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ARCHIVES	Saturday, 3 March 2007	THE MYANMAR TIMES

Nay Pyi Taw, 3 March — Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Georgi Parvanov, President of the Republic of Bulgaria, on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria, which falls on 3 March 2007.

SPDC confers religious titles on title recipient members of the Sangha, nuns and laity

Yangon, 2 March—The government of the Union of Myanmar annually confers religious titles on members of the Sangha and nuns at home and abroad for their brilliant performance of Pariyatti duties (Gantha Dhura) and Patipatti duties (Vipassana Dhura) and laity for their generous donation for flourishing of the Sasana.

The State Law and Order Restoration Council promulgated 20 more kinds of religious titles under Notification No (42/91) on 24 October 1991. Since then, old and new religious titles have been conferred on outstanding members of the Sangha and nuns and laymen and laywomen yearly. The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) released a list of title recipients under Notification No 1/2007 on Independence Day, on the 2nd Waning of Pyatho 1368 Myanmar Era (4 January 2007).

The presenting of certificates of religious titles to the recipients was held in conjunction with the offering of alms at Maha Pasana Cave on Kaba Aye Hill, here, this afternoon, attended by Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of Chairman of the SPDC Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, and Vice-Chairman of the SPDC Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee member Sayadaws, Tipitaka-dhara Tipitaka Kovida Sayadaws, and title recipient Sayadaws and nuns.

Also present on the occasion were SPDC Member General Thura Shwe Mann and wife Daw Khin Lay Thet, SPDC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win, SPDC members 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, Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing and Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence and wives, ministers and wives, the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, the Auditor-General, the chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the chairman of Yangon City Development Council Yangon Mayor, deputy ministers, heads of department, invited ambassadors and heads of embassies in Yangon, local authorities, members of the boards of trustees of Shwedagon Pagoda, Botahtaung Pagoda, Sule Pagoda, Shwe Phone Pwint Pagoda, Thiri Mangala Kaba Aye Pagoda and Tooth Relic Pagoda (Yangon), members of religious associations, wellwishers, title recipients and their disciples, and invited guests.

At 11.30 am, officials ushered State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee member Sayadaws, Tipitakadhara Tipitaka Kovida Sayadaws, Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Title recipient Sayadaws, Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Title recipient Sayadaws, Agga Maha Pandita Title recipient Sayadaws and Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Title recipient Sayadaws to the recreation centre of the cave and the remaining title recipients to designated places in the cave.

Adviser U Htin Myo, Deputy Director-General U Khaing Aung, Director U Zarni Win and Assistant Director U Tun Naing of the Ministry of Religious Affairs ushered Tipitakadhara Tipitaka Kovida Sayadaws, Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Title recipient Sayadaws, Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika, Agga Maha Pandita and Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Title recipient Sayadaws led by State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee member Sayadaws through the southern archway of the cave.

Next, Deputy Director U Tin Aung Tun ushered Tipitakadhara Tipitaka Kovida Sayadaws; Deputy Director U Myint Naing, three Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Title recipient Sayadaws; Director U Aung Thein, three Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Title recipient Sayadaws; Assistant Director U Aye Lwin, 22 Agga Maha Pandita Title recipient Sayadaws; and Director U Than Win, 40 Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Title recipient Sayadaws to the designated places.

The ceremony commenced at noon. Deputy Director U San Thin Hlaing of the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana acted as MC.

Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko supplicated on religious affairs to open the ceremony.

Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abbot of Maha Visutarama Monastery in Magway, Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Kumara invested the congregation with the Five Precepts. State Ovadacariya Abbot of Mya Thein Tan Pariyatti Monastery in Pazundaung Township, Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Sobhana read out the Sammodaniya Ovada Katha.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye presented certificates of Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Title to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Narindacara of Taik-kyaung Pali Tekkatho Monastery in Gyobin-gauk, Bago Division (West), Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhana of Mya Thein Tan Kyaung Pariyatti Monastery in Pazundaung Township, Yangon Division, and Sayadaw Bhaddanta Narada of Maha Thubawdayon Monastery in Sagaing, Sagaing Division.

