The State Peace and Development Council, seeing that only with the consolidation of national unity would it be possible to make an all-out efforts for national development, has tried on a wider and deeper scale for national reconsolidation and propagation of Union Spirit by adopting the national policy- Non-disintegration of the Union, Non-disintegration of national solidarity and Perpetuation of sovereignty.

Senior General Than Shwe Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (From message on the 56th Anniversary Union Day)

YANGON, 2 Feb - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt arrived at the construction site of the multi-purpose hall on Mindhamma Road in Mayangon Township here this morning.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt inspected construction of the multi-purpose hall. Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin conducted him around the building.

At the briefing hall there, the Yangon Mayor and Head of Engineering Department (Buildings) U Zaw Win reported on completion of construction tasks and future tasks, arrangements for installation of power line and audio equipment and landscaping. The Prime Minister gave necessary instructions on making efforts for early completion of the multi-purpose hall.

YANGON, 2 Feb- Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Council Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office arrived at Thuwunna youth training centre in Thingangyun Township this afternoon.

Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint and officials reported on selection of athletes for various sports sectors including football and camp training. Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt delivered a speech. He said some sports including football, a national sport, have gained success in international competitions. He said he met with the minister and sports officials to give instructions to make preparations for making more success in South-East Asia.

He said the government is giving encouragement to raising of Myanmar sports standard. He spoke of the need to concentrate on raising of sports standard including football to become the top in South-East Asia.

He said football U-16, U-18, U-20 and U-23 selected teams and women selected football team gained success. But their success has halted. He said continued efforts are to be made for achievement of success in those fields.

He said Myanmar Football Federation was reorganized and systematic arrangements are to be made for selection and training of football players.

He spoke of the need to make arrangements for construction of training grounds and upgrading of existing grounds. Similarly, duties are to be assigned to qualified coaches with high efficiency in every selected football team. Selected footballers are to be chosen correctly with the coordination of officials of MFF, he said.

To be fit and strong, systematic camp training is needed for athletes.

He also spoke at length on close supervision of accommodations for athletes, supply of enriched food to them and medical check-up.

He said the government would provide financial assistance, track suits and sports equipment to the athletes.

Officials concerned are to make arrangements for accommodations, health care services and systematic training of the footballers and other athletes, he added.

Next, the Prime Minister and party inspected hostel-1 for U-17 and U-18 football teams, messing hall and hostel for women selected athletes and cordially greeted the athletes.

The Prime Minister and party proceeded to Sports and Physical Education Institute in Kyaikkasan Grounds.

The Prime Minister inspected conditions for construction of training grounds. The Prime Minister and party inspected training of athletes chosen by the institute.

YANGON, 2 Feb-Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township this morning.

The Prime Minister and party were welcomed there by Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and officials and members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees.

First, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt offered flowers and water and paid homage to Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image. At the chamber hall, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko reported on holding of the third Buddha Pujaniya of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image and all-round construction of Mindhamma Hill.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister inspected all-round construction of religious edifices on Mindhamma Hill.

After giving necessary instructions, the Prime Minister left the Mindhamma Hill.

YANGON, 2 Feb - Myanmar War Veterans Organization Central Organizing Committee Chairman State Peace and Development Council Secretary-2 Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein this morning inspected fish breeding camps, fish breeding project and land reclamation tasks in Ayeyawady Division.

Secretary-2 Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein, together with MWVOCOC Vice-Chairman Lt-Gen Kyi Min (Retd), member Defence Services Records Office Commandant Brig-Gen Myo Myint and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, arrived at Thazin Yay Kyaw fish breeding camp of MWVO (Head Office) in Nyaungdon Township, Ayeyawady Division, where they were welcomed by South-West Command Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Tint Swe, officials from Maubin District and Nyaungdon Township PDCs, in-charge of the camp Major Lyan Khant Kyin and officials.

Major Lyan Khant Kyin reported to Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein on breeding of fish, netting of fish for distribution and construction of road in the camp. The Secretary-2 gave instructions and viewed netting of fish at pond No C-7.

Afterwards, the Secretary-2 and party visited the 1,000 acre fish breeding project of MWVO (Head Office) in Meethwaychaung, Maubin Township. In-charge of the camp Major Aung Min briefed on digging of ponds, breeding of fish and future tasks. The Secretary-2 spoke of the need to strive in the interests of the organization, the region and the country.

In 2003-2004 fiscal year, the MWVO fish breeding camp distributed over 300,000 viss of fish to Yangonites.

The Secretary-2 and party arrived at Nyaungdonkyun wetland reclamation project for agriculture and livestock breeding being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and Wa Wa Win International Co Ltd. Company Chairman U Shwe Kyaing and Project Manger Daw San San Myint reported on completion of land reclamation and agriculture and livestock breeding tasks.

