YANGON, 27 Jan - The following are the messages of felicitations from foreign Heads of State to State Peace and Development Council Chairman of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe on the occasion of the 56th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar.

On the occasion of the National Day of the Union of Myanmar, I have great pleasure in extending, on behalf of the Syrian Arab people and on my own behalf, our sincere congratulations to Your Excellency and to your people.

I also express my best wishes for your good health and happiness and for the progress and prosperity of the people of the Union of Myanmar. With my highest consideration.

On the auspicious occasion of the Independence Day of Myanmar, it gives me great pleasure to extend to Your Excellency in the name of the people of Kuwait and on my own behalf most sincere wishes for Your Excellency's personal health and happiness with continued progress and prosperity to your friendly people.

YANGON, 27 Jan - The following is the message of felicitations from United Nations Secretary-General Mr Kofi A Annan to State Peace and Development Council Chairman of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe on the occasion of the 56th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar.

It gives me great pleasure to extend to you and to the Government and the people of the Union of Myanmar my warmest congratulations on the occasion of the Independence Day. Ours is the first generation with the knowledge technology and resources that can defeat poverty. We have a template for action: the Millennium Declaration. We also have institutions - such as the United Nations - that are well placed to contribute. So let us not think of our era only as an age of threats, but also as one that offers new and exciting opportunities to achieve the goals for which we have long yearned. But let us, equally, put our mind to the task, and summon the political will and resources needed for this vital endeavour. In that hopeful spirit, I very much look forward to continuing to work closely with the Government and people of Myanmar in our common, global mission of development and peace. Please accept my best wishes on this important national observance. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

YANGON, 27 Jan - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received President and CEO of the China Huanqiu Contracting & Engineering Corp Mr Wang Shihang and party at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall, Konmyinttha, here at 4 pm today.

Also present on the occasion were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Maj-Gen Thein Swe, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy to Myanmar Mr Tang Hai and members and Managing Director of the Asia World Co Ltd U Tun Myint Naing.

YANGON, 27 Jan - Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Planning and Cooperation Committee of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Dr Thongloun Sisolith and party called on Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, at Zayyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 11 am today.

Also present on the occasion were Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung and Director-General of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thura U Aung Htet. The visiting Deputy minister was accompanied by Ambassador of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Myanmar Mr Chanthavy Bodhisane.

YANGON, 27 Jan- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe hosted dinner in honour of Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Planning and Cooperation Committee of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Dr Thongloun Sisolith and wife Madame Naly Sosilith and goodwill delegation members at Karaweik Palace in Kandawgyi at 7 pm today.

The dinner was attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung and their wives, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, Ambassador of Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Chanthavy Bodhisane and wife and officials.

At the dinner, artistes of Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture entertained the guests with Myanma traditional songs and dances.

YANGON, 27 Jan- The goodwill delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Planning and Cooperation Committee of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Dr Thongloun Sisolith and wife Madame Naly Sosilith, currently here, at the invitation of Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, visited the Shwedagon Pagoda and the Third Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Week-2004 this morning.

The goodwill delegation led by the Deputy Prime Minister and wife, accompanied by Ambassador of Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Chanthavy Bodhisane and wife and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, arrived at the Shwedagon pagoda at 9 am. They were welcomed by members of the pagoda board of trustees.

The goodwill delegation members visited the pagoda and they were conducted round there by the members of the pagoda board of trustees.

The guests paid obeisance to the jade Buddha image at the pagoda and visited documentary photo showroom of the pagoda. The Deputy Prime Minister offered flowers, lights and incense sticks to the Buddha images at the Tazaung in eastern archway and signed in the visitors' book.

He donated cash and members of the pagoda board of trustees accepted the cash and presented a picture of the Shwedagon Pagoda to him.

The Deputy Prime Minister and goodwill delegation members went to the Third MICT Week-2004 at the MICT Park in Hline University Campus.

They were welcomed by Vice-Chairman of e-National Task Force member of Civil Service Selection and Training Board U Aung Myint and officials.

Chairman of Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Development Corporation Brig-Gen Thein Swe extended the greetings.

