You comrades are steadfast in adhering to the Four Oaths for the sake of the nation, for the people and for the Tatmadaw. While safeguarding the nation on the one hand, you comrades have to serve the national interests at any time in any period. All threats to the nation have to be staved off without anyone's bidding. Similarly, I would like to urge you to serve to the best of your ability and with utmost diligence in whatever role your are assigned to in working for the benefit of the people.

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 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day)

YANGON, 20 March-Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, the ministers, the deputy ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental officials, left here by Tatmadaw aircraft on yesterday morning and arrived in Lashio, Shan State (North) at 10 am.

The Prime Minister and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hla Myint, Brig-Gen Soe Oo of Hsenwi Station, members of Shan State, District and Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials, social organizations, members of national race cultural troupes and local people.

After that, the Prime Minister and party, accompanied by Chairman of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing, arrived in Muse by helicopter.

They were welcomed there by members of Muse District and Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials, social organizations, members of the national race cultural troupes and local people.

Next, the ceremony to open Pyidaungsu Stadium in Muse, Shan State (North) was held at the stadium at 11 am, attended by Chairman of Myanmar National Olympic Council Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

Commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint and Chairman of So So Pyay Pyay Co Ltd U Sai Tun Aye formally opened the new stadium.

Next, the Prime Minister and party planted a Tawwin coconut sapling at the entrance to the stadium to mark the opening of the sports facility.

After that, the Prime Minister unveiled the stone inscription of the stadium and sprinkled scented water on it and the first session of the opening ceremony ended.

Next, the second session of the opening ceremony continued at the stadium.

Chairman of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing made a speech. He said that in accord with the uplift of health, fitness and education standards of the entire nation out of the four social objectives, the opening of new modern stadium in Muse, the border town in Shan State (North) is an honour for both the local people and the State.

The new stadium is the fruitful result of the guidance of Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt which calls for building a new sports facility to be in conformity with development of Muse, he noted.

The Government spent over K 600 million on construction of the sports facility which can hold 2,140 spectators on both grand stand and stalls.

At a time when the Ministry of Sports and the athletes who bring honour to the nation are discharging the national sports duties for uplift of national prestige and integrity, the emergence of such sports facility will contribute much towards development of the sports for Shan State and the nation, he stressed.

Shan State (North) has been able to produce 15 athletes representing the nation and they are now participating in the international sports events, he disclosed.

He said that Shan State (North) is to strive to produce more new generation athletes by holding the sports events in accord with the programmes laid down by the Ministry of Sports and the State.

Next, Minister for Sports made a speech. He said that the government is making all-out efforts for the emergence of a new modern and developed nation. At such a time, priority is being given to improvement of the sports standard like the nation-building tasks.

He said that the global nations are vying each other for advancement in sports, regarding the sports as a national task; that the improvement of sports is the most effective way in boosting the national prestige and integrity.

To be able to effectively uplift the sports standard the Myanmar National Olympic Council and the Myanmar Olympic Committee were formed with the State level officials under the leadership of the Prime Minister.

For improvement of the standard of football which is regarded as national sports steps for development of youth football are being taken across the nation and constant football matches are being held in states and divisions and new football grounds were constructed and the old ones renovated.

At a time when there are encouragement of the people, the guidance of the Head of State and much assistance of the wellwishers, the athletes are to strive to be able to bring glory to the nation with sporting spirit.

The new Muse Stadium opened today will be able to produce many athletes and contribute to enhancing the friendship between Myanmar and China through sports as it is situated at the border of the two countries.

In conclusion, the minister called on the local people, staff of the Ministry of Sports and members of local sports and physical education committee and local authorities to safeguard the sports facility for its durability.

Next the Prime Minister delivered a speech. He said opening of such a new stadium in Muse is an effective development for uplift of health and fitness of local people and for urban development of Muse.

He said it is true that emergence of a modern stadium contributes towards the realization of the objectives on raising of national sport standard of the government.

He said the Union of Myanmar is a Union formed with over 100 national races. The government is laying emphasis on harmonious development of all parts of the Union and enjoyment of better foundations on regional development by all national people.

The government made endeavours for reconsolidation of national solidarity in border areas that lagged behind in development due to lack of regional security and peace in the past. With regional peace and stability the government built better foundations for transport, economic and regional development with greater momentum, he said.

He said Muse is a border town and border trade has developed well there in accord with the market-oriented economic system. Therefore it is an economically and socially significant region, he added.

