YANGON, 6 March - Hailing the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, Myanmar Convention Centre in Mayangon Township, here was opened this morning, attended by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

The centre was built by Yangon City Development Committee.

The opening ceremony, held at the centre, was also attended by 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, ministers, the Yangon Mayor, deputy ministers, the vice mayor, chairmen and members of social organizations, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, YCDC members, officials and guests.

Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and YCDC Chairman Yangon Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin formally opened the centre.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt unveiled its signboard.

Speaking on the occasion, the mayor said that Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance to YCDC to construct a multi-purpose building for Yangon to have the characteristics of an international level city. The committee also received instructions from Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt to facilitate the work of implementing the project.

The main building occupies 1.1 acres of land in the eight-acre compound, where a 300-seat restaurant, a parking lot and a lawn complete with flowers are located. The ground floor houses a 192-foot by 128-foot hall, with a 64-foot wide stage, which can seat 2,500 people. The car park can accommodate 500 cars and the lawn can be used for outdoor receptions and entertainment programmes. Moreover indoor receptions and entertainment programmes can be also held in the building. International level conferences, seminars and workshops can be organized in the main hall. Besides, the building and its compound can be used for holding international trade fairs. The Prime Minister has given instructions to YCDC to make Yangon a modern city were commercial, trade, financial, banking and administrative institutions can run their businesses smoothly and conveniently; to fulfil all the health and socio-economic needs of the city dwellers; and to understand its importance in various sectors.

The Prime Minister and party inspected the centre.

YANGON, 26 March- A ceremony to hand over ancient Buddha image which was presented to the Prime Minister by Chairman of Mandalay Division Sangha Nayaka Committee (Shwekyin) Dahattaw Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sujatasara to the Ministry of Culture was held at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at 4 pm today, attended by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

Also present were Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and the Ministry of Culture.

At the ceremony, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt handed over the Buddha image to Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung.

The ancient Buddha image is of Antagu type and eight chapters of the life of Buddha were portrayed.

The image was recovered at the ancient pagoda built in Wanpyay Village, Myinmu Township by King Alaungsithu renovated by Daw Baby and family of Mandalay.

So, they donated the Buddha image to Dahattaw Sayadaw and the Sayadaw presented it to the Prime Minister.

The Buddha image will be kept at the National Museum for public obeisance.

YANGON, 26 March - A ceremony to fix the golden bolt at Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) being built by Public Works was held at the Mingala Mandat on the pier RP 10 of the main bridge this morning, attended by Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence.

Also present on the occasion were Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, engineers and workers of the Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) Project, local authorities and local people.

At the ceremony, Lt-Gen Maung Bo delivered an address. He said steel frame installation work of Thanlwin Bridge (Mawla-myine) is about to be completed. The

bridge lies on the 842-mile Union Highway linking Yangon and Kawthoung in the southern tip of the nation via Myeik, Dawei and Mawlamyine. The total length of the bridge including the 7,699 feet main structure and two 3,876-foot approach structures is 11,575 feet or over two miles. The rail-cum-road bridge can bear up to 60 tons. The total expenditure of the bridge excluding the railroad will be K 20,579 million plus about US $ 13 million. The bridge has been built by Myanmar engineers without taking assistance from foreign experts.

The Government has been upholding Our Three Main National Causes and implementing the 12 State's Objectives. In addition to other ministries, the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs has been formed for development of all border areas, rural areas and urban areas without leaving any region unattended.

Thanks to the border areas development project, 24-zone development project and five rural development tasks the whole nation is seeing progress in all sectors.

As the Government is rendering assistance for progress of Mon State, the locals will have to strive more for their region, where Mawlamyine, the third largest city in Myanmar, is located to become at least in the third important region for the State. The State is providing supervision and assistance for region development. But the actual development of a region relies on the efforts of its people.

Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun also gave a speech, saying that as the State Peace and Development Council is building the country as a peaceful, modern and developed democratic country, emphasis is being paid on development of infrastructures such as human resource development sector, industry sector, agriculture and livestock breeding sector, transport sector, etc. In doing so, the transport sector plays an important role. So, roads, bridges, airports and railroads were built as a network throughout the country.

Of the infrastructures, Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) where iron frames have already been installed today is located on 842 miles long Kawthoung-Myeik-Dawei-Mawlamyine-Yangon Union Highway and it links Mawlamyine and Mottama. According to the decision of the meeting 1/98 of Special Projects Implementation Committee held on 26-10-1998, construction tasks of the bridge started on Mawlamyine bank on 18 March 2000 and on Mottama bank on 1 November 2000. At present, the longest bridge in the country is Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway) which is 8,989 feet long. In future, Mawlamyine Bridge (Thanlwin) will be the longest one in the nation. It will be rail-cum-road one which will have 11,575 feet long motor road and 21,618 feet long railroad. The iron frames weighing 19,000 tons worth US$ 13 million were installed at the bridge. Later, the minister urged local authorities and people to participate in the construction tasks.

