Favourable conditions for the development of the State have been emerging, and if efforts are accelerated with the united strength of all the national races, a new, modern and developed nation, to which the national people aspire, can be built in the not-too-distant future.

Senior General Than Shwe Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (From message on the 54th Anniversary Union Day)

Yangon, 8 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 arrived in Shwebo by helicopter on 4 February.

At the briefing hall, U Than Tun (Shwebo) reported on construction of Shwebo Yadana Palace.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party inspected construction of the palace and gave instructions. They also inspected the statue of Alaung Mintayagyi U Aung Zeya who founded the third kingdom of Myanmar.

In the evening, they went to Kanbalu by helicopter. They were welcomed by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Deputy Chief Justice of Supreme Court (Mandalay) U Khin Maung Latt, Tactical Operations Commander Col Hla Ngwe and officials.

On 5 February, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party went to Thaphanseik Dam in Kyunhla Township from Kanbalu by helicopter.

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on storage of water and inflow of water into the dam during the monsoon.

He said paddy, wheat, beans and pulses and sesamum were mainly cultivated with the use of water from the dam. Over 500,000 acres of monsoon and summer paddy were grown as soon as the dam was completed.

In 2002-2003 sown acerage increased up to over 880,000. A total of 39,000 acres of summer sesamum could be grown in the areas where there was no cultivation of sesamum before.

Next, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut reported on generation of power from Thaphanseik hydro-electric power station.

Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command reported on increase of cultivation acreage due to the dam and less inflow of water into the dam in the previous monsoon.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye gave instructions and asked the inflow of water. The Director of Construction-4 of Irrigation Department reported on inflow of water from Mu River.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspected turbines of Thaphanseik hydro-electric power station, controlroom, storage of water and the main spillway.

The dam was opened on 17 April 2001 and hydro-electric power station was opened on 18 June 2002.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party went to Kyebin-ek Dam in Kanbalu Township by helicopter.

Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin said the Kyebin-ek Dam was opened on 25 December 2003. Storage of water started in October 2001. The dam irrigated 8,500 acres of lands.

He said arrangements are being made for cultivation of 1,500 acres of summer paddy.

Commander Maj-Gen Tha Aye reported on benefits of the dam. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye gave instructions and inspected the dam.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party went to Seikphumyaung model village in Kanbalu Township by helicopter. They inspected basic education post-primary school, rural dispensary and gravel road. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye met officials and villagers and called for prosperity of the village in implementation of the five rural development tasks. There was only a primary school and it was upgraded to a post primary one. Roads in the village were also upgraded. The gravel road leading to Kanbalu has been built. Prevention of diseases, treatment and educative activities can be carried out after opening of the rural dispensary. Clean drinking water is now available. It is a model village where cultivation of sunflower, beans and pulses and maize is successful.

On 6 February, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, wife Daw Mya Mya San and party visited the fourth Buddha Pujaniya Festival of Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda and arrived back here by the Tatmadaw flight.

Yangon, 8 Feb - The fourth Buddha Pujianiya of Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda kept at Maha Kammabala Hill in Kanbalu, Kanbalu Township, Shwebo District, Sagaing Division was held at the pagoda on 6 February morning, attended by 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.

At 5 am, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party offered "soon", fruits, light, flowers and water to the pagoda. Next, 45 members of the Sangha consecrated the pagoda.

The congregation led by Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party received the Five Precepts from member of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Pakhan Kyaungtaik in Shwebo Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Dhaja Bhaddanta Vimalarbhivamsa. Next, members of the Sangha recited the parittas. Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party offered ÔsoonÕ to members of the Sangha. Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party, departmental officials and wellwishers offered provisions to members of the Sangha.

Afterwards, the ceremony to share merits gained was held at the Sasana Beikmandaw at 9.30 am. The ceremony was opened with the three time recitation of Namo Tassa.

Next, Chairman of Sagaing Division Sangha Nayaka Committee Presiding Sayadaw of Sagaing Htupayon Shwekyaung Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Dhaja Bhaddanta „anawvamsa invested the congregation with the Five Precepts.

Next. members of the Sangha recited the parittas. Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San presented the eight requisites and offertories to Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Pakhan Kyaungtaik in Shwebo Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Dhaja Bhaddanta Vimalabhivamsa. Later, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and Lt-Gen Tin Aye presented the eight requisites and offertories to the Sayadaws.

