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ARCHIVES	Friday,  2 February  2007	THE MYANMAR TIMES

Daw Kyaing Kyaing attends 6th Buddha Pujaniya of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image

Yangon, 1 Feb — The 6th Buddha Pujaniya of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image commenced at Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township this morning.

Present on the occasion was Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe.

It was also attended by State Ovadaçariya Sayadaws, member Sayadaws of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida Sayadaws, member Sayadaws of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha, members of the Sangha from International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon), Yangon Division Abbot Training School and the Chairman Sayadaw of Yangon Division Sangha Nayaka Committee and members, totalling 45, Daw Khin Lay Thet, wife of Member of the SPDC General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Daw Khin Khin Win, wife of Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, wives of the SPDC members, wives of the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) and the Commander-in-Chief (Air), Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence and wife, senior military officers, Chairman of Yangon Division PDC Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win and wife, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, the Yangon Mayor, the Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs, departmental heads, the chairman of the Pagoda Board of Trustees and members, social and religious association members, wellwishers and guests.

First, Daw Kyaing Kyaing offered flowers, water, ‘soon’ and alms to the Buddha Image and paid homage.

At 7.30 am, the merit sharing ceremony was held at the Gandakuti Building. Adviser U Arnt Maung acted as MC and supplicated on the agenda of the ceremony.

Chairman Magway Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Kumara administered the Nine Precepts. Members of the Sangha recited Parittas.

Daw Kyaing Kyaing donated robes and alms to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara.

Daw Khin Lay Thet also offered robes and provisions to Secretary Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Osadha-bhivamsa.

Daw Khin Khin Win presented robes and donations to Vice-Chairman Sayadaw Maha Aungmyay Bonsan Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhad-danta Paññindabhivamsa.

Wives of the SPDC members, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence and party donated robes and provisions to the Sayadaws.

Secretary Sayadaw Bhaddanta Osadha-bhivamsa delivered a sermon, and the congregation shared merits gained.

After the ceremony, Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party offered ‘soon’ and various kinds of meals to 108 members of the Sangha. Meanwhile, the Mingala Drum Troupe of Padintan religious association sang religious songs.

Likewise, families of departmental personnel, division, district and township authorities and wellwishers donated offertories worth over K 22 million to the Sayadaws.

After the rice offering ceremony, Daw Kyaing Kyaing planted jack fruit tree, coconut palm tree and mango tree to mark the 6th Buddha Pujaniya of the Buddha Image in front of the Office of Pagoda Board of Trustees and the Archive Museum. Next, she sprinkled scented water on the trees.

Afterwards, Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party visited the Archive Museum and viewed documentary photos on process of sculpturing and carrying the Buddha Image.

All the people to guard the country against danger with the strength of national unity and nationalist spirit Myanmar Tatmadaw is formed based on patriotism No forced recruitment is carried out and all the soldiers join army of their own accord

Nay Pyi Taw, 1 Feb — The 6th coordination meeting of the Committee for Prevention against Recruitment of Minors was held at the hall of the Adjutant-General’s Office of the Ministry of Defence, here, this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of the Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein.

Also present at the meeting were Committee members, ministers, the Deputy Attorney-General, the Judge Advocate-General, senior military officers, the director-general of the SPDC Office and departmental heads.

In his address, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein said that today’s meeting was the 6th coordination meeting of the Committee for Prevention against Recruitment of Minors. The committee was formed by the SPDC on 5 January 2004 and it was re-organized on 2 February 2005. As the committee has been striving for prevention against recruitment of minors since 2004, remarkable progress can be witnessed.

In doing so, the committee cooperates with the UN agencies such as UNDP and UNICEF and made arrangements to enable them to meet with new recruits at the recruitment units. The Secretary-1 said after receiving UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Mr Kul Gautan in August 2006, he explained tasks of prevention against recruiting child soldiers and invited the deputy executive director to make field trips to the recruitment units.

After that, resident representatives of UNDP and UNICEF together with the head of ICRC in Mandalay were allowed to meet with the raw recruits at Mandalay Recruitment Unit on 25 October 2006 for observing recruitment of the new soldiers. In addition, Military Attachés of foreign missions in Yangon were permitted to meet the raw recruits of the Recruitment Unit in Yangon and to visit the Training Depot in Phaunggyi. Furthermore, arrangements have been made to organize the further excursion tour for Ambassadors, Charges d’Affaires ai of foreign embassies and resident representatives of UNDP and UNICEF in Yangon soon.

Due to directives and instructions of the committee, responsible persons follow the prescribed laws, rules and regulations and orders of the Armed Forces in their recruitment. In addition, some youngest children, the raw recruits who lied their age in the recruitment and those who failed in medical examination were handed over to their parents.

