Yangon, 23 Feb - On the occasion of the 20th National Day of Brunei Darussalam which falls on 23 February 2004, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

Yangon, 22 Feb - The prize-presentation ceremony for Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award, Scholarship and Pakokku Library Book Award for 2003 was held at Pyithaya Hall in Pakokku, Pakokku District, Magway Division, at 10.30 am today with an address by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Tha Aye, the ministers, the deputy ministers, Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min, Col Sein Win of Pakkoku Station and senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental officials, members of the District and Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials, Vice-Chairman of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association Managing Director of Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Myint Thein (Myint Thein Aung), Secretary Director (News) of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay) and CEC members, the rector and principals of Pakkoku University, Education College, Computer College and the Government Technological College and faculty members, members of Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award Fund Supervisory Committee, Chairman of Literary Award Scrutinization Committee U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin) and members, members of Scholarship Scrutinization Committee, Literary Award donor U Ohn Pe, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations, members of the Township Writers and Journalists Association, teachers, students, scholarship winning students and their families and guests.

First, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt made a speech. He said that Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award and Scholarship, which were born of the goodwill of U Ohn Pe for development of the national literature and towards the State and the people, are presented yearly and the award presentation ceremony being held today is the 11th time.

The constant emergence of outstanding new generation youths who deserve U Ohn Pe Scholarships and fine literature that deserves Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Awards up to 11th anniversary reflects development of the national literature with added momentum and results of the national education promotion programme which are the objectives of Pakokku U Ohn Pe and the entire national people, he stressed.

The emergence of national literature with the national character and national cultural essence is not only the national prestige that Myanmar people can be proud of but also the national force capable of safeguarding the national interests.

At present, the government is making all-out efforts for prosperity of own people and for enabling the nation to stand tall with dignity among the global nations, relying on own national forces.

In addition, efforts are being made to safeguard the national prestige and integrity and sovereignty, braving a series of dissension, pressure, sanctions, obstacles and interferences for enabling the nation to stand shoulder to shoulder with those of the world ensuring as a united, independent and sovereign one and for development of own nation and people to the most possible degree, he noted.

At such a time, only when the tasks for boosting the nationalism and strong national outlook can be carried out, relying on the national might while preserving the national literature will the national immunity that is required most today emerge.

The government, valuing the might of national literature and enhancing the national interests, has been making efforts for the emergence of a national literature building capable of boosting the national integrity and establishing the national immunity.

The encouragement of the government, the constant compilation and writing of the literati out of goodwill, the increase in the interest of literature by the literary enthusiasts and the encouragement of men of letters like U Ohn Pe help make Myanmar literature developed, he disclosed.

Like a colourful garden with various kinds of flowers, the Myanmar literary world today is full of literary works created by doyen literati and new generation writers serving the national interests. Their works are of classic and modern. The entire people can take pride that these works are full of serious national outlook and steadfast national stand. And they are of high standard. While Myanmar literature is flourishing, Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Awards emerge in addition to National Literary Awards, Sarpay Beikman Manuscripts Awards, National Motto Awards and others. Encouragements such as Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Awards contribute much towards promotion of Myanmar literature.

He said national literary award and life-long literary award of Pakokku U Ohn Pe Award are for literati who devote themselves to their literary career and constantly serve the national interest through literature. These awards reveal good traditions of the literature for young literati of the new generation, he said.

Annual presentation of outstanding awards and scholarship to brilliant students of the new generation is the effective fulfilment for development of human resources on literature, he said.

Pakokku U Ohn Pe Library Book Award is useful not only to literati but also to literary enthusiasts, indeed.

He said one can see the fact that big nations with superior wealth and technology are trying to wield the influence of western-type culture and customs and lifestyle on youths in developing countries like Myanmar by making use of rapid development of science and technology and globalization through effective media channels.

He said they are intentionally making plans to make the new generation youths admire western customs, thoughts, character and social norms and to deviate from national outlooks spending a large amount of money and applying modern powerful media weapon. Therefore, the youths must rely on the effective power of national literature for understanding and cherishing high national culture, gentle national characters and national requirements.

