• A Loyal Tatmadaw
• General Thura Shwe Mann attends opening of runway of Pathein Airport

• Archaeological works inspected in Mandalay, Bago Divisions
• Irrigation facilities inspected in Mon State
• Industry-1 Minister inspects factories in Mandalay, Sagaing Divisions
• Tatmadaw and departmental cars checked on Dry Day
• Commander inspects development tasks in Kayan Township
• Construction of school buildings inspected

• JAT Course concludes at UDNR
• UDNR holds 13th Convocation
• Functions of UDNR coordinated
• UDNR Council meets

• Title recipient Sayadaw honoured

• Training course concludes

• Seminar on HIV prevention to be held

• Trials of Asian Sepak Takraw invitational tourney held

• 804 gem merchants arrive

It can be said that the Tatmadaw was conceived in the anti-colonialist struggle and born of the anti-fascist resistance. As it was the rallying point of patriotic youths, it fitted into the good tradition of a patriotic Tatmadaw. As it maintained good military discipline, it became a disciplined Tatmadaw. At the time Myanmar regained her independence, the fire of national insurrection was also started. Though there were many attempts to entice the Tatmadaw, it looked only to the face of the nation. It therefore gained the attribute of a loyal Tatmadaw.

Senior General Than Shwe Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (From address at the parade of the 52nd Anniversary Armed Forces Day)

General Thura Shwe Mann attends opening of runway of Pathein Airport
People can now enjoy development, peace and stability and prosperity

YANGON, 14 March - In honour of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, a ceremony to open the runway of Pathein Airport that has already been built in Pathein, Ayeyawady Division, was held this morning with an address by member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence.

To attend the ceremony, General Thura Shwe Mann, accompanied by Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myat Hein, the ministers, the deputy ministers, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department, arrived at Pathein Airport in Ayeyawady Division from Yangon by special aircraft at 7.30 am.

Next, General Thura Shwe Mann and party attended the ceremony being held at the pandal of the airport.

First, the ceremony to open the runway of Pathein Airport was held at the pandal of the airport with an address by Chairman of the Central Body for Ensuring Secure and Smooth Transport Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein.

In his address, Lt-Gen Thein Sein said that the runway of the airport opened today is of concrete type and it is 8500 feet long and 100 feet wide, adding the length of the facility in which Fokkar F-28 Jet can easily take off and touch down will be extended to 12,000 feet.

With the opening of the airport, tourists, foreign businessmen and local passengers will soon be able to have access to seaside resorts such as Ngwe Hsaung and Chaungtha Resorts that are developing in the division and people in the division will be able to enjoy better trading, thereby contributing to development of social sector. Currently, the government in cooperation with the entire national people is making all-out efforts for emergence of a peaceful modern and developed nation and for bringing about harmonious development the length and breadth of the nation.

Meanwhile, the government is making strenuous efforts for improvement of socio-economic life of the entire national people while striving for further strengthening of the national solidarity. In the process, steps are being taken for development of economic infrastructures such as agriculture, livestock, forest ry, fish and meat, mining and energy sectors, medium and small-scale industries and trade as well as improvement of social infrastructures such as education, health and culture sectors.

Better transport plays a key role in enhancing the socio-economic life of the national people. With this concept, the government has been extending motor roads, railroads, waterways and airways and upgrading the existing ones. Secure and smooth transport is of utmost importance for national development and a network of roads and bridges built with a great deal of funds is the transport infrastructures and it is also the socio-economic infrastructures that contribute to promoting friendship and understanding among the national brethren.

Ayeyawady Division has many rivers and creeks so people had to rely on waterway. The old tradition of travelling by water has been replaced with land trips. A network of township-to-township roads and bridges has emerged due to concerted efforts of the people in Ayeyawady Division under the leadership of the government and as a result, most of regions in the division can be accessible by car. Yangon-Pathein road emerged due to Bo Myat Tun Bridge, Daka Bridge, Kyaunggon Bridge and Pathwe Bridge and Pyapon-Dedaye-Kungyangon-Dalla road emerged due to Dedaye Bridge. Likewise, Pantanaw-Shwelaung-Wakema-Kyonmangay road emerged due to Pantanaw Bridge, Shwelaung Bridge and Wakema Bridge and new Kyaiklatt-Pyapon-Bogalay road, Kyaiklatt-Maubin road and Maubin-Sarmalauk road emerged due to Gonnyindan Bridge, Maubin Bridge, Uyin Creek Bridge and others. Those roads brought about better transport in the region.

