• Laying groundwork for emergence of developed and peaceful democratic State
• Prime Minister attends coordination meeting for celebration of Thingyan Festival

• PM General Khin Nyunt meets Chinese Vice Premier
• Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, Chinese State Council Vice Premier hold discussions
• Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt attends signing of MoUs between Myanmar and China

• Secretary-1 hosts dinner in honour of Chinese Vice Premier
• Deputy Secretary-General of Chinese State Council visits Naval Dockyard Command Headquarters in Thilawa
• Appointment of Ambassador agreed on
• Secretary-1 attends opening ceremony of Hsinmin-2 Cement Plant in Kyaukse
• Lt-Gen Aung Htwe attends broadcasting of fertilizers in Lashio, Mongyai townships
• Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than highlights locals' participation for success of rural development plans
• Lt-Gen Kyaw Win accepts cash and kind for Tatmadawmen
• World TB Day observed
• Information Minister tours Monywa District
• USDA multiplier course opened
• Books and journals donated to IPRD

• Cash and kind donated to MMCWA

• Tiger-Myanmar Amateur Open

Measures are being taken for increase in per capita income and development of national economy, for national solidarity to be strong and politics to be stable, for elimination of internal insurgency so that the rule of law and tranquillity prevail, and for developing highly qualified human resources in our country as preparatory groundwork for the emergence of a developed and peaceful democratic State.

Senior General Than Shwe Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (From address delivered at the parade of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day)

YANGON, 24 March - A coordination meeting for celebration of Myanma traditional cultural Thingyan festival was held at Zeya Thiri Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha this evening, with an address by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

Present were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, the ministers, the Yangon mayor, the deputy ministers, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, chairmen of District Peace and Development Councils in Yangon Division, delegates of social organizations, chairmen of Thabin, Music and Motion Picture Asiayons and officials.

The Prime Minister delivered a speech. He said Myanma traditional cultural Thingyan festival will be held in accord with Myanma traditional customs. It is therefore necessary for the people to participate in the festival politely and gently, while refreshing themselves with cool water. They also need to discharge the State duties with renewed strength in the New Year and preserve and safeguard the essence of Myanma style and culture and national character.

He said the panel of patrons, discipline committee and traditional culture preservation committee and prize distribution committees were formed for systematic holding of the festival.

He said it is the Thingyan traditional festival that Myanmar people cherish and value. The festival includes religious and cultural activities such as throwing water on each other, taking Sabbath, setting animals free, donating blood and taking caring of elderly people. It is a festival that Myanmar people preserve the traditions.

He spoke on preservation of Myanma culture and avoiding alien culture and habits and quarrels during the festival.

He said efforts are being made with greater momentum among the youths in order to love and cherish Myanma traditional culture and customs.

He said it is necessary for officials to take measures for control and supervision of the revellers to see that they participate in the Thingyan festival happily.

He called for preservation of Myanma traditional customs in accord with the lofty aims of the Thingyan festival and participation in the festival happily.

Next, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe reported on works on discipline, Yangon Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin on preservation of traditional customs and prize distribution. Those present also reported on the respective works.

Next, the Prime Minister took part in the discussions.

YANGON, 24 March - Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt met with Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Madam Wu Yi and party who arrived here to pay a goodwill visit, at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 10 am today. Also present at the call were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, Director-General Lt-Col Pe Nyein of the State Peace and Development Council Office, Director-General U Soe Tint of Government Office and Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of Protocol Department.

The guests were accompanied by Chinese Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun.

YANGON, 24 March- Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt and Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Madam Wu Yi held a discussion at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 10.30 am today.

Also present at the discussion were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Col Hla Thein Swe, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General Lt-Col Pe Nyein of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads.

The Vice Premier of the State Council was accompanied by delegation members and Ambassador of the Chinese Embassy Mr Li Jinjun.