Joint-Secretary of e-National Task Force U Pyone Maung Maung reported on information and technology development in Myanmar. Officials replied to the queries of the delegation members.

The Deputy Prime Minister presented souvenirs to Vice-Chairman of e-National Task Force member of Civil Service Selection and Training Board U Aung Myint.

The members of the goodwill delegation visited booths at the Third MICT Week-2004 and Bagan CyberTech.

The Vice-Chairman of e-National Task Force presented gifts to the visiting Deputy Prime Minister.

The members of the goodwill delegation left the MICT Park at 11 am.

YANGON, 27 Jan -In view of the friendship and solidarity between Myanmar and Iran, the Government of Myanmar has donated 41,200 pieces of disposable syringes and 10,000 sheets of plywood to Iran for the relief of the victims of the devastating earthquake which hit the ancient city of Bam on 26 December 2003 causing heavy loss of life and property.

PM addresses Seminar on Understanding Myanmar
National unity key to achieving Myanmar's vision of prosperous democratic nation Democratic change never easy and cannot be imposed from outside

YANGON, 27 Jan - Seminar on Understanding Myanmar, organized by Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies, was opened at MICT Park on Hline University Campus in Hline Township here this morning, with an address by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

The seminar was attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Chairman of Yangon Division PDC Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, the chief justice, the attorney-general, senior military officers, deputy ministers, ambassadors of foreign embassies in Yangon, diplomats, UN resident representatives, officials of the SPDC office, departmental heads, Myanmar ambassadors, retired Myanmar ambassadors, Myanmar historians, economists, rectors and professors of universities, chairmen and officials of social organizations, researchers of foreign countries such as Brunei, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam, resource persons, departmental officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and special guests.

Speaking on the occasion Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt said: I am very pleased and happy to welcome you to the Seminar on Understanding Myanmar organized by Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies. Your present today is doubly gratifying to me. It not only bears witness to the importance you attach to international affairs but also demonstrates your interest in our country, Myanmar.

I am particularly pleased to note that academics and researchers from many countries are present here. Your vast experiences will stand the seminar in good stead. I am confident that you will be able to contribute to the overall objective of promoting better understanding of Myanmar in the international community.

We live in an area of change. Everywhere around the world transformations are taking place due to the rapid progress of science and technology and the aspirations of peoples for economic advancement and better living standards. Myanmar too has been swept forward by the tide of change. As peace and stability has been restored, we are taking steps to transform the country into a peaceful, prosperous and modern state that would take its rightful place in the world.

On 30th August last year, I announced a roadmap for transition to a disciplined and modern democratic state. The seven-step programme includes reconvening of the national convention to draft a new constitution which would culminate in free and fair elections and election of State leaders and formation of the Government that would lead the nation into a bright future.

Already the National Convention Convening Commission and its subsidiary bodies have commenced work. Once the groundwork is complete, the process will go forward. To ensure the success of the important undertaking, I have received to date thirteen national groups out of 17 that have returned to the legal fold. I plan to meet the remaining groups. In addition, we are holding talks with Karen National Union (KNU), the last major group remaining out of the legal fold. As Myanmar is home to over 100 national races, national unity is key to achieving our vision of a prosperous democratic nation. Our Government has therefore placed the highest priority on achieving national reconsolidation. We have therefore vigorously endeavoured to strengthen ties among all our national races and to promote economic and social development of the regions inhabited by them. To date, the Government has spent more than 50 billion kyats and 500 million US dollars in improving infrastructure development, raising standard of living and quality of life as well as education and health conditions.

In this connection, I would like to stress that democracy can only be established in an environment of peace and stability. It must take into account the historical background and objective conditions of the country. Democratic change is never easy and cannot be imposed from the outside. What works for one country may not work for another. If the transition to democracy is not built on firm foundations and is not accompanied by steps to establish credible institutions, it will result in disintegration of national unity. Like a toddler taking its first faltering steps, we must proceed step by step before larger strides can be taken.

As a developing nation faced with daunting challenges, Myanmar needs to set its priorities. In the final analysis. it is for us to determine what model to follow and what pace of transformation to adopt.

