• Senior General Than Shwe inspects institutions of higher learning, hospitals in Myeik
• Senior General Than Shwe inspects construction of Maha Theikdizaya Pagoda in Myeik
• State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Bulgaria
• Excerpts from Senior General Than Shwe's addresses

• Prime Minister makes inspection tour of Rakhine State
• Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt meets delegates to plenary meeting of State and Division Organizations for Women's Affairs
• Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspects development of Haigyikyun and Ngayokkaung region
• Fish donated to Armed Forces Day parade columns

• Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt sends felicitations to Bulgaria
• Delegation (MOC) leaves for Vietnam

• Delegation ( UMFCCI  ) leaves for Vietnam

• Buddha Pujaniya of Myat Mawtin Pagoda held
• Fifth State Central Working Committee of Sangha meeting continues

YANGON, 2 March - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe arrived at the Government Computer College in Myeik, Taninthayi Division, at 9 am on 28 February.

He was accompanied by members of the State Peace and Development 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, ministers, deputy ministers, senior military officers and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office.

The Senior General and party met with officials, the acting pro-rector of Myeik University, professors, and principals and teachers of Government Computer College and Government Technological College.

Director-General of Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar) U Saw Lwin reported to them on the brief account of the university, classes, major subjects and other academic matters, Principal of GCC Daw Mya Mya Zin and Principal of GTC Daw Nu Nu Swe on academic and management matters, Head of Marine Biology Department Dr Htay Aung on his subject and the islands in Myeik Archipelago.

Minister for Education U Than Aung said the Myeik University has the best opportunity among the universities that teach Marine Biology in Southeast Asia, and explained the extension programmes of the department, academic matters and research work.

Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung explained the current condition of the GCC and GTC and extension plans.

Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance, saying that qualified human resources are essential to build a peaceful, modern and developed nation. Institutions of higher learning are being set up to narrow the gap between the regions in terms of development and in producing human resources. The world at present is seeing rapid developments and changes. A developing country like Myanmar will have to leapfrog to catch up with global developments and changes, and ordinary steps alone may not be enough. The nation should make five or more steps forward for every step taken by others. It is important for the nation to have qualified human resources to advance with leaps and bounds.

Qualified teachers as well as international level curricular are needed to bring out brilliant intellectuals, engineers and scientists. The institutions of higher learning must have adequate number of advanced teaching aids. Plans are under way to send teachers abroad for further studies and to train them in the country with advanced equipment.

Teachers should also understand the sector-wise requirements of the Government and its goodwill. They will have to teach and train their pupils to become human resources capable of serving the national interest and building the nation. Teachers themselves should also try to promote their qualification. Only the qualified can produce brilliant persons. Brilliant human resources are required for long-term progress of the nation. There are examples that only the nations having qualified human resources achieve progress in the long run.

Thus, the education promotion programmes are required. Education qualification competitions should be held institution-wise and prizes should be presented to the winners to implement the programmes.

Later, Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected the 3,600-foot long Kywegu-Kyaukphya Bridge, which was inaugurated on 26 October 2003. they also viewed the surroundings of the bridge.

After observing the rubber plantations in Myeik region by car, they visited the Government Technological College in Myeik, and greeted the principal and the teachers. In Myeik University, they cordially conversed with the acting Pro-Rector Daw San Yi and faculty members and inspected it.

On arrival at Myeik General Hospital, they were welcomed by Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint, Head of Taninthayi Division Health Department Office Dr Swe Win, Medical Superintendent Dr Tun Lwin, physicians and health staff.

Minister Dr Kyaw Myint reported to the Senior General on the salient points of the hospital.

In his guidance, Senior General Than Shwe said requirements were fulfilled for upgrading of 200-bed general hospital in Myeik, 200-bed general hospital in Dawei and 100-bed hospital in Kawthoung and other hospitals and dispensaries.

In the past if someone suffered from a disease, he was sent to Yangon for treatment. The government opened specialist hospitals in order to provide local people with health care services of high standard. Hospitals and dispensaries were opened to provide health care services fully. Moreover, institutes and schools that can produce skilled doctors and health staff were opened, he said.

