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ARCHIVES	Friday, 3 November 2006	THE MYANMAR TIMES

Stability of the State, community peace and tranquillity, and prevalence of law and order necessary for national development Government is taking measures in accordance with rules and regulations in tackling any matters, Every government is dutybound to protect the nation and the people from dangers posed by terrorists and destructive groups

Yangon, 2 Nov -The following is a translation of the address delivered by Chairman of the Information Committee of the State Peace and Development Council Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan at the press conference (7/2006) of the Information Committee.

Correspondents of foreign news agencies and those in charge of local magazines and journals, You have listened to the clarification of the director-general of the Myanmar Police Force, so it will be clear to you that member of the ABSDF Thet Win Aung is the one who was serving prison term under Unlawful Associations Act, Emergency Act, Publishers and Distributors Act and Immigration Act in violation of existing laws.

He was in bed at a separate building of Mandalay Prison due to the disease he had been suffering. Despite medical treatments, he succumbed to Congestive Cardiomyopathy. So, it was just a natural death.

However, internal and external destructive elements exploited the death of Thet Win Aung to cause outrage to incite disorder, mass protests and terrorist acts. Indeed, these methods are similar to those applied in the 1988 disturbances.

Some who got involved in the 1988 unrest took some dead bodies out of the tombs at Kyandaw Cemetery to get political gains. Again, they are attempting to get political gains from the death of Thet Win Aung.

The Tatmadaw had to take up State responsibilities on 18 September 1988 because at the time the nation was on the verge of collapse. Since then, it has given priority to prevalence of law and order and community peace to arrest the general deterioration of the nation.

Then, it laid down the four political objectives and gave the top priority to stability of the State, community peace and tranquillity, and prevalence of law and order.

In fact, stability of the State, community peace and tranquillity, and prevalence of law and order are necessary for national development, security of the lives and property of the people, enabling the people to lead a peaceful life in their work, and perpetuation of sovereignty.

That is why the government is taking necessary measures such as preventing, questioning, holding custody and taking action against those who are harming stability of the State, community peace and tranquillity, and prevalence of law and order and inciting mass demonstrations and anarchic acts. Like other nations, Myanmar has to take such measures for the security of the people.

As explained by the MPF director-general, anti-government elements are making slanderous accusations against the government. As a matter of fact, prison officials secured due rights to the prisoners and systematically supervised the tasks in accordance with the orders and directives and prison manual.

Moreover, they are nurturing and rehabilitating prisoners so that they will be able to serve the interests of the State and the people with new vigour. As you know, the government is repeatedly releasing some prisoners in accordance with the law, and due rights.

It is witnessed that in carrying out the nation-building tasks, the Tatmadaw has placed trust in and joining hands with the armed groups, whom it faced in the past in the battles for national defence and security, as blood brothers and colleagues after they have returned to the legal fold after realizing the benevolent attitude of the government.

Hardly, there have been tortures or others due to the practice of religious teachings in Myanmar. So, in Myanmar, there have been no tortures except action taken against those who committed crimes and supervision of the tasks in the prisons in accordance with the prison laws. As you know, although some have been sentenced to death under the laws, no one of them has ever been executed. And the government is rehabilitating and providing assistance to those serving jail terms so that they will become reliable resources of the nation.

Moreover, local NGOs are constantly donating foodstuff, personal goods and medicines to the prisoners under the instructions of the State.

The government is taking measures in accordance with the rules and regulations in tackling any matters, whereas internal and external destructive elements are in collusion disregarding the laws and committing terrorist acts, detonating bombs, putting pressure, and inciting protests.

Their ultimate aim is to topple the Tatmadaw Government that is taking steps for smooth transition to democracy, to seize power, and to establish a government complying with the instructions of the colonialists. The internal and external destructive elements are applying strategies and tactics in order to achieve their goal.

Their strategy is designed to overthrow the government through mass campaign and to seize power through realization of the 1990 election results, demans for convening a Hluttaw session, and tripartite dialogue.

They are resorting to various tactics under that strategy. The US and its associates are attempting to make the nation get into crisis and undermine the stability of the State through economic and diplomatic sanctions. Making use of their follower media, they are misleading the people and international community into misunderstanding the government.

In accordance with the methods of Gene Sharp who came and conducted a course, they are resorting to various means of political defiance and attempting to put the people on the path of defiance of the orders of the government. In complicity with the remnant Burma Community Party, they are arousing the public outrage through the methods stated in the demo-2006.

They are writing and giving talks to break up the unity of the Tatmadaw. They are organizing members of the Sangha and students.

Recently, the US has misused the UN to put Myanmar affairs on the agenda of the Security Council. The NLD and its associates ?88? generation students are launching Signature Campaign, White Expression Campaign and Prayer Campaign.

The International Labour Organization is putting pressure on the nation through the groundless accusation that forced labour does exist in Myanmar till now. And the special envoy of the UN Human Rights is making slanderous accusations that the conditions on human rights in Myanmar is still deteriorating. A media group is making a mountain out of a molehill that Myanmar is one of the countries that are deprived of freedom of press.

That is the tactics to which the internal and external destructive elements are resorting, to undermine the unity among the government, the people and the Tatmadaw and to seize power.

The mass campaign being implemented with the targeted year of 2006 by the NCUB includes aboveground attack, underground attack, and expatriation attack. We have constantly got news stories that the mass campaign committee for aboveground campaign is made up of so-called ?88? generation students, some so-called veteran politicians, some CRPP members, ex-members who were removed from the NLD in disguise, and some NLD members. According to the news, when the mass campaign comes into shape without causing legal problems, the NLD will be pushed forward and supported.

Every government is under a duty to protect the nation and the people from the dangers posed by terrorists and destructive groups. Since the seizure of the letter and cash sent by member Zaw Zaw Aung (Ba Ka Tha) of ?88? generation in the neighbouring country to member Ko Ko Gyi, we have kept these members under constant surveillance.

Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi became popular in the 1988 unrest whose students affair was associated with political affairs. But, few people knew the activities behind them. Since around 1988, they have had links with U Ye Tun and received cash assistance from embassies of certain Western embassies to Myanmar. Min Zeya in person drew the cash assistance from those embassies. They also joined hands with Moe Thi Zun who is kept by the BCP. Htay Kywe aroused the public outrage by broadcasting an invented story in collusion with BBC correspondent Christopher Gunnes and Ma Aye Nyein Thu that authorities raped the female students in the prison during the 1988 unrest.

They formed such illegal organizations as the All Burmese Students Union (ABSU) and the All Myanmar Students Union (AMSU) and caused public outrage to spread the 1988 unrest.

On 18 September 1988, the Tatmadaw managed to restore peace and stability and assume the State responsibilities. In order to continue to oppose the government, the All Burmese Students Union led by Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Moe Thi Zun laid down and launched three strategies: to continue the ongoing underground campaign, to legally form a political party, and to rise against the government through armed struggle line.

The Democratic Party for New Society led by Moe Thi Zun was formed under that strategy. Since then, Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Aung Din have carried out the ongoing underground campaign to incite more protests.

From 16 to 21 March 1989, the group of Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Aung Din, Sit Ko Naing and Soe Thein successively conduced talks against government and Tatmadaw at the offices of some township branches of the NLD in Yangon to incite mass demonstrations and terrorist acts. Their acts posed grave dangers to the security of the people, so the authorities concerned have had to arrest Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Aung Din since 1989.

The DPNS led by Moe Thi Zun stood as a legal political party. But, in accordance with their strategy, they had links with insurgent groups and formed alliance with BCP UGs. In consequence, their party was dissdred on 6 December 1991.

To continue to rise against the government, members of the DPNS went underground and formed an insurgent group under the name of DPNS on 25 May 1994.

Aung Din was released from the prison on 7 June 1993. He then he appealed the government to allow him to pursue education. The authorities satisfied his appeal, and he got B.E degree in 1994. Then, he again appealed for visa to work in Singapore. The authorities granted visa to him.

But, Aung Din went to the US via Singapore to oppose the motherland by putting reliance on foreign countries. Now, Aung Din is serving as director of the US Campaign for Burma and keeping on rising against the State.

Aung Din demanded the US government for imposing sanctions against Myanmar. He asked for cash assistance and is transferring the assistance to terrorist insurgent groups and anti-government groups. And he is collecting fabricated news stories from the nation and distributing them to mislead international community into misunderstanding the government.