The two leaders of the two States exchanged views on mutual interest of Myanmar and China. They discussed that they were satisfied with all-round development in bilateral relations and cooperation between Myanmar and China in recent years. The development serves interest of the people from two countries. There are many opportunities for economic cooperation between Myanmar and China. In future, they will have to strengthen more and more relationship and cooperation between the two countries.

YANGON, 24 March - Myanmar and the People's Republic of China signed a number of agreements today at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha here this afternoon, in the presence of Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and Vice Premier of PRC State Council Madam Wu Yi.

Also present were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, the ministers, the deputy ministers, heads of departments, officials, members of the PRC goodwill delegation, PRC Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun and party.

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and Assistant Minister of Commerce of PRC Mr Chen Jian signed the MoU between the Government of the Union of Myanmar and the Government of the People's Republic of China on the Promotion of Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation; the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the governments of PRC and Union of Myanmar; and the Frame of Agreement between the Governments of the PRC and Union of Myanmar on Provision of Concessional Loan.

Managing Director of Myanma Foreign Trade Bank U Than Yi and China Export Credit and Insurance Corporation Mr Yang Zilin signed the Government Concessional Loan Agreement for MPT Project Phase II between the Export-Import Bank of China and the Financial Institution Authorized by the Government of the Union of Myanmar.

Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Col Hla Thein Swe and PRC Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun signed the MoU of Cooperation for Promoting Trade and Investment between China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation and the Ministry of Finance and Revenue of the Union of Myanmar.

President of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint and Vice-Chairman of China Council for Promotion of International Trade Madam Gao Yan signed the MoU between UMFCCI and China Council for Promotion of International Trade.

Governor of Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung and President of China Export-Import Mr Yang Zilin signed Loan Agreement on Hydraulic Steel Structure (Lot HSS-1) of Yeywa Hydro Power Project.

Director-General of Hydro Electric Power Department U Win Kyaw and President of China National Electric Equipment Corporation Mr Jia Ding signed Commercial Contract for the Supply of Hydraulic Steel Structure (Lot HSS-I) for Yeywa Hydro Power Project.

Managing Director of Myanma Post and Telecommunications U Maung Maung Tin and Chairman of ZTE Corporation Mr Hou Weigui signed the Cooperation Agreement on Myanmar National Telecommunications Network Construction Project.

Director-General of Hydro Electric Power Department U Win Kyaw and President of China National Heavy Machinery Corporation Mr Lu Wenjun signed Commercial Contract for the Supply of Hydraulic Steel Structure Works and Electrical and Mechanical Equipment for Kun Hydro Power Project.

Managing Director of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise Dr San Oo and Vice-President of State Grid Corporation of China Mr Zheng Baosen signed Commercial Contract on Myaungtaka-Hlinethaya-Yekyi 230 kv Transmission Lines & Substation Project.

Managing Director of Myanma Ceramic Industries U Soe Yi and President of China National Technical Import and Export Corporation Mr Jiang Xinsheng signed the MoU of Agreement for the Supply and Installation of Complete Equipment for Float Glass Production Line with Melting Capacity of 150 Tpd and For Tempered Glass, Laminated Glass and Mirror Glass Production Lines.

Managing Director of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise U Kyaw Shein and President of China CAMC Engineering Co Ltd Ms Luo Yan and President of China Huanqiu Contracting and Engineering Corporation Mr Wang Shihong signed Contract for Establishment of No 4 Urea Fertilizer Factory at Taikkyi Township, Yangon Division.

Director-General of Hydro Electric Power Department U Win Kyaw and General Manager of China International Trust and Investment Corporation Technology Co Mr Sun Xiaowsen and Vice General Manager of China Water Resources and Hydropower Construction Group Corporation Mr Liu Qitao signed the MoU on Hydraulic Steel Structure (Lot HSS-2) and Electromechanical Equipment (Lot EM-1) of Yeywa Hydro Power Project.

