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The Peasant Day message of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe
(The following is a translation of the message sent by Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, to the Peasants Day 2004) Esteemed peasantry, Today, the 2nd of March, is the Peasants Day honouring the peasantry of all Myanmar races. On this auspicious day, I wish all peasantry health and happiness and success of their farming business. The State Peace and Development Council has laid down and implemented the economic objectives to develop the national economy in leaps and bounds for the emergence of a new peaceful, modern and developed nation that is the national goal. In doing so, it has been drawing and implementing the short-term economic plans in accord with the geographical position and climatic condition of the nation and the existence of human resources, for well-rounded development of all economic sectors including industrial, forestry, energy, mining, livestock breeding and fisheries, and trade sectors, with agriculture as the base. As the agricultural sector is the nation's giant production industry, the Government has given continuous priority to its success and development, while utilizing greater financial power to build dams and canals, sluice gates, river water pumping stations, and underground water tapping projects all over he country, for, the facilities are the main requirement for the sector's development. From 1988 to date, the Government has used over K 68,881 million to build 157 dams, irrigating about 2.15 million acres.
And plans to reinforce the irrigation sector with the river water pumping stations has led to emergence of 265 such stations in the entire nation, benefiting about 300,000 more acres of crops. The nation sees marked increase in the sown acreage reaching 39.9 million acres at present, and 150 per cent rise in cultivation of various crops thanks to the Government that takes into account various means to ensure water supply for crops in the whole nation; reclaims fallow, virgin and vacant lands and wetlands, applying various means; launches highland cultivation project to transform slash-and-burn cultivation to terrace cultivation; and renders assistance in multi-sectors to grow double and mixed cropping. Cent per cent use of the increasing acres of cultivation fields requires switching to mechanized farming that harnesses machines in harrowing land and cultivating, harvesting and threshing crops. In this regard, the Government as well as the private sector are making arrangements to boost manufacturing of farm machinery. Instead of directly buying of paddy, the nation's main crop, from farmers as in the previous years, the Government has permitted the free rice trade beginning this year in the interest of the peasants and to help contribute to the progress of the market-oriented economy. The introduction of the new rice trade policy is a means to enhance the work capacity of the peasants and national entrepreneurs in accord with the aspiration of the people, including farmers, whose business directly or indirectly concerns the rice industry. The Government has already made arrangements to pay special attention to extending sown acreage, ensuring adequate water supply for crops, and switching from manual to mechanized farming, while providing chemical and natural fertilizers, farming techniques and crop strains, in the interest of the entire national people, including peasants.
Here, I would like to urge the peasantry to make use of the golden opportunity created by the StateÕs agricultural development drive, while striving to raise their social standard, and for cent-per-cent realization of the production targets of the State's agricultural sector. Esteemed peasantry, The State Peace and Development Council has been further consolidating peace and stability, rule of law, and national solidarity, while standing firmly on the national policy Ñ non-disintegration of the Union; non-disintegration of national solidarity; and perpetuation of sovereignty. And now, it has started the implementation of the seven-point future policy programme, with the building of a peaceful, modern and developed discipline-flourishing democratic nation as the goal. The seven-point future policy programme has been warmly welcomed and supported by a large number of countries and the entire national people. In this regard, I urge the representatives of the peasantry to actively take part in reconvening the National Convention that will pave the way for the emergence of a new Constitution that is in conformity with the seven-point future policy programme, till the successful accomplishment of the nation task - the emergence of a new Constitution. Moreover, you, the entire mass of peasantry, are profoundly urged to accept the success of the seven-point future policy as the national duty in addition to the task of striving for the development of the agriculture sector, the State's main economic pillar, for the Union of Myanmar to perpetually stand tall in the world, with national peace, stability, modernization and development as the destiny. In like manner, I would like to urge you to join hands with all the national races in discharging the duty.
