nlmMay07

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ARCHIVES	Tuesday, 1 May 2007	THE MYANMAR TIMES

Senior General Than Shwe sends Workers Day message Workers enjoying rights to participate in deliberations of National Convention as group of delegates to hold discussions, make decisions, give suggestions

Nay Pyi Taw, 1 May - The following is a translation of the full text of the Workers Day message sent by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe:

On this Workers Day which falls on 1 May 2007, I through this message honour all Myanmar national workers playing their own role with energetic physical or intellectual ability for the national development and modernization, and wish you health and happiness and auspiciousness.

Today, the world nations are in the process of striving in their own way for their own development. The Union of Myanmar too has been making self-reliant efforts to become a peaceful, tranquil, developed and modern Union through the political, economic and social objectives under the correct leadership of the State Peace and Development Council.

Thanks to the correctness of the national policy, the harmonious efforts of the government and the people and the sector-wise endeavours of workers and farmers to increase productivity, the nation has been clearly witnessing progress that is prevailing together with peace and stability.

As the national development is gaining momentum, workers are actually enjoying the fruits of progress which are the increasing number of job opportunities and the rise in the per capita income. In addition, workers are enjoying other benefits which are the greater degree of rights including occupational safety and a pleasant working environment.

The government and the national entrepreneurs are extending modern industries and industrial zones in the nation. The government has been encouraging and assisting private sector to set up advanced industries. Thus, workers are running modern production equipment and electronic apparatus to manufacture world-class finished goods. The government has been inviting foreign investments and permitting the establishment of modern industries. So, workers are enjoying their deserving payments and rights depending on their skill.

As the government and the entire people including workers are harmoniously striving in amity, the Union of Myanmar has entered a golden era in which she is enjoying greater peace and prosperity and rapid development. At this glorious moment, I would like to urge the mass of workers to participate in the nation-building undertakings in harmony with the entire people, while standing firmly as a consolidated and united national force.

Neo-colonialists are disguising the members of destructive groups under their control as workers and forming organizations which exist only in name to interfere in the affairs of international organizations.

Those evil quarters are applying various means to hinder the development pace of the Union of Myanmar and undermine the national interest. Their perpetrations are tarnishing the virtues of the noble workers, triggering layoffs, destroying job opportunities and causing social and economic losses.

Moreover, they are trying to drive a wedge to break up the unity of the entire people including workers through slanders in accord with their scheme.

Myanmar workers have the fine traditions of consolidating the unity of the entire national races to regain independence while undergoing bitter experiences-oppressions, labour exploitation, sowing of discord and economic manipulation - during the time when the Union of Myanmar was under colonial occupation.

In accord with their fine historical traditions -- the tradition of taking part in the anti-Fascists and independence struggles and the tradition of reinforcing and safeguarding the unity of the workers, peasants and the people -workers should stand up to and ward off alien schemes to interfere in Myanmar affairs and cause dissension.

I also urge workers to strengthen their anti-colonialism spirit, unyielding spirit, national spirit and Union Spirit that had been put to the test and honoured throughout the successive eras of history for many times and to stand firm as a reinforced national force.

At present, the State Peace and Development Council is implementing the seven-step Road Map that will lay a durable foundation for the firm existence of workers rights and human rights, the emergence of a fair and just Myanmar society based on the wordly values - justice, freedom and equality- and to uphold the national policy - non-disintegration of the Union; non-disintegration of national solidarity; and perpetuation of sovereignty - till the end of the world.

The convening of the National Convention - the first and the most important step of the Road Map has been in progress, and the workers have been enjoying the right to participate in it as a delegate group representing the mass of workers to hold discussions, make decisions and give suggestions.

In this context, workers are required to take part in the national endeavour to smoothly implement the seven-step Road Map in unity with other national forces from the stage of the successful convening of the National Convention to the emergence of a new peaceful, modern and developed discipline-flourishing democratic state - the national goal.

In this transitional period, I urge all blue colour and white colour workers in all seriousness to take part in the vital sector together with the entire national races in striving

* for the development of the industrial sector of the nation and for further improvement of the production and services enterprises for national economic growth;

* to ward off attempts of neo-colonialists and their stooges to drive a wedge; and

* for the success of the seven-point Road Map being implemented to build a modern and developed discipline-flourishing democratic state.

Daw Kyaing Kyaing attends consecration ceremony of Sitagu International Missionary Beikman in Dagon Myothit (North)

Yangon, 30 April - A ceremony to consecrate the Buddha image at the Sitagu International Missionary Beikman was held at the Beikman on Pinlon Road in Dagon Myothit (North) Township early this morning.

State Ovadacariya Sasanabaing Waso Saya-daw, Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Magway Saya-daw, Secretary Nyaungdon Sayadaw, State Ovada-cariya Sayadaws of Nyaungdon Monastery of Bahan, Kyakhatwaing Monastery of Bago, Aung-myebonsan Monastery of Bahan, Myataung Monastery of Mandalay, Shwe-wawin Monastery, Mya-theintan of Pazundaung, Maha Thubawdhayon of Sagaing Hill and members of the Sangha led by nine Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Sayadaws consecrated the Buddha image.

