YANGON, 12 Feb - The following is a translation of the message sent by Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, on the occasion of the 57th Anniversary Union Day, 2004, of the Union of Myanmar.

Esteemed brethren of the Union, On this auspicious occasion of the 57th Anniversary of the Union Day, I would like to wish all the national races residing in the Union health and happiness and be blessed with auspiciousness.

Since the prehistoric times and till now, the over 100 national races including Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan, the descendants of the same family, have been living in the Union of Myanmar in solidarity, residing on the same land and partaking of water from the same source, and sharing joy and sorrow together.

Because of the gratitude owed to our forefathers of the successive eras, who lived in unity with high vision, attaching themselves with bonds of amity, with the family spirit - love and friendship, helpfulness, sympathy, mutual reliance, understanding, forgiveness, and cooperation based on common interest - as the foundation, the national races of the Union have been able to live together and join hands for a long time. In this regard, it is the bounden duty of all the national races to understand and uphold the gratitude and to strive with never declining zeal, strong perseverance, and energetic efforts for further flourishing and vitalization of the family spirit and Union Spirit among the national brethren.

The mountain ranges in the north, east and west of Myanmar and the seas facing the nation in the west and south are serving as its natural walls. And all the glory of Myanmar that helped the nation stand tall among the world nations under her own monarchs for years countable by the thousand within its boundary of the walls; and the flourishing of the independent and admirable civilization, art and social values originating from traditions, customs and thoughts rooted in the family spirit, Union Spirit and the spirit of loving the nation, the spiritual strength of the people.

As the Union of Myanmar prospered with her own culture and art as a sovereign nation, it was a nation that was able to present herself to the world with pride and fame.

Myanmar fell into the hands of the occupiers in the 19th Century, during which, the colonialists relying on their superior firepower were trying to seize more land in the whole world. However, the colonialists were not able to occupy Myanmar easily. The unyielding spirit, and the spirit to love the nation that made Myanmar gallantly ward off and drive out all the dangers harming the Union still stands as milestones in history. During the battles to drive out the colonialists, the national brethren, joining hands and standing firm in unity, courageously defended the nation and drove out the invaders. Because of the inequality in the firepower, Myanmar had to give up the fight and lost her independence and fell under subjugation.

The colonialists destroyed the nationalist fervour and the spirit to love the nation of the Myanmar people, while hatching plots through racial, social and administrative means to cause dissension and doubts between one national race and another.

However, the Myanmar races were able to restore anti-colonialist spirit, Union Spirit and national spirit, striving to regain independence on all fronts through applying various means. The national race leaders clearly expressed the national solidarity, the most important requirement for the national liberation, at the Panglong lying in the heart of the motherland on 12 February 1947. As they were able to show unity, Myanmar had been able to restore her image as an independent and sovereign nation on 4 January 1948.

It was due to misunderstanding and suspicion in the nation resulting from the wounds inflicted on her by the colonialists' attempts to drive in a wedge there occurred internal instability hampering efforts of the past successive governments to concentrate on the national development. And that was the reason behind the lack of national development in the past.

The State Peace and Development Council has taken lessons from history in which the national strength was derived from national unity, and national weakness and backwardness were the result of the loss of national solidarity. It has laid down the national policy - non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of the sovereignty and has been strengthening national unity, with the national re-consolidation and the perpetual flourishing of Union Spirit as the objective. Thus, 17 armed groups have returned to the legal fold. Moreover, the Government has been ever extending a warm welcome to the remaining armed groups, and is continuously making efforts with the resolve to restore cent per cent national unity. Peace and stability has been restored in the border regions. In the past, the regions lacked peace and stability due to misunderstanding and doubts between one national race and another, the outcome of the remoteness of their locality that created weak inter-relationship among the locals. The restoration of peace and stability in the areas paved the way for the launching of the border area development drive in 1989, that is laying sound political, economic and social foundations and bearing fruits of progress for the locals.