Yangon, 1 March-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied by members of the State Peace and Developement Council General Thura Shwe Mann, Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, the ministers, the deputy ministers, senior military officers and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at Kyaukhtanaung Station in Bokpyin by helicopter on 26 February afternoon. Next, Senior General Than Shwe and party met with Tatmadawmen and their families of Kyaukhtanaung Station at the hall of the station. At the meeting, General Thura Shwe Mann gave a speech.
Next, Senior General Than Shwe gave necessary instructions and greeted the Tatmadawmen and their families. After that, Senior General Than Shwe and party arrived at Karathuri in Bokpyin Township by helicopter at 3 pm. They were welcomed there by Tactical Operations Commander Col Tin Maung Nyunt and officials, departmental officials and local people. At the guest house in Karathuri, the Secretary of Bokpyin Township Peace and Development Council and officials reported on the salient points of Karathuri to Senior General Than Shwe and party. Lt-Gen Maung Bo and Commander Brig-Gen Ohn Myint gave supplementary reports. In response to the reports, Senior General Than Shwe gave necessary instructions and greeted those present on the occasion.
In the evening, Senior General Than Shwe and party arrived in Bokpyin where they were welcomed by General Staff Officer (Grade I) Lt-Col Khin Maung Cho of Bokpyin Station, Chairman of the Township Peace and Development Council U Thein Win and officials. Next, Senior General Than Shwe and party paid homage to Razamuni Pagoda in Bokpyin and made cash donations for the pagoda through members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees. Afterwards, they proceeded to Atuladhipati Mahamuni Shwethalyaung Buddha Image and paid homage to the image. Next, they made cash donations there. On 27 February morning, Senior General Than Shwe greeted the Tatmadawmen and their families of battalions and units under Bokpyin Station.
General Thura Shwe Mann and Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo also met the Tatmadawmen and their families of Bokpyin Station at the meeting hall of the station and gave instructions. Next, Senior General Than Shwe and party met with departmental officials, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations at the office of the Township Peace and Development Council. At the meeting, Senior General Than Shwe made a speech. He said that the government has been giving priority to development of Bokpyin region since the region is difficult of access and has potential for development. He added that Bokpyin has now possessed the characteristics of a major town and it is in stark contrast with the past. Steps have been taken for development of roads, waterways and airways in the region. To ensure better transport, Bokpyin-Kawthoung.road section and Bokpyin-Taninthayi road setcion were upgraded into all weather roads. The government has established good infrastructures in administrative, education and health sectors while striving for ensuring better transport in order to bring about harmonious development across the nation regardless of races and regions.
As the region has favourable weather conditions, progress has been made in economy and the local people have been able to enjoy self-sufficiency in food and departmental personnel and the people are to make concerted and coordinated efforts to fully utilize natural resources.Next, Senior General Than Shwe greeted those present on the occasion.
After the ceremony, the Senior General and party inspected round Bokpyin by car.Next, the Senior General and party at 10.30 am arrived in Pyigyi Mandaing where they were welcomed by Tactical Operations Commander Col Win Naing and officials. At the briefing hall near Layhnya-Mandaing bridge in Pyigyi Mandaing, the Senior General and party met with departmental officials, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations, the Tatmadawmen and their families.
At the meeting, officials reported on location and area of Pyigyi Mandaing, undertaking of farming and fisheries in the region, cultivation of oil palm, rubber and pepper and self-sufficiency in foods. In response to the reports, Senior General Than Shwe gave instructions, saying that Pyigyi Mandaing and its environs lie between Bokpyin and Taninthayi and it is a far-flung region. He added that systematic measures are being taken for development of Pyigyi Mandaing region to bring about equitable development the length and breadth of the nation. The Pyigyi Mandaing region will meet with success if the five rural development tasks are carried out with might and main.
The government has established the basic infrastructures including Layhnya-Mandaing bridge for regional development. The service personnel who are there are to strive together with local people for regional development. The service personnel are to organize local people to inculcate them with the nationalism and Union Spirit. As the region is a border region, officials concerned are to strive for prevalence of law and order for bringing about regional peace and security to enable the people to live with peace of mind. In addition, strenuous efforts are to be made to reclaim farmlands that are put aside due to various reasons for self-sufficiency of rice in the region. Next, the Senior General greeted those present on the occasion. Later, the Senior General and party inspected Layhnya-Mandaing bridge. The Senior General and party in the afternoon arrived at Taninthayi where they were welcomed by Tactical Operations Commander Col Soe Thet and officials.
