Throughout history, the Union people were able to set up the fine historical traditions of living together with Union Spirit on the same land and drinking water from the same source, with eggs and nest intact, and warding off in unity all the dangers befalling the nation. These fine traditions have firmly existed as a symbol of unity of national races of the entire Union of Myanmar for many centuries.

Senior General Than Shwe Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (From message on the 53rd Anniversary Union Day.)

YANGON, 7 Feb - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party met with departmental officials at the Town Hall of Monywa on 4 February morning.

Also present on the occasion were Sagaing Division level departmental officials, the chairmen of Monywa District and Township Peace and Development Councils and members, district and township level officials, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, social organizations, entrepreneurs, members of Ward Peace and Development Council, townselders and trainee nurses.

At the meeting, Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Tha Aye reported on area and population of Sagaing Division, land utilization, reclamation of virgin and fallow land, cultivation of ten major crops and production rate, self-sufficiency in rice and edible oil, education, health, transport, development of border regions, water supply for agriculture, power supply, development of mining and industrial sectors, GDP and per capital income and work being carried out for rural development.

Next, Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein made a speech. He said that Sagaing Division constitutes about 9.4 per cent of the national economy and is abundant in natural resources such as forest, mineral and hydel power. Therefore, the division is economically important for the State. If the natural resources in the division are used effectively they will contribute much toward development of the national economy.

In building a modern, developed and discipline-flourishing democratic nation community peace and prevalence of law and order is imperative. In addition, a sound economic condition that can generate the income for the people is required. At the same time, a basic knowledge capable of categorically differentiating right and wrong and good and bad is needed. To fulfil the requirements, public cooperation is of paramount importance.

In striving for development of the national economy, efforts are to be made for building an industrialized nation, 'while engaging in development of agricultural and industrial sectors.

As water supply for agricultural purpose has been created double. and triple cropping was introduced. In this context, machinery will have to be used to save cost and time.

Modern cultivation methods are to be applied to save cost while machinery is being used in ploughing, harvesting and threshing.

Transplanting contests are to be held as they were held in the past and contests on the use of farming equipment needs to be held for enabling farmers to realize the saving of cost and time, thereby contributing to enhancing the agricultural production.

Next, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha reported on efforts made, for development of the national economy by laying the short-term plan since 1992-1993, the ratio of Sagaing Division in the national economy and efforts to be made for development of the division.

Next, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin spoke of the need for continued cultivation of the ten major crops since they are thriving in the division, He added that efforts are to be made for successful cultivation of such kitchen crops as chilli, potatoes and onions in the division and the government will provide assistance for the project.

Next, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut explained that Chindwin river contributes much towards development of Sagaing Division, adding that hydel power projects are being-Iaunched to meet the demand of power supply of the State and to ensure development of Sagaing Division, relying on water from Chindwin river.

Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye spoke. He said that the Government is making all-out efforts for boosting the agricultural production to fulfil the food, clothing and shelter needs pf the people. Other requirements in the nation are power supply and edible oil. To meet these requirements, natural resources in the nation are being tapped not only on self-reliance but also on i mutually beneficial in cooperation with foreign nations.

There are many projects that can generate hydel power in the division, he said and added that he inspected Shwesaye Hydel Power Project that can generate over 600 megawatt in Budalin Township. Monywa District and left instructions on implementing the project.

Htamanthi Hydel Power Project which is to be implemented for development of Chindwin Valley will be able to generate over 1.200 megawatt and arrangements are being made for implementing the project.

Paunglaung Hydel Power Project that can generate 280 megawatt, Monchaung Hydel Power Project that can generate 75 Megawatt and Tikyit coal fried power plant under implementation will soon be completed and Yeywa Hydel Power Project in Kyaukse Township and Shweli hydel Power Project in Namkham Township are under implementation.

He said the government is building a peaceful modern developed nation with the objective of equitable development in all regions in the Union and it is implementing education, health and human resource development projects after designating 24 development regions, he said.

Border development projects are being undertaken for regions that lagged behind in development for various reasons. Now towns in border areas have developed like those of cities in the plain, he added.

He said the five rural development tasks are being implemented for development of rural areas where 70 per cent of the population of the country live.