General Thura Shwe Mann presented certificates of Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Title to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Osadha Bhivamsa of Ponnama Yama Zay Monastery in Nyaungdon, Ayeyawady Division, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Narinda Bhivamsa of Phayabyu Monastery in Pazundaung Township, Yangon Division, and Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nandavamsa of Ywama Pariyatti Monastery in Insein Township, Yangon Division.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein presented certificates of Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Title to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Catila of Aungzedi Sasana Beikman Monastery in Sawbwagyigon, Insein Township, Yangon Division, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ñanavamsa of (Pyay) Saddhamma Jotikaron Monastery in Taikkyi Township, Yangon Division, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Suriya of Sasana Dhaja Aung Mye Theikpan Monastery at Yanmanaing Village in Myaungmya Township, Ayeyawady Division, and Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kunnala of Weluwun Monastery in Minhla, Bago Division (West).

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than presented certificates to four Agga Maha Pandita Title recipient Sayadaws; Lt-Gen Maung Bo, to five Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Title recipient Sayadaws; Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, to six Agga Maha Pandita Title recipient Sayadaws; and Lt-Gen Tin Aye, to six Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Title recipient Sayadaws.

Vice-Admiral Soe Thein presented certificates to six Agga Maha Pandita Title recipient Sayadaws; and Lt-Gen Myat Hein, to six Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Title recipient Sayadaws.

Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing presented certificates to six Agga Maha Pandita Title recipient Sayadaws; and Maj-Gen Ye Myint, to six Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Title recipient Sayadaws.

Chief Justice U Aung Toe, Attorney-General U Aye Maung, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen Maung Oo, Minister for Science and Technology and Minister for Labour U Thaung, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and Minister for Immigration and Population Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint, Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung, Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Electric Power No 1 Col Zaw Min, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Thein Swe, Minister for Education Dr Chan Nyein, Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun, Minister for Electric Power No 2 Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint and Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin presented certificates of Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja, Agga Maha Kamma-thanaçariya, Agga Maha Ganthavaçaka Pandita, Maha Dhammakathika Bahujanahitadhara, Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja, Maha Ganthavaçaka Pandita, Dhammakathika Bahujanahitadhara, Maha Kammathanaçariya, Kammathanaçariya, Saddhamma Jotikadhaja and Ganthavaçaka Pandita titles to title recipient Sayadaws.

Daw Mya Mya San, wife of Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, presented certificates of Agga Maha Ganthavaçaka Pandita title on Nun Daw Kançanavati of Maukkha-thilawun Nunnery in Sagaing, Nun Daw Ñanavati of Nyanawati Nunnery of Tagaung Kyaung of Ahnyeiktaw Ward in Aungmyethazan Township, Nun Daw Puññaçari of Thida Aye Nunnery of Pakokku and Nun Daw Puññakami of Migadawon Nunnery of Sagaing, and certificate of Maha Kamma-thanaçariya title to Nun Daw Sumanaçari of Bawdi Yeiktha of Taukhtein Hill in Yantaung Village of Thayetchaung Township.

Daw Khin Lay Thet, wife of General Thura Shwe Mann, presented certificate of Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja title to Nun Daw Esuvati of Ayethuwady nunnery of Ledi Ward in Monywa, certificates of Maha Ganthavaçaka Pandita title to Nun Daw Sitavarañani of Ayemyogyaung Mawlamyine nunnery of Sagaing, Nun Daw Khamasi of Seiktapala Cave Nunnery of Kyaukpadaung, Nun Daw Kulaçari of Ambayama nunnery of Shwedaung and Nun Daw Añcana of Saddhammayanthi nunnery of Monywa.

