• Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt receives UNHCR Regional Director
• Government Technical Institute (Mohnyin) inaugurated

• Secretary-1 meets local authorities of Myitkyina, Mohnyin townships
• Secretary-1 inspects Rice Mill Spare Part Factory, other factories in Dagon Myothit (South) Township
• Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein inspects Yangon circular railroad
• Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than tours Ayeyawady Division
• Commander, Mayor inspect sanitation works
• Union Day Exhibition goes on
• Cruise liner "Chindwin" leaves for Salone Traditional Festival
• Rules announced for Painting and Sculpture Contests

• Deputy Minister meets UNHCR Director

• Local hero Win aims for magical 65 in Myanmar Open
• National Tennis Championship on 22-26 February

• Drug possessors jailed

YANGON, 14 Feb- Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt received Director of Asia & Pacific, UNHCR Mr Jean Maric Sakhouri at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha at 5 pm today.

Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung

Win, Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population U Maung Aung and Director-General U Thaung Tun of Political Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Regional Director was accompanied by Resident Representative of UNHCR Mr Rajiv Kapur.

YANGON, 14 Feb - In honour of the 57th Anniversary Union Day, the inauguration of the newly-constructed Government Technical Institute (Mohnyin) under the Ministry of Science and Technology took place at the institute in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State, on 10 February morning, attended by Vice-Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win.

Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, 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, Tactical Operations Commander of the Northern Command Col Tin Shein, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, local authorities, the principal of the institute, faculty members, students, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, national race people and others.

First year student Maung Kyaw Phyo Aung (Electrical Power) and first year student Ma Hsan Myint (Communications) formally opened the signboard of the institute. Next, first year student Maung Aung Myat Soe (Mechanical Power) and first year student Ma Nyein Nandar Aung (Mechanical Power) formally opened the main building.

The planting of trees to mark the opening of the institute was held in front of the main building. The Secretary-1 planted a star-flower sapling. The commander also planted a sapling of Gangaw (Mesua ferrea) tree. The ministers and deputy ministers also planted saplings.

The commander handed over the documents related to the vehicle donated by Kachin State Peace and Development Council to the institute through the principal.

The Secretary-1 unveiled the bronze plaque of the main building. The Secretary-1 and party sprinkled scented water on it. Next, they inspected the language lab, e-Library, lecture rooms, drawing room and computer training centre of the institute.

The opening of the educational facility followed at the assembly hall of the main building. On the occasion, the Secretary-1 said that Myitkyina and Bhamo, the main development regions of Kachin State, are making progress with the opening of universities and colleges. Being convinced that it also needs to establish degree colleges and government technical institute to produce intellectuals and intelligentsia in Mohnyin region, which plays an important role in the economic sector of Kachin State that has a heavy population, the Government made efforts with genuine goodwill and so Mohnyin Government Technical Institute has emerged, he remarked. He added that Mohnyin Degree College will also be opened the next day on a grand scale.

A total of five institutions of higher education have been opened in Kachin State for turning out human resources on science and technology - two technological colleges and two computer colleges in Myitkyina and Bhamo, and a government technical institute in Mohnyin.

The Government has been implementing the plans adopted for ensuring equitable development of all parts of the Union with a view to enabling the nation made up of 14 States and Divisions to stand tall among the world nations, to further cementing national solidarity, and to maintaining the development momentum for a long time, he disclosed.

And, the Government is making efforts with might and main for harmonious development of all regions of the Union after laying down the 24 special development regions projects, the five rural development tasks and the border areas development project as a network, he noted.

As a result, with development regions, the States and Divisions have developed with mushrooming centres for human development such as universities, colleges, and hospitals.

Everyone in the region who is willing to pursue higher learning has had the opportunities to pursue education within their reach. The education system in which education is to be pursued in cities like Yangon and Mandalay has ended and more opportunities to pursue education have emerged region-wise, he added.

Likewise, only when development gap among rural regions where majority of the people reside and urban is narrow will there be the national development. With this concept, the government has laid down and is implementing the five rural development tasks to bring about harmonious and equitable development.

The main objective of bringing about development in economic, education, health, transport and communication sectors after laying down development projects is to safeguard the three national causes- non-disintegration of Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty, he said.

Therefore, the national people in Mohnyin region are to strive alongside the government in implementing the nation-building endeavours, realising the goodwill and objectives of the government.

Students from Mohnyin region have been able to learn six subjects-Civil, Electric, Electronic, Mechanical, Mechnical Design engineering and IT with the emergence of the higher learning institution. Thus, efforts will have to be made to be able to produce more and more engineers needed for the State and the region.

