• Protect all the national interests
• General Thura Shwe Mann inspects drills of Armed Forces Day Parade columns

• Government building new airports, upgrading old ones to facilitate air transport
• Commander inspects development tasks of townships in Yangon South District
• SWRR Minister inspects departmental tasks in Mandalay, PyinOoLwin
• Tractors handed over to Ministry of Forestry in Muse
• Archaeological works in Rakhine State inspected
• Over euro 18.5m fetched at 41^st Myanma Gems Emporiuma

• F & R Deputy Minister attends ASEAN+3 Senior Policy Seminar in Manila
• 381 tourists arrive at Thilawa

The three main tasks of the Tatmadaw are to fight, to undergo training if there is no combat, and to serve public interest if there is no training and combat. As for the first duty - to fight - the Tatmadaw is an institution formed to safeguard and protect the nation and the people. Hence, it must safeguard the territorial waters, land and airspace of the nation. It must safeguard the sovereignty. It must protect all the national interests. And it must safeguard the lives and property of the citizens for their safety.

Senior General Than Shwe Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (From address at the graduation parade of the 46th Intake of Defence Services Academy)

Yangon, 21 March - Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence inspected the marching drills of military columns which will participate in the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade.

General Thura Shwe Mann arrived at the Resistance Park where the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade will take place.

General Thura Shwe Mann inspected the marching drills practised by Anawrahta Column, Kyansittha Column, Bayintnaung Column, Nawade Column, Aung Zeya Column, Hsinbyushin Column, Bandoola Column, Myawady Column and Aung San Column that were led by Parade Commander Brig-Gen Min Thein. Later, General Thura Shwe Mann gave necessary instructions to officials.

Yangon, 21 March - In honour of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, a ceremony to open Monywa Airport which had already been built in Monywa, Monywa District, Sagaing Division was held at the pandal of the airport this morning, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win.

Before the opening ceremony, Fokker F-28 aircraft of Myanma Airways carrying passengers touched down at Monywa Airport at 7.50 am.

Next, the ceremony to open Monywa Airport followed at 8 am.

In his address, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win said that Monywa Airport was 5,000 feet long and 100 feet wide and it was of earthen type mixed with gravel in the past, adding that it was upgraded into 6,000 feet long and 100 feet wide facility with tarred runway by Shwe Thanlwin Highway Co as the first phase and it was opened on 16 November 2003. Since then, it is being used by passenger planes including Fokker F-28.

The runway was upgraded into the 8,500 feet long tarred one complete with magnificent buildings and it was thus opened today in honour of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day.

The government has been building new airports and upgrading the old ones to facilitate the air transport not only in international route but also in domestic route. In the process, a new airfield was constructed in Homalin while Kalay airport was upgraded. At the same time, extension of runway of Hkhamti airport is under way.

In addition, motorways, railroads and bridges were built to form a network of transport in Sagaing Division while building new airports and upgrading the old ones.

Better transport was brought about in Sagaing Division with the emergence of Kalay-Gangaw-Pakokku-ChaungU railroad and Chindwin river crossing Sinbyushin Bridge. Likewise, with the emergence of Chindwin river crossing Monywa Bridge and Monywa-Yagyi-Kalewa motorway, the division can easily be accessible from Chin State and the regions on western bank of Chindwin river.

Similarly, the emergence of Mu river crossing bridge and Budalin-YeU-KhinU railroad has facilitated better transport in the region. With the emergence of Shwebo-Myitkyina motorway, Sagaing Division and Kachin State can be accessible both by train and car.

The emergence of transport facilities contribute to regional development and improvement of the living standard of local people as well as development of economic, education, health and social sectors of the region. Thus, the government has been building roads and bridges across the nation to enable the national races to keep in touch with one another. Now, one can travel from easternmost to westernmost or from northernmost to southernmost part of the Union.

There were over 13,600 miles of motorway in 1988 and there are now 18,100 miles of motorway while there were 16 bridges with a length of over 180 feet in the past and there are now 168. Likewise, there were 21 airports and at present there are 28 and there were 6 airports which can be used by Fokker F-28 and there are now 20 such airport facilities.