Similarly, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win and Deputy Minister of Commerce of PRC Mr Chen Jian signed MoU on National Theatre Renovation Project; MoU on rice milling machine installation project; MoU for feasibility study on combined harvester production project; MoU on feasibility study on small-scale hydropower project; study project on probation of quality sugarcane and cotton strains; MoU on geological and minerals exploration in Myanmar-China border region; and MoU Lashio-Muse railroad project in the morning.

YANGON, 24 March - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win hosted a dinner in honour of Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Madam Wu Yi and party, who are currently here on an official visit to Myanmar, at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha this evening.

The dinner was attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, the ministers, the deputy ministers, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of departments, PRC Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Li Jinjun and officials.

During the dinner, vocalists entertained the guests to the accompaniment of Myanma Athan modern music troupe. After the dinner, artistes of Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture presented cultural dances to the guests.

YANGON, 24 March - Deputy Secretary-General of the State Council Mr Xu Shaoshi and party, who accompanied Vice-Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Madam Wu Yi who arrived here at the invitation of Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, visited Naval Dockyard Command Headquarters in Thilawa, Thanlyin at 3 pm today.

They were welcomed there by Commander of Naval Dockyard Command Headquarters Rear-Admiral Paw Tun and officials.

At the briefing hall, Commander Rear-Admiral Paw Tun explained construction of Thilawa Naval Dockyard Command Headquarters with the use of video tapes.

Next, President Madame Luo Yan of CAMCE Co which built the dockyard explained steps of construction.Afterwards, Commander Rear-Admiral Paw Tun and Deputy Secretary-General of the State Council Mr Xu Shaoshi exchanged souvenirs. Next, Deputy Secretary-General of the State Council Mr Xu Shaoshi and party signed in the visitors' book.

The commander and party, the Deputy Secretary-General of the State Council and party had documentary photos taken.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the State Council and party viewed round the dockyard headquarters. Afterwards, the guests went to the site for construction of Thilawa Industrial Zone where Director U Tun Lin of Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development explained programmes for building the industrial zone.

Next, the Chinese guests viewed Thanlyin Bridge and arrived back here in the evening.

YANGON, 25 March - The Government of the Union of Myanmar has agreed to the appointment of Mr Daniel Mulhall, at present the Ambassador of Ireland to Malaysia, as the non-resident Ambassador of Ireland to the Union of Myanmar.

Mr Daniel Mulhall was born in 1955. He obtained Master of Arts from the National University of Ireland. He joined the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland in 1978 and served in various capacities at the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland and at the diplomatic missions in New Delhi, Vienna, Brussels and Edinburg. Since October 2001, he has been serving as the Ambassador of Ireland to Malaysia. He will concurrently serve as the Ambassador of Ireland to the Union of Myanmar with residence in Kuala Lumpur. He is married with two children.

YANGON, 24 March - A ceremony to open Hsinmin-2 Cement Plant at the foot of Nwalegauk Hill in Kyaukse was held at the venue on 22 March, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win.

Also present on the occasion were members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint and Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Maj-Gen Thein Swe, the deputy ministers, the Mandalay Mayor, the Commander of No 99 LID, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, divisional authorities, departmental officials, the President of Yunnan Machinery Import & Export Corporation and officials of the People's Republic of China, officials of Hsinmin Cement Plant and workers, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, local people and guests.

First, the Secretary-1 and party cordially met with those present at the ceremony and the President of Yunnan Machinery Import & Export Corporation and officials.

Lt-Gen Tin Aye and President of Yunnan Machinery Import & Export Corporation Mr Chen Fang formally opened the plant.

Next, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win unveiled the stone inscription of the plant. The Secretary-1, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Tin Aye, the commander and officials sprinkled scented water on it.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 inspected the plant.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party saw over running and controlling of the plant and the kiln, the power station and the packaging tasks. Lt-Gen Tin Aye conducted them round the respective sectors.