The teachers and students, he said, are to make integrated and well-coordinated efforts to bring success and glory to the higher learning institution not only in form but also in essence. The teachers are to study all the more to become highly qualified and well-versed ones while nurturing and training their students to become outstanding ones. Teaching and learning methods restricted in lecture halls and rooms are to be avoided and combination methods including practical work out of lecture halls are to be adopted.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has made arrangements for the new generation youths to study modern science and technology in the nation after opening of four technological universities, two universities for computer studies, one aerospace engineering university, 26 government technological colleges, 23 government computer colleges and 11 technical institutes including Mohnyin technical institute, he noted.

Nowadays, changes and developments have been made with greater momentum in the field of science and technology and electronics. Change and development in science and technology is overwhelming the economic, health and social sectors of the whole human society.

Therefore, it is of paramount importance to learn and apply science and technology to keep pace with changes and developments, he stressed.

He said that Mohnyin technical institute that was opened in honour of the 57th Anniversary Union Day is to make efforts so as to produce outstanding engineers in the region by constantly studying science while making efforts for bringing glory to the institute as it is complete with the splendid and magnificent main building.

At a time when the world is on the path to become consolidated and developed one in the 21st century the entire national people are to strive in unity for emergence of a peaceful modern and developed nation with the sense of Union Spirit, he concluded.

Next, Commander Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe spoke. He said that the ceremony to open government technical institute (Mohnyin) is a ceremony that brings honour to Kachin State, adding that the emergence of the institution can be attributed to the goodwill of the government.

He stressed the need for teachers and students to make strenuous efforts for successful realization of the education objectives of the State.

After that, Principal U Maung Maung Thant reported on courses conducted and learning of the students at the institution.

Next, Managing Director U Than Shwe of Ever Green Construction Co reported on the salient points of construction of the institution.

Next, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology Dr Chan Nyein reported on opening of universities, colleges and institutes in the respective regions to enable the youths there to learn engineering and computer science.

Afterwards, first year student Ma Zinmar Oo, on behalf of students and local people, spoke words of thanks.

Later, MD of Ever Green Construction Co U Than Shwe presented K 20 million for the institute.

The Secretary-1 accepted the donation and handed it over to Principal U Maung Maung Thant.

Next, officials concerned presented gifts to the Secretary-1 and party and the ceremony ended.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party had a group photo taken together with local people in front of the main building of the institute.

The area of the institute is 51 acres. The main building opened is 445 feet long and 260 feet wide and complete with 16 lecture rooms, two drawing rooms, two laboratories, two computer rooms, one multimedia room, three offices, one library and one meeting room.

Civil engineering course, Electrical (communication) engineering course, Electrical (power) engineering course, Mechanical (power) engineering course, Mechanical (Design) engineering course and IT engineering course are being conducted at the institute. The institute was opened on 1 January 2004 and is now being attended by 147 students.

YANGON, 14 Feb - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, together with Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, ministers, deputy

ministers and departmental heads, met with members of Kachin State Peace and Development Council, Myitkyina District and Township Peace and Development Council chairmen and members, ward and village-tract chairmen and members at the town hall in Myitkyina on 9 February morning.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions.

He said State, Division, District, Township and Ward/Village Tract Peace and Development Councils are regional administrative bodies appointed by the government.

After taking up State duties, the Tatmadaw government has been making all-out efforts for national and regional development. Due to active cooperation of regional administrative bodies, fruitful results have been achieved in no time, he said.

Stability of the State, community peace and tranquillity and law and order have prevailed and national reconsolidation can be built. Better foundations in economic, social and transport sectors were laid and the regions have considerably developed, he said.

There are a great deal of tasks to be carried out in building the nation into a modern and developed one and those tasks are being implemented simultaneously. Progress has been made due to unity and endeavours at different levels, he added.

Although there is some progress, remedial measures are to be undertaken in time for shortcomings and weaknesses. Township, Ward and Village administrative bodies are those that directly deal with the people and their wrongdoings can tarnish the image of the higher levels, he pointed out. Ward and Village administrative bodies, the most basic levels, are closely dealing with the people. Therefore special care should be taken in orders not to show disregard towards the people and not burdening them with their wrongdoing, he stressed.

He said officials of the administrative bodies are those among the people. He spoke of the need for the officials living near the people to avoid the acts unsavoury to the people.