Next, the Commander-in-Chief (Air), the commanders, ministers, deputy ministers, senior military officers, departmental officials and wellwishers presented the eight requisites and offertories to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha. After that, Bhaddanta Vimalabhivamsa delivered a sermon. This was followed by sharing merits gained. The ceremony ended with the three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthathu.

After the ceremony, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party offered ÔsoonÕ to members of the Sangha. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party attended the ceremony to novitiate 108 young men into monkshood held at Sasana Beikman of Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda in the afternoon of 5 February. Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party paid homage to Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda and Buddha images in the compound of the pagoda.

Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party proceeded to Maha Shwesigyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik where they paid homage and presented offertories to Presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Acara.

Yangon, 8 Feb - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt arrived at Dalla jetty of Inland Water Transport at 7.30 am today. They were welcomed there by local authorities, departmental officials, members of social organizations and local people.

The Prime Minister and party went to Kungyangon and attended the opening of Kungyangon digital auto exchange. First, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw formally opened the exchange by cutting a ribbon. Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt formally unveiled the stone inscription of the exchange, inspected the switching room and made overseas phone calls. Kungyangon auto exchange is kind of KX-TD 500. It can be installed with 400 telephones and 300 has been installed so far.

Next, the Prime Minister and party attended the opening of Kungyangon gymnasium. Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint opened the gymnasium by cutting a ribbon. Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi unveiled the stone inscription of the gymnasium. While the Prime Minister was inspecting the gymnasium, different sports athletes presented their skill demonstrations. A ceremony to open a three-storey building of Kungyangon Basic Education High School No 2 and hand over the school building was held at the school. It was graced by the presence of Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt. The headmaster and the chairman of the school board of trustees formally opened the new school building. Myanmar Education Committee Chairman Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt formally unveiled the stone inscription of the building. Next, the Prime Minister and party viewed the traditional performance of students, and inspected classrooms in the building. Next, the ceremony to hand over the school building, and to open the digital auto exchange and gymnasium was held at the hall of the school.

Chairman of the school board of trustees U Tin Tun reported that No 2 BEHS was first established in 1922 as a national school. Since December 1947, it was opened by the State as a national high school. But, the school had been turned into a middle school for 17 years from 1986 to 2003. Therefore, at the request of townselders and teachers, the school was upgraded again into a high school on 27-1-2003 after Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi had submitted the approval from the Chairman of MEC. As the school was not able to house a great number of students, a committee was formed to construct a new school building. Under the leadership and with the assistance of the energy minister, the construction of the school building was completed. Besides, the hall of BEHS No 2 handed over by the Sports and Physical Education Department was upgraded with the expense of K 4.6 million to hold state, division and township level meetings. The Ministry of Education itself donated K 2 million. Later, he expressed thanks to the Prime Minister, Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister U Than Aung and wellwishers. Afterwards, Myanma Posts and Telecommunications Managing Director U Maung Maung Tin reported on purpose of opening of digital auto phone exchanges in Kungyangon and Kawhmu. He said today is an auspicious day for a digital auto exchange can be used as from today. Similar auto exchange will also be opened this afternoon, he said. Kugyangon auto exchange was installed at a cost of K 110 million and Kawhmu auto exchange at a cost of K 96.4 million.

He said auto exchange projects are being implemented in 30 townships by MPT. Arrangements are being made for narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas in accord with the guidance of the Head of State. Director-General of Sports and Physical Education Department U Thaung Htaik reported on construction of new gymnasium.

Secretary of Township USDA U Cho Tun thanked the government for undertaking the regional development tasks.

Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi reported on coordination with wellwishers and the people.

Minister for Education U Than Aung reported on construction of three-storey school building and thanked the wellwishers for cooperation.

Next, wellwishers of Kanbawza Bank Ltd and companies presented K 5,304,665 to Ministers Brig-Gen Lun Thi and U Than Aung. Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi presented related documents of No 2 Basic Education High School to Minister U Than Aung. Next, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint presented sports gear for Kungyangon Township to Chairman of the Township Peace and Development Council U Kyaw Shwe.