Daw Khin Khin Win, wife of Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, gave certificates of Maha Ganthavaçaka Pandita title to Nu Daw Dhammaçari of Yadana Manaung nunnery of Dawei and Nun Daw Dhammanandi of YaunggyiU Theravada nunnery of Mashikataung Ward in Phakant, certificates of Saddhamma Jotikadhaja title to Nun Daw Medini of Zeyathiri orphanage girls’ school of Toungoo, Nun Daw Dhammasingi of Dhammawadi nunnery of Insein Township and Nun Daw Indaçari of Sasanakari nunnery of Bhamo.

Daw Marlar Tint, wife of Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Daw Khin Lay Myint, wife of Lt-Gen Maung Bo and Daw Khin Saw Hnin, wife of Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, presented certificates of Saddhamma Jotikadhaja and Ganthavaçaka Pandita titles to the title recipient nuns.

Afterwards, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye conferred certificates of Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Manijota-dhara title on U Myint Swe of Mogok Vipassana Dhamma Yeiktha of Kyungon Village in Okpo, U Nyan Lwin of Kyaikwaing Pagoda Road in Mayangon Township, U Aung Kyi Myint of Myinsaing Road in Shwepaukkan Myothit of North Okkalapa Township, U Tint Hsan of Khayay Road in Thanlyin Bridge Housing Estate in Thakayta Township and Dr Moe Tin of U Tun Myat Road in Tamway Township.

General Thura Shwe Mann also conferred certificates of Thiri Thudhamma Manijota-dhara title on U Kan Tin of Chanayethazan Township, U Tu Maung of Myoma Ward of Mogok, U Tun Shein of Golden Valley Ward 1 of Bahan Township, U Myint Soe of Shwemarlar Yeikmon of Kamayut Township and U Ko Ko Aye of Golden Valley Ward 1 of Bahan Township.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein presented certificates of Thiha Thudhamma Manijota-dhara title to U San Thein of Aungmingala Ward of Kyaukpadaung, U Kyaw Aye of Meiktila, U Myint Soe of Shwepyi Yannaing Ward of Pyawbwe and U Chit Hmwe of Thuwunna Ward 29 of Thingangyun Township and certificate of Thudhamma Manijota-dhara title to U Hla Tun of Thonze of Thayawady Township.

Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo gave certificates of Thudhamma Manijotadhara, Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja and Saddhamma Jotikadhaja titles to title recipient laymen.

Afterwards, Daw Mya Mya San conferred certificates of Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Theingi title on Daw Sein Sein Yi of Chanayethazan Township, Daw Khin Myint Myint of Bo Cho Ward of Bahan Township, Daw Kyi Kyi Swe of Yedashe Ward of Bahan Township, Daw Aye Aye Soe of Pyay Road in Mayangon Township, Daw Aye Myat Nwe of Saya San Road in Bahan Township and Daw Win Win Aye (a) Ma Gyi of Bayintnaung Brokerage of Mayangon Township.

Daw Khin Lay Thet presented certificates of Thiri Thudhamma Theingi title to Daw Kyway Kyway of Monywa, Daw Ei Hla (a) Daw Khin Hla of Homalin Township, Daw San Myint of Penwegon, Daw Hla Myaing of Pyay Township, Daw Lon Tin of Mogok and Daw Hsin Nu of Kyaukpadaung.

Daw Khin Khin Win also presented certificates of Thiri Thudhamma Theingi title to Daw San San Tint (a) Daw Ye of Chanayethazan Township, Mandalay Division, Daw San San Wai of Mahaaungmye Township, Mandalay Division, Daw Khin Lay of Kyauk-padaung, Daw Nwe Nwe San of Myothit Maha Myaing-2 of Mandalay Division, Daw Myint Myint Nwe of Ma-haaungmye Township in Mandalay Division and Daw Aye Thein of Dagon Myothit (South) Township in Yangon Division.

Daw Marlar Tint, Daw Khin Lay Myint and Daw Khin Saw Hnin and Daw Aye Aye, wife of Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, gave certificates of Thiri Thudhamma Theingi, Thiha Thudhamma Theingi and Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja titles to title recipient laypersons (women).