In exactly counting facts and figures, 122 most youngest children, 268 recruits who did not meet with qualification and 177 recruits who failed in medical examination were sent to their parents from 2004 to 2006. In doing so, the committee informed officials concerned of its performance through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After that, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed UN agencies in Yangon of the committee’s progress. Furthermore, the Permanent Representative of the Union of Myanmar to the UN in New York called on the special envoy of the UN Secretary-General for several times and reported to him on undertakings of the committee together with the lists of prevention against recruiting child soldiers.

It is known to all that the US and Britain made an attempt to put Myanmar issue on the agenda of the UNSC with slanderous accusations of Myanmar posing a threat to regional and international peace. Though they could win in their tasks by putting political and economic pressure on other UNSC members, their attempt was abortive due to casting of a double veto by the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China.

However, the US and Britain will continue to put pressure on Myanmar under the name of democracy and human rights. And they will continue to interfere in Myanmar’s internal affairs with slanderous accusations such as armed conflict and child soldiers.

As alien-reliant national traitors at home and abroad are also supporting neo-colonialists with the intention of grabing the state power, all the people are to guard the country against such danger with the strength of national unity and nationalist spirit. Like the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China, the 118-member Non-Aligned Movement has stood firmly by Myanmar, so the only thing all the people want to do is to continue endeavours for national development.

Each and every nation has to form an armed organization in order to defend itself and protect its sovereignty and national interest. To do so, soldier recruitment is needed. A new recruitment has to be carried out when the number of soldiers is on the decrease for various reasons. Myanmar Tatmadaw is formed based on patriotism. No forced recruitment is carried out and all the soldiers have joined the army of their own accord. Even if they want to join the army of their own volition, they cannot to do so if they are not yet 18, if they are not fit and healthy and if they are not free form criminal cases. In addition, they are allowed to join the army only when they follow the prescribed laws, rules and regulations.

When it was found out that those who had joined the army were under 18, they were sent back to their parents. Moreover, when it was found out that if there was forced recruitment, action was taken against those responsible. All in all, the committee for its part is to take measures for prevention of recruitment of child soldiers.

Next, officials reported on measures being taken for prevention of recruitment of child soldiers and undertakings in diplomatic, legislative, judicial, social and labour and military affairs sectors in accord with the law, rules and regulations so as to refute slanderous accusations. Afterwards, the secretary of the committee gave a supplementary report. Then the Secretary-1 gave a concluding remark at the meeting.

CRPP planning to lead political activity at NLD HQ in collusion with BCP connections, racists, rightist politicians People criticize the activity for having connections with the scheme of internal and external saboteurs to destroy Myanmar

Nay Pyi Taw, 1 Feb — The so-called Committee Representing the People’s Parliament (CRPP) is planning to sponsor the 60th Anniversary Union Day at the headquarters of National League for Democracy (NLD) on 12 February 2007.

This year, CRPP is planning to play a leading role in organizing the occasion, that was sponsored by NLD in the past.

NLDs of states and divisions, who were elected in the 1990 election, representatives-elect of some national race political parties, some national race leaders, fellow veteran politicians of NLD and members of ‘88’ generation students group will be invited.

Moreover, invitations have been extended to foreign missions in Yangon that have connections with NLD and some international organizations.

The invited organizations are the ones that attended the ceremony to hail the release of Min Ko Naing of ‘88’ generation students group. The ceremony was sponsored by the fellow veteran politicians of NLD on 18 January 2007.

Persons of the said organizations, who attended the ceremony included BCPs and their connections, holding extreme leftist ideologies, racists, and rightist pro-west politicians.

CRPP is not a legal organization, and most of the national races political parties, that have formed part in it, have already been abolished as unlawful organizations.

The said persons will gather at the CRPP-sponsored ceremony and will issue a declaration concerning the internal political opposition.

The response of the majority of the people in connection with the CRPP-sponsored activity is that it (the activity) seems to have link with the objection of the draft resolution presented by the US and Britain to the UNSC with the intention of interfering in Myanmar’s internal affairs and the scheme of internal and external saboteurs and expatriates to increase their terrorist acts inside Myanmar.

The people also view that the ceremony which will be held by the CRPP and its associates at the NLD HQ on 12 February 2007 has links with the internal and external saboteurs and expatriates’ terrorist acts against Myanmar and her people and the perpetration of neocolonialists to interfere in Myanmar’s internal affairs.

People who no longer can tolerate hegemonic acts of the US and Britain holding placards of slogans continue protests in front of US, British embassies

Yangon, 1 Feb—Two more protests took place outside the embassies of the US and British here at about 1 pm today.