At Taninthayi Basic Education High School, the Senior General and party met with departmental officials, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations, the Tatmadawmen and their families. At the meeting, the Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council reported on cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy, self-sufficiency of rice, the growing of palm oil and rubber, and livestock breeding. In response to the report, Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance, saying that Taninthayi is mainly engaged in farming undertakings as it has favourable weather conditions, adding since local people are usually engaged in farming they are not widely engaged in the tasks. Taninthayi will have to provide assistance in enabling Myeik District to enjoy self-sufficiency of rice and land is to be reclaimed to fully grow paddy.
In addition, cultivation of oil palm and rubber is to be extended and strenuous efforts are to be made to fully grow pepper that contributes to development of national economy. Pepper is thriving in Taninthayi Division, Mon State, Kayin State and Rakhine State and efforts will have to be made to produce pepper as a new export item. Various kinds of crops can be cultivated in Myanmar as it is rich in land and water resources and has three climates and sustained efforts are to be made to fully utilize the resources given by the nature. After the ceremony, the Senior General and party inspected the completed Taninthayi Bridge. The Senior General and party went to Myeik by helicopter. They were welcomed by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Deputy Commander of Coastal Regional Command Col Hone Ngaing, Col Zin Yaw of Myeik Station and officials.
The Senior General and party visited Laykyun Simi Pagoda in Myeik. Senior General Than Shwe signed in the visitors’ book and donated cash to the pagoda though the pagoda board of trustees. Senior General Than Shwe and party conversed with members of the pagoda board of trustees and pilgrims. The Senior General and party paid obeisance to the Buddha images in Theinthamote. On 28 February, member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann met Tatmadawmen and families of battalions and units of Myeik Station at the meeting hall of the command.
Excerpts from Senior General's address
Yangon, 1 March — Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win this afternoon inspected round the construction project sites of Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge No 2, Kayan sluice gate, Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township Industrial Zone and 12,000-ton dry dock of Myanma Shipyards and gave necessary instructions to officials.
Accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win first arrived at the briefing hall of Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge No 2 construction project where he was welcomed by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Yangon Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, deputy ministers, department heads and officials.
The commander reported on matters related to supply of irrigated water for the all-the-year-round greening of the 30-mile radius of Yangon City and for crops cultivation in dry season through the three ways and means — one is from Moeyungyi Lake through canal system, second from the sluice gate at Kayan Creek to Kayan and Thongwa townships in summer and third from Ngamoeyeik Dam to cultivation acreage of Thanlyin and Kyauktan townships through the pipe line on Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge No 2. The commander also reported on cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy, beans and pulses, oil crops, vegetables and other crops, 17,286 acres of extended cultivation, extended construction of dams and reservoirs, sluice gates and river-water pumping stations and 34,000 acres of extended cultivation such as summer paddy, beans and pulses and oil crops.
Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn Myint reported on tasks being carried out by the ministry for the greening of the 30-mile radius of Yangon City; Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein on arrangements for supply of irrigation water from Ngamoeyeik Dam to Thanlyin and Kyauktan townships through the pipe line on Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge No 2; and Superintending Engineer (Project) of Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge No 2 construction project U Myint Lwin on progress in bridge construction and future tasks. The Secretary-1 next fulfilled the requirements and viewed the construction works from the tower at the project site.
