Our country, the Union of Myanmar, is home to various national races such as Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine, Shan and so on residing together sharing joys and sorrows in friendship for many years countable by the thousand.

The national brethren, throughout history, have resided together with Union Spirit inherent in them and put up resistance unitedly against any danger that befell the nation as the saying goes, blood is thicker than water.

Senior General Than Shwe Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (From message on the 51st Anniversary Union Day)

YANGON, 31 Jan - The Special Refresher Course No 1 for University and College Teachers concluded at Central Institute of Civil Service (Upper Myanmar) in PyinOoLwin Township, Mandalay Division, this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

Also present were the ministers, the chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the deputy ministers, the Mandalay mayor, the deputy chief justice of the Supreme Court (Mandalay), the deputy attorney-general, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, the rector of CICS (Upper Myanmar) and the pro-rector, tutors, students and faculty members.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt made a speech.

In his speech, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt said, the special refresher course for university and college teachers specially conducted by the government has concluded. Teachers of the institutions of higher learning are academics having the high level of knowledge. Thus, they have already possessed the ability to study things from the root cause, to assess things in a correct way, and to make incisive analyses. In this regard, it is believed that they will become the persons serving and protecting the national interest after clearly seeing the objective conditions of the State during the course. And it is also believed that they can understand the national conviction and the national resolve and strength not only in their mind, but also in their hearts.

The Union of Myanmar is striving to stand firmly as an independent and sovereign nation and to catch up with other nations in terms of development, while facing and overcoming many difficulties and hardships.

Despite the existence of disturbances and obstacles, the entire nation is endeavouring for the emergence of sound political, economic and social foundations to heal the wounds and totally end the ugly incidents caused by the evil legacy of the past and to safeguard the nation from facing the evil situation again in the future.

All-out efforts have been made to implement the project to build up the national strength, covering the task to ensure spiritual development that will further strengthen the national unity for the non-disintegration of the Union; and build development infrastructures for harmonious progress of the entire Union, economic infrastructures for national economic development, and health and education foundations to raise the health, fitness and education standards of the entire nation. But the task has not been completed yet, and an endless number of works still left undone.

All the countries of the world are striving in competition to promote their national interest.

A special requirement for a developing country like Myanmar is to firmly build the highly qualified national strength that can be relied on in striving to stand shoulder to shoulder with others as an independent and sovereign nation, without harming the national interest.

In this age, education is the most basic and firmest strength of the nation, and for Myanmar that is making self-reliant efforts, the education sector will have to fulfil her primary requirements - the strengthening of the national economy, the advancement of the sciences and technologies in all development sectors, the emergence of brilliant intellectuals and intelligentsia having a clear national outlook, the promotion of the national defence power, and the consolidation of the national unity.

Myanmar is firmly building the national strength to effectively safeguard her independence and sovereignty. In the international sector, the nation is joining hands with the world countries in amity for equality, peace, prosperity and progress.

As Myanmar lies in the hub where Southeast Asia and South Asia meet, the development in the cooperation between Myanmar and the regional countries will benefit both.

ASEAN Vision 2020 was set by ASEAN in 1997. The Hanoi Plan of Action was laid down in 1998 to realize the Vision.

The main economic cooperation objective of the ASEAN is to set up the ASEAN Free Trade Area and ASEAN Investment Area (AIA).

Moreover, There are also programmes to facilitate and harmonize the financial functions among the member nations, to narrow the development gap, and to bridge the technology including the IT divide. The Association has plans to collectively conserve the cultural heritage and develop tourism. The Ninth Summit in Bali has laid down the Bali Concord II.

The Bali Concord II is based on three pillars - the security community, the economic community and the social and cultural community for the future of the ASEAN.

The Summit Meeting on Economic Cooperation Strategy between the four countries - Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand - was held successfully in Bagan in November.

Ties have been built not only between the members of ASEAN family alone but also with what is called ASEAN + 3 (People's Republic of China, Japan, Republic of Korea). In addition, a new chapter, known as ASEAN + India, has also been opened so as to further extend the relations.

As a member of ASEAN and of BIMST-EC, Myanmar is making efforts to promote economic, trade, social and cultural cooperation among member countries. In particular, priority should be given to the promotion of road transportation, economy and trade between BIMST-EC and ASEAN regions through Myanmar which lies in the strategic transit amidst the two regions.

