• Join hands with the people to repulse courageously whatever dangers that threaten the nation and its people
• Prime Minister inspects Yangon Airport Building extension, high-rise building projects
• Daw Kyaing Kyaing attends plenary meeting of delegates of state and division organizations for women's affairs
• Prime Minister meets trainees of Regional Development Special Refresher Course No 3

• Myoma Bridge and Tein Bridge in Mingin Township, Sagaing Division, opened
• Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspects construction of bridges, roads in Kalewa, Mawlaik
• Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than tours Rakhine State, Bago Division (West)
• Lt-Gen Maung Bo attends opening of Kadoe station hospital in Mawlamyine
• Works of Leading Committee for Observance of 59^th Anniversary Armed Forces Day reviewed
• Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspects agricultural tasks in North-East Command area
• Consolation prizes presented to winners of Armed Forces Day commemorative literary, art contests
• Dry Day inspection teams discharge duties
• Military attaches visit Armed Forces Day exhibition

• Chinese Vice Premier of State Council visits Bagan-NyaungU, Mandalay
• Delegation leaves for Thailand

• Plenary meeting of State/Division Organizations for Women's Affairs held

We Tatmadawmen are the offspring of the people. Therefore, I would like to remind you to participate wholeheartedly in the activities that promote the welfare of the public wherever you are assigned and to join hands with the people to repulse courageously whatever dangers that threaten the nation and its people, even at the risk to your own lives.

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 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day

YANGON, 28 March- Chairman of City Housing Project Supervisory Committee Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at the site of Yangon International Airport Extended Construction Project at 10 am today. The Prime Minister and party were welcomed there by ministers, the Yangon Mayor, deputy ministers, departmental heads and officials.

At the briefing hall, Asia World Co Ltd Managing Director U Tun Myint Naing reported on the architectural design of the extended main airport building which will be 832 feet long and 300 feet wide one under construction, progress of construction, water and power supply, arrangements for installation of machinery at the airport to meet international airport standard and construction of 600 feet long and 600 feet wide apron. Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe gave a supplementary report.

The Prime Minister gave instructions on construction of the annexe of the airport building and timely installation of machinery at the airport for giving service of international level. Next, the Prime Minister inspected construction of the apron and foundation of the annexe of the airport building.

Afterwards, the General and party went to Pyay Garden Condominium between Pyay Road and U Wisara Road in Kamayut Township where Chairman of Zay Gabar Construction Co Ltd U Khin Shwe conducted them round the sites of driving piles, constructing pile caps and laying concrete on the first floor of the 25-storey condominium.

At the briefing hall, U Khin Shwe reported on architectural design of the condominium, cooperation in construction with foreign experts, seeking of advice on measures for endurance of climate and earthquake and quality control for the high-rise buildings, facilities of rooms, car parking and others. Pyay Garden Condominium Project Manager Mr Barry Meese of Singapore recounted his experience in construction of the high-rise buildings.

The Prime Minister gave instructions on meeting the set standard in engineering tasks.On arrival at the construction site of Pyay Tower on Pyay Road in Kamayut Township, Managing Director U Tint Hsan of National Development Company Group reported on construction of two 18-storey buildings.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party saw over greening tasks on the embankment of Inya Lake near Pyay Road and cultivation of landscaping flowery plants. Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin conducted them round the sites. Later, the

Prime Minister looked into construction of Kyauktan Township Association building in Myittanyunt Ward, Tamway Township.

YANGON, 28 March - A plenary meeting of delegates of state and division organizations for women's affairs of Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation was held at 9 am today at Myanmar Convention Centre on Mindhamma Road in Mayangon Township here. Honorary Patron of the MWAF Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman Defence Services Commander-in-Chief Senior General Than Shwe, attended the meeting, and MWAF Patron Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt spoke on the occasion.

The meeting was also attended by MWAF Honorary Patron Daw Mya Mya San, wife of State Peace and Devolvement Council Vice-Chairman Defence Services Deputy Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of SPDC Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Yangon Division PDC Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, the ministers, the Chief Justice, the Attorney General, the Yangon Mayor and members of panel of patrons, MWAF President Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and vice-presidents, the general secretary, the joint-general secretary, secretaries, CEC members, advisers, intellectuals and intelligentsia, officials, state, division, district and township delegates of MWAF and guests.