Similarly, Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi in collusion with Bo Kyi who was one of their colleagues in the All Burmese Students Union in 1988-89 formed an organization namely AAPP in the neighbouring country. Whenever UGs who incited mass demonstrations, and insurgents who entered the nation and committed destructive acts were taken action under the law, the AAPP gave protection to them under the heading of politicians. That is to mislead the international community.

The ABSDF previously ABFSU has committed various destructive acts including the bomb blast at the Maha Pasana Cave where Buddha's Tooth Relic was temporarily kept for public obeisance, and the bomb blasts in three busy places in Yangon. In complicity with NCUB and DAB, they have drawn and are implementing the mass campaign. Up to now, they have been sending terrorists to the nation.

So, it can be deduced from the points I have presented to you, that ex-BCP members who incited and spread mass protests in the 1988 unrest are now committing destructive acts in collusion with insurgents, anti-government expatriates and partly-UG hard-cores inside and outside the nation to harm the State and the people.

Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi were released from the prison in 2005. They reunited Htay Kywe, Pyone Cho and Min Zeya who were also released. They called themselves as ?88' generation students.

But, their ages range from more than 40 to 50, so, they are no longer students. Nor is the ABSDF led by Than Khe and it is just an insurgent group.

Almost everyone has ever lead a student life. In fact, why they call themselves as students is to exploit students. Such an intention can harm the education sector, and that shows that they are merely self-centered ones.

Min Ko Naing and party committed such destructive acts to draw internal and international attention and gain links with old partners. They also committed such acts as making relations with foreign broadcasting stations, frequenting embassies of certain Western countries, making links with underground groups and attempting to form an ABSU-like organization.

In addition, they participated in the commemorative ceremonies held by the NLD and old politicians. They attended welfare, funeral and social occasions of related persons to get political gains. According to the latest developments, the group of Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi is organizing the people to create mass demonstrations, part of the mass campaign of the NCUB.

On 12 February 2006, Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi sent a letter to UN Secretary General Kofi A Annan through the US embassy so that the UN Secretary General or the Security Council would directly handle the case of Myanmar affairs.

Bo Kyi of AAPP collected cash assistance from ex-Myanmar students in exile and NGOs, and sent 25 million kyats to the 88 generation group led by Min Ko Naing through the British embassy in the second week of this April. Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Zaw Min and Pyone Cho bought four mobile phones with the use of that cash assistance, and made phone contacts with the elements abroad. It is learnt that the AAPP will collect cash assistance again and send more cash assistance to the group so that all the members can use a mobile phone each plus a car for the group.

It is also learnt that Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Htay Kywe are collecting cash donations to provide so-called political inmates from various prisons; and an NGO in the US presented 30,000 US dollars to Htay Kywe through the US embassy on 14 August 2006.

And ex-members of the AMSU in the US and NDD member Khin Ohn Mar sent 2.5 million kyats to Min Zeya.

So, it is clear that Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi and party are receiving cash assistance from the embassies of certain Western countries, and they have links with expatriate ex-ABSU members and ex-AMSU members, and are active in the nation with the assistance of those expatriate groups in exile.

According to the news we have got constantly, the ABSDF is taking steps to commit destructive acts in the nation.

And, NCGUB, NCUB, ABSDF and BVSW would detonate bombs in September to create some changes in Myanmar; they would target buildings of members of the Sangha, the Tatmadaw and students; and they have planned to blow up bombs around universities and basic education schools.

On the evening of 15 October, vice-chairman of NCUB Khaing Soe Naing Aung arrived at Maesok and met with editor Ziwa Soe of Mogyo newspaper, Aung Kyaw Soe of ABSDF, and in charge of intelligence Min Lwin; under the instructions of the NCUB and chairman Than Khe of ABSDF, they would send Maung Maung Myint, Aung Moe Shwe and Than Ngwe Soe to the nation on 19 October.

In meeting with Min Lwin, San Ngwe, Kywe Gyi (a) Nyo Win and Than Than Win in Maesok on 17 October, Khaing Soe Naing Aung informed them that the attempt of Nilar Win they had sent to detonate bombs in two places in Kyauktada in October was successful.

The ABSDF issued and sent a letter to mark the birthday of Min Ko Naing. The letter said that it was sent to Min Ko Naing, fellow brothers and various organizations, and the ABSDF was in harmony with Min Ko Naing.

The objectives and acts of members of the ABSDF, NCGUB and FTUB and the persons who have relations with them are posing grave dangers to prevalence of law and order, and stability of the State. So, under Section (16) of Unlawful Associations Act, on 28 August 2005, the government declared those groups and related organizations unlawful associations in accordance with sub-paragraph (2) of paragraph (15) of the Act.

Moreover, the government also declared the ABSDF, NCGUB, FTUB, DPNS and NLD/NA and their members as terrorists.

Therefore, it is vivid why the government called in Min Ko Naing and four accomplices for questioning.

For the their release, members of the 88 generation group launched the Signature Campaign to deceive the people who have known the background history of the group and activities being done under its strategy.

As usual, internal and external destructive elements organized the people through exaggerated news stories regarding the Signature Campaign. Certain foreign broadcasting stations entertained the exaggerations, saying that writers, artistes, physicians, lawyers and members of the Sangha signed the Signature Campaign; and a total of more than 500,000 people signed.

Indeed, that number was just an exaggerated one. It was because members of the Sangha from Htilin Monastery at Western Thiri Khema Ward in Chanaye Thazan Township, Mandalay, said that they did not sign; that except some monks who are getting involved in politics, any members of the Sangha will not do so; and they are using members of the Sangha as a stepping stone by signing fake names of members of the Sangha, and stating fake monasteries and signatures in order to increase the number of those who signed.

The monks of Maha Wizikayama monastery said that they had not heard nor seen any member of the Sangha of the monastery signing in the paper; that it is a trick to cause illusion among the religious people; as the monks are the ones striving for promotion, propagation and perpetuation of the Sasana, they will never sign in the document; that not any of the monks will be the tool of any individual or organization; that the false signature campaign to make political gains is unacceptable as it makes peace-loving people lose faith in the monks.

On 11 October, Khamauk Shwe Maung of Htundon ward, Chanmyathazi Township, Mandalay, visited his close friend?s house in Myayinanda ward. He asked the couple of the house to sign on the white sheet of paper without showing the words written on it, saying that giving their signatures will cause not any problem. Hence, the couple reluctantly signed on the paper.

As Khamouk Shwe Maung asked the couple to organize their closed friends to give their signatures, they persuaded two of their neighbours to sign on the paper. But when they became to know the next day that Khamouk Shwe Maung was an NLD member of Mandalay South-East Township, who was collecting signatures for the release of the members of the so-called ?88' generation students, they spoke angrily to him and told him not to trick them into signing such letters and visiting their homes again.

The organizing group of the National League for Democracy of Mandalay Division held its meeting at the house of U Maung Maung Than, joint secretary of the group, at Khemazala ward, Chanmyathazi Township, Mandalay Division, on 20 October.

At the meeting, vice-chairman U Thein Naing of Mandalay Division NLD organizing group said that the NLD central fixed the last date to collect public signatures on the 22nd of October; that the so-called petitions should be sent within the fixed time. The persons who are collecting public signatures gave priority only to numbers or quantity instead of correctness in the names and signatures.

Concerning the signature campaign, some members of the Kyauktada Township NLD in Yangon Division criticized the NLD on 22 October, saying that they were participating in the campaign only because of the duty assigned to them by the party; that some of them were using false names and false signatures to compile the doctored collections; and that the NLD failed to realize the goal in launching such campaign in the past.

U Khin Soe, an ex-NLD member of Latha Township, Yangon, while on the way from his home to an optical shop on 24 October afternoon ran across Ko Hla Aung, a political agent, on Shwebontha Street in Pabedan Township. Ko Hla Aung tried to press U Khin Soe into signing the paper. But U Khin Soe refused to give his signature, telling him that the signature campaign was unreasonable as it gave priority only to the personal interest; and that the campaign did not serve the interest of the nation and the people at all.

Johnny (a) Kyagyi of Myinpat ward, Pyawbwe, under order of Pyawbwe Township NLD Secretary U Aung Than went to a house in Shwepyi Yanaung ward on 25 October and asked the couple there to sign the paper. But the couple refused to give their signatures. So he visited a nearby house and deceived the housewife into signing the paper, without explaining the matter.

The above-mentioned paras stand witness to the fact that the signature campaign is just a fake petition in which signatures were collected through tricks or that is filled with phoney names and signatures. Only a handful of persons signed the so-called petition, and they are the same as the persons of the past signature campaigns of the NLD, who upheld personal and factional prejudices. The fact also signifies the public opinion on the so-called signature campaign.

