YANGON, 28 Oct — Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Vaclav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Czech Republic which falls on 28 October 2004.

YANGON, 28 Oct — Lt-Gen Soe Win, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Vladimir Spidla, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Czech Republic, which falls on 28 October 2004.

YANGON, 27 Oct — Lt-Gen Soe Win, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of sympathy to His Excellency Mr Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan, for the loss of life and property caused by the recent typhoon and earthquake in Japan.

YANGON, 27 Oct — 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 Brig-Gen Myint Soe of Taungup Station, saw over construction of Maei-Minkyaung Road section built through geotextile technology on Yangon-Kyaukpyu Highway on 25 October morning, after attending the ceremony to open Londawpauk Bridge.

Next, they inspected the construction site of Thanthamagyi Bridge Project in Yanbye Township, Deputy Superintending Engineers U Soe Myint and U Than Nyunt and officials reported on progress of construction works.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions, saying that as nine bridges including Londawpauk Bridge out of 14 river-crossing bridges have been built on Yangon-Kyaukpyu Highway Project. Efforts are to be made for timely completion of the remaining Thanthamagyi Thanthamachay, Thazin-tanpauk, Wamphaik and Minkyaung Creek Bridges in accord with set standard. He then attended to the needs.

Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than fulfilled the requirements. Thanthama-gyi Bridge is 552.4 feet long and has a 24 feet wide motorway and three feet wide pedestrian ways on both sides.

Water clearance is 111 feet wide and six feet high. The steel-framed bridge is built of reinforced concrete. Thantha-machay, Thazintanpauk, Wamphaik and Minkyaung Creek Bridges are under construction. They will be launched in the coming open season in order to facilitate secure and smooth transport for the local people and develop the region. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party went to An-Padekyaw-Maei Road Construction Project site at Talaing Hill, Project Senior Engineer U Ohn Lwin reported on construction of the road, bridges and concrete conduit.

Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected construction tasks with the use of heavy machinery.

An-Padekyaw-Maei Road, 44 miles and seven furlongs long, is under construction.

After inspecting progress of work, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party proceeded to An and spent the night there.

YANGON, 27 Oct — Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Naing and departmental officials, arrived at the construction site of Pathein Bridge on 26 October morning and inspected the completion of tarred approach road, laying of concrete tiles and fixing steel frames.

At the briefing hall, In-charge of the Project Deputy Superintending Engineer U Khin Maung Win reported to Lt-Gen Tin Aye on completion of the construction works and Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing on construction of approach roads to Pathein-Ngwehsaung and Pathein-Chaungtha roads and progress on the development in the region.

Lt-Gen Tin Aye instructed them to carry out the tasks with momentum to complete on time and to meet the set standard and fulfilled the requirements.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Tin Aye, the commander and partyinspected laterite Pathein-Ngwehsaung road construction work being carried out and coordially greeted to the officials. Next, Lt-Gen Tin Aye attended to the needs.

Pathein Bridge is 2,140 feet long and it is of reinforced concrete and steel frame suspension bridge and eighty per cent of the whole task has so far been built.

On completion, easy and smooth transportation can be achieved for the relations between the regions of Ngwehsaung Beach and Chaungtha Beach in all seasons.

YANGON, 27 Oct — Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan received Chinese Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy Mr Wang Ruiqing at his office on Theinbyu Road here this afternoon. Also present on the occasion together with the minister were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein, directors-general and managing directors of the departments and enterprises under the ministry and the head of office.

Likewise, the minister received Director-General of Sunny Capital Group Co Ltd Mr Li Xudong and party of PRC at the same venue this afternoon.

Also present on the occasion together with the minister were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein, directors-general and managing directors of the departments and enterprises under the ministry and the head of office and officials.

YANGON, 27 Oct — The Senior Officials Meeting for the Coordinated Mekong Ministerial Initiative against Trafficking (COMMIT) was kicked off here today with an opening address by Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing.

It was also attended by deputy ministers, the director-general of the Myanmar Police Force, departmental heads, senior officers of MPF, senior officials from the People’s Republic of China, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam, officials of the UN Inter-Agency Project on Human Trafficking in the Great Mekong Sub-Region and guests.