He said they are to learn better experiences from wards, townships and districts. He spoke of the need to remove the tendency to shirk and neglect duty and responsibility and warned against opportunism.

Therefore, dignity of the life of the personnel serving the interest of community with goodwill can be preserved, he said.

After the meeting, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the wooden bridge across Nankwe Creek near Shweaik Village, Myitkyina Township.

They proceeded to Myitkyina Government Computer College and met the person in-charge Daw Khin Than Mya and faculty members. Next, the Secretary-1 presented

CD-ROMs for computer teaching aid.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected progress in building Myitkyina Government Technological College.

Afterwards, member of the Panel of Patrons of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win, accompanied by Commander Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Secretariat member Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, met with secretaries, executives and members of Kachin State, district and township USDAs at Kachin State USDA office.

Secretary of Kachin State USDA U Ra Wam Jone reported on power supply for rural areas.The Secretary-1 attended to their needs and inspected the computer room and machinery for use in generating small-scale hydro-electricity. They then saw over the nursery. On 10 February morning, they went to Mogaung Township Basic Education High School No 1 and met with educational personnel at the school. Headmaster U Saw Hla Maung reported on brief history of the school, buildings and teaching aids. Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt gave a supplementary report.

After leaving necessary instruction, the Secretary-1 presented cash assistance for the school to Township Education Officer Daw Mon Mon Lay.

On arrival at Mogaung Township USDA Office, the Secretary-1 met with executives and members. At Mogaung BEHS No 2, Headmaster U Saw Hla Min reported to the Secretary-1 on buildings of the school, academic matters and efforts being made for achieving better pass rate in the matriculation examination. Commander Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe and Deputy Minister U Myo Nyunt gave supplementary reports. The Secretary-1 then presented cash assistance for the school to the headmaster. Next, he cordially conversed with students and teachers.

At 11.30 am, the Secretary-1 and party arrived in Pinttha Village, Mogaung Township, where Chairman of Mogaung Township Peace and Development Council U Khin Maung Than reported on tasks being carried out for generating hydro-electricity on self-reliant basis in Namna Village. The Commander and Myanma Electric Power Enterprise Kachin State Manager U Ba Ngwe reported on power supply in rural areas.The Secretary-1 inspected tasks being carried out for power supply and gave necessary instructions.

Next, they went to Mohnyin and inspected progress of Myitkyina-Shwebo-Mandalay Highway and maintenance of bridges on the road.

At 4 pm, the Secretary-1 met with local authorities and departmental officials at Seinle Yadana Hall in the township. Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Myint Aung reported on regional development tasks. After hearing the reports, the Secretary-1 fulfilled the requirements. He explained functions of administrative bodies and cordially met with those present. Then, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Mohnyin Hospital and inspected new building of the hospital.

Afterwards, they proceeded to the Township USDA Office and inspected machinery for use in generating hydro-electricity in the rural areas. They then cordially met with townselders and USDA members.

On 11 February, the Secretary-1 and party left Mohnyin for Myitkyina by car. Next, they arrived back here by air from Myitkyina in the evening .

YANGON, 14 Feb- Chairman of Industrial Development Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win arrived at Rice Mill Spare Part Factory of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading of the Ministry of Commerce on Upper Pazundaung Road in Mingala Taungnyunt Township at 12.30 pm today.

The Secretary-1 was welcomed there by Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw, Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Aung Tun, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology Dr Chan Nyein and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental officials.

First, the Secretary-1 and party inspected samples of rubber roll and abrasive roll and other raw materials produced from the Rubber Roll Factory and the Abrasive Roll Factory of the factory. Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Aung Tun reported on location of the factory and production of the Rubber Roller

Workshop and the Millstone Workshop.

Factory Manager U Htin Aung reported on production process of rubber roll and abrasive roll and products.

San Ein Ni International Trading Co Ltd Managing Director U Soe Win reported on manufacturing of SUN brand rubber rolls meeting the set standard and President of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint on demand of rubber rolls at the rice mills in the country.

The Secretary-1 went to Rubber Roll Factory. He looked into production process of the factory and gave necessary instructions.

San Ein Ni International Trading Co Ltd manufactures quality 10 inches and 6 inches rubber rolls as import substitute products.

A 10-in rubber roll can be used in milling 3,500 baskets of paddy and a 6-in rubber roll for 1,800 baskets of paddy.

At Abrasive Roll Factory, the Secretary-1 inspected production process. The Secretary-1 saw over the 6-ton small rice mill imported and spare parts from abroad and 10-ton rice mill produced from MAPT.