Members of the group continued to launch the so-called White Expression, forcing people to get involved in their political mess. All know that it is a tradition of the Myanmar people to wear white clothes as a symbol of sincerity, purity and uprightness.

The white collar-less shirt and the jacket are the traditional dress of Myanmar people. The dress has been usually worn by departmental personnel and company staff. School teachers and students also wear white and green uniform. Although the colour of the longyis of nurses is vary depending on rank, they all wear the white ingyi. Aged persons, saints who practise vipassana, members of the pagoda board of trustees and voluntary monastery attendants wear white shirt.

Journalists have already heard that the people are hesitant to wear the white dress because of the misdeeds of the politicians who are totally under the influence of their own ego.

Dutiful journalists have been criticizing the campaigns of the ?88' generation students, saying that their acts are disturbing the daily lives of the people.

Another step of the ?88' generation students group is the holding of peace prayers. The time fixed for the campaign is one week. It is an insult against all the citizens of Myanmar where all religions co-exist peacefully.

Myanmar Buddhists keep Sabbath on religiously significant days; Muslims always say Friday prayers; and Christians attend church services every Sunday. The ?88' generation students group tries to exploit the religious traditions of the Myanmar citizens as if the people are performing religious prayers and services in support of its campaign.

At present, Myanmars are holding the Tazaungdine festival and Kathina robes donation festivals. Departments, companies and religious associations are holding collective Kathina robes offering ceremonies, and individual families are also offering robes to the monks.

The group's attempts to cause public instigation through religious prayers is to muddle religion with politics to use both as a tool. The group is applying the political defiance method of the persons called Gene Sharp.

I will now explain the different aims of the negative attitude and the positive attitude, words and practical deeds, and slanderous propaganda and goodwill efforts.

The so-called ?88' generation students and their cohorts said that the aim of the peace prayers is to peacefully solve the unsolved problems of the nation.

Hence, we need to make a comparison between the government's endeavours to restore peace and national consolidation and the destructive acts of the saboteurs.

The words of those saboteurs are for peace, but their practical deeds are for the eruption of an unrest to destroy the prevailing peace and stability of the nation.

Since its assumption of the State duties, the Tatmadaw government has been thinking about the reasons the nation lagged behind in development. Its study shows that the reasons were the over-40-year-long internal strife that destroyed human resources of both sides; the failure to launch the development drive seriously due to lack of peace and stability. The government has decided to restore the national peace first.

With sincere efforts, the government has been cementing national unity to restore peace. Hence, the nation has achieved peace the successive governments of the past failed to restore. Seventeen major national races armed groups and many other small armed groups returned to the legal fold. Some groups unconditionally exchanged arms for peace.

Many of the border areas that were the scene of poverty resulting from over 40 years of armed insurgency are now enjoying the fruits of peace and stability. The government has been running the border areas development drive together with the efforts to restore peace. Thanks to the ardent participation of the former armed groups and the local people, border areas are enjoying the same degree of progress with the major cities.

Some remaining armed groups are holding peace talks with the government as they emulate the results of peace. However, peace cannot be restored in the entire nation because of the perpetration of the outside elements who do not wish to see peace prevailing in the entire nation, to use insurgents a fuse to blow up every hope for peace.

The total area of the regions that are free from insurgency and enjoying peace and progress is 83,415 square miles covering 68 townships where 5.3 million national race people live. As long as we can rejoice the rapid development of the social lives of those national races, we will be able to notice the goodwill endeavours of the government to strengthen national peace.

The second so-called aim of the prayer campaign is to free all the people from hardships and poverty. But it is the ?88' generation students group that is demanding the imposition of investment, trade, export and tourism sanctions against Myanmar to drag the people into poverty.

Because of their demands betraying the nation, America has imposed sanctions on Myanmar. The result is that about 160 garment factories in Myanmar had to close down and 40 others had to cut down their working forces. Over one-hundred-thousand workers lost their jobs and their families are facing economic hardships.

Mini businesses depending on those unemployed workers and families came to a halt. Over 80,000 women are included in the workers who lost their jobs. As they are earning their living through any means possible some of them even fell victim to human traffickers.

It is clear that the persons who are singing out to free people from poverty in reality are the ones dragging the people into poverty.

The Head of State has been giving guidance to build the nation with goodwill and united strength to hand over the nation that is developed, peaceful and tranquil in all aspects, but not a deteriorating nation, to the future generations.

As all are working with sincerity in accord with the guidance, the nation has been achieving peace, stability and progress.

The private sector is playing a greater role in developing socio-economy. Both the national economy and the private sector are developing. The Nation's GDP reached K 12,162 billion in 2005-2006, up from K 76 billion in 1988-89. Per capita income increased to over K 220,000 in 2005-2006 from only K 1,940 in 1988-89.

At present, the private sector's contribution to the GDP has reached 90 per cent, up from 71 per cent in 1988-89.

The government has abolished all restrictions in trading crops including rice, cotton, sugarcane. It is increasing rubber, maize, sesame and onion exports. It has made arrangements to facilitate the export business, trying to effectively run the one stop service. In addition to Yangon, the main seaport, a number of border entry points have become major regular trade routes.

The government has been providing protection for every one running export business in accord with the procedures. Export facilitation annually increases nation's foreign trade volume. Since 2002-2003, the nation has been enjoying surplus trade.

In the past it was not easy for the nation to enjoy a US $ 1,000 million trade surplus as it was facing annual trade deficits. At present, annual trade surplus has reached US $ 5,000 million. Prospects are high for the trade surplus to reach U$ SD 7,000 million in 2006-2007.

In this new age all need to nurture new thoughts and visions. With innovative efforts, entrepreneurs should run businesses that ensure long-term benefits. They should be straightforward and should serve their personal interest and the national interest fair and square. They should develop their enterprises to have enough global competitive power.

The nation is making efforts to produce 1,500 million baskets of paddy per year. It produced over 1,300 million baskets of paddy in 2005-2006. Local consumption is at over 780 million baskets, annual wastage is at 94 million baskets and surplus is at over 400 million baskets.

The nation's power consumption in 1988-89 was 1,522 million kilowatt hours. Now the nation's electricity output is at 5,325 million kilowatt hours.

All I have mentioned in the above paras are the sound foundations and prospects for the future generations.

The 88' generation students who are cooperating with internal and external destructive elements said that the third aim is to say prayers to free the flood victims from all social hardships. But they have never rendered any assistance to the victims.

The storm occurred in South China Sea brought heavy rains to many places in Shan State and Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions. Floods in rivers and streams causes inundation in low-lying areas. Thanks to the storm warning announced in advance, local authorities, Tatmadawmen, departments and social organizations in cooperation with the local people, were able to relocate victims to safe places in time.

Social organizations and wellwishers provided K 43.2 million and 367 baskets of rice to the victims. Although there were heavy rains there were no dam breaks in the affected regions. The dams were able to hold water that was going to flow down to the low-lying areas. Hence, hydel power plants are generating more electricity and reservoirs are holding greater volume of water for irrigation.

Damaged roads and bridges are under repair at present. Alternative transport means have been introduced to maintain normal trade and transport. The respective bodies are making arrangements to grow crops in the damaged fields in ccooperation with international organizations. All I have explained is the government's assistance for natural disaster victims.

But there are persons trying to make political and economic gains out of the victims. Not long ago, a Myanmar democracy activists held a prayer ceremony in Maryland, the US. They are going to ask money from the respective NGOs, with the ceremony as a show. It is nothing more than the act of expatriate terrorists and insurgents who are misusing the funds provided for refugee camps.

The students group in collusion with a certain radio station under foreign influence announced a slanderous news report concerning the prayer campaign.

The DVB on 29 October aired that over 100,000 Christians attended the prayer campaign held at St. Mary Cathedral, the main church of the Roman Catholics, on Bo Aung Kyaw Street, Yangon.

The authorities concerned after investigating the matter confirmed that about 1000 Christians attended the normal Sunday services in which five fathers were re-ordained and the birthday of the Arch Bishop was celebrated; and that not a single member of the ?88' generation students group had attended it.

On 29 October, members of the group and cohorts held a prayer ceremony on Shwedagon Pagoda hill without the consent of the Pagoda Board of Trustees. Law suit can be filed against them in accord with the rules of the Board of Trustees.