Therefore, teachers are required to do everything in their capacity while Myanmar, as a member of ASEAN and BIMST-EC, is implementing the goals of the two bodies. It is encouraging to see the fruits of success as Myanmar is promoting constructive relations and cooperation with the international community, neighbouring countries and regional countries.

The seven-point future political programme of the State was also made known to the world in order to take steps to build infrastructure capable of warranting the long-term perpetuity of a sovereignty state.

The harmonious participation of the entire national people and the supports of international community are of necessity for the successful realization of the seven-point future political programme.

Therefore, university and college teachers are to do their bit by lending themselves to the drive to implement the seven-point roadmap to be able to march towards the goal of the entire national people smoothly.

Only the State that springs from the fitness of the entire citizens, internationally-advanced education, strong national economic life, highly-qualified human resources, and national solidarity can survive as a sovereign state as long as the world exists. This being so, university and college teachers are to make harmonious efforts to build such good foundations.

To sum up, all the teachers are to strive for producing continuously intellectuals and intelligentsia whose patriotism, nationalism and Union Spirit are strong enough to defend and build a modern and developed nation; to carry out regional stability, economic security, development of well-rounded human resources, preservation of cultural heritage with higher historical values in cooperation with the members of ASEAN family, neighbouring countries and regional countries; and to play their every part energetically in the realisation of the seven-point future political programme with dynamic nationalistic fervour for the establishment of a modern, developed and discipline-flourishing democratic state, he concluded.

Later, course completion certificates were presented to the trainees. Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt presented the model trainee awards to U Sithu Kyaw, assistant lecturer at Kyaukse Technical College, and Daw Sanda Aung, tutor at Mandalay University; perseverance awards to U Shwe Win, assistant lecturer at Mandalay University of Medicine, Daw Sanda Tun, assistant lecturer at Myitkyina University and Daw Yint Yint Thi, assistant lecturer at Mandalay Traditional Medicine University; model hostel awards to the trainees of the men's company-1 at the building-6 and trainees of the women's company-3 at the building-7; and completion certificates for the trainees to company leaders.

Next, trainees donated K 50,000 to be used in religious, educational and social activities. The donations were received by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

YANGON, 31 Jan-In commemoration of the 24th Myanmar Dental Conference and the 5th joint meeting of World Dental Federation-FDI and Myanmar Dental Association, a dinner was hosted at the Traders' Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road here at 7.20 pm today, attended by Chairman of National Health Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were Vice-Chairmen of NHC Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, deputy ministers, the NHC members, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, representatives of FDI, Chairman of Myanmar Dental Association Professor U Ba Myint, executives and members, delegates to the conference, resident representatives of UN agencies and guests.

On arrival at the dinner at 7.20 pm, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Chairman of Myanmar Dental Association Professor U Ba Myint and members, representatives of FDI and dental surgeons. First, MDA Chairman Professor U Ba Myint presented prizes to Dr Ko Ko Maw and Dr Soe Naing who won the best resource person awards at the paper reading sessions of the 24th Myanmar Dental Conference and the 5th joint meeting of World Dental Federation-FDI and Myanmar Dental Association. Next, dinner was hosted to those present.

YANGON, 31 Jan-Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win inspected the functions of overseas call station at 8th-mile in Mayangon Township this afternoon.

On arrival at the station at noon, the Secretary-1 was welcomed by Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Col Khin Maung Kyaw, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology Dr Chan Nyein, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department.

At the briefing hall, Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw reported to the Secretary-1 on services of auto telephones, mobile telephones, radio telephones and rural telephones, installation of international telephone link, communication work being undertaken in cooperation with foreign nations, and measures taken for development of state and division-wise communication sector.

Next, Deputy General Manager U Tint Lwin reported on arrangements being made for global telematics services.

After that, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win looked into communication equipment to be used for global telematics services.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected Myanmar packet network room, Internet room and transit exchange room at the station.

Next, the Secretary-1 heard a report presented by Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw on information service-104 for sending news to far-flung regions through telephone communication system and receiving news.