Progress has been made in education, health and social sectors as well as in trading due to better transportation in the region and fulfillment of transport facilities will benefit posterity.

The government is building sound economic infrastructures while making efforts for ensuring better transport. Altogether 28 dams and reservoirs including Thaphanseik Multiporpurpose Dam, the largest of its kind in the nation, were constructed in Sagaing Division, benefiting some 600,000 acres of farmland.

Meanwhile, river water pumping projects were implemented and altogether 61 river water pumping tapping stations were established together with underground water stations in Sagaing Division, benefiting over 90,000 acres of farmland.

There were some 2.8 million acres of cultivable land in the division in the past and there are now over 3.9 million acres and there were over 1.2 million acres of farmland in the past and there are now 1.8 million acres. Therefore, paddy production has been on the increase and the division has become the granary of Upper Myanmar. Likewise, cultivation of pulses and beans, oil crops and cotton is making progress in the division. Improvement in the agriculture sector will help the division make progress in other economic sectors.

The economic growth of the division was 10 per cent in 2001-2002 and 15 per cent in 2002-2003. It will be over 10 per cent in 2003-2004. Therefore, the division will be able to contribute 12 per cent in the GNP of the State. The per capita income of the division was some K120,000 in 2002-2003 and it is expected to be some K150,000 in 2003-2004.

This development is due to the goodwill of the State and the efforts of service personnel who contributed their shares in boosting of the production. Those who are able to contribute to regional development are service personnal and the Tatmadawmen in the region. Regional development will meet with success only if the State, the people and the Tatmadaw can make intergrated and well-coordinated efforts. Only when there is harmonious development across the nation will the Union make progress. Hence, officials at different levels are to make concerted efforts with goodwill for national development. Efforts are to be made based on mutual understanding, unity, diligence and abiding by rules and regualtions. Only then will the economy in the region make progress and peace and tranquillity prevail in the nation.

Therefore, all are urged to strive togerther with the government for development of Sagaing Division and perpetuation of sovereignty, realizing right or wrong as well as good or bad.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 thanked the Ministry of Transport and Shwe Than Lwin Co that built the airport opened today and the ministries and Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council for contributing their shares in sucessful realization of the project.

Next, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe delivered an address, saying that Monywa, being an industrial city of north-east region of Myanmar, is of importance in the economic sector of the region. Monywa Airport was extended in accord with the guidance of the Head of State with the aims of ensuring improvement of living standard of the region as well as local people and better transport and development of industries because it is a region where not only Myanmar people but also tourists often visit.

In the past, there was only the Yangon International Airport to connect foreign countries by air. Nowadays, Mandalay International Airport of international level has been opened and upgrading and extension tasks are being carried out at Yangon International Airport. Similarly, Magway Airport was opened on 6 June 2003; Homalin Airport on 3 August 2003; and Pathein Airport on 14 March 2004. And, Monywa Airport was inaugurated today. In addition, other airports are being upgraded for the purpose of serving Boeing 737-400 flights.

Owing to giving the contract on construction of Monywa Airport by the Ministry of Transport, Shwe Thanlwin Highway Co Ltd started its construction tasks on 10 May 2002 and built the tarred runway which is 8500 feet long, 100 feet wide and 24 inches thick. The runway of the airport can withstand the load of local flights and Boeing 737-400 Jet flights weighing 150,000 lb. In addition, one 180 feet long and 60 feet wide one-storey Passenger Lounge was constructed for the convenience of 250 passengers at a time on arrival and for departure. And, the 16 feet in length, 16 feet in width and 50 feet in height control tower was built there. In conclusion, the minister called on those present to strive for durability of the airport built by the Government spending a large sum of money with a view to ensuring smooth transport and building a modern and developed nation according to the economic policy of the Government.

Afterwards, Commander Maj-Gen Tha Aye gave a speech on the occasion. Afterwards, Dr Win Myint Aung of Monywa, on behalf of the local people, thanked for the opening of the airport. Next, the Secretary-1 presented gifts to Superintending Engineer U Tin Win, on behalf of workers of Shwe Thanlwin Highway Co Ltd.

