Yangon, 25 Feb - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye attended the Hsinshweli high-yield paddy transplanting ceremony and the presenting of farm implements near Humon Village in Lashio Township, on 22 February morning.

Also present on the occasion were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing, ministers, deputy ministers, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental personnel and local residents.

At the ceremony, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing gave a report, saying that in the previous monsoon paddy season, test cultivation of Hsinshweli high-yield paddy was conducted on over 100,000 acres in Shan State (North) and per acre yield was about 126 baskets, thereby contributing to over 90 per cent of local rice demand and raising per capita income of local farmers.

Likewise, last monsoon paddy season, pilot cultivation of hybrid paddy was carried out on the two-acre plot on self-reliance in the region, yielding around 6,580 kilos of high-yield strain paddy (F.I). So, now the experiment has been expanded in this summer paddy season, cultivating paddy on 940 acres.

Based on the success, measures are being taken for extended production of hybrid paddy on 120 acres this summer paddy season as the second step, and the hybrid paddy will be cultivated on over 10,000 acres.

Therefore, efforts will have to be made for cultivation of hybrid paddy on over 1,200 acres in the forthcoming monsoon paddy season so as to meet local cross-breed paddy demand.

Next, Shan State Myanma Agriculture Service Manager U Hla Gyi gave an account of the production process of hybrid paddy.

The Secretary-1, on behalf of local farmers, handed over the documents related to three combined harvesters and five threshers to U Sain San Tun of Humon Village, recipient of medal for excellent performance in agricultural field. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe also handed over the documents pertaining to Leya-16 power tiller to U Sai Si of Mansu Village. Farmer U Sai San Tun of Humon expressed words of thanks to the State.

The Secretary-1 spoke on the occasion, saying that Myanmar is rich in land resources, and farmers, the majority of the nation's population, are engaged in farming.

That is why the objective "Development of agriculture as the base and all-round development of other sectors of the economy as well" is designated as the first of the four economic objectives, he noted.

The agricultural sector contributes 56 per cent to the turnovers of Shan State (North) and thus the agricultural sector plays a vital role in the economy of the region, he remarked.

Concerning the agricultural sector, there was over 560,000 acres of cultivable land in Shan State (North) in 1988 and the number of cultivable areas has increased to over 900,000 acres now. And yearly cultivation of crops has been extended up to over 1.1 million acres now, up from 600,000 acres in 1988. Furthermore, a total of 4,300 more acres have been reclaimed, he said.

However, Shan State (North) has not enjoyed rice sufficiency yet. Thanks to the combined efforts of respective departments and local people under the leadership of the commander, it has met over 90 per cent of the local rice demand, he added. It is sure there will be rice sufficiency in the region soon, the Secretary-1 expressed his belief.

Measures are to be taken for cultivation of crops on all the cultivable land as well as extension of multiple cropping in Shan State (North) for the region does not have enough plain regions for agriculture, he disclosed.

With multiple cropping, it will need more farm machinery and implements and advanced agricultural methods, he said.

In conclusion, he said that the ceremony will further enhance development of agricultural sector of the region.

Afterwards, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye said that the commander and officials are to try triple cropping of crops and double cropping of paddy and one-cropping of a suitable crop on the 120-acre farm in Humon.

Similarly, other hybrid paddy and other high-yield strain paddy should be tested in addition to Hsinshweli hybrid paddy with the use of three agricultural methods, he said.

After introducing agricultural methods, paddy cultivation should be extended with the use of the most suitable methods.

In this way, the drive of those in charge of the region will contribute towards local rice sufficiency and economy of local farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation will have to render necessary assistance to local farmers, he noted.

Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party viewed Hsinshweli hybrid sunflower and paddy plantations.

They also looked into progress in cultivation of Hsinshweli hybrid paddy on the 120-acre plot and other plots.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and entourage inspected combined harvesters, paddy threshers and power tillers and the booth of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye cordially met with departmental officials and local farmers.