In the economic sphere, Myanmar has been able to maintain a steady course in its effort to promote a market-oriented system in spite of the unilateral sanctions instituted by some Western countries. The economy led by the agriculture sector continues to grow. The prospects for growth in tourism and energy sectors also look promising. Tourism is likely to increase dramatically with the introduction of e-visa last week.

In the energy sector, the discovery of world-class commercial gas deposits off the coast of Rakhine, coupled with the completion of large hydro-electric power projects in the country will contribute to the development of the industry sector of the country. At present, Myanmar's economy is primarily based on agriculture. Our aim is to transform Myanmar into an industralized and modern state. In the efforts for modernization, the private sector must be the driving engine. In this regard, we are happy to note that private industries are growing steadily and are producing a wide range of goods, from foodstuff to agricultural machinery and motor vehicles.

Noteworthy advances have also been made in the health and education sectors. In the past year alone, 22 new hospitals were commissioned and six existing facilities upgraded. In the education sector, new universities and colleges have been opened and postgraduate courses have been established. The number of institutes of higher learning in the country has increased from 32 in 1988 to 154. Greater educational opportunities have been created and as a result the number of students studying at institutes of higher learning has increased from 130,000 to 890,000 at present. Likewise the number of professors and instructors have grown.

The number today totals 16,600. The Yangon University, the Mandalay University and the Yangon Institute of Education presently offer doctorate courses in 31 different fields; the medical universities seen PhD courses and 30 Dr MedSc courses; the technological universities five doctorate courses in engineering and 16 architecture and engineering doctorate courses; and one IT doctorate courses.

With regard to foreign affairs, Myanmar plays an active role in the maintenance of an environment of peace and stability in our region and the world. We consider that it is vitally important to establish external conditions which guarantee security needed for development of our country. Myanmar will continue to support the search for peaceful solutions to the problems that the world faces based on the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law. Accordingly, we support efforts to strengthen the United Nations. At the same time Myanmar seeks to maintain friendly relations with all countries, particularly with our neighbours.

we are very pleased that our relations with the countries of the region have made significant progress in recent years. I would like to express our sincere thanks for all the assistance and solidarity shown towards Myanmar by our friends from the region. Myanmar has also been able to contribute actively to regional forums from ASEAN to BIMST-EC. Myanmar had the privilege and honour of hosting the First Summit on Economic Cooperation among Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand in Bagan last November.

The 4 nation economic cooperation strategy adopted by the Summit is aimed at increasing competitiveness, generating economic growth in border areas, creating jobs and reducing income disparity. We are confident that this sub-regional initiative will yield fruitful results that would benefit the peoples of all the nations concerned.

Myanmar has come a long way in the past 15 years. Never in its history has the country seen so much improvement in its basic infrastructure as well as in health and education standards in such a short time.

The peace and stability that now reigns in the country is unprecedented and augers well for the future of the country. It is an undeniable fact that the country has not only been able to overcome the unilateral economic sanctions imposed by some Western countries but has been able to improve the economic well-being of its peoples. It has accomplished this task relying on its own resources and the cooperation of neighbours. Notwithstanding the positive changes in the country, Western countries continue to demonize Myanmar and accuse the Myanmar Government of carrying out atrocities ranging from gross violations of human rights to employment of child soldiers.

The false perception that Myanmar is crumbling and that its people are down-trodden has been created by those who wish us ill. It is time to correct the misperceptions.

I believe that academics and researchers like you can play a positive role by speaking out objectively so that the world will have a better appreciation of the complex situation in the country and the tremendous efforts we have made to bring about a smooth transition to a modern and disciplined-flourishing democratic country. I am happy to learn that following the seminar you will have an opportunity to see first hand the vast transformations in the country, particularly in the remote border areas. In accordance with the dictum seeing is believing, I am confident that you will be able to witness that Myanmar is a country at peace, that it is a dynamic country and that is a country in rapid transformation to a modern and discipline-flourishing democratic State.

I wish you all success in your deliberations.