He spoke of the need for health staff at different levels to carry out the tasks for health education, prevention of diseases and treatment with sense of duty. By doing so, national health standard will improve, he said.

He said the health staff are to review the tasks whether they are effective or not. In dealing with patients, weaknesses are to be remedied in time.

He stressed the importance of providing effective health care services to the people with goodwill for their longevity and living with peace of mind free from diseases as everybody loves to be alive.

The Senior General signed in the visitors' book.

Next, Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected dental and oral unit, out-patient department, blood bank and X-ray room.

The Senior General and party met members of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council, departmental officials, chairmen of Myeik District and Township PDCs, officials, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, social organizations, townselders and entrepreneurs at Pale Yadana Hall in Myeik at noon.

Commander Brig-Gen Ohn Myint reported on development tasks in Taninthayi Division, measures undertaken for rural development, collection of tax, paddy cultivation acreage in the division, sufficiency of rice, cultivation of oil palm, rubber, pepper, construction of 12 oil palm factories, mining, meat and fish and transport sectors, economic development, per capita income and arrangements for regional development.

Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha reported on State economy and production, contribution of Taninthayi Division in the State economy, per capita income and economic sector.

Senior General Than Shwe then gave guidance. He said he and his entourage came to the region to inspect development of Taninthayi Division and to fulfil the requirements on 25 February. If the natural resources in the division can be utilized effectively, Taninthayi Division will become the one on which the State can rely, he said.

There are plenty of land, marine and sea resources. Fish and prawn, petroleum and natural gas contribute much towards national development. Pearl culture is a reliable and potential business of the division. Mineral resources can still be explored not only in the sea but also in the land. Exploiting the land resources, paddy cultivation is to be extended so that there will be sufficiency of rice in Taninthayi Division. Lands where oil palm and rubber can be grown are still left. Rubber and palm oil can be exported through the extended cultivation. Pepper which earns foreign exchange can be grown well in the region, he added.

Effective exploitation of natural resources in Taninthayi Division contributes towards the national economic progress and percapita income in the division. It is sure that Taninthayi Division will become a prosperous one on which the State can rely if the tasks can be implemented with might and main after realizing the better prospects for development, he said.

He spoke of the need to work hard. The government has fulfilled the basic requirements in education, health and transport sectors for development of the division, he added.

Continuing, he said, the government is implementing the tasks spending a large sum of money with the aims of developing even the far-flung areas. In response to the government's goodwill, local people are to make efforts for development through hard work. He urged them to make endeavours for local rice sufficiency, regional and national development hand in hand with the State, the people and the Tatmadaw.

Senior General Than Shwe and party toured Myeik and inspected fish and prawn factories there.

Senior General Than Shwe and party proceeded to Kyunzu by air via Myeik and met with departmental staff, USDA members, those of social organizations and Tatmadawmen and their families at Kyun Yadana Hall of Kyunzu Township Peace and Development Council Office.

At the meeting, on behalf of the Senior General, General Thura Shwe Mann said in the time of Tatmadaw Government, not only the whole country but also Taninthayi Division has developed in all aspects thanks to the cooperative efforts of the State, the people and the Tatmadaw.

Next, he urged those present to make efforts for the development of their region and the State. Senior General Than Shwe cordially greeted those present. Later, Senior General Than Shwe and party viewed round Kyunzu by car, and proceeded to the township people's hospital and met with doctors and nurses. Senior General Than Shwe and party arrived back in Myeik by helicopter.

Yangon, 2 March — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, with his entourage, visited Maha Theikdizaya Pagoda on 29 February morning and inspected the pagoda, which is under construction in Myeik.

Senior General Than Shwe and party first paid homage to Buddha statues kept in the cave of the pagoda and then to relics which will be enshrined in the pagoda.

After signing in the visitors’ book, Senior General Than Shwe viewed round the pagoda and inspected progress made in construction of the pagoda.