On completion of Pyapon river crossing bridge and Ngawun river crossing Pathein Bridge under construction, it can be said that nearly cent per cent of a network of roads in the division has been completed. There has been better transport with the opening of Pathein Airport while efforts are being made for the emergence of a network of roads and bridges in the division.

He said transport in Ayeyawady Division has improved and became a peaceful, stable region without any insurgents. Being a fertile region, significant progress has also been made in the division in a short time. There are many prospects for development and it is a reliable division in agriculture, production and fish and meat production, he said.

He quoted Head of State Senior General Than Shwe as saying in his guidance that the division has better prospects for development of agriculture and livestock breeding sectors and it is necessary to lay emphasis on these sectors.

Over one-fourth of paddy cultivation acreage of the State are grown in the division. If farmers make efforts to increase per acre yield as the division is a fertile one, this will realize the target of 1,200 million baskets of paddy. Arrangements are to be made for construction of modern prawn ponds and enhancement of breeding of fish and prawn in livestock breeding sector, he added.

He said officials of the division are to implement the guidance. In order to do so, the State built transport infrastructures in the division and also built dams, river water pumping stations, sluice gates and canals to some extent. The government is giving impetus to speedy completion of Konchaung, Ma Mya and Kanyin Dams which are under construction, he added.

Based on infrastructures built by the State, the division grew monsoon and summer paddy most and the division is the granary of the State. Moreover, extended cultivation of beans and pulses, oil crops and jute is undertaken year after year.

With the development of agricultural sector, there are over 60,000 acres of fish ponds and over 35,000 acres of prawn ponds. The division remains the one where the largest number of fowls and pigs are raised. Ayeyawady Division is the agriculture and livestock breeding special zone on which the State relies, he said. Development momentum of the division will get high if the people in the division give impetus to better conditions, he said.

The government has laid down the 24 development regions project, rural development project and border region development project and is implementing them for progress of not only Ayeyawady Division but also the entire Union.

The regions with slow progress and the ones that lagged behind in development have now developed with greater momentum.

According to the figures and material development, peace and progress has prevailed throughout the nation due to the unity among national races living in weal and woe in the states and divisions. Mutual understanding among the national races, consideration and cooperation for regional development which are the results of unity mean peace, security, development and friendship.

Suspicion and confrontation which were disadvantages of the past are social evils which are opposite to peace and development.

He said as the people love and cherish development of their life and security, they usually want peace and development for the nation. In conformity with the desire of the people, the government is building the nation in unity on self-reliance basis. They can now enjoy development, peace and stability and prosperity, he said. The State did not receive foreign loans and assistance because some nations imposed sanctions on the country. Present development, peace and stability are own fruitful results free from foreign influence. They are achievements built by own forces, thoughts and concepts.

After distinguishing positive view and negative view, good and bad, increase and decrease, everyone must protect fruitful results. He called for making efforts for perpetuation of the Union and standing tall among the nations of the world, raising of living standard of the people and realization of the national objectives.

Next, he thanked Myanma Ah Construction, the Ministry of Transport, the ministries and Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council that rendered assistance for construction of the runway of Pathein Airport.

Next, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe gave a speech, saying that Pathein Airport was built as a small military airfield in the Japanese period in 1942.

As the airport was built to be an airfield meeting the set standard in 1949 after regaining independence, the runway of the airport became 1,050 feet long and 100 feet wide one in 1979. After carrying out extension works in 1986 and 1993, the runway which was built of gravel mixed with tar became 4,800 feet long and 100 feet wide one.

During the inspection tour of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe in South-West Command area on 11 August 2001, he gave guidance to upgrade Pathein Airport as a modern one.

Therefore, the plan was implemented for construction of the runway to beome 12,000 feet long and 200 feet wide one in accord with the guidance of the Head of State.

Nowadays, as construction of the runway of the Pathein Airport, which is 8,500 feet long, 100 feet wide and 22 inches thick, completed, local flights and

Air-bus weighing 150,000 lb and Boeing-737 international flights can use the runway. So, airlines will be scheduled to land at the airport. Furthermore, the plan will be under way to extend the runway to become 9,300 feet long and 200 feet wide one soon.