After the opening of the seminar, the Prime Minister cordially greeted the diplomats, researchers from foreign nations and guests.

At the seminar resource persons will submit nine papers - future political programme of the State, endeavours for peace and stability of the State, drugs elimination, all-round development undertakings, foreign policy of Myanmar, cooperation with the United Nations, Myanmar women's rights, Myanmar history and culture and Myanmar's human rights. Besides, researchers of foreign countries will take part in the discussions. The seminar continues tomorrow.

YANGON, 27 Jan - Chairman of the Work Committee for Develop-ment of Border Areas and National Races Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received Rakhine national group led by U Saw Tun Oo from Aung Zeya Nyeinchanyay Village, who had returned to the legal fold, at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall, Kon-myinttha, here at 5.15 pm today.

On the occasion, the national race leaders said that they welcome and support the State's seven-point Roadmap and pledged that they will collectively and unitedly participate in the tasks for accom-plishment of the State's future policy programme under the leadership of the Government.

They held talks on assistance to be rendered by the State for education, health, agricultural and economic sectors and for regional development.

YANGON, 27 Jan- The inauguration of the Chaung- manet Dam built by Irrigation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation was held at Kyauktan Village in TadaU Township, Mandalay Division this morning, attended by member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence.

Also present were Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, local authorities, social organizations, students and local people totalling 7,000.

In his address, Lt-Gen Ye Myint said Chaungmanet Dam was built in Kyauktan Village in TadaU Township. It is a support dam to irrigate 1,000 acres of land and to supply water to about 3,800 acres of irrigated areas.

He said the dam could supply drinking water to local people and cattle and it would contribute towards the greening of the environs.

TadaU Township gets only about 20 inches of rainfall and there are shortages of rainwater and droughts almost every year. In some townships local people had to fetch drinking water from far areas with much difficulty. Therefore, under the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe arid zone greening projects were laid down and water resources were explored.

Based on water resources in Anya region, dams, river-water pumping projects and underground water pumping projects are being built one after another spending a large sum of money. The regions have become green as there is water there. Cultivation acreage also increased and living standard of local farmers improved, he said.

Farmlands have emerged in Anya regions due to the government's efforts. Those who have never cultivated paddy before can now grow it not only for themselves but also for local sufficiency, he said.

He said the government is implementing the tasks for long-term interest of local people, convenience of agricultural activities, raising of living standard of rural people and greening of the region without laying emphasis on gaining of profits economically. The community welfare services will continue to exist as better foundations for posterity.

He said in Mandalay Division 40 dams including the present one were built and they irrigated over 350,000 acres of land. Nine dams are being built and three of them can be used to generate electric power. There are eight dams to be built, he added.

The greening projects have achieved success as the government undertakes the measures on conservation of forest, extended planting of trees, establishment of firewood plantations and use of firewood substitute fuel in cooperation with local people. Due to the greening projects, climate in the region has become better and better year after year, he said.

He said Mandalay Division is the region where ten main crops can grow successfully. Moreover, it can produce kitchen crops and is the division on which the State relies economically. Economic development of Mandalay Division can reflect the economy of the State, he said.

The local farmers should make effective use of the favorable conditions created by the State to raise the crop per acre yield. They will have to make collective efforts for their land to firmly stand as a region contributing more to the national economic development.

The Government has been laying down and implementing plans for harmonious development of all the regions of the nation. The people have also made earnest efforts to achieve success to a certain degree to lay a foundation in implementing the task.

The future of the nation is brighter due to the leadership of the State, the participation of the people and the efforts of the service personal.

The seven-point future policy has already been laid down for the nation to stand tall forever with her own sovereignty and for emergence of a peaceful, modern, developed and democratic nation.

The seven-point future policy is laid down in the interest of the nation and the people. As the policy is in conformity with the 12 objectives of the State, the entire people have unanimously supported and approved it.

Community peace and the rule of law are essential needs for the success of the policy. So also, the sound economic foundations are the essential requirement for the convenience of the food, clothing and shelter of the people. The local people and the departmental personnel will have to collectively maintain the dam, to use the water effectively and to conserve the watershed area.