In the past, the economic and social gap was wide between the rural and urban areas. To bridge this divide, the rural development project has been implemented for the economic and social progress of the village people. In addition, 24 development zones have been designated in an equitable ratio in all the states and divisions for development of the various sectors including economic, health and education in the whole nation.

The State Peace and Development Council has laid down and implemented the objectives - Emergence of a new enduring State Constitution; and Building of a new modern developed nation in accord with the new State Constitution - for Myanmar to get abreast of the countries of the world, while standing as a modern and developed nation.

Thus, it is a special requirement for the entire national races to strive for the resumption of the National Convention, the main task for the emergence of a new Constitution, with the existing national solidarity. The State has already declared its seven-point future political programme clearly and openly. The seven points show exactly the way in which all the national races will have to march towards a discipline-flourishing modern and developed democratic nation without fail. The national races who love the country will have to walk straight on the way with full Union Spirit and the spirit of national unity.

Here, I would like to profoundly urge the entire national races to actively and energetically implement the following objectives of the 57th Anniversary Union Day (2004) for emergence of a modern and developed nation in the future, while striving to further strengthen patriotism and Union Spirit:

- For all the national races to safeguard the national policy - non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity, and perpetuation of sovereignty - To keep the Union Spirit ever alive and dynamic among the national people - For all the national people to defend and safeguard the Union for its perpetual existence - To prevent, through national solidarity, the danger of internal and external destructive elements undermining peace and stability of the State and national development - For all the national races to make concerted efforts for successful implementation of the seven-point future policy programme.

YANGON, 11 Feb - Mogaung Bridge on Nankaung Creek was inaugurated in Mogaung Township, Kachin State, yesterday hailing the 57th Anniversary Union Day. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win delivered an address at the ceremony.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win said the 945-foot bridge spanning Nankaung Creek is situated on Shwebo-Myitkyina Union Highway.

In the past, the people had to mainly rely on railroad in travelling from Mandalay and Sagaing divisions to Kachin State, and besides, the existing air passenger transport had limits. Every time the rail transport was cut off for certain reasons, commodity prices rose in Kachin State.

According to the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, the Shwebo-Myitkyina Road has been upgraded to a tarred road, and since 1996 it has become a strategic road for passenger and cargo transport on the west bank of Ayeyawady River. As there was no motor road bridge on it, Mogaung railroad bridge was used as a rail-cum-road bridge. The completion of the Mogaung motor road bridge has facilitated transport. Thabeikkyin-Tagaung-Bhamo-Myitkyina road was built on the east bank. In addition to Shwebo-Myitkyina Road, Mandalay-Tagaung-Shwegu-Bhamo-Myitkyina Road is also serving as a gateway to Kachin State.

In addition to the roads linking the state with other regions, Public Works and Tatmadaw members have upgraded Myitkyina-Sumprabum- Putao Road, Namti-Tanai-Nanyun Road, and Mogaung-Phakhant-Phalamone-Hkamti Road to all-weather facilities. Ten major bridges including Mogaung Bridge have been built in the state. Airports in Myitkyina, Putao and Bhamo have also been upgraded.

In the past, roads linking upper and lower Myanmar ran only on the east bank of the Ayeyawady. But now a network of motorways, railroads and bridges reaching all the regions of the nation have been built. Roads have emerged as Union Highways helping facilitate transport for all national races and regions.

Transport facilities have ensured direct links between the regions and enhanced understanding and unity among the national races.

In addition to transport sector of Kachin State, health and education facilities have been built in the region. Institutions of higher learning have been built in all important places including Bhamo and Mohnyin in addition to Myitkyina.

One 300-bed hospital, one 200-bed district level hospital, one 100-bed hospital, five 50-bed hospitals, three 25-bed hospitals, one 25-bed drug rehabilitation hospital, and 30 16-bed hospitals have been built in the state. A midwifery training school and a nurses training school have also been built.