First, MWAF patron Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt addressed the meeting. He said:Emergence of Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation, which will lead the mass of Myanmar women to the goal of emerging consolidated national force while nurturing them to be more brilliant, is a milestone in the history of the development of Myanmar women's sector.

In the course of Myanmar history, Myanmar women have enjoyed rights equal to that of the men and have been able to take part in efforts for progress of own family, society and the State and people keeping abreast of men. This is the pride of Myanmar women. Therefore, all Myanmar women need not to feel inferiority complex of being a woman. As they have full self-confidence and are equipped with manageable skill, it can be seen in the history that they have been able to carry out the duties the same as men for the nation and the people in times of emergency.

Compared to other countries, the Union of Myanmar is flourishing with the spirit of giving priority to women and helping them with kind heart and thus it is the pride of being a Myanmar woman.

Therefore, in the time of the present government, encouragement has been given to the development of the women sector which is flourishing in line with the historical and cultural traditions for its further progress.

In encouraging the development of the women sector, efforts are being made for the women to enjoy women's rights fully, to ensure that women are not losing their opportunities and to gain more opportunities.

Need not to call for the women's rights like in other countries, Myammar women are enjoying their rights as the inborn right. With the aim of enabling Myanmar women to take part in international women's movement, a Myanmar delegation was sent to the Fourth International Women Conference held in Beijing.

In 1996, Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs was formed to ensure that Myanmar women are fully enjoying their rights and that women's rights are developing in all sectors in accord with times.

It can be seen that the committee, after forming work committees and various groups, was able to make efforts for development of Myanmar women in all sectors such as education, health, economy and culture. As regards the women sector, tasks such as violence against women, trafficking in person, environmental conservation, development of young women and education on reproductive health, on which the international community is placing emphasis but not a delicate problem for Myanmar, have been able to carry out the task.

Due to the encouragement of the government, the efforts of MNCWA and political, economic and social development of the State, Myanmar women sector has developed significantly.

Nowadays, women entrepreneurs, the ones who are taking a leading role in education, health, science and technology and information and communication technology sectors and those who are outstanding in sports, culture and social sectors have emerged continuously and thus it can be said that the women sector has entered its new era.

Therefore, MWAF is the one that will lead the Myanmar women to take part unitedly in efforts for development of Myanmar women sector and national development.

Myanmar women are to make united efforts for emergence of the federation which will cooperate with international women organizations and international social organizations which have a positive attitude on Myanmar representing the mass of Myanmar women.

For the emergence of MWAF according to rules and regulations, basic principles, aims and objectives, policy and organizational setup of the federation have been discussed and laid down. MWAF was formed with the following objectives:

- to promote the role of women sector in building a peaceful, modern and developed nation- to safeguard women's rights- to raise economic, health and education sectors of women and to safeguard their social security- to nurture women to cherish and value the traditional culture and customs of the national races, - to systematically implement the tasks for prevention of violence against women and rehabilitation- to launch campaign, as a national duty, on elimination of trafficking in women and children, and- to cooperate with international, regional, internal and external organizations in carrying out matters on women's rights in accord with the traditional culture and customs of the national races.

In translating these objectives into action, the following principles are to be followed:- the basic national principle- to serve only the national interest with the united strength of the entire nation based on Our Three Main National Causes- the basic principle relating to national races- giving serious attention to love, friendship, respect and unity of the national races- the basic social principle- contributing to the community peace, food, clothing and shelter needs, welfare tasks, education, health and culture development and - the basic principle relating to women's affairs- promoting the women's sector and ensuring a secure live for the womenfolk.

MWAF was formed with Central Panel of Patrons comprising officials at State level, Central Women Committee comprising delegates of states and divisions organizations of womens affairs, Central Executive Committee comprising one president, four vice-presidents, one general secretary, one joint-secretary and secretariat members plus deputy ministers and departmental heads.

He said the work groups on various affairs were formed under the central executive committee. There were only ten work groups under the Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs and now there are 16 work groups on various sectors.