He said it is the fact that national culture, national literature and national arts must be a guiding post for the citizens including new generations youths to consolidate patriotism and national spirit. The entire people are to build better foundations of patriotism in the heart of the people and for consolidation of traditions of national solidarity and better foundations of the Union Spirit with the strength of national literature and arts, he added.

He said literary strength is always to support national strength for keeping abreast of the nations of the world, for prosperity of the nation and its people, for standing tall in the world community as an independent and sovereign state with high national prestige and for safeguarding the national interest.

He spoke at length on leading and organizing the citizens for spiritual development such as development of human resource of international standard, uplift of their qualifications and increase of correct knowledge.

He said now is the time to make endeavours for emergence of a modern developed discipline-flourishing democratic state based on cultural heritage inherited from forefathers without harming national intrinsic value, national norms and national characters. The seven-step road map has also been laid down and is being implemented to build up the nation into a modern and developed one. Therefore, literati are urged to participate in endeavouring for reaching the national goal through the strength of Myanmar literature which possesses a great historical tradition, he said. For the new generations to come, all the literati are urged to nurture the national literature, which has been preserved throughout history, to be more flourishing, he stressed.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister urged the literati to strive for consolidating national strength which will build and safeguard the modern and developed nation while preserving and uplifting the national character, culture and traditions and social value; and to actively participate in implementing the seven-point policy programme which will create a peaceful, modern, developed and discipline-flourishing democratic nation.

Next, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt presented Pakokku U Ohn Pe Life-long Literary Award to Writer Daw Yin Yin (Saw Mon Hnyin). On behalf of Sayamagyi Daw Yin Yin, Secretary of Literary Award Scrutinizing Committee Editor-in-Chief of Sarpay Beikman U Maung Hlaing (Maung Swe Nge) accepted the award.

Afterwards, first, second and third prizes were presented to Kaung Nyunt Wai (Yezagyo), Maung Pyi Hlaing (Thandwe), and Shwe Hintha (Mandalay University) in the collected poem genre; and first, second and third prizes to Pathein-Aung Than Oo, Shi and Thwe Hta Nyo (Thetkala) in the novel genre.

Next, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan accepeted K five million for outstanding students donated by wellwisher Pakokku U Ohn Pe for the third time.

Commander Maj-Gen Tha Aye presented first, second and third prizes to Thein Zaw (Shweli Oo), Kyaw Phone Myint (Chemistry) and Ko Zaw Htay (Culture) in the collected short story genre; and first, second and third prizes to Ni Nyein (Anya University), Htan Hlaing and Shin Htwe Yin (Anthropology) in the treatise genre.

Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan presented first, second and third prizes to Min Shin Aung (Twantay), U Hsaung (Forestry) and Shwenaga Tin Win in the research genre. The minister also presented first, second and third prizes for outstanding in Myanmarsar to Ma May Thu Kyaw of No 2 Basic Education High School, Insein, Yangon Division, Maung Kyaw Ze Latt of No 1 BEHS, Monywa, Sagaing Division and Maung Hein Kyaw Moe of No 2 BEHS, Dedaye, Ayeyawady Division.

Minister for Education U Than Aung presented outstanding awards in Myanmarsar to Ma Aye Mya Sanda, Ma Phyu Phyu Sin and Ma Zin Nyein Htet of Dagon University, Ma Tin Phyo Thwe of Yadanabon University; scholarship awards to Ma Naw Thulay Phawwai of first year music, Univeristy of Culture (Yangon) and Ma Thet Mar Soe of first year Drama of University of Culture (Mandalay).

Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung presented first, second and third prizes for outstanding in English to Maung Saw Htut of No 2 BEHS, Kamayut Township, Yangon Division, Maung Kyi Tha Aung of Yangon Institute of Education Practising School and Maung Tin Tun Aung of Yangon Institute of Education Practising School; first, second and third prizes for outstanding in mathematics to Ma Khine Thet Hsu of BEHS-2, Kamayut, Ma Thu Thu Cho of BEHS-16, Mandalay and Ma Ei Mon Win of BEHS-3, South Okkalapa. Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min presented first prizes for outstanding in chemistry to Ma Khine Thet Hsu of BEHS-2, Kamayut Township, outstanding in physics to Ma Zun Mo Hsu of BEHS-16, Mandalay, outstanding in geography to Ma Yi Wai Htet of Yangon Division, outstanding in biology to Ma Khine Thet Hsu of BEHS-2 Kamayut, outstanding in history to Ma May Kha Lar of BEHS, Kokogyun Township, Yangon Division, outstanding in economics to Ma Theingi Soe of BEHS-3, Mingaladon Township, and outstanding in optional Myanmarsar to Maung Tun Lin of BEHS-1, Lewe Township, Mandalay Division.

Next, wellwisher Pakokku U Ohn Pe explained the purpose of presenting literary awards.

Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan presented 595 books - 300 books donated by Information and Public Relations Department and 295 books by Printing and Publishing Enterprise - for Pakokku U Ohn Pe Library to Pakokku U Ohn Pe. Pakokku U Ohn Pe presented Pakokku Library Book Awards to Saya Aung Si Hein, Saya Ni Min Swe and Saya U Han Nyunt (Law).

On behalf of award winners, Chairman of Literary Award Scrutinizing Committee U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin) read out the words of thanks of Writer Daw Yin Yin (Saw Mon Hnyin). After the ceremony, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, Commander Maj-Gen Tha Aye, ministers, deputy ministers posed for documentary photos together with Pakokku Library Book Award winners, literary award winners, scholarship award winners and outstanding students. The awards presented to the winners were K 100,000 for first prize; K 75,000 for second, K 50,000 for the third and K 200,000 for life long literary award.

Yangon, 22 Feb - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, accompanied by ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads and officials, this morning, left here by air and arrived at Bagan-NyaungU Airport, Mandalay Division at 8.30 am.

The Prime Minister and party were welcomed by Brig-Gen Than Tun of Kyaukpadaung Station, Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min and officials.

Next, they went to ancient pagoda No 860 and No 861 in Bagan-NyaungU. At 9 am, the Htidaw hoisting ceremony was held at the two pagodas, attended by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt. Also present on the occasion were Aungmye Bawdi Dhamma Yeiktha Presiding Nayaka Alodawpyay Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Ariyavamsa and members of the Sangha, the ministers, the deputy ministers, Magway Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Col Zaw Min and officials, K 70 million donors Dr Aung Lwin and wife Daw Thet Sanda of Pyi Phyo Tun International Co Ltd and U Hla Than-Daw Khin Than Yi and local people.

First, the Prime Minister and party paid homage to Alodawpyay Sayadaw. Next, the Prime Minister and party conveyed Seinbudaws of the two pagodas atop the pagodas by the carriage of Tatmadaw (Air) Myalayyin Htidaw Hoisting Team.

At the auspicious time, General Khin Nyunt and party hoisted Seinbudaw atop the pagoda No 861. They then sprinkled scented water on it. Similarly, the Prime Minister and party hoisted Seinbudaw atop the pagoda No 860. The General then performed the rituals of golden and silver showers to mark success of the ceremony.

On arrival in Pakokku, Magway Division, the Prime Minister and party were welcomed by Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Tha Aye, No 101 LID Commander Col Sein Win and officials.

This morning, the Prime Minister and party attended the ceremony to present prizes to winners in the Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award, Scholarship and Pakokku Library Book Award in Pakokku. Next, they proceeded to the construction site of the main building of Pakokku University where they were welcomed by Director-General Dr Thein Myint of Higher Education Department (Upper Myanmar), Pro-Rector U Soe Myint and faculty members.

