• Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and Tatmadaw families offer 'soon' to Sayadaws
• Excerpts from Senior General's addresses
• Senior General Than Shwe inspects development of Ye in Mon State

• Greening of 30-mile radius of Yangon International Airport all the year round coordinated
• Pantanaw test well, Nyaungdon oil field inspected

• Minister meets Korean guest
• Ovadas sought from State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaws

• UMFCCI Presdient receives guests
• Short-term course on sales promotion

• Course on fundamental IT

Yangon, 4 March- Under the patronage of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing, the State Peace and Development Council and families of Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) offered Ã"soonÕ to State OvadaÂ�ariya Sayadaws, member Sayadaws of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, State Central Working Committee of the Sangha and title recipient Sayadaws at Tatmadaw

Dhammayon on Azani Road in Bahan Township at 9.30 am today.

Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing and the congregation received the Five Precepts from Vice-Chairman Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma-jotika Bhaddanta Pa--inda-bhivamsa of SSMNC.

Also present on the occasion were State Ovadacariya Sayadaws, member Sayadaws of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, State Central Working Committee of the Sangha and title recipient Sayadaws and nuns, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Lt-Gen Tin Oo's

wife Daw Khin Than Nwe, member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann and wife Daw Khin Lay Thet, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife, members of the State Peace and Development Council and their wives, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) and wife, the Commander-in-Chief (Air) and wife, the Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council and wife, ministers and their wives, the Attorney-General, the Yangon Mayor, senior military officers and their wives, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads and guests.

Adviser U Arnt Maung who acted as master of ceremonies read the agenda of the ceremony. Next, the ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Members of the Sangha recited Parittas. Afterwards, the Senior General and wife offered provisions such as robes, bowl and others to the Vice-Chairman Sayadaw. Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party donated provisions to the Sayadaws. Secretary Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhi-dhaja Agga

Maha Sad-dhammajotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara delivered a sermon and the Senior General and wife and party shared merits gained. Later, the ceremony ended with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam ‚iram Titthatu.

After the ceremony, the Senior General and wife and party offered 'soon' to the Sayadaws.

* As Ye has become one of the gateways to Taninthayi Division, it will achieve extra development in the future. * Whatever condition a region may have, hard work of the local people is required for its progress. * All need to strive hard as only hard work will bring prosperity. * Effective use of natural resources is important for regional development. * The vision of ASEAN is 'all member nations must become modern and developed ones in 2020Ã", and it is imperative to swiftly reform the Myanmar education system. * Education infrastructures were established after laying down the national education promotion special 4-year plan.

Yangon, 4 March - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe arrived at Ye in Mon State on 2 March 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.

On arrival in Ye, the Senior General and party were welcomed by Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, Brig-Gen Ye Win of Ye Station and officials. At the regional battalion, Senior General Than Shwe and party met with departmental personnel, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations and Tatmadaw members and families of Ye Station.

General Thura Shwe Mann spoke on the occasion. Later, Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance, saying that in the past Ye was the end of railroad and motor road running to the south in the coastal region. Now a motor road runs from Ye to Kawthoung via Dawei and Myeik. In addition the railroad in the area has now extended up to Dawei. As Ye has become one of the gateways to Taninthayi Division, it will achieve extra development in the future. Apart from it, Ye has sound economic foundations, where agricultural business is good, and potentials are high for the growth of meat and fish industry.

The improvement of roads between Mon State and Taninthayi Division has led to the development of the economy, trade and transport of Ye. Anyhow, whatever condition a region may have, hard work of the local people is required for its progress. If the region has enough skilled human resources, it will actually gain progress.

The State has set up institutions of higher learning and schools region-wise for development of human resources region-wise. All need to strive hard as only hard work will bring prosperity. Harmonious efforts are required for development of Ye Township, Mon State and the Union itself. He then cordially greeted those present at the meeting.

After the meeting, the Senior General and party inspected rail-cum-road bridge built by Myanma Railways of the Ministry of Rail Transportation on Ye River, and the town. Accompanied by Commander of South-East Command Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, the Senior General and party helicoptered to Mawla-myine, where they

were welcomed by Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Myo Hla and officials. At the command, they met with Mon State, Mawlamyine District and township local authorities, division, district and township level officials, members of USDA and social organizations, and Tatma-daw members and their families of Mawlamyine Station and families.