The essence of implementation of such three major projects for the progress of entire Union is for the Three Main National Causes -- non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty.

He said over 100 national races have been living in amity in various parts of the country since time immemorial. He said there are over 5.7 million people in Sagaing Division. Over 50 national races such as Bamar, Shan, Chin, Naga, Kadu, Kanan and Lushine are living there in unity. So Sagaing Division is like a small union.

Like Sagaing Division, national races are living in amity in other States and Divisions.

He said it is important to implement the tasks .based on the Union Spirit and national solidarity spirit in building the Union of Myanmar formed with 14 states and divisions to be modem developed one.

All states and divisions must be developed for progress of national races and the country. In order to develop states and divisions, it is necessary to make progress in district, township and rural areas. Therefore, officials at different levels are to make field trips to the grassroots levers and carry out tasks for regional development with goodwill, he said.

Assuming that the regions where they are assigned to as their own regions, efforts are to be made for progress with the Union Spirit and national solidarity spirit in cooperation with local people, he said.

He stressed the importance of correct and complete data of departments and regions for effectiveness.

He said the seven-point future programme of the State was laid down for building of a discipline-flourishing democratic nation and he called for cooperation for success of the programme.

Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye cordially greeted those present.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party went to Monywa Industrial Zone where they met members of Monywa Industrial Zone Supervisory Committee, Chairman of Industrial Zone Management Committee and members and industrialists.

Monywa Industrial Zone in-charge Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe reported on establishment of the zone in )992, allotment of plots to the industrialists, construction of roads and supply of power in the zone, assembling of motor vehicles and arrangements for assembling of trucks and buses.

Next, Commander Maj-Gen Tha Aye reported on assistance provided for development the zone with greater momentum, conducting on-job efficiency courses for workers and industrialists and study tours in other zones and factories.

Chairman of Monywa Industrial Zone Management Committee U Myat Zaw reported on industries in the zone and its achievement.

In his discussions, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye said Myanmar is an agricultural country and endeavours are to be made to become an industrialized nation, transforming manual farming into mechanized farming.

In doing so, the State is to cooperate with private sector and industrial zones. The industrial zones have developed due to the assistance of the State and cooperation of the industrialists. Being an agricultural country, he said, the zones are to produce enough quality farm equipment to save cost and time in agricultural tasks in place of manpower.

He said labour saving cultivation methods are to be used widely.

Human resource development is a requirement for development of the zone. Therefore, concerted efforts are to be made for producing more skilled workers.

He said now the zones are gaining momentum and he stressed the importance of investment in industrial development undertakings, avoiding spending money on unnecessary matters. He urged the industrialists to pay serious attention to development of the tasks as the country needs a lot of successful and prosperous industrialists.

Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye cordially greeted the industrialists.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party inspected threshers, tractors, milling machines and various kinds of machines used in threshing.

They also inspected Chindwin Star motor vehicles, 10-ton truck, propellers, pumps and lawn mowers.

They inspected finished wood products, electrical appliances, textiles, food-stuffs and traditional medicines.

YANGON, 7 Feb - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San arrived in Kani Township, Sagaing Division, on 4 February morning and paid homage to Alaungdaw Kassapa.

Accompanied by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint and Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Tha Aye, ministers, deputy ministers, senior military officers and departmental heads, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San flew to Alaungdaw Kassapa in Kani Township at 11.30 am.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party paid homage to Alaungdaw Kassapa image and offered gold foils to it.

Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye presented cash donations to the board of trustees. Afterwards, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party visited the cave of Alaungdaw Kassapa.

At the hall of the board of trustees, they paid homage to Patron of the trusteeship board of Alaungdaw Kassapa Phowintaung Popa Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sumana of Yinmabin Township and two patron Sayadaws. They then donated eight requisites to the Sayadaws.

Patron Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pandiçça administered the Five Precepts, followed by sharing of merits.

In the evening, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party went to Khatakantaung Village in Monywa Township by helicopter.

Afterwards, they proceeded to Maha Bawditahtaung Monastery in the village. They then paid obeisance and offered provisions to Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of the monastery Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Narada.

