The State has already declared its seven-point future policy 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.

Senior General Than Shwe Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (From message on the 57th Anniversary Union Day)

YANGON, 13 Feb- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe received the goodwill delegation led by Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi at the Credentials Hall of Pyithu Hluttaw building, here, at 3 pm today.

Also present at the call together with Senior General Than Shwe were Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, Myanmar Ambassador to Malaysia U Hla Maung, Director-General Lt-Col Pe Nyein of the State Peace and Development Council Office and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department.

The visiting Malaysian Prime Minister and party were accompanied by Malaysian Ambassador to Myanmar Dato' Cheah Sam Kip.

YANGON, 13 Feb- At the invitation of Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi arrived here by special aircraft this morning to pay a working visit to the Union of Myanmar.

The Malaysian Prime Minister and party were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, Myanmar Ambassador to Malaysia U Hla Maung, Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department, Malaysian Ambassador to Myanmar Dato' Cheah Sam Kip and staff, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of Singapore Mr Simon Tensing de Cruz and ambassadors of ASEAN countries in Yangon and Malaysian entrepreneurs in Yangon.

At 10 am, the special aircraft carrying the Malaysian Prime Minister and party landed at Yangon International Airport where Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department and Malaysian Ambassador Dato' Cheah Sam Kip welcomed the Malaysian Prime Minister on board the aircraft. When the Malaysian Prime Minister descended from the aircraft, a girl student from the University of Culture presented a bouquet to him.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt greeted the Malaysian Prime Minister. Next, General Khin Nyunt presented his entourage to the Malaysian Prime Minister.

Afterwards, the Malay-sian Prime Minister greeted Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of Singapore Mr Simon Tensing de Cruz and ambassadors of ASEAN member countries and staff of the Malaysian Embassy. General Khin Nyunt and party and the Malaysian Prime Minister and party proceeded to the reception hall of the airport where the two Prime Ministers took the salute of the Guard of Honour. Meanwhile, the State Band played national anthems of Malaysia and Myanmar. Next, the two Prime Ministers inspected the Guard of Honour. Afterwards, General Khin Nyunt greeted the delegation members of Malaysia. Similarly, the Malaysian Prime Minister greeted the welcoming party and Malaysian entrepreneurs in Yangon.

Next, the guests together with General Khin Nyunt went to Seinle Kantha State House in a motorcade. At the State House, General Khin Nyunt cordially greeted the Malaysian Prime Minister and party and left there at 10.35 am.

The Malaysian Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Datuk Seri Syed Hamid bin Syed Jaafar Albar and senior officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Welcoming the visiting Prime Minister, an archway at the entrance to the airport and Pyay Road at the entrance of the airport were put up with banners "We warmly welcome Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi" both in Myanmar and English languages. In addition, the archways were put up at the corner of Inyalay, at the junction of Pyay Road and Inya Road and at the entrance to Seinle Kantha State House.

YANGON, 13 Feb- Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt met Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi at Seinle Kantha State House at 11 am today.

Also present at the meeting were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, Myanmar Ambassador to Malaysia U Hla Maung, Director-General U Soe Tint of the Government Office and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department.

The Malaysian Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Datuk Seri Syed Hamid bin Syed Jaafar Albar, Secretary-General Tan Sri Ahmad Fuzi Hj Abdul Razad of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysian Ambassador to Myanmar Dato' Cheah San Kip and senior officers.

At the meeting, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi posed for the documentary photo.

The two Prime Ministers exchanged views on relations between the two countries, economic cooperation and regional issues.

The discussions were held in an atmosphere of warm friendship, cordiality and mutual respects.

They agreed to enhance the existing bilateral contacts and mutually beneficial cooperation in many areas. In this regard, they agreed to set up a joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation.

YANGON, 13 Feb - Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt hosted a luncheon to Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi and party who arrived here on a working visit to the Union of Myanmar, at Seinle Kantha State House at 12.30 pm today.

Also present at the luncheon were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, Myanmar Ambassador to Malaysia U Hla Maung and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department.

YANGON, 13 Feb - Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi who arrived here to pay a working visit to the Union of Myanmar at the invitation of Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt met with Malaysian entrepreneurs at Micasa Hotel on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road at 4 pm today. At 5 pm, the Malaysian Prime Minister met with Malaysian journalists at the press conference at the same venue.

YANGON, 13 Feb - Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi left here by special aircraft this evening after paying a working visit to the Union of Myanmar at the invitation of Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt.

The Malaysian Prime Minister and party were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, Myanmar Ambassador to Malaysia U Hla Maung, Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department, Malaysian Ambassador to Myanmar Dato' Cheah Sam Kip and staff.