In his opening address, Minister Col Tin Hlaing said: trafficking in persons, especially women and children is not a new phenomenon. Trade in people has existed for many hundreds, if not thousands of years. What is different today is the magnitude, the form, and the impact it has on people. Following the end of the Cold War, trafficking in persons became one of the top global issues amongst transnational organized crimes. We are becoming increasingly aware of the terrible pain and injustices suffered by victims of trafficking around the world. That is the reason why we are gathered here today to forge a political consensus and work out a detailed plan of action on how to better address this issue. At the end of the two days of the Senior Officials Meeting, we hope to have come up with a Regional Plan of Action which will reflect the spirit of the political will be expressed in the COMMIT Memorandum of Understanding.

All of us living in the Greater Mekong Sub-region have experienced the harsh realities of trafficking in a variety of ways: as a country of source, transit or destination.

That we are here today is an indication of our strong determination to solve this problem through efforts of cooperation and coordination. Our respective governments have taken this issue seriously and acted accordingly. I believe that to a certain extent, our actions have benefited our citizens and contributed much toward reducing incidences of human trafficking in our region. At the same time, we are aware that this horrible crime against people continues to grow despite all our efforts. That we are determined to act together collectively and uncompromisingly will surely add a much needed strength to our fight against this crime.

The root causes of trafficking are almost the same within the region and globally. Pull factors and push factors, need to be tackled, both at the point of origin and that of the destination. Collaboration is needed in these countries. The governments and the peoples of our region are united in our desire to bring a stop to this trade in people. In Myanmar, as in your respective countries, the government has given the highest priority to better tackle this issue.

In Myanmar, we have, as of last year, formed a Specialist Anti-trafficking Police Unit and Anti-trafficking Task Forces around the border and other hot spot areas. At the same time, we are of course aware, of the absolute need to provide psycho-social support to the victims of trafficking, undertake and improve repatriation and reintegration systems, and provide rehabilitation services for the victims of trafficking and vulnerable groups. I understand that during these two-days of Senior Officials’ Meeting, you will be working out, as much a detailed plan of action as possible, to comprehensively and jointly address human trafficking within the Greater Mekong Sub-region. I would like to take the opportunity to suggest, that Regional Plan of Action, that you are to work out be guided by international norms and standards, human rights and humanitarian law, UN Conventions and Guidelines. May I further take the opportunity to remind ourselves, the importance of thinking globally and acting locally. I hope that between us all, we can find some common ground during this meeting, to put this into practice. I know that we will all be looking at many areas of common concern in the fight against trafficking. We will also want to be strengthening the cooperation among our front-line law enforcement agencies and develop capacity building initiatives to ensure that GMS states have the capabilities to detect, monitor and report suspected trafficking activities. Further cooperation on the repatriation of trafficking victims, also need to be encouraged and strengthened.

The rich gets richer and the poor gets poorer. Such a situation leads to opportunities for traffickers and peoples’ brokers, to exploit the vulnerable. We need to act in a concerted manner, to ensure a more just and equitable world, where opportunities to exploit are minimized. I am afraid to think, of what the full-blown symptom of discontentment, with the current world economic order will look like, if left un-addressed. In this regard, we return once again, to a recurrent problem confronting developing countries, countries which are marginalized, which stand to lose out most, from this present form of globalization. I call upon you all to once again look at the problem of trafficking globally, and find locally appropriate and effective solutions. We must act now, collectively, and proactively before the issue overtakes us completely.

In conclusion, we are gathered here today to discuss an issue which is felt deeply by all; to find solutions to the abuse of innocent people, and to ensure that they are free from such vulnerabilities, that lead them to become victims of trafficking. I have no doubt that during these two days of Senior Officials’ Meeting, you will be able to find ways and agree upon a basic regional cooperation mechanism to overcome this daunting issue in the spirit of sincerity and confidence, he concluded.

After the opening ceremony, Minister Col Tin Hlaing and senior officials from China, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam and officials of UNIAP posed for a documentary photo.

Next, the meeting was launched at 10 am and delegates to the meeting discussed matters relating to cooperation to fight against the human trafficking.

YANGON, 27 Oct — Minister for Cooperatives Col Zaw Min received Japanese Ambassador Mr Nobutake Odano at his office on Bogyoke Aung San Road this afternoon.

Also present at the call were Director-General of Cooperative Department U Sein Than, Deputy General Manager of Cooperative Exports and Imports Enterprise U Saw Oo and officials.

Two days of the Senior Officials Meeting, we hope to have come up with a Regional Plan of Action which will reflect the spirit of the political will be expressed in the COMMIT Memorandum of Understanding.