A significant point is that MWAF is not like the committees at different levels. It is a social organization and there is no limited number of membership and anyone can join the organization out of their own volition. It is an opportunity for every Myanmar woman with nationalist spirit and patriotism who is interested not only in women's affairs but also in national and social activities to join the organization as members, he added.

He said MWAF is a systematic organization formed with Myanmar women in order to actively carry out State and women's affairs in unity. Arrangements are to be made for the organization to carry out the tasks with correct, speedy and effective management and systematic implementation, he added. He said the work groups at central level have their objectives on the respective sectors and are responsible for implementing the tasks and projects laid down by the central executive committee. Therefore leaders of the work groups and members themselves are to undertake the tasks. In order to do so, advisers in the work groups are to put suggestions and to hold coordination.

He said in discharging their duties, the tasks and projects laid down by the central level must reflect the policies and attitudes of the federation. After realizing this, it is necessary for the leaders of the work groups and members to discharge their duties with all their might, he said. If there are any tasks in some sectors to be carried out, the work group will have to undertake the tasks after the permission of the central level, he said.

He spoke on supervision of the tasks at township and village tracts, working in conformity with the respective levels, coordination, exchange of information and cooperation. He said women's affairs executive committees at different levels are to implement the tasks laid down by the federation in accord with the rules and regulaions.

He said the federation has been formed with women from all walks of life- scholars, businesswomen, service personnel, peasants, staff national races, ordinary people and members of social organizations. He urged them to work together to realize the common objectives.

He said as MWAF is a social organization that can undertake the tasks for development of women sector in Myanmar, it is necessary for MWAF officials and members to accept the fact that the federation has greater and wider functions.

He said the federation is to make efforts for development of opportunities of the entire Myanmar women and job opportunities of women, progress of economic life, security and happiness of their life and raising of their living standard.

The primary task of the federation is the duty of organizational matters and dissemination of knowledge that can bring about spiritual development of the entire Myanmar women. After realizing this, officials are to educate Myanmar women especially young girls for their spiritual development. It is important for the women not to deviate from the correct national path. He stressed the importance of avoiding the persuasion of unscrupulous persons and destructive elements.

Steps are to be taken for enabling Myanmar young women to be imbued with the spirit to cherish and safeguard own culture and traditions and with patriotism and Union Spirit. Moreover, the federation is to lead Myanmar young women to stay away from foreign character that is contrary to Myanmar traditions and culture and to preserve and safeguard their mode of dress and life-style which is based on fear and shame.

Myanmar Women Affairs Federation are to strive for enabling Myanmar young women to have a sense of thinking highly of and respecting own nation and own people and for inculcating them with the habit of cherishing and safeguarding national prestige and integrity while making efforts for propagation of nationalistic spirit among them.

Arrangements are to be made for nurturing Myanmar young women to become outstanding women leaders, to become those who are outstanding in education of international level and to become typical Myanmar women.

In striving for development of Myanmar women sector, systematic measures are to be taken to be in conformity with efforts for development of international women sector.

Myanmar Women Affairs Federation is a an organization in which every patriotic Myanmar woman regardless of standard and strata can participate and tasks to be implemented by the federation are seen as the ones that benefit every Myanmar woman regardless of race and religion, rich and poor.

Being a social organization which will serve the interest of the State and the people, women leaders at different levels who are going to take different roles of the federation, are to try to become good leaders or models in terms of spirit, morale and capability.

Every woman member of the federation is to strive in unity for successful realization of the federation's objectives by doing their bit while abiding by rules and regulations of the federation and keeping the codes of conduct of the federation.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister said that the seven-point future political programmes have been laid down and are being implemented to be able to build a modern developed democratic nation, which is the goal of the entire national people, on self-reliant basis and called on the mass of women to participate in the tasks for successful realization of the goal.

Moreover, the Prime Minister also urged the mass of Myanmar women and officials at different levels to strive for the emergence of a discipline-flourishing democratic nation and for enabling the nation to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world community, incorporating the might, the nationalism and the fine traditions of Myanmar women into a national force.

YANGON, 28 March - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt met with trainees of Regional Development Special Refresher Course No 3 at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs on Pyay Road here at 4 pm today and gave instructions.