As the runway will be upgraded into the 12,000 feet long and 200 feet wide one in the next step, the airport will be a modern one on which Jet flights will easily land. In addition, the passenger lounge and the control tower will be constructed.

In the past, Myanmar had Yangon International Airport only to connect foreign countries by air. At present, international level Mandalay International Airport has been opened, and then, upgrading tasks and extension works are being carried out at Yangon International Airport. Similarly, Magway Airport was opened on 6 June 2003; and Homalin Airport on 3 August 2003; now Pathein Airport was opened today. Monywa Airport will be opened soon. And, other airports are being built for the purpose of Boeing 737-400 flights use.

In conclusion, the minister urged departments concerned and local people to participate in maintenance for durability of the airport in the long-run and carrying out of greening tasks at the airport. Afterwards, Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing gave a speech.

Next, local industrial entrepreneur U Aung Kyaw Sein spoke words of thanks.

Then, General Thura Shwe Mann gave a speech, saying that it is necessary to bring about equitable development in all States and Divisions in building a peaceful, modern and developed nation. Thanks to harmonious participation of dutiful and faithful public of Ayeyawady Division joining hands with the Government, progress has been made in the division.

Based on the developing infrastructures, efforts are to be made for gaining the constant development in the longrun.

In doing so, based on discipline, punctuality, goodwill, diligence and innovation in accord with modern technology, tasks are to be unitedly and harmoniously carried out.

As such, acceleration of development can be gained in Ayeyawady Division which will contribute much to development of the entire nation.

He urged all to bring about, with goodwill, quality and efforts, strengthening for development of Ayeyawady Division which will have more good prospects in future. Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Aye presented gifts to Construction Assistant Engineer U Than Htut, on behalf of the project workers.

Next, General Thura Shwe Mann and party took the designated places. Then, Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing and Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe formally opened the runway of the airport.

Afterwards, the General and party had documentary photos taken and inspected the runway by car.

After the ceremony, the General and party heard reports on extended construction of Pathein Airport by Myanma Ah Construction Co Project Director Lt-Col Kyaw Myint at the hall of the airport. Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing and Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe gave supplementary reports. Later, the General gave necessary instructions to officials.

YANGON, 14 March - Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung paid homage to Yanaungmyin Shwelethla Pagoda in Lewe Township on 13 March. The minister discussed with local people renovation of the pagoda which collapsed in an earthquake.

At the excavation site of Yanaungmyin ancient town near the pagoda, Assistant Director U Myat Swe reported on conducting of research and objects unearthed. Yanaungmyin ancient town is located two miles north of Lewe. It was first called Naungpyin Town, but the name was changed to Yanaungmyin (victory over the enemy) because King Thamuddariz won victory over the enemies. The king built Yanaungmyin town before establishment of Bagan in Yonhlut Island.

The minister inspected the ancient palace site of Yanaungmyin. There are 32 houses on the ancient palace site. The minister gave instructions on excavation of the ancient town by Archaeology Department.

In the evening, the minister and party arrived at Kanbawzathadi Palace of King Bayintnaung in Bago and inspected the lake and garden of the palace, land preparation, water supply and greening tasks.

Later, he gave necessary instructions and arrived back there in the evening.

YANGON, 14 March - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin on 12 March inspected the site chosen for construction of Tanaw dam near Sittoung Paper Mill in Kyaikto Township.

The minister next went to Kyauksayit Dam Project to be implemented on Kyauksayit Creek near Kyauktaung Village, Thaton Township, where Director-General U Kyaw San Win and directors of Irrigation Department reported on matters related to the project. Afterwards, the minister looked into the place for building Kyauksayit Diversion Weir near Migyaung-aing Village.

On 13 March, the minister proceeded to Kyonka Mangosteen Farm in Paung Township, Mon State and inspected thriving of mangosteen and pepper.

At Kataik Dam Project being implemented by Construction-6 of ID, Director U Khin Maung Myint reported on the main embankment, control tower, conduit and spillway. The minister gave necessary instructions. Kataik Dam will prevent floods of farmlands at lower region of Yinnyein Creek and benefit cultivation of double cropping.