Information can be sent to all parts of the nation by means of Telephone No 104 of Telecom Message Service Centre at the station in a short period and the receiver can reply the facts he want to reply to the sender. Under the programme, information can be sent and received to and from the regions where there is no telephone. Next, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win and party proceeded to the FISCA enterprise at 9th-mile where they were welcomed by Managing Director U Zaw Weik and officials. Next, officials conducted the Secretary-1 and party round the show rooms of the enterprise. After that, the Secretary-1 and party viewed the production process of Printed Circuit Board (PCB). Next, they inspected installation of telephone exchange booths, production of small scale auto exchanges, research room and test room. At the briefing hall, General Manager U Zaw Min reported on establishment of FISCA enterprise. Later, Engineering Director U Zaw Win reported on production and installation of KY-1000 telephone exchange booths by the company for MPT under the guidance of the Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs, arrangement being made for production of public exchanges and rural exchanges and future tasks.

In response to the report, Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw presented a report on encouragement given for development of communication related companies. Next, the Secretary-1 gave instructions, saying that Myanmar companies are highly qualified in communication techniques and it is a sign of development. Strenuous efforts are to be made through innovation to penetrate foreign markets.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the Myanma Ahman Automobile Industry of Shwepyitha Industrial Zone-4 in Shwepyitha Township. They heard a report presented by Chairman of the industry U Sai Myo Win on arrangement for production of small trucks. Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected bumpers, exhausts, wheel discs, front doors, rear doors, floors and other parts of the vehicles. After that, they inspected various moulds for vehicles and unfinished vehicles. Myanma Ahman Automobile Industry will produce MAM Double Cab, MAM Extra Cab and MAM Wagon.

On arrival at Fair Sun Co Ltd in Shwepyitha Industrial Zone-3, the Secretary-1 and party heard a report presented by Managing Director Dr Pe Khin on production of oil pump, cooling water pump, shock absorber, air compressor, clutch pressure plate, pipe joint accessory, tool and cutter and fibre gear, and arrangement made for production of 10-ton vehicle. Next, they inspected production of auto spare parts with the use of CNC machine, Fibre Moulding machine, D.R.O System Milling machine and Lathe Machine. Next, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win viewed construction of smelting plant of the company and gave instructions to officials. The Secretary-1 left the industrial zone at 4 pm.

YANGON, 31 Jan- The 96-mile 3-furlong long Thagara-Koebin Yoma Road linking Thagara Village in Yedashe Township, Bago Division (East) and Koebin Village in Hsinpaungwe Township built by the Ministry of Forestry was held at Thagara Village in Yedashe Township yesterday, attended by members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint and Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence.

Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Ko Ko, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations, teachers, students, members of Kayin don dance troupe, guests and local people totalling over 3,000.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than delivered an address. He said the State Peace and Development Council is making endeavours for development of all sectors such as economic, education, health and transport sectors with greater momentum for emergence of a peaceful, modern developed nation, a national goal. The government has laid down development projects and is implementing them day and night for development of the Union made up of 14 states and divisions in order to narrow the gap between one region after another, he said. Transport is an important basic requirement for development of a region. In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, new motor and rail roads were constructed after laying down strategies for linking eastern, western, northern and southern parts of the country. There were 13,635 miles of motor roads in 1988-89 and now there are 18,111 miles of motor roads. There are many roads under construction, he added. He said bridges crossing rivers were built in construction of the roads. Based on guidance of the Head of State, Public Works successfully built 166 bridges which are 180 feet and above, Myanmar Railways six, Defence Services engineering unit five totalling 177 in the whole country. He said roads and bridges are the strength of the nation. The government has undertaken road and bridge construction projects and is building roads linking divisions, states, townships and rural regions for development of trading, production and socio-economic life.

The Thagara-Koebin Yoma Road was formerly a timber extraction path and it was upgraded to 30 feet wide earth road by the Ministry of Forestry under the guidance of Head of State. It is one of the five roads crossing Bago Yoma, namely, Oktwin-Paukkhaung Road, Myogyaung-Seinkantlant Road, Koebin-Thagara Road, Letpadan-Zaungtu-Phayagyi Road and Taikkyi-Bago Road.