Also present on the occasion were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, ministers, the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and

Training Board, deputy ministers, the Deputy Attorney-General and the Deputy Chief Justices, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, social organizations, trainees of the course and guests.

First, the Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt made a speech. He said that the meeting with officers who are going to discharge duties at border areas and far-flung areas is to enable them to implement the national objectives after realizing them and to discharge their duties with correct concept.

In the past, border areas lagged behind in development in the absence of peace and tranquillity. In the time of the State Peace and Development Council, peace and tranquillity prevailed in the regions and the government has been able to forge the national consolidation. Meanwhile, the regions are meeting with success as projects for development of border areas and national races have been implemented.

At a time when equitable and harmonious development has been brought about across the nation, systematic measures are being taken for regional development in accord with the guidance of the Head of State, calling for enhancing the socio-economic life of local people while engaging in regional development tasks.

Special refresher courses on development, organization and social sectors needed for officers who are going to discharge duties in the regions are being conducted and the present course was No 3. For the Union of Myanmar, home to over 100 national races, it is required for the national races to be in oneness for national development and perpetuation of sovereignty while striving for fostering the national unity.

Armed conflicts broke out due to evil legacy of colonialists who had sown dissension and driven a wedge among the national brethren after the independence was regained, making the local national races to have various life-styles and concepts.

He said the government rebuilt national solidarity among the national races of various forms and concepts and carried out the tasks for rapid development of border areas. Efforts are to be made for achieving the same social relations forms and outlooks and bringing about spiritual development.

He said the government made arrangements for improvement of socio-economic life of national people in the regions inside the country, harmonious development of border areas and the Union and spiritual development of the people.

He said the officials are responsible for preventing exploitation of the national races economically, illegal trade in some regions and smuggling of natural resources from the country.

The officials are responsible for development of the region where they are discharging duties and utilization of natural resources systematically. He spoke of the need to take preventive measures on and control.

The Prime Minister also spoke on working for uplift of dignity of the country and its people, trust on the government and all-round development of various sectors.

In order to realize these objectives, the officials are to built three national sectors- social, development and moral affairs, he said.

He urged them to make endeavours for regional development and raising of living standard of local people with goodwill and diligence in accord with the tasks assigned by the State.

They called for cooperation with the USDA, Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation, Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association and Red Cross Society which are national forces on which the State relies for regional development.

In conclusion, he urged them to make efforts for political, economic and social development of the respective regions, to lead the local people for flourishing of national solidarity spirit, the Union spirit and the spirit of preserving traditional customs and to safeguard the sovereignty and national interests.

After the ceremony, the Prime Minister cordially greeted the trainees.

YANGON, 28 March - In hailing of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, Myoma Bridge and Tein Bridge on Monywa-Yagyi-Kalewa road in Mingin Township, Sagaing Division, built by Directorate of Military Engineers under the supervision of the Quartermaster General's Office, were opened on 24 March morning. Present on the occasion were members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, and Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo Sagaing Division PDC Chairman North-West Command Commander Maj-Gen Tha Aye, Director of Military Engineers Maj-Gen Tin Tun, Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein, Brig-Gen Khin Maung Aye of Kalay Station, senior military officers of North West Command, local authorities, departmental officials, members of social organizations, drum troupe, band troupe, and pom pom troupe, teachers and students, and local people totalling over 7000.

First, Myoma Bridge opening ceremony was held at the pandal near the bridge at 9 am, with an address by Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo. He said from time immemorial, all national races have been living in unity and in weal and woe in the Union of Myanmar. Under the colonial rule, although the colonialists exploited the State's invaluable natural resources at their disposal, they ignored the development of the regions that did not benefit for them. Therefore, since the Tatmadaw's assumptions of the State duties, priority has been given to the development of the country by upholding the Three Main National Causes - non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty.

In order to ensure balanced development across the country, the border areas and national races development project, 24 special region development project and rural development project are being implemented. These efforts reveal the interests of over 100 national races who are residing together in the nation.

In implementing the development network, measures have to be taken with accelerated momentum for constructing economic infrastructures and promoting health and education sectors to be able to emerge high quality human resources in every region. A newwork roads and railroads are being built for better the transport of the country.

