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ARCHIVES	Friday, 2 March 2007	THE MYANMAR TIMES

Senior General Than Shwe sends message on Peasants DayMass of peasants duty-bound to arm themselves with anti-colonialist sentiment Ward off dangers of neo-colonialists and their lackey axe-handles for ensuring perpetuation of sovereignty

Yangon, 2 March — The following is a translation of the message sent by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe on the occasion of the Peasants Day (2007).

On this auspicious occasion of 2 March marked as the Peasants Day to honour the entire mass of the peasantry, who are striving for ensuring food security and development of the nation, I wish them physical and mental well-being and success in their farming and better serving the interests of the nation and the people.

Now, the government is implementing the political, economic and social objectives for transforming the Union of Myanmar into a peaceful, modern and developed nation to see that it is on a par with the international level. In pursuit of this goal, it, in the economic sector, has designated agriculture as the base of the State’s economy. Agriculture that covers the entire nation is major commodity production kept in the hands of the peasantry. And it brings socio-economic development to the peasants and contributes towards national economy.

In colonial days, the imperialist government created situations for foreign capitalists and their cohorts to exploit Myanmar peasants variously such as bringing aliens into Myanmar and granting them permission for farming, giving capital to the alien loan sharks to lend money at very high interest rates to Myanmar peasants, and helping imperialist companies to purchase rice produced locally at very low prices and export it.

The acts of the colonialist government were completely intolerable. So, equipping themselves with whatever arms available, the mass of peasants launched Peasants’ Uprising to oppose and rise against the colonialist government. That went down in the annals of the Myanmar history. Some time after the Peasants’ Uprising, the nation managed to regain independence due to the national forces inclusive of the peasants.

Thanks to the harmonious efforts the entire national people including peasants have made under the correct leadership of the government, national reconsolidation has been achieved and the projects for national development have come to fruition at present. In addition, the National Convention, where discussions are being held to adopt basic principles and detailed basic principles to be included in the State Constitution for transition to a discipline-flourishing democratic nation, is now moving forward with gaining momentum. So, it is fair to say that the nation has a promising future. Nevertheless, certain neo-colonialist countries are resorting to various means to manipulate and dominate Myanmar at will, using lackeys and national traitor axe-handles, squeezing international organizations and misusing even the United Nations.

Hence, the mass of peasants are duty-bound to arm themselves with anti-colonialist sentiment at highest degree in accordance with their fine traditions and collectively ward off the dangers of the neo-colonialists and their lackey axe-handles for ensuring perpetuation of sovereignty and not to lose independence again.

The State Peace and Development Council is focusing on various projects for the development of the agricultural sector that can ensure food security and socio-economic development of the entire national people, and rural development. It is also taking necessary steps for supply of adequate irrigation water for growing crops, boosting the yield of the crops, conducting multiple-cropping patterns, and greening of the regions.

It is pouring huge investments into the projects for building irrigation facilities in states and divisions. And it is paying a careful attention to maintenance of the already-built dams and reservoirs and ensuring proper flow of water into the irrigation facilities and systematic supply of irrigation water. In addition to dams and reservoirs, it is constructing sluice gates, river water pumping stations and underground water tapping stations in various regions according to geographical features for supply of sufficient irrigation water.

Between 1988 to date, the government has spent more than K 153,000 million on building 196 irrigation facilities that benefit over 2.6 million acres of arable lands. It is now constructing 39 more irrigation facilities where necessary in states and divisions. Besides, it has built 305 river water pumping stations in 13 states and divisions that irrigate more than 460,000 acres. Now, it is building 37 more river water pumping stations.

The government has been taking measures unremittingly for use of more farm machinery, supply of fuel for that machinery, boosting production of crops and use of more fertilizers. It is now encouraging extensive growing of jatropha curcas (physic nut), from which bio-diesel can be extracted, across the country to fulfil the requirement of fuel for farm machinery. Here, I would like to urge farmers to grow profitable jatropha curcas plants, which can be grown easily and that are highly useful, on a commercial scale.