Thanks to the transport, health and education infrastructures, Kachin State has been achieving significant progress. Sown acreage of the state has reached 560,000 acres at present from 360,000 acres in the past. Cultivation of edible oil crops, beans and pulses and other crops have been extended.

There are now six dams, four diversion weirs and two river water pumping stations in the state. In the past there were only three dams. In the past, Kachin State could not produce enough rice for local consumption. Now the state can produce surplus food. Beginning 1998-99 the state has been producing enough rice for local requirement. Rice product- ion exceeded the local consumption by 112 per cent in 2002-2003.

Thanks to prevalence of peace and stability and the rule of law, the state is enjoying fruits of success in various sectors. National race peace groups are also taking part in regional and economic development undertakings together with the State. Since the end of the armed insurgency in the state, there has been understanding, sympathy and cooperation among the national races who are enjoying the fruits of peace and cooperation.

Various national races have been living in unity and amity in all regions of the nation formed with 14 states and divisions. For example, over 50 ethnic races including Bamar, Jainphaw, Shan, Lisu, and Lawwaw are living in Kachin State.

Thus, all the national races are urged to uphold Our Three Main National Causes with Union Spirit. As there are now transport facilities linking all the regions of the Union, all the national races will have to strive for development and perpetuation of the Union.

Also present were Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology Dr Chan Nyein, Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, officials, local authorities, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, social organizations and cultural troupes and local people.

Minister for Construc- tion Maj-Gen Saw Tun spoke on the occasion. He said Public Works is implementing the tasks for ensuring better transport in Kachin State. There were 1,471 miles of roads in Kachin State in 1988 and now there are 1,596 miles of roads. The Mogaung Bridge is the 10th bridge which is over 180 feet and above. It was constructed in one and half years. As roads and bridges have improved, people can now travel to Kachin State in two ways- on both east and west banks of Ayeyawady River.

He said the government implemented road and bridge projects for development of Kachin State. He urged local people to maintain the roads and bridges for durability.

Next, Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe said Kachin State relied on only railroad in the past when travelling to Sagaing and Mandalay Divisions. After 1988, the Shwebo-Myitkyina Road was upgraded to all-weather one. The Mogaung Bridge is an important one on the Shwebo-Myitkyina Road. It was a rail-road bridge and now it was constructed as a rail-cum-road bridge. Now people can go to Tanai and Putao regions easily because of the bridge.

He said the government will build other bridges on Shwebo-Myitkyina Road. The government undertook the tasks for regional development with goodwill. This will contribute towards the development of economic, education and health sectors of local people. He called for durability of the bridge.

Next, U Myint Tun of Zaygon Ward in Mogaung thanked the government for construction of the bridge.

At the auspicious time, Commander Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe and Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun formally opened the bridge.

The Secretary-1 and party posed for souvenir photo together with local people.

The Secretary-1 formally unveiled stone inscription of the bridge and walked on the bridge and greeted local people.

The reinforced-concrete bridge, 945 feet long and 21 feet and six inches wide, was built on Nankaung Creek and it has four feet wide walkway on each side. Clearance of the bridge is 140 feet wide and 10 feet high. It can withstand 60 tons of load. Among the bridge which are over 180 feet and above, it is the 167th one after 1988. Construction started on 27-6-2002.

YANGON, 11 Feb- The Union Flag that stopped over for the night on the silver bowl on the dais in the sports ground in Hmawby Township yesterday was conveyed to the sports ground of Hlinethaya Township, Yangon West District, by Union Boat and the relay team this morning.

Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint planted the flag in the silver bowl on the dais in the sports ground of Hlinethaya Township to stop over for the night.

Over 10,000 local people together with the Guard of Honour of Phugyi Station saluted the flag to the accompaniment of the military band of Phugyi Station.

At 6.50 am, Chairman of Yangon North District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myat Min took out the flag from the silver bowl.

He carried the flag flanked by Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and police officers to hand it over to Lt-Col Kyaw Tint.