Donations of K 4.5 million were presented for nine Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Sayadaws who consecrated the Buddha image. A ceremony to share merits for donation of the Sitagu International Missionary Beikman was held at 9 am.

Present were Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, wives of members of the State Peace and Development Council, Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, departmental officials and wellwishers.

Daw Kyaing Kyaing formally unveiled the stone plaque of the Sitagu International Missionary Beikman. Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddha-mmajotika Shwekyin Nikaya Sasanabaing Waso Sayadaw and Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Magway Sayadaw tolled the bell nine times.

Daw Kyaing Kyaing rang the bell nine times and planted Dekkhina-sakha Bo sapling.

The Waso Sayadaw and Magway Sayadaw formally opened the stairways of the Sitagu International Missionary Beikman.

Next, Daw Kyaing Kyaing and guests took the Nine Precepts from the Waso Sayadaw.

Maha Dhammaka-thika Bahujanahitadhara Chancellor of Sitagu International Buddhist Academy Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddha-mmajotikadhaja Bhad-danta Ñanissara supplicated on the purpose of the construction of the Sitagu International Missionary Beikman.

Next, Magway Sayadaw delivered Ovadakatha. Daw Kyaing Kyaing presented offertories to the Waso and Magway Sayadaws.

On behalf of the wellwishers, Daw Kyaing Kyaing presented K 4.5 million to 15 members of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Sayadaw through Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung. Sitagu Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits.

The women led by Daw Kyaing Kyaing performed rituals of golden and silver showers. On the eve of Fullmoon Day of Kason nine Tipitaka title recipient Sayadaws recited Parittas. Disciples also presented K 2.7 million to the Sayadaws.

Religious associations, worshippers pour water at Bo trees to mark Buddha Day

Yangon, 30 April - Religious associations gathered at different pagodas here today to mark the day that Lord Buddha was born, attained the Enlightenment and attained Parinibbana (passed away).

They poured water at sacred Bo Trees of the pagodas to mark the day which falls on the Fullmoon of the second month of the Myanmar Calendar, Kason.

The ceremonies took place at Shwedagon Pagoda, Maha Wizaya Pagoda, Sule Pagoda, Botahtaung Kyaikdayup Pagoda, Shwe Phone Pwint Pagoda, Maha Dhamma Yanthi Eindawya Pagoda, Kaba Aye Pagoda, Bo Tree on Kaba Aye Hill, Atula Dipiti Maha Muni Thakya Kohtupgyi Pagoda, Kyaikwaing Pagoda and others here today.

The generous Buddhist people from all walks of life also participated in the ceremonies held at the pagodas and poured water at Bo trees. Lord Buddha attained the Enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi Tree in India.

The Shwedagon Pagoda Board of Trustees organized the 24th ceremony to pour water at Bo Trees in the precinct of the pagoda today. First, the congregation took the Nine Precepts fromthe Presiding Sayadaw of Theingi Oo Monastery and members of the Sangha consecrated Buddha Images at sacred Bo Trees and poured water at the holy trees. While pouring waters at the trees, the congregation recited the religious verses.

Shwedagon Pagoda was teeming with devotees today and they also poured waters to the sacred trees.

The 21st ceremony to pour water at the Bo Tree at Maha Wizaya Pagoda was held at the pagoda today. Members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees of watered the Bo Tree along with religious associations.

The Sule Pagoda Board of Trustees organized the ceremony to pour water at Bo Tree in the precinct of the pagoda today.

Members of the board, religious associations, social organizations and worshippers attended the ceremony. First, members of the Sangha led by the Presiding Sayadaw of Maha Theindawgyi Pariyatti Monastery recited religious verses and poured water at the Bo tree. And members of the board and wellwishers presented offertories to members of the Sangha and shared merits gained.

Similarly, the Botahtaung Kyaikdayup Pagoda Board of Trustees also organized an auspicious ceremony to pour water at the sacred Bo Tree in the precinct of the pagoda today.

First, the congregation led by members of the board received Five Precepts from a Sayadaw. Before pouring water at the holy tree, Members of the Sangha, the congregation and members of the board walked round the pagoda and recited religious versus.

At Shwe Phone Pwint Pagoda in Pazundaung Township, a ceremony to water Bo Tree was also held today. First, Members of the Sangha consecrated the pagoda and Buddha Images at the pagoda. Next, Members of the Sangha and worshippers poured water to the holy tree in the compound of the pagoda.

Maha Dhamma Yanthi Pagoda Board of Trustees also organized a ceremony to water the Bo Tree in the compound of the pagoda. At the ceremony, Members of the Sangha recited Parittas and shared merits gained. Members of the Sangha and congregation walked round the holy tree and watered it.

Members of the Thiri Mingala Kaba Aye Pagoda Board of Trustees also poured water at Bo Tree in the compound of the pagoda along with worshippers today.

