• Senior General Than Shwe meets departmental personnel in Palaw, Dawei, inspects Maungmagan Beach in Launglon Township
• Excerpts from Senior General Than Shwe's address

• Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt inspects all-round upgrading of Yangon Kandawgyi Garden
• Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspects development undertakings in Ngayokkaung, Ngapudaw Township, Ayeyawady Division
• Seminar on TB in Myanmar
• Vegetable & Livestock Farming inspected
• Military parade columns continue practising drills
• Winners in colour photo contest announced

• Prime Minister visits fourth meeting of State Central Working Committee of the Sangha
• Meeting of Fifth State Central Working Committee of the Sangha concludes
• More ancient Buddha Images of Inwa Period excavated
• Htidaws to be hoisted atop pagodas in Mingaladon Garden City

• Officials leave for Bangkok

• Upgrading of sports grounds inspected

• 203 drug cases exposed in January
• Press conference on narcotic drugs reports of INCB held

Government has already provided infrastructures in various sectors for development of Taninthayi Division

YANGON, 3 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 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, arrived at Palaw via Myeik at 12.30 pm on 29 February.

They were welcomed there by Staff Officer (Grade I) (Q) of the Coastal Region Command Lt-Col Tun Ohn, Myeik District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Khin Maung Kywe and officials.

The Senior General and party held a meeting with local authorities, service personnel, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations, townselders, Tatmadaw members of Palaw Station and their families at Kanyodan Yadana Hall in Palaw.

On the occasion, General Thura Shwe Mann delivered an address, saying that Senior General Than Shwe and entourage dropped in Palaw, while touring Taninthayi Division to fulfil the requirements for regional development.

After taking over the State's responsibilities, the Tatmadaw Government has been systematically implementing the development projects, and now the magnificent development images in all spheres have stood witness to the government's efforts, he said.

Based on the current achievement, continuous efforts are to be made with added momentum for greater development, he said.

In the process, the State, the people and the Tatmadaw are to be united in making combined efforts for ensuring food sufficiency in respective regions and then for development of the entire nation, he added.

Next, the Senior General said that he toured Palaw three or four years ago, adding that the government has been attending to the needs for regional development.

While the government has been striving constantly for regional and national development, divisions, districts and townships, on their part, are also to endeavour for progress of respective regions, he noted. Measures are to be taken

to be able to accelerate the development momentum by making better arrangements after reviewing the previous undertakings sector-wise, he remarked. After the meeting, the Senior General had a cordial conversation with those present. Next, the Senior General and party inspected progress of Palaw and Palaw Bridge. On arrival at Palauk Station, they met with departmental personnel, members of the USDA and social organizations, Tatmadaw members of Palauk Station and their family members.

Township Officer of Palauk Township General Administration Department U Myint Khaing reported on conditions of the township, efforts for regional development, education, health and transport sectors, rice sufficiency and surplus in the region and requirements. Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann explained about the purpose of the tour of Senior General Than Shwe and entourage. Senior General Than Shwe then gave guidance on implementation of the tasks for community peace and tranquillity, prevalence of law and order, sufficiency of food and economic progress, dynamism of the Union Spirit and patriotism and security of the regions.

Senior General Than Shwe and entourage greeted departmental officials, Tatmadawmen and their families. They then left Palauk by helicopter and arrived in Dawei in the evening. They were welcomed at Dawei Airport by Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min, Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Col Kyaw Aung of Dawei Station, departmental officials, members of USDA, social organizations, teachers, students, Tatmadawmen and families.

On 1 March, Senior General Than Shwe and entourage paid obeisance to members of the Sangha at Lawkamarazein Pagoda. Senior General Than Shwe presented offertories to Agga Maha Kamahtanacariya Sayadaw Bhaddanta Arindama of Zeyawady Kyaungtaik in Dawei.

Next, General Thura Shwe Mann, members of the State Peace and Development Council, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) and the Commander-in-Chief (Air) presented offertories to the members of the Sangha.