Officials presented reports on construction works of the pagoda to Senior General Than Shwe, who later gave guidance. Next, the Senior General greeted departmental officials, and members of religious associations, the Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations. At 10 am, Senior General Than Shwe and party went to the Buddha Sasana Beikman Building at Laykyunhsimee Pagoda and paid homage to Ovadacariya Sayadaws of the pagoda.

On the occasion, Township Sangha Nayaka Committee (Thudama) Chairman, Myeik Sankyaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Pandavamsa invested the Senior General and the congregation with the Five Precepts, followed by the recitation of parittas by Sayadaws. Next, Senior General Than Shwe offered provisions to the Sankyaung Sayadaw.

Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann and members of the State Peace and Development Council, the commander-in-chief (Navy), the commander-in-chief (Air), and ministers also provided offertories to Sayadaws. Later, Senior General Than Shwe and party shared the merits gained from the good deeds. Afterwards, Senior General Than Shwe and party viewed the Myeik jetty, seaport and its nearby areas from the viewpoint near the Buddha Sasana Beikman Building.

YANGON, 3 March - 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 Excellency Mr Georgi Parvanov, President of the Republic of Bulgaria, on the occasion of the Anniversary of the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria which falls on 3 March 2004.

- It is important for the nation to have qualified human resources to advance with leaps and bounds.

- Teachers should also understand the sector-wise requirements of the Government and its goodwill.

- They will have to teach and train their pupils to become human resources capable of serving the national interest and building the nation.

- Only the nations having qualified human resources achieve progress in the long run.

- If the natural resources in the division can will be utilized effectively, Taninthayi Division will become the one on which the State can rely.

- Effective exploitation of natural resources in Taninthayi much contributes towards the national economic progress and individual income in the division will considerably increase.

- The government has fulfilled the basic requirements in education, health and transport sectors for the development of the division.

- It is sure that Taninthayi Division will become a prosperous division on which the State can rely if the tasks can be implemented with might and main after realizing the better prospects for development.

Yangon, 2 March — Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and party, accompanied by Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Chairman Western Command Commander Maj-Gen Maung Oo, arrived at Kyaukpyu via Taungup, Rakhine State, on 29 February afternoon.

They were welcomed there by local authorities, departmental personnel and members of social organizations. They proceeded to Kyaukpyu Education College and inspected the computer training centre and presentation room. Principal Daw Khin Khin Wai reported on courses being conducted in the college. Deputy Minister for Education Col Aung Myo Min gave a supplementary report.

The Prime Minister fulfilled the requirements for construction of a new building, saying that measures are being taken for opening new educational institutions and upgrading old ones. In the process, the Prime Minister gave instructions on adopting the plans for appointing sufficient number and high quality of the teachers.

On arrival at Kyaukpyu District People’s Hospital (100-bed), Chairman of the National Health Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt looked into wards, operation theatre and medical store, and gave instructions to the officials on meeting the standard of health care services of a district level hospital (100-bed).

At the Rammawady Hall in Kyaukpyu, the Prime Minister held a meeting with local administrative bodies, service personnel and social organizations. On the occasion, Kyaukpyu District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Myo Tint reported on location, area and population of Kyaukpyu District, average annual rainfall, land utilization, cultivation of monsoon paddy, preparations for extended paddy cultivation, condition of local rice sufficiency, growing of various kinds of fruits, pepper, cold season crops, beans and pulses, edible oil crops and kitchen crops, education and health.

The Prime Minister attended to the needs for construction of Ngalawaih bridge, facilitation of an auto-exchange in Kyauk-pyu, and providing of fire engines for Yanbye and Manaung and said that the purpose of the tour is to inspect development projects and to attend to the needs.

According to the officials of Kyaukpyu District, regional development and businesses have not met the target yet, he said. The district is blessed with marine resources. Previously, the marine resources could be exploited on a commercial scale in the region, but now the process has come to a halt. Besides, despite a lot of cultivable land, the region has not enjoyed local rice sufficiency yet owing to lack of land reclamation, he added.