After inspecting the paddy husk-fired power plant, the Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at U Aung Min Industry on Mandalay Road in Dagon Myothit (South) Industrial Zone-1. U Aung Min reported on repair of excavator and explained matters related to bronze bearing bushes, 4", 6" and 8" water pumps, 4" and 6" sand suckers, 12" mobile pumps, machinery and raw materials. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions.

U Aung Min Industry produces and distributes farming equipment, various kinds of pumps for use in river water pumping works and for use in prawn breeding.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 saw over Duwun Electronics Industry on Mandalay Road where Managing Director U Aung Kyi Sein reported on manufacturing of Duwun brand electronics. The industry produces transformer, inverter, battery charger, heater and auto-choke.

The Secretary-1 and party went to Mectronic General Electrical Products on Chaungtha Road in the industrial zone-2 of the township. Managing Director U Win

Naing reported on production of Mectronic brand electronic equipment.

Then, the officials conducted the Secretary-1 and party round the places where Antenna, Safeguard Transformer, Inverter, Better Charger, Solid State AC Automatic Voltage Regulator & Protector are being manufactured.

Later, the Secretary-1 fulfilled requirements of availability of raw materials and gave necessary instructions.

YANGON, 14 Feb- Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, accompanied by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min, deputy ministers and military region commanders, this evening inspected along the railroads by the local train and gave necessary instructions.

The Secretary-2, Minister Maj-Gen Aung Min and party inspected 38 railway stations along the circular railroad clock-wise from Yangon Railway Station by RBE 2501 and they arrived back at Yangon Railway Station at 7 pm.

During their inspection tour, Minister Maj-Gen Aung Min reported on maintenance of the railroad, arrangements for running of local trains with RBT carriages assembled at Myitnge Locomotive Shed, cleanliness of railway stations and the circular railroad.

The commander on participation of local authorities, departmental officials, NGO members and people in carrying out sanitation works along the circular railroad.

The Secretary-2 gave instructions on sanitation of the circular railroad, maintenance tasks, manufacturing of new carriages for convenient travelling of people, plying of trains on time, prevention against accidents at level crossings of motor road and railroad, installation of electric power at the carriages for ensuring secure transport of passengers at night.

Later, he urged them to supervise all the works to ensure convenient travelling by train.

YANGON, 14 Feb- Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental officials left here on 13 February and they arrived at the border of Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions.

They were welcomed there by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South West Command Maj-Gen Soe Naing and officials.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, the commander and officials went to Myanmar-None-Yu Peasant Hospital in Hsarmalauk Village in Nyaungdon Township.

Division Head of Health Department Dr Than Aung and Dr Hla Kyaing reported on treatment and construction of extension of wards. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected the hospital.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and the commander visited the patients receiving treatment at the hospital and provided cash to them.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected construction of 10-bed ward. They went to Yadana Eya Hall of Nyaungdon Township Irrigation Department. Ayeyawady Division Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service U Hla Myo reported on reclamation of farmland and cultivation of paddy. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than fulfilled the requirements.

Out of 56,500 acres of summer paddy, 31,821 acres have been grown in Nyaungdon Township. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected cultivation of Manawthukha summer paddy in the field of farmer U Swe Oo.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party proceeded to fresh water prawn and fish breeding farm of Asian International Co Ltd in Hsarmalauk Village.

Manager of the farm U Saw Myat Min reported on digging of fish ponds and arrangements for digging more ponds.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party went to construction of Maubin Bridge and inspected it and gave instructions on arrangements for prevention of bank erosion.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected Maubin-Kyaiklat road section being undertaken by Mohein Co. They inspected construction of the road with the use of Con-AID liquid.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected double cropping of model paddy at farmer U Than Win's farm in Kyaiklat Township. Chairman of District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Ye Htut reported on cultivation of summer paddy in the township.

In meeting with the farmers, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on extended cultivation of paddy. General Manager of MAS Dr Nyi Nyi discussed techniques for preparing soil and use of insecticides.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party went to Kyaiklat and met officials, local authorities and members of social organizations.

He said peace and stability, prevalence of law and order are needed first, economic development second and human resource development third for emergence of a peaceful, modern developed nation.