All of us living in the Greater Mekong Sub-region have experienced the harsh realities of trafficking in a variety of ways: as a country of source, transit or destination.

That we are here today is an indication of our strong determination to solve this problem through efforts of cooperation and coordination. Our respective governments have taken this issue seriously and acted accordingly. I believe that to a certain extent, our actions have benefited our citizens and contributed much toward reducing incidences of human trafficking in our region. At the same time, we are aware that this horrible crime against people continues to grow despite all our efforts. That we are determined to act together collectively and uncompromisingly will surely add a much needed strength to our fight against this crime.

The root causes of trafficking are almost the same within the region and globally. Pull factors and push factors, need to be tackled, both at the point of origin and that of the destination. Collaboration is needed in these countries. The governments and the peoples of our region are united in our desire to bring a stop to this trade in people. In Myanmar, as in your respective countries, the government has given the highest priority to better tackle this issue.

In Myanmar, we have, as of last year, formed a Specialist Anti-trafficking Police Unit and Anti-trafficking Task Forces around the border and other hot spot areas. At the same time, we are of course aware, of the absolute need to provide psycho-social support to the victims of trafficking, undertake and improve repatriation and reintegration systems, and provide rehabilitation services for the victims of trafficking and vulnerable groups. I understand that during these two-days of Senior Officials’ Meeting, you will be working out, as much a detailed plan of action as possible, to comprehensively and jointly address human trafficking within the Greater Mekong Sub-region. I would like to take the opportunity to suggest, that Regional Plan of Action, that you are to work out be guided by international norms and standards, human rights and humanitarian law, UN Conventions and Guidelines. May I further take the opportunity to remind ourselves, the importance of thinking globally and acting locally. I hope that between us all, we can find some common ground during this meeting, to put this into practice. I know that we will all be looking at many areas of common concern in the fight against trafficking. We will also want to be strengthening the cooperation among our front-line law enforcement agencies and develop capacity building initiatives to ensure that GMS states have the capabilities to detect, monitor and report suspected trafficking activities. Further cooperation on the repatriation of trafficking victims, also need to be encouraged and strengthened.

The rich gets richer and the poor gets poorer. Such a situation leads to opportunities for traffickers and peoples’ brokers, to exploit the vulnerable. We need to act in a concerted manner, to ensure a more just and equitable world, where opportunities to exploit are minimized. I am afraid to think, of what the full-blown symptom of discontentment, with the current world economic order will look like, if left un-addressed. In this regard, we return once again, to a recurrent problem confronting developing countries, countries which are marginalized, which stand to lose out most, from this present form of globalization. I call upon you all to once again look at the problem of trafficking globally, and find locally appropriate and effective solutions. We must act now, collectively, and proactively before the issue overtakes us completely.

In conclusion, we are gathered here today to discuss an issue which is felt deeply by all; to find solutions to the abuse of innocent people, and to ensure that they are free from such vulnerabilities, that lead them to become victims of trafficking. I have no doubt that during these two days of Senior Officials’ Meeting, you will be able to find ways and agree upon a basic regional cooperation mechanism to overcome this daunting issue in the spirit of sincerity and confidence, he concluded.

After the opening ceremony, Minister Col Tin Hlaing and senior officials from China, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam and officials of UNIAP posed for a documentary photo.

Next, the meeting was launched at 10 am and delegates to the meeting discussed matters relating to cooperation to fight against the human trafficking.

YANGON, 27 Oct — Chinese Minister, Vice Chairperson of Working Committee for Children and Women Ms Huang Qingyi arrived here by air this afternoon to attend meeting of Coordinated Mekong Ministerial Initiative against Trafficking.

The minister was welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population U Maung Aung, departmental heads, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Li Jinjun and embassy staff. Similarly, Secretary of State Ms You Ay of Ministry of Women Affairs (MWA)of Cambodia and party arrived here by air yesterday evening to attend COMMIT Senior Officials Meeting. They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Mr Hul Phany and officials of Reception and Accommodation Subcommittee.

Likewise, Adviser of Bangkok-based UNODC Mr Yugve Danling and three representatives of Bangkok-based UNICEF arrived here by air this morning to attend COMMIT Senior Officials Meeting. They were welcomed at Yangon International Airport by officials of Reception and Accommodation Subcommittee.