At the briefing hall, Member of the Board of Directors Col Aung San reported on the location and area of the plant, the purpose of building it and production process of cement. Furthermore, he reported that Hsinmin-2 Cement Plant is one to produce 700 tons of BS 12-1989 type day. Machinery for the plant were imported from Yunnan Machinery Import & Export Corporation. Similarly, the civilian construction tasks for the plant were carried out by AyonU Construction Co.

Next, Lt-Gen Tin Aye reported on arrangements made for manufacturing cement at Hsinmin-1 and Hsinmin-2 Cement Plants.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Tin Aye presented gifts to Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win and officials. Mr Chen Fang also presented souvenir to the Secretary-1 and party. Later, the Secretary-1 presented the fruits to Chinese engineers who participated in the construction of the plant.

Hsinmin-1 and Hsinmin-2 Cement Plants were built in Kyaukse Township, Mandalay Division.

Hsinmin-1 produces 400 tons of cement a day with the use of wet process. The plant was opened on 15-5-2003.

Hsinmin-2 manufactures 700 tons a day with the use of dry process.

YANGON, 24 March - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Chairman North-East Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing, attended the third scattering of fertilizers on the 150-acre Hsinshweli hybrid summer paddy plot at Nampaung village-tract, Lashio Township on 21 March morning.

An official reported on work progress. The commander gave an account of measures for ensuring local rice sufficiency. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe presented gifts to local farmers and delivered a speech. In his speech, he said that successful introduction of Hsinshweli hybrid paddy in the rainy season and summer will help boost production and raise per capita income and living standard of local farmers. He called on departmental personnel and local people to take part in regional development project and to make efforts in building up a peaceful, modern and developed nation.

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, the commander and officials also attended the broadcasting of fertilizers on the 90-acre Hsinshweli high-yield paddy plot in Mongyai Township. The commander reported on measures being taken for making greater progress in cultivating monsoon and summer paddy.

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe met with officers and other ranks and their families of local regiments and units at Mongyai Station and elaborated on extended agriculture and livestock breeding and collective efforts for regional development.

YANGON, 24 March - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence inspected a pepper plantation at Nattaungmaw in Kwechaung village-tract, Thandwe Township on 20 March.

Accompanied by Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Maung Oo, Col Myint Soe of Taungup Station, officials of State Peace and Development Council Office, local authorities and officials, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than met with pepper farmers, and urged them to grow other crops including monsoon and summer paddy, beans and pulses and winter crops in addition to pepper.

An official of Myanma Agriculture Service reported to him on pepper growing method and disease prevention measures and gave replies to questions raised by the farmers.

At Ywama Station Hospital in the township, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected operation theatre, laboratory, medical store and wards.

At his meeting with local people at the hospital, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than said the Government is implementing the five rural development tasks as the whole nation will develop only if there is progress in the rural areas as well as urban areas. His visit to Ywama Model village is for its development. The villagers are taking part in building the Taungup-Maei highway and the road linking the highway and the village. The village now has a station hospital and health care centres and a high school. A computer will be provided for the school. Efforts should be made to raise farming to develop the village. Villagers are urged to grow beans and pulses and edible crops after harvesting monsoon paddy. Local strains of chicken should be raised in addition to prawn breeding and fishing. Plans that are being laid down and implemented by the Government will achieve success only with the participation of the local people. He then presented a computer to the school.

The commander explained rural development plans, urging locals to render cooperation.

At the high school, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than met with teaching staff and discussed academic matters.

Villagers have contributed cash and labour in building the six miles four furlongs long all-weather road linking the highway and the village.

In Maei, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than met with local people and officials. An official presented reports on the location and area of Maei, and development undertakings. The commander and Chairman of Thandwe District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Hla Tint gave a supplementary report.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than said that the Government has opened primary, middle and high schools in rural areas, and upgrading them as necessary. It is also opening more station hospitals and dispensaries and disseminating health knowledge, taking disease prevention measures and treating patients. In addition, it is also making arrangements for rural transport development and supplying potable water to villages and striving to develop the agricultural sector.