According to the subpara 10 of the para 77 (nagyi) of the rules, those who wish to hold a ceremony on the pagoda platform must ask the permission of the Board of Trustees and should present the agenda and aim of the ceremony and the names of supervisors and speakers to the Board of Trustees in advance; that the Board of Trustees will take against anyone who breaks the rules.

As a means to shape the future administrative machinery, administrative reforms are under way to maintain the acceleration in running the task of ensuring State stability, community peace and the rule of law and building the nation.

The administrative reforms are meant to create sound foundations and prospects to implement the multipary democracy system and market economy in accord with the public wish. The reforms are in conformity with the democracy transition.

The National Convention has been adopting the fundamental principles and detailed basic principles. The administrative system has been reformed so as it will be in accord with the future State structure.

Persons who win public respect have been elected to head wards and villages in changing the form and essence of the administrative machinery. Local elders elect two graduates for every ward or village. Of the two, one will serve as the chairman of ward or village-tract administrative body and the other as the member.

In townships, head of the township General Administration Department will act as chairman, the head of Township Planning Department as the secretary and the commander of Township Myanmar Police Force as the members.

The district administrator will be the chairman of the district administrative body, district police commander as the member and head of district Planning Department as the secretary.

In State/Division level, the commander of the military command concerned will be the chairman, head of State/Division GAD the secretary, and heads of State/Division police force and State/Division PD the members. Necessary courses have been conducted for the local authorities to become persons trusted by the people.

All those reforms are for the emergence of a good governance that wins public trust and respect.

In other words, the reforms are made to prevent the local authorities from oppressing and bullying the public, abusing power and collecting money at will.

The government has been laying sound foundations to ensure peace and stability, develop socio-economy, produce qualified human resources, and facilitate democracy transition, even there are internal and external disturbances. Myanmar people have reached a better stage where justice prevails.

On the other hand, internal and external destructive elements are using the political words to the liking of some persons to implement their destructive tactics and strategies. They in reality are power hungry people.

Throughout history, the Tatmadaw even risked the lives of its members in playing the leading part in the national politics. It knows about the minions of the neo-colonists very well that those minions will stab in the back of the people, while pretending to be good in front of the people.

Hence, the government will take timely action against all those who are trying to extend their perpetration to harm the peace and stability and the rule of law through various means.

The people who are participating in strengthening the sound foundations of peace and stability and progress should aware of and ward off the saboteurs.

The government in cooperation with the people and the Tatmadaw will continue to head towards the goal of democratic state, while safeguarding all the people and the members of the Sangha. It will continue to carry out the endeavours with Union Spirit, patriotism and unyielding spirit.

Yangon, 2 Nov - Press conference (7/2006) of the Information Committee of the State Peace and Development Council was held at the Ministry of Information on Theinbyu Road, here, this morning.

Present were information officials, U Sein Win of Kyodo News Agency, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Hla Htway, President U Sao Kai Hpa, Secretary U Thitsa Hla Htway, correspondents, and editorial staff of local journals and magazines.

Local and foreign journalists raised queries in connection with the clarification made by Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi.

U Nyunt Tin ( Fuji TV): I am Nyunt Tin from Fuji TV. The foreign news agency, Fuji TV, reported the case of Thet Win Aung on 17 October. After two weeks on 2 November the verification was made. Foreign news agencies occasionally released news on our country. I think there is no need to counter all the news stories foreign news agencies release. Verification on important cases such as peace talks with KNU, the National Convention and something that can harm the security of the country should be made as soon as possible. I would like to ask the minister if such important statement can be made as soon as possible.

Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan: I understand you held discussions with positive attitude in the interests of the country and the people. I pledge the committee will make necessary arrangements for timely release of stories that should be released. Unlike in the past, we are releasing many of the stories in time.

U Aung Shwe Oo (NTV): We've learned the positions of aboveground and underground leftists and rightists and anti-government organi-zations. What I want to know is the strength, position and stance of BCP and cooperation with rightist organizations.

Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan: Now, the BCP has no storong forces in the country but only UG cells. It is still practising the previous policy and cooperating with rightist organizations and often holds discussions in border areas. Expatriate groups like NCUB took some of the points in the Demo 2006 Plan drawn by the BCP and launched the mass movement.

U Hla Htway (Nihon Keizai Shimbun): The minister and the director-general of MPF made clarifications in connection with the 88' generation students. It is obvious that Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Htay Kyaw and others have contact with NCUB, NCGUB and ABSDF. They received cash assistance provided by embassies of certain Western nations. My question is ? Has the decision been made to put those five on trial.

Brig-Gen Khin Yi: At present, Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Htay Kywe, Min Zeya and Pyone Cho, five 88' generation students are being questioned in connection with security and sabotage. We have many evidences concrete enough to punish them. But, some links are yet to be exposed. That is why there has been no action taken against them for the time being.

Q:U Win Kyaw Oo (Myanmar Times): The first question is what criteria are used to decide that international community deals with Myanmar with positive attitude towards Myanmar and interferes in the country's internal affairs. The second question is that it is difficult to make rapid political reforms, but economically, there are certain ASEAN member nations which have developed rapidly. For instance. Vietnam is a latecomer concerning market economic system. But, among the new ASEAN members it has advanced economically. Myanmar, too, will be able to cooperate more with the international economic community if it introduce reforms in the vital sectors such as the agriculture and communications sectors. I would like to know for what sort of economic sector the government is making arrangements to make reform first. The last question is that the government newspapers say that the support for NLD is on the decrease as evidenced by resignation of its party members. In this connection, I would like to ask how the government studies the public opinion. I would also like to know whether the government assumes that the political development of Myanmar would be possible only when Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and political prisoners are held in detention

Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan: You ask what are the points to describe the international dealings with constructive attitude towards Myanmar or foreign interference in the country's internal affairs. Our government is carrying out tasks based on the policies and programmes, namely, the first?Our Three Main National Causes. They are non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of solidarity and perpetuation "of sovereignty. Similarly, the four political objectives, the four economic objectives and the four social objectives are the policies and programmes of the government. The third point is that the government is discharging duties keeping in the four national interest. Concerning the maintaining international relations, the nation practises the active and independent foreign policy. Moreover, it follows the five principles of peaceful coexistence.

Hence, if the words and deeds of the international community do not contravene our policies and programmes, such behaviour or moves may be regarded as constructive dealings and actions. If they are against our policies and programmes and if they are designed to cause disintegration of national solidarity they will be regarded as interference in our internal affairs. This is the answer to No 1 question.

No 2 question is that political reforms take time but economic reforms can be brought about more quickly, if compared with political reforms. Vietnam today has developed rapidly due to economic reforms. He asks which sectors will be chosen for cooperation for similar progress. In this connection, we have laws already such as foreign investment law and the law concerning making investment by nationals. In those laws areas of cooperation are mentioned. Today, there is foreign investment in the off-shore oil and gas exploration projects. In the industrial sector of the nation, there is foreign investment. Very soon, investors will be invited to do business in a wide range of sectors after the enactment of Thilawa special economic zone law. So, we have invited foreign investment for those sectors. We are doing so in accordance with the four economic objectives for the progress of national economy. The existing laws and the law to be introduced offer rights and privileges similar to the laws of other nations to attract the foreign investors.

I understand that he wants to ask why Myanmar cannot make progress while Vietnam can develop its economy markedly. It is not that the opportunities and rights offered by Myanmar government to the investors are fewer. The foreign investment law of Myanmar and that of other nations are not different. Different nations introduce laws concerning own interests and others' on the basis of domestic conditions. They do not differ much.

However, why our country is facing difficulties? If you study well, you will understand it. A great deal of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is needed if a developing country needs to develop rapidly. At the same time, such a developing nation needs international aids, loans, grants and assistance in its drive to develop. Moreover, there must be trade and other business cooperation undertaken out of goodwill with the nation. Then only, will a developing country develop rapidly.

However, our country today is facing attempts to stop or hinder our positive moves in spite of our offers inviting and attracting foreign investments. It is not that the business opportunities we offer are less than others. Who are trying to stop or hinder our efforts? If we study closely we will see that the main problem is that those from outside the nation are resorting to all kinds of obstructions and hindrances wielding the influence to stop the inflow of foreign investment. It is known to all that some foreign companies working in the country had to leave due to pressure, blockages and coercion from outside. Similarly, certain companies engaged in the off-shore oil and gas exploration had to sell out the shares and left the country. The Total company, for instance, is achieving success with its Yadana oilfield but it is under pressure to leave the country after the threat of selling out its shares.