Secretary of Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Sagara delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits. Senior General Than Shwe presented cash for offering Shwethingan to Shwetaungsar Pagoda to the Board of Trustees. He then signed in the visitors' book.

Senior General Than Shwe and party met departmental officials, Chairmen of district and township Peace and Development Councils, members of USDA and townselders at the town hall in Dawei. Chairman of Dawei District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Khin Maung Nyo reported on cultivation of crops including rice, rice sufficiency in the region, cultivation of oil palm, rubber and pepper, forestry, mining and electric sectors, rural and border development, education, health and transport matters, implementation of the projects.

General Thura Shwe Mann reported on endeavours for building of a peaceful modern developed nation and need to carry out the tasks hand in hand with the State, the people and the Tatmadaw. Senior General Than Shwe said the Government

has been giving priority to development of Dawei region. Infrastructure development is important for carrying out regional development undertakings. The

Government has already provided infrastructures in various sectors including health, education and transport sectors in Dawei and Myeik development zones for

progress of Taninthayi Division. The Ye-Dawei-Myeik-Kawthoung Union Highway reaching Kawthoung in the southernmost tip of the nation has already been built,

and necessary bridges on it has been constructed. Thanks to Ye-Dawei railroad, the journey from Mawlamyine to Dawei has become one-day-trip. Travelling time between the two destinations can be cut after completion of the upgrading work. Completion of Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) will ensure direct link between

Dawei and Yangon, and will contribute to the progress of the Taninthayi region.

The Government has been narrowing the development gap between all regions of the nation to the most possible degree, and striving for their simultaneous progress, without taking into account the distance or condition of any region. The Government has already fulfilled all the requirements, and the Dawei region should strive to boost production and accelerate regional development.

Efforts should be made to add value to the natural resources in the region, and energetic efforts are required for regional development. He cordially greeted those present at the meeting.

At the briefing hall in Maungmagan Beach in Launglon Township, the Senior General and party heard a report on salient points of the pleasant beach, which is eight miles long, presented by Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, who also explained that plans are under way to make the beach as beautiful and developed as the Ngapali and Ngwe Hsaung beaches. Chairman of Myanmar Hoteliers Association U Khin Shwe explained arrangements to develop the beach.

Senior General Than Shwe said a master plan should be presented to make further discussions for the development of the beach. Further improvement of the

transport to the region will ensure its long-term progress. The Senior General and party then inspected the beach.

In Dawei, they met with the heads of Dawei University and the colleges and faculty members at the university. Pro-Rector of the university U Kyaw Kyaw Htay, Principal of Dawei Education College U Mae Aung, Principal of Government Technological College Daw Kyay Yi and Principal of Government Computer College Daw Myint Myint Maw presented reports on the location, classes, major subjects of the institutions of higher learning, provision of teaching aids, academic matters and strength of faculty members.

The Senior General provided guidance on the need of adequate human resources like well-rounded intellectuals and intelligentsia in building a new nation, the building of necessary infrastructure by laying down the special four-year national education promotion plan and the need of making efforts to bring about highly-qualified human resources.

Next, the Senior General signed in the visitors' book of the Dawei University.

Senior General Than Shwe also cordially greeted the faculty members of the university and inspected the progress made in construction of school buildings at the university. Later, Senior General Than Shwe and his entourage viewed the development conditions of Dawei by car.

The Senior General and party also visited Dawei Education College and Government Computer College. They also cordially greeted teachers, trainees and students who were welcoming them.

On 2 March, the Senior General and party arrived at Heinze Station in Yebyu Township by helicopter and there he met with Tatmadawmen and their families. At the get-together, General Thura Shwe Mann extended greetings, followed by the guidance given by the Senior General.

Senior General Than Shwe and party proceeded to Mon State and Kayin State and arrived back here from Mon State this evening.

On 1 March, General Thura Shwe Mann met with Tatmadawmen and their families from battalions and units of Dawei Station at Aung San Hall and gave instructions.

Similarly, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, member of the entourage, arrived at the Information and Public Relations Department at Kawthoung District on 25 February, and there the minister inspected the wall magazines, the office building and Pyinnya Alin Library.