Adhering to the correct national policy namely non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity, and perpetuation of sovereignty, the State Peace and Development Council is now putting into action the State’s seven-step Road Map for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed democratic nation with flourishing discipline.

It is heartening to note that representatives of the peasants are now actively participating as delegates in the discussions at the National Convention held in accordance with the seven-step Road Map.

For restoration of peace and stability and modernization and development of the nation, I would therefore like to exhort the peasantry to join hands with the entire people in the tasks for;—

- the development of the agricultural sector, the major pillar of the State’s economy,

- guarding against the dangers of neo-colonialists and their hangers-on axe-handles, and

Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing offer ‘soon’ to State Ovadaçariya Sayadaws, religious title recipient Sayadaws

Yangon, 1 March — Under the aegis of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing, families of Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) offered ‘soon’ and alms to member Sayadaws of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and State Central Working Committee of the Sangha, Tipitakadhara Tipitaka-kovida Sayadaws and religious title recipient Sayadaws at Zeyathiri Beikman Hall on Konmyinttha, here, this morning.

Also present on the occasion were Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, Member of the SPDC General Thura Shwe Mann, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win, Members of the SPDC Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Lt-Gen Myint Swe, Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing and Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, the Chairman of Yangon Division PDC Commander of Yangon Command, ministers, the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, the Auditor-General, the chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the Yangon Mayor and their wives, deputy ministers, the director-general of the SPDC Office and departmental heads.

Senior General Than Shwe, wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party took the Five Precepts from Chairman Magway Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Kumara. Members of the Sangha recited Metta Sutta.

The Senior General and wife donated robes, alms bowl and provisions to the Chairman Sayadaw.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San also offered robes, alms bowl and alms to Secretary Nyaungdon Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Osadha-bhivamsa.

General Thura Shwe Mann presented robes, alms bowl and offertories to State Ovadaçariya Shwegyin Gana Sangharaja Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Agghiya.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win donated robes, alms bowl and alms to Vice-Chairman Pyay Zawtikayon Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kundalajoti.

Likewise, SPDC members, senior military officers, the commander, the ministers, the deputy ministers and officials offered provisions to the Sayadaws.

The Secretary Nyaungdon Sayadaw delivered a sermon, and the Senior General, wife and party shared merits gained.

After the ceremony, Senior General Than Shwe, wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party offered ‘soon’ to members of the Sangha.

Yangon, 1 March — Under the arrangements of the Department of Health and the Myanmar Board of Examinations, three hospital exam centres will be opened from 14 to 23 March — Yangon General Hospital, Central Women’s Hospital and Waibagi Specialists Hospital for the students receiving medical treatment.

Those students (inpatients) wishing to sit for the matriculation examination may contact public relations officers assigned duties at the hospitals.

Yangon, 1 March — The Myanmar Board of Examinations today announced that students who will sit for the matriculation examination to be held from 14 to 23 march 2007 can take out their identity cards from the supervisors of respective examination centres as from 6 March.

Lists of roll numbers and examination centres for the students in Yangon municipal area will be announced at the offices of respective township education officers as of 7 March.

The students of basic education high schools and affiliated BEHSs in Yangon municipal area can get their identity cards from respective principals, and external candidates, from the supervisors of respective examination centres beginning 9 March.

Special Refresher Course No 8 for Faculty Members concludes at CICS (Upper Myanmar) Teachers urged to effectively use educational facilities and environments government has created

Nay Pyi Taw, 1 March—The Central Institute of Civil Service (Upper Myanmar) in PyinOoLwin Township, Mandalay Division held the conclusion of its Special Refresher Course No 8 for Faculty Members at Yadana Hall yesterday morning. On behalf of Chairman of the Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Education Dr Chan Nyein made a speech on the occasion.

Also present on the occasion were ministers, deputy ministers, Mayor of Mandalay, members of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, officials, heads of department, the rector, faculty members and trainees.