At the briefing hall, Col Zaw Min reported on location and area of the main building and arrangements for construction tasks. Aden Group Co Ltd Managing Director U Chit Khaing reported on geographical conditions of the construction site, architectural design of the university, arrangements for construction works and rooms of the main building. Minister for Education U Than Aung gave a supplementary report. Then, the Prime Minister attended to their needs. After leaving instructions, the Prime Minister inspected the place for construction of the main building.

At Pyithaya Hall in Pakokku, the Prime Minister met with district and township authorities, departmental officials and social organizations. First, Chairman of Pakokku District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Htay Oo reported on the location and area of the district, population, land resource, rainfall, water availability, river water pumping tasks, cultivation of the nine crops, target and cultivation of paddy, maize, pulses and beans, edible oil crops and cottons, kitchen crops, local food sufficiency, supply of water for cultivation area and progress of livestock breeding, education and health sectors.

Next, the Prime Minister fulfilled the requirements of local food sufficiency and health and upgrading of Affiliated Basic Education Middle Schools. Afterwards, the Prime Minister delivered an address. He said it is necessary to extend cultivation of paddy, cotton, pulses and beans and edible oil crops for meeting their target according to the reports on progress of Pakokku District presented by the officials. As the plan has been laid down for local food sufficiency in 2005-2006, efforts are to be made for overcoming difficulties in fulfilling food sufficiency in the region. In addition, arrangements are to be made for meeting the target of boosting per-acre yield of 10 kinds of cropsÑ paddy, sesame, groundnut, sunflower, maize, green gram, matpe, pigeon pea, long staple cotton and sugarcane. In this regard, departments concerned are required to provide assistance to the local farmers.

As Pakokku has scanty rainfall and is in the dry region, local authorities are to ensure supply of water for cultivation. As the Head of State has given guidance on development of Pakokku region and Pakokku to become the city of the western bank of Ayeyawady River, requirements are being fulfilled. River water pumping projects, underground water tapping projects and dam projects are being implemented for availability of water so as to develop Pakokku region and upgrade the living standard of the local people. It can be said that natural resources were exploited with the use of human capability.

As regards the education sector, arrangements are being made for opening and upgrading basic education schools wherever necessary in Pakokku region. Similarly, Pakokku Degree College have been upgraded into the university level to enable the students to pursue higher education, and this morning, he made arrangements for construction of the main building of the university. Furthermore, Government Technological College and Government Computer College have been opened.

In the health sector, Pakokku Hospital has been upgraded into the 200-bed specialist hospital. In addition, the Pakokku Textile Factory and the Dyeing Factory are being built for job opportunities for local people. Likewise, railroads and motor roads have been built for better transport.

In addition to implementing the border area development projects for improvement of the far-flung areas of the border regions, the Government designated special regions for equitable development of the regions in the entire nation. Five rural development tasks - development of education and health and availability of drinking water, development of transportation and rural development tasksÑ are being implemented for improvement of the rural regions in addition to the border areas.

As management machinery at the Central, State/Division, District and Township levels have been formed systematically, officials are to drive the machinery of management correctly and smoothly. To achieve success in implementing the projects laid down by the State, administrative bodies at different levels are to conscientiously discharge duties with perseverance and goodwill for development of the region as well as uplift of living standard of the local people.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party went to Kyatpyae Village in Pakokku Township.

Next, the ceremony to open Ayechanphyo school building of BEMS (Branch) of Kyatpyae Village and to donate the plot of the school, to erect the post for construction of the school and to launch the tube-well was held at the compound of the school, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were Sagu Taik Aungmingalar Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pa––inda and members of the Sangha, Commander Maj-Gen Tha Aye, the ministers, the deputy ministers, the Magway Division Chairman, officials of the State Peace and Development Council, local authorities and local people.

A ceremony to erect the post for construction of Kyatpyae Village BEMS (Branch) was held. The Prime Minister and party spinkled scented water on the post. Next, with the funds of Pakokku Township development Affairs Committee, a tube-well opening ceremony was held in Kyatpyae Village. Deputy Minister for Progress of Boarder Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Brig-Gen Than Tun and Magway Division PDC Chairman Col Zaw Min formally opened the ceremony.