The minister also oversaw the television relay station and gave instructions on the punctual broadcasting of television programmes. The minister also looked into the IPRD in Bokpyin Township on 26 February and the construction of the subprinting house in Myeik on 27 February. After hearing the reports presented by officials concerned and inspecting the printing house, the storehouse, the generator, the water tank and progress of the construction of staff quarters, the minister gave instructions. He also inspected the IPRD and the television relay station in Myeik.

Government has been giving priority to development of Dawei region. * The Ye-Dawei-Myeik-Kawthoung Union Highway reaching Kawthoung in the southernmost tip of the nation has already been built, and necessary bridges on it has been constructed. * The Government has been narrowing the development gap between all regions of the nation to the most possible degree, and striving for their simultaneous progress, without taking into account the distance or condition of any region. * Completion of Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) will ensure direct link between Dawei and Yangon, and will contribute to the progress of the Taninthayi region. * Efforts should be made to add value to the natural resources in the region, and energetic efforts are required for regional development.

YANGON, 3 March-Prime Minister General Khin Nyuntr yesterday morning inspected all-round upgrading tasks of environs of Yangon City Kandawgyi Garden and gave necessary instructions to officials.

At 9.30 am, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at the briefing hall of the construction of Water Plaza at Central Symbol Zone at Kandawgyi, where they were welcomed by Chairman of the Working Committee for all-round Upgrading of Environs of Kandawgyi Garden and Zoological Gardens (Yangon) Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Yangon Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, the deputy ministers, members of the working committee and departmental officials.

First, the commander reported to the Prime Minister on progress of upgrading tasks at the Recreation Zone, the Education Zone and the Central Symbol Zone. Next, officials reported on tasks being carried out by respective groups and future tasks. After hearing the reports, the Prime Minister attended to their needs and gave instruction that officials are to coordinate timely completion of the upgrading tasks applying technology and using their experiences for enabling the public to take a rest in the modern garden and durability of the grand garden.

Then, the Prime Minister inspected completion of the water plaza at the Central Symbol Zone, construction of the barbecue garden modern restaurant at the Recreation Zone, and the modern aquarium being built by Myanma Agriculture Service, the fruit garden and propagation booth where 37 kinds of fruits including durian, kyetmauk (Amaratus caudatus), pineapple, papaya and others will be displayed, the booth of vegetable patches, spices and herbal plants, the orchid park, the booth of vegetable patches with the use of fertilizers, the flower booth, nursery shops and agricultural equipment shops and sanitation tasks being carried out at the Kandawgyi Garden. Officials conducted the Prime Minister round the sites.

Next, the Prime Minister gave necessary instructions and left there in the morning.

YANGON, 3 March - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence inspected development undertakings in Ngayokkaung town, Ngapudaw Township, Ayeyawady Division, on 1 March.

Accompanied by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Naing and officials, he met with local elders in the town and attended to the needs in constructing a two-storey school building.

At the station hospital, he inspected the store room, a solar-powered freezer, and operation theatre and visited the patients. After inspecting the farming work at the police station, he inspected construction of an earth road, 19 miles and five furlongs long, linking the town and Ngayokkaungtaung village. At the village, he cordially met with members of social organizations.

At the meeting, he said the regional transport is improving thanks to the assistance of the Government. As the village's location is good, it will develop

in the near future. Local people are required to strive for progress of their own region. The social organizations should render cooperation sector-wise. General Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service Dr Nyi Nyi and Ayeyawady Division Manager U Hla Myo disseminated scientific cultivation methods to the farmers.

During the inspection of Pathein-Ngwe Hsaung Road Project, he heard a report on the tar laying of the section, 30 miles and three furlongs long, being undertaken by Asia World Co Ltd, presented by officials. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected the road by car. The Pathein-Ngwe Hsaung Road is 30 miles and three furlongs long. The gravel road is 21 miles and tarred road 9 miles three furlongs long. The gravel road is being upgraded to 14 feet wide concrete road on the Pathein-Ngwe Hsaung Road.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected cultivation of summer paddy in Tunpalun Village, Pathein Township. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions. Out of the 61,152 acres, 47562 acres of summer paddy have been grown in Pathein Township.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing inspected laying of concrete on the Pathein-Ngwe Hsaung road section and approach road to the Pathein Bridge by Asia World Co Ltd.