He said the government implemented systematic plans for development of Muse so that progress has been made in regional development including national solidarity, regional peace and tranquillity and transport. In a short time, Muse has greatly changed and developed, he said.

Now Muse has become a city with modern high-rise buildings, hotels, departmental store of international standard which are characteristics of a city.

He said old sports ground was in the narrow region of the centre of the town and it was difficult to upgrade it. Therefore an urban development project was drafted. He said he permitted to build a modern stadium with stands and a 400-metre track during his inspection tour in Muse in March 2003.

Emergence of a modern stadium is a significant characteristic for developed Muse. Being a town bordering the People's Republic of China, it is necessary for the town to improve its standard in accord with the development of the neighbouring country so that it can promote dignity of the nation and its people, he said. He pointed out that it is important to preserve traditional culture and customs.

He urged officials and local people to make efforts for strengthening the existing bilateral friendship, enhancing bilateral cooperation for common interest and improving border trade equally.

He spoke on raising of sport standard of Muse District and turning out brilliant athletes. He said southern Shan State produced a lot of athletes who bring honour to the nation. He believed that the town will also produce such brilliant athletes after emergence of a modern stadium.

He urged officials to make endeavours for turning out outstanding athletes in accord with the lofty aim, "Myanmar sports- the world to conquer".

In conclusion, he urged them to make progress of Muse, to maintain regional peace and stability and strengthen national solidarity and to improve socio-economic life of local people based on patriotism and Union spirit. He wished for success of the athletes of the new stadium.

Next, Chairman U Sai Tun Aye of So So Pyay Pyay Co Ltd presented K 20 million- 10 million each for education and sport sectors to the Prime Minister.

Chairman U Sai Tun Aye also presented K 10 million for education fund of Shan State (North) to Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing.

He handed over related documents to Deputy Director-General of Sports and Physical Education Department U Thein Aung.

Next, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing presented commemorative pennants and gifts to the Prime Minister, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and the ministers.

The Prime Minister and party watched traditional dances of national races. They then inspected the grand stand.

Next, the Prime Minister inspected construction of Muse District Hospital on 20 acres of land near the sports ground. He also inspected Muse Township Hospital.

At Shweli Yadana Hall in Muse, the Prime Minister met with district and township authorities and departmental officials. First, Chairman of Muse District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Soe Win reported on matters related to the district, Director U Sein Htay of Border Trade Department on border trade tasks and Company Commander Maj Kyi Zin of No 1 Border Region Immigration Inspection Control Headquarters on immigration tasks at the border region.

After attending their needs, the Prime Minister delivered an address, saying that as Muse is sharing border areas with the People's Republic of China, departmental personnel in Muse are to lay emphasis on promoting bilateral relationship and cooperation tasks.

Friendly relationship and economic cooperation are flourishing between the Union of Myanmar and PRC. As such, departmental personnel discharging duties in the border areas are to strive for more flourishing of bilateral relationship between the two countries. Efforts are to be made for correctly and promptly carrying out tasks so as to share mutual interest in the border trade.

Regarding the agreements of management of border regions between the two countries, systematic cooperation tasks are to be undertaken at the basic level.

As Muse is a district level town, departmental officials are to go right down to grass-roots level and to systematically manage affairs to attend to requirements of the people.

Similarly, the problems which cannot be solved at the basic level are to be submitted to above levels. The committees formed in respective sectors are to strive for achieving success with concerted efforts and collective leadership so as to have progress in their townships and districts. If arrangements can be made to fulfil requirements of the people after realizing natural conditions of the rural areas, personnel can put trust in the people and win their cooperation in discharging duties.

On arrival at the construction site of Thanlwin Bridge (Tarpa) on Kutkai-Tamoenye-Monesi-Tarpa-Tashwehtan-Laukkai road on Kutkai Township, Brig-Gen Than Win of Laukkai Station, local authorities, departmental personnel, local national races and local people welcomed them.

At the briefing hall, Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe reported on facts about the bridge, Deputy Superintending Engineer U Than Shwe of Bridge Construction Project Special Group-9 of Public Works on preliminary engineering works, construction of the foundations of the towers on Monesi bank and Tashwehtan bank and efforts being made for completion of the bridge earlier than scheduled. The Prime Minister gave instructions on efforts to be made for completion of the works as soon as possible.

Next, the General presented gifts to the workers and foodstuff to local national race leader U Myint Lwin. The General inspected progress of construction tasks. Afterwards, the General managed to upgrade Kutkai-Tamoenye-Monesi-Tarpa-Tashwehtan-Laukkai road into a tarred one.