Now peace and the rule of law have prevailed in the country and plans are under way for ensuring human resource development, he said.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than spoke at length on arrangements for economic progress, increase of monsoon paddy cultivation in six main divisions, exceeding the targets, extended cultivation of oil and perennial crops and pepper and livestock breeding.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party proceeded to Gonnyindan Bridge where officials concerned reported on maintenance of the bridge for durability. They went to Kyonta Shankwin Village Tract and gave instructions to farmers on cultivation of strains of paddy suitable for the region. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected the site of Pyapon Bridge.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party proceeded to the worksite office of Myanma Agriculture Service. Chairman of Bogale Township Peace and Development Council U San Htay reported on cultivation of summer paddy and others.

They inspected construction of Poshwelon Bridge in Bogale Township. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, the commander and party presented offertories to members of the

Sangha led by member of Central Working Committee of the Sangha Myaseinyaung Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sanvara at Anantathukha Shwebeik-man in the township.

They visited Yanpye Manpye Aung Çekka Muni Pagoda and presented cash to the members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees.

YANGON, 14 Feb- Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin this morning inspected sanitation works in Yangon City.

At 6.30 am, they arrived 38th Street and were welcomed by YCDC Secretary Col Myint Aung, No 4 Military Region Commander Col Yan Naing Oo and authorities. They then inspected dredging of the drain along 38th street between Bogyoke Aung San and Anawrahta Streets.

They saw over sanitation works being carried out in Pazundaung Township and Thakayta Township. They also inspected repaving of Shukhintha Road in Thakayta Township. On arrival at the bank of Ngamoeyeik Creek, the commander inspected the bank on Thuwunna and the bank near Shukhintha Road.

Next, they looked into cleaning tasks in Dagon Myothit (North) Township and gave necessary instructions. Similarly, sanitation tasks were carried out in Thingangyun, South Okkalapa, Dagon Myothit (South), Insein and Hlinethaya townships.

YANGON, 14 Feb - The 57th Anniversary Union Day commemorative exhibition continued for the seventh day at the Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road here from 9 am to 5 pm today. The interesting booths of respective ministries are on display. A total of 4862 members of the Sangha and people visited the exhibition, which will be kept open until 16 February.

YANGON, 14 Feb - Under the tourism promotion programme of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, cruise liner "Chindwin" carrying 225 local and foreign passengers left Nanthida Jetty on Pansodan, here, at 8 am today for Salone Traditional Festival 2004 being held in Ma Kyone Galet Village, Bokpyin, Kawthoung, Taninthayi Division, from 14 to 17 February.

YANGON, 14 Feb- The Sub-committee for Organizing the Painting and Sculpture Contest has announced rules for the painting and sculpture contests. The painting contest comprises six categories- pre-primary level (primary, first and

second standards), senior primary level (third and fourth), middle school level (fifth to seventh standards), high school level (eight to tenth standards and technical and agricultural high schools) and open division. There will be only one category in the sculpture contest with wood sculpture category and plaster sculpture in open division. Anyone may take part in both.

In the pre-primary level to high school levels, the size of the entry must be 15" x 20". The entry must be endorsed by respective principals with name, standard, school, township, date of birth, father's name, full address and two passport-size photos. The entries are to be sent to the Education Planning and Training Department at 123, Natmauk Street, Bahan Township, by 23 February 2004. Entries for the open division painting contest must be 20" x 30". Name, NRC No, date of birth, father's name, occupation and full address must be expressed with two passport-size photos attached.

The entries for the wood sculpture and the plaster sculpture contests must not be higher than 36 inches high and circumference not longer than 24 inches. At the foot of the works, name, NRC No, date of birth, father's name, full address must be shown with two passport-size photos attached, and they must be sent to Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road between 1 and 3 March. All the

entries must reflect the twelve objectives of the State, the objectives of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and the twelve fine traditions of the Tatmadaw.

Entries for open division painting and sculpture contests are to be sent to Secretary, Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon (Central), Pabedan Township, Yangon, by 1 March to Secretary of the Sub-committee for Organizing the painting and sculpture contests at the Tatmadaw Convention Hall between 1 and 3 March. Apart from the entries, other paintings and sculptures may be sent to be displayed at the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day exhibition.They must also reflect the twelve objectives of the State, the objectives of the 59th

Anniversary Armed Forces Day and the twelve fine traditions of the Tatmadaw and should be sent directly to Tatmadaw Convention Hall between 1 and 5 March.

YANGON, 14 Feb - Those who won prizes in contests were honoured by Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon (Central) at the eastern wing of Bogyoke Market this afternoon, attended by Patrons of the Asiayon U Soe Nyunt (Htilar Sitthu) and U Khin Ohn (Yamanya Ko Ko Naing), Chairman of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), officials of Myanmar Thabin and Music Asiayons and guests.