At the meeting, Commander Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung reported to the Senior General on development of the agricultural, industrial and meat and fish sectors, monsoon and summer paddy cultivation, rice production, cultivation of beans and pulses and pepper, sown acreage of rubber and plans to extend rubber plantation, and implementation of the economic plans. Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha explained the national economic growth, increase in the per capita income, the economic volume of the nation, the ratio of Mon State contribution to the national economy, and sector-wise implementati on for development of Mon State.

General Thura Shwe Mann also explained the aims of the entourage led by the Head of State to visit Mon State and Taninthayi Division, and the development of the entire nation including Mon State, speaking of the need to pay serious attention to the economic sector to boost production as peace and stability is prevailing in the whole nation due to harmonious efforts of the State, the people and the Tatmadaw; to manufacture import-substitute goods; to switch to mechanized farming; to minimize loss and wastage; and to increase exports.

In his guidance given at the meeting, Senior General Than Shwe said he has been visiting the regions with the goodwill to develop them and the wish to fulfil their requirements. Regional development mainly relies on the efforts of the local people. In other words, the main strength for regional development is the people of that region themselves. The State can only create a better situation by providing proper encouragement and assistance. Effective use of natural resources is important for regional development. Instead of expecting what is non-existent, efforts should be made to achieve progress and success, based on the objective conditions.

Mon State is fertile where agricultural business flourishes. Extra impetus should be made to extend cultivation of rice, and other crops including rubber and pepper in accord with the year-wise plans. Moreover Regional development encouragement should be given to increase income from the meat and fish sector which has high potentials for development. Boosting of the production, with the natural resources as the base, will ensure the economy of Mon State stand on a firm foundation.

The Government has already set up infrastructures in various sectors. After the ceremony, Senior General Than Shwe and party proceeded to Mawlamyine University where they were welcomed by Minister for Education U Than Aung and officials. Next, Senior General Than Shwe and party met with rector, pro-rectors, professors, associate professors, lecturers, assistant lecturers, tutors and demonstrators of Mawlamyine University, Mawlamyine Education College, Government

Technical College and Government Computer College at the Convocation Hall of Mawlamyine University.

At the meeting, Rector of Mawlamyine University U San Tint, Principal of Mawlamyine Education College Daw Yin Yin Myat, Principal of Government Technical

College U Win Maung and Principal In-Charge of Government Computer College reported on brief history, location and area of the university and colleges, courses conducted and subjects, population of students, academic and administrative staff and acquisition of teaching and learning aids.

In response to the reports, Senior General Than Shwe gave instructions, saying that the earlier education standard of Myanmar lagged far behind when compared with that of international community, adding that at a time when there have been changes and developments in leaps and bounds in the field of world education there should not be a series of weak points in Myanmar education. There will be no progress in Myanmar education if review and reform are not made in an effective way in the education system in time. The vision of ASEAN is -all member nations must become modern and developed ones in 2020', and it is imperative to swiftly reform the Myanmar education system and efforts are to be made for development in the field of education. Therefore, transformation is being introduced with added momentum in the education system under the motto 'building a modern and developed nation through education' and education infrastructures were established after laying down the national education promotion special 4-year project.

Universities and colleges were set up in the 24-development zones and opportunities to pursue the higher learning within the reach were created. Human resources needed for the region will emerge if the opportunity to pursue education is created in the region, thereby contributing to ensuring regional development and narrowing development gap between one region and another. Intellectuals and intelligentsia play a crucial role in building a modern and developed nation.

The government is doing its best in promoting the national education standard and continued efforts are to be made for successful realization of the national education promotion goal. In the process, the qualified teachers are to provide well-rounded education with the effective use of teaching aids in accord  with the curricula. The government will provide necessary assistance with goodwill and the teachers, on their part, are to strive to become highly qualified ones while teaching the students to become outstanding ones.

The teachers are to teach the students who will build and safeguard the nation in future to become new generations of international level. Next, the Senior General inspected progress made in construction of the convocation hall of Mawlamyine University and the small scale model of the convocation hall and gave  necessary guidance to officials.

On arrival at Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine), the Senior General and party were welcomed by Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, the Chief Engineer, senior engineers and engineers of Public Works. At the briefing hall, the Senior General heard reports on progress in building the bridge by Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun.

After hearing the reports, the Senior General gave guidance that as Thanlwin Bridge (Maw-lamyine) now under construction is the longest and biggest of the State, it will be the pride of the State as well as symbol of Mawlamyine. And emphasis is to be laid on timely completion of the bridge meeting the set standard.

