs work committee of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, was held at the UMFCCI Training Centre in Bosunpat Street in Pabedan Township here yesterday evening.

It was attended by Advisers to UMFCCI U Khin Maung Yi and Dr Mehm Thet San, President U Win Myint, Vice-President U Aung Lwin, CEC members and members of the educational affairs work committee. President U Win Myint and Chairman of the committee U Sein Win Hlaing spoke on the occasion. Next, course completion certificates and gifts were presented to the trainees and course instructors.

YANGON, 25 Jan-Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe greeted service personnel, who are going to discharge duties in Kokogyun Township, Yangon South District, Yangon Division, at the Office of Thakayta Jetty of Myanma Five Star Line in Thakayta Township, Yangon East District at 1.30 pm today.

Also present were Commander of No 2 Military Region Brig-Gen Myo Myint, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myint Kyi and members, the Chairmen of District Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials and service personnel, who are going to discharge duties in Kokogyun Township.

First, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe stressed the need for the service personnel to make strenuous efforts for development of regions wherever they are assigned as the good staff and explained about assistance to be provided to them by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council.

Next, Secretary of Kokogyun Township Peace and Development Council U Myat Kyaw introduced those who are going to discharge duties in Kokogyun Township to the commander. Later, the commander presented gifts to the service personnel.

YANGON, 25 Jan - At the main points in Yangon City, Dry Day inspection teams today checked Tatmadaw and departmental cars and drivers on observance of the dry day disciplines-bearing of dry day passes, drivers' licenses, and wheel taxes, wearing of departmental uniforms by drivers-and took action against breaking of traffic rules.

Vice-Chairman of Dry Day Supervisory Committee Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Maj-Gen Thein Swe and committee members, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Phone Swe, Deputy Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Than Htay, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Hla Shwe, Police Brig-Gen Win Soe, Col Myint Ohn, officials and Commander of Yangon Division Wireless and Traffic Police Force Police Lt-Col Aung Naing, in two groups supervised the inspection teams.

YANGON, 25 Jan - Chairman of Central Committee for Drugs Abuse Control Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Vice-Chairmen Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, members Minister for Labour U Tin Winn and Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, together with ambassadors and diplomats of foreign missions in Yangon and resident representatives of UN agencies, left here by air and arrived at Heho Airport at 8.45 am on 23 January to observe regional development tasks and drugs elimination tasks.

At the briefing hall of the airport, the ministers explained the aims of the visit. They arrived at Monghsat at 10.25 am.

The ministers, the ambassadors and diplomats, and UN resident representatives left Monghsat by Tatmadaw helicopter and arrived at Mongyawng where national race leader U Ta Kat and party welcomed them.

At the briefing hall, they were briefed on regional development tasks, drugs elimination tasks and growing of poppy-substitute crops. Queries raised by the ambassadors, diplomats and UN officials were replied.

Afterwards, they visited the rice mill and the hydel power station in Mongyawng and proceeded to Wanhon in the afternoon.

They were welcomed there by national race leader U Ta Pa Laung and party. Public Relations Officer U Kyaw Naing briefed them on implementation of regional development tasks, drugs elimination tasks and growing of poppy-substitute crops in Wanhon region.

Officials replied to queries of the ambassadors, diplomats and UN officials.

The visitors left there by Tatmadaw helicopter and arrived at Yawngkha model village where national race leader U Htin Gyi Win and officials welcomed them. At the briefing hall, Mrs Nawan of Doi Tung Project in Chiangrai, Thailand, briefed them on the Myanmar-Thai drugs control tasks and all-round development tasks for the model village.

The visitors were conducted around the primary school and the hospital there.

The visitors arrived at Mongla at 4.10 pm where national race leader U San Lu made a presentation. After viewing the development of Mongla, they left for Kengtung and arrived there at 5.30 pm.

At the hall of New Kengtung Hotel, the ministers explained regional development tasks, drugs elimination tasks and history of respective regions and tasks being carried out.

YANGON, 25 Jan - Chairman of the Myanmar War Veterans Organization Central Organizing Committee Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein this morning inspected the agricultural farm of the MWVO (Central) in Thayagon model Village in Hmawby Township in Yangon District (North) and development of the village and fulfilled the requirements.

Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Vice-Chairman of the committee Vice-Admiral Kyi Min (Retd) and officials were welcomed at the village by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, N0 3 Military Region Command Commander Col Tint San, departmental officials and local people.

First, Lt-Gen Thein Sein and party inspected last white strain pig farming.

Afterwards, they also saw over construction of 7,100 feet long and 22 feet wide earth road linking Thayagon Model Village and Mogyopyit Village. The road was built with the contribution of the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs. Moreover, they inspected the site chosen to build sluice gate on Hmawby Creek and reclamation work using machinery to grow paddy and other crops, and gave necessary instructions.

Later, Lt-Gen Thein Sein met with departmental officials and townselders at Thayagon Model Village. At the meeting, Lt-Gen Thein Sein said the Head of State gave guidance on implementation of five rural development tasks including smooth transportation, supply of drinking water and irrigation water, and improvement of economy in rural areas. Necessary assistance will be provided by the State, he added. He also urged the departmental officials and local people to cooperate in implementation of the rural development tasks. Next, Lt-Gen Thein Sein cordially greeted the local people. Afterwards, they saw over the village clinic set up by the MWVO (Central) in the model village and development of the village, and gave necessary instructions.

Later, Lt-Gen Thein Sein and party inspected polyethylene bag factory and construction of Byanhlyar dry battery factory, Hlineayeya ice factory and construction of drinking water factory of the MWVO in Industrial Zone-4 in Shwepyitha Township.