For these reasons, Foreign Direct Investment in Myanmar is not as much as that in other countries. However, lately there has been an increased inflow of FDI. Meanwhile, the assistance of IMF, the World Bank and rich nations is important. The countries that have developed are largely due to such aids, loans and grants.

In our country, do we have such aids, loans and grants? Who have stopped them? All know the answer. The group at home has demanded to stop or halt such and such assistance. The big nations and organizations outside the country wishing to install a puppet government colluded with the internal group and halted the assistance. They went so far as stopping the Global Fund said to be engaged in the humanitarian work. It closed down its work in the country. There are problems if compared with Vietnam because of the blockages just stated.

No 3 question is how the government studies the decline in public support of NLD? It is quite clear.

I would like to ask you Ko Win Kyaw Oo. The policies practised today by NLD are: Defiance of all orders; Confrontation; and the four moves to stop or halt certain works. Those four demands for stopping foreign investments; for stopping the inflow of loans, aids and grants; for stopping the tourists from coming to Myanmar; and for stopping trading with the country and boycotting the products manufactured in the country. They following the same policy even today.

Do you like them, Ko Win Kyaw Oo? Please try to answer. (U Win Kyaw Oo answered he did not like them.) If you don't like them, will the public like them? Will the majority of the public like them? Due to such pressure and closures, our quota of garments ceased or was reduced. As a consequence, about 160 factories had to shut down. About 40 factories had to lay off workers. More than 80,000 workers lost their jobs and over 400,000 dependants were affected. Will those people like them? Please answer my question. (U Win Kyaw Oo answered he did not like them.) Well, I do not like them either. I don't think Ko Win Kyaw Oo will like them. If so, the attitude of the people is clear.

Another thing is that due to suffered their mistakes, the people have adversely suffered much. And so has the nation. I simply believe that if there were no such hindrances the nation today will have developed doubled or almost doubled. In the agriculture sector, there are irrigation networks, in the road transport there are roads and bridges and in the communications sector there are telephones and satellite phones and cellular phones. Regarding education and health, there are rich opportunities. In the past in the border areas, schools were nonexistent. No learning. No roads and no towns. No health care. Please Ko Win Kyaw Oo, go to those border areas and see for yourself.

There are roads, bridges, electricity, dams and reservoirs as well as schools and dispensaries for the national races in the border areas. If there were no blockages just stated but due assistance and cooperation, the progress will be doubled or nearly doubled, I believe. This is in the interest of the nation and the people. No one will refuse something that serves his interest. But who are blocking them Who are creating problems It is clear. What will be the public opinion towards such persons I believe you will see reason. So, concerning the public opinion towards NLD this is the answer.

Another question is if the political development of Myanmar and national unity would be possible only when Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and political prisoners are held in detention. My answer is that the persons held in the prisons today are there mainly because they have violated law. In dealing with political matters, the acts that will undermine stability, peace and the rule of law and that will incite violence and riots will not be tolerated.

It is because in the country, political affairs and economic undertakings cannot be managed nor national unity built in the absence of stability, peace and the rule of law. Hence, preventive measures will have to be taken if there are acts that will undermine stability, peace and the rule of law and that will incite violence and riots.

Without stability, peace and the rule of law, we cannot manage political, economic, social and education affairs. There are certain countries that are in no position to manage such affairs due to lack of stability, peace and the rule of law. Iraq may be cited. No political results can be produced; no unity can be forged; and no economy can be built due to lack of stability, peace and the rule of law. In Myanmar, we are in need of stability, peace and the rule of law to be able to introduce democracy desired by the people, economic progress and market economy. We will have to prevent the elements, the groups and the acts that will undermine stability, peace and the rule of law. Action will have to be taken against them if necessary.

U Ko Ko of Yangon Times weekly journal asked which legal actions would be taken against those who staged the Signature Campaign, White Expression Campaign and Prayer Campaign. He also asked to explain Clean Government that was used in the speeches of the Prime Minister at some meetings and whether the hot lines set up by some ministries recently to directly complain about malpractice or irregularities of ministries and to explain reforms in some governmental departments if they were related to implementation of the Clean Government. He also asked the information minister to explain the implementation of the Clean Government.

Information Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan said that in 1988, there was an anarchy in the country and the community peace and tranquillity had deteriorated that could lead to the disintegration of the Union. That was the reason why the Tatmadaw took the responsibilities of the State. It is very important to ensure community peace and tranquillity in the country. Since then, the Tatmadaw government has carried out the development tasks.

The reason why Min Ko Naing, the 88 Generation Student and his group were being interrogated is that the authorities have to take preventive action to prevent the jeopardising of the community peace and tranquillity and a possible riot. The group led by Min Ko Naing took part in a 1988 uprising, and there is an evidence of a link between the group and exile groups and cash assistance from foreign countries to Min Ko Naing and his group. Therefore, they are being interrogated by the authority. Other members of his group staged Signature Campaign, White Expression Campaign and Prayer Campaign. It is customary in the country to dress white shirts. At the press conference, the number of people dressed in white is more than in other colours.

The custom and religion was used as a pretext for staging campaigns. Their intent is clear to incite the people to violence and unrest. Therefore, if their actions jeopardise the community peace and tranquillity and lead to unrest and violence in the country, they will not only be detained and be interrogated, but also actions will be taken against them.

Concerning the second question, Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan said steps to implement the Clean Government is being implemented under the leadership of the Prime Minister.

Division/District/Township Peace and Development Councils are being reformed so that the administrative system can adapt to new constitution. Those who will involve in the new administrative system are being trained . Similarly, the government set up direct call lines for the people in case they find difficulties or malpractice in custom, electric power, communication and commerce services, they can directly complain to authority concerned. The implementation of the Clean Government system is being implemented under the leadership of the Prime Minister. May be the details of the implementation will be explained later.

Regarding the first question, Director-General of the Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi said that according to the news put on the internet that the 88 Generation Student group managed to collect 535,580 signatures from across the country. The number does not represent the total population of the country because it has a population of over 54 million. Besides, the total number of signatures has been obtained by fraud. There are also charges against those who take part in the petition. For example, Wa Toke (a) Phyo Zaw Lynn of Uto Village, Moenyo, was charged against the collection of signatures by fraud.

It is customary to dress white shirts in some social organizations and in schools. Therefore, students and social organizations have complained about the White Expression Campaign.

Led by the 88 Generation Students, an estimated over 100 people, dressed in white, gathered at Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon on 29 October in silent prayer. At the campaign, the Pagoda Board of Trustees demanded not to hold the ceremony without prior consent to the board of trustees according to the rules and regulations of the board declared in 1997. The authority will keep those who stage the campaign under surveillance until the community peace and tranquillity is jeopardised. However, if some social organisations, people and religious associations complain about the campaign, actions will be taken against those who participated in it.

Signature Campaign, White Expression Campaign and Prayer Campaign, the coming December Blood Campaign, US Campaign for Burman, Postcard Campaign, Mail Box Campaign, Signboard Campaign etc of 88 Generation Students, are not within the law. Therefore, the authority will keep their actions under surveillance within the law.

U Myat Khaing (Snap Shot Journal): I've got three questions to ask. The first is that how the government will arrange things if Gambari comes here. The second is whether there is any plan for Gambari to meet political in mate including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Min Ko Naing. And the third question is how the government will take measures regarding the price rise of onions, which is a serious issue among the public. Now I have another question to ask the Director General of MPF. I've learnt that some police members are preparing to take action against an NLD member who got involved in signature campaign by framing him for an illegal three-digit gambling. Is it true

Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan: Mr Gambari will only meet State leaders because he was invited by State leaders. That is the answer to your first question. Besides, he will probably visit the National Convention as it is being convened. Regarding the second question, Mr Gambari has never asked us to visit Daw Suu Kyi or Min Ko Naing.

Brig-Gen Khin Yi: I think your last question refers to the case of a person by the name of Win Ko of Yethabya village in Moenyo township. Only this case is still in my mind. On 16 October at Letpadan railway station, we took action against Win Ko, youth in charge-2 of NLD (Monyo) and his accomplice Wa Tok as some documents related to the illegal three-digit gambling were found out in their hands. Before his arrest, he (Win Ko) had been launching a signature campaign among farmers demanding for the release of Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi. As I have mentioned earlier, to get a tip-off about any attempts to commit destructive acts for the sake of security in the country, police members in cooperation with ?Swanarshin' members are working through the day at important points such as stations, bus terminals, seaports, airports and exit and entrance roads. Such measures also involve elimination of gambling. The operation against the signature campaign is also the one our Myanmar Police Force has launched after drawing a systematic plan. On 15 October 2006, at Letpadan station Win Ko got off a train en route from Khinmon. As the police noticed him acting suspiciously with a bag on his shoulders. So he was under investigation at the station office and arrested as some documents related to the illegal three-digit gambling were found in his bag. We did not arrest him for his launching a signature campaign. If we want to make such arrests, there are so many people who commit acts of launching signature campaigns. Wa Toke was released on bail as he was not involved in the case. But he is now under investigation as Ko Pauk and Daw Myint Myint Khin of Uto Village in Monyo township have complained that he made them give their signatures with an excuse for the election of village headman. We made arrests for such illegal gambling not for launching signature campaign.