It is the third road after construction of Oktwin-Paukkhaung Road and Myogyaung-Seinkantlant Road. The 10-mile and one furlong of the road was paved with gravel and the rest are earth roads. The road will be upgraded to tar road year by year, he said.

He said the opening of the road saves time and villages along the road will develop. Teak and other hard wood can be extracted by the use of the road. He said Pokya camp was established as a camp based on eco-tourism.

The government is implementing the three major development projects for harmonious development of the Union- border areas and national races development project, 24-development special zone project and project on five rural development tasks. Trading and tourism and social and economic conditions of the people in the regions will improve in the future, he added. In conclusion, he called for maintenance of the road in the interest of the region and the State.

A local resident from Thagara, Yedashe Township, expressed words of thanks to the State for construction of the road.

Commander Brig-Gen Ko Ko, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun and Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung formally opened the road.

Together with local people, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party posed for a documentary photo in front of the archway. Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party and the guests viewed the newly-opened facility and had a cordial conversation with local residents.

Next, they went to Kyaukmahsin forest reserve, where they were welcomed by Magway Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Col Zaw Min and officials. They attended the opening of Thagara-Koebin Yoma Road (Koebin side) held near Koebin village, Sinbaungwe Township.

On the occasion, Lt-Gen Ye Myint delivered a speech. In his speech, Lt-Gen Ye Myint said that Thagara-Koebin road links Thagara village in Yedashe Township, Bago Division, and Koebin village in Sinbaungwe Township, Magway Division, passing through Bago Yoma mountain range. The eastern part of the facility was opened by Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than in the morning, and he opened the Koebin side on the occasion.

With the emergence of new roads linking east and west of Bago Yoma, there will be better transport. It is known to all that in the past, in travelling between east and west of Bago Division or between Bago Division East and Magway Division, one had to make a detour round the mountain range through Yangon-Htaukkyant Road or Meiktila-Thazi Road. As a result, it cost more expenses and took more time with a slow commodity flow.

A salient point of Thagara-Koebin Road is that it passes through the boundary point of Bago, Magway and Mandalay divisions. Pyinmana-Taungnyo-Taungdwingyi Road and Pyawbwe-Ywamon-Natmauk-Magway Road linking eastern and western parts through Magway and Mandalay divisions have been upgraded to tarred ones. And Natmauk-Ywamon-Zayatkwin-Kyaukpadaung Road and Natmauk-Ywamon-Zayatkon-Pyinzi (Nwatogyi) Road have been constructed and Ywamon-Kyaukpadaung Road has been upgraded, which are linking southern and northern parts.

The Ministry of Forestry had to face hardships in constructing the road as well as selecting the axis that runs through dense Bago Yoma forest. So, the ministry could carry out construction tasks only in open season. The service personnel of the ministry built the facility overcoming hardships and difficulties in the interest of the people. The 96-mile earth road will have to be upgraded to gravel one then to tarred one soon.

The development of the State and the transport sector goes together. Thus, with better transport, the standards of social, economic, health and education standards of local people will rise, and it would lead to narrowing the development gap between one region and another and to equitable development of all parts of the nation and also to enhancing national solidarity.

Thanks to the emergence of the road, locally-produced goods and teak and hard wood from Bago Yoma could be transported easily through the facility, thereby raising the living standard of local people.

In conclusion, he expressed his thanks to those who contributed towards the facility, and he called on them to strive for upgrading the road. Afterwards, Minister Brig-Gen Thein Aung handed over the documents related to the road to Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun. Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun and Minister Maj-Gen Thein Aung formally opened the road (Koebin side). Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party had a documentary photo taken together with local residents. Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party cordially greeted local people.

YANGON, 31 Jan - The 2002-2003 academic year prize-presentation ceremony of Mingaladon Township BEHS-2 was held in conjunction with the annual meeting of Parent-Teacher Association at Aung San Thuriya Hall of the school this morning.

Present were Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint of the Ministry of Defence and senior military officers, teachers, students and guests. At the ceremony Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint presented prizes to six distinction winner Ma Sanda Win. Next, officials also presented other prizes to the winners.

YANGON, 31 Jan - Led by Chairman of Myanmar Strategies and International Studies Group Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, the ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Myanmar, the resident representative of UNICEF, retired ambassadors, researchers from China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Laos, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam who attended the Seminar on Understanding Myanmar organized by the Institute of Myanmar Strategies and International Studies, resource persons and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 29 January morning left here by air and arrived at Tachilek Airport in Shan State (East).