YANGON, 7 Feb - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party paid reverence to the remains of Presiding Nayaka of Galontaung Monastery in Pindaya, Shan State, Kunlon Sayadaw and next arrived at Ayethaya Industrial Zone in Taunggyi yesterday afternoon.

The Prime Minister held a meeting with members of the industrial supervisory committee of the industrial zone and industrialists. Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, who is in charge of the industrial zone, reported on location and area of the industrial zone, plots, allotment of land to the entrepreneurs, construction of roads and electricity supply for development of the industrial zone, production of foodstuff, accommodations and personal goods, raw materials, general services, test assembling of Shan Star jeeps, double cabs, saloons, four-door jeeps, Kanbawza super jeeps, pick-ups, above 10-ton trucks and 40-passenger buses, production of power tillers, paddy threshers, oil milling machines and combined harvesters, automobile spare parts, bore nuts, iron sieves, brick, corn threshers and small generators, providing of engines and accessories by the State, sales of machines and spare parts by the Ministry of Industry-2, rendering of communication facilities and requirements.

Next, Deputy Director of Shan State Settlement and Land Records Department U Tint Hsan reported on arrangements for allotment of more plots with the use of charts.

In response to the reports, the Prime Minister delivered a speech. In his speech, he said that it needs to produce more agricultural machinery and farm implements which contribute much towards boosting agricultural production of Myanmar, an agro-based nation. Efforts are to be employed to build up an industrialized nation while transforming traditional farming to mechanized farming, he noted.

In this process, tasks are to be carried out to achieve success by combining mechanized farming and industries. The Government has established industrial zones and has been rendering necessary assistance for upgrading the industrial zones for development of the State's industrial sector, he said. While manufacturing foodstuff, consumer products, furniture, machines, paper and sugar and so on, the industrialists are to produce more small quality turbines and farm implements in accordance with the guidance of the Head of State, he said.

Endeavours are to be made to boost production of bus and truck needed for the transport sector while taking innovative measures for enhancing the quality of automobiles. Parts of vehicles are produced separately and thus quality products can be manufactured in quantity on condition that factories or industrial zones cooperate each other, he pointed out.

Now, Hlinethaya Industrial Zone has reached the position of manufacturing bodies and frames of automobiles, buses and trucks making use of modern machines. So, responsible persons are to strive for boosting production of vehicles through cooperation, he said.

Ways and means are to be sought for further production of import-substitute items in order to minimize imports of industrial raw materials. The State has acknowledged innovative measures of the industrialists with the use of what they have, he added. With the strong economy of the State, the Government would provide more and more assistance for further development of the industrial zones, he pledged.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister called on those in charge of respective industrial zones and industrialists, to ensure cumulative development of the zones seeking better ways and means through constant cooperation.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party viewed fertilizers, finished plastic wares, sugar, paddy threshers, power tillers, paddy harvesters, corn threshers, parts of oil mills, other machines and various models of vehicles at the hall of the industrial zone.

They proceeded to Government Technological College (Ayethaya) Project, where Managing Director of Eden Group Co Ltd U Chit Khaing reported on conditions of the land for the facility, organizational set-up, and preparations for construction of buildings. At the briefing hall, the managing director continued his report on salient points on the project and design of the three-storey main building of facility. Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung gave a supplementary report.

The Prime Minister viewed the scale model of the main building and left necessary instructions.

Next, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party went to Sao San Htun General Hospital in Taunggyi where they were welcomed by Medical Superintendent Dr Aye Kyi Sein, doctors and nurses.

At the hall, Medical Superintendent Dr Aye Kyi Sein reported on the history of the hospital, the location and area, lay-out plan and set up of the hospital buildings and medical treatment matters. Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint gave a supplementary report.

Medical Superintendent Dr Win Myint of Women's and Children's Specialist Hospital also reported matters related to his hospital. The General gave instructions on Women's and Children's Specialist Hospital of Taunggyi to be upgraded into the 200-bed one and extension of buildings at the hospital.

The Prime Minister inspected the dental and oral special care unit, the diagnostic unit and the operation theatre of Sao San Htun General Hospital.

On arrival at Women's and Children's Specialist Hospital of Taunggyi, Medical Superintendent Dr Win Myint and staff welcomed the Prime Minister and party.