Next, Commander Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung made a speech. Afterwards, Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Commander Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun and Minister Maj-Gen Aung Min took the designated places. At the auspicious time, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party fixed the golden bolts at the designated steel frames and sprinkled scented water on them.

Next, they posed for documentary photos together with the workers on the bridge. Afterwards, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party passed through the bridge. Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) lies on Yangon-Mawlamyine-Myeik-Kawthoung Highway and it is crossing Thanlwin River to link Mawlamyine and Mottama of Paung township.

YANGON, 26 March - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence inspected the People's Hospital in Mawlaik Township, Sagaing Division on 25 march.

Accompanied by Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Tha Aye, Brig-Gen Khin Maung Aye of Kale

Station and officials, Lt-Gen Ye Myint visited the wards, oral and dental department, operation theatre, X-Ray room, delivery room, medical stores, the main building and the compound. He stressed the need to ensure cleanness of the buildings and the compound, maintenance of the buildings and systematic use and storage of medicines.

At the Mawlaik Township Basic Education High School, he inspected classrooms, computer room, domestic education room, multi-medial centre and the school maintenance work. He also inspected the town by car.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party arrived back here on 26 March.

YANGON, 26 March- Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Maung Oo and Col Myint Soe of Taungup Station, arrived in Taungup on 22 March.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than met with officers, other ranks and family members of Taungup Station. He also met with departmental officials, social organization members and local people at the town hall and gave necessary instructions. Afterwards, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than saw over digging of Wetkyeik Lake being undertaken by Township Development Affairs Committee for supply of water to the town. Officials reported on digging of the lake. Later, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave necessary instructions.

Regional development tasks inspected

YANGON, 26 March - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Chairman Western Command Commander Maj-Gen Maung Oo, Col Myint Soe of Taungup Station and officials, held a meeting with local people at Kamar village affiliated basic education high school in Manaung Township on 23 March afternoon. On the occasion, officials reported on cultivation of monsoon paddy, beans and pulses, and winter crops, education and health sectors of the region and water supply. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and the commander fulfilled the requirements. Speaking on the occasion, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than said that at a time when the government is implementing the five rural development tasks, local people are to take part in the tasks for regional progress especially for development of agricultural sector which plays a major role in raising the economy of rural regions. He called for systematic extended breeding of local species of poultry.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party looked into the affiliated basic education high school and attended to the needs. They held a similar meeting at Pyinkok village BEPS. Officials reported on measures being taken for regional development. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than delivered a speech and greeted local people. They also inspected Thitpon Station Hospital and Police Station. At the meeting with local authorities, members of the school board of trustees and teachers at Thitpon affiliated BEHS, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on educational matters. Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected the 51.5-mile long Manaung bypass.

YANGON, 26 March- Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing and Brig-Gen Soe Oo of Hsenwi Station, inspected model orange plantations of regiments and units in Tangyan Station on 23 March. At the site of Namhlimkham region coal mine in Lashio Township, site in-charge Lt-Col Myo Kyin and officials reported on production of coal and future tasks.

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspected road construction tasks in Namhpaung Village of Lashio Township and fulfilled the requirements.

Next, he went to the Konmyint-2 Highland reclamation project at the entrance of Lashio. Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hla Myint reported on land reclamation and preparations for cultivation tasks.

Next, State Peace and Development Council Member Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence viewed competitive crops plantations of regiments and units of Lashio Station.

On arrival at Sasana Aye Monastery in Lashio, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe looked into construction of Dhammayon which will be 90 feet long, 54 feet wide and 16 feet high and gave necessary instructions.

Also present on the occasion were Chief of Staff (Navy) Capt Nyan Tun, Judge Advocate-General Maj-Gen Soe Maung, Vice Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Hla Shwe, senior military officers, the deputy director-general of Myanmar Police Force, heads of department, guests and others. First, master of ceremonies Staff Officer (Grade II) of Directorate of Defence Services Museum and Historical Research Institute Major Kyaw Kyaw Myint read the list of prize-winning exhibition booths.

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 presented prizes to booth of the Ministry of Industry-1 that stood first, booth of the Ministry of Construction that stood second, booth of the Ministry of Rail Transportation that stood third, booth of the Ministry of Commerce that stood fourth, booth of the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs that stood fifth, booths of the Ministry of

Transport, the Ministry of Mines, the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Energy that won consolation prizes.