They were welcomed there by Tactical Operation Commander Col Myint Han and departmental officials. The minister and party visited the Shwedagon Pagoda in Tachilek, viewed the scenery of the town and King Bayintnaung Statue and had a group photo taken. They also studied Tachilek-Maesai friendship bridge, Talauk Market near the bridge and poppy-substitute cultivation camp.

Next, they went to Kengtung and Maingzin poultry farm. Deputy Commander of Triangle Region Command Col Wai Lin and officials conducted them round the farm. They then visited Kengtung People's Hospital. The minister and party held a meeting regarding the study tour at Kengtung Hotel and attended a dinner hosted by Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Chairman Triangle Region Command Commander Maj-Gen Khin Zaw. Local nationals performed traditional songs and dances. Yesterday morning, the minister and the guests visited Akha Village weaving training school, Kengtung Degree College, Yattawmu Pagoda, Thittapin Mountain and colleges under construction.

Next, they went to Myitkyina Airport by special aircraft where Northern Command Deputy Commander Brig-Gen San Tun and departmental officials welcomed them. And they proceeded to Putao Airport. Tactical Operation Commander Col Khaing Soe and officials and local nationals welcomed them performing traditional songs and dances. The minister and party then viewed panoramic views of Putao and Khakaborazi snow-capped mountain and visited Khakaborazi National Garden. Afterwards, they went to Mulashidee Village by car and studied Mulashidee suspension bridge, traditional performance of local nationals, traditional costumes and local fruits and vegetables.

The minister and party next left Putao Airport and stopped over at Myitkyina Airport where on behalf of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Chairman Northern Command Commander Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen San Tun presented souvenirs to the minister and guests. Later, they left Putao and arrived back here in the evening.

YANGON, 31 Jan - The Reedkhawdhar Border Trade Centre in Falam Township, Chin State, was launched at the top of the friendship bridge on the border of Myanmar and India yesterday morning.

Present on the occasion were Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Acting Prime Minister of Mizoram State and Minister of Home Affairs of India Mr Aichhinga, Brig-Gen Khin Maung Aye of Kalay Station, Chin State Peace and Development Council Chairman Col Tin Hla, local authorities, departmental personnel, officials of Indian Embassy to Myanmar, departmental heads from Mizoram State, distinguished guests and local people.

Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and the Indian Acting Prime Minister formally opened the trade centre.

Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone delivered a speech. In his speech, he said that the purpose of the centre is to promote bilateral border trade. The two nations are doing maritime trade as well as border trade. Tamu Border Trade Centre was opened on 12 April 1995 and Reedkhawdhar Border Trade Centre, the northern one, is the second. And the border trade centre from India's side is in Zokhawthar, Mizoram State. The emergence of the centre will contribute towards job opportunities and higher living standard of the people on the border areas of the two nations. It will also lead to development of infrastructures. The Indian Government constructed Kalay-Tamu Road, and it will provide assistance in building Falam-Reed Road and Tiddim Road.

The Indian Acting Prime Minister also gave an address. Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone presented a gift to mark the opening ceremony to the Indian Acting Prime Minister.

The minister, the Indian Acting Prime Minister and guests walked through the friendship bridge and attended the opening of the border trade centre.

Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone formally unveiled the stone plaque to mark the opening of the centre. The two ministers made addresses on the occasion.

In the afternoon, Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone hosted a luncheon to the Indian Acting Prime Minister and the guests at Reedkhawdhar Guest House.

Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone inspected vehicles and the chosen site for construction of a market. The minister also looked into construction of staff quarter in the unloading ground in Haimhoir village and attended to the needs.

YANGON, 31 Jan - The Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry President's trophy golf tournament organized by the UMFCCI Sports Affairs Committee and sponsored by Shwe Than Lwin Co Ltd took place at Myodaw Golf Club (Myakantha) here this morning. Present on the occasion were Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Aung Tun, and UMFCCI President U Win Myint and CEC members.

After the tournament, officials presented prizes to the winners. The UMFCCI president presented a certificate of honour to Chairman of Shwe Than Lwin Co U Kyaw Win.