Therefore, officials and departments concerned are to take a leading role in providing agricultural methods and assistance for effective utilization of the resources, he pointed out.

Township level officials are to take such measures as extension of land reclamation, introducing high-yield paddy strains, extended cultivation of cash crops such as green gram, groundnut and mustard, establishing model farms and disseminating agricultural methods for boosting agricultural production, he noted.

Model fish and prawn breeding is to be conducted in the region for promotion of livestock breeding sector. Organizing measures are to be taken in the interest of local people who are engaged in agriculture and livestock breeding, and assistance is to be provided for the farmers, he remarked.

A new natural gas deposit has been found in the sea adjacent to Kyaukpyu region recently, and so the region will be prosperous with oil production process soon. Besides, being blessed with good conditions to establish a deep sea port, Kyaukpyu region will be a prosperous one. Thus, officials are to make preparatory measures in creating good conditions for regional economic progress, he said.

At a time when the Government has been making efforts for raising the economic and living standard of the people, departmental personnel and the people, on their part, are also to make endeavours with goodwill for regional development and elevating the socio-economy life of the people, he urged.

Next, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt presented a TV set and a video cassette player each to Kyaukpyu Basic Education High School Nos 1 and 2 through respective principals.

The Prime Minister and entourage also viewed computer aided instruction, computer application and e-Mail, video system, electronic media (language lab), reading corner (printed media) room of Kyaukpyu BEHS No 1.

They arrived back at An in the evening.

Yesterday morning, the Prime Minister looked into development projects in An. The Chairman of the MEC and party arrived at An BEHS No 2 at 8.30 am. They inspected the multimedia teaching classrooms and left instructions on construction of new lecture rooms and academic matters to the teachers.

The Prime Minister proceeded to An Civil Engineering Project site. Officials reported on points about the project, of allocation of land plots, construction of roads and bridges, work being done, future tasks, distribution of water from Hinywet Dam and construction of town hall in An. The Prime Minister fulfilled the needs and gave necessary instructions.

The Chairman of the NHC headed for the site of An Township Hospital (100-bed) Project. Officials reported on facts about the project, progress in construction of the main building, operation theatre, obstetric and gynaecological ward, paediatric ward, and outpatient ward, construction of a surgical ward, and arrangements being made for giving medical treatments. The Prime Minister left necessary instructions.

The Prime Minister and party viewed the buildings round the project site.

Afterwards, they visited Swedawtaik Dhammayon in An and presented offertories to Chairman of An Township Sangha Nayaka Committee MyoU Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panña Dhika and members of the Sangha.

They went to the immigration control centre No 25 in An. Officials reported on border trade businesses and immigration work. The Prime Minister gave instructions and met with local authorities, departmental officials, social organizations and townselders. On the occasion, the Township Peace and Development Council Chairman reported on facts about the region, cultivation of monsoon paddy, edible oil crops and beans and pulses, education and health sectors, forest conservation and nursing trees plantations.

The Prime Minister attended to the needs for construction of new buildings for An BEHS Nos 1 and 2, and dealt with highland reclamation, boosting per acre yield of the crops, planting such cash crops as green gram and pepper, conservation of forests, and establishing tree plantations.

Next, the Prime Minister presented a TV set, a video cassette player and a computer set each to An BEHS Nos 1 and 2, saying that during the inspection tour of Rakhine State, he fulfilled the requirements for development of Taungup and Kyaukpyu townships the previous day and An Township earlier in the morning.

Agriculture thrives in An Township and officials are to encourage the people to extend growing of seasonal and perennial crops. He stressed the importance of transforming hill-side cultivation to highland cultivation in An Township. He said that the officials concerned are to organize local farmers so as to replace the strains of crops with high-yield ones. He called for measures to be taken for local food sufficiency and extension of more tree plantations in An Township.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister urged the departmental officials to strive with goodwill to ensure rapid development of the region, to win the trust of local people and to raise socio-economic life of local people. The Prime Minister and party arrived back here in the afternoon via An.