Thanlwin Bridge (Tarpa) crossing Thanlwin River will link Kutkai-Tamoenye-Monesi-Tarpa road section on the westen bank of Thanlwin river and Tarpa-Tashwehtan-Laukkai road section on the eastern bank. It will be 600 feet long and it will be of concrete tiles and steel frames suspension bridge. On completion, the road will emerge to link the western and eastern banks of Thanlwin River and it will contribute much to development of economic and social standards of the people in border regions.

Next, they proceeded to the construction site of Namhumon (Kaungkha) Hydro-electric Power Plant near Lwekhan Village, Kaungkha Myothit, Kutkai Township, where they were welcomed by Tactical Operations Commander Col San Lin, local authorities, Shan State (North) Special Region-5 national race leader U Mahtu Naw and local people.

At the briefing hall, Deputy Minister for Electric Power U Myo Myint reported on matters related to the power plant project and Director U Win Kyi of Construction-2 of Hydro-electric Power Department on construction of irrigation facilities for the project. National race leader U Mahtu Naw reported on carrying out of regional development tasks and requirements. The General attended to their needs. Next, the Prime Minister presented foodstuff gifts to U Mahtu Naw and workers of the project.

Similarly, U Mahtu Naw presented gifts to Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe. Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party viewed construction of the diversion weir, sluice gate, conduit and canal. Namhumon (Kaungkha) Hydro-electric Power Plant will be installed with two 150 kilowatt generators to produce 1.475 million kilowatt hours a year. It will supply sufficient power to Kaungkha.

On arrival at Kutkai, the Prime Minister and party were welcomed by Tactical Operations Commander Col Ohn Lwin, local authorities and local people. At Pyidaungsu Hall in the township, the Prime Minister met with township level authorities and departmental officials, social organization members and local people.

First, Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Chit Wai and departmental officials reported on matters related to the township. The Prime Mi nister attended to the needs and delivered an address, saying that the purpose of the tour is to fulfil the requirements for development of Kutkai Township and raising the living standard of local people. He said that he has also attended to the needs for development of the entire Muse District and construction of Tapar suspension bridge across Thanlwin River which will play a crucial role in smooth transport for Kutkai and Shan State (North).

In the past, there was only one road that linked Lashio and Kokang through Hsenwi and Kunlong. Thus the people from Kutkai had to go to Hsenwi first if they wanted to travel to Kunlong, Laukkai and Kongyan. On completion of Tarpar Bridge Project, the facility will make effective contribution towards improvement of economy and living standard of local people.

The government is implementing the project with great difficulty spending a huge sum of foreign exchange as regional development mainly relies on the transport sector.

In the past, peace could not prevail in Shan State (North), resulting in a poor transport along with a slow commodity flow. As a result, the region lagged behind in development.

But, peace has been restored in the region for nearly 15 years and border areas development projects have been implemented on a large scale. With the emergence of roads and bridges in remote areas, good foundations on trade and production have made progress, he said.

At the same time, good foundations in education, health and social sectors have been laid across border areas that can held bring about highly-qualified generations with fitness.

The government also places emphasis on equitable development of all parts of the nation. The regions between Shan State (North) and (South) still lag a bit behind in development and thus the government is upgrading the roads linking these two regions.

Furthermore, roads linking southern and northern parts, and eastern and western parts of Shan State are being constructed where necessary. Consequently, a network of roads has emerged in Shan State.

With emergence of more roads linking one region and another, it will further cement relationship and friendship among the national races. Only then, will national solidarity be further strengthened, leading to perpetual existence of the Union that forges Union Spirit and nationalistic spirit.

As soon as national solidarity weakens aliens will drive a wedge among the national races, which can lead to disintegration of the Union.

That is why the government has been translating the State's further seven-point policy programme into reality, which can guarantee perpetual existence of the Union and national solidarity.

The government is gearing up for reconvening of the National Convention as the first step of the seven-point policy programme.

Being convinced that only when the State's noble aims have been accomplished, will there definitely emerge a peaceful, modern and developed discipline-flourishing democratic nation, the people are to heartily take part in the State's bid to ensure national development and to elevate the economy and living standard of the people.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister called on the entire people to make combined efforts in unison for building up a economically strong nation, transformation from conventional farming to mechanized farming and perpetual existence of the Union.