Afterwards, the minister went to the construction site of Kyaikhtaw Sluice Gate in Thaton Township.

The sluice gate will benefit over 22,000 acres of wetland area on both sides of Kyaikhtaw Creek in Thaton Township.

YANGON, 14 March - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by Chairman of Myingyan District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Win Myint and officials, inspected production process of printing and dyeing textile at Dyeing and Printing Factory in Myingyan yesterday morning.

Next, the minister went to new Looms Factory and saw over installation of 200 weaving machines and test-running.

At Dhammadipa Monastery of Tazaunggyi Taik in Myingyan, the minister donated provisions to Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Çakkinda. On arrival at Win Thuza Shop in Myingyan, the minister inspected sales of products of the ministry and gave necessary instructions. Next, the minister met local people in villages in Myingyan and Natogyi Townships. In the evening, the minister proceeded to Mandalay Beer Factory and met with factory managers from Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions.

This morning, the minister went to Basic Education Primary School No 17 in Aungmyethazan Township and presented K 100,000 to the students.

YANGON, 14 March - Dry Day Supervisory Committee Chairman Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and members Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Phone Swe, Deputy Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Than Htay, Police Quartermaster-General Police Brig-Gen Win Soe, Col Win Shwe of Quartermaster-General's Office, Director-General of the Central Equipment Statistics and Inspection Department Lt-Col Tin Maung Tun, and officials in two groups today supervised the inspection teams which checked the Tatmadaw and departmental cars at the main points in Yangon City.

From 7 am to 5 pm, the teams checked the cars on observance of the dry day disciplines. They checked bearing of dry day passes, drivers' licenses and wheel taxes, wearing of departmental uniforms by drivers and they took action against breaking of traffic rules.

YANGON, 14 March - The Dry Day Supervisory Committee held its work co-ordination meeting at noon toady in conjunction with the ceremony to give away prizes to the members of dry day inspection teams.

Present on the occasion were Committee Chairman Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint,Vice-Chairman Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Maj-Gen Thein Swe and members Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Phone Swe, Deputy Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Than Htay, Tatmadaw Provost Marshal Maj-Gen Saw Hla, Police Quartermaster-General Police Brig-Gen Win Soe, senior Tatmadaw officers, departmental heads and officials.

YANGON, 14 March - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected regional development tasks and agricultural matters in Kayan Township this morning.

On arrival at Phayapyo Village in Kayan Township this morning, the commander was welcomed by Chairman of Yangon South District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Pyi and officials. The commander then met local people and departmental officials.

Next, the commander paid homage to Mya Thein Tan Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Uttama and donated provisions. Then, the commander inspected Kayan-Phayapyo-Yekyaw-Aungthadan Road and gave instructions on timely completion of laying gravel on Kayan-Phayapyo five-mile long section meeting the set standard in the open season. Afterwards, they arrived in Thetkekon Village where Director U Khin

Maung Myint of Construction-6 of Irrigation Department reported on supply of water from Moeyungyi Lake to farmlands.

Next, the commander gave instructions on water supply tasks to be carried out in cultivation season of summer paddy as soon as possible for greening of eastern part of Yangon International Airport all the year round.

Later, the commander inspected dredging of drains along Kayan-Thanatpin Road and extension of shoulder of the road.

YANGON, 14 March - Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of the Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint on 11 March went to Yeoogyi affiliated high school in Mogok Township and met with Headmistress and teachers. At the meeting, he fulfilled the needs for education. Afterwards, he proceeded to Kyatpyin high school and inspected the newly constructed three-storey school building which is 200 feet long and 30 feet wide and comprises 18 classrooms. The building was built at a cost of K 70 million contributed by the State and wellwishers. Later, the commander arrived at the post-primary school in Kyitauk Village in Singu Township and inspected the 100-foot-long and 30-foot-wide two-storey school building which was built at a cost of K 15.9 million and progress of the construction of 130-foot-long and 30-foot-wide school building which will cost over K 20 million.

YANGON, 14 March - The Junior Assistant Teachership Course No 13 concluded at University for Development of National Races at Panglong Hall of the university at 1 pm on 12 March.