YANGON, 27 Oct — Member of the Steering Committee Dr Khin Shwe (Zay Gabar) left for Japan to attend the 30th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) to be held in Japan by air yesterday evening.

He was seen off at Yangon Internation Airport by President of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint, representatives of Construction Enterpreneurs Association U Tint Hsan, U Sein Thit and U Nyan Thit Hlaing.

YANGON, 27 Oct — Minister for Education U Than Aung received Israeli Ambassador to Myanmar Mrs Ruth Schatz, Japanese Ambassador Mr Nobutake Odano and Singaporean Ambassador Mr Simon Tensing de Cruz at the Diamond Jubilee Hall separately this afternoon and discussed bilateral cooperation in education.

Also present at the calls were Deputy Minister U Myo Nyunt and directors-general of the Departments under the Ministry.

YANGON, 27 Oct — The 12th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued for the 14th day at the designated places on a grand scale today.

The song contest was held at the National Museum on Pyay Road in Dagon Township, the music contest at Padonma Theatre, Kanbawza Theatre and the National Theatre.

Present on the occasions were member of the Panel of Patrons for Organizing the Competitions Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Vice-Chairman of the Leading Committee for Organizing the Competitions Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Chairman of the Work Committee No 3 Military Region Commander Col Tint Hsan, Chairman of the Organizing Sub-committee Director-General U Kyaw Win of the Fine Arts Department, officials and people including tourists who took photos with TV cameras.

At the National Museum, 12 contestants participated in the amateur level (men’s) classical song contest. Similarly, 14 girls from States and Divisions took part in the basic education level (aged 5-10) girls’ classical song contest. Chairperson of the Panel of Judges Assistant Director (Music) Daw Tin Tin Mya of Myanma Radio and Television, Secretary Assistant Engineer Daw May Pyone Khaing and members supervised the song contest. On 28 October morning, the basic education level (aged 15-20) girls’ religious song contest and the amateur level modern and old song contest will be held.

At the Kanbawza Theatre, leader of the panel of judges Gitalulin U Ko Ko and members supervised the guitar contest. Four participants took part in the basic education level (aged 5-10) boys’ guitar contest. Two contestants competed in the basic education level (aged 5-10) girls’ guitar contest and 13 in the amateur level (men’s) guitar contest. On 28 October, the basic education level (aged 10-15) women’s and higher education level (men’s) xylophone contests will be held.

At Padonma Theatre, 12 participants took part in the basic education level (aged 10-15) men’s solo orchestra contest. Similarly, nine contestants participated in the basic education level (aged 5-10) men’s solo orchestra contest. Leader of the panel of judges U Sein Hla Myaing and party supervised the contests. On 28 October, the amateur level dohbet contest and the basic education level (aged 10-15) dohbet contest will be held.

At Kanbawza Theatre, nine Ozi troupes of States and Divisions participated in the amateur level Ozi contest and six troupes in the basic education level (aged 5-10) Ozi contest. Leader of the panel of judges U Sein Ba Maw and party supervised the contests. On 28 October, the basic education level (aged 10-15) boys’ and girls’ and higher education level women’s and men’s mandolin contests will be held.

YANGON, 27 Oct — Secretary-General of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo met with the secretary, executives and members of Meiktila District USDA at its office on 23 October 2004.

On 24 October, the minister visited Kontaung Maha Theindaw and Lawkapaya Pagoda and offered provisions to members of Sangha.

Next, the minister proceeded to Thinkon Dam built for greening Kontaung Village and explained arrangements being made for supplying water to farmlands in Kaphyu and Kontaung areas.

The minister observed the paddy fields in the vicinity of the village.

Next, the minister paid obeisance to Sayadaw U Tiloka of Hmankyaung Monastery and offered provisions to the Sayadaw.

YANGON, 28 Oct — Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo, accompanied by departmental officials and No 99 LID Commander Brig-Gen Tin Oo Lwin, arrived at the Nyaunggon Dam Project construction site in Meiktila on 24 October.

At the briefing hall, Deputy Director of the Irrigation Department U Myo Tun reported to the minister on the construction of the main dam, conduit, spillway and channels. Afterwards, the minister met departmental officials and local farmers and gave necessary instructions. Next, the minister inspected the earth work of the main dam being carried out with the use of heary machinery.

The earth dam is 6,400 feet long and 40 feet high and storage capacity of the facility is 3,500 acre feet.