In Sagaing Division, the Chindwin River poses a natural barrier between the eastern bank and the western bank, having difficulty in communications and thus lagged the westen bank behind in development.

He continued to say that previously, if one travelled from Monywa to Kalaywa, one had to go along Monywa-YeU-Taze-Thetkekyin-Kalaywa road through Maha Myaing forests, and transport is difficult in the rainy season.

That is why the Head of State gave guidance to build Monywa-Yagyi-Kalaywa road with a view to speeding communication between the western bank region of the Chindwin River and Kalay region, the door to Chin State (North).

The new road is about 115 miles long, and it is 45 miles shorter than the road in YeU-Thetkekyin. Now, it will not take long to travel from Monywa to Kalaywa-Kalay-Tamu or Kalay-Haka-Tiddim.

There are 174 bridges, small and big, along Monywa-Yagyi-Kalaywa road including the two bridges opened today and four 180 feet and above ones. Of them 153 are wooden bridges. Others are eight bridges of iron beams and frames and 13 concrete bridges.

This new Monywa-Yagyi-Kalaywa road is linking Sagaing Division and Chin State and will benifit the villages of Kani and Mingin on the road.

Uder the supervision of the office of Quartermaster-General, military engineers have built Myoma Bridge and Tein Bridge day and night within a year. In doing so, the bridges were built of quality local-made iron frames produced at the State-owned Steel Plant.

According to the guidance that efforts are to be made for manufacturing frames for the bridges by the Head of State, it is a technological victory of the entire nation that Myanmar engineers drew the design of bridge frames and successfully manufactured it.

The government has been building bridges and roads with the aims of ensuring development of States and Divisions and narrowing economic and social gaps among regions. In addition, airports were upgraded as well as new airlines were opened. As Monywa Airport has been opened recently, Sagaing Division gains better transport. Similarly, border trade will be promoted thanks to the new Monywa-Kalaywa Road.

In the road and bridge construction sector of the country, there were 13,635 miles of tarred, gravel and earth roads in 1987-88 and there are 18,112 miles of roads this year. So far, 182 bridges which are 180 feet and above long- 169 bridges built by Public Works, six by the Ministry of Rail Transportation and seven by the Tatmadaw including Myoma and Tein bridges opened today- have been constructed. The Tatmadaw, on its part, built seven bridges - Hlaingbwe River Bridge (Dawlan) on 13 March 1999, Ngamoeyeik Bridge on 15 January 2001, Pathaung Bridge on 7 December 2001 and Pahtolon and Lapin bridges on 3 January 2004 including Myoma and Tein bridges. And, there are many bridges under construction. The roads being constructed by the Tatmadaw are 115 miles long Monywa-Kalaywa Road, 41 miles long Kholan-Kengtwang Road, 46 miles long Mongpan-Kengtwang Road, 45 miles long Monei-Kengtwang Road, 78 miles and four furlongs long Panli-Namhai-Boshi-Tachilek Road and 25 miles long Mongkhok-Mongtwam Road.

Construction of dams, roads and bridges are essential for national development.. So, the Government constructs buildings of transport infrastructure one after another with the lofty aims in politics, economic and social sectors. Thanks to development of the State economy, construction tasks are being carried out on self-reliant basis.

On completion of bridges on Monywa-Yagyi-Kalaywa Road, rural and urban areas in Sagaing Division and Chin State will achieve progress in social and economic sectors year after year.

As all-round development tasks are being undertaken in the nation, there exist many barriers imposed. The government and the people have made concerted efforts for implementing a project as well as laying a foundation.

Nowadays, all the people are to continue carrying out of construction tasks for development of the State on self-reliant basis. All are to safeguard sovereignty for perpetual existence of the State based on nationalist spirit and

Union Spirit. In conclusion, he said as almost all the regions of the Union including Sagaing Division and Chin State are in the transport network due to emergence of new roads and bridges, all the national races forging Union Spirit are to strive for development of the State based on Union Spirit, to stand tall for perpetual existence and to safeguard the bridges for durability in the long run.

Next, the commander and the director of Military Engineers of the Ministry of Defence gave speeches.