Lt-Col Kyaw Tint planted the flag in the silver bowl on the Union Boat. Then, the Union Flag was conveyed from Hmawby Sports Ground to Hlinethaya Sports Ground through Yangon-Pyay Road, No 1 Highway, Khayaybin Road, Lower Mingaladon Road, Bayintnaung Road, Hlinemyit Road, Aungzeya Bridge, Nyaungdon Road, Tabinshwehti Road and Prince Kanaung Road.

Along the route through Hmawby, Mingaladon, Shwepyitha, Insein and Hlinethaya townships, the flag was accorded a rousing welcome by local authorities, students, departmental personnel and people with dancing troupes.

At 8.30 am, the flag arrived at the archway in Hlinethaya Township where Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint took out the flag from the silver bowl and handed it over to the relay team led by District Commissioner U Soe Min of General Administration Department.

Various flag relay teams conveyed the Union Flag.

At the designated place, Lt-Col Kyaw Tint accepted the flag from the relay team leader U Min Soe, chairman of Dagon Township Peace and Development Council and he took the flag flanked by Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and police officers. Then, he planted the flag in the silver bowl at 8.50 am.

Over 8,000 people together with the Guard of Honour of Yangon Command saluted the flag and the band of Commander-in-Chief (Air)'s Office played the National Anthem.

In the evening, the sports ground was crowded with local people who saluted the Union Flag and enjoyed entertainment of Features Film Division, Myawady Anyeint troupe and Myanma traditional orchestra

YANGON, 11 Feb- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, accompanied by Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, the deputy ministers and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived in Myitkyina, Kachin State, on 9 February.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed at the airport by Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Brig-Gen Bo Kyi of Myitkyina Station, Col Win Myint of Northern Command members of Kachin State and District Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials and local people.

The Secretary-1 and party then proceeded to Myitkyina Education College where they were welcomed by Principal Daw Than Than Hla, faculty members and trainees.

At Nyana Sitthi Hall of the college, Principal Daw Than Than Hla reported to the Secretary-1 on the brief history of the college and conducting of courses and Head of Management Department U Kha Lwam on organizational set-up, progress in construction of buildings and requirements.

The commander reported on assistance being provided for construction of buildings including women's hostel.

After hearing the reports, Vice-Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win attended to their needs.

Next, he said that as it is knowledge age at present education is the fundamental of all the development works.

Therefore, teachers are to study themselves for gaining improvement in their respective fields and to nurture their pupils to become intellectuals and intelligentsia.

It is necessary for then to participate in carrying out the rural development tasks by the State with far-sightedness and efforts are to be made for uplift of basic education of the people in respective regions and to revitalize Union Spirit.

Then, the Secretary-1 cordially had a chat with faculty members and students.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected the computer lab, the e-education room and the language lab.

Afterwards, they proceeded to Nurse and Midwifery Training School. At the hall, Principal Daw M Nan Hkam reported to the Secretary-1 on establishment of the training school and matters related to the school.

The Secretary-1 urged the trainees to give effective health care service with goodwill to the public in their respective regions, and inspected teaching aids, the language lab and the computer room.

YANGON, 11 Feb- Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint, arrived at Nanthida Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Farm No 2 in Nanthida Village, Nyaungshwe Township, on 10 February morning.

They were welcomed there by Brig-Gen Thaung Htaik of Aungban Station and entrepreneurs.

Farm in-chage Maj Tun Thein reported on breeding of 134,000 fish and 1,100 layers and distribution of chicken. The commander gave a supplementary report. Then, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe gave necessary instructions.

On arrival at No 1 Farm, Maj Maung Maung Lay reported on conducting of the basic agriculture and livestock breeding course, cultivation of 24 acres of summer paddy, 54 acres of monsoon paddy, extension for agricultural tasks, breeding of cattle, poultry and fish. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe gave necessary instructions and then met with the trainees of the training course at Nanthida No 1 Farm. Afterwards, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspected livestock breeding tasks.

At the agricultural farm of the local battalion, Capt Myint Han reported on nurturing of summer paddy on 14 acres of land. Then, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint planted two Thitseint saplings (belleric myrobalan) to mark success of growing high yield paddy strain.