Before the guest boarded the special aircraft, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt greeted Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi and presented the documentary photo album and video tapes to him.

At 6 pm, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party at VIP lounge bade farewell to Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi and party.

YANGON, 13 Feb - Chairman of the Myanmar Education Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony to open the main hall of Myingyan Degree College and the Government Technical Institute (Myingyan).

The ceremony was held at the college in Myingyan, Mandalay Division, on 11 February.

Also present were member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, local authorities, departmental personnel, the principal, faculties and students of the degree college and others.

Students formally unveiled the signboard and opened the hall. The Prime Minister and party posed for photos together with faculty members and students. They also planted trees to mark the success of the ceremony. The Prime Minister unveiled the stone inscription.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt said the college and the institute are the results of the State's resolve to ensure harmonious progress in all parts of the Union. The students who are pursuing advanced level studies at the two institutions with peace of mind will understand the power and value of the national unity that is the essence and the symbol of the Union.

Thus, it is sure that they are going to take part in the task to further strengthen the national unity.

Yangon University of Computer Studies in Yangon Division, Hpa-an University in Kayin State, Mohnyin Degree College and Government Technical Institute (Mohnyin) in Kachin State and Myingyan Degree College and Government Technical Institute (Myingyan) have been opened prior to the 57th Anniversary Union Day. The institutions are equipped with modern teaching aids and equipment.

Emergence of the institutions of higher learning one after another reflects the Government's parental equal love for the people.

The educational institutions being opened the length and breadth of the Union will produce technicians and academics in every part of the nation.

Thus, they contribute much to the unity and progress of the whole Union.

At present, the Government is building the political, economic and social foundations, that will serve the national interest in the long run, with the concerted efforts of the entire national people for the development and advancement of the nation, enabling it to stand shoulder with the world nations, and to protect and promote the national interest in the process of globalization.

Over 100 national races are living in unity and amity in the Union of Myanmar. Thus, the firm national unity, prevalence of peace and stability in the entire nation and proportionate development of all the national races and continuous emergence of human resources who will bring progress and advancement to the nation are the basic requirements for development, modernization and perpetuity of the Union.

Infrastructures are being built in various sectors including transport, economic, trade, education, health and social in the whole Union to practically consolidate national unity, develop the regions and raise the living standard of the national races.

The Border Areas and National Races Development Project, The 24-development-zone project, and the rural development tasks are being implemented in a harmonious way for cent per cent development of the whole Union. Moreover, Special projects covering highways, river crossing bridges, hydel power plants and energy facilities are being implemented the length and breadth of the nation.

In addition, education, health and economic infrastructures are being established in the regions in which the development project regions are exclusive but are in strategic location for all regions. As a result, the government will soon be able to implement the development projects in Mohnyin region, Kachin State and Myingyan region, Mandalay Division.

In building a new modern and developed nation the intellectuals and intelligentsia in the field of science and technology are to be produced. In other words, it is of utmost importance for ensuring development of human resources in both the national level and regional level.

Therefore, steps are being taken for the development of science and technology in the nation and for constantly producing highly qualified human resources and region-wise human resources across the nation.

More universities and colleges were opened throughout the nation. Thus, there were 32 universities and colleges in 1988 and there are now 154 in total.

In the technological sector, there were one technological institute, one university for computer studies and 12 government technical institutes in the past and there are now three technological institutes, two universities for computer studies, one Myanmar Maritime University, one Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University, 26 government technological colleges, 24 government computer colleges and 11 government technical institutes.

In the Myingyan region, the students had to go to other regions for their pursuit of formal education in the past. Nowadays, they have the opportunities of pursuing education in their region with the emergence of Myingyan Degree College and government technical institute with peace of mind. In the basic education sector, there were 689 basic education schools-647 primary schools, 32 middle schools and 10 high schools-in Myingyan District in the past and there are now 924 basic education schools with an increase of 235. Therefore, the number of students pursuing education has increased from over 130,000 to over 170,000.

At a time when education infrastructures are emerging in their region, the teachers and students are to make integrated and well-coordinated efforts for constantly producing intellectuals and intelligentsia of international level in the region, realizing the objectives of regional development and education sector. The student youths, on their part, are to pursue education with peace of mind with the effective use of the degree college and government technical institute complete with magnificent and splendid buildings and modern teaching and learning aids and try their utmost to become outstanding intellectuals and intelligentsia, realizing the goodwill of the government towards the new generation youths.