Yangon, 25 Feb - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party on 22 February observed the site at the entrance to Lashio where Yantaing Aung Hsutaung-pyi Myo Oo Pagoda will be built.

On Yegantaung Hill, they inspected the extension of 12 lakes that are supplying water to Lashio, and digging of five more lakes to increase water supply for the people. They heard a report on lake-digging work and greening of the hill presented by Director U Kyee Myint of Development Affairs Department. Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing and Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Tin Ngwe gave a supplementary report. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye gave instructions.

The estimated total storage capacity of the 17 lakes is over 160 million gallons.

In Muse, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party inspected the completed Shweli Yadana Villa. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and party met with local authorities of Muse District and Muse, Namhkam and Kutkai, departmental personnel, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations and townselders at the town hall.

Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone reported to the Secretary-1 on the volume of border trade in Muse, tax collection, and efforts to develop border trade; Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun on financial matters, tax collection and banking services; and Muse District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Soe Win on the national races living in the district, communication, health, education, and regional food sufficiency and regional development projects.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win said once there was internal insurgency in the region. But now, due to cooperative efforts of the State, the local people and the Tatmadaw peace and stability and security are prevailing in the region. Thanks to the regional peace and stability, the whole northern Shan State including Muse District is achieving sustainable development. The region is producing more food to meet the local requirement. Likewise, the border trade is also developing. Above all, the progress of the district can be witnessed.

Border trade entrepreneurs should be upright in doing business, instead of concentrating solely on making profits. If they become trusted entrepreneurs, they can serve the interest of both the region and the nation more. The economy of the State is getting stronger as the whole nation is achieving peace and stability and unity. The developments and the success are the result of the united strength of all the national people. Thus, all will have to harmoniously strive for the successful implementation of the future policy programme of the State.

Afterwards, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye delivered an address, saying that when he was discharging duties as the military command commander in the area, there was no regional peace and stability due to BCP insurgents, and the people had to live and earn their living in fear. Unlike in the past, the region has been developing on all fronts within a short span of time as the insurgency has ended and peace and stability is prevailing in it. Among the border towns, Muse is developing with the highest growth rate. The government has been laying down and implementing development projects including the border area development project and rural development project for further progress of the whole nation including Muse region. The regional peace and stability will contribute to effective implementation of the projects. All must accept and understand the fact that peace and stability of the nation is the basic requirement to implement the State's seven-point future policy programme. As Muse is bordering the People's Republic of China, all should make concerted efforts to maintain the bilateral friendship between the two countries, while launching the regional development task with might and main. There is friendship and understanding between the leaders and the governments of Myanmar and the PRC. In addition, there is love and friendship between the peoples of the two nations. Thus, all will have to maintain and safeguard the bilateral friendly relations. He then cordially greeted those present at the meeting. The Vice-Senior General and party observed the town development by car.

In Lashio, member of the panel of patrons of USDA Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win, and Central Executive Committee members of the USDA U Soe Tha, Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Col Tin Hlaing and Brig-Gen Khin Maung met with secretaries, executives and members of Shan State (North) USDA and district and township associations.

Yangon, 25 Feb - Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt received Leader of International Committee of the Red Cross Mr Patrick Vial at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 4 pm today.

Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department.

Yangon, 25 Feb - Mr Lao Haocai, Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice-President of the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAIFU) and party left here by air this afternoon after paying a five-day goodwill visit to Myanmar beginning 21 February at the invitation of Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein.

Before their departure, the Secretary-2 cordially greeted the Chinese guests at the VIP Lounge of Yangon International Airport and presented the documentary photo album and video tapes to Mr Lao Haocai.

Then, the Chinese guests were seen off at Yangon International Airport by 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, Secretary-General of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Cooperatives Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department, Chinese Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun and embassy staff.

Yangon, 25 Feb - At the invitation of Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, the visiting goodwill delegation led by Mr Lao Haocai, Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice-President of the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAIFU), accompanied by Chinese Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun and officials, left here by air and arrived at Bagan-NyaungU Airport yesterday morning.