Patrons U Soe Nyunt (Htilar Sitthu) and U Min Naing gave speeches.

Then, Patrons U Soe Nyunt (Htilar Sitthu) and U Min Naing and officials presented prizes to Excellent Performance in Arts Field (First Class) recipient U Khin Ohn (Yamanya Ko Ko Naing), Thudhamma Manijotadhara title winner U Taw Taw and International Quality Crown Award 2003 winner artist U Naing Lay, 2002 Exc ellent Performance in Social Field (Second Class) recipient U Thaung Han, 2002 Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award winner U Thant Sin (Artist Hla Tin Tun), 2002 Excellent Performance in Social Field (Second Class) recipient U Aung Thwin, 2002 Academy Award winner film director Pagyi Soe Moe, craft of turner U Sai Tun Myint, U Aung Hsint and U Tha Du (a) U Myint Swe who won prizes in international arts contests, Thudhamma Manijotadhara title winners U Aung Myo Thant and U Aung Myo Kyaing.

Later, Academy Pagyi Soe Moe, on behalf of all the winners, spoke words of thanks.

YANGON, 14 Feb - Director of UNHCR for Asia & Pacific Region Mr Jean Maric Sakhouri, accompanied by Resident Representative of UNHCR to Myanmar Mr Rajiv Kapur called on Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population U Maung Aung at the deputy minister's office at the Office of Ministers here at 4 pm today.

Also present on the occasion were Director-General of Immigration and National Registration Department U Maung Htay and officials.

YANGON, 14 Feb - The third round of Myanmar Open was held at Yangon Golf Club in Danyingon this morning.

MGF General Secretary U Aung Kyi, MPGA General Secretary U Chan Han, Mr Arend Ng of Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd, officials, guests and fans were present.

Local hope Aung Win is aiming to shoot a magical 65 in tomorrow's final round of the Myanmar Open to end his country's title drought in the event. Win endured a frustrating day on the greens en-route to a one-under-par 71 in the third round at Yangon Golf Club today and ended the day four strokes back of leader Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand.

Myanmar's wait for a first local winner in the event was left on tenterhooks as home favourite Win missed putts early on in his round and needed to drain a 15-foot putt at the last hole to keep him in the title frame.

Thongchai's love affair with the US$ 200,000 event continued to blossom today when he took over as the third round leader after a spectacular six-under-par 66 today. The former Thai paratrooper was in sparkling form as he hit 17 greens in regulation which yielded seven birdies including four on the inward nine at the tree-lined Yangon layout. His outstanding display won over the hearts of local spectators on Valentine's Day.

Thongchai has a three-day total of nine-under-par 207, one shot better than American Andrew Putts who carded a 68.

YANGON, 14 Feb -The National Championship Tennis Tournament organized by the Myanmar Tennis Federation will be held on Theinbyu Tennis Court from 22 to 26 February.

The tournament comprises men's singles event (open), women's singles event (open), men's doubles event, women's doubles event, men's over 35 events (singles and doubles), men's over 45 events (singles and doubles), men's over 55

events (singles and doubles) and men's over 60 events (singles and doubles). Those wishing to participate in the tourney are to enlist at the MTF by 3 pm on 20 February.

YANGON, 14 Feb - A combined team including members of local intelligence unit, Mandalay Special Anti-drug Squad and No 9 Police Station, after a tip-off,

searched a suspect, Tun Tun, on 36th Street between 82nd and 83rd Streets in Yadana East Ward, Maha Aung Myay Township, Mandalay, on 14 June 2003, and arrested him together with 2.85 kilos of raw opium. In connection with the case,

Mandalay No 8 Police Station took action against Tun Tun, son of U San Tun of 83rd Street in Aung Myay Thazan Township under section 15/19(A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. Mandalay District Court sentenced him to 25 years in prison under section 19 (A) on 23 January 2004. Likewise, A combined team including members of local intelligence unit and Bago Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, searched a suspect, Maung Zaw, at Shwe Nadi Restaurant on Yangon-Mandalay Highway in Yeni on 23 September 2003, and arrested

him along with 1.633 kilos of marijuana. In connection with the case, Myo Hla Police Station took action against Maung Zaw, son of U Mya Khaing of Hayman Village Thitkyein Village-tract, Lewe Township, under section 15/19(A) of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. Taungoo District Court sentenced him to 15 years' imprisonment under section 19 (A) and 4 years' imprisonment under section 15 to serve separately on 1 January 2004.