They spent the night in Pathein.

Yesterday, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than met Tat-madawmen and families in the Pathein Station Hall.

He gave instructions on education, health, social affairs and livestock breeding on a manageable scale.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party arrived back here in the afternoon.

YANGON, 3 March - The opening of the Seminar on Tuberculosis in Myanmar took place at the Health Staff Training School on Asheizay Street in Dagon Township here this morning, with an address by Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo.

Also present on the occasion were heads of departments under the ministry, medical superintendents, specialists, officials, the presidents of social organizations, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Research Institute of Tuberculosis (RIT) of Japan Dr Nakamura.

In his address, the deputy minister said that the National Health Committee is giving high priority to combating tuberculosis. Myanmar is using the WHO recognized most effective DOTS Strategy to combat TB. The WHO set Global TB Target By 2005 identify 70 per cent of all people with active TB and cured 85 per cent of those detected. In 2002, Myanmar case detection rate was 70 per cent and treatment success rate is 82 per cent which is very close to WHO target. The achievement is due to high political commitment, efforts of health personnel, and community involvement and participation of NGOs and INGOs hand in hand. Next, Dr Nakamura delivered a speech.

The seminar was held under the third joint programme of RIT and JATA (Japan). At the seminar, the papers on anti-TB including the JATA project which covers six townships - Mingala Taungnyunt, Thanlyin, Kyauktan, Chanmyathazi, Amarapura and Aungmyethazan townships were submitted. The seminar continues till 4 March.

YANGON, 3 March - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected cultivation of vegetable plantations and livestock breeding tasks at Yangon Division Vegetable and Livestock Farming Special Zone near Nyaunghnapin Village, Hmawby Township, yesterday. At Hmawby Hsan Hall in Fish Breeding Special Zone-1, he met with officials concerned and gave instructions. So far, 5,405 acres of land have been put under vegetable plantations at the Special Zone. Similarly, over 1.1 million of broilers and layers have been bred and over 900,000 broilers have been sold. Over 1.2 million of fish are being bred in 568 acres of ponds.

YANGON, 3 March - The parade columns which will take part in the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade continued their drills in the Resistance Park here this morning from 7 am to 10 am.

Anawrahta Column led by Column Commander Col Aung Kyaw Oo, Kyansittha Column led by Column Commander Col Thein Tan, Bayintnaung Column led by Column Commander Col Than Win, Nawade Column led by Column Commander Capt Aung Thaw (Navy), Aungzeya Column led by Column Commander Col Tint Wai, 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 practised parade drills under the command of Parade Commander Brig-Gen Min Thein.

Chairman of the Management Committee for Observance of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Vice-Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Maj-Gen Aung Kyi and Brig-Gen Nyan Win, and senior military officers watched and inspected the parade columns practising drills.

YANGON, 3 March- The 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Literary and Colour Photo Organizing Working Committee chaired by Deputy Minister for Information U Thein Sein announced the winners today.

AK Moe (Zoology) won the first prize, Sein Win Htway in the second and Anthony (Mawla myine) in the novice class of the contest entitle 'Prosperous Myanmar', and Saw Thein Win (City News) the first, NyaungU Po Cho the second and

Shweintha Khin Maung Win the third in the class of the contest for those have already won the prizes.

U Lu Maung (MPS) won the first prize, U Than Aung (IPRD) the second and Ko Aung Than (Ayeya) the third in the novice class of the contest entitled 'Preserve Cultural Heritage' and NyaungU Po Cho won the first prize in the contest for those who has already won the prizes.