With contributions of K 10.5 million including K 5.5 million by the State and K 5 million by the public, a new school building (270'x30') named Ayechanphyo was opened. The ceremony was opened by Minister for Education U Than Aung and Col Zaw Min. The Prime Minister and party posed for a documentary photo together with teachers, members of the school board of trustees and wellwishers. They then inspected the domestic science room and audio lab. Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party paid homage to Sagu Taik Aungmingalar Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pan–inda and Sayadaws of other nearby monasteries and presented offertories. Next, Myanmar Education Committee Chairman Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt upgraded the Kyatpyae Village BEMS (Branch) into BEMS and presented a TV, a video recorder and a set of computer to Headmistress Daw Kyu Kyu. Minister U Than Aung spoke words of thanks. The Prime Minister and party then had a photo taken together with teachers.

The Prime Minister and party went to Seikphyu in Pakokku District where they were welcomed by local authorities, departmental staff and members of social organizations. National Health Committee Chairman Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party proceeded to Seikphyu PeopleÕs Hospital. They were welcomed there by Medical Superintendent Dr Kan Hlaing, doctors and nurses. The Prime Minister then viewed round the wards, medical store and operation theatre. At the hall of the hospital the Prime Minister met with the head of township health department and health care staff and inquired about rural health care services. They reported on provisions of health care services, educative measures being taken for prevention of common diseases and medical treatments and supply of pure drinking water. Next, the Prime Minister upgraded the 16-bed hospital into 25-bed one and gave necessary instructions.

The Prime Minister and party went to Seikphyu BEHS where they were welcomed by members of school board of trustees, the schoolhead, teachers and students. The Prime Minister then viewed round the visual room, learning centre, computer skills room. language lab, computer aided instruction room, study room and gallery.

The Prime Minister met with members of Township PDC, departmental officials and members of social organizations. Township PDC Chairman U Ye Hla and officials reported on matters related to education, health, transport, tasks being carried out for local self-sufficiency of food and supply of drinking water. The Prime Minister upgraded one BEHS (Branch) and one BEMS (Branch) into BEHS and BEMS respectively. He then gave necessary instructions, saying that he and his entourage were there to fulfil the needs for the development of Pakokku District, and required assistance had been given, he said. As Anawrahta Bridge across the River Ayeyawady had been constructed in Seikphyu Township, transport was smoother, and there would emerge development prospects, he added.

The Prime Minister said the State was undertaking the water supply tasks for the region where water is scarce.

He then urged them to make efforts for development of their regions and socio-economy making full use of good prospects at hand. Committees for respective sectors had been formed, and so officials concerned were to actively participate in the task for speedy development of their regions, he noted. Later, the Prime Minister presented a TV, a VCR and a set of computer for Seikphyu BEHS to the schoolhead. The Prime Minister and party arrived back here in the evening via Bagan-NyaungU Airport.

Yangon, 22 Feb - Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Lt-Gen Thein Sein received visiting Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice-President of the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAIU) Mr Luo Haocai and party, at Zayyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 2.30 pm today.

Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Li Jinjun.

At 7 pm, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein hosted a dinner in honour of Vice-Chairman of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice-President of the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAIFU) Mr Luo Haocai and party at Karaweik Palace. Also present at the dinner were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Secretary General of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and Minister for Coopeartives Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Yangon Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and heads of department, Chinese Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun and responsible officials.

Yangon, 22 Feb - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected agricultural and regional development tasks in Htantabin Township this afternoon.

Accompanied by No 1 Military Region Commander Col Tun Kyi, authorities and departmental officials, the commander inspected thriving of 1,000 acres of summer paddy high-yield special zone with the use of natural fertilizer near Hngetthaik Village, Htantabin Township.

Next, the commander saw over cultivation of summer paddy in the area of Kyunngu river water pumping project and irrigation tasks. On arrival at Lamudan river water pumping project in Bawlekyun region opposite side of Kukkowa River in Htantabin Township, the commander inspected cultivation of summer paddy and heard reports on paddy cultivation and maintenance of the canals.