After that, the Secretary-1 and party went to the construction project of Kayan sluice gate being implemented by the construction-6 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation near old Natchaungwa Village in Thanlyin Township by watercraft. At the briefing hall, Director of construction-6 U Khin Maung Myint reported on objectives and facts about the project. The Secretary-1 gave instructions on timely completion of the project. Next, the Secretary-1 met with chairmen and members of ward and village PDCs from Kayan, Thongwa, Thanlyin and Kyauktan townships. In his instructions, he said peace and development councils at states, divisions, districts, townships, wards and village-tracts are administrative bodies to which the State assigns duties. As they are in close relation with the general public, they should take great care in their dealings with the public. Since they represent the State, their misconduct will degrade the State. Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the Kayan sluice gate under construction with the help of heavy machinery.
The sluice gates are designed to prevent the inflow of river water and inundation in Kayan Township in the rainy season, to protect after the rainy season. The sluice gates are being constructed by the construction group-6 of the Irrigation Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. Kayan sluice gate has 40 valves, each of which measures 6 feet by 16 feet and is of concrete type. On comple-tion, the sluice gate will benefit 30,000 acres of farmland. Later, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at Silver Valley rattan funiture house in the industrial zone of Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township. There they were welcomed by Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology Dr Chan Nyein, and officials of the management committee for industrial zone.
The Secretary-1 and party inspected round the rattan furniture house and gave instructions. Next, they proceeded to Dagon Pansan auto workshop, where they viewed round the vehicles on display manufactured by Dagon Pansan auto workshop and Super Seven Stars Int’l Trading Co Ltd. Later, the Secretary-1 and party went to the construction site of a 20,000-ton dry dock being undertaken by the Myanma Shipyards under the Ministry of Transport in Kamayut Township. At the briefing hall of the project site, the managing director of the Myanma Shipyards reported on matters related to the dry dock, progress of construction and future tasks. Deputy Minister for Transport U Pe Than then presented a supplementary report. The Secretary-1 also inspected the construction of tug boats, the cutting of metal plates with the help of CNC and building of landing crafts at the workshop-1. The deputy minister and the managing director conducted the Secretary-1 and party round the shipyard. After inspecting the shipyard, the Secretary-1 attended to the requirements and left here.
Yangon, 1 March - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of departments left here yesterday and arrived in An at 11 am on that day. Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party were welcomed by Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Maung Oo, members of Kyaukphyu District and An Township Peace and Development Councils and departmental officials. The Prime Minister, accompanied by the commander, arrived in Taungup where they were welcomed by Col Myint Soe of Taungup Station, members of Thandwe District and Taungup Township PDCs and departmental officials.
The Prime Minister attended a ceremony to open Shwe Myitta Home for the Aged in Taungup. Also present were members of the Sangha led by member of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha Kaingshe Sayadaw in Taungup Maha Saddhamma-jotikadhaja Kanmathana-cariya Bhad-danta Vayamida, the commander, the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, local authorities and wellwishers. The commander and donor of the Home for the Aged Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Khin Maung Win formally opened the Home. The Prime Minister formally unveiled the stone inscription of the home. Next, the Prime Minister paid respects to the members of the Sangha and presented offertories to them.
Wellwisher U Khin Maung Win and Daw Soe Moe Thu presented K 20 million - K 10 million for the fund of the Home, K 5 million each for construction of three-storey building of Taungup Basic Education High School and new building of Kyauknimaw BEHS in Yanbye to the commander. The Prime Minister and party inspected hostels, mess hall and Dhammayon. The Prime Minister performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the opening of the Home which can accommodate 40 elderly people. The Home for the Aged was constructed at a cost of K 75 million donated by U Khin Maung Win and Daw Soe Moe Thu.
The Prime Minister and party went to Taungup BEHS where they were welcomed by members of school board of trustees, headmistress Daw Nyunt Shwe, teachers and students. The Prime Minister inspected three-storey building under construction. Next, he met members of Thandwe District and Taungup Township PDCs, departmental officials and members of social organizations at the hall in the school. Chairman of Thandwe District PDC Lt-Col Hla Tin reported on location and area of Thandwe, population, cultivation of monsoon paddy, per acre yield, arrangements for extended cultivation of monsoon paddy, cultivation of beans and pulses, oil crops and kitchen crops, sufficiency of rice in the region, cultivation of pepper, construction of Wetkyeik dam for water supply and education and health activities. Chairman of school board of trustees Dr Aung Kyaw Min reported on construction of three-storey school building in Taungup and departmental officials on work being done and requirements.