Pro-Rector Daw Khin Si Si reported on training courses. Then, Rector Col Zaw Min Thein presented certificates to 48 trainees and outstanding prizes to the respective winners.

YANGON, 14 March- The 13th convocation of University for Development of National Races and the second teachership diploma certificate presentation ceremony were held at the convocation hall of UDNR on 12 March.

Chairman of the University Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Tha Aye conferred certificates of MEd on four trainees and certificates of BEd on 50 graduates. Then, Vice-Chairman of the University Council Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyun presented certificates of Dip Ed to 158 graduates. Later, Maj-Gen Tha Aye gave a concluding remarks.

YANGON, 14 March- Chairman of the University Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Tha Aye, Vice-Chairman of the University Council Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyun and representatives of State and Division Peace and Development Councils met to coordinate functions of the university at the meeting hall of the university on 11 March.

The commander and the CSSTB chairman gave speeches on the occasion. Rector of the university Col Zaw Min Thein reported on selection of the trainees, academic matters, continuous learning of outstanding trainees and providing of assistance. Next, those present took part in the discussions.

Dinner hosted in honour of graduates

YANGON, 14 March - Vice-Chairman of the University Council Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyun hosted a dinner in honour of trainees who concluded Junior Assistant Teachership Course No 13 and Diploma in Education Course No 2 on the lawns of the university on 11 March. University Council Chairman North-West Command Commander Maj-Gen Tha Aye and CSSTB Chairman Dr Than Nyun cordially greeted the graduates at the dinner. After the dinner, the graduates performed traditional dances and songs. Then, Maj-Gen Tha Aye and Dr Than Nyun presented flower baskets and cash prizes to the graduates.

YANGON, 14 March- The University Council Meeting of the University for Development of National Races was held at its meeting hall on 11 March morning. Chairman of the University Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Tha Aye gave a speech.

Next, the meeting sought approval of academic and management matters. Later, the commander gave a concluding remarks. After the meeting, the commander, accompanied by Vice-Chairman of the University Council Chairman of Civil Service

Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyun, CSSTB member U Aung Myint and officials, inspected computer section and gave necessary instructions.

YANGON, 14 March - A ceremony to honour Presiding Sayadaw of Aungmyaythaya Kyundaw Monastery in Ywabe Ward, Pyay Township, Bago Division (West) Bhaddanta Pandita who was presented Ganthavaçaka Pandita title by the State Peace and Development Council in 2004 was held at the monastery on 10 March morning.

It was attended by members of the Sangha led by Vice-Chairman of State Sangha Nayaka Committee Presiding Sayadaw of Zawtikayon Pali Tekkatho Kyaungtaik in Pyay Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Dhaja Bhaddanta Kundalajoti, Chairman of Bago Division (West Branch) Peace and Development Council Col Hla Min and members, local authorities, disciples and wellwishers.

YANGON, 13 March-Under the joint sponsorship of Myanmar Computer Federation and Association for Overseas Technical Scholarship, the application systems engineering examination course concluded with ceremony held at the MICT Park in Hline Township here at 4 pm today.

e-National Task Force Vice-Chairman U Aung Myint delivered an address and MCF Vice-Chairman U Tin Win Aung explained about the course. Next, Mr Yusuke Takeuchi of AOTS made an address. The course was attended by 43 trainees.

YANGON, 14 March-Seminar on prevention and management of HIV/AIDS for health care provider will be held on 19 and 20 March 2004 at the auditorium of Myanmar Medical Association here.

YANGON, 14 March -Trials for the Asian Sepak Takraw Tournament to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2004 were held at the Thuwunna Gymnasium at 9 am today.

Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Leading Patrons of Myanmar Women's Sports Federation, Myanmar Sepak Takraw Federation President U Chit Khaing and executives, guests and fans.

YANGON, 14 March- A total of 403 gem merchants of 143 companies from six countries and 401 merchants of 159 local companies, totalling 804 have arrived here to attend the 41st Myanma Gems Emporium at Myanma Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road. The merchants inspected gems and jewellery displayed at the emporium from 9 am to 5 pm today. The Secretary of the Central Committee for Organizing the emporium Managing Director U Khin Oo of Myanma Gems Enterprise and secretaries of sub-committees welcomed the merchants and conducted them round there. On 15 March, more gem merchants from abroad will arrive here to view the gems at the emporium.