YANGON, 2 March - Patron of Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt met with delegates to the plenary meeting of State and Division Organizations for Women's Affairs at the meeting hall of Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 3 pm yesterday and gave necessary instructions.

Present on the occasion were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, the ministers, the chief justice, the attorney-general, the Yangon mayor, the deputy ministers, the deputy chief justice, the vice-mayor, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, Chairperson of the leading committee for organizing the plenary Meeting of State and Division Organizations for Women's Affairs MWAF President Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, vice-presidents and members, work committee members and guests.

First, the Prime Minister spoke on the occasion. He said not long ago, the MWAF and State/Division Organizations for Women's Affairs held a conference. The future programmes and the sectors which requires remedial measures will have to be discussed. The State founded the MWAF to extend the functions to develop the women's sector.

The State values and honours the spiritual ability and fine traditions of the womenfolk who have energetically taken part in the respective sectors throughout the successive eras of history. The MWAF has been founded to organize the women mass to become a national force, while enabling them to take part in the nation-building task in the respective sectors.

As the Government has been making systematic efforts for the progress and firmness of the Myanmar women's sector, the women's spirit to love the nation and the race, patriotism to preserve the race, and the spirit to serve the well-being of the nation and the people have been further vitalized, and their tradition of actively taking part in the activities related social organizations promoted.

At present, the sector of Myanmar women are entering a new age; their ability is rising and their fine traditions flourishing. In this regard, the Government has been making arrangements to promote the women's organization as a means to accelerate the developing momentum of the sector and enhance its essence and leadership role.

Of the nation's population of over 52 million, about 27 million are women, and 15 million of them are young ones or in their prime age. Thus, such a large volume of human resources should be united to become a single mighty force.

In addition, the women have been serving the national interest as a strong force throughout the course of history. Thus, all will have to further consolidate their strength. The MWAF has been formed for the women to lead the invaluable force and to take the task of sharing responsibilities by themselves, till the Federation has become a united organization on which the womenfolk can rely.

The MWAF has been formed with the fine traditions - to promote the women's sector in building a peaceful, modern and developed nation; to protect the rights of women; to develop the economy, health and education of women and to ensure a secure life for them; to nurture train them to promote their spirit of cherishing and valuing the traditions and culture; to systematically carry out the task of preventing violence against them and rehabilitation; to launch the task to eliminate trafficking in women and children; and to cooperate with international, regional and local bodies in ensuring the rights of women in accord with the traditions and culture and customs of the national races.

Moreover, the basic principles of the federation are: to serve only the national interest with the united strength of the entire nation based on Our Three Main National Causes; the ethnic basic principle of giving serious attention to love, friendship, respect and unity of the national races; the social basic principle of contributing to the community peace, food, clothing and shelter needs, and health, education and cultural development; and the basic women's affairs principle of promoting the women's sector and ensuring a secure live for the womenfolk. The womenfolk will have to discharge their duties in accord with the basic principles.

The Federation is an organization, with sound foundations in which all the Myanmar women who love their race and who wish to serve the interest of the nation are to strive only for the national cause. Officials are urged to collectively work to help the Federation run in accord with its vision.

Personnel of the Federation have already toured wards, villages, townships, districts and states and divisions and explained the basic principles, aims, functions and membership application of their body. Thus, the basic principles, organizational set-up and functions will have to be amended if necessary. The Federation is the main organization to boost the morale of women, and manage the health, education, organization and other affairs. It is also the highest body of the women's sector helping realize the State's policies and aims of the sector. Thus, the organizations at different levels will have to work in harmony and unison under its supervision. All the members should work with loving kindness and goodwill.

President of Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe reported on formation of the federation. She said the federation was formed on 20 December 2003. It includes two honorary patrons, 12 members of Panel of Patrons, 44 central executives and 332 members of central organization for women's affairs.