The commander and party proceeded to Kyunngu river water pumping project and looked into pumping of water into summer paddy fields from Kukkowa River. They then went to the construction site of Development Market in Htantabin and inspected progress of works. The commander gave instructions on construction tasks meeting the set standard.

Yangon, 22 Feb - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected sales at tax-free markets in Yangon City this morning.

The commander went to Pantaya Tax-free Market on Pantaya Road, Dagon Township, Hanthawady Tax-free Market at the corner of Hanthawady and Kyundaw Roads in Kamayut Township, Konmyinttha Tax-free Market and Nawade Tax-free Market in Mayangon Township, Yankin Tax-free Market near the Ministry of Industry-2 and Tamway Tax-free Market on Kyaikkasan Road in Tamway Township. The commander inspected the sales at the markets. After his inspection tour, the commander gave necessary instructions to officials.

Yangon, Feb 22 - The 15th Annual General Meeting of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club was held at Kandawgyi Palace here at 5 pm today with an address by MFCC Patron U Hla Htway.

MFCC President U Sao Kai Hpa presented the annual report while Secretary U Nyunt Tin presented the financial statement for approval.

Next, the new executives for 2004-2005 were elected. U Hla Htway (Nihon Keizai Shimbun) was elected as patron of MFCC, U Sao Kai Hpa (Mainichi) as president, U Khin Maung Myint (NHK) as vice-president, U Nyunt Tin (Fuji TV) as secretary, U Aung Hla Tun (Reuters) as joint-secretary, U Tin Maung Aye (Asahi) as treasurer and U Min Zaw (Tokyo Shimbun) as auditor. Afterwards, Chief Correspondent of Xinhua News Agency Mr Duan Ting Chang who had completed his tour of duty in Myanmar and his successor Mr Zhang Yenfei were honoured.

After the meeting, a dinner was hosted. Present on the occasion were Brig-Gen Thein Swe of the Office of Chief of Military Intelligence, Brig-Gen Kyaw Thein, Col Tin Oo, Col Hla Min and senior military officers, Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise Col Soe Win and officials.

Yangon, 22 Feb - Lupin Lab Ltd (India) introduced the new medicine FDC (Fixed Dose Combination) AkuriT-4 to the consumers and held the seminar on Novel Approach to Management of Tuberculosis at Grand Plaza Parkroyal Hotel in Dagon Township this morning.

Chest Physician Dr Yadana Kyaw of Thingangyun General Hospital presented the paper on A brief talk on FDC and Assistant Director Dr Phyu Noe of Health Department on Novel Approach to Application of DOTS.

Officials of Lupin Lab Ltd (India) explained latest WHO guideline for TV treatment and introduction of AkuriT-4 and answered the queries. Mega Products Ltd will distribute AkuriT-4 to consumers in Myanmar.

Yangon, 22 Feb - The Import-substitute Domestic Industrial Products Exhibition & Seminar sponsored by the Cottage Industries Department of the Ministry of Cooperatives continued in the compound of the department on Thudhamma Road in North Okkalapa Township here today. Altogether 54 exhibition booths of industrial cooperatives and private industrialists are crowded with visitors. The exhibition will be extended till 24 February.

Yangon, 22 Feb - On the occasion of the 20th National Day of Brunei Darussalam which falls on 23 February 2004, U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Royal Highness Prince Haji Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam.

Yangon, 22 Feb - Made in India Show continued for the last day today at Yangon Trade Centre on Upper Pazundaung Road in Mingala Taungnyunt Township here from 9 am to 5 pm. It was packed with departmental officials, businessmen and the public. At the show, 100 booths of 71 Indian companies put on display and sold iron and steel wares, electrical goods, industrial machinery, medicines, medical equipment, farm implements, sewing machines, different types of bicycles, personal goods, clothes and cosmetics.