Maei will gain further progress as it lies at the junction of An-Taungup Highway and Taungup-Kyaukphyu Highway, that will be opened soon. Scientific methods should be introduced to the regional agriculture to raise per acre yields of crops. The Government can provide only ideas and draw rural development plans. But the local people themselves will have to strive for development of their own regions.

During inspection of Maei-Kyaukphyu section of Yangon-Kyaukphyu Highway Project, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than heard a report on progress in implementing the project, gravelling, bridge erection task and completion of seven over 180-foot bridges on Taungup-Maei-Kyaukphyu Highway out of a total of 14, presented by engineers.

He gave instructions on completion of road and bridge projects within the scheduled period and launching of the Taungup-Maei section and Maei-Kyaukphyu section of Yangon-Kyaukphyu Highway as targetted.

YANGON, 24 March - The third cash donation for Tatmadawmen who will participate in the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade was held at Defence Services Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road, here, this afternoon, attended by Chairman of Leading Committee for Observance of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win.

Also present on the occasion were Chairman of the Management Committee Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Vice-Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint and Brig-Gen Nyan Win, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Hla Shwe, Vice-Quartermaster-General Brig-Gen Khin Maung Tun, Armed Forces Day Parade Commander Brig-Gen Min Thein, Reserve Parade Commander Col Nyi Tun and senior military officers, wellwishers and guests.

Lt-Gen Kyaw Win accepted 2,286 bottles of army rum donated by Myanmar Economic Corporation; 3,600 viss of Hamilton's carp worth K 3,060,000 by Latkhattaung Sayadaw Ashin Padumasamaña and Natsintaya Sayadaw Ashin Paññateja; K 500,000 by Tamoenye region cultural troupe Chairman U Yan Pe Zone (a) U Than Htay and U Myint Lwin and party; K 1 million by Tamoenye, Shaukhao and Lonthang village people; two tons of jelly fish worth K 2 million by U Aung Ko Ko (AKK Group); K 500,000 by U Myat Lwin (Myat Thabyay Computer Showroom); one Micro Computer Electronic Time Recorder worth K 300,000 by Managing Director U Tun Tun of Luminary Co Ltd; one light box worth K 150,000 by Real Life Advertising Co; K 200,000 by Cholia Organization of Bo Sun Pek; K 360,000 by U Sai Kyaw Tun of Nanhtaik Tawwin Restaurant-1 and 2; 2,880 bottles of soft drinks worth K 153,960 by MGS Co Ltd; K 100,000 by U Tin Htay-Daw Cho Cho Thwe and K 200,000 by U Khin Maung Zaw-Daw Moe Moe Aung of Hmawby.

Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Vice-Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint accepted K 100,000 donated by U Khin Maung Swe-Daw Kyi Kyi; K 100,000 by U Myint Thein; K 300,000 by Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association; 100 dozens of traditional medicine packets worth K 100,000 by Ma Su Su Aye Aung; 50,000 by U Khin Aung-Daw Khin Myint Thu; K 20,000 each by U Shwe Tha; SAT Daw Hla Hla Than and U Tin Than; and Daw Khin Myaing; K 10,000 by Daw Tin Tin; K 200,000 by Myanmar Rice and Paddy Wholesalers Association; K 50,000 by Sgt Ba Myint (Retd)-Daw Ashar; K 30,000 by Haji U Min Lwin; K 20,000 by U Kyaw Tint and K 200,000 by U Tun Min.

Certificates of honour were presented to the wellwishers. Next, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win spoke words of thanks.

Altogether 26 wellwishers presented donations worth 6,141,150 and K 3,980,000, totalling K 10,121,150.

YANGON, 24 March - The World TB Day was observed at International Business Centre this morning, with an address by Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint.

The motto for this year is "Every Breath Counts, Stop TB Now!."

Also present were President of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, directors-general of departments under the Ministry of Health and officials, members of central anti-TB committee, work committee, members of Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), medical superintendents, WHO Resident Representative Dr Agostino Borra, resident representatives of the UN agencies, guests, members of international social organizations and non-governmental organizations and winners of TB Day commemorative poster and painting contest and artistes who had performed in educative plays.