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin said it is the 156th dam of the nation and the 40th dam in Mandalay Division. Emergence of one more irrigation facility in the agricultural region will help develop the crop cultivation. The ministry has been reclaiming more land, extending irrigation facilities, applying advanced techniques and equipment, distributing quality strains and conducting research work. Farmers will have to strive to become the ones using modern techniques and machines. The dam was built to ease the hardships of the local farmers.

Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint also gave a speech.

A local people thanked the Government for building the dam.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint unveiled the stone plaque of the dam. The commander and the minister formally opened the dam. Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected the dam.

The earth dam is 6,000 feet long and 50 feet high. The maximum storage capacity is 8,040 acre-feet. It can irrigate up to 3,900 acres of land.

YANGON, 27 Jan - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint and departmental officials, inspected paving of road section of the TadaU-Myotha-Myingyan road at mile post 496/7 on yesterday morning. They also inspected laying of gravel for tarring road at mile post 495/7 near Gwegon village.

They next went to Myotha station hospital in Ngazun Township and inspected it. Officials concerned reported matters on the hospital. Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party proceeded to the project site of the TadaU-Myotha-Myingyan road. At the briefing hall of the site, officials concerned reported the work progress and Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave necessary instructions. The TadaU-Myangyan road is 52 miles 6 furlongs long and so far 31 miles 7 furlongs have been already completed.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party went to Nyaungwun village of Myingyan Township and inspected the village primary school. Next, they inspected the Government Technical Institute in Myingyan and the Myingyan Degree College. Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party left Myingyan and arrived in Mandalay in the evening.

YANGON, 26 Jan - The Management Committee for Observance of 57th Anniversary Union Day 2004 held its second meeting at Upasa Hall of Pyithu Hluttaw Building on Pyay Road here this afternoon.

Chairman of the Management Committee, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe spoke on the occasion. In his speech, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe said the coordination meeting of the Observance of 57th Anniversary Union Day 2004 was held under the patronage of the Prime Minister of the State. Among Our Three Main National Causes - non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity, and perpetuation of sovereignty - national solidarity is of vital importance for non-disintegration of the Union and perpetuation of sovereignty. As long as the national solidarity exists, the Union will be safe and the sovereignty secured.

This being so, the Union Day that reflects national unity is one of the significant days for the State. Later, the commander called upon the members of the management committee and those present at the meeting to lend themselves to the drive for the successful and grand holding of the ceremony. Next, chairmen and officials of respective subcommittees reported progress of the tasks being implemented by their subcommittees. In response to the reports, the commander gave instructions and attended to the requirements. The meeting ended in the evening.

YANGON, 27 Jan - A briefing on the relay system used in the buildings on GSM, TDMA and CDMA took place at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road here this afternoon.

It was attended by Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs and Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, officials and guests.

The minister delivered a speech on the occasion.

Managing Director of LGP Allgon (Singapore) Mr Terry Wan presented Repeater System on TDMA, CDMA and Cellular Telephone, In-Building Solution, and communication equipment produced by LGP Allgon, and replied to the queries raised by those present.

YANGON, 27 Jan - The opening of the National Seminar on Prevention and Management of Substance Abuse organized by the Department of Health under the Ministry of Health and the WHO took place at the Myanmar Medical Association this morning. It was attended by Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint, Deputy Minister Dr Mya Oo, departmental heads, officials from respective ministries, Vice-Presidents of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Dr Kyi Soe and Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint, officials of the ministeries, WHO and social organizations and guests.

On the occasion, the minister delivered a speech. In his speech, he said that the Ministry of Health has organized national level seminar on prevention and management of substance abuse for two times in 1979 and 1988. The objectives of the third seminar are: to exchange views and experiences of the physicians discharging duties in rehabilitation centres for drug addicts and township hospitals; to seek ways and means for grappling with the difficulties physicians are experiencing in giving medical treatments to the patients; to enable the medical staff to be familiar with modern prevention and control methods in the medical field; and to achieve success in implementing the project on elimination of drug addicts, which is the goal of the 15-year drug elimination plan. In its drive to head for the goal of emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation that is completely free from narcotic drugs, Myanmar is systematically implementing the 15-year plan for elimination of poppy cultivation and drug abuse.