The winners are to contact Secretary of the Work Committee U Tun Min, Director, Information and Public Relations Department, not later than office hour on 7-3-2004. Prizes will be presented to first, second and third winners at the prize presentation ceremony to mark the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day. Consolation prizes will be presented to winners at the respective military commands.

YANGON, 3 March- Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt visited the fourth meeting of the fifth State Central Working Committee of the Sangha at the ordination hall of Maha Pasana Cave in Thiri Mingala Kaba Aye Hill this afternoon.

The Prime Minister, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office arrived at the ordination hall at 1.40 pm. They were welcomed three by Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Adviser U Arnt Maung and heads of departments.

The Prime Minister paid homage to State Ovadacariya Sayadaws, State Sangha Maha Nayaka Sayadaws and members of State Central Working Committee of the Sangha. He visited the session of the third day of the fourth meeting of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha.

The Prime Minister inspected preparations for religious title presentation and dry rations offering ceremony.

YANGON, 3 March- The Fourth Meeting of the Fifth State Central Working Committee of the Sangha continued for the third day at Maha Pasana Cave Ordination Hall on Kaba Aye Hill this morning and concluded in the evening.

Present were State Ovadaçariya Sayadaws, members of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and members of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, adviser U Arnt Maung, directors-general and officials.

Vice-Chairman of the SSMNC Dawei Gawthitayama Monastery Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Açinnabhivamsa presided over the meeting and Joint-Secretary Nyaungdon Ponnamayama Zaykyaung Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Osadhabhivamsa acted as master of ceremonies.

Joint-Secretary Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kundalajoti sought the approval on the report of the SSMNC. Then, Secretary Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara submitted lists of vice-chairmen Sayadaws and joint-secretaries Sayadaws for the second three-year term and the meeting chairman Sayadaw sought the approval of the lists. The meeting ended in the afternoon.

Today's wellwishers U Hla Aye and Koepahsay Family of No 177, Wahdan Street, Lanmadaw Township, offered 'soon' to the Sayadaws and then traditional medicines to the Sayadaws.

YANGON, 3 March - A team led by U Hla Kyi Maung Maung, director (admin) of the Archaeological Department has been taking measures for renovation of deteriorating Aungsikhon Pagoda built by King Swazawke of Inwa near Zaga-in village of Pinya ancient city, TadaU Township, Mandalay Division, since the second week of December 2003. A total of 32 ancient Buddha statues of Inwa era had been found during the period from 11 January to 7 February 2004. On 28 February, seven more Buddha statues were found from south-west corner of the pagoda. To date, 39 Buddha statues have been found from the pagoda.

Htidaws to be hoisted atop pagodas in Mingaladon Garden City

YANGON, 3 March - Under the patronage of Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Panña Dipa Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw, a ceremony to hoist Htidaws atop Jabu Ushaung Myatphonekhaung MyoU Pagodas in Mingaladon Garden City will be held on a grand scale from 5 to 7 March.

In the garden city, replicas of the Shwedagon Pagoda, Mandalay Maha Muni Buddha Image, Kelasa Hsandawshin Pagoda, Bagan Dhamma Rajaka Pagoda, Kyaikhtiyo Hsandawshin Pagoda and Kyaikhtihsaung Hsandawshin Pagoda, and Shin Upagutta Image, Shinsivali Image, Thattahtana, Dagundaingkyaung and pagodas have been built. At the ceremony, Htidaws will be hoisted atop 171 pagodas including encircling pagodas.

Starting from 29 February, the Htidaws (tiered and ornamented finials), Hngetmyatnadaws (Vanes) and Seinbudaws (Diamond Orbs) are being kept temporarily at the Kyaikhtihsaung Pagoda, the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda and the Shwedagon Pagoda. The religious objects will be conveyed back to the garden city at 4 pm tomorrow.

Panledaings (pivots) and Htidaws will be hoisted atop the pagodas at 7 am on 5 March morning; and Seinbudaws and Hngetmyatnadaws, at 8 am on 7 March. On 5 and 6 March evenings, those present will be entertained with Anyeints and Myanmar traditional orchestras.