On behalf of Chairman of the Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Education Dr Chan Nyein said that now is an opportune time to improve advanced science and technology in various sectors and speed up the nation’s development momentum through technological strength in order to achieve development take-off.

At such a time, it is required to nurture and produce human resources in all sectors such as experts in arts and science field, medical experts, physicians, engineers, architects, computer scientists, marine and aerospace engineers, and experts in the agriculture, forestry, livestock breeding and fishery fields.

Only when science and technology is making progress with enough intellectuals and intelligentsia, will it be possible for the nation to enjoy economic progress and national development.

So, normal efforts are not enough to ensure the development of the education sector. And only when the education standard is raised through national outlook will there emerge mentally and physically strong new generation youths capable of discharging duties brilliantly for the development of the nation and the people with economic progress and overcoming alien instigation, interference, pressure and coercion.

That is why the government is opening schools, universities and colleges the length and breadth of the nation to create equal access to education in rural areas and higher education in strategic regions of states and divisions for the emergence of more and more human resources in various sectors in various regions.

To ensure equal education standard of schools, universities and colleges of various regions, it is installing multimedia classrooms, e-Learning centres, modern laboratories, practical rooms and workshops in the educational in-stitutions. And it has created data-broadcasting system and computer network regarding education infrastructures that cover the whole nation.

At the same time, it is conducting courses on new branches and combined subjects in the universities and colleges to keep abreast of international level science and technology. It is also encouraging advanced research and establishing new universities and colleges subject-wise. According to the educational motto “Access, quality, diversification”, the government is building infrastructures and creating good environments, with which diversification and specialization can be combined harmoniously.

Teachers are therefore to effectively use the educational facilities and environments the government has created and to increase the number of facilities necessary for creating more opportunities to use them.

Respective univer-sities and colleges are to lay down and implement short-term and long-term plans to increase the number of human resources in various fields, and expedite doing research with respect to intensive learning.

Every university or college should be the centre of human resources studying higher subjects in various fields. In that regard, it is needed to serve as a bridge between the education field and human society. And efforts are to be made to create a lively process of disseminating knowledge that serves as a network of educational fields and universities and colleges.

In conclusion the Minister said that all faculty members are to try to improve national education and nurture human resources that will help promote the prosperity of the State and the people and ensure the perpetuity of the Union.

The Minister, next, presented awards to outstanding teachers and completion certificates through the respective group leaders.

Afterwards, the Minister accepted cash donated for Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image, Tooth Relic Pagoda (Mandalay), renovation of ancient pagodas in Bagan, USDA, the National Convention donated by the trainee teachers and presented certificates of honour.

A total of 913 teachers— 164 male and 749 female— are attending the four-week course.

Yangon, 1 March — Minister for Electric Power No 1 Col Zaw Min, accompanied by Director-General U Aung Koe Shwe of Hydro-electric Power Implementation Department, inspected construction of tasks and fixing of steel pipelines at the exit of the water tunnel at Khabaung Hydel Power Plant, 15 miles from Oktwin, on 27 February.

On completion, Khabaung Hydel Power Plant installed with two 15-megawatt generators will produce 120 million kwh yearly.

At Kunchaung Hydel Power Plant Project, nine miles from Pyu, the minister inspected construction of the power intake, the water control tower, the main spillway, construction of the gravel-filled embankment, laying of steel pipelines, progress of the power intake building and installation of steel pipelines.

On arrival at Shwegyin Hydel Power Plant Project, six miles from Shwegyin, the minister inspected progress of construction tasks.

On completion, the power plant installed with four 18.75-megawatt generators will generate 262 million kwh annually.

Yangon, 1 March—The closing ceremony of the Basic Course No 1 for Custom Staff of the Ministry of Finance and Revenues took place at Nawarat Hall of the Central Institute of Civil Service (Phaunggyi) this afternoon.