Afterwards, a local resident thanked the government for the inauguration of the Myoma bridge and Tein bridge.

Director of the Military Engineers Maj-Gen Tin Tun handed over the documents relating to the bridges and Monywa-Yagyi-Kalaywa road to Brig-Gen Myint Thein.

At the auspicious time, Commander Maj-Gen Tha Aye, Maj-Gen Tin Tun and Brig-Gen Myint Thein formally opened the Myoma Bridge.Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint unveiled the stone inscription.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party had a documentary photo taken together with local people.The reinforced concrete type Myoma bridge is 540 feet long and 28 feet wide and flanked by four-foot-wide pedestrian lanes. It can withstand 60 tons of load and its clearance is 90 feet wide and 10 feet high.

Later, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Thiha Tura Tin Aung Myint Oo and party went to the Tein bridge. Maj-Gen Tha Aye, Maj-Gen Tin Tun and Brig-Gen Myint Thein formally opened the bridge and Lt-Gen Ye Myint unveiled the stone inscription. The Tein bridge is 360 feet long and 28 feet wide and its clearance is 90 feet wide and 10 feet high. There are four feet wide pedestrian lanes on each side of the bridge which can withstand 60 tons of load.

YANGON, 28 March-Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Tha Aye, Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein and Brig-Gen Khin Maung Aye of Kalay Station, inspected con- struction of Myittha Bridge (Kalewa) Project in Kalewa Township on 24 March morning.

Myittha Bridge (Kalewa) is being built on 115 miles long Monywa-Budalin-Yagyi-Kalewa Road. In the past, the road from Monywa to Kalewa was 160 miles long. On completion of the bridge, the road will be 45 miles shorter than the old road.

Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspected the axis road of Kalewa-Mawlaik road. At Yawsu Village, Col Htay Win of Kyikon Station reported on construction of Kalewa-Mawlaik earth Road and upgrading of it into the gravel one. Lt-Gen Ye Myint n ext met with local people and explained the purpose of the construction tasks. They also saw over progress in construction tasks on the road.

Kalewa-Mawlaik axis road, 36 miles long, have been constructed.

On completion, the road will be 41 miles shorter than the old road as well as 41 miles shorter than Kalewa-Thetkeikyin-Tanan-Mawlaik Strategic Road.

In the evening, Lt-Gen Ye Myint met departmental officials, social organi- zations and local people at the meeting hall of Mawlaik District Peace and Development Council.

He heard reports on matters related to the district and townships in the district and gave necessary instructions.

YANGON, 28 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, Col Myint Soe of Taungup Station and officials, inspected Manaung People's Hospital in Manaung on 24 March morning. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected operation theatre, wards, X-ray unit and medical store and gave necessary instructions. Next, he comforted the patients.

Later, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, the commander and party looked into TV retransmission station of the Ministry of Information in Manaung. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave necessary instructions. Next, he met with Chairman of Kyaukpyu District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myo Tint and members, local authorities, depart-mental officials, service personnel, social organiz-ations and local people at the meeting hall of

Manaung Township Peace and Development Council Office and gave necessary instructions.

Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than made a speech, saying that the seven-point future political programme had been laid down and is being implemented for the emergence of a new modern and developed nation; that in the process, peace and tranquillity, prevalence of law and order, sound national economy, human resources development are imperative.

Moreover, projects for development of agriculture and livestock breeding have been laid down and are being implemented, he noted. Service personnel, on their part, are to engage in their tasks with goodwill and local people are to strive together with departmental officials for regional development, he stressed.

Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than greeted those present on the occasion.

Later, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party proceeded to Myoma Kyaungtaik in Yanaungmyin Ward and presented offertories to Chairman of Township Sangha Nayaka

Committee Presiding Sayadaw of Zayat Konkhin Tawya Kyaung Bhaddanta Yasa and committee member Sayadaws.

After meeting with members of social organizations, officials and local people, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party left Manaung and arrived in Taungup at 12.10 pm.

Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected upgrading of Padaung-Taungup motor-way and arrived at the project site of No 8 Special Construction Group-8 of Public Works at Myaya in Taungup Township where they were welcomed by

Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council (West) Col Hla Min and members and officials.