YANGON, 3 March- Executive of UMFCCI Secretary of Myanmar Timber Entrepreneurs Association U Aye Lwin left here by air yesterday morning for Thailand to attend the Bangkok Furniture Fair 2004 in Bangkok from 4 to 7 March. CEC member of UMFCCI U Moe Kyaw also left here by air to attend the Leadership Forum 2004 in Bangkok from 3 to 5 March. They were seen off at the Yangon International Airport by UMFCCI President U Win Myint and officials.

YANGON, 3 March - Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint inspected upgrading of Salin football grounds in Kyimyindine Township this morning.

The minister then inspected arrangements for construction of a football ground in the compound of Kyaikkasan Sports and Physical Education Institute in Tamway Township.

According to the instruction of the Prime Minster, Salin sports ground in Kyimyindine Township, Hline sports ground in Hline Township, Padetha and Myathida sports grounds in South Okkalapa Township, the sports ground in Thakayta Township, four sports groundss in Kyaikkasan Sports Ground in Tamway Township, Mandaing sports ground in North Okkalapa Township and one training ground at Thuwunna Youth Training Centre, totalling 11 are being upgraded by the Ministry of Sports and eight university sports grounds of university in Kamayut Township by Myanmar Football Federation.

Then, the minister inspected the hostels and mess of the athletes of Myanmar Archery Federation.

YANGON, 3 March - The Tatmadaw, the Myanmar Police Force, and the Customs Department exposed 203 drug-related cases during January 2004.

The cases were: 30 cases with 56.2 kilos of opium, 73 cases with 25.1 kilos of heroin, 1 case with 0.97 kilo of morphine, 6 cases with 2.76 kilos of opium oil, 4 cases with 11.27 kilos of low-grade opium, 17 cases with 0.84 kilo of marijuana, 1 case with 3.75 litres of phensedyl, 46 cases with 343,696 stimulant tablets, 0.1 kilo of ephedrine, 59 kilos of stimulant powder, 6 cases with 5.281 kilos of opium dust, 1.5 kilos of chemical powder, 8 cases for failure to register, and 11 other cases. Action was taken against 314 peresons - 271 men and 43 women.

YANGON, 3 March - The press conference related to the narcotic drugs reports of International Narcotic Control Board-INCB was held at the hall of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime-UNODC on Malikha Road in Mayangon Township this afternoon.

Present were Director (News) of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Hla Tun, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Hla Htway, President U Sao Kai Hpa and members, officials of periodicals, Resident Representative Mr Jean-Luc Lemahieu of UNODC and officials.

At the press conference, Resident Representative Mr Jean-Luc Lemahieu said that as illegal cultivation areas of poppy plantation continued to decline in east and south-east Asia regions in 2003, there was the two-thirds decline of poppy cultivation in Myanmar in 2003 compared with the cultivation in 1996 due to endeavours in narcotic drugs elimination being undertaken by the Government of the Union of Myanmar. Similarly, it was obviously seen that seizures of production and trafficking of amphetamine stimulant tablets declined in Myanmar in 2002.

He welcomed Myanmar and Mongolia which joined as members in the narcotic drugs control treaty (1988) and drug eradication treaty (1982).

Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, members of Mekong Basin Countries, signed the MoU on cooperation in drugs elimination in 1993 and approved to implement that MoU in September 2003. He supported regional cooperation such as control of transnational smuggling of narcotic drugs, matters related to amphetamine tablet and prevention against HIV infection. In addition, he was satisfied with eradication of narcotic drug production jointly carried out in April 2003 by Myanmar and Chinese police forces.

As there were 81,400 hectares of poppy plantations in Myanmar in 2002 and 62,200 hectares in 2003, cultivation of poppy plantation was obviously reduced by 24 per cent.

UNODC, on its part, is carrying out drugs elimination tasks in Myanmar with the assistance being provided by the US, Germany, Japan and Italy. It is estimated that out of US$ 26 million which will be spent on drugs elimination in

Kokang and Wa regions, UNODC has already fetched about US $ 6 million. Later, the resident representative answered the queries raised by journalists.