Next, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee General Khin Nyunt presented a TV set, a video cassette player and a computer set to Kutkai BEHS through the township education officer and the headmaster. The Prime Minister and party arrived back in Lashio later in the afternoon. They headed for Yaykantaung in Lashio. On the occasion, Director of Shan State Development Affairs Committee U Kyee Myint reported on water supply including the digging of six more lakes and sinking tube-wells and tasks for greening of Yaykantaung. The Prime Minister

gave instructions. The Prime Minister and party planted shady trees and landscaping flowery trees. Departmental personnel and local people also collectively planted shady and flowery saplings.

The Prime Minister and party visited the Tiloka Maha Vijaya Hsutaungpyay Pagoda on Yaykan Hill in Lashio and made cash donations to the pagoda funds. Next, they arrived at the Shweli Yeiktha in Lashio.

Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population U Maung Aung, who accompanied the Prime Minister, met with 70 staff at Shan State (North) Immigration and National Registration Department yesterday evening. At the meeting, the deputy minister elaborated on participation in the tasks for accomplishment of the 12 objectives, the State's seven-point policy programme and original tasks.

YANGON, 20 March - Chairman of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Central Organizing Committee Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein inspected workshops and factories run by MWVO and Directorate of Resettlement in Shwepaukkan Myothit and North Okkalapa Township, Yangon Division, this afternoon.

Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, accompanied by Vice-Chairman of MWVO Central Organizing Committee Vice-Admiral (Retd) Kyi Min and officials, arrived at industrial zone in Shwepaukkan Myothit this afternoon. They were welcomed by member of MWVO Central Organizing Committee Director of Resettlement of the Ministry of Defence Maj-Gen Aung Thein and officials.

Staff Officer (Grade-I) of the Directorate of Resettlement Lt-Col Aung Gyi reported on area and location of factories under MWVO, investment and tasks being carried out, finished products of the factories, markets and factories to be built.

Director of Resettlement of the Ministry of Defence Maj-Gen Aung Thein gave a supplementary report.

Lt-Gen Thein Sein said the factories are being built with the aims of providing job opportunities to the disabled soldiers and members of their families and boosting productive forces of the State. He urged officials to continue to produce products of high quality and to distribute to the market. Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and party inspected barbed wire, plastic ware, purified water, wood products, furniture factories in Shwepaukkan industrial zone and production process of the concrete brick factory in North Okkalapa industrial zone. The Secretary-2 then gave instructions and left there.

YANGON, 20 March - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by officials, left here by air and arrived at Thandwe in Rakhine State yesterday morning.

They were welcomed at the airport by Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Chairman Western Command Commander Maj-Gen Maung Oo, Col Myint Soe of Taungup Station, local authorities and officials.

Together with Commander Maj-Gen Maung Oo and Col Myint Soe, they proceeded to Kyeintali, Gwa Township, Thandwe District. There, officials reported on area, organizational set-up of Kyeintali, education, health, town development affairs, agriculture and water supply. The commander gave a supplementary report. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than fulfilled the requirements and gave instructions on regional development tasks.

Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected arrangements for construction of circular road. They looked into Kyeintali People's Hospital and Police Station and attended to the needs.

Afterwards, they inspected the Ngapali oil palm farm (branch) of Myanma Perennial Crops Enterprise under the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation near

Kyanyo Village, Thandwe Township. They attended the presenting of a computer set donated by the State Peace and Development Council to Kyaukkyi Village affiliated basic education high school in Thandwe Township.

On the occasion, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than delivered a speech. In his speech, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than said that in its attempt to build up a modern developed nation, the government has been implementing the five rural development tasks for progress of rural and urban regions. In realizing rural education promotion plan, measures are being taken for ensuring enrolment of all school-going-age children and upgrading of basic education schools. Multimedia teaching centres are being opened at the schools with the sponsorship of wellwishers under the leadership of the State. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than elaborated on necessary assistance rendered by the government for rural development.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than presented the computer set to the school through officials, and cordially greeted those present.

Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than viewed the 75-acre pepper plantation and gave instructions.

Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service U Hla Myint who accompanied Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, disseminated pepper cultivation methods to local farmers.

During the inspection tour, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected Thandwe-Kyeintali section of Thandwe-Gwa Road Project.

YANGON, 20 March- Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and officials inspected Kyonzoke river water pumping project in Maubin Township this morning. Officials reported on the site for construction, rise and full of river water and the site for digging canal. The Minister made arrangements for the project. The Minister and party inspected the site, the main canal and the site for the lake. The project lies on Kyonzoke River near Kyonzoke Village. On completion of the project, it will irrigate 9,000 acres of cultivable lands.