At the briefing hall, Senior Engineer U Aung Htay reported on upgrading of Padaung-Taungup motorway to Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, who gave necessary instructions.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than left Nyaungkyo region in the evening and stopped over for the night in Pyay.

YANGON, 28 March - Honouring the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, Member of State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo of Ministry of Defence attended opening of Kadoe station hospital donated by wellwisher U Tin Hla and wife Daw Kyin Ngwe on 26 March. 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 Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department, doctors and nurses, members of social organizations, local people wellwishers and guests.

Next, CEC member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Secretary of Mon State USDA U Tin Soe Moe Naing and wellwishers formally opened the hospital. Afterwards, Commander Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung formally opened the signboard of the hospital and Lt-Gen Maung Bo formally unveiled stone inscription of the hospital. Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Commander Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and wellwishers sprinkled scented water on the stone inscription. Later, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected the hospital. The donors handed documents related to the hospital to Director of Department of Health (Treatment) Dr U Tin Win Maung.

Lt-Gen Maung Bo and officials accepted K 2,745,000 donated by wellwishers. Dr U Tin Win Maung spoke words of thanks. After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party and wellwishers posed for documentary photo in front of the hospital worth K 65 million.

In Katoekawhnat Village, Lt-Gen Maung Bo inspected religious edifices at pagodas in the village and presented K 3 million donated by wellwishers to Chairman of Mawlamyine Township Peace and Development Council U Soe Thein.

YANGON, 28 March- The Leading Committee for Observance of 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day held the review meeting at the Myoma Grounds, here, this evening, attended by Chairman of the Leading Committee Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win.

Also present were Chairman of the Management Committee Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Chief of Staff (Navy) Col Nyan Tun, Judge Advocate-General Maj-Gen Soe Maung, Vice-Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Maj-Gen Aung Kyi and Brig-Gen Nyan Win, Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Hla Shwe, senior military officers, deputy ministers, the Director-General of Myanmar Police Force and departmental heads, officials, the Parade Commander, the Reserve Parade Commander, column commanders, commanding officers, company commander and guests.

Speaking on the occasion, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win said that 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade was successfully held.

The parade of the columns was better than the previous years. Similarly, all the committees were able to perform their duties. So, all the committees are to report strong and weak points of the respective sectors of the work for ensuring better observance of the Armed Forces Day Parade in the coming year.

Next, Joint-Secretary Lt-Col Than Soe of the Ministry of Defence reported on expenditure for observance of the Armed Forces Day and Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe on tasks of the management committee.

Similarly, officials of the respective sub-committees, the parade commander, officials of MPF, Fire Services Department and Myanmar Red Cross Society participated in the discussions. Later, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win attended to their needs.

YANGON, 28 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 the North-East Command Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hla Myint and departmental officials, on 24 March inspected the perennial mixed crop plantation and the fish pond of the command.

Afterwards, they saw over the research plantation of Hsinshweli hybrid paddy strain and sunflower plantations cultivated by the local battalions under the command. After hearing reports presented by the officials, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe fulfilled the requirements. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party also inspected the research plantation of high-yield paddy strain and fish ponds of the local battalion. Later, they went to model perennial Hsinshweli orange plantation of the command and gave instructions.

YANGON, 28 March - The prize distribution ceremony for consolation prize winners of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day commemorative literary and art contest was held at Myanyila Hall of No 2 Basic Education High School in Latha Township yesterday.

Present were Chairman of Management Committee for Observance of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Deputy Commander Col Wai Lwin, commanders of military regions, COS of regiments and units and chairmen of district peace and development councils, guests and prize winners. The commander presented consolation prizes to the winners in novel, short story, article, photo, marching songs, painting, sculpture, TV quiz, essay, poem computer quiz and extempore talks contests. The commander and guests greeted the winners.

YANGON, 28 March - Chairman of the Dry Day Supervisory Committee Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, accompanied by members Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe, Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Deputy Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Than Htay, Vice-Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Htin Aung Kyaw, Police Quartermaster-General Police Brig-Gen Win Soe, Directors-General U San Kyi, U Khin Maung and Lt-Col Tin Maung Tun, Secretary of

the committee Government Office Deputy Director-General U Sein Hla, Joint-Secretary Wireless and Traffic Police Force Police Lt-Col Aung Naing supervised Dry Day inspection teams which are checking the Tatmadaw and departmental vehicles at the main points of Yangon City this morning.