The Secretary-1 and party took the designated places. At the auspicious time, the commander and the minister together with Shwe Thanlwin Highway Co Ltd Chairman U Kyaw Win formally opened Monywa Airport.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 formally unveiled the stone inscription of the Airport. Next, the Secretary-1 and party sprinkled scented water on it. The Secretary-1 and party posed for documentary photos in front of the archway of the airport. Later, the Secretary-1 and party cordially conversed with those present.

Yangon, 21 March - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, accompanied by divisional departmental officials, this afternoon, inspected regional development tasks and agriculture and livestock breeding tasks in Dalla, Twantay, Kawhmu and Kungyangon townships.

First, the commander and party arrived at Yakhaingchaung Bridge on Dalla-Lekkhokkon Road in Twantay Township. Superintending Engineer U Nyunt Maung San reported on arrangements for upgrading of the bridge into the 250 feet long and 24 feet wide reinforced concrete one, repair of bridges on the road and maintenance of the road.

The commander and party went to Lekkhokkon Village in Kungyangon Township. At Lekkhokkon Beach Hotel, the commander met with departmental officials and local people and heard reports on salient points of the township. Similarly, national entrepreneurs also reported on carrying out the livestock breeding tasks and requirements.

Afterwards, the commander saw over preparations of prawn ponds at Taw Myint Aye prawn breeding farm in Wetkaik Village, Kungyangon Township. On arrival at Top Win sea prawn breeding farm, they inspected breeding of sea prawn at the ponds. The commander gave instructions on extension of livestock breeding tasks for economic development of the region.

At Lekkhokkon Station Hospital, the commander looked into the patient ward, the operation theatre and the medical store. Head of the Township Health Department Dr Tin Tun reported on health care service being provided in the township. Next, the commander presented K 100,000 donated by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council to Station Hospital Surgeon Dr Daw Mya Mya Hlaing.

Yangon, 21 March - Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa delivered an address at the concluding ceremony of Basic Medical Platoon Course No 1/2004 at Anawrahta Hall of Central Fire Services Training School in PyinOoLwin on 19 March. Next, the Director-General presented gifts to instructors. In the afternoon, the minister, together with the Director-General of Social Welfare Department and officials, went to Child Nursery and Women's Vocational Training School in Mandalay and inspected functions there.

On 20 March, the minister inspected welfare shop, poultry farm and pig breeding farm at Central Fire Services Training School. He also inspected repaving of roads in the school. Next, the minister looked into water supply system and construction of 20,000-gallon capacity water tank. Afterwards, the minister inspected perennial crop plantations and wheat plantation of PyinOoLwin Township Immigration and National Registration Department. This morning, the minister inspected functions of INRD of Mandalay International Airport.

Yangon, 21 March - A ceremony to hand over tractors and trucks donated by China International Forestry Group (CIFG) was held at the compound of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading in Muse yesterday morning, attended by Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung.

Also present were Managing Director U Win Tun of Myanma Timber Enterprise, Director-General U Soe Win Hlaing of Forest Department, local authorities, Chinese Deputy Minister of Forestry Mr Lei Jiafu, managing Director Mr Qu Guilin, CIFG President Mr Zhanghangde and Shweli Mayor Mr Si Lizhand and officials.

Minister Brig-Gen Thein Aung and Chinese Deputy Minister Mr Lei Jiafu gave speeches. Next, MTE Managing Director U Win Tun and CIFG President Mr Zhanghangde signed and exchanged documents related to the donations. Afterwards, Minister Brig-Gen Thein Aung, Chinese Deputy Minister Mr Lei Jiafu and officials inspected the heavy machinery.

Today's donations were 2 tractors and 18 trucks.

Yangon, 21 March - Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung inspected renovation of Shwe Kyetpha Pagoda built by King Khattathin during the period of Laymyo from 818 to 1430 AD, near the Laungkyet Taungmaw Stone Inscription on Laungkyet Hill in MraukU on 19 March. Next, the minister saw over maintenance and renovation of Koethaung Stupa built by King Teikkha in 1553 AD and Archaeological Museum in MraukU. Yesterday morning, the minister paid homage to Maha Muni Buddha Image in Kyauktaw Township.