The Secretary-2 gave instructions on meeting the set target and distribution of fish at reasonable prices. He also spoke of the need to strive for regional development tasks.

Wa Wa Win Co Ltd has reclaimed 500 acres for paddy fields and 5,000 acres for fish breeding tasks out of 10,000 acres of land in the Nyaungdon wetland. Reclamation tasks for more paddy fields and fish ponds are underway.

After signing in the visitors' book of the project, the Secretary-2 inspected growing of summer paddy and other crops in the region and left necessary instructions there.

YANGON, 2 Feb - State Peace and Development Council member Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by officials from the State Peace and Development Council Office, left here by air on 29 January morning and arrived at Toungoo airport in Bago Division at 8 am.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party were welcomed there by Bago Division PDC Chairman Southern Command Commander Brig-Gen Ko Ko, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Thura Maung Ni, senior military officers from Toungoo Station and departmental officials. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party together with Commander Brig-Gen Ko Ko and officials proceeded to medical battalion of the station.

The farm raises 721 Babcock poultry, 250 domestic poultry, 10 CP pigs, 39 domestic pigs and 29 goats.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than met with Tatmadawmen and their families at the hall of medical battalion and gave instructions on agriculture and livestock breeding tasks, convenience tasks, health and education matters.

He arrived at the local battalion in Toungoo Station and met with Tatmadawmen and families at the hall there. He gave instructions on education, health and convenience tasks.

On 30 January morning, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than attended opening of the Tagara-Koebin mountain pass at Phokyar Mountain Resort of Myanma Timber Enterprise 10 miles from Tagara Village. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party viewed teak plantations and teak plants in Soeya and Kyaukmahsin forest reserves.

The next morning, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party together with Commander Brig-Gen Ko Ko and Bago Division (West) PDC Chairman Col Hla Min and officials, left Pyay and arrived at Khawa dam project five miles from the Pathein-Monywa Road in Padaung Township. At the briefing hall, Director U Tin Maung Ohn of Construction-2 of Irrigation Department and Director U Khin Maung Chit of the Irrigation Department (Head Office) reported on construction tasks and requirements. Commander Brig-Gen Ko Ko presented a supplementary report.

The Khawa dam project is being implemented with a view to supplying water to 2,000 acres of land and helping development tasks in the region. It is built across Khawa Creek near Chinywagyi Village in Padaung Township. Construction of conduits has been completed up to 95 per cent, earthen works, 35 per cent and spillway, nearly cent per cent. The pipes with the diameter of six inches have been installed to supply drinking water to neighbouring villages. The project is being implemented with the target to open before raining season in 2004.

On arrival at the local battalion in Kyaukphu at Padaung Station, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party met with officers, other ranks and their families at the hall of the battalion and gave instructions on livestock breeding, education and health. He also greeted the families of the battalion cordially. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than also looked into the chicken farm of the battalion and gave instructions on the breeding of other animals. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party arrived at the local battalion in Padaung Station in the afternoon. He also met with the Tatmadawmen of the battalion and gave instructions on agriculture, livestock breeding and public welfare.

Next, they arrived at Nyaunggai dam, two miles and two furlongs from Pyay-Taunggup Road in Padaung Township. At the briefing hall, officials reported on water supply and utilization, and arrangements for cultivation of paddy and other crops. Commander Brig-Gen Ko Ko then presented additional reports.

After hearing the reports, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on supply of irrigation water fully to 3,000 acres of land and maintenance of canals and inspected the storage of water in the reservoir. Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party arrived at Khittaya industrial zone in Ywabe ward in Pyay. At the hall of the industrial zone, he met with industrialists and gave instructions. He also heard reports on the birth of the industrial zone, import-substitute goods, and future tasks.

In response to the reports, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than said the State was rendering assistance to industrial development in Myanmar by establishing 18 industrial zones with the aim of improving the private industrial sector.

He added that industrialists should not depend on the State alone; they should seek means and ways to increase the productivity of agricultural implements, produce more passenger buses, enhance the quantity and quality of the products, and innovate new items of machinery.

After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party looked into the auto machine parts and farm implements displayed in the industrial zone.

Later, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party arrived at the briefing hall of the office in Pyay and heard reports on the emergence of the industrial zone, land reclamation at the zone, measures being taken for supply of electricity and water, cement, oil price, demand of cement and fuel oil. In response to the reports, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on installation of electricity and allotment of the land.

YANGON, 2 Feb-Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, accompanied by Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Ko Ko and officials, on 1 February morning, met with Tatmadawmen and their families of local battalion in Pyay Station and gave instructions on farming, staff welfare and health and education.

Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than greeted the Tatmadawmen and their families.

On arrival at the summer paddy field of Thetyingon Village-tract in Gyobingauk Township, Thayawady District, officials of Myanma Agriculture Service reported to Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party on cultivation of summer paddy and arrangements being made for cultivation of summer paddy.

After speaking words of encouragement to local people, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected arrangements being made for cultivation of summer paddy with the use of water from the main canal of Bawbin Dam.

Next, they arrived at the Dam Yeiktha in Gyobingauk where Director U Tin Maung Ohn of Irrigation Department and officials reported on construction of canals of Bawbin Dam, water supply for summer paddy cultivation, arrangements made for meeting the target in extended cultivation of summer paddy and cultivation of quality paddy strains.

Next, Chairman of Bago Division (West Branch) Peace and Development Council Col Hla Min gave a supplementary report.

In response to the reports, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave necessary instructions to officials.

At the meeting hall of the 250 ton Rice Mill in Letpadan, Thayawady District, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than met with departmental officials, social organizations, townselders and local people and gave instructions on regional development.

At the meeting, Chairman of Letpadan Township Peace and Development Council U Myint Than reported on geographical conditions of the township, cultivation of project crops and progress in cultivation of summer paddy.

Responding to the reports, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than said that community peace and prevalence of law and order is of utmost importance for the emergence of a new modern and developed nation. To ensure the emergence of a new modern and developed nation economic development as well as development of human resources play a pivotal role.

As peace and tranquillity prevailes in the nation, efforts are being made for development of human resources and economic development. Bago Division has exceeded the target in monsoon paddy cultivation and efforts are to be made to meet the target in summer paddy cultivation, he said.

As Letpadan Township is in Bago Division, strenuous efforts are to be made to meet the target in cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy in the township, he noted.

Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than arrived at the temporary briefing hall of Farmer Training Centre No 1 of MAS in Chanthagon, Letpadan Township where he heard a report by officials on test-cultivation of summer paddy, progress in cultivation of summer paddy in Letpadan Township.

Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions.

After that, he met with local people and farmers and gave instructions on exceeding the target acres in summer paddy cultivation in the township and boosting the per acre yield up to 100 baskets.

Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party arrived at the test-paddy field in Ngabyugalay Village, Thayawady District where Deputy Supervisor Daw Ma Ma Aung reported to Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than on cultivation of summer paddy in the test-paddy field and progress in cultivation of summer paddy in 2003-2004 in the township.

Next, he inspected cultivation of summer paddy.

Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party left Thayawady and arrived back here in the evening.

YANGON, 2 Feb - Member of the State Peace and Development Council and Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, accompanied by Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council and Commander of Triangle Region Command Maj-Gen Khin Zaw and Vice-Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Aung Kyi, arrived at the runway expansion project at Kengtung Airport in Kengtung on 31 January morning.

At the briefing hall of the project, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win heard reports on tasks being carried out to expand the runway of the airport and gave instructions on speedy implementation of the project, timely completion of the project, supervision of fuel use for machinery, and measures for worksite safety. After inspecting the construction site, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and party left there.

Yesterday morning, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and party arrived at Mongphyat Station, where he met with officers and other ranks and their families at the hall of the station and gave instructions on measures for smooth and secure transport.

This morning at Kengtung Station, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win also met with officers and other ranks and their families and gave instructions on successful implementation of the seven-point roadmap of the State. He also greeted them cordially.

Next, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspected the construction of new school buildings at Kengtung No-6 BEMS and the construction site of the government computer college and gave instructions.

YANGON, 2 Feb - Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint, accompanied by Deputy Minister Dr Mya Oo and officials, inspected the construction project of an institute of dental medicine and new hospital on Thanthuma Road in Thingangyun Township this morning.

At the briefing hall, Managing Director of Myanma Industrial Construction Services under the Ministry of Industry-2 U Ye Tun reported to the minister and party on progress of construction of the main building of the university and school buildings, and financial matters. After hearing the reports, the minister gave instructions and attended to the requirements.

Next, the minister and party inspected round the construction site and gave instructions on the building of food shops and hostels. The minister also urged the officials to take measures for keeping school buildings clean and attractive and fulfilled the requirements.

YANGON, 2 Feb-Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun together with General Manager of Myanma Economic Bank (Head Office) Lt-Col Maung Maung Win and members met with departmental officials of the ministry in NyaungU Township at the office of Myanma Economic Bank in NyaungU on 31 January.

In Chauk he inspected the Township Myanma Economic Bank.

Inspecting the new building for the Township Myanma Economic Bank, the Minister was briefed by officials on progress in construction of the building.

Afterwards, the minister and party looked into Myanma Small Loans Enterprise and Internal Revenues Department in Chauk and left necessary instructions.