At the same time, when they become the qualified intellectuals and intelligentsia they are to try their best to become the ones capable of serving the interest of the State and the people.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister called on the teachers to strive together with the students for regional development through the education infrastructures, for enabling the nation to keep abreast of the global nations and for constant emergence of highly qualified human resources in accordance with the objectives of the State. Next, Minister for Education made a speech. After that, first year student Ma Thida Linn, on behalf of students of Myingyan degree college, spoke words of thanks. Next, first year student Ma Khin Nwe Nwe Oo, on behalf of students of Myingyan Government Technical Institute, spoke words of thanks. Next, Managing Director of Aden Group Co Ltd U Chit Khine presented a gift to mark the opening of main building to the Prime Minister. Afterwards, Managing Director of Aden Group Co Ltd U Chit Khine presented K 15 million for the degree college and K 15 million for the GTI through the Prime Minister.

After the ceremony, the Prime Minister and party inspected the subject-wise publications on display at the book fair in commemoration of the opening ceremony.

Next, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party and guests viewed round new technologies on computers and modern teaching and learning aids displayed by IT companies.

YANGON, 13 Feb - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party attended the opening of the main buildings of Myingyan Degree College and Government Technical Institute in Myingyan, Mandalay Division, on 11 February morning.

Accompanied by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the Prime Minister and party arrived at Pakokku, Magway Division, at 12 noon, where they were welcomed by Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Chairman North-West Command Commander Maj-Gen Tha Aye, No 101 LID Commander Col Sein Win, Magway Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Col Zaw Min, military and civil officials, students and people.

Pakokku Maha Withutayama Monastery held its centenary celebration in conjunction with the third day session of the 11th Sannipata Ovada Seeking of Pakokku Maha Withutayamika Gana Vacaka Nikaya at the monastery, attended by the Prime Minister. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Presiding Nayaka of the monastery Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika, Pakokku Maha Withutayamika Gana Vacaka Nikaya Sambuti Gana Maha Vinayaka Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara and members of the Sangha. Gana Vacaka Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhana read the resolutions of the meeting.

Next, the Prime Minister supplicated on religious matters. In his supplication, the Prime Minister said that he was greatly pleased with the opperotunity to pay reverence to the Sayadaws to the centenary celebration and the meeting. He added that he learnt that Pakokku Maha Withutayama Monastery was founded by First Yesagyo Sayadaw Gantha Sara in 1265 ME and at that time the Sayadaw was at the age of 82, vasa 63. As the Sayadaws have studied the learning and teaching methods of the Second Maunghtaung Sasana Baing Sayadaw of the King Mindon era. Their lectures on the religious treatises are clear, and they are teaching the Tri-Pitaka in 40 volumes, Athakatha in 52 volumes and Tika in 28 volumes. The teaching method of the Maha Withutayama Kyauktaikgyi is famous all around the nation as the Pakokku method.

Almost all the Sayadaws of Myanmar go to Pakokku to complete their religious studies. Elevern years after founding the Kyauktaikgyi, Ashin Ganthasara passed away after handing over the monastery to his disciple, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panña. Afterwards, the successive Sayadaws have continued to preserve the teaching method. Since Yadabon era and till now, the Kyauktaikgyi has produced 14 Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Sayadaws, 12 Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Sayadaws, 52 Agga Maha Pandita Sayadaws, two Dhammakathika Sayadaws, four Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida Sayadaws, and one Secretary Sayadaw of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, two joint secretary Sayadaws and six member Sayadaws. Other eminent monks also come to the Kyauktaikgyi to pursue their religious studies. It is like a garden producing fruits and flowers of the Pariyatti Sasana. In conclusion, the Prime Minister wished all the Sayadaws present at the ceremony to be able to serve the interest of the Sasana more in the future.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party presented offertories to the Sayadaws. The Magway Sayadaw gave Nigamana Saraniya Ovadakatha. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhana read the report of Nikaya Gana Vacaka executive committee of the monastery. The opening of the Beikman in which the statue of Yesagyo Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ganthasara is kept took place at the building.

The Prime Minister pressed the button to unveil the Beikman. After the ceremony, the Prime Minister and party viewed the statue.

YANGON, 13 Feb - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt inspected preservation of cultural heritage in Bagan region on 11 February. On arrival at Pakokku University on 11 February, the Prime Minister and party were welcomed by Pro-Rector U Soe Myint, faculty members and students. After choosing the site for the main hall of the university the Prime Minister visited the language lab and computer training centre.