A group of some 30 people came from Maha Bandoola Street and walked past the US embassy on Merchant Street to and fro several times in protest. Then, they dropped the placards, which read slogans opposing hegemonic acts of the US and Britain, and leaflets of their stances, and dispersed. Similarly, nearly 30 demonstrators holding placards of slogans opposing hegemonic acts of the US and Britain walked past the British embassy on Strand Road back and forth several times and dispersed.

Internal, external elements attempting to beef up terrorist acts as their ill attempts abortive External anti-government organizations aiding and abetting

Nay Pyi Taw, 1 Feb — The dailies have been issuing news about internal and external destructive elements trying to accelerate their terrorist attacks in order to incite public unrest in the nation as their previous ill attempts have been abortive.

According to sources, some members of Vigorous Burmese Students Warriors (VBSW), ten persons including Pho Cho (a) Myint Maung, Thein Oo of Democratic Party for a New Society (DPNS) and ABSDF chairman Thange held a discussion in the DPNS office in Maipa village north of Mae Sot on 28 January.

It is also learnt that a US citizen named Jame Base Inbat attended the meeting. He, who is putting up at Birthday Saw Hotel in the village, has provided cash assistance for the pamphlets of ABSDF.

They discussed matters on accelerating their terrorist acts so as to keep pace with their political movements in Myanmar. US citizen and external anti-government organizations will provide necessary explosive devices, it is learnt.

Similarly, under the arrangement of ABSDF, seven operatives were sent to Yangon in three groups on 23 January. The first group comprised Win Aung Naing, May Ohnma Myint and Yi Nut (a) Myint Lay Aung; the second Saw Michael (a) Tin Oo and Win Win Cho, the third Zaw Zaw and another person.

Therefore, the people are urged to keep vigilant against terrorists and to expose their destructive acts and send information about them to authorities concerned.

22nd Gems, Jade Sales attract 844 merchants

YANGON, 1 Feb— A total of 844 merchants — 544 from local and 300 from abroad — observed gems and jade at the 22nd Gems and Jade Sales for 2007 of Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd at the Myanma Gem Emporium of Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, here, today.

The sales continued for the third day today.

The sales are scheduled to continue tomorrow and will last till the next day.

Merchants are urged to submit their bidding forms not later than 7 am tomorrow.

Fires break out in South Okkalapa, Hlegu Townships

YANGON, 1 Feb — Fire broke out at the house of Daw Yu Yu Ni, 20th Kawliya street, Ward 13 in South Okkalapa Township at 7 am on 29 January and that killed a two-year old child.

Similarly, fire broke out at the house of U Ba Hmaw, Paikkyiwe village in Hlegu Township at 10 am the same day and property worth K 70,000 was lost in the fire, according to the Fire Services Department.

Religious objects enshrined in Standing Buddha Image

Nay Pyi Taw, 1 Feb — A ceremony to enshrine religious objects in Maha Bodhi Tahtaung Laykyun-sakkya Stand-ing Buddha Image was held in conjunction with the 76th birthday celebration of Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhanma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Narada of Maha Bodhi Tahtaung Monastery in Khattakan village, Monywa Township, Sagaing Division near the image yesterday.

Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence attended the ceremony and offered alms to Members of the Sangha.

Also present on the occasion were Sayadaw Abhidaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhadanta Kavinda and Members of the Sangha, Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North West Command Maj-Gen Tha Aye and wife, the deputy commander, local authorities and donors.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint, the commander and the donors offered alms and provisions to 1,000 monks and 1,000 nuns.

Subsequently, Lt-Gen Ye Myint handed over the Buddha images and other religious objects donated by Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and family to the Sayadaws.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint, the commander and the officials accepted cash donations from the wellwishers.

They conveyed the religious objects to the 31st storey of the statue. Led by five Sayadaws, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, the commander and party enshrined the religious objects in the statue.

Sayadaw Bhaddanta Narada of Maha Bodhi Tahtaung Monastery launched the building of the 242-foot-high image.

State Level Seminar on Industrial Relationship held

Yangon, 1 Feb — The State Level Seminar on Globalization, Regional Integration, Technological Renovation and Industrial Relationship was held at Ball Room of Traders Hotel this morning, with an address by Deputy Minister for Labour Maj-Gen Aung Kyi.

Present on the occasion were delegates from the ministries concerned, the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Myanmar Industries Association, Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association, Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association, Myanma Economic Corporation, Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Association, employees and employers from industrial zones, observers, Japanese embassy staff to Myanmar, the delegate from the ASEAN Secretariat, the delegate from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Welfare from Japan and the delegates from The ILO Association of Japan Inc.

First, Deputy Minister Maj-Gen Aung Kyi made an opening speech on the occasion. Next, delegate from Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Welfare Mr Naoyo Nishimoto extended greetings on the occasion.

After the opening seminar, the deputy minister and responsible personnel posed for a documentary photo and the seminar continued at 10 am. The seminar continues tomorrow.