U Ohn Than, Managing Director of Myanma Agriculture Service: I would like to explain the cultivation of onions in Myanmar. Last year 179,000 acres of land were put under onions. Arrangements are being made to cultivate 180,000 acres of onions this year. There are two cultivation seasons ? monsoon and winter. About 7,000 acres of land are put onions in monsoon but cultivation of more than 170,000 acres of onions is undertaken in winter. So onion cultivation is mainly in winter.

U Khin Maung Lay, Managing Director of Directorate of Trade: Now the permit of onion exports are suspended. According to our export policy, export permit will be granted only when there is surplus at home. For the time being, the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation in cooperation with local authorities concerned are working to extend onion cultivation this winter.

U Myat Soe (Leyar Sipwar Journal): I am U Myat Soe of Leyar Sipwar Journal. I heard someone had manipulated market prices of summer onion. So, please tell me arrangements to control price of onion. Another question is matters related to old currency notes. In this regard, the banks give out old currency notes to the customers. In spreading rumour, I heard production of currency notes worth one kyat or five kyats cost more than its original values. Indeed, the complaints on circulation of money and problems between bus conductors and passengers can tarnish image of the government. Despite a small case, it is very important. Therefore, I would also like to know arrangements for tackling the problem of old currency notes.

Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan: Monsoon and winter season onions are being cultivated.

If price of onion is high at the market, the growers will extend cultivation acreage of onion more than that of previous year. I would like to reply to the first question that it does not matter because farmers will grow more acres of onion due to the organizing and supervision of the local authorities with the assistance being provided by the government. In addition, State leaders had laid down export and import policy. With regard to the export matter, priority is given to ensure sufficiency of food at local market. Surplus of the local consumption is permitted to export. As far as I know, export of onion had been stopped since August due to causing onion scarcity at the local market. Controlling the export of onion will solve the problem. On the other hand, monsoon onion will be in season. Earlier, the item was delayed to enter the market owing to the heavy rain and transport difficulty. At present, onion will enter the market due to favourable climatic condition and good transport facilities.

I would like to answer another question. As far as I know, now the Ministry of Finance and Revenue is tackling the matters related to the currency note.

I am U Aung Thu Myaing of Ji Ji News Agency. Is it true Mr Gambari is going to pay a visit between 9 and 12.

And the second question is during his visit, if matters on putting Myanmar on the UNSC Agenda will be discussed or not. And another question is that whether arrangements will be made to hold press conference between Mr Gambari and journalists. And I would like to know the meaning of Swanar Shin which is included in the clarification of the director-general of MPF.

For the first question, I would like to reply that Mr Gambari will pay a visit in the near future.

Regarding the question during Mr Gambari's visit, if matters on putting Myanmar on the UNSC Agenda will be discussed or not, up to now he did not inform us what topics are to be discussed. In meeting with the dignitaries of the State during his previous visit, matters on UN and Myanmar were discussed. He also met with the National Convention Convening Commission and raised questions on the National Convention. We replied to his queries and explained the progress of the National Convention. What I would like to say that what is to be discussed or what questions are to be raised are not fixed. Therefore, I would like to reply that he did not inform us in advance.

For the question on holding press conference, I would like to reply that it is up to Mr Gambari to hold a press conference.

The meaning of Swanar Shin is that people are the strength of the nation. Therefore, we enlist these strength to handle the affairs of the nation. Members of Fire Brigade, Red Cross and Ward Peace and Development Councils are giving a helping hand to the tasks of law enforcement and community peace and tranquillity without salaries and they are the strength who provide assistance voluntarily and thus the State honours them with that word, Swanar Shin.

Before raising a question, I would like to talk about the so-called 88 generation student political activists with the age of forty and above who are married. It can be found there are two common facts among them. The first one is that these persons were sentenced for joining terrorist groups which opposed the government in 1988 unrest and the ones of DPNS, ABSDF led by Moe Thi Zon who went underground. These persons took part in the 88 unrest. The second fact is that according to historical background or today's situation, BCP is behind them.

Recently BCP Po Thangyaung said that to incite a people's uprising through public battle plan, the normal activities are to be welcomed and proactive efforts are to be made. Changing the quantity to quality, tasks are to be carried out for the people's movement plan to meet a success, he said. It can be vividly seen that BCP is behind these activities. My first question is that how immense the danger posed by BCP

Secondly, activities of the so-called 88 generation student with the age of forty and above centered on NLD and holding of dialogue. The present stance of NLD is that it has walked out of the National Convention. And another fact, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, may be in 1997, gave support to Genuine Federal included in Mae Tharawhta declaration which stood against the National Convention. So, to what degree NLD can pose a threat to the National Convention

The first question is that how immense the danger posed by BCP There are both visible and invisible dangers. The visible danger is like what I have said that in the country BCP today is no powerful organization, army or their base. The strength of BCP that can be seen today is as UG abroad and there are some of them in the country. As it has no strength, it made temporary allies with other insurgents with some strength like NCUB. This is called the visible danger.

The invisible danger is that BCP put a plan called Demo 2006 Battle Plan on the Internet and spread it among the people. Myanmar Police Force and officials concerned who are responsible for security are always alert to study, scrutinize, detect and expose the danger posed to the nation. To put it in a nutshell, officials are to scrutinize and expose the invisible danger of BCP. Moreover, the people have faced a bitter experience on BCP and thus they have no trust in communism. This is the opinion on the invisible danger. This is concerned with the fact how immense the danger posed by BCP.

Another fact is that today, during the period of 40 years, people have experienced communism, parliament democracy and socialism. They have knowledge to differentiate what is good and bad. This is a strength which can deter the danger. So I would like to say that the knowledge of the people is the strength to curb the danger posed by BCP.

And NLD and Daw Suu Kyi supported the Maetharawhta declaration of insurgents in 1997. The declaration called for Genuine Federal. So, the question is that to what extent the stance of NLD and Daw Suu Kyi can pose a danger to the National Convention.

Nowadays, the National Convention is being held with the participation of delegates of 8 strata of life. It is known to all that the 8 strata includes national races, delegates of armed groups which have returned to the legal fold, political parties, representatives-elect, peasants, workers and intellectual and intelligentsia. They represent 55 million of people. NLD does not represent the people. It represents its own party. If one study the situation of the party, it will find splits in the party. Therefore, exclusion of NLD which represents its own party from the National Convention will not pose any danger.

According to the basic principles and the detailed basic principles which have been adopted, the State Constitution which will emerge in the future is the best for the country. Even foreign political experts said that Myanmar's Constitution provides federal principle opportunities although it does not state federal system. So, I come to the conclusion that there will be no disturbance whethere NLD takes part in the National Convention or not in drafting the constitution.

I have read in the last week's newspaper that Myanmar was excluded from the list of the Non Cooperative Country and Territory. What will be the result

I am going to touch on the background history. Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has put Myanmar in the list of the Non Cooperative Country and Territory for six years starting from 2001. FATF, based in Paris, has been handling financial matters together with G7 countries since 1989. The group is detecting such matters as Bank of Financial Institution throughout the world, money laundering and financing terrorism. Thus its decision is to be respected even by the United Nations. As this organization has put Myanmar in NCTT, we have tried to remove ourselves from the list.

FATF uses 25 criteria. Myanmar infringed 15 out of the 25 criteria such as no Money Laundering Law, no control mechanism and no sufficient law on Bank and Financial Institution. The Central Control Board, with the minister as the chairman and I as the secretary, have solved these problems and in June, 2005, the country was excluded from the list. As a result, the nation was acknowledged as a cooperating country in financial matters. Then, Myanmar will be able to enjoy the benefits such as loans granted by the World Bank, IMF and ADB will grant loans and provide training. This is good news for the nation and it can be said that our efforts are effective.

I am glad to know the improvement in the prisons. I would like to know that what is the situation to grant jail visit to ICRC.