Present on the occasion were Minister for Finance and Revenues Maj-Gen Hla Tun, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Thein Swe, Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board Dr Than Nyun and members, members of Committee for Ensuring Prompt and Regular Freight-handling and Operating Full Capacity, managing directors and directors-general of enterprises and departments of the ministry, the rector of CICS and fcaulty members, trainees and their families.

First, the minister made a speech on the occasion and presented prizes to outstanding trainees. The course lasted for four months. A total of 405 trainees attended the course.

Yangon, 1 March — The Workshop on uniformity in ASEAN tourism industry was opened here today with an address by Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Soe Naing.

It was attended by Officer on Special Duty Mr Eddy Krismeid of ASEAN Secretariat, Ms Ida Trisnasari and Mr Penhall, Project Manager of Uni Quest, the chairman and executives of Myanmar Hoteliers Association, the chairman and executives of Union of Myanmar Travel Association, hoteliers, the director-general and directors of the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism and officials.

After the opening ceremony, the minister cordially greeted participants of the workshop.

Yangon, 1 March — Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department confirmed today that bird flu was detected at a small chicken farm in Mayangon Township, Yangon Division.

LBVD of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries confirmed the outbreak of H5N1 virus after testing dead chickens the farm had sent to its laboratory on 27 February 2007.

LBVD officials are still trying to know the root cause of the outbreak of the virus at the farm that was raising 1,300 chickens. During their inspection of the farm, the officials found that the virus might spread to chicken from native crows and sparrows that frequented the farm buildings whose partly damaged walls have hollows for the wild birds to enter. The officials found that the farm also raised ducks in the ponds where domestic fowls were intermingling with crows.

Under the risk prevention programme, chickens of the firm were culled and buried, and the whole farm was sprayed with pesticide.

LBVD designated a restricted zone including all areas that are lying within one kilometre from the farm where the virus was found. But there are no other poultry farms in the restricted zone.

In the control zone covering all areas lying in a ten-kilometre-radius circle, with the infected farm at the centre, authorities closed all domestic fowl meat depots and shops for three weeks and limiting and restricting transport of the farmed fowls.

The authorities have warned farms in Yangon Division to prevent outsiders from entering them and to keep farm buildings from wild bird intrusion.

The authorities warned people against sleeping in farm buildings or depots where live domestic fowls were sold and indiscriminate dumping of dead fowls. They also said that any person seeing or hearing any suspicious bird deaths should inform LBVD or Myanmar Livestock Federation soonest; that people who are packaging or selling domestic fowls or eggs should keep themselves from cuts or open wounds and should wash their hands properly.

LBVD will assist breeders to use harm-free pesticide sprays and to keep their farms from man and animal encroachment.

H5N1 virus broke out in Sagaing and Mandalay Divisions for about one month from 8 March to 7 April 2006. Myanmar was able to totally control the virus on 4 September the same year.

Avian flu is a Zoonosis virus that can cause animal-to-man infection. Beginning December 2003, the virus has spread to 56 Asian and European countries, and up to 27 February this year, 275 persons in 12 countries were infected, and of them 167 died.

Nay pyi Taw, 28 Feb— Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint met with Mr Lee Jae Hoon, Deputy Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea, at the minister’s office here on 26 February.

Also present at the call were officials of the departments and enterprises under the ministry.

Yangon, 28 Feb — The Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry will hold its 16th annual general meeting at UMFCCI Tower at No 29, Min Ye Kyaw Swa Street, in Lanmadaw on 10 March.

The annual general meeting along with seminars and a trade fair will be launched on a grand scale.

The UMFCCI has already reminded its members, member companies and member associations from states and divisions to join the federation. Contacts can be made with the federation— (Telephone: 214344, 214345 and 214346).

Nay Pyi Taw, 28 Feb — Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Brig-Gen Wai Lwin, accompanied by Chairman of Pyinmana District Peace and Development Council U Khin Maung Zaw and departmental officials, inspected sowing of summer paddy seeds and use of water from Yanaungmyin Dam near Yanaungmyin Village in Lewe Township yesterday.