Yangon, 22 Feb - A Chinese delegation led by Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice-President of the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAIFU) of the People's Republic of China Mr Luo Haocai, accompanied by Ambassador of the PRC Embassy Mr Li Jinjun and officials, visited the Shwedagon Pagoda this morning.

First, the visiting delegation members paid homage to the pagoda clock-wise and members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees briefed them the history of the pagoda and religious edifices.

Next, the visiting delegation paid homage to the Jade Buddha image kept at Ponnyakuthala Bahukara prayer hall and Mr Luo Haocai signed in the visitors' book and made cash donations at Rakhine prayer hall.

Afterwards, the visiting delegation viewed the bell donated by King Thayawady and had a documentary photo taken.

At 9.30 am, the visiting delegation proceeded to Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge where they were welcomed by Managing Director of Myanma Railways U Min Swe and officials.

Next, U Min Swe explained about Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge to the guests who had a group photo taken there.

After that, the visiting delegation arrived at Union national race village near the bridge where they were welcomed by officials and Union national races.

At the briefing hall, Deputy Director-General U Win Aung of Department for Development of Border Areas and National Races explained the salient points of the village.

While viewing round the village, the guests were entertained with dances of the national races.

Yangon, 22 Feb - Secretary General of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and Minister for Coopeartives Maj-Gen Htay Oo met Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Mr Luo Haocai and party at the USDA Headquarters at 3.30 pm today.

Also present at the call were USDA CEC members Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Than Shwe, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein and Chinese Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun and officials. During their meeting, they cordially discussed friendship and cooperation between the youths of the two countries.

Yangon, 22 Feb - President of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Patron of Taninthayi Division MCWA Supervisory Committee Daw Nu Nu Swe and members and officials of MMCWA arrived at General Hospital in Myeik on 20 February.

They were welcomed by Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and members, the medical superintendent and doctors and nurses.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party inspected operation of cleft lip and cleft palate patients and provided cash assistance to each patient.

A ceremony to present cash to cleft lip and cleft palate patients in Taninthayi Division was held at the hospital.

Present were President of MMCWA Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Commander Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, officials of MMCWA, Patron of Taninthayi Division MCWA wife of the commander Daw Nu Nu Swe, departmental officials and wellwishers.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe spoke on the occasion. Wellwishers presented cash for the patients. Professor Dr Khin Maung Lwin of Department of Plastic, Maxillo-facial and Oral Surgery accepted K 1,177,102 and Chairman of Taninthayi Division MCWA Supervisory Committee Dr Swe Win K 198,000.

Thirteen wellwishers presented K 4.1 million for the patients to Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe. Next, Dr Swe Win spoke words of thanks. Treatment will be given to 107 cleft lip and cleft palate patients at the Myeik General Hospital.

Yangon, 22 Feb - President of Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party left Yangon for Myeik on 20 February.

On 21 February morning, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party met with Daw Nu Nu Swe, wife of the Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command, members of the panel of patrons of the Taninthayi Division Organization for Women's Affairs, CEC members and officials totalling about 480.

At the meeting, President Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe gave a speech, saying that they arrived there to clarify organizational set-up of the federation and functions. The federation was formed with the seven lofty aims including uplift of women's role, protection of the women's rights, development of social, education, health and economic affairs of women and securing of women's life. The federation, being a social organization, is expected to widely and effectively carry out the tasks. She said she believed those who were selected to discharge duties of working groups in Taninthayi Division can make efforts for carrying out development tasks of women in the division. Members of the women's affairs are to focus on all-round development of the State, the people and the entire women. It is necessary to avoid tarnishing the image of the federation and to actively and unitedly perform tasks of the federation in accord with the motto 'Let's make efforts for development of women's life'.

Then, officials explained their respective sectors in the working groups. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe accepted K 8 million donated by wellwishers. President Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and Leader of International Relations Working Group Prof Daw Yi Yi Myint presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. At 4 pm, they met with members of Divisional Organization for WomenÕs Affairs and supporting groups at the Yeiktha of Coastal Region Command Headquarters. At the meeting, officials answered the queries.