Next, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt made a speech. He said that he together with the commander, ministers and deputy ministers attended the ceremony to open the new digital auto exchange, the gymnasium and the new three-storey building for No 2 BEHS in Kungyangon this morning, adding that contact can be made at home and abroad with the emergence of the communication facility. He said he himself practically made overseas phone calls to the Myanmar ambassadors to Thailand and Japan with the use of the facility. That is why people from Kungyangon themselves will be able to make not only local calls but also overseas calls, he noted. Likewise, arrangements have been made for opening of the digital auto exchange in Kawhmu this afternoon, he stressed. In addition, the new township gymnasium that will contribute to health and fitness of the youths of Kungyangon Township, who will serve the interest of the State in future was opened this morning, he said. The new three-storey school building that will contribute to the students in the township in their pursuit of formal education was handed over to the Ministry of Education.

It is found that people in the township felt pleased due to the emergence of the new auto digital exchange, the gymnasium and the new three-storey school building. The Union of Myanmar has been home to various national races for years countable by the thousand. However, the Union has undergone a great change with the passage of time. At the same time, there have been changes and developments in the economic and social sectors depending on prevalence of peace and tranquillity in the nation. In the time of the State Peace and Development Council the objectives calling for non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity, perpetuation of sovereignty and the emergence of a new modern developed nation have been laid down and are being implemented. In the process, priority has been given to ensuring non-disintegration of the Union and non-disintegration of national solidarity. As a result, the armed conflict that emerged in the past has ended and the national races have been cooperating with the government in nation-building endeavours.

Nowadays, peace and tranquillity prevails in the nation and the national unity is restored and economic, social, education and health sectors are making progress as a result.

At such a time, the government has laid down the seven-point future political programmes and is implementing them for the emergence of a new modern developed and discipline-flourishing democratic nation.

At a time when a new modern developed and discipline-flourishing democratic nation is being built, efforts are to be made to continue maintaining the already achieved peace and tranquillity and to fully restore peace and tranquillity in the regions where peace and tranquillity does not prevail fully yet. At the same time, efforts are to be made for creating a sound economic condition while striving for enabling the youths, who will shape the future of the State, to pursue education of international level. That is why the entire national people who reside in the Union are to make concerted and collective efforts out of a sense of goodwill for the emergence of a new modern developed and discipline-flourishing democratic nation, he concluded.

After the ceremony, the Prime Minister and party had a documentary photo taken together with members of the School Board of Trustees, teachers and students.

Next, the Prime Minister and party proceeded to the People's Hospital in Kungyangon where they were welcomed by Medical Superintendent Dr Tin Tun and hospital staff. The Prime Minister and party inspected the medical store, the operation theatre and the medical wards and gave necessary instructions. Next, the Prime Minister and party arrived at Maha Tiloka Buddha Image. There they paid homage to the Buddha image and made cash donations. Next, the Prime Minister and party arrived in Kawhmu.

At 1.30 pm, the Prime Minister and party attended the opening ceremony of the new digital auto exchange of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications in Kawhmu.

Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw formally opened the communication facility. Next, the Prime Minister unveiled the stone inscription of the facility. After that, the Prime Minister and party viewed round the switching room and made phone calls locally and abroad.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party arrived at the monastic education orphanage Mingalar Parahita Kyaung in Twantay Township. They paid homage to Presiding Sayadaw of the Kyaung Bhaddanta ‚andima. Next, the Sayadaw explained matters related to the monastery. After upgrading the monastery into the basic education primary school, the Prime Minister made cash donations for the school.

Next, the Prime Minister and party arrived at Dalla Jetty. Then, the Prime Minister and party viewed round Yangon River by boat. The Prime Minister and party arrived back here in the evening.

Yangon, 8 Feb - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party, accompanied by Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint arrived at Taunggyi University on 7 February.

They were welcomed there by Rector Dr Maung Kyaw, professors and faculty members. Rector Dr Maung Kyaw reported on background history of the university, location, under-graduate courses, honours and masters courses M.Research courses, number of students, courses of Human Resources Department, students from Ph.D courses, research works conducted by arts and science departments, IT centres, organizational set-up, appointment of service personnel and requirements. Minister for Education U Than Aung gave a supplementary report. Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt made arrangements for construction of Lecture Theatre for the university.