She said the federation will carry out 16 major tasks based on policies on women's development and ensuring secure life laid down by the government for Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs and sectors designated by The Fourth World Women's Conference. The sectors are education, health, economy, prevention of violence against women, culture, conservation of environment, information and communication, young girls and women, international communications, scrutiny of laws, prevention of human trafficking, nurturing and resettlement, organizing, national races affairs, discipline and finance and administration.

She said organizational set-up and functions, fundamental rules were compiled.

She said central executive members led by President and Vice-President of MWAF made field trips to states and divisions. They met members of state and division organizations for women's affairs and explained procedures on finance and expenditure, indicators needed in compiling reports and fundamental rules of the federation. They also replied to the queries.

President Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe reported on the date and venue in connection with holding of plenary meeting of MWAF and delegates of state and division organizations for women's affairs, objectives of the meeting, committees for holding the meeting, accommodation, estimated expenditure and assistance to be provided.

The Prime Minister, the ministers, the chief justice, the attorney-general and officials took part in the discussions. Next, members of Panel of Patrons of MWAF and delegates of state and division organizations for women's affairs discussed the holding of plenary meeting.

Next, the Prime Minister fulfilled the requirements and said the delegates coordinated functions of the federation. The future tasks of the federation to be implemented have now come to shape.

He said it is very important to carry out the tasks of the federation systematically and correctly.

He also stressed the importance of correct leadership, systematic measures, education and supervision, good character, sacrifice and goodwill towards the organization.

He urged them to try to become the social organization that can serve the interest of the nation in the history.

YANGON, 2 March - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council South-West Command Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing and members, inspected agricultural and livestock breeding tasks in local battalion in Haigyi Station on 29 February morning.

First, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party arrived at the pepper farm No 3 and inspected cultivation of 1,000 pepper saplings and the poultry farm where 100 ducks are raised in the local battalion. He next gave necessary instructions to officials. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than viewed the thriving crops plantation and local chicken breeding farm. In the local battalion on Haigyikyun, pepper, betel vines, carrot, water cress and perennial crops such as thitseint, mango trees and other trees are cultivated and 1,000 ducks, 374 goats, 10 buffaloes are bred. There are also 49 acres of sea prawn breeding ponds in the battalion.

Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party went to Haigyikyun Station Hospital where they viewed round the X-ray room and operation theatre and donated K 100,000 to the funds of the hospital. He then inspected the post and telegraph station of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications and greeted the staff.

After inspecting Haigyikyun Police Station, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party viewed the development of Haigyikyun by car. They next went to Win Kyaw Kyaw Ice Factory in the model village which produces 160 300-pound ice blocks per day. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, the commander and party proceeded to Khamaukmaw Village by boat and inspected road construction tasks along Pathein-Mawtin Road by car.

At 1.30 pm, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party arrived at Ngayokkaungtaung Village where they cordially greeted departmental officials and townselders at the village basic education school and fulfilled the requirements. At the meeting with the townselders, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than made cash donation for the village basic education school and opening of the library. Later, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party proceeded to Ngayokkaung where they were welcomed by local people.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than met with departmental officials and townselders at Nagyokkaung Basic Education High School. Also present were Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of the South-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Naing and division/district/township level officials.

Ngapudaw Township PDC Chairman U Nyunt Tin and Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing reported on monsoon paddy cultivation, and health and administrative affairs of the region.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than made a speech. He said to ensure the smooth transport of the Ngayokkaung region, the State has constructed Pathein-Mawtin earthen road and with the result that pepper can be transported by road from Ngayokkaung Taung Village to Pathein and Mawtinsun. He said the State has laid down five rural development tasks. And it is undertaking the tasks for construction and upgrading of schools and appointing teachers, opening new station hospitals and rural health care centres and employing doctors and nurses, he added. Plans have been laid down and agricultural and livestock breeding works are being carried out to boost the rural economy. It is needed to extend the cultivation of perennial trees and crops, he said. Measures are to be taken for cultivation of pepper by using the scientific method as well as conventional method. The region is required to set its objectives in order to become the one where pepper is grown most in Myanmar. Then, he also stressed the need for implementation of prawn and fish breeding tasks. In conclusion, he said local people are to cooperate with departmental officials in implementing the tasks for their regional development.