Next, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung supplicated on the religious affairs.

Secretary of SSMNC Nyaungdon Ponnamayama Zay-kyaungtaik Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Osadha-bhivamsa delivered a sermon, and the con-gregation shared merits gained.

After the title conferring ceremony, staff of the Ministry of Defence, the Prime Minister’s Office, the SPDC Office and Central Offices, the Adjutant-General’s Office, the Quartermaster-General’s Office, the Defence Services (Navy), the Defence Services (Air), Yangon Command Headquarters, ministries, the Supreme Court, the Attorney-General’s Office, the Auditor-General’s Office, the Civil Service Selection and Training Board, Yangon Division PDC, YCDC, district and township PDCs, religious and social organizations, entrepreneurs, Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, companies and wellwishers offered alms to members of the Sangha.

Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, Daw Mya Mya San, Daw Khin Lay Thet, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win, members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Lt-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the Commander-in-Chief (Air), senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence and their wives, the Commander of Yangon Command and wife, the ministers, the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, the Auditor-General, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the Yangon Mayor, the deputy ministers, the Vice-Mayor and their wives, departmental heads and wellwishers donated rice and offertories worth K 175,160,751 to members of the Sangha.

Nay Pyi Taw, 3 March — General Soe Win, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Sergei Stanishev, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria, on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria, which falls on 3 March 2007.

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 March—State Peace and Development Council Member Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, together with Col Yan Naing Oo of Nay Pyi Taw Command and officials of the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, this morning inspected Sittoung Bridge near Hayman village in Lewe Township, Mandalay Division, and construction of district-to-district earth road at a road section in the township.

They also looked into the widening of district-to-district road No 2 between Thitkyein and Thanmaye villages and bridges along the route. Next, they viewed crops plantations of the local battalion in Seikphutaung village in Pyinmana Township and the widening of district-to-district road No 2 between Seikphutaung and Bomathantaung villages.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party met with townselders of Boma-thantaung village at the village primary school and gave instructions on agricultural and livestock breeding work. After inspecting the construc-tion of district-to-district road No 2 between Bomathantaung and Pyadachaung villages, Lt-Gen Ye Myint met the people of Pyadachaung village and urged them to carry out agricultural and livestock breeding tasks on a manageable scale.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party met members of Pyadachaung Village PDC at the village middle school and left necessary instruction.

Afterwards, they visited the Paunglaung hydroelectric power project site and gave necessary instructions to officials. They also looked into the construction of Paunglaung river-crossing bridge. On completion of Paunglaung hydro-electric power project, 454 million kilowatts can be generated. Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party heard reports on construction of district-to-district road No 2 in Gamonetaung village. He left necessary instructions.

The district-to-district road No 2 is being built to link Mandalay Division and Mon State. Later, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected the chosen site for construction of Paunglaung bridge.

Yangon, 1 March — Minister for Electric Power No 2 Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint inspected hydel power stations in Shan State (North) on 26 February and assisted in generating power at the stations.

First, Minister Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint went to Namh Saung Ngaung Hydel Power Station, six miles east of Kyaukme and urged officials concerned of the station to make efforts for supplying power to Kyaukme and Hsipaw sufficiently. He also called for the systematic storage of water to run the power station at full capacity.

In the afternoon, the minister went to Mansanyaykya Hydel Power Station in Lashio along with Chairman of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Commander of North-East Command Brig-Gen Aung Than Htut.

The power station supplies power to townships in Shan State (North). The minister and the commander inspected the intake channel, the diversion dam and storage of water at the power station.

During the tour of Shan State (North), the minister and the commander also inspected Namh Hmyaw Chaung and Kon Nyaung hydel power stations. Minister Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint also inspected the site chosen to establish a sub-power station in Lashio. On his tour of Lashio, the minister also met with officials of No 1 Sub-Power Station in Lashio and heard reports on supply of power from the station.