Next, the minister and party arrived at the Kyaukdaga Dam project in Natmauk Township in Magway Division. At the briefing hall, officials reported to the minister on tasks being carried out including construction of the conduit, spillway and earth work. Next, director-general of the Irrigation Department also reported on project to supply irrigation water through canal linking Kyaukdaga Dam and Taungyay Dam.

Afterwards, the minister met Magway Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Col Phone Maw Shwe and departmental officials and gave necessary instructions.

Afterwards, the minister inspected progress of the construction of the main dam, conduit and spillway of Kyaukdaga Dam and water storage.

Later the minister and party proceeded to Taungyay Dam project in Kyaukpadaung Township and inspected the canal which will be used to supply water from Taungyay Dam to Kyatmauktaung Dam.

Officials concerned reported on supply of water from Taungyay Dam to Kyatmauktaung Dam.

During his tour, the minister also saw over the thriving monsoon paddy cultivation in Magyitaing Village in Kyaukpadaung Township, Mandalay Division.

YANGON, 27 Oct — The opening of Mid-year Myanma Gems Emporium 2004, organized by Myanma Gems Emporium Orga-nizing Central Committee of the Ministry of Mines was held at the Myanma Gems Emporium on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, here, this morning.

Present were Member of the Public Relations and Information Committee of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director-General U Khin Maung Htay of Myanma Radio and Television, Director-General U Chit Naing of Public Relations and Information Department, Managing Director Col Soe Win of News and Periodicals Enterprise, Correspondent U Sein Win of Kyodo News Agency, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Hla Htway, President U Sao Kai Hpa and members.

Chairman of the Central Committee Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein, Secretary Managing Director of Myanma Gems Enterprise U Khin Oo and member welcomed the guests and conducted them round the booths of jade and gem ornaments at fixed prices and jade figurines of Myanma Gems Enterprise and private jewellery shops on the ground floor of Yadana Hall, commercial, utility and imperial jade lots around the emporium and gem lots and pearl lots on the top floor.

Next, the press conference related to the gems emporium was held.

Deputy Minister U Myint Thein clarified that quality and quantity jade, gems and pearl lots will be displayed and sold at the Mid-year Gems Emporium. It is estimated that over 500 gem merchants from the People’s Republic of China and Thailand and about 300 local gem merchants will attend the emporium. At the mid-year emporium, 1,588 lots of jade worth 13.35 million euro at floor prices will be sold. In addition, 8,202 items of jade ornaments worth 0.09 million euro at the fixed prices will be displayed.

A total of 94 jade lots of joint venture enterprises worth 3.29 million euro at floor prices, 79 jade lots of the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd worth 0.89 million euro at reserve prices and 1,415 jade lots of companies, organi-zations and private entrepreneurs worth 9.17 million euro at floor prices will be sold. Therefore, 1,588 jade lots worth 13.35 million euro will be displayed at the emporium.

Furthermore, 300 lots of gems worth 8.6 million euro at reserve prices and ornaments and 1,161 items of silver wares worth 806,354 euro, totalling over 9.40 million euro are to be put on display there.

In addition, 196 lots of pearl comprising 11,641 rounds of pearl weighing 5,856.45 mommes worth 511,700 euro will be sold through tender system and 70 lots of pearl comprising 3,892 round of pearl worth 516,000 euro weighing 2,286.3 mommes through competitive system.

Next, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein gave a speech.

Afterwards, Central Committee Chairman Deputy Minister U Myint Thein, Secretary U Khin Oo and member answered the queries raised by journalists. Later, Deputy Minister U Myint Thein gave the concluding remarks.

YANGON, 27 Oct — With the aims of ensuring food sufficiency in Pakokku District of Magway Division, contributing to greening of the district and supplying potable water, Thitgyidaw Dam was opened with ceremony near Thitgyidaw Village, Myaing Township, on 21 October morning.

Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Phone Maw Shwe formally opened the stone plaque of the dam. Next, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn Myint and Col Phone Maw Shwe cut the ribbon to open the dam and inspected it. Thitgyidaw Dam is of earth embankment. It can store 800 acre feet capacity of water and can irrigate 75 acres of farmland.

Afterwards, Deputy Minister U Ohn Myint and Col Phone Maw Shwe proceeded to Thiri Nanda Dam near DaungO Village in Myaing Township to attend the opening ceremony.