The Prime Minister fulfilled the requirements in connection with Wetkyeik Dam and construction of three-storey building. The Prime Minister upgraded some basic education schools to high and middle ones in Taungup and 25-bed hospital to 50-bed one in An. Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt presented a TV, a VCR and a set of computer to the headmistress. In his address the Prime Minister said Taungup is the gateway to Rakhine State and it is a place where agriculture, livestock breeding and fisheries can be undertaken.
The government is building infrastructures on education, health, social and economic sectors for development of Rakhine State including Taungup and raising of living standard of local people, he said. He said the government is also building roads and bridges for ensuring better transport in Rakhine State. About three years ago, the Head of State himself formally opened the Yangon-Sittway Road. The government has built 894 miles of roads including 537 miles of tarred roads in Rakhine State. Altogether 27 bridges which are 180 feet and above including 2,513 feet long Kissapanadi Bridge and 2,003 feet Minkyaung Bridge were opened. Another five bridges including 2,704 feet Minkyaung Bridge and 1,154 feet Lonedawpauk Bridge are under construction and arrangements have been made for construction of other four bridges.
There are hundreds of medium and small bridges in Rakhine State, he added. He said one can now travel from Sittway to Yangon through Sittway-MraukU-An-Minbu-Magway Road, Sittway-An-Taungup-Padaung-Pyay Road and Sittway-An-Taungup-Thandwe-Gwa-Ngathaingchaung Road. The Yangon-Kyauk-pyu Road is being built with the use of geotextile process because there is a marsh land on Maei-Kyaukpyu road section. He said roads linking Yangon and townships in Rakhine State have emerged at the time of the present government. At the same time, the government is building infrastructures that contribute towards the development of social and economic sectors of local people in other states and divisions. The Prime Minister spoke at length on upgrading of basic education schools, opening of Sittway University, Government Technological College and Government Computer College for gaining education opportunities and development of human resources, opening of 200-bed and 100-bed specialist hospitals to promote health care services of local people, appointing doctors, nurses and staff and providing medicines and other equipment. He said dam and river water pumping projects are being implemented for agricultural development in Rakhine State and efforts are to be made for rice sufficiency in the region and then surplus of paddy.
There are a lot of fallow and virgin lands in Rakhine State including Taungup. So those lands are to be reclaimed for extended cultivation and fisheries including prawn breeding are to be extended from manageable scale to commercial scale, he added. He said the government is fulfilling requirements for development of Rakhine State and uplift of living standard of the people. He spoke of the need for the people to work hard for development of the region and progress of economic and social life. He said the seven-point future programme of the State has been laid down for emergence of a peaceful, modern developed and discipline-flourishing democratic nation, the goal of the State. He urged the people to try hard to reach the goal in unity under the leadership of the government.
Township Education Officer Daw Than Sein spoke words of thanks. Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party went to Taungup People's Hospital where they were welcomed by Medical Superintendent Dr San Hlaing and doctors. They inspected wards and X-ray room. The Prime Minister inspected the site for extension of the hospital which is to be upgraded to 50-bed hospital from 25-bed one. The Prime Minister and party left for Kyaukpyu.
Region
State Central Working Committee of the Sangha meets
Yangon, 1 March— The fifth State Central Working Committee of the Sangha of the Union of Myanmar held its fourth meeting in the Maha Pathana Cave on Kaba Aye Hill here this morning. Present on the occasion were State Ovadacariya Sayadaws, member Saya- daws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Adviser U Arnt Maung, Director-General of the Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint, Director-General of the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Sann Lwin, deputy directors-general of the two departments, directors, and officials.