Managing Director of Eden Group Co U Chit Khaing reported on architectural design of the convocation hall and construction. The Prime Minister gave instructions.

Associate Professor of Zoology Department U Win Myint Hsan reported on reproduction of Yepokthin and the Prime Minister gave instruction on research of the animal. The Prime Minister and party inspected construction of the convocation hall of the university. They went to Montawa Cave and paid homage to the Buddha images there. The Prime Minister presented cash to the Montawagu Sayadaw.

The Prime Minister and party arrived back in Taunggyi. In the evening, the Prime Minister met members of State and District Peace and Development Councils and departmental officials at the meeting hall of the Command. In his address, the Prime Minister said the government is making efforts for emergence of a peaceful modern developed and discipline-flourishing democratic nation. After taking the State duties, the government has been endeavouring for restoration of peace and stability in the country. As a result, national race armed groups returned to the legal fold. Peace and tranquillity was restored in border areas and other regions. With the implementation of border region development tasks, far-flung areas have developed with greater momentum. In order to make equitable progress in states and divisions, 24 major development regions were designated. Universities, colleges, government technological colleges, computer colleges and hospitals were built. Tasks for food sufficiency and uplift of living standard, health care services and education of local people were undertaken, he said. In communication sector, he said, the government is now implementing five rural development tasks for rural and national development. It is found that infrastructures such as irrigation networks, bridges and roads have emerged in economic, education, health and social sectors due to the government's sector-wise projects. The government laid down plans on communication for border areas. TV relay stations were constructed in far-flung areas in order to see true conditions of the State on TV.

He said better foundations for economic progress and uplift of quality of life of the people have emerged and the government laid down the seven-point future policy of the State for building a peaceful modern developed and discipline-flourishing democratic nation. Now tasks are under way, he added. He said all national races living in the country and nation forces are to work hard in unity for building of a democratic nation, he said. He said service personnel are mainly responsible for realization of the government's objectives. It is their duty to lead and organize the people in order to realize the government's goodwill towards the people and national objectives.

He said the government laid down plans for harmonious development of the State and policies for perpetuation of the Union. For realization of the plans State's high-ranking officials themselves made field trips to grassroots levels and fulfilled requirements. He said service personnel working in the various regions should keep in touch with local people and fulfil the requirements and desires. He spoke of the need for them to report to higher organizations the true conditions of the people and some matters that they could not carry out. He called for harmonious efforts for realization of the objectives of the State. The Prime Minister and party arrived back here in the evening.

57th Anniversary Union Day Exhibition commences

Yangon, 8 Feb - A ceremony to open the 57th Anniversary Union Day-2004 Exhibition was held at the Tatmadaw Convention Centre on U Wisara Road here this morning.

It was attended by Vice-Chairmen of the Central Committee for Observance of the 57th Anniversary Union Day, State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win and Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein.

Also present on the occasion were the ministers, Yangon City Development Committee Chairman Mayor, the deputy ministers, members of the Central Committee, Chairman of the Subcommittee for the Exhibition and Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein and members of the subcommittee, responsible personnel of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office, departmental heads, traditional and cultural troupes of national races, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, social organizations, teachers, students, and guests.

Brig-Gen Aung Thein formally opened the exhibition on the formation. Next, the Secretary-1, the Secretary-2 and guests viewed round the exhibition. On display at the exhibition are the 'strengthening of Union Spirit' central booth, the 'Myanmar, the origin of human beings' booth, the 'cultural traditions of national races' booth, the 'Panglong Conference for national solidarity' booth, the 'Head of State's tour of border areas' booth, the 'mass rallies to support the seven-point political programme' booth, the 'Union nationalilies villages' booth, the 'traditional and cultural items of national races' booth, computer booths, and other booths of respective ministries. University of Computer Studies (Yangon), Bagan Cybertech, and Forever Group Co Ltd, also have their booths opened at the exhibition and display the usefulness of Internet connection and many other interesting, informative and noteworthy computer-related applications.

The Sarpay Beikman and the News and Periodicals Enterprise under the Ministry of Information also open bookshops at the exhibition and sell various kinds of books to visitors at fair prices. The exhibition today attracted a total of 6,016 people from all walks of life. The exhibition will be kept open daily free of charge from 9 am to 5 pm till 16 February.