Deputy Minister U Ohn Myint and Col Phone Maw Shwe gave speeches at the opening ceremony. Deputy Minister U Ohn Myint said that out of 11.075 million acres of land, Magway Division has 2.757 million acres of cultivable land and 261,786 acres of irrigated farmland. In 2004-2005, about 600,000 acres of land could be put under monsoon paddy against the target of 605,275 acres. This year, a target was set to put land under 175,047 acres of summer paddy and the plan is under way to meet cent per cent rice sufficiency of Magway Division in accord with the directives of the government.

Pakokku District sets to cultivate 86,604 acres of monsoon paddy and 14,904 acres of summer crop this year. The products can meet only 41.31 per cent of local food sufficiency for over 1.3 million population of Pakokku District though cultivation plan can be implemented. Therefore, Thiri Nanda Dam and Thitgyidaw Dam were built in accord with the directives that plans are to be implemented for construction of small dams, lake and reservoirs so as to contribute towards local food sufficiency and greening tasks in Pakokku District.

Mone Creek Multi-purpose Dam project being implemented in Sedoktara Township to be opened soon can irrigate 160,000 acres of monsoon and summer paddy and generate 75 mega watt of hydroelectric power. As such, irrigation facilities can ensure local food sufficiency, supply water for extended cultivation and enhance economy of the local farmers.

Next, Col Phone Maw Shwe unveiled the stone plaque and the deputy minister opened the dam. Afterwards, Col Phone Maw Shwe opened the sluice gate.

Thiri Nanda Dam is of earth embankment and it has the reinforced concrete conduit. A total of 18,200 acre feet capacity of water can be stored at the dam.

In the briefing hall, the deputy minister explained implementation of dam and river water pumping projects in Magway Division, raising of paddy sown acreage, water sufficiency in the region thanks to opening of the two dams and prevention of bank erosion and blocking of sand banks in water way. Altogether, 167 dams have so far been opened in the entire nation.

YANGON, 27 Oct — CEC member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association U Thein Sein this afternoon gave a lecture on the policies of the government and achievement of seven-point policy programme of the State to 73 trainees at Basic Organizational Course conducted by Insein Township USDA at its office.

YANGON, 27 Oct — Tawwin Oo company demonstrated hair-styling methods and the use of new hair-styling equipment produced by Shiseido Japan at the Grand Plaza Park Royal Hotel here this afternoon.

Daw Tin Moe Lwin explained the winter fashion of hair styles and Shiseido cosmetics. International gold medalist in the profession Mr Freddie Yee of Shiseido Singapore demonstrated popular hair styles of today, hair-dressing and hair-styling methods and the use of equipment. He also taught the art of hair-dressing to local hair-dressers individually.

The company is distributing three kinds of hair-stylers — Biotera, Nutri-Ox and Volumax —of the Japanese company. The demonstration goes on till 29 October.

YANGON, 27 Oct — Cooperative Products Exhibition continued today at the Cooperative Trade Centre (Saya San Plaza) in Bahan Township.

Cooperative societies from states and divisions, private companies and economic enterprises deplay their products including foodstuff, personal products, textiles and garments and finished-wood products and furniture.

Moreover, Ministry of Industry-1 and Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation also keep open the shops at the exhibition. The exhibition which involves a lot of entertainment programmes will last till 1 November.

YANGON, 27 Oct—The Traffic Rules Enforcement Supervisory Committee is going to organize the second exhibition and competitions on traffic rules in the first week of December 2004 here.

It comprises short story, article, cartoon, poster and digital poster competitions (open). Candidates are to send original and a copy for each entry. Word count for short story is limited between 3,000 and 5,000. A candidate may take part in short story and article competitions.

As for poster competition, an entry is to be a 30"x20" size one with the signature of the candidate on its back, not in the front. Entries or digital poster competition are to be created with an appropriate computer and put in a floppy disk or a compact disk (CD-ROM).

Each candidate is to send their entry attached with two passport-size photos, a biography and a written undertaking that the entry is own creation and has not been printed before.

Entries for short story, article and cartoon competitions are to be sent to Road Transport and Administration Department. (Tel: 573106, 573109); for poster competition, to Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon, Eastern Wing of Bogyoke Aung San Market (Tel: 240966 Ext: 706/707); and for digital poster competition, to U Mya Thein of the University of Computer Studies (Hline Campus) (Tel: 664254) not later than 3 pm on 1 November.