On the occasion, the minister supplicated on religious matters to Sayadaws. Next, the report concerning the tasks carried out during the previous year by the SSMNC was read out. The second-day session of the meeting continues tomorrow. Sandi herbal medicines shop offered ‘soon’ to Sayadaws while Tun Shwe Wa medical house and Aye Kaba medical house offered traditional medicines. Duyinthee U Soe Myint-Daw Khin Ma Yi and family offered ‘soon’ to Sayadaws at the preliminary meeting yesterday.
Certificates presented to trainees of Drama School and State School of Fine Arts
Yangon, 1 March — A ceremony to present course completion certificates for the 2003-2004 academic year of the Drama School (Yangon) and the State School for Fine Arts (Yangon) under the Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture took place at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township here this morning. Present on the occasion were Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department U Kyaw Win, officials of social organizations related to fine arts, and guests.
U Kyaw Win spoke on the occasion. Certificates were then presented to 41 trainees. Next, the minister, the deputy minister, and guests viewed round the works created by trainees and watched the variety of dances and a drama presented by trainees. Those wishing to join the three-year courses on singing, dancing, music, painting and sculpture should contact the township peace and development councils concerned. If selected, they will receive a monthly stipend of K 300. Applications can now be sent to the director of the Research and Training Division, Fine Arts Department, on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Bahan Township not later than 31 May 2004.
Winners named for 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Competitions
Yangon, 1 March — The list of winners for the military marching songs and military songs competitions organized by the Work Committee for the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day 2004 Commemorative Poetry and Arts Competition were announced today. In the military marching songs competition, the first prize went to Saw Yan Kyaw of Thingangyun Township, second prize to Lin Kyaw of Insein Township, and third prize to Nay Mon Shwe Win of IPRD (Head Office). Than Htut and Yebaw Myint Lwin of the Military Band (Navy) won consolation prizes.
In the military songs competition at level-1, Tekkatho Maung Htay Aung of Hline Township, Maung Thet Aye of North Okkalapa Township and Letpadan Aye Than of Letpadan Township won first, second and third prizes respectively while consolation prizes went to Yebaw Myint Lwin of the Military Band (Navy) and Soe Htut Khine of South Okkalapa Township. In the military songs competition at level-2, first, second and third prizes went to Hsuywetwai of Mingala Taungnyunt Township, Phyo Thinza Khin of Pathein and Myat Thu Han of Pathein while consolation prizes went to Tun Tun Min of Tamway Township and Ei Shwe Zin Min of Myawady Television. First, second and third prize winners are to attend the award presentation ceremony to be held on 27 March 2004. All the winners are requested to get in touch with U Ko Ko Htwe, Secretary of the Subcommittee, for televising.
Military parade columns practise drills
Yangon, 1 March — Military parade columns which will participate in the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade started drilling on Myoma Grounds from 5.30 to 9 am today. The military parade drills were performed by Anawrahta Column led by Column Commander Col Aung Kyaw, Kyansittha Column led by Column Commander Col Thein Tan, Bayintnaung Column led by Column Commander Col Than Win, Nawade Column led by Column Commander Col Aung Thaw, Aungzeya Column led by Column Commander Col Tint Wai Oo, Hsinphyushin Column led by Column Commander Col Oo Kyaw, Bandoola Column led by Column Commander Col Myint Ko Ko, Myawady Column led by Column Commander Col Kan Nyunt, and Aung San Column led by Column Commander Col Maung Maung Than under the command of Parade Commander Brig-Gen Min Thein. Chairman of the Management Committee for Observance of 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Vice-Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint and Brig-Gen Nyan Win, and senior military officers watched and inspected the drills of the military parade columns.
Maj-Gen Myint Swe and party also inspected the military parade drills of Kyansittha and Myawady parade columns at People’s Square and People’s Park.
International Relations
YANGON, 29 Feb - A 5-member delegation headed by UMFCCI Vice-President Greater Mekong Sub-region Business Forum President U Win Aung left here by air this morning to attend the First Greater Mekong Sub-region Trade Fair from 4 to 7 March 2004 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The deleagtion was seen off at Yangon International Airport by UMFCCI President U Win Myint and officials.