The Prime Minister inspected the compound of the hospital for construction of extended buildings to be able to upgrade the hospital into the 200-bed one and chose the site for buildings. Next, he saw over the child patient ward and the health knowledge exhibition hall.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party went to Panglong Yeiktha in Taunggyi.

This morning, the Prime Minister and party arrived at historic Mwedaw Ketku Pagoda in Kyauktalon, Taunggyi Township, where they were welcomed by Pa-O national race leaders and local people.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister attended the ceremony to hoist Shwehtidaw atop the Yokson Pagoda, which is pagoda number F 448 of Mwedaw Ketku Pagoda. The ceremony was graced by the presence of State Ovadaçariya Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Theindaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Çhandadhika and members of the Sangha. Also present were Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Daw Khin Khin Win, wife of the Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council, member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint, the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads and local authorities, Shan State (South) Special Region-6 national race leader U Aung Hkam Hti and national race leaders, religious and social organizations and local people.

Sayadaw Bhaddanta Çhandadhika administered the Nine Precepts. Then, members of the Sangha recited Parittas.

Next, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe donated Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw, tiers of the Htidaw, Shwekyar Thingan and provisions to Theindaung Sayadaw.

Similarly, the ministers and Pa-O national race leaders offered donations to the Sayadaws.

Later, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Çhandadhika delivered a sermon and General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party shared merits gained.

Afterwards, General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, the Secretary-2's wife Daw Khin Khin Win and party, Pa-O national race leader U Aung Hkam Hti and party conveyed Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and tiers of the Htidaw around the pagoda.

Next, Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and tiers of the Htidaw were conveyed atop the pagoda by the floated carriage. Then, lay persons hoisted tiers of the Htidaw and Hngetmyat-nadaw atop the pagoda.

At the auspicious time, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt himself hoisted Seinbudaw atop Yokson Pagoda. Then, he sprinkled scented water on Shwehtidaw, Hngetm- yatnadaw and Seinbudaw. The Prime Minister also offered Shwekyar Thingan to the pagoda.

Afterwards, members of the Sangha consecrated the pagoda. Next, the Prime Minister and party performed the rituals of golden and silvery showers to mark successful completion of the ceremony.

They then offered 'soon' to the Sayadaws who attended the Htidaw hoisting ceremony.

The Prime Minister and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party paid homage to Asoka Hsutaungpyay Pagoda.

The Prime Minister and party went back to Taunggyi in the afternoon.

YANGON, 7 Feb - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, accompanied by Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads and officials, left here by air on 6 February afternoon and arrived at Heho Airport, Shan State, at 12.50 pm.

The Prime Minister and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint, Brig-Gen Mya Win of Kalaw Station and military and civilian officers.

Afterwards, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party, accompanied by the commander, proceeded to Konlon Pariyatti Monastery in Pindaya Township, Shan State, where they were welcomed by Brig-Gen Zaw Win of Bahtoo Station, departmental personnel and national races.

Next, the Prime Minister and party paid homage to the remains of State Ovadaçariya Pindaya Township Galontaung Monastery Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Konlon Sayadaw Bhaddanta Tejaniya who passed away at 12.15 am on 30 January 2004.

Then, the Prime Minister and party paid obeisance to Mandalay Maha Dabayintaik Kanbawza Htutmyat Yadana Monastery Nayaka Sayadaw Bhaddanta Medhavi and members of the Sangha. The Sayadaws gave advice to hold the final rites.

The Prime Minister supplicated on Konlon sayadaw's endeavours for religious affairs and donated provisions to the Sayadaws.