Board of Trustees of Atula Dipiti Maha Muni Thakyakohtupgyi Pagoda, Kyaikwaing Pagoda, Ngahtupgyi Buddha Image, Chyaukhtupgyi Buddha Image and Maelamu Buddha Image also poured water to Bo Trees in the compound of the pagodas today.

Yangon, 30 April-The archway of Sitagu International Missionary Beikmandaw was opened at a ceremony held at the Beikmandaw on Pinlon Road, Dagon Myothit (North) Township here this morning.

It was attended by Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, departmental officials, donors and guests.

First, Deputy Director U San Thin Hlaing of Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana acted as master of ceremonies and explained the emergence of the Beikmandaw. At the auspicious time, Lt-Gen Myint Swe, Commander Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win and Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung formally opened the archway.

Nay Pyi Taw, 30 April - A ceremony to nurture physic nut saplings was held at Thitseintgon village-tract in Kyaunggon Township on 26 April, attended by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung.

Representatives of social organizations and departmental personnel planted the saplings.

Kyaunggon Township has nurtured 1261.67 acres of physic nut saplings against the target of 4,400 acres.

The commander attended the opening ceremony of Kyaunggon Township Court. The court building is 72 feet long and 35 feet wide.

At the inauguration ceremony of the Strand Road, the commander heard a report on construction of the road presented by Township Executive Officer U Aung Kyaw Moe.

Next, they inspected progress in construction of Traditional Medicine Clinic on Yadanabon Road in Ward 2. The clinic is being built with the contributions of K 9 million by the State and the local people.

Afterwards, the commander viewed renovation of the maternal and child care centre of Kangyidaunt Township and decoration at the cave of Lawkahmanku Pagoda, and left necessary instructions.

Commander looks into reclamation of Myeik Port Area, dredging in Thamok River

Nay Pyi Taw, 30 April - Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen Khin Zaw Oo together with officials concerned went on an inspection tour of Myeik Port Area on 25 April.

Upon arrival, the commander inspected progress in construction of the port area and land reclamation for the new town in Myeik. On board Yamanya dredger, the commander inspected dredging of Thamok River.

Next, the commander viewed tarmacking of Seikkan road being undertaken by Pho La Min Co, and fulfilled the requirements.

Commander attends dinner to mark silver jubilee of All Myanmar Gurkha Hindu Dhamma Federation

Yangon, 30 April - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win attended a dinner to mark the silver jubilee of All Myanmar Gurkha Hindu Dhamma Federation at the Park Royal Hotel on Alanpya Pagoda Road in Dagon Township yesterday evening.

First, Commander Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and officials of the federation formally opened the anniversary. Next, the patron of the federation presented a gift to the commander.

The chairman of the federation also presented a gift to the deputy minister. The chairman and the deputy minister extended greetings.

Later, those present were entertained with varieties of cultural dances and they were served with dinner.

NLD central has no definite policy, NLD leaders are in disunity, the party fails to take part in regional development undertakings Four quit NLD in Sagaing Township

Yangon, 30 April - Four members of Sagaing Township NLD resigned from the party on 15 March of own volition.

The four, U Phone Kyaw, U Hla Myint, U Thaung Htay and U Chan Maung of Insa village sent letters of resignation to NLD headquarters and the respective local administrative bodies.

In the letters they sent to Sagaing Division Multiparty Democracy General Election Subcommission, the four said that the NLD central has no definite policy, that NLD leaders are in disunity, that the party fails to take part in regional development undertakings, that so selfish are the NLD leaders that their main goal is to grab power, that they lack political skill, and that they in reality are opportunists. Hence, the four said that they quit the party as they have no more interest in its functions.

Yangon, 30 April-The Ministry of Industry-1 launched its Special Sales at highway bus terminal in Taungup on 28 April.

Col Win Naung of the Ministry of Industry -1 and Chairman of Thandwe Township Peace and Development Council U Kyaw Hsan cut the ribbon to open the Special Sales. Different kinds of goods and materials are available at reasonable prices. The Special Sales continue up to 7 May.

Yangon, 30 April - The devotees from religious associations poured water at the Bo Tree in the compound of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image in Insein Township today.

Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko also participated in the 6th ceremony of watering the Bo Tree to mark Buddha Day organized by the Board of Trustees of the Image.

Afterwards, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and party went to Buddha's Tooth Relic Pagoda in Mayangon Township and watered the Bo Tree near the pagoda along with members of religious association. Pilgrims to the pagoda also watered the Bo Tree today.

Yangon, 30 April - Yangon Division Maternal and Child Welfare Supervisory Committee sponsored a ceremony to present provisions and cash assistance to a nunnery in Bahan Township yesterday.

Chairperson of the committee Daw Mar Mar Wai presented the provisions and K 1.5 million to Thakka Neinmitayon Nunnery in Bahan Township, Yangon West District.

Wellwishers then presented K 1.45 million to the nunnery to set up a trust fund to buy provisions.

After the ceremony, Daw Mar Mar Wai and party inspected health care services for nuns at the nunnery.