The guests were welcomed there by Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Chairman of Col Zaw Min, NyaungU District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Teza, Deputy Director-General U Aung Kyaing of Archaeology Department (Upper Myanmar) and officials.

The guests paid homage to the Buddha image at Shwezigon Pagoda and signed in the visitors' book.

Next, they went to Ananda Temple where they paid homage to the Buddha image and viewed ancient stone sculptures. They signed in the visitors' book and presented donations to the chairman of the Pagoda Board of Trustees.

On arrival at Lacquer-ware College, students demonstrated process of making various kinds of lacquer-wares. The guests then visited the Lacquerware Museum.

In the evening, the Chinese guests proceeded to Bagan Archaeological Museum where the curator and officials conducted them round the museum.

At U Ba Nyein Lacquerware Industry, the Chinese guests viewed production process of the lacquerware. They then enjoyed sunset scenes of the Bagan archaeological cultural region. In the evening, Magway Division PDC Chairman Col Zaw Min hosted a dinner in honour of the Chinese delegation at Thiri Pyitsaya Sakura Hotel in Bagan.

This afternoon, the Chinese guests arrived back here from Bagan.

Yangon, 26 Feb - U Ohn Thwin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Republic of South Africa, presented his Credentials to Mr Thabo M Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, on 17 February 2004, in Pretoria.

Ambassador U Nyunt Maung Shein presents credentials to President of Czech Republic

Yangon, 26 Feb - U Nyunt Maung Shein, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Czech Republic, presented his Credentials to Mr Vaclav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, on 17 February 2004, in Prague (Praha).

Yangon, 25 Feb - The Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in friendship tasks between Myanmar-Korea Friendship Association and Korea-Myanmar Friendship Association was held at Zay kabar Hall in Mingaladon Garden City yesterday morning.

Myanmar-Korea Friendship Association Vice-Chairman U Khin Shwe, Korea-Myanmar Friendship Association Chairman Ven Monk Tax and Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Myanmar Mr Lee Kyung-Woo gave speeches and signed the MoU. Next, U Khin Shwe presented a Buddha statue made of teak worth US$ 5,000 to officials of the Korea-Myanmar Friendship Association. Then, souvenirs were exchanged.

The 35-member delegation led by the Korea-Myanmar Friendship Association Chairman arrived in Yangon to cooperate friendship, religious, economic, education and cultural matters with the Myanmar-Korea Friendship Association.

The bilateral cooperation tasks will soon be implemented.

Yangon, 25 Feb - A coordination meeting on offering of 'soon' to members of the Sangha and title recipient Sayadaws who will be attending the religious title presentation ceremony was held at the Tatmadaw Dhammayon near the southern archway of the Shwedagon Pagoda this evening.

Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing will offer 'soon' to the Sayadaws who will be attending the ceremony.

Present at the meeting were 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 Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Yangon Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments and officials of sub-committees.

On behalf of the Chairman of Work Committee for Offering 'soon', Vice-Quartermaster-General Brig-Gen Khin Maung Tun reported on arrangements on offering 'soon'.

Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung reported on matters relating to invitation of the members of the Sayadaws and title recipient Sayadaws.

Next, Chairmen of various sub-committees and officials reported on arrangements.

The Prime Minister gave necessary instructions and the meeting came to a close.

Yangon, 25 Feb - The 35-member Korean Buddhist delegation headed by Secretary Sayadaw of Buddhist Bikkhus of All Ganas of the Republic of Korea Ven Hong Pa and Presiding Sayadaw of Hye-Eun Buddhist Temple Ven Mok Tak, called on Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung at the minister's office at 2 pm today. Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and Director-General of Depar tment for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Sann Lwin were also present.

Next, the delegation together with U Sann Lwin paid respects to State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Secretary Sayadaw Abhi dhaja Maha Rattha Guru, Abhidaja Maha Saddha mma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kumara at 2.30 pm at the Maha Nayaka Monastery on Kaba Aye Hill. The deleagtion donated computers, medicines and offertories to the Sayadawgyi.