Israeli security cabinet approves "Phalcon" sale to India
Jerusalem, 1 March— Clearing the decks for the sale of 1.1-billion-US-dollar Phalcon Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) to India, the Israeli security Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon Sunday approved the deal. The final terms for the deal were agreed upon during the discussions Israeli Defence Ministry Director, General Amos Yaron, had with Indian officials in New Delhi in December. Indian and Israeli negotiating teams are said to have finished drafting the agreement according to which the Israel Aircraft Industries will receive an advance payment of some 350 million US dollars after the deal is signed. Sources here said Israeli Air Force Commander-in-Chief, Major-General Dan Halutz, is working out the "final technical details" with India on the deal, which will be concluded in the coming weeks. Under the AWACS deal, the Israeli Phalcon radar is to be mounted and integrated on the Russian-designed IL-76 plane made by Beriyev Aircraft Design Bureau, a unit of Irkut Aerospace Corporation. "We hope to sign the contract with Israel, latest by April," a senior official of Irkut Aerospace Corporation told PTI in Irkutsk, Siberia. Irkut also produces Sukhoi Su-30MKI war planes for India.— MNA/PTI
Reproductive Health Project Instructorship Course opened
Yangon, 1 March —The Reproductive Health Project Instructorship Course jointly sponsored by Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, UNFPA and Japanese Organization for International Cooperation in Families Planning (JOICFP) was opened at Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association at the corner of Thanthuma and Parami Roads in South Okkalapa Township here this morning. It was attended by President of MMCWA Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Vice-Presidents Dr U Kyi Soe and Dr Daw Tin Linn Myint, CEC members, patrons of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Supervisory Committee, Resident Representative of UNFPA Mr Rajib M Assifi, officials of Health Planning Department, course instructors and trainees. First, MMCWA President Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe made an opening speech. Next, Representative of UNFPA Mr Rajib M Assifi spoke.The five-day course is being attended by 60 trainees from Mandalay Division.
Women's Affairs
Organizing International Women’s Day discussed
Yangon, 1 March—The work coordination meeting on organizing the International Women’s Day which falls on 8 March 2004 sponsored by Myanmar National Committee for Women’s Affairs was held at the meeting hall of Social Welfare Department on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here this morning. Present on the occasion were Chairman of the Leading Committee for Organizing the International Women’s Day Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, Vice-Chairperson of the Leading Committee Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and committee members and members of the work committees and sub-committees. First, Chairman Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint made a speech.Next, Joint-Secretary-1 of the Leading Committee Professor Dr Daw Khin Aye Win explained the purpose of holding the meeting. After that, members of the Leading Committee and leaders of the work committees reported on measures taken sector-wise, followed by a general rounds of discussions. The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by the Leading Committee chairman .
MWAF Vice-President explains functions of federation in Shan State (North)
Yangon, 1 March — Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation Vice-President Daw Khin Lay Thet and officials arrived at Lashio in Shan State (North) by air on 27 February to explain organizational set-up and functions of the federation to members of Shan State (North) Organization for Women’s Affairs. Daw Khin Lay Thet and party were welcomed at Lashio Airport by Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Chairman Commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing and wife Daw Khin Thant Zin, local authorities and local people. Next, at Lashio city hall, MWAF Vice-President Daw Khin Lay Thet met with members of state, district and township organizations for women’s affairs in Shan State (North), members of district and township PDCs and local people totalling about 557. First, she spoke on the occasion. MWAF Secretary Daw Htu Yaw explained organizational set-up of the federation and matters related to submitting membership applications; Dr Daw Moe Moe Khaing of health group matters related to health, culture and resettlements and nurturing of youth girls and preventing of violence against women and trafficking in persons; Daw Yi Yi Myint of international economic and communication group matters on environmental conservation and information. Afterwards, Daw Khin Thant Zin presented cash donated by state, district and township organizations for women’s affairs in Shan State to the vice-president. Later, Vice-President Daw Khin Lay Thet and party met with executives of Shan State (North) Organization for Women’s Affairs at Shweli Yeiktha in North-East Command in the evening and answered the queries raised by those present.