We have not told that ICRC would not visit jails. Coordination is being made for the convenience of both parties when they pay visits to jails. I would like to say that through the coordination, proper arrangements will be made.

Information Committee of State Peace and Development Council holds press conference 7/2006

Yangon, 2 Nov— The Information Committee of the State Peace and Development Council held the press conference 7/2006 at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Information on Theinbyu Street, here, this morning.

Present at the press conference were Chairman of the Information Committee Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Thu, Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi, members of the Information Committee, departmental heads, responsible personnel of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association and media persons, U Sein Win of Kyodo News Agency, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Hla Htway, President U Sao Kai Hpa and members, those in-charge of local journals and magazines and guests.

First, Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan made preliminary clarifications on internal affairs and progress of the National Convention. He said Information Committee of the State Peace and Development Council has held regular press conferece and special press conference since December, 2004, to inform the people of facts worth knowing.

Perss conferences were held in Shan State (North), Shan State (East), Shan State (South), Bago Division, Kayin State and Mon State in conjuction with study tours in the areas. Press Conferences on the National Convention were held on 8 and 9 October.

First, the minister briefed all those present on progress of the National Convention at today's press conference. In accordance with the Seven-Step Road Map laid down for building the peaceful, modern and developed nation, the National Convention was reconvened in May, 2004, and the 4th convention began on 10 October 2006. A total of 1,081 delegates from eight delegate groups including delegate group of political parties are participating in the constitutional talks. The delegate group of political parties comprises eight parties.

Delegates of Kokang Democratic Party which did not attend the previous convention on health and economic grounds are also participating in the on-going constitutional talks.

As the convention delegates wished to hold the Plenery Session of the National Convention, it was held on 10 October. At the plenery session, all delegates denounced the act of the United States to pressure UN to place Myanmar on the UNSC's agenda accusing Myanmar of posing a threat to regional stability and security. The plenery session approved that the accusation of the US was false and goundless.

The Chairman of the National Convention Convening Work Committee clarified the detailed basic principles for legislative functions of Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, Pyithu Hluttaw and Amyotha Hluttaw, for legislation of the Region or State Hluttaw for the Chapter “Citizenship, Fundamental Rights and Duties of Citizens”, for “the Role of the Tatmadaw” for drafting the constitution, Alternate panel of chairmen of the plenery session of the NC sought the approvals for seperate suggestions of the delegate groups and and steps were taken to lay down the detailed basic principles in accordance with the rules and regulations. The detailed basic principles were reported through the official media.

Chairman of the NCCWC clarified the detailed basic principles for the Chapter “Election”, for the Chapter “Provision on State of Emergency”, for the Chapter “Political Parties” on 30 and 31 October at the convention so that the delegates can discuss the detailed basic pirnciples. Therefore, it is clear for the journalists to assess the progress of the National Convention.

The heavy rain caused floods in many parts of the country this rainy season. The floods damaged transportation facilities, fields and villages in low-lying areas. Due to the efforts of local authorities in the flooded regions, the transportation is now in good condition. Similarly, local authorities evacuated flood victims and gave reliefs to them in cooperation with Tatmadaw men and members of social organizations. News of the environmental disaster was reported through the media. As the flood totally receded, steps to resettle the victims have been taken in the flooded areas.

As residents in the low-lying areas were warned to be on alert for the flood in time and preventive measurse and relief activities were carried out, the residents did not suffer as much losses as flood victims in other countries.

Similarly, the heavy rain flooded over 2,000 acres of paddy fields in Sagaing Division, over 13,000 acres in Mandalay Division and over 17,000 acres in Ayeyawady Division. However, officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and authorities concerned had taken steps in the wake of the flood to ensure the paddy fields against loss or damage. They also provided paddy strains, fertilizer, pesticides and agricultural machinery to farmers. Besides, UN agencies also provided assistance to the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. Therefore, thanks to the cooperative efforts of local authorities, local people and social organizations, the natural disaster did not cause heavy loss or damage for the flooded areas.

MPF Director-General Brig-Gen Khin Yi made clarification on matters related to the death of Thet Win Aung who was serving terms at Mandalay Prison due to committing the existing laws.

(The clarification of MPF Director-General Brig-Gen Khin Yi is reported separately.)

Next, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan made clarification on the internal affairs.

Afterwards, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, MPF Director-General Brig-Gen Khin Yi, Managing Director U Ohn Than of the Myanma Agriculture Service and Director-General U Khin Maung Lay of the Directorate of Trade replied to the questions raised by local and foreign journalists.

The journalists viewed photos showing those who attended at various occasions for political gains marked by Min Ko Naing and group under the name of ‘88' generation students, documentary photos on atrocities at Abu Ghraib Prison being controlled by the US that blows its own trumpet as it is a democratic nation granting human rights, other documentary photos on visits of local NGOs to jails and assistance willingly provided for health care service, foods and social requirements, bomb explosions committed by ABSDF terrorist group, external destructive elements and insurgents from 2002 to 2006, documentary photos on health care services given to Thet Win Aung, son of U Win Maung, at the jail from 2004 to 2006, photos on the autopsy report for the body of Thet Win Aung, son of U Win Maung, the connection between the ‘88' general students and external destructive elements, cash assistance from abroad to the ‘88' generation students, some declarations of anti-government terrorist groups and documentary photos.

Sabotage acts by Thet Win Aung were aimed at jeopardizing security of the State and the rule of law

Yangon, 2 Nov - The following is the clarification made by Director-General Brig-Gen Khin Yi of MPF at the press conference 7/2006, here, today.

Now is the time when the entire people of Myanmar are building a peaceful, modern and developed nation according to the seven-step Road Map. But there are some destructive elements and terrorists within and without the nation who cannot bear to see the internal forces working in unity and concert for national development. These elements, in cahoots with foreign media, are plotting through various ways and means to destabilize the nation. They are always attempting to tarnish the image of the government and mislead the innocent people by hurling accusations at the government, by inventing stories and rumours and by distributing anti-government leaflets. I would like to explain one of such accusations and events that hit the headlines on the Internet recently. It was about the death of prisoner Thet Win Aung who was doing time in Mandalay Jail for breaking the existing laws. As there have been rumours about his death, I would like to explain it.

Thet Win Aung was sentenced to 57 years in prison under Section 5 (J), Publishing Act 17/20, Unlawful Associations Act 17 (1) and Immigration Act 13 (1). While he was serving time in Mandalay Jail, he received medical treatment. But he died due to congestive cadiomyopathy on 16-10-2006. Regarding his death, those responsible made all the necessary investigations.

Thet Win Aung was born of U Win Maung and Daw Mya Mya Aye in Tamway Township, Yangon, in 1971. He went to No. 3 Basic Education Primary School and No. 5 Basic Education High School till he left school in 1992-1993.

During the 1988 disturbances, he joined the Student Union. At that time, he was reading in the ninth standard at No. 5 BEHS. In 1989, he took the leading role in the formation of the basic education student union (Yangon District). In 1997, together with Min Zin, a student union leader, left the country secretly for Mesalin, Thailand, and made contact with the office of ABSDF, a terrorist group. This group is committing terrorist and destructive acts in the name of students such as planting mines, detonating bombs, collecting extortion money and killing innocent people. Therefore, the State Peace and Development Council on 12-4-2006 made Notification No. 1/2006, declaring ABSDF as a terrorist organization. After becoming a mem-ber of ABSDF, Thet Win Aung went to Bangkok in December, 1997. On 9 August, 1998, ABSDF leader Min Zin ordered Thet Win Aung to re-enter Myanmar and create disturbances and carry out anti-government activities in the country.

Thet Win Aung, now a member of ABSDF terrorist organization, constantly created disturbances after re-entering the country illegally. The 24-member group, including Thet Win Aung, persuaded artless students to carry out sabotage acts and distributed anti-government leaflets. Moreover, on 24-8-98, near the Hledan junction, the group attempted to incite a demostration, chanting anti-government slogans and waving flags with the emblem of a fighting peacock. And again on 22-9-98, they incited a demonstration in front of Nilar Restaurant at the corner of Anawrahta Road and the 30th Street and distributed anti-government leaflets, thus causing unrest.

It was found that such sabotage acts by Thet Win Aung were aimed at jeopardizing security of the State and prevailing law and order and harming the moral and behaviour of the people. He distributed anti-government leaflets and incited demostrations to cause public disturbances.