Yangon, 8 Feb - The opening ceremony of a digital electronic auto exchange of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs, in Kanbalu Township in Sagaing Division was held at the exchange office on 5 February evening. Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein attended the ceremony and unveiled the signboard.

Also present on the occasion were 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, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council office, Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, departmental personnel, USDA members, and guests.

First, Commander Maj-Gen Tha Aye spoke on the occasion, saying that it is an auspicious day that a digital electronic auto exchange is opened in Kanbalu Township in this new year. New auto exchanges are scheduled to be opened soon in ChaungU, Myinmu and Katha, he said. Then, he urged local people to maintain the durability of auto exchanges and telephone lines which were installed by the State, spending a huge amount of money, he added.

Next, MPT Managing Director U Maung Maung Tin also spoke on the occasion. U Aung Khin Yaw, an elder of the town, spoke words of thanks on behalf of local people. Commander Maj-Gen Tha Aye, MD U Maung Maung Tin and townselder U Soe Myint formally opened the auto exchange building by cutting a ribbon.

Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein formally unveiled the signboard of the exchange. Later, the Secretary-2 and party inspected the communication equipment at the exchange and practically used the phone.

Yangon, 8 Feb - State Peace and Development Council Member Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, this morning attended the demonstration on paddy cultivation techniques held at Taryaw agricultural research farm of Myanma Agriculture Service in Taunggyi Township.

Shan State MAS manager U Saw Jackson explained matters on the farm and nurturing of Shwe Yin Aye high-yield strain efforts for self-sufficiency of rice in the region and distribution of high-yield strains of paddy. General Manager of MAS Dr Min Aung reported matters on production and distribution of paddy seeds of the farm. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Khin Maung reported matters on pilot cultivation of paddy in highland and the plain and assistance provided by the Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation.

Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint made a supplementary report on organizing farmers to use high-yield seeds, distribution of chemical fertilizers, and dissemination of modern cultivation techniques. In response to the reports, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe said that in endeavouring for bringing about all-round development of the State, the Government is providing necessary assistance for ensuring success of the agriculture sector. All the regions in the country must be self-sufficient in food, he pointed out. He continued to say that roads and bridges are also being built nowadays for better transportation, promoting trade and further strengthening national unity among the people. The Government is also building universities and institutes throughout the country.

In Loilem District, a new university, a computer college and a technological college have been built and opened. Moreover, farm implements and machinery are being distributed in order to turn the conventional farming into mechanized one. As regards supply of electricity, natural gas power plants and hydro-electric power plants are built all over the country, he said. In Shan State, Tarhsan, Kengtaung and Shweli hydel power projects are being implemented for supplying sufficient electric power in order to turn the nation into the industrialized one, he observed. Now, the seven-point policy programme of the State has also been laid down and the national people are to take part in the programme actively and oppose destructive elements.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party viewed round the documentary photos on cultivation of high yield paddy, samples of paddy and maize produced. Then, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party observed the demonstration on modern cultivation techniques of paddy and greeted the local populace cordially.

YANGON, 8 Feb - In accordance with the objectives of the 57th Anniversary Union Day, the Union Flag which rested for a year in the City Hall here commenced its trip to four districts of Yangon Division this morning.

First, Yangon City Mayor YCDC Chairman Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin saluted the Union Day Flag and took it out from the silver bowl in his sitting room at 6.10 am. Flanked by four officers of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy, Air) and Myanmar Police Force, USDA members and Union nationals, the mayor carried the flag to the designated place in front of the City Hall on Maha Bandoola Street to the accompaniment of Mingala drum troupe. Then, the mayor handed over the Flag to 57th Anniversary Union Day Observance Management Committee Chairman Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe. The latter conveyed the Flag to the corner of Maha Bandoola Street and Maha Bandoola Park Street and handed it over to Yangon South District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Aung pyi.