Yangon, 25 Feb - Chairman of Industrial Development Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win this morning viewed products displayed at Import-substitute Domestic Industrial Products Exhibition, organized by Cottage Industries Department of the Ministry of Cooperatives.

Accompanied by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Cooperatives Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung and Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, the Secretary-1 arrived at the exhibition in the compound of the CID in North Okkalapa Township at 11.30 am.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by Patron of the Leading Committee for Organizing the Exhibition Director-General U Sein Than of CID, Deputy Director-General U Tint Lwin Oo and Industrial Cooperative Syndicate Chairman U Tun Yi.

First, the Secretary-1 and party viewed products displayed at booths of Metallurgical Engineering and General Cooperative Ltd, Young Power Electric Industry, MMG Mechem Machinery Group, Industrial Chemistry Manufacturing Cooperative Ltd, Tawwin Engineering, Sweson Industrial Cooperative Ltd, Modern Industry Co Ltd, Fisca Enterprises, UIC Yadanamyay Natural Fertilizer Cooperative Syndicate, KME Engineering Group, Thein Rubber Industry, Master Power Electronics, Lacquerware College and Weaving Training Schools, Myanmar Automobile Group (Production) Co Ltd and others. Officials conducted the Secretary-1 and party round the exhibition. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 gave instructions on tasks to be carried out for quality improvement of import-substitute products to officials. Next, the Secretary-1 fulfilled the requirements.

Yangon, 25 Feb - Chairman of Management Committee for Observance of 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe this afternoon inspected the camps of the parade columns which will participate in the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade and gave necessary instructions to officials.

At 2.30 pm, the commander arrived at the local unit in Mingaladon Station where Hsinbyushin column is being accommodated. Parade Commander Brig-Gen Min Thein, Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Col Wai Lwin, No 1 Military Region Commander Col Tun Kyi, Hsinbyushin Column Commander Col Oo Kyaw and officials welcomed the commander there.

The commander and party inspected hostels, messes, kitchens, ration stores, documentary photos and publications and welfare shops. The commander and party then inspected practising of drills of companies of the column and gave necessary instructions.

At Defence Services Orthopaedic Hospital (500-bed) where Bandoola Column is being put up, Column Commander Col Myint Ko Ko and officials welcomed Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and party. Afterwards, the commander viewed hostels, messes, kitchens, ration stores, documentary photos, publications and welfare shops. Then, the commander gave necessary instructions to officials.

Yangon, 25 Feb - The Work Committee for Implementation of ASEAN Economic Agreements held the second meeting at the Ministry of Commerce on Strand Road here at 4 pm today, attended by Chairman of the Work Committee Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone.

Also present were members of the Work Committee Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun and deputy ministers, the Deputy Attorney-General, the Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar, the Vice-Chairman of e-National Task Force, departmental heads, the General Secretary of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and departmental officials.

At the meeting, the minister gave an introductory speech. Joint-Secretary of the Work Committee Adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Maung Maung Yi reported on approval of the minutes and implementation of the resolutions of the first meeting.

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Thu gave an account of progress in implementation of the minutes of the first meeting. Officials participated in the discussions.

Later, the meeting ended with the closing remarks by the minister.

Yangon, 25 Feb - The Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries of the Ministry of Industry-1 and the China Metallurgical Construction (Group) Corporation (MCC) signed an agreement for supplying fuel for 200-ton pulp factory project and construction of a 50-ton advanced paper factory this morning at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Industry-1 here. Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, heads of department, Economic Counsellor of the PRC embassy Mr Tang Hai and embassy staff, MCC President Mr Ma Yan Li and others were present on the occasion.

Managing Director of the Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries U Than Shwe and Assistant to President of MCC Mr Xu Xiangchun signed the agreement and exchanged documents.

Yangon, 25 Feb - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs and Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw inspected Pathein Hotel in Pathein on 23 February.