Next, a ceremony was held to donate cash for holding the final rites. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint and Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko accepted K 214,940,583 donated by wellwishers including K 500,000 each by families of military intelligence; Eastern Command; Shan State Peace and Development Council; and Ministry of Religious Affairs; K 157 million by Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Dr Daw Khin Khin Seint; K 10,500,000 by Daw Phyu Phyu Win; K 10 million by U Sai Myo Win, chairman of Myanma Arman Automobile Assembling Industry of Shwepyitha; K 6 million by Thiha Thudhamma Manijotadhara U San Nyein-Daw Thein Win; K 2.3 million by U Moe Tun-Daw Amy Thet of Mandalay; K 2 million by Dr U Nyein Swe-Dr Daw May Kyi of Mawlamyine; K 1.15 million by people from Mongshu Township; K 1 million by Shan State (South) Special Region-6 Chairman U Aung Hkam Hti and U Nay Win Tun; K 1 million each by U Aung Ko Win-Daw Nan Than Htwe; the managing director and family of Aden Construction Co Ltd; and Daw Htay Htay Myint, Daw San San Win of Dawei; K 751,300 by regiments and units under Eastern Command; K 656,111 by Bahtoo Station; K 500,000 by Ngwe Hsin Jewellery Co Ltd Chairman U Soe Myint; K 500,000 by Kokant Literary and Culture Group; and Associate Professor Daw May Kyi Win of Yangon Institute of Education.

Later, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt inspected preparations for building Sankyaung Beikman of the remains of the Sayadaw.

YANGON, 7 Feb - For ensuring the beauty and proper drainage of Yangon City municipal areas, Tatmadawmen, members of Myanmar Police Force, staff of Yangon City Development Committee, members of social organizations and public today carried out sanitation tasks in their respective districts, townships and wards. Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and YCDC Chairman Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin encouraged the participants and gave necessary instructions to officials.

First, the commander and the mayor arrived at the junction of No 4 Highway and Hlawga-Wataya road in Shwepyitha Township at 6.30 am and dredging of Sangyaunglay Creek. They next went to U Ponnya Road in Hlinethaya Township and unblocking of ditches digging new ones along the road between Magway Street and Padetha Street. The commander and the mayor also viewed unblocking of ditches and carrying out of sanitation works along Insein Road in Hline Township and in the surrounding areas of Pyithu Hluttaw building on Alon Road in Dagon Township. They then inspected the upgrading of Baganlon Island by YCDC. Officials reported on the upgrading tasks. The commander and the mayor gave necessary instructions.

The commander and the mayor proceeded to Theinbyu Road in Botahtaung Township and inspected disposing of garbage and unblocking of ditches along the road between Bogyoke Aung San Street and Anawrahta Street.

During their inspections, the commander and mayor gave instructions to officials on systematic measures to be taken for ensuring the beauty and proper drainage of Yangon City and installing of box culverts at crossings of roads and carrying out sanitation tasks in co-operation with social association members and public in districts, townships and wards.

YANGON, 7 Feb- Hailing 57th Anniversary Union Day, the opening ceremony of Tonkhant-Mantmaw rural gravel road was held in conjunction with the ceremony to launch the rural water supply programme in Teinlon Village of Muse Township on 2 February. Chairman of Muse District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Soe Win and Deputy Superintending Engineer U Win Shwe of Shan State (North) Development Affairs Committee formally opened the road which is 4,000 feet long and 12 feet wide and launched the water supply programme.

In Namkham Township, Namkham-Manlon gravel road was put into service on 2 February hailing the 57th Anniversary Union Day. District Chairman Lt-Col Soe Win and Deputy Superintending Engineer U Win Shwe formally opened the one mile and seven furlongs long and 12 feet wide gravel road.

Similarly, a ceremony to put back into service repaved Yadana road was held in Pyapon Township on 6 February. Officials formally opened the road.

YANGON, 7 Feb - The delegates to the 57th Anniversary Union Day comprising national race cultural troupes and Union Solidarity and Development Association members from States and Divisions continued to arrive here today. The national race cultural troupes and USDA members from Kachin State and Mandalay Division arrived here this morning by train. The national race cultural troupes and USDA members from Shan State (South) and Shan State (North) arrived here this afternoon by train. Likewise, the national race cultural troupes and USDA members from Magway Division arrived at the Transit Centre this morning and those from Ayeyawady Division arrived at the same venue this afternoon by car. Similarly, those from Chin State arrived here by air this morning.

YANGON, 7 Feb - The 31st Buddha Pujaniya of 99 years old Atuladipati Maha Munithakya Koedatkyi Buddha image was opened at the pagoda this morning, attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint and member of the pagoda board of trustees