Regarding the drug addicts rehabilitation sector, a total of 20 new drug addicts rehabilitation centres and 22 branches could be established, increasing the number to 26 rehabilitation centres and 40 branches and two youths rehabilitation centres (Shwepyitha and Shwe-pyiaye) in the States and Divisions. The heads of respective township health departments take responsibilities for rehabilitation of drug addicts in the townships where rehabilitation centres have not been founded, and in 43 hospitals in border areas. In the nation, there is a fall in heroin abuse, but an increase in the abuse of stimulant tablets called ATS. The Ministry of Health is taking systematic measures for drug abuse control after laying down the plan. Myanmar is also co-operating with international organizations in tasks for rehabilitation of drug addicts. Now, the 15-year plan has entered the fifth of the first five-year term, previous tasks are under review for more effectiveness of the plan. The drug addicted patients in Wa Region in Shan State (East) are receiving medical treatments under the community based treatment programme.

In the first five-year term of the 15-year plan, tasks are being carried out to accomplish the medical team of the Ministry of Health - control and giving educative talks on drugs abuse to the public. And, after adopting an aim, research work is being done, which is necessary for making cumulative progress in drugs control tasks. With a view to ensuring more effectiveness and smooth implementation of the plan, the Ministry of Health is carrying out the tasks in cooperation with related projects and ministries.

In conclusion, the minister expressed his belief that the seminar will contribute much towards harmonious implementation of anti-narcotic tasks, and tasks for prevention and control of narcotic drugs and rehabilitation of drugs addicts. The seminar continues tomorrow.

YANGON, 27 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 of foreign missions in Yangon, diplomats, resident representatives of UN agencies, CCDAC Secretary MPF Director-General Brig-Gen Khin Yee and officials, visited Shan State (East), Shan State (North), Mandalay Division and Magway Division starting from 23 January to observe regional development and drugs elimination tasks.

On 25 January morning, they visited poppy-substitute coffee plantation of North-East Command in Lashio where officials briefed them on growing of coffee plants and raising of 13,600 poultry. The visitors looked around the summer paddy fields and crop plantations, the natural fertilizer plant, power station and brick factory. Responsible officials conducted them around the factory and replied to their queries.

The ministers, the ambassadors, diplomats and resident representatives of UN agencies left Lashio for Laukkai and arrived there at 11 am. At the briefing hall of Laukkai Drugs Elimination Museum, national race leader U Phon Kya Shin briefed on regional development tasks, drugs elimination tasks and poppy-substitute agriculture tasks for Kokang region. He said poppy-growing which was started over 100 years ago has been rooted out since 2002. It is a good deed not only for Kokang region but also for the country and the international comm- unity. Local people have encountered many difficulties as they had grown poppy for over 100 years and the soil is infertile and there is no sufficient water for agricultural use. So, there is little possibility for growing poppy-substitute crops. Local national race leaders have made arrangements for growing of rubber and other crops which are suitable to the region. Local people are to rely on the Laukkai Hospital constructed by the government. Over 10,000 students are pursuing education at 125 schools. To eliminate drugs, regional development tasks have been carried out. Handsome amount of cash has been spent on road transportation, education, rehabilitation tasks, availability of water and electricity, development affairs and growing of poppy-substitute crops, he said.

A 1000-acre farm has been established at the place six miles from Laukkai. Similar farms have been set up in other places. In addition, an area of 2,500 acres was put under sugarcane in 2003. China, Japan and the UN rendered assistance to the region. In 2003, the government presented 5,000 bags of rice to local people and the North-East Command provided them with summer/monsoon paddy and other crops. With the help of Japanese government, a power station that can supply electricity to three villages has been constructed. The 10-mile long road section on Laukkai-Tarshwehtan road was tarred. Two poultry farms have raised 120,000 poultry, 2,000 pigs and 10 cattle. Kokang region needs assistance from international community and there is total elimination of drugs in the region, he explained.