The minister and party this afternoon met with departmental officials of the Ministry of Finance and Revenue in Kyaukpadaung Township at the Township Myanma Economic Bank in Kyauk- padaung and gave instructions.

Next, the minister and party inspected Myanma Small Loans Enterprise and Internal Revenues Department in Kyaukpadaung and left necessary instructions.

YANGON, 2 Feb- Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Konlon Sayadaw, State Ovadacariya Presiding Nayaka of Galontaung Kyaungtaik in Pindaya, Shan State, passed away on 30 January 2004.

The remains will be kept in the casket for public obeisance on 7 February. The ceremony to open white umbrella over the remains of the Sayadaw will be held on 8 February.

The final rites and crematorial ceremony of the Sayadaw will be held at 1 pm on 9 February.

On 8 February, Chanceller of Thitagu World Buddhist University in Sagaing Hill Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma-jotikadhaja Agga Maha Gandhavasaca Pandita Maha Dhamma-kahitka Bahu-janahitadhara Dr Nanisara will deliver a sermon.

Ovada sought from Sayadaws for reconstruction of prayer hall

YANGON, 2 Feb - The ceremony to seek Ovada from the Ovadacariya Sayadaws to reconstruct Koehsu prayer hall of Shwe Phone Pwint Pagoda in Pazundaung Township was held at the new Dhammayon of the pagoda this morning.

Ovadacariya of the pagoda Presiding Sayadaw of Phayabyu monastery in the township Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma- jotiak dhaja Bhaddanta Narin dabhivamsa and members of the Sangha, Chairman of central leading committee for renovation of Settawya prayer hall and Koehsu prayer hall Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein, member of the committee departmental heads, officials of sub-committees and members of the pagoda board of trustees.

The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. The congregation received the Five Precepts from Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamm ajotiakdhaja Bhaddanta Narin- dabhivamsa. Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein, members of the pagoda board of trustees and officials presented offertories to the Ovadacariya Sayadaws.

The minister supplicated on matters related to reconstruction of Koehsu prayer hall. The Ovadacariya Sayadaws gave Ovadakathas. The presiding Sayadaw of Phayabyu monastery delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained.

Afterwards, the ceremony came to a close with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu. After the ceremony, the Ovadacariya Sayadaws viewed the Settawya prayer hall which was already renovated. The minister and officials reported on renovation tasks. The minister, the deputy minister and departmental heads offered soon to Ovadacariya Sayadaws.

The coordination meeting to reconstruct Koehsu prayer hall was held at Dhammayon Thit in the afternoon.

The minister made an opening speech. Officials of sub-committees reported on tasks of the respective sub-committees. The minister gave necessary instructions.

YANGON, 2 Feb-The Third Specialized Training on the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature for Trade Facilitation jointly sponsored by ASEAN General Secretariat and Customs Department of Myanmar was held at Grand Plaza Parkroyal Hotel on Alanpya Pagoda Road here this morning with an address by Director-General of Customs Department Col Khin Maung Linn.

The training course is being attended by 30 trainees-18 from ASEAN member nations and 12 from Myanmar.

YANGON, 2 Feb - A Myanmar delegation led by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win left here this afternoon to attend Regional Ministerial Meeting on Counter-Terrorism to be held in Bali, Indonesia, on 4 and 5 February 2004.

The deputy minister was accompanied by alternate leader of the Myanmar delegation Brig-Gen Phone Swe, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, and members Police Brig-Gen Winn Myaing from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Director U Denzil Abel from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

YANGON, 25 Jan - The press conference on ITF 14 and Under Asian Tennis Championships Zone-2, organized by International Tennis Federation and Myanmar Tennis Federation from 12 to 19 January, was held at Theinbyu Tennis Plaza of the MTF at Theinbyu tennis court here this morning, with an opening address by MTF Patron Maj-Gen Kyaw Win.

Present at the conference were Managing Director of the News and Periodicals Enterprise of the Ministry of Information Col Soe Win, Director (News) U Hla Tun, chief editors of dailies, media men, sports columnists, MTF President U Zaw Zaw (Max Myanmar Co Ltd) and invited guests.

MTF Patron Maj-Gen Kyaw Win explained holding of the championships. MTF President U Zaw Zaw briefed on competing of Myanmar youth team.

Afterwards, queries of journalists and sports columnists were replied. Phyo Min Tha who won first prizes in the men's singles event, men's doubles event and best player award, and Myanmar selected players Nyi Nyi Tun and Nge Hnaung were introduced to journalists and sports columnists who later held discussions on matters related to tennis.

Afterwards, those attended the conference viewed the accommodation of the selected players who were under training at MTF.