They viewed sowing of summer paddy seeds on 21 acres of land in Yanaungmyin Village of Lewe Township. The commander gave instructions on efforts to be made for ensuring food surplus, and fulfilled the requirements of the farmers.

At Yanaungmyin Dam, they viewed the spillway and the embankment. Assistant Director U Myo Myint Aung reported on matters related to the dam.

Yanaungmyin Dam has 11 square miles of watershed area and is supplying water to 2,500 acres of farmland through two canals. Later, the commander and party viewed supply of water along the canals and thriving summer paddy.

Yangon, 27 Feb — Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo participated in the collective cultivation of physic nut plant in Kanma Township, Magway Division, on 25 February and called on residents for using bio diesel extracted from physic nut oil for running agricultural machinery.

At the tree planting ceremony held at Thabyaygaing Nursery in the township, the minister and Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Phone Maw Shwe planted physic nut saplings along with members of social organizations, departmental officials and local people.

Afterwards, Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo went to Padaung Township, Pyay District, and inspected arrangements for putting 4,500 acres of land under plum trees by a private company.

On his tour of Myanaung Township, Ayeyawady Division, Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo also inspected Ma Mya Dam Project which is nearing completion.

Although it is not fully completed, the dam has supplied irrigation water to over 360 acres of land for summer paddy cultivation during the construction period through its completed water supply channels.

The conduit pipe and control tower are fully completed while some parts of the main dam are under construction. On his tour, Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo also met with members of Ayeyawady Division Agricultural Coordination Committee and called for putting more efforts for boosting agricultural production of the region.

Secretary-General of Union Solidarity and Development Association U Htay Oo also met with executives and members of USDA in the region, and urged them to participate in implementing the regional development tasks. Thanks to the implementation of Five Rural Areas Development Tasks, people in rural areas have enjoyed the fruits of development, the minister said.

Yangon, 1 March — Sayadaws, nuns and lay persons from foreign countries arrived here yesterday to receive religious titles to be conferred by State Peace and Development Council.

The recipients from Sri Lanka, Laos, the Republic of Korea, the United States, Nepal and Pakistan arrived at Yangon International Airport and they were welcomed by Director-General of the Department for Promotion and Propagation of Sasana Dr Myo Myint and departmental officials and diplomats.

The Sayadaws, nuns and lay persons are conveyed from the airport to Maha Santi Sukha Monastery where they will stay during their stay in Myanmar.

Yangon, 28 Feb — Organized by Yangon Division Maternal and Child Welfare Super-visory Committee, a ceremony to launch 10th National Sanitation Week was held at the town hall of Ahlon Township in Yangon West District this morning, attended by Vice-President Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association (Central), CEC member Daw Htwe Htwe Nyunt, Secretary Dr Daw Wai Wai Tha, Chairperson of Yangon Division MCWSC Daw Mar Mar Wai and members, departmental officials and members of social organizations.

Next, Vice-Presi-dent Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint presented 100 apparatuses for fly-proof latrines to Daw Mar Mar Wai.

Later, the chairperson of Yangon Division MCWSC accepted 5,000 applica-tions presented by the chairperson of Yangon West District MCWSC and presented apparatuses for fly-proof latrines and sanitation equipment assisted by MMCWA (Central).

Assistant Director U Aung Kyaw Kyaw of Health Department explained the motto of 10th National Sanitation Week. Later, those present viewed health education entertainment programme.

Nay Pyi Taw, 1 March — The 15th Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Competition in commemoration of the 62nd Anniversary Armed Forces Day continued for the fourth day at the parade ground, here, this morning.

Military bands representing No 88 LID, No 44 LID, No 2 Company of Triangle Region Command, Southern Command, South-East Command and No 33 LID demonstrated their skills.

Present on the occasion were Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Competition Vice Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Hla Shwe and members, senior military officers and members of the panel of judges