The minister met with Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Naing and discussed development of the communication sector in the division and Ngwe Hsaung Beach Resort.

During his visit to the beach, the minister inspected the situation of the bridge between the beach and Hsinmathe village and the motor road and Ngwe Hsaung Dam supplying water to the beach. He also inspected the post and telecommunication office and the library in Pantanaw.

Yangon, 25 Feb - A ceremony to present prizes to basic education schools for outstanding performance in health for 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 academic year was held at the auditorium of Myanmar Medical Association on Theinbyu Street this morning.

Present on the occasion were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife Patron of the Supervisory Committee for Yangon Division Maternal and Child Welfare Association Daw Khin Thet Htay, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, Director-General of Health Department Dr Wan Maung, Director-General of Education Planning and Training Department U Bo Win, Commander of Military Region No 4 Col Yan Naing Oo, officials, district and township education officers, school heads and social organizations. The commander spoke at length on education promotion programme at basic education schools for turning out healthy and fit new generation students and establishment of schools that carry out school health activities.

The commander presented prizes to basic education schools for outstanding performance in health, Deputy Minister Dr Mya Oo and the directors-general model awards to school heads of basic education high, middle and primary schools in the division.

Yangon, 25 Feb - A ceremony to donate old gramophone records, tapes and books to Myanma Radio and Television was held at the meeting hall of MRTV on Pyay Road this afternoon, attended by Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein.

Also present were Director-General U Khin Maung Htay of MRTV, Managing Director U Myint Thein of Printing and Publishing Enterprise, Managing Director Col Soe Win of News and Periodicals Enterprise, Managing Director U Bo Kyi of Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise, Deputy Director-General U Thein Aung of MRTV, directors and wellwishers.

At the ceremony, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein accepted 29 gramophone records and 14 tape reels in English version donated by Maj Khin Hla Thi (Retd) and family; 50 English gramophone records by U Aye Maung and family of 7th Mile, Mayangon Township; 21 Myanmar gramophone records by U Hnit-Daw Hnget and family of Letpadan Township; 15 English version gramophone records by U Ba San and family of Salin; 57 English version gramophone records and 158 Myanmar-English songs books by Daw Khin Win Kyi of Seikkantha Street; 118 English version gramophone records by Daw Myint Myint Than and family of East Yankin; 55 English version gramophone records by U Khin Maung Aye and family of Kyauktada Township; 50 Myanmar version gramophone records by late Capt Thein Swe-Daw Than Myint and famiy of Mandalay; nine Myanmar version gramophone records by Daw Htay Htay Win and family of staff quarters of MRTV, on behalf of late U Saw Hlaing. Then, certificates of honour were presented to wellwishers.

Similarly, Bhaddanta Kumara of Myingyan donated 18 Myanmar version gramophone records and Dr U Oo Maung and family of Mingaladon Township 47 English version gramophone records in absentia. The deputy minister spoke words of thanks. Those wishing to donate gramophone records published between 1922-1945 may contact IPRDs and Director (Broadast) U Ko Ko Htwe, MRTV, Tel: 536814.

Yangon, 25 Feb - A team led by Vice-President of Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation Prof Daw May May Yi met with officials, and members of Kayah State Organization for Women's Affairs and support groups in Loikaw on 22 February.

At the meeting held at the town hall the next morning, Prof Daw May May Yi gave a speech, and member of the Secretariat Dr Daw San Shwe explained organizational set-up of MWAF and membership application.

Members of the team also discussed prevention of violence against women and human trafficking and rehabilitation, and cultural, information, law enforcement, financial, management, health, education, economic and environmental sectors.

Prof Daw May May Yi presented K 500,000 for education sector of the Kayah State, and K 400,000 for small-scale enterprises.

Kayah State Peace and Development Council and Kayah State OWA also presented K 200,000 for MWAF.

In the afternoon, the team members met with responsible personnel and sought means to develop sports standard of the state.