Then, the Senior General and party inspected progress in construction of the bridge. Next, the Senior General and party went to the part of the bridge on Mawlamyine Bank and saw over the laying of concrete floor for the motor road and the preparation for laying of the railroad. Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine), 11,575 feet long, will be one railroad with two motorways running parallel. Efforts are being made to complete the bridge at the end of this year.

After inspecting the bridge, Senior General Than Shwe and party viewed greening tasks along Strand Road and development of Mawlamyine. In the evening, the Senior General and party proceeded to historic Kyaikthanlan Pagoda and paid homage to Buddha Images at the northern prayer hall.

Next, the Senior General presented cash donations for the pagoda and signed in the visitors' book. They then went round the pagoda clockwise. On 3 March morning, the Senior General and party paid homage to State OvadaÂ�ariya Agga Maha Pandita Kawhlar Pariyatti Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Obhasa and members of  the Sangha at Mon State and township levels at Thantithukha Dhammayon of South-East Command in Mawlamyine and offered provisions to the Sayadaws.

Then, the Sayadaw dispensed Metta to the Senior General and party. Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, who accompanied the Senior General, inspected Dawei District Information and Public Relations Department Office on 29 February evening and Mawlamyine District IPRD Office on 3 March

Yangon, 4 March - The coordination meeting on greening 30-mile radius of Yangon International Airport all the year round was held at the hall of Yangon Command Headquarters yesterday evening, attended by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe. Speaking on the occasion, the commander said that as arrangements are being implemented for cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy, pulses and beans, edible oil crops, vegetables and other crops on a commercial scale for greening 30-mile radius of Yangon International Airport all the year round, there are five zones for greening tasks at the environs of the airport and the way to landing area. Deputy Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa and officials submitted reports on cultivation, water supply and extension of cultivation in coming season.

Yangon, 4 March- Deputy Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Than Htay arrived at the site of test well in Pyindongale Village, Pantanaw Township, this morning. Officials reported on preparations for drilling the test well, arrival of heavy machinery and construction of roads to be used in rainy season. The minister gave necessary instructions and inspected preparations for drilling the test well and road construction. On arrival at Nyaungdon Oil Field, Chief Engineer (Drillings) U Ye Khaung reported on production of oil and gas and construction of oil tank. The Deputy Minister then proceeded to the site for the installation of Nyaungdon-Ywama natural gas pipeline and gave necessary instructions to officials.

Yangon, 4 March - Member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee gave Ovadas to laity at a ceremony held at Kanmyint Monastery in Sangyoung Township, here, this morning, attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife Daw Khin Thet Htay. Vice-Chairman of the SSMNC Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Aungmyebonsan Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pan-indabhivamsa, Secretary Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara and members of the Sangha graced the ceremony by their attendance. The Magway Sayadaw administered the Five Precepts to the congregation. Members of the Sangha recited parittas. Next, the commander and wife presented offertories to members of the Sangha. The vice-chairman Sayadaw of the SSMNC gave Ovadas and delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained

Yangon, 4 March - UMFCCI President U Win Myint and General Secretary U Sein Win Hlaing met with Japanese Chamber of Commerce Yangon (JCCY) President Mr Takehiko Arai and his successor Mr Katagiri Kiyoyoshi at the UMFCCI head office here yesterday afternoon. They discussed matters on promotion of trade and investment and enhancing cooperation.

Yangon, 4 March - A short-term course on sales promotion jointly sponsored by UMFCCI and Youth Force Group of Companies was opened at the UMFCCI training school on Bo Sun Pet Street in Pabedan Township here yesterday. UMFCCI General Secretary U Sein Win Hlaing and Youth Force Group Chairman U Thein Lwin spoke on the occasion. The 12-day course will be conducted by U Moe Naing Myint and Daw Tin Moe Lwin.

Yangon, 4 March - Eleven trainees attended the training course for instructors on fundamental IT for Myanmar, jointly sponsored by Myanmar Computer

Federation and the Association for Overseas Technical Scholarship at MICT Park in Hline Township here. The course conclusion ceremony was held at 4 pm today.

Yangon, 4 March - The Myanmar Tennis Federation will conduct National Tennis Championship at Theinbyu Tennis Plaza here from 8 to 12 March. The tournament comprises men's singles and doubles events (open), women's singles and doubles events (open), men's singles and doubles events (aged above-35), men's singles and doubles events (aged above-45), men's singles and doubles events (aged above-55), and men's singles and doubles events (aged above-60). Those wishing to take part may enlist at the MTF by 10 am on 7 March.