He left the country illegally, made contact with anti-government organizations and joined the terrorist group. Then, he re-entered the country illegally via Thailand. He made many attempts to harm law and order and cause unrest. Thus, he was sentenced to 57 years in prison on 15-1-99 for committing nine major offences.

On 11-4-99, eighty-six prisoners, including Thet Win Aung, were transfered from Insein Jail to Kalay Prison because there were too many prisoners in Insein Jail.

Thet Win Aung was making one trouble after another in prison and failed to follow prison rules and regulations. During his stay in Kalay Prison, he suffered various health hazards such as scabies, colds and fevers and hypertension. Therefore, he was given medical treatment 18 times. For your study and reference, his medical records are on display. As I have already stated, Thet Win Aung broke the prison rules and regulations many times. Therefore, he was transferred from Kalay Prison to Khamti Prison on 21-5-2002 according to the prison rules and regulations.

Thet Win Aung had been carefully looked after since his transfer to Khamti Prison. However, as he did not eat or sleep well, he was given medical treatment 22 times. On 5-12-2003, he was flown to Mandalay Jail in order that he could receive treatment from a psychiatrist.

Since 5-1-2004, Thet Win Aung was sent to the hospital in Mandalay Jail for medical treatment. Then, on the advice of general practitioner, he was sent to the Mandalay General Hospital to be given intensive care. On 23-5-2005, he was discharged from Mandalay General Hospital. But the doctors and nurses of the prison hospital continued to give medical treatment to him. His medical check-ups at Mandalay General Hospital showed that he had cerebellum.

During 2004, the doctor in charge of the hospital at Mandalay Jail conducted daily medical check-ups on Thet Win Aung and gave treatment to him. Moreover, he received treatment twelve times from a psychiatrist and general practitioners. Treatment records are on display.

The records also show that Thet Win Aung received medical treatment nine times from a psychiatrist and two times from general practitioners in 2005. In 2006, Dr U Saw Lwin, the doctor in charge of the prison hospital, took his blood pressure, pulses and temperature daily until his death. I am saying all this just to let you know that the responsible personnel of the prison treat and look after all the prisoners according to the prison rules and regulations.

On 14-10-2006, Thet Win Aung's legs began to be numb and swollen. Therefore, the doctor-in-charge himself gave thorough treatment to him. At 07:25 hours on 16-10-2006, U Aye Kyu, a deputy warden of Mandalay Jail, reported that Thet Win Aung was lying unconscious. At this, the doctor-in-charge gave all the necessary treatment immediately. In spite of all these, Thet Win Aung died at 07:40 hours. At 14:20 hours on 16-10-2006, Dr U Saw Lwin, the doctor in charge of Mandalay Jail, sent the body of the prisoner to the office of the forensic doctor of Mandalay General Hospital for autopsy.

Forensic doctors Professor Dr Myo Min, Assistant Lecturer Dr Thaung Lin, Lecturers Dr Kyaw Kyaw Oo and Dr Htay Tin Chit ? performed an autopsy on the body of Thet Win Aung from 1400 hours to 1600 hours on 16-10-2006. According to their post-mortem examination, no suspicious wounds were found outside and inside of the body. It was found that Thet Win Aung died of a natural death and the cause of his death was congestive cardiac failure resulting from congestive cardiomyopathy. Detailed examinations by forensic doctors are on display for distinguished guests and journalists to study.

On 17-10-2006, Deputy Director U Tha Oo in charge of Mandalay Jail and Dr Saw Lwin, the doctor in charge of the prison hospital, received Thet Win Aung's father and elder brother for about an hour. At their meeting, U Tha Oo said that the doctor-in-charge of the prison hospital and specialists gave as best treatment as they could to Thet Win Aung. U Win Maung, Thet Win Aung's father, thanked the doctors and all those responsible at the prison for all they had done for his son.

The remains of Thet Win Aung were cremated and his ashes were entombed at the Kyarnikan cemetery in Patheingyi Township.

It was obvious that Thet Win Aung died of a natural death at the prison hospital. The responsible personnel of the prison regarded him as their own flesh and blood treated him well. The records showed that the doctors and specialists also gave their best treatment to him for a long time. However, in a news report broadcast by VOA on 20-10-2006, Ian Mc Cartney, British Foreign Secretary, said that Thet Win Aung was excessively tortured in the prison without knowing the true facts and situations. On 17-10-2006, ABSDF terrorist organization and foreign media accused that Thet Win Aung was physically and mentally tortured during investigations and in the prison. Therefore, we are having to explain true stories to the journalists.

In reality, the accusations made by foreign media and anti-government organizations that Thet Win Aung died from torture were unfounded. They made such accusations with the intention of gaining a political profit out of an ordinary event and inciting the public and causing anti-government demonstrations and disturbances as evidenced by ABSDF's 17-10-2006 announcement.

Now, I would like to give further explanations regarding the accusations made about the prisons in our country. Foreign media and anti-government organizations have all along been making up stories about our country. In reality, all the prisons here have to follow orders and directives issued according to the demand of time and circumstances in addition to instructions in the Jail Manual. Therefore, the prison administration is conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations and all the prisoners fully enjoy the rights they deserve.

According to directives, instructions, rules and regulations and jail manual, tortures and unlawful acts are not allowed. Ours is an independent nation and we are an independent people. Therefore, ours is not a nation where the masters rule the slaves. We are governed by our own people. Therefore, we want you to know that there can be no room for tortures and oppressions in our country.

Ours is an independent nation and we are an independent people. Therefore, ours is not a nation where the masters rule the slaves. We are governed by our own people. Therefore, we want you to know that there can be no room for tortures and oppressions in our country. Prisoners receive punishment for the offences they committed. The main object of prisons is to correct prisoners. According to the instructions of the jail manual, prisoners enjoy remission and are allowed to receive visitors, take physical exercises, read newspapers and watch TV. Moreover, they have nutritious and hygienic food and receive medical treatment by prison doctors and specialists.

The Head of State has given guidance that prisons should be centres for building up a good character. Measures should be taken not to make prisoners feel depressed but to make them become good citizens again.

Moreover, volunteer prisoners have the special rights to meet with their families, to be on holiday and enjoy travel allowance.

The cost of feeding the prisoners are borne by the government. Moreover, social organizations such as the Women's Affairs Ferderation, the Maternal and Child Welfare Association, the Red Cross Society, the Fire Brigade and the Union Solidarity and Development Association also contribute to the cost of feeding the prisoners. After getting the permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the social organizations occasionally visit prisons and volunteer labour camps and fulfil their requirements. Documents of such activities are on display for the journalists to study.

Because of the donations of social organizations, prisons have sufficient water supply for drinking and taking bath. Moreover, prisoners can have special meal at least once a week. They can enjoy health care, take physical exercises, read books and receive their families. These are the benefits prisoners can enjoy nowadays.

Being Myanmar citizens, social organizations and wellwishers are very pleased to provide assistance to the prisoners. A wellwisher donated water purifier each to Insein jail and Thayawady jail. Similarly, another wellwisher donated a water purifier worth K 1.5 million to woman ward in Lashio jail.

There are 42 jails and 91 work camps under Prisons Department. Various social organizations in Myanmar visited 42 jails and seven work camps from October 2005 to October 2006. They met the prisoners and fulfilled their requirements. According to the records, food, medicines, books and magazines and others worth over 70 million were provided to them.

I have explained the fabricated news in connection with the death of Thet Win Aung reported by the foreign media. I will continue to present arrangements to cause uprising in the country in collaboration with external and internal anti-government organizations and aboveground and underground terrorist organizations. The ABSDF, an armed terrorist group contacted some anti-government organizations including ?88' generation youth group, their internal UG, is destablizing the country. They are also planning to launch sabotage in the country. The ABSDF is formed with old students of Student Union who live abroad after 1988 and it engages in terrorist acts. The ?88' generation students group is made up of remnants of students union. The group received assistance including money from external anti-government organizations. According to the reports, a woman of a West nation put Min Ko Naing on the political stage to confront the present government. She had put Dalai Lama and Aung Din of US Campaign for Burma (USCB) on the political stage for anti-government activities. Later these events will be made public.

Therefore, the 88 generation student group in the country is an organization that stands on external assistance. According to the information received, six men led by Kyaw Naing at the rank of lieutenant of battalion 9 of ABSDF attended the seven-day course for advanced detonation Technology at the border of other country under the arrangements of Chairman of ABSDF Than Khe in May 2006. The instructor of West nation met military group of ABSDF at Daunggwin camp. They plotted a scheme to commit terrorist acts in cooperation with the 88 generation student groups.