Nay Pyi Taw, 3 March — U Nyan Win, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Ivailo Kalfin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria, which falls on 3 March 2007.

Yangon, 1 March— A contest to choose Mamee Ambassador for Dream World VCD Album of Myanmar Mamee Double Decker Co Ltd undertaken by Director Zinyaw Maung Maung of Zinyaw Movie, Video and Advertising Agency took place at Dusit Inya Lake Hotel on 27 February.

It was attended by Managing Director Mr Pang, General Manager Mr David and responsible persons of Myanmar Mamee Double Decker Co Ltd, guests and 21 amateurs.

U Myint Moe Aung, U Saw Khu Se, U Aung Naing San, U Stone, U Zinyaw Maung Maung and Mr David acted as members of the panel of judges at the contest.

Yangon, 2 March — The Educational Work Committee of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with Myanmar Paddy Producers Association organized to open the Myanmar Rice Marketing Course (Programme-2) Production at UMFCCI Training Centre on 26 February.

Chairman of the Myanmar Paddy Producers Association U Sein Win Hlaing gave a speech. A total of 40 trainees are attending the 12-day course.

Likewise, the Applied Accounting & Management (UMFCCI Level-I) was opened at the same venue on 25 February. Altogether 65 trainees are attending the 13-week course.

Yangon, 2 March — Today is the Fullmon Day of Taboung, the last month in Myanmar lunar year. People held Buddha Pujaniya festivals of famous pagodas in their locality on a grand scale.

Today, pilgrims offered gold foils, alms, flowers, water and light to Shwedagon Pagoda, Sule Pagoda, Botahtaung Pagoda, Maha Wizaya Pagoda, Shwephonepwint Pagoda, Tooth Relic Pagoda (Yangon), Kyaikwine Pagoda, Lawka Chantha Abaya Labah Muni Buddha Image, Melamu Pagoda, Moegaung Pagoda, Kyaikkasan Pagoda, Oakalapa Pagoda, Ngarhtatgyi Pagoda, Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, Thanlyin Kyaikhauk Pagoda, Kyaukdan Kyaikhmawwun Pagoda, Kayan Bronze Buddha Image, and took the Sabbath on a grand scale.

Yangon, 2 March — Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein met with officials of Livestock Breeding and Venterinary Department, Livestock Feedstuff and Dairy Enterprise, Yangon City Development Committee and Myanmar Livestock Federation, farm owners and breeders at the hall of Insein Township LBVD yesterday evening.

The minister and officials discussed measures to be taken for every H5N1 suspected case.

Measures taken as to death of fowls and birds in townships of Yangon Division

Yangon, 2 March—The Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department is taking measures as to the incident of the death of fowls and birds in townships of Yangon Division.

The death of six crows was found in Thanlyin Township on 27-2-2007, three crows in Mingaladon Township on 1-3-2007, 17 crows in Mayangon Township on 2-3-2007, three crows in Tamway Township 2-3-2007 and one crow in Botahtaung Township on 2-3-2007. Regarding this, bird flu was not detected.

The death of 71 layers was found in Mayangon Township on 27-2-2007. As Rapid Test Kit Type A was detected in this regard, preventive measures such as culling of poultry and spraying of pesticide were taken.

The death of three domestic chickens and five ducks was found in Thingangyun Township on 28-2-2007. Preventive measures such as culling of poultry and spraying of pesticide were taken since Rapid Test Kit Type A was detected in this context.

The death of two domestic chickens was found in Insein Township on 28-2-2007. Under the disease prevention programme, culling of poultry and spraying of pesticide were carried out, for Rapid Test Kit Type A was detected.

The death of 11 layers was found in Hlinethaya Township on 2-3-2007. As a means of preventive measures, poultry culling and pesticide spraying were carried out since Rapid Test Kit Type A was detected.