Minister Dr Kyaw Myint delivered a speech. He said the dreadful disease which kills many people all over the world has been noted since BC 3700. Tubercle bacilli, the germ which causes tuberculosis was first found and announced to the world by German scientist Dr Robert Koch on 24 March 1882. This event changes the fate of tuberculosis patient to a new era.

Based on this finding, anti-TB drugs such as Injection Streptomycin and oral drug Isoniazid have been introduced in 1947 and 1951 respectively. Today potent anti-TB drugs are available to combat tuberculosis.

Thus in 1973, WHO declared TB as a global emergency and recommend that DOTS Strategy is the best way to combat against tuberculosis.

Global figures showed that at present there are 8 million TB cases among which 2 million died annually. Seventy percent of TB cases are the ones who are in the age group of 15-54 years which can give the maximum economic output. We also found out that 95% of TB cases and 98% of TB deaths are from the developing countries. But there is a little knowledge about TB in the community. To overcome this health education must be given to the community.

Myanmar has been implementing DOTS Strategy since 1997. In November 2003, 100 percent DOTS coverage was achieved.

Next, WHO Resident Representative Dr Agostino Borra spoke on the occasion. Minister Dr Kyaw Myint presented prizes to winners of poster contest at high school level and Dr Agostino Borra prizes to winners of cartoon contest at middle school level.

After the ceremony the minister and party observed booths opened in commemoration of the World TB Day.

YANGON, 24 March - Secretariat Member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association (Central) Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan visited the Shwezigon Pagoda in Monywa and donated K 10,000 to the pagoda on 21 March morning.

The minister discussed matters on cleanliness of the pagoda with members of the pagoda board of trustees on the pagoda platform. The minister held a meeting with local people in Ton Village, Salingyi Township. The minister fulfilled the requirements and presented publications to the village library.

Later in the morning, the minister also met with local people and members of social organizations at Hnawkuto village in Salingyi Township and discussed assistance to be rendered for rural development. The minister presented a TV set to the village, school textbooks to the village basic education primary school and publications to the village library through officials. Monywa District Information and Public Relations Department and District USDA publications to the village library.

Next, the minister went to Thanlyetkaing village and inspected the ruined primary school and attended to the needs.

In the afternoon, the minister met with local people at Hsakha village in the township and presented K 50,000 for renovation of the post-primary school, K 50,000 for renovation of Thanlyetkaing village primary school, books to the village library and school textbooks and exercise books to the schools. Monywa District IPRD also donated publications to the village library.

Afterwards, the minister held a meeting with township level departmental officials at Salingyi Township PDC office.

On the occasion, the minister discussed matters related to renovation of schools, upgrading of rural roads and implementation of rural development tasks.

At the meeting with the village folks at Kyadet village, the minister discussed cultivation of crops with water from artesian wells.

On 22 March morning, the minister addressed the opening of self-reliant library donated by Pakokku U Ohn Pe at Shardaw village. In his address, the minister said that in accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe on opening of more libraries across the nation for development of human resources the Ministry of Information has been opening libraries throughout the country. The minister urged the villagers to maintain the library for its durability.

He thanked the donor and presented publications to the library through Pakokku U Ohn Pe. Wellwishers also donated K 650,000 to the library built at a cost of K 4 million. The minister formally unveiled the signboard of the library.

In the afternoon, the minister inspected the wall magazine to mark the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day at NyaungU District IPRD and left necessary instructions.

YANGON, 24 March - The opening ceremony of the basic organizational multiplier course No 20 for the executives of Mingala Taungnyunt Township Union Solidarity and Development Association was held in conjunction with a cash donation ceremony at the office of the association in the township this afternoon.