The minister inspected ancient Danyawady Palace excavation site south of Maha Muni Image. Director U Kyaw Oo Lwin of Archaeology Department Branch (MraukU) reported on excavation of the palace gate and court building sites. The minister next looked into excavation of the gate of the city wall at ancient Vesali City. Next, the minister saw over construction of the platform and erection of the walls of Anauk Mya Tazaung Pagoda in MraukU. After paying obeisance to Shitthaung Stupa, the minister inspected maintenance of Ananda ‚andra stone inscription. In the evening, the minister paid homage to Lawkananda Pagoda in Sittway.

Ancient Pyu coins donated to National Museum

Yangon, 21 March - Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, accompanied by officials, arrived at Sittway in Rakhine State on 19 March morning. At Buddhaw Maw Monastery in Pyidawtha Ward, the minister accepted five ancient Pyu coins from Sayadaw U Nanuttara and presented a certificate of honour to the latter. The minister next offered provisions to the Sayadaw. It is found that the coins depict the picture of Siriwitsa on one side and the picture of conch on the other. These ancient artefacts will be displayed at the National Museum.

Over euro 18.5m fetched at 41st Myanma Gems Emporiuma

Yangon, 21 March - Patron of Central Committee for Organizing the Myanma Gems Emporium Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint this morning arrived at the 41st Myanma Gems Emporium at the gems mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road where the minister was welcomed by Chairman of the Central Committee Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein, Secretary Managing Director U Khin Oo of the Myanma Gems Enterprise and members.

The minister viewed sales of pearl lots through tender system and left there.

On the sixth day for the emporium, local and foreign gem merchants bought 45 lots of pearl worth euro 232,127.

In the 41st Myanma Gems Emporium, jade lots, gem lots and pearl lots were sold to the merchants through tender and competitive bidding systems from 16 to 21 March and the emporium concluded successfully at 1 pm today. From 16 to 18 March, euro 10,473,434 was fetched from the sales of 503 lots of jade; from 19 to 20 March, euro 7,769,858 was fetched from sales of 50 lots of gems; and 45 lots of pearl worth euro 232,127 were sold on 21 March. So, euro 18,475,419 were fetched from sales of 598 lots of jade, gems and pearl. Furthermore, euro 25,295 was earned from the sales of gems and jade figurines and ornaments.

Altogether 1,106 gem merchants - 637 from 253 companies of 10 foreign countries and 469 from 184 local companies - attended it to competitively purchase jade, gems and pearl lots.

Yangon, 21 March - Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Col Hla Thein Swe attended the ASEAN+3 Senior Policy Seminar on Monetary and Financial Integration in East Asia held in Manila, the Philippines, on 18 and 19 March.

At the meeting on 18 and 19 mornings, monetary and financial integration in East Asia, cooperation in exchange rate of foreign currency, collective saving of reserve foreign currency, exchange of information, close supervision systems and matters relating to regional organizations were discussed. The participants exchanged their views and discussed future tasks. On 19 March afternoon, the Meeting on Asia Bond Market Initiative-ABMI followed. All working groups presented their accomplishments and reviewed the Terms of Reference (TOR) to form the Focal Group.

They agreed to submit the TOR to the Meeting of ASEAN+3 Deputy Heads of Finance & Central Banks to be held in Singapore. Deputy Minister Col Hla Thein Swe together with Director of Central Bank of Myanmar Daw Ohnma Sein arrived back here by air yesterday evening.

Yangon, 21 March - Under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, assistance provided by the Ministry of Transport and organized by Myanmar Voyage International Tourism Co Ltd, cruiseliner MV Astor carrying 381 tourists on board arrived at Thilawa Jetty at 6 am today.

The tourists were welcomed there by Managing Director U Thein Htay of Myanma Port Authority, the General Manager of Myanma Tourism Service and officials of the company.

The tourists will be divided into groups to visit downtown Yangon, Bago, Thanlyin and Bagan and they will leave here on 23 March morning.

Yangon, 21 March - The Chinese writers delegation led by Chairman Mr Wang Chonglu of Writers Association of the People's Republic of China left here by air this afternoon.

The guests were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Chief Editor U Maung Hlaing of Sarpay Beikman of Printing and Publishing Enterprise of the Ministry of Information, Deputy Chief Editor U Myo Myint Thaung and officials.