The pro-rector reported to the Prime Minister on the location and the area of the university, academic matters, the number of students, the IT rooms installed with 98 computers, staff strength and organizational set-up and management affairs.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt gave instructions on promotion studies on major subjects and the construction of a three-storey building. He also inspected the lecture halls. At the project to rebuild King Anawrahta's Bagan Pyinsapathada Shwenandaw Palace in Bagan, the Prime Minister heard a report on the rebuilding of the palace presented by Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung and officials. The Prime Minister gave suggestions.

During the inspection of the excavation site of King Anawrahta's palace, the Prime Minister spoke of the need to preserve the finds for their durability. He then inspected the Nanmyint Tower Project, where Managing Director of Htoo Trading Co Ltd U Teza presented a report on the project. The tower should be a weather- and earthquake-resistant building which must have the essence of Bagan architecture and culture, the Prime Minister pointed out.

At Bagan Airport, he heard a report on the airport terminal extension project presented by Deputy Minister for Transport Col Nyan Tun Aung and officials. The Prime Minister looked into the requirements.

YANGON, 13 Feb - Chairman of the Leading Committee for Organizing the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win this morning inspected the hostels of Tatmadawmen who will participate in the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade.

On arrival at the meeting hall of the Resistance Park, the chief of Armed Forces Training was welcomed by Member of the Leading Committee Chairman of the Management Committee for Organizing the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, members of the Leading Committee Vice-Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Maj-Gen Aung Kyi and Brig-Gen Nyan Win, military region commanders, senior military officers, and members of the Management Committee and the Work Committee.

Major Myo Thant reported on progress of work in decoration of the park with the use of charts. Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Vice-Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Maj-Gen Aung Kyi and Brig-Gen Nyan Win gave supplementary reports. The chief of Armed Forces Training gave instructions.

Next, the chief of Armed Forces Training inspected decoration tasks at the park and Myoma Sports Ground, and left necessary instructions.

The chief of Armed Forces Training and party proceeded to Yangon Command Headquarters where parade columns are accommodated. Senior military officers reported on accommodation of the columns. The chief of Armed Forces Training looked into hostels and the mess and gave instructions on preparatory measures to be taken for convenience of the columns and cleanliness of the environs. Afterwards, the chief of Armed Forces Training and party inspected hostels and parade grounds in the battalions and regiments in South Okkalapa Township. They also inspected hostels and the mess at the Defence Services Orthopaedic Hospital (500-bed) and left necessary instructions. They headed for the meeting hall of Mingaladon Station. Col Ye Chit Pe of the station reported on work done. Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspected hostels and parade ground and gave instructions on ensuring cleanliness of the environs and convenience of the parade columns.

At 11 am, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win arrived at No 1 Transit Centre (Bayintnaung). Commandent Lt-Col Tin Kyaing reported on progress of work. The chief of Armed Forces Training inspected the hostels, the mess and parade ground.

Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and party went to Ayeyawady Naval Region Command, where Commander of the command Commodore Maw Thein reported on tasks carried out. Lt-Gen Kyaw Win gave necessary instructions and attended to the needs.

YANGON, 13 Feb - The second round of Myanmar Open was held at Yangon Golf Club in Danyingon this morning. MPGA & MGF President Maj-Gen Win Hlaing, officials, guests and fans were present. Australian rookie Alistair Presnell grabbed the halfway lead in the US$ 200,000 Myanmar Open today where he hopes to win the title to honour his late father. On a tough scoring day, the 23-year-old Presnell, playing in his maiden professional tournament in Asia, battled to a one-under-par 71 in the second round at Yangon Golf Club for a one-shot advantage over local hope Aung Win, who carded the day's joint best of 69 and American Andrew Pitts. Former champion Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, overnight leader Mo Joong-kyung of Korea, Australian duo Unho Park and David Gleeson and Japan's Yoshinobu Tsukuda are lurking a further shot back. 

ISD tennis tournament commences

YANGON, 13 Feb-The 41st Inter-State and Division Tennis Tournament for 2004 sponsored by Myanmar Tennis Federation was opened at Theinbyu Tennis Court here this morning. Among the spectators were Patron of MTF Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, General Secretary of Myanmar Olympic Committee Director-General of Sports and Physical Education Department U Thaung Htaik and officials, President of MTF U Zaw Zaw and executives and guests.

First, defending champions Ayeyawady Division's men tennis team and Mandalay Division women's tennis team r-handed over the championship shields they won last year to Director-General U Thaung Htaik who made a speech on the occasion. Next, tennis events followed. Altogether 13 teams are participating in the tourney which will continue until 18 February.