Myanmar achieves success in fighting TB/AIDS

Nay Pyi Taw, 1 Feb — Myanmar has achieved success in combating TB and HIV/AIDS, said Mr Naninair of External Monitoring Mission of World Health Organization (WHO) at the meeting with Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint here today.

The external monitoring mission led by Dr Naninair arrived here to monitor measures taken to curb the infection of TB in Myanmar.

The mission was divided into three groups and went on field trips to 26 townships in Yangon, Shan State (East), Mandalay, Sagaing, Bago and Magway Divisions from 22 January to 2 February.

During their tours, they went to hospitals, rural health care centres and TB patients, and monitored health care services provided to the patients.

Regarding the 3 Disease Fund, the Coordinating Body and Technical Strategy of Myanmar also have achieved success in fighting the three major diseases (AIDS, TB and Malaria), said the mission.

They said that the cooperation of Ministry of Health, Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation, Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Union Solidarity and Development Association, Myanmar Medical Association, Myanmar Red Cross Society and social organizations could lead to success in fighting the infectious diseases.

Also present at the call were Deputy Ministers for Health Dr Mya Oo and Dr Paing Soe, the director-general of the Health Department and officials.

Electric Power No 2 Minister receives guests of NEDO

Nay Pyi Taw, 1 Feb — Minister for Electric Power No 2 Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint received Chairman Mr Tsutomu Makino and party of New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) of Japan at his office yesterday.

Also present at the call were Managing Director Dr San Oo of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise, Managing Director U Tin Aung of Myanmar Electric Power Distribution Enterprise and officials.

Chinese information delegation tours downtown Yangon

Yangon,1 Feb— To promote the cooperation and friendship in the information sector between Myanmar and China, a visiting delegation led by State Council Information Department Deputy Director (Deputy Head of Department) Mr Cai Mingzhao of the People’s Republic of China visited National Museum on Pyay Road today.

The officials concerned conducted the delegation around the museum.

The delegation also visited Myanmar Gems Mart on KabaAye Pagoda Road and The Myanmar Times.

37th cycling race to open on 4 Feb

Yangon, 1 Feb— The 37th inter-state/division cycling races (men and women) will be held at the cycling training ground in Youth Training Camp (Thuwunna) from 4 to 10 February.

The opening ceremony of the competitions, which is organised by Myanmar Cycling Federation, will be held on 4 February with the track event of the competitions.

The 50-mile cycling event is scheduled on 5 February on Yangon-Bago Highway.

The final competition of the track event of the competitions and presentation ceremony will be held on 10 February.

MWAF volunteers to keep Seikkyi/Khanaungto’s hospital clean, green

Yangon, 31 Jan— Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation (MWAF) organized the volunteers to clean and green the environs of the People’s Hospital in Seikkyi/Khanaungto Township here today.

Vice-President of MWAF Daw Khin Thet Htay, Patron of Yangon Division Women’s Affairs Organization Daw Mar Mar Wai and Head of Administrative Department of MWAF Dr Daw Khin San Nwe planted the physic nut trees in the compound along with volunteers.

Afterwards, MWAF and wellwishers contributed cash amounting to K 5.1 million to the medical funds of the hospital.

Champion Shan (South) in 52nd Inter-State/Division Men’s Football Tournament (Open) arrive back in Taunggyi

Taunggyi, 1 Feb — Shan (South) team that won the championship shield in the 52nd Inter-State and Division Men’s Football Tournament (Open) arrived back in Taunggyi this morning.

Local people, members of social organizations and families gave a rousing welcome to the victorious Shan (South) team on its way to Taunggyi from Shwenyaung. The staff of Kanbawza Bank also greeted the champions.

A ceremony to welcome the victorious Shan State (South) was held at Taunggyi Sports Ground. Secretary of Shan State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Shan State (South) Sports and Physical Education Committee Commissioner of Shan State (South) U Khin Maung Gyi made a honorary speech on the occasion.

MYANMAR GAZETTE

Nay Pyi Taw, 1 Feb — The State Peace and Development Council has confirmed the following persons as heads of service organizations shown against each on expiry of the one-year probationary period. 

Stakes driven to build pagodas in Pantapwint Taung Monastery

Yangon, 1 Feb — A ceremony to drive the stakes for building circling pagodas on the precinct of Zabu Aye Pagoda was held at Pantapwint Taung Tawya Monastery in Taikkyi Township, Yangon North District this morning.

Presiding Sayadaw Saddhama Jotikadaja Bhadanta Paññasara of the monastery administered the Five Precepts to the congregation.

Next, the Sayadaw accepted the cash donations from the well-wishers. The Sayadaw and the donors drove the stakes for building the pagodas at the designated places.