The minister went to the site of Maubin Paper Mill of Myanma Jute Industries. Officials reported on installation of machines, future tasks, assistance rendered by departments concerned.

The minister gave instructions on early completion of the project. Next, the minister inspected quality of machines. The mill can produce 17 metric tons of writing paper a day. The minister also inspected harvesting of summer and monsoon paddy along the road.

He met farmers as well as Divisional Agriculture Coordination Committee members in Nyaungdon Township. Over 1.3 million acres of summer paddy were grown in Ayeyawady Division and 170,000 acres of paddy have been harvested.

YANGON, 20 March - Patron of Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint arrived at the 41st Myanma Gems Emporium being held at Myanma Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here at 3 pm today.

The minister was welcomed there by Secretary of the Central Committee Managing Director of Myanma Gems Enterprise U Khin Oo and the central committee members.

The minister greeted local and foreign gem merchants and viewed the sale of gem lots through competitive bidding and left there. Under the 41st Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee, sale of gem lots through competitive bidding was held from 9 am to 5 pm today as the fifth day and gem merchants bought 50 gem lots for euro 7,769,858.

The gem merchants also bought 503 jade lots at a price of euro 10,473,434 at 41st Myanma Gems Emporium. The 41st Myanma Gems Emporium fetched euro 18,243,292 up to date.

Lots of pearl will be on sale by tender system/through competitive bidding tomorrow.

YANGON, 20 March - The Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport in Yangon Division held its work coordination meeting at the meeting hall of All Private Bus Lines Control Committee (Yangon Division) Head Office on Laydauntkan Street in Tamway Township yesterday evening, with an address by Chairman of the Supervisory Committee Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

Also present on the occasion were Deputy Commander Col Wai Lwin and the military region commanders, the station commanders, Secretary of Yangon Division

Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myint Kyi and members, the Supervisory Committee members, the Chairmen of District Peace and Development Councils, the registrars of the universities and colleges in Yangon and officials.

First, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe gave instructions on measures to be taken by members of the Supervisory Committee for the convenience of the people who are travelling downtown Yangon and from Yangon to other parts of the nation.

Next, members of the Supervisory Committee reported on measures taken for ensuring smooth and secure transport for the people who are travelling downtown Yangon and in other states and divisions by car, train, air and sea, and for the people who are commuting downtown Yangon by bus, circular train, ship and powered boat; the registrars of the universities and colleges and officials on arrangements to be made by the Supervisory Committee for the convenience of teachers and students; and the chairmen of bus lines running in Yangon Division on steps taken for enabling drivers and conductors of the respective bus lines to follow the prescribed traffic rules.

The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by Chairman of the Supervisory Committee Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

YANGON, 20 March - The first cash donation ceremony for construction of Letisan Sasana Yeiktha two-storey building in Pazundaung Township was held in conjunction with the ceremony to lay cornerstone of the building this morning, attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe. Also present were Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Thayet Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kesara, Letisan Sasana Yeiktha Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pandita and member Sayadaws, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Vice-Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Aung Kyi, Commander of Ayeyawady Naval Region Command Commodore Maw Thein, Yangon Station Commander and Defence Services Records Office Commandant Brig-Gen Myo Myint, Senior military officers, Managing Director Col Soe Win of News and Periodicals Enterprise and departmental officials, local authorities and well-wishers.

Vice-Chairman Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kesara administered the Five Precepts. Next, members of the Sangha recited Parittas.

Afterwards, the commander offered the gold casket for laying cornerstone of the building to the Sayadaw. Similarly, the minister, the mayor and the Vice-Chief of Armed Forces Training and senior military officers donated jewellery bricks to the Sayadaws.

The cash donation ceremony followed. The commander accepted K 15 million donated by Captain Thein Tun (Navy) (Retd)-Lt-Cmdr Daw Mya Aye (Retd); K 10 million by Daw Maryar Hsubhar and family, Daw Indara Hsubhar and family, U Jemmy

Hsubhar and family, U Rikkit Hsubhar and family, Daw Dura Hsubhar and family, Daw Roma Hsubhar and family and Daw Rudu Hsubhar and family; K 100,000 by families of Ayeyawady Naval Region Command; K 1.5 million each by Daw Mi Mi Khin and family; (Dr U Thet Tin (Mahamyaing)-Daw Si Si Tin and family; Lt-Cmdr Myo Aung (Retd)-Daw Yadana (MRTV) (Retd) and family; and K 1 million by Superintending Engineer U Thu Ta-Physician Dr Daw Thida Oo and family.

Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Vice-Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Aung Kyi and Commandant of DSRO Brig-Gen Myo Myint accepted cash donations from other wellwishers. Today's donations were

K 52.1 million by 69 wellwishers. Vice-Chairman Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kesara delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained.

Afterwards, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Vice-Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Aung Kyi, Commandant of DSRO Brig-Gen Myo Myint, Managing Director Col Soe Win of NPE and senior military officers laid cornerstones at the designated places. The commander put the stone plaque on the cornerstone. The commander next performed the rituals of golden and silver shower to mark success of the ceremony.

Those wishing to donate cash may contact the fund-raising division of the building.

YANGON, 20 March - The demonstration and lecture on Myanma traditional dance, organized by Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation (Cultural Working Group), was held at City Hall, here, this afternoon.

Present were Vice-Presidents of the federation Daw Khin Lay Thet and Daw Than Than Nwe, Adviser Daw Khin Than Nwe and officials, Patron of the Yangon Division Organization for Women's Affairs Daw Khin Thet Htay and guests.

Vice-President Daw Than Than Nwe spoke on the occasion. Adviser Prof Daw Khin Nu gave lectures on culture of Myanma dance and Academy Daw Nwe Nwe San performed dances. Later, Vice-President Daw Than Than Nwe presented gifts to Prof Daw Khin Nu, Academy Daw Nwe Nwe San and leader of the music troupe U Khin Maung Tin.

YANGON, 20 March- The Economic Working Group of Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation met with those in charge of township economic working groups in Yangon Division at MICT Park on Hline Universities' Campus in Hline Township this morning. Present on the occasion were Vice-Presidents Daw Khin Lay Thet, Daw Than Than Nwe and Daw Khin Khin Win, General Secretary Prof Dr Daw Khin Aye Win and Secretariat members, Founder of Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs' Association Professor (Retd) Daw Yi Yi Myint and officials.

First, Economic Working Group leader Daw Khin Myint Myint and Professor (Retd) Daw Yi Yi Myint gave speeches.

Officials reported on future tasks of the working group. Next, those present took part in the discussions. Later, Daw Khin Myint Myint gave concluding remarks.

YANGON, 20 March -The visiting Chinese writers delegation headed by Chairman of the Writers Association of the People's Republic of China Mr Wang Chonglu, accompanied by officials, this morning arrived at the Mindhamma Hill where they paid homage to Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image kept in Yadana Gandakuti Shwekyaungdaw and made cash donations.

Chairman of the Pagoda Board of Trustees Maha Saddhammajotika Dhaja U Shein Aung Bo briefed the visiting delegation on the history and the salient points of the Buddha Image. Next, the visiting delegation viewed round the hill.

YANGON, 20 March- In the final round of the 26th Inter-State/Division Golf Team Championship, Yangon Division team secured the championship trophy awarded by President of Myanmar Professional Golfers' Association and Myanmar Golf Federation Maj-Gen Win Hlaing this morning. After the fourth round of the championship, the prize presentation ceremony followed. Country Representative U Aye Cho of Isuzu Motors Ltd of Japan, Mitsugi Corporation of Japan Managing Director Mr Yamaguchi, Isuzu Mortors Ltd of Japan General Manager Mr Iida, MGF General Secretary U Aung Kyi and Sports and Physical Education Department Director-General U Thaung Htaik presented first, second and third prizes to the winners in the respective events.

Next, MPGA and MGF President Maj-Gen Win Hlaing presented championship trophy to Yangon Division team. Isuzu Mortors Ltd of Japan General Manager Mr Iida presented US$ 500 to Myanmar Olympic Committee Secretary-General U Thaung Htaik; US$ 500 to MGF General Secretory U Aung Kyi and US$ 1,000 to Treasurer U Oo Maung of Yangon Golf Club. Afterwards, Yangon Division team captain Sai Kyaw Kyaw spoke words of thanks. After the ceremony, Isuzu Motors Ltd of Japan hosted a dinner in honour of the athletes and guests.

YANGON, 20 March - A combined team comprising local intelligence unit, Bago Anti-Drug Squad and Pyu Police Station searched a suspect Naing Moe at East Ward in Pyu on 9 October 2003 and seized 51 grams of marijuana.

Pyu Police Station filed Naing Moe, son of U Han Tin of Pyu Railway compound under Section 15/16(C)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Phychotropic Substances Law.

Pyu Township Court heard the case and handed down five years' imprisonment on him under Section 15 and seven years' imprisonment under Section 16 (C) to serve separately on 13 February 2004.