After that, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than donated K 100,000 for the fund of Ngayokkaung Station Hospital.

Later, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected the development of Ngayokkaung region, cultivation of coconut, betel and mangoes and Myakyuntha beach.

YANGON, 2 March - As a gesture of hailing the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, Myanmar Mann Marine Products Trading this morning donated 500 viss of Ngathalauk fish (hilsa) worth K 475,000 to the military parade columns which will participate in the Armed Forces Day parade at the Resistance Park here.

At the donation ceremony, Chairman of the Management Committee for Observance of 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe accepted the donation presented by Chairman of the Trading U Ti Toe.

Similarly, Myakyauk Sayadaw of Yankin Hill in Mandalay also donated 17,220 bottles of safe drinking water.

YANGON, 2 March - The military columns which are going to participate in the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade continued practising drills in the Resistance Park from 7 am to 10 am today.

Parade Commander Brig-Gen Min Thein led the practising drills of the columns - Anawrahta Column headed by Column Commander Col Aung Kyaw Oo, Kyansittha Column by Column Commander Col Thein Dan, Bayintnaung Column by Column Commander Col Than Win, Nawaday Column by Column Commander Col Aung Thaw, Aung Zeya Column by Column Commander Col Tint Wai, Hsinbyushin Column by Column Commander Col U Kyaw, Bandoola Column by Column Commander Col Myint Ko Ko, Myawady Column by Column Commander Col Kan Nyunt, and Aung San Column by Column Commander Col Maung Maung Than.

Chairman of the management committee for the observance of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade 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 inspected the drills.

YANGON, 3 March - General Khin Nyunt, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Symeon Saxe-Coburg Gotha, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria, on the occasion of the Anniversary of the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria which falls on 3 March 2004.

YANGON, 3 March -U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Solomon Passy, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, on the occasion of the Anniversary of the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria which falls on 3 March 2004.

YANGON, 2 March - At the invitation of Vietnamese trade minister, Myanmar delegation led by Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Aung Tun left here for Vietnam this morning to attend the opening ceremony of GMS Trade Fair to be held in Hanoi, Vietnam, from 4 to 7 March, meeting of the executive members of the Greater Mekong Sub-regional economic forum and trade promotion conference.

Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, departmental heads and officials saw the delegation off at the Yangon International Airport.

The delegation was also accompanied by Director of the Directorate of Trade U Kyaw Soe Lin.

YANGON, 2 March - To attend the First GMS Trade Fair in Hanoi, Vietnam, UMFCCI Vice-President U Aung Lwin, CEC member U Tun Aung and executive U Myo Thant left here by air this morning and Vice-Presdient U Zaw Min Win and Joint-Secretary-2 Dr Maung Maung Lay left here by air this evening.

They were seen off at the airport by UMFCCI President U Win Myint and officials.

YANGON, 2 March - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Chairman South-West Command Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing and departmental officials, attended the Buddha Pujaniya of Maha Makutaramsi Hsandawshin Myat Mawtin Pagoda in Ngapudaw Township on 28 February morning. Present on the occasion were the chairman Sayadaw and member Sayadaws of Ayeyawady Division Sangha Nayaka Committee, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing and wife Daw Tin Tin Latt, senior military officers, departmental officials, members of the pagoda board of trustees, social organizations, wellwishers and guests.