Lt-Col Aung Pyi conveyed the Flag and planted it in a silver bowl on the Union Boat at 6.25 am. The Flag was then conveyed to Thihadipa sports ground in Thanlyin. Along the route through Kyauktada, Botahtaung, Pazundaung, Dawbon and Thaketa Townships, the Flag was accorded a rousing welcome by local authorities, USDA members, MWVO members, MPF members, MMCWA members, MW AF members, Red Cross Bridge members, Auxiliary. Fire Brigade members, students, nurses and service personnel and the people.

At the entrance archway of the Thanlyin, Lt-Col Aung Pyi took out the Flag from the silver bowl on the -Union Boat at 7.20 am and handed it over to the flag relay team headed by Yangon South District USDA Secretary U Lwin 00. The latter conveyed the Flag along Kyaikkhauk Pagoda Road and handed it over to Thanlyin Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Tin Zaw Win. Then, the Flag was relayed by the flag relay teams through the town to the Thihadipa sports ground. Along the route, the Flag was accorded a rousing welcome by over 9,000 people from 9 townships of Yangon South District. On arrival at the entrance arch- way of the sports ground, a relay team handed over the Flag to Lt-Col Aung pyi. He planted it in a silver bowl on the dais at 8.30 am. Over 8,100 people saluted the Flag to the strains of the National Anthem played by the military band of Ayeyawady Naval Region Command.

The sports ground was crowded with visitors who came to salute the Flag. There are also 15 exhibition and sales booths of various departments in the sports ground. In the evening, the Documentary Film of Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise presented entertainment with movies to the audience. The Shwe Wah Win anyeint troupe also entertained the public there.

Yangon, 8 Feb - 57th Anniversary Union Day Observance Management Committee Chairman Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe met with Union Day delegates from States and Divisions at No 1 Transit Centre on Bayint Naung Road here at 4.30 pm today. He cordially greeted the delegates and left the centre in the evening.

This morning the delegates visited the Memorial to the Fallen Heroes in Bahan Township. Next, they visited Shwedagon pagoda and paid homage to the pagoda.

Yangon, 8 Feb - Managing Director of the News & Periodicals Enterprise of the Ministry of Information Col Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Aye hosted a dinner this evening in honour of the delegates of Kachin State and Taninthayi Division, who will attend the 57th Anniversary Union Day Ceremony, at No 77, Maha Bandoola Street here. After the dinner, Col Soe Win and wife presented gifts to the delegates. Similarly, Director-General of the Bureau of Special Investigation of the Ministry of Home Affairs U Tun Hla Aung and wife Daw Nu May hosted a dinner this evening in honour of the delegates of Mon State and Taninthayi Division, who will attend the 57th Anniversary Union Day Ceremony, at No 31(A), BSI Yeiktha, here. After the dinner, the director-general and wife presented gifts to the delegates.

Likewise, Director-General of Myanma Radio & Television of the Ministry of Information U Khin Maung Htay and wife hosted a dinner in honour of delegates from Shan State (North) and Mon State at his residence this evening and presented gifts. Managing Director of Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise of the Ministry of Information U Bo Kyi and wife hosted a dinner in honour of delegates from Chin State and Taninthayi Division at his residence this evening and presented gifts.

Director-General of Progress of Border Areas and National Races Development Department Col Than Swe and family hosted a dinner in honour of Union Day delegates from Kachin State at his residence this evening and presented gifts.

Yangon, 8 Feb - The final match of the first U-18 BIMSTEC Cup-2004 took place in Phukhet of Thailand this evening. The selected Myanmar youth team secured the championship with a 1-0 win over the selected Indian youth team in the match.

Aung Win Naing (a) Aung Zaw Myo scored the one and only goal at the 75th minute for the team.

The countries taking part in the tournament were host Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, India and Bhutan. Myanmar team was in Group-B together with India and Bhutan teams. As the first and foremost match of the tournament on 4 February, Myanmar played with India and held a goalless draw with it. As the second match that took place on 6 February, Myanmar played with Bhutan. The 5-0 victory over Bhutan enabled Myanmar to enter the semifinals.

Myanmar met with Bangladesh in the seminal final held on 7 February and beat it 3-0. In the final match held today, Myanmar met again with India, its group-mate, and beat it 1-0. Myanmar came first in the BIMSTEC Cup-2004 which was held for the first time. The victorious U-18 selected Myanmar youth team is arriving back in Yangon by air at 6.45 pm tomorrow.