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe proceeded to Eikhsitan Co Family Agricultural Farm in Nanthida Village, Nyaungshwe Township. Farm Manager U Than Soe reported on growing of grape, honey orange, sunkit, strawberry, paddy, maize and sugarcane in the farm and distribution. Later, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspected the plantations in the farm.

YANGON, 11 Feb - Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan paid homage to Saw Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Chairman Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ñaninda at Thiri Ottamayama Monastery, in Saw, on 7 February and supplicated on religious affairs.

At Yawmingyi U Bo Hlaing Hall in Saw, the minister met with departmental officials and local people and explained endeavours and accomplishments of the State, rural development tasks and seven-step road map of the State. Next, he presented K 200,000 for Saw Township USDA, text books and exercise books for students, periodicals to village libraries and clothes and soap for local people to officials. On arrival at Youth Development Parahita School in Kangyi Village, the minister paid homage to the Sayadaw and supplicated on religious affairs.

He then presented donations to officials. The minister next clarified undertakings of the State in health, education, agriculture and transport sectors and urged them to extend agriculture and livestock breeding tasks. While in Kyaukhtu high school, the minister met local people and presented gifts for the school and local people to officials. In the afternoon, he toured Lesaw, Kyee, Awng and Tharakha villages. On 8 February morning, he paid reverence to member of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha Bhaddanta Adiçça in Htilin. At Htilin BEHS, the minister met departmental personnel, local people and students. He then presented gifts for local people to officials. The minister visited Htanbingon and Ponna villages. Then, he viewed tasks of self-reliant hydel power worksite on Maw Creek near Htanbingon Village. At the worksite, the 200 feet long dam will be installed with 15-kilowatt turbine. Afterwards, the minister met with local people in Wetthet, Hsaymindaw and Nyaungle villages. During his inspection tour, the minister urged officials to carry out development tasks of Saw, Htilin and Gangaw townships and attended to their needs.

YANGON, 11 Feb - Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and officials of the command hosted dinner in honour of the cultural troupe members and delegates to the 57th Anniversary Union Day from states and divisions at their homes today.

Chairman of the 57th Anniversary Union Day Organizing Management Committee Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife Daw Khin Thet Htay and family hosted dinner to five Union Day delegates from Taninthayi Division at their home.

The delegates presented local products as gifts to the family. Deputy Commander Col Wai Lwin, tactical operation commanders and officers hosted dinner to cultural troupe members and 71 delegates, who are members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, at their homes.

YANGON, 11 Feb - The Union day delegates - Traditional cultural troupes of States and Divisions and members of Union Solidarity and Development Association- visited the National Museum on Pyay Road this morning. They then viewed booths of Defence Services Museum and Historical Research Institute on Shwedagon Pagoda Road. Next, they went to Myanmar ICT Park in Hline Township and Bagan Cybertech Co Ltd. In the evening, they were hosted dinner by senior military officers and families of Mingaladon and Yangon Stations.

YANGON, 11 Feb - The 57th Anniversary Union Day Exhibition, organized by 57th Anniversary Union Day Organizing Sub-committee, continued for the fourth day at Tatmadaw Convention Hall today. The exhibition was crowded with members of the Sangha, students, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and people, totalling 3,439. Students took part in the Computer Quiz. Book stalls of News and Periodicals Enterprise and Sarpay Beikman sell various kinds of books. The exhibition will be kept open without charge from 9 am to 5 pm daily till 16 February.

YANGON, 11 Feb - The Pakokku U Ohn Pe Scholarship Fund Supervisory Committee of the Ministry of Education announced the list of outstanding students in 2002-2003 matriculation examination and outstanding Myanmarsar major students who passed the exam in 2001 matriculation exam.