Member of the Secretariat of USDA (Central) and in-charge of Mingala Taungnyunt Township USDA Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan attended the ceremony and delivered an opening address. In his speech, Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan spoke of the need to open cultural and moral courses, vocational courses, computer courses, music and drawing courses and sports courses for the youths in the summer.

At the cash donation ceremony, Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan presented K 20,000, which was accepted by the joint secretary of the township USDA. The chairman of Mingala Taungnyunt Township Peace and Development Council presented K 15,000; the administrative officer of the township development affairs department, K 10,000; the company commander of the township auxiliary fire brigade, K 20,000; Police Lt-Col Than Ngwe of the township, K 10,000; and U Maung Maung Aye and U Tin Win Aung, K 10,000. Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. Altogether 70 trainees will attend the course, which last two weeks.

YANGON, 24 March - Wellwishers donated books to libraries of the Information and Public Relations Department under the Ministry of Information at the meeting hall of the IPRD (Head Office) on Pansodan Street here this morning. Present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, directors-general and managing directors of departments/enterprises under the ministry and others.

U Soe Moe Than donated 375 copies of Yangon Directory and 375 copies of Mandalay Directory worth K 1,125,000 in total; Daw Swe Swe Aung and Daw Wai Wai Aung, 1,350 copies of novels worth K 461,550; Daw Tin Tin Nu and family, 955 copies of Lonmalay women magazine worth K 95,500; Daw Tin Ma Oo of Myohsetthit book house, 360 copies of Ne-ta-ga novel and 360 copies of Taik-pwe-win-a-may novel worth K 252,000; Major Tin Win (Rtd) of Pale book house, 190 copies of books on economy worth K 190,000; U Khin Maung Win and 13 friends in Japan, 100 copies of Thu-do-hnit-kyun-daw book worth K 55,000; U Win Myint in Japan, 100 copies of books on religion worth K 40,000; U Myat Thu Win of Shwemintha Co Ltd, 200 copies of Dagon annual magazine worth K 10,000; U Myint Zaw-Daw Than Than Oo and family, 108 copies of magazines and journals worth K 7,525; U Ko Thu Rein of Shwemintha Co Ltd, 58 copies of magazines and journals worth K 4,000; and U Khin Maung Tin and family, 230 copies of books on fiction and non-fiction.

Brig-Gen Aung Thein accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers.

After the wellwishers had explained the purpose of their donations, the deputy minister gave a word of thanks to them. Today, wellwishers donated a total of 5,892 kinds of books and journals worth K 2,242,075 in total.

YANGON, 24 March - Wellwishers today donated cash and kind to hail the 14th Annual Conference of the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association The ceremony was held at the MMCWA at the corner of Parami Road and Thanthuma Road here.

Present on the occasion were MMCWA President Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Vice-Presidents Dr Kyi Soe and Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint, CEC members and guests.

The Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd presented K 2.5 million; U Aung Zaw Ye Myint, K 500,000; Mo Asiatic Co, K 300,000; Dr Thin Nwe Win of Royal Ruby Co, medicines worth K 305,000; Ma Naw of Credit Co, medicines worth K 500,000; U Mya Oo of Baby Vita Co, Baby Vita child tonics worth K 300,000; Tri Star General Trading Co, 20 units of sewing machine worth K 610,000; and Dr Tint Lwin of Pyi Phyo Tun Co, K 630,000.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe accepted the donations, presented certificates of honour to wellwishers and spoke words of thanks.

YANGON, 24 March - Tiger Myanmar Amateur Open-2004 organized by the Myanmar Golf Federation continued this morning at Yangon Golf Club, Danyingon, here.

After the second round, Myo Min Aung fired 143 strokes including 71 strokes on the second round, followed by Zaw Zin Win with 147 and Bo Bo and Thein Zaw Myint with 150 each. Han Event Management organized the championship together with co-sponsors Canon, Ping Golf Equipment, Grand Plaza Park Royal Hotel, Air Mandalay, Wilson and Imperial Jade Drinking Water. The championship will continue tomorrow.