YANGON, 27 Oct — Diplomats of Foreign Missions in Myanmar came over to the display of the 2004 Mid-Year Gems Emporium sponsored by Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee at the Myanma Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning.

They were welcomed by responsible personnel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Myanma Gems Enterprise of the Ministry of Mines.

YANGON, 27 Oct — Members of the Sangha, aged under 30 and 10 vasa, who passed just one of Government’s Pahtamagyi, Çeti Yangana and Sakkyasiha examinations, may submit applications to First Year Course of Sasana Takkasila Dhammaçariya at State Pariyatti Sasana University in Yangon and Mandalay for 1366-67 academic year.

The entrance examination will be held. The candidates must answer Vinaya, Grammar, Abhidhamma subjects, a paper based on Myanmar and another one on knowledge of religious affairs. The applications can be obtained at the registrar’s office of the university beginning 31 October and the application are to be submitted to the university not later than 4 pm on 18 November.

Those wishing to know further information may contact the registrar's Office of SPSU (Yangon), Tel: 01-665362 and 01-662997, the registrar's Office of SPSU (Mandalay), Tel: 02-26876 and 02-61114, and Universities Administration Office, Tel: 01-664395.

YANGON, 27 Oct — A ceremony to meet for Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association (10/2004) was held at the meeting hall of Sarpay Beikman Building on Merchant Street this afternoon.

After Vice-Chairman of MWJA U Tin Kha (Tekkatho-Tin Kha) had made a speech, Secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-twantay) presended reports on work done on the minutes of CEC meeting ( 9/2004 ).

Next, leaders of the respective sub-committees participated in the discussions.

Officials accepted K 50,000 for paying respects to doyer literati donated by tekkatho Tin Maung Htwe (Natyaygan foundation) through joint-secretary Dr Tin Tun Oo; K 30,000 by MWJA CEC member Daw Khin Khin Sein ( Yuwaty Khin Sein Hlaing );K 11,000 by secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun -Twantay)-Daw Nyunt Nyunt Than; K 10,000 by Mingala Tayngnyunt Township WJA; and 50 books and K 10,000 by writer Captain Tha Sein.

Later, Vice -Chairman U Tin Kha ( Tekkatho Tin Kha ) gave the concluding remarks.

YANGON, 27 Oct — Han Golf Masters Junior Golf Series organized by Myanmar Golf Federation was held at the Myanmar Golf Club at 9th-mile on Pyay Road this evening. It was attended by General Secretary U Aung Kyi of the MGF and executives, General Secretary Professional Golfer U Chan Han of the MPGA and others.

At the prize presentation ceremony, Wilson Operation Manager U Aung Tun Oo presented the first prize to Zwe Lin Ngwe in the Wilson Putting Challenge. Joint Secretary U Re Htet Doe of the MGF gave away prizes to those who stood first, second and third in U-18 women’s event; U Peter, to those who won first, second, third, fourth and fifth in the aged 8-10 event; Managing Director U Chan Han of the Han Golf Masters Pte Ltd, to those who secured first, second, third, fourth and fifth in the aged 11-12 event; Secretary U Ko Ni of the Myanmar Golf Club, to winners who came first, second, third, fourth and fifth in the aged 13-14 event and General Secretary U Aung Kyi of the MGF, to winners who bagged first, second, third, fourth, fifth prizes in the aged 15-17event. The golf series was mainly sponsored by Han Golf Masters Pte Ltd and co-sponsored by Pan-West (Myanmar) Co Ltd, Wilson, Srixon, Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Golf Driving Range, KM Golf Centre, Alpine Purified Drinking Water, Myanmar Golf Club, Myanmar Golf Club Restaurant and Star Ice-Cream. The golf series was organized by Han Event Management

YANGON, 27 Oct — The 1st Myanmar Junior World Ranking Tennis Tournament Grade-5, which is being hosted in Myanmar was held at Theinbyu Tennis court this morning.

Present on the occasion were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Commmittee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Patron of Myanmar Tennis Federation Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Indonesian Ambassador to Myanmar and officials, regional commander and officials, Chairman of MTF U Zaw Zaw and executives, members of leading of panel of patrons of MWF and fans.

A total of 36 events have finished.

Phyo Min Thar and Chit Hsu Yi entered the second round.

The second round (28) events will be held at the same venue tommorow.