Scholarship winners: Ma May Thu Kyaw, daughter of U Than Kyaw of Insein BEHS No 2 won the first prize, Maung Kyaw Zay Latt, son of U Htay Maung of Monywa BEHS No 1 the second and Maung Hein Kyaw Moe, son of U Kyaw Soe of Dedaye BEHS No 2 the third in Myanmarsar; Maung Saw Htut, son of U Maung Maung Htwe of Kamayut BEHS No 2 the first, Maung Kyi Tha Aung, son of U Thant Zin of Yangon Institute of Education Practising School the second and Maung Tin Tun Aung, son of U Sein Aung of YIEPS the third in English; Ma Khaing Thet Hsu, daughter of U Kyi Soe of Kamayut BEHS No 2 the first, Ma Thu Thu Cho, daughter of U Win Cho of Chanayethazan BEHS No 16 the second and Ma Ei Mon Win, daughter of U Nyo Win of South Okkalapa BEHS No 3 the third in Maths; Ma Khaing Thet Hsu, daughter of U Kyi Soe of Kamayut BEHS No 2 the first in Chemistry; Ma Zune Mo Hsu, daughter of U Than Myo of Chanayethazan BEHS No 16 the first in Physics; Ma Khaing Thet Hsu, daughter of U Kyi Soe of Kamayut BEHS No 2 the first in Biology; Ma Yi Wai Htet, daughter of U Kyaw Myint (External Candidate) of Dagon Myothit (South) Township the first in Geography; Ma May Khalar, daughter of U Kinneth of Cocokyun BEHS the first in History; Ma Theingi Soe, daughter of U San Thein of Mingaladon BEHS No 3 the first in Economics; and Maung Tun Lin, son of U Myint Aung of Thabyaybin Branch of Lewe BEHS No 1 the first in Optional Myanmarsar.

Ma Aye Mya Sanda, daughter of U Aung Maung of Dagon University, Ma Phyu Phyu Sin, daughter of U Khin Soe of Dagon University, U Zin Nyein Htet, son of U Thein Tan of Dagon University and Ma Tun Phyo Thwe, daughter of U Thaung Myint of Yadanabon University won Myanmarsar scholarship awards.

Those who have won the awards are to contact Education Planning and Training Department (Tel: 554314) as soon as possible and awards will be presented to the winners in conjunction with the Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award presentation ceremony to be held in Pakokku on 22 February morning.

YANGON, 11 Feb - Women's Federation for World Peace of Japan presented US $ 500 to the Kyauktan Township Nutrition Programme of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association this morning.

The Japanese NGO also presented two sweater knitting machines and 30 first aid boxes to the MMCWA.

Chairperson of MMCWA Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe accepted the gifts from Mrs Fumi Kantayama and Mrs Sachiko Akao of the WFWP at the meeting hall of MMCWA. After presenting certificates of honour to the donors, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe spoke words of thanks. Vice-Chairpersons Dr Kyi Soe and Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint and executives and WFWP members were also present.

YANGON, 11 Feb - Vice-Presidents of Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation Dr Daw May May Yi and Daw Than Than Nwe met executives of Magway Division Organization for Women's Affairs at No 88 LID on 9 February.

Present were Secretary of MWAF Dr Daw San Shwe, leaders of working group Daw Mya Mya, Professor Daw Min Thet Mon and Daw Kyi Kyi Mya, members of supporting group, Director-General of General Administration Department U Myat Ko, executives of Magway Division Organization for Women's Affairs and officials of Magway Division Supporting Group for Women's Affairs.

Vice-President-1 Dr Daw May May Yi explained the purpose of their tour. Division Commissioner U Aung Win reported on work done on eight sectors of the Working Group. Secretary Dr Daw San Shwe explained about organizational set-up of the federation and procedures for membership. Vice-President Daw Than Than Nwe explained about national races affairs, Leader of information group Daw Mya Mya about organization, discipline, finance and administration and Daw Kyi Kyi Mya about rehabilitation group.