From 7 am to 5 pm the inspection teams checked dry day passes, drivers' licences, wheel taxes, wearing of departmental uniforms and took action against those who violated traffic rules.

YANGON, 28 March - Military attaches of foreign missions in Yangon and their families made study tour of commemorative booths of the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day exhibited at the Defence Services Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road this morning. They were welcomed by Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and wife, Brig-Gen Thein Swe of Ministry of Defence, Chief of Staff (Navy) Capt Nyan Htun and wife and officials.

At the museum, Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win extended greetings. Next Staff Officer (Grade 2 ) Maj Kyaw Kyaw Myint of the Defence Services Museum and Historical Research Institute explained display of booths. Afterwards, Dean of Military Attaches Chinese Military Attache to Myanmar Senior Colonel Xu Shulai spoke words of thanks. Next Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win together with the military attaches and their families p osed for a documentary photo and viewed round the booths in the museum.

YANGON, 28 March- Visiting Vice Premier Madam Wu Yi of the State Council and party of the People's Republic of China, accompanied by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha and officials, left here by air on 25 March and arrived at NyaungU Airport in the afternoon.

They were welcomed there by Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min and officials.

Accompanied by Col Zaw Min and officials, the Chinese guests arrived at Pyatthadgyi Pagoda in Bagan archaeological zone where they were welcomed by , Director-General U Nyunt Han of Archaeology Department and officials. After viewing scenery of Bagan region, the guests together with Minister U Soe Than and party posed for documentary photos.

On 26 March, they visited Ananda Pagoda and Shwezigon Pagoda. Next, they left for Mandalay by air and arrived at Mandalay International Airport where they were welcomed by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Chief Justice U Khin Maung Latt and officials, PRC Consul-General Mr Li Xuelin and staff and USDA members.

At 4 pm, the Chinese State Council Vice Premier and party, accompanied by Minister U Soe Tha and Chinese Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun, arrived at Myanansankyaw

Golden Palace in Nanmyo, Mandalay. Officials of Archaeology Department welcomed them and explained facts about the Myanansankyaw Golden Palace. Next, the Chinese guests viewed buildings of the palace decorated with Myanma handicraft.

Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Chief Justice U Khin Maung Latt, Chinese Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun, authorities at different levels, departmental officials and social organization members. Before their departure, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint presented souvenirs to Madam Wu Yi.

YANGON, 28 March- A delegation led by UMFCCI General Secretary U Sein Win Hlaing including CEC member U Sai Ba Nyan as member left here by air this morning to attend the Report Meeting of COE project and the 9th meeting for AMEICC HRD-WG in Bangkok, Thailand. Similarly, CEC member U Aung Kyi Soe left here by air this morning for the Philippines to attend the training course on enterprise development in Manila.

YANGON, 28 March - The plenary meeting of delegates of State/Division Organizations for Women's Affairs of Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation took place at Myanmar Convention Centre in Mayangon Township this morning.

Present were Chairperson of Leading Committee for Organizing the meeting President of MWAF Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Vice- Presidents Professor Dr Daw May May Yi, Daw Khin Lay Thet, Daw Than Than Nwe and Daw Khin Khin Win, Adviser Daw Khin Than Nwe, General Secretary Professor Dr Daw Khin Aye Win and members of the central executive Committee, officials and guests.

President of MWAF Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Vice-Presidents Professor Dr Daw May May Yi, Daw Khin Lay Thet, Daw Than Than Nwe and Daw Khin Khin Win acted as members of the Panel of Chairpersons at the meeting.

President of MWAF Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe spoke on the occasion.

In the afternoon session, the delegates from Mon, Rakhine, Shan and Shan (North) Organizations for Women's Affairs reported on work done.

Next, the delegates of Shan State (East), Sagaing, Taninthayi and Bago Divisions took part in the discussions.

The members of the Panel of Chairpersons also took part in the discussions. The meeting continues tomorrow.