With regard to the death of crows in those townships, there was something suspicious that some crows were infected with bird flu. The LBVD came to the conclusion that the death of some crows was due to undisciplined dumping of dead fowls.

The LBVD has requested the public to send dead crows to the disease diagnostic laboratory of LBVD, using hand gloves and masks when handling them, to bury dead crows after spraying them with pesticide and hot water, to avoid eating and selling of dead crows and fowls, to prevent domestic crows, sparrows and pigeons from entering the poultry farms and to avoid using feedstuff and bags of feedstuff from the infected farms.

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 March — The 15th Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Competition in com-memoration of the 62nd Anniversary Armed Forces Day continued for the fifth day at the parade ground, here, this morning.

Military bands representing No 22 LID, No 99 LID, No 1 Company of Northern Command, No 1 Company of Coastal Region Command, North-East Command and No 2 Company of Western Command participated in the competition.

Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Competition Vice Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Hla Shwe and members, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence and members of the panel of judges supervised the competitions.

Yangon, 2 March — A ceremony to open the tubewell donated by Mr Tanaka of Japan and wellwishers was held in Hlaywun Village of Hsinbaungwe Township on 21 February.

Patron of Lokatthaçariya Foundation Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kosalla gave an Ovadakatha. Chairman of the Township Peace and Develop Council U Thein Hsint gave a speech. Wellwisher Mr Tanaka explained the purpose of sinking the tubewell. A local expressed gratitude.

The wellwishers spent K 6 million on sinking the tubewell and building necessary structures, the Post-Primary School and installing water pipelines to monasteries. The tubewell can pump out 1,500 gallons of water per hour, and it supply sufficient water to 385 houses in the village.

Yangon, 2 March—Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung attended a ceremony to conclude the on-job training course No 1/2007 and basic computer training course No 1/2007 sponsored by Directorate of Industries held at the training hall of the Ministry of Industry-1 on Kaba Aye Pagoda road here this morning and made a speech on the occasion.

After that, the minister presented prizes to outstanding trainees who stood first, second and third and gave away the completion certificates. The basic computer training course No 1/2007 lasted six weeks and was attended by 89 trainees.

Next, the minister presented prizes to trainees who were outstanding in training courses held by Central Institute of Civil Service (Upper Myanmar) and Central Institute of Civil Service (Phaunggyi).

Afterwards, Minister U Aung Thaung proceeded to No 2 Wheat and Wheat Product Factory in Hline Township where he viewed production of various kinds of bread, cakes and others.

Next, the minister arrived at Padetha Biscuit Factory and inspected bakeries and attended to the needs.

On arrival at Myanma Umbrella Factory of Myanma General and Maintenance Industries in Hline Township, the minister looked into umbrella and related items.

After making inspection, Minister U Aung Thaung gave instructions on meeting the set standard in producing umbrella.

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 March — Youths of Union Solidarity and Development Association will go on a trip to the villages in the northernmost parts of Myanmar for regional development tasks and organisational purposes.

Youths of USDA members, who are also members of Hiking and Trekking Association from states and divisions, have been selected to participate in the long trek to the hilly regions in Putao District in Kachin State.

The trip titled “Star from the Sky” would be led by Secretary of Kachin State USDA U Ra Wun Jone.

Patron of Mandalay Division USDA Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Khin Zaw and Secretariat Member of USDA Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw handed over the flag of the association and the State Flag to the trekking team at Mandalay Division USDA Office on 28 February.

Commander Maj-Gen Khin Zaw and Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw accepted the cash amounting to over K 42 million donated by wellwishers to be spent on implementing the regional development tasks during the trip.

The northernmost parts of Myanmar, home to ethnic tribes, are not easily accessible. As the government set up an administrative machinery in Pannin in the region, we could arrange the 270-mile-long trekking trip, said U Ra Wun Jone. During the trip, the participants will carry out regional development tasks in the villages.

After the ceremony, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw inspected the construction of auto exchange offices in TadaU and Paleik.