YANGON, 11 Feb - Home heroes Zaw Moe and Kyi Hla Han ted off in the US$ 200,000 Myanmar Open on Thursday determined to end their country's frustrating bid for a first title in the tournament. Since the event's inception in 1996, no local player has tasted success in the Myanmar Open and both Moe and Han, along with the promising Aung Win, are the nation's best bets once again at Yangon Golf Club. The local challenge, which includes the top-20 players from the local tour, will face some stiff resistance from an international field which includes Filipino ace Frankie Minoza, Thailand's Boonchu Ruangkit and Thongchai Jaidee, both former winners of the Myanmar Open, defending champion Lin Keng-chi of Chinese-Taipei and Cheng Tze-chung, also from Chinese-Taipei. For the Hong Kong-based Han, the Asian number one in 1999, he is counting on a fast start on the course that he grew up on to contend for the top prize of US$ 32,300. "Over the last two months, I've been playing all right. I'm feeling very relaxed mentally but I need to get some confidence into my game to really have a chance.

"I have to count on a good start on Thursday to get going here and the goal is to get into contention at the weekend. We've got one of the strongest fields this week, so it will be a real challenge to us," said Han, whose best outing in the Myanmar Open was joint third in 2000.

Big-hitting Moe, who has plied his trade with great success in Japan for the past decade, is wielding new clubs this week and hopes it will drive him to what could be a famous home victory. He has also overcome a finger injury sustained during the season break which forced him to withdraw from the second round of the Johnnie Walker Classic in Thailand a fortnight ago. "The finger didn't hurt so much in my practice round this morning," said a relieved Moe. "I sprained the little finger on my right hand while carrying my bags a few months ago and it has been causing me pain when I hit the ball. It was quite bad in Thailand but it seems okay now. However, I'm not going to be practising a lot this week to avoid aggravating it." Moe, a former Singapore Open champion, said that one of the reasons why there has not been a local winner was due to the fact that the pressure to perform on home soil is tremendous. "The pressure is so much different," he conceded. "It is one of my goals to try and win this event and I'll keep on trying."

In recent years, the home-based Win has challenged for the crown much to the delight of the local fans. He raised loud cheers by finishing tied third last year while in 2002, he led midway through the final day before setting for tied sixth position.

The Myanmar Open is celebrating its ninth year in 2004. Event sponsors include Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd with co-sponsors MAI, Sedona Hotel, Wilson, Grand Slam, Inetol, Canon, Maruman, Dagon Beer, MIMS Logistics, Max, UPG and Alpine Purified Drinking Water.

YANGON, 11 Feb - Myanmar team won one silver and one bronze at the 6th Senior Karatedo Championship of the Asia Karatedo Federation, held in the People's Republic of China from 3 to 9 February.

The team, led by Vice-President of Myanmar Karatedo Federation Dr Ye Naing Win, a former Karatedo national selection, arrived back here yesterday evening. Myint Zaw Oo, Min Aye and Wan Ko Ko Oo won silver in team-wise kata event and Myint Zaw Oo won bronze in singles kata event. Athletes totalling 256 from 23 countries took part in the championships sponsored by AKF. The team was welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by President of MKF Police Col (Rtd) Khin Maung Tun and executives, officials of the Sports Physical and Education Department and others.

YANGON, 12 Feb- The Union of Myanmar and Ireland, desirous of establishing friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation on the basis of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and norms of International Law in accordance with the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations and on Consular Relations, decided to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries at Ambassadorial level with effect from 10 February 2004.

The agreement to establish diplomatic relations between the Union of Myanmar and Ireland was signed by the Ambassadors of the two countries in Kuala Lumpur on 10 February 2004.

YANGON, 11 Feb - Up to 29 January 2004, combined teams have destroyed 5,946.79 acres of poppy fields during the current poppy growing season in various regions. On 27 January, a combined team found and destroyed 13 acres of poppy fields at a plot near Nantpok Creek in Hkamti Township. The team usually comprises members of the Tatmadaw local battalions, the Intelligence Unit and the Myanmar Police Force, departmental personnel and local people.