Next, Chairman of Panel of Judges for the Exhibition Booths Judge Advocate-General Maj-Gen Soe Maung presented prizes to booth of Northern Command that stood first, booth of North-West Command that stood second and booth of Coastal Region Command that stood third; Vice Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Hla Shwe, booths of Western Command, North-East Command and South-West Command that won consolation prizes; Chief of Staff (Navy) Capt Nyan Tun, booth of Directorate of

Ordnance Services that stood first, booth of Directorate of Signals that stood second and booth of Directorate of Artillery Force that stood third; Deputy Quartermaster-General Col Myint Ohn, booths of Directorate of Armoured Force, Directorate of Supply and Transport and Directorate of Military Engineers that won consolation prizes.

The ceremony ended with the concluding remarks 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.

YANGON, 26 March - A ceremony to open the display on works of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Lit-erary and Art Competition was held at the Defence Services Museum on U Wisara Road here this morning. Chairman of the leading committee for organizing the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and Chairman of the committee for the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Literature and Art Competition member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win formally opened the ceremony by cutting a ribbon. It was attended by Vice-Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Maj-Gen Aung Kyi and Brig-Gen Nyan Win, members of the committee for Literature and Art Competition, members of the work committee for holding Literature and Photos display, and members of other various committees, departmental officials, and prize winners of various competitions.

After the opening ceremony, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win formally unveiled the portrait of State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe, objectives of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and the pictures depicting the opening of Ye Ywa Hydro-electric Station and Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway).

Next, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and party viewed round the prize winning works and photos displayed at the museum, and left there.

The works of the Literary and Art competition will be displayed at the museum up to 4 April. At the display, quiz will be staged and prizes will be presented to winners.

YANGON, 26 March- Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun inspected maintenance of Yangon-Pyay Highway and upgrading of Pyay-Padaung-Taungup Highway on 20 March.

In Pyay, Bago Division Superintending Engineer U Tin Htut of Public Works reported on the approach road to Nawade Bridge.

Next, the minister inspected upgrading tasks on Padaung-Taungup road section. He also saw over construction of Yangon-Taungup-Kyaukphyu Road and progress in building road sections and bridges on it.

On 21 March, the minister looked into construction and extension into roads and bridges on Yangon-Kyauk-phyu Road Project. Next, he inspected Yangon-Maei-Madekyaw-An Road by car.

The minister saw over the site for construc-tion of Htan Creek Bridge and upgrading of An-Minbu road section.

On 24 March, the minister inspected mainten-ance of Pathein-Monywa Road and construction of Shwe Creek Bridge on it. The bridge will be 500 feet long and it will have 28 feet wide motor-way and three feet wide pedestrian way on either side of the bridge. It can withstand 60-ton load.

YANGON, 26 March-Hailing the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, a ceremony to open the new tarred 5th Street in Pyu, Bago Division, was held at the archway of the street on 25 March morning. Executive Officer U Soe Nyunt of Pyu Township Development Committee and U Aye Lwin and U In Shauk, on behalf of wellwishers and Road Repaving Committee, formally opened the tarred street.

Also present on the occasion were township authorities and departmental officials, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and

Child Welfare Association, Women Affairs Committee, War Veterans Organization, Auxiliary Fire Brigade, staff of Development Affairs Committee and local people.

YANGON, 26 March - The presenting of cash donations for the third renovation of the Shwephonepwint Pagoda and religious buildings was held at the pagoda in Pazundaung Township here this afternoon.

At the ceremony, cash donations amounted to K 16,420,635. The ministers and the deputy minister accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to the wellwisher. Afterwards, the ministers and party viewed religious buildings.

YANGON, 26 March- Under the supervision and assistance of the Ministry of Transport and arrangements of Adventure Myanmar Travels & Tours Co Ltd, a chartered plane of Bangkok Airways with 92 tourists arrived at NyaungU Airport yesterday morning.

They were welcomed there by officials of the ministries concerned and Adventure Myanmar Travels & Tours Co Ltd and traditional dance troupes. While in

Myanmar, the tourists will visit Bagan, Inlay and Mandalay and they will leave Mandalay International Airport for Bangkok, Thailand, on 31 March evening.

YANGON, 26 March - The Tiger Myanmar Amateur Open 2004 concluded at Yangon Golf Club, Danyingon, this afternoon.

Next, the prize presentation ceremony followed. Prizes were presented to daily best scorers.

Chairman of Myanma Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint gave away championship trophy to Myo Min Aung. Mr David Teng presented gifts to the Minister for Sports, the Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism and the Singaporean Ambassador.

In the open, Thein Zaw Myint won the second prize with 294 strokes, Bo Bo the third with 296, Zaw Zin Win the fourth with 301 and Derek Htet Doe the fifth with 302. The open was organized by Han Event Management with co-sponsors Canon, Ping Golf Equipment, Grand Plaza Parkroyal Hotel, Air Mandalay, Wilson and Imperial Jade Drinking Water.