After opening the ceremony with the three-time recitation of Namo Tassa, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Maj-Gen Soe Naing and wife offered flowers, water, lights and offertories to the pagoda. Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party paid homage to the pagoda. The congregation received the Five Precepts from member Sayadaws, who later recited parittas. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and the commander presented certificates of honour to wellwishers who made donations for all-round renovation of the pagoda. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than also supplicated on religious matters to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha. After the ceremony, Pathein District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Hla Thwin presented the paintings of the pagoda to Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Maj-Gen Soe Naing and Col Maw Oo Lwin of Local Battalion. Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Maj-Gen Soe Naing and wife performed rituals of golden and silver showers.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party arrived at Kanchaing village, where he attended a ceremony to hand over the newly-built basic education middle school (branch). On the occasion, outstanding students opened the stone inscription bearing the motto that reads 'Build a modern and developed nation through education.' Next, the commander and the assistant education officer of Ayeyawady Division formally opened Thiha Hall at the school. On the occasion, the chairman of the school board of trustees reported on matters related to the middle school. The commander also spoke on the occasion. The commander and the schoolhead handed over to Col Maw Oo Lwin the commemorative pennant to mark the handover of the school. The schoolhead also handed over documents related to the building. The commander made a donation of K 100,000 for all-round renovtion of the school through the schoolhead.

At the assembly hall of the school, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than met with departmental personnel, member of social organizations and townselders. On the occasion, local authorities reported on the location and area of Kanchaing village, health, social and economic conditions.

Speaking on the occasion, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than said the State had already set up 24 development zones all over the country, and carried out rural development tasks, agricultural and livestock breeding. He also urged officials concerned to take measures for rural health care services and rural water supply. He also cordially greeted those present at the meeting. After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party viewed the regional development conditions in Kanchaing village.

Later, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party arrived at Thameehlagyun in Ngapudaw Township. At the briefing hall there, officials reported on measures being taken for control and care of turtles in Ayeyawady Division, for preventing the turtles from extinction, environmental conservation tasks, and the population of turtles along Myanma seashore. After hearing the reports, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions. Next, they proceeded to Ahsinchaing village of Pyinkhayaing station and met with local people.

On arrival at Pyithaya village, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party paid homage to Kalat Pagoda and viewed natural stallactites. Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than presented K 30,000 for the Pyithaya primary school and inspected the regional development conditions. Later, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than also oversaw the bridge linking Deedugon village with Thayachaung village and gave instructions on maintenance of the bridge. He also inspected the 30-acre prawn breeding pond of U Zaw Min. There are 406.82 acres of prawn breeding ponds in Deedugon village-tract. Later they went to the basic education high school at Ahsinchaing village of Pyinkhayaing station. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than cordially met with locals, members of social organizations, and donated K 100,000 for the school through the schoolhead.

He also visited the 16-bed Station Hospital and gave encouragement to in-patients . He also inspected the operation theatre and medical storehouse at the hospital. He also provided K 100,000 to the hospital fund.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party proceeded to Chaungwa village, where he cordially met with social organizations and townselders. He also donated K 100,000 to the band troupe of the affiliated high school.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party then left there by Tatmadaw vessel and arrived at Haigyikyun in Ngapudaw Township in the evening. At the battalion hall there, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than cordially met with officers and other ranks of the battalions and units.

YANGON, 2 March - The fifth State Central Working Committee of the Sangha of the Union of Myanmar continued its fourth meeting for the second day in Maha Pathana Cave on Kaba Aye Hill here this morning.

On the occasion, Chairman of the Central Committee for Construction of Maha Wizaya Pagoda, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council and Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe supplicated on the building of the pagoda and progress of its all-round renovation.

Present at the meeting were State Ovadacariya Sayadaws, Presiding Saya-daws of the SSMNC and the SCWCS, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Adviser

U Arnt Maung, directors-general of departments under the ministry, deputy directors-general, directors, officials, and local authorities.

In his supplication, Maj-Gen Myint Swe said it was unprecedented in the history of the Buddha Sasana in Myanmar that the first plenary Sangha meeting was held successfully in 1980 with the aim of promoting and propagating the Sasana. To mark the successful completion of the meeting and the unity among the different sects of the Sangha, the Maha Wizaya Pagoda was built. He continued the major donor for religious edifices of the pagoda was families of All Bus lines Control Committee (Yangon). Then, the meeting went into recess. The meeting resumed at 1 pm, and the report on activities of the SSMNC during the previous year was read out. Then, general round of discussions were held. The meeting continues tomorrow.