CCDAC Chairman Minister Col Tin Hlaing briefed on drugs elimination tasks carried out in Kokang region in cooperation with the government, Minister Col Thein Nyunt on efforts for improving living standard of national races and development of border areas including Kokang region made by the government and Minister U Win Aung on the need of international community to render assistance to people in the region.

The visitors viewed poppy-substitute plantations and border areas development tasks near Laukkai. They left there for Lashio by helicopter and arrived there at 2 pm. Afterwards, they visited Yeywa hydel power project at 3.30 pm. At the briefing hall, Director-General Dr Thein Tun of Department of Electric Power briefed on location, area and historical background of the project, its objectives and tasks being carried out, data and budget in detail. Queries of the ambassadors, diplomats and UN resident representatives were then replied. The visitors looked around there and arrived at PyinOoLwin at 4.45 pm.

At the briefing hall of National Kandawgyi Gardens in PyinOoLwin, Wood Land Co Chairman U Win Aung explained reconstruction and renovation tasks for the park. At 7.30 pm, CCDAC officials hosted a dinner in honour of the visitors at Nanmyaing Hotel.

On 26 January morning, the group visited Tanyaung river-water pumping project in Salin Township, Magway Division. At the briefing hall there, Deputy Director-General U Hla Myint Maung of Water Resources Utilization Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation reported to them on facts on the project.

Afterwards, the group arrived at Mon Creek multi-purpose dam project at noon. Director-General U Win Kyaw of the Ministry of Electric Power explained that the project is located in Sedoktara Township, Minbu District in Magway Division. Its main purposes are to supply enough water for growing of monsoon paddy, summer paddy and other crops, to prevent flooding of Mon Creek and to generate 330 million kilowatt hours of electricity per annum. The project started in October 1995 and will finish in March 2004. The catchment area of the dam is 1,468 sq miles. The dam is 4,320 feet long and 200 feet high. The earthen dam, that can supply water to 108,000 acres of land, will cost K 33,800 million including US $ 32 million.

Director of Irrigation Department Project Director U Myint Than briefed on tasks for the projects. Officials replied to the queries of the ambassadors, diplomats and UN resident representatives who later looked around the project site. They arrived at Minbu oil filed at 2.45 pm and viewed Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway). They arrived back here at 5 pm via Magway airport.

YANGON, 27 Jan- A clarification on putting programme illegally into VCDs that can destroy the computers was held at Room 205 at MICT Park in Hline University Campus in Hline Township this evening.

Present were members of e-National Task Force, officials of Myanmar Computer Federation, Myanmar Computer Scientists Association and Myanmar Computer Industry Association and delegates of computer companies.

Secretary of e-Application Committee Col Tin Oo said it was found that programmes that could destroy computer systems was inserted in VCDs in order to prevent piracy of VCD. In connection with this, officials concerned warned VCD producer, distributer and programmers for the first and last time. He told officials of computer companies that such was against the law and it was also the act of hindering computer development of the State. Severe actions will be taken against those who committed similar acts.

Chairman of Myanmar Computer Federation U Thein Oo said in the prescribed law and rules those who commit such act will be fined and seven years' imprisonment for putting programmes that can destroy computers into VCDs. He said a warning was made for protection of computer companies. Such wrong-doing concerns with moral conduct, he added.

Chairman of Myanmar Computer Industry Association U Aung Zaw Myint said computer associations at different levels opposed the act of putting programme into VCDs that can destroy computers. He said the act was against the law according to the notification 3/2002 of the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs issued on 10 July 2002. Actions can be taken against those with the fine or both cash and imprisonment. The programme was not created by the use of high technology and it was just the collection of commands that can destroy OS programmes, he added.

YANGON, 27 Jan - The Third Myanmar ICT Week- 2004 continued for the seventh day at the MICT Park in Hline Township today.

The exhibition was teeming with students, service personnel, organizations, members of the Sangha and the people.

The exhibition is still drawing a large number of visitors. It will be kept open until 31 January.