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ARCHIVES	Wednesday, 4 July 2007	THE MYANMAR TIMES

Honoured Patron of MWAF Daw Kyaing Kyaing attends Myanmar Women's Day celebration MWAF will never let a situation happen that will harm peace and stability of the State, will have to oppose any internal and external instigation

Yangon, 3 July - Myanmar Women's Day was observed by Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation at Diamond Jubilee Hall on Pyay Road in Kamayut Township today.

Honoured Patron of MWAF Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, attended the celebration of Myanmar Women's Day.

It was also attended by Honoured Patron of MWAF Daw Mya Mya San, wife of 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, Member of Panel of Patrons of MWAF Daw Khin Lay Thet, wife of Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann, President of MWAF Daw Than Than Nwe, wife of Prime Minister General Soe Win, vice-presidents and executives of MWAF, patrons and representatives of state/division Women's Affairs Organizations, service personnel and intellectuals and intelligentsia, departmental officials, ambassadors and diplomats of embassies in Yangon, resident representatives of UN agencies, journalists, representatives of social organizations and guests.

President of MWAF Daw Than Than Nwe delivered an address at the ceremony to mark Myanmar Women's Day. Following is the address of President of MWAF Daw Than Than Nwe.

In Myanmar society, women command love, kindness and respect as they have always carried out the duties of their family as well as national and religious duties together with their spouses throughout the history.

With the object of developing the fine tradition of Myanmar women's capabilities and their preservation of culture in accord with the international norms, the government formed the Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs on 3 July, 1996, and designated 3 July as Myanmar Women's Day.

Accordingly, today is the day to honour Myanmar women's fine tradition and noble attributes.

Myanmar historical records show that there was a great number of outstanding Myanmar women who had played an important role in the national, religious, social, administrative, judiciary, legislative, economic, educational, health and literary fields. Some, full of national spirit, even risked their lives in the struggle for national independence and preserved national prestige and integrity and national characters during the period of more than 100 years under the colonial rule.

Today also, it can be seen that Myanmar women have achieved outstanding success in the economic, education, health and technology sectors, some even at the forefront of national development endeavours.

While Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs was performing as a National Mechanism, the Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation was formed up on 20 December 2003 with the aim to have more coverage in carrying out their tasks regarding the security and development of women by an organization which is led by the women themselves. The following seven objectives were laid down:

(1) To uplift the role of women in building a peaceful, modern and developed nation;

(3) To develop women's economy, health and education and to ensure a secure life for them;

(4) To nurture women to foster their spirit to cherish and value traditions and culture and customs of national races more;

(5) To systematically protect women against violence and carry out rehabilitation work;

(7) To cooperate with international organizations, regional bodies and local and foreign organizations in realizing the rights of women in accord with traditions and culture and customs of national races.

To implement the objectives, the branches of the Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation have been organized at the state, division, district, township and village levels. Since the federation's establishment over three years ago, it has been able to draw together nearly 3.5 million members from throughout the country who can be relied on by the nation.

In laying down and carrying out its tasks, the Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation is taking part in the State development programmes and projects that involve the welfare of the entire women populace. In harmony with the daily life of Myanmar women, the federation is also laying down tasks synchronized with the international movements for the welfare of women such as the programmes of the Beijing Platform for Action, the recommendations of the UN Convention and the Millennium Goals.

In implementing its objectives, Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation is trying its best to constantly develop the women sector, to meet the needs and fulfil the rights of women in need of protection, to implement the mainstream strategy of male-female balance and to spell the emergence of international society where women can be trained to be fully competent. MWAF members are sent abroad to attend training courses, workshops, meetings and conferences. Moreover, international organizations including UN occasionally visit Myanmar to hold discussions with responsible personnel on life security and development of Myanmar women.

The MWAF has been laying down and implementing various work programmes in cooperation with the government for prevention of women against various forms of violence and anti-human trafficking. In this regard, officials at different levels implemented anti-human trafficking tasks in accordance with Law on Prevention of Trafficking in Persons promulgated by the government so that punitive action could be taken against the offenders. In order to make procedures more effective, the government conducted Anti-trafficking Training for Service Providers in states and divisions in collaboration with United Nations Inter Agency Project (UNIAP) after forming Mobile Training Teams. So far, the programme has thoroughly covered all states and divisions. As a national duty, the women's affairs organizations at all levels are making all-out efforts in concert for rehabilitation and counselling, treatment for physical and mental recovery, health care, reunion of their family members, nurturing the victims for regaining normalcy in their societies, and creation of job opportunities by conducting vocational training courses.

Regarding the services for improving the living conditions for women, the association has been providing small loans through micro credit scheme after setting up funds in states and divisions in addition to conducting vocational training courses, implementing the education promotion plans and creating job opportunities.

MWAF in cooperation with NGOs has been striving on a wider scale for ensuring women's security and development. During 2006, it in cooperation with the Ministry of Education provided over K 400 million for over 120,000 students.

Concerning health undertakings, the federation has joined hands with the Ministry of Health to give priority to implementing the reproductive health care project and women's mental health care project. It is systematically cooperating with local social organizations and UN and other international bodies to give priority to implementing projects covering HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB control and prevention, treatment and counselling programmes. Sanitation tasks were carried out at hospitals and over K 90 million donated to the funds of hospitals.

The federation has also sponsored programmes fostering the spirit to safeguard and develop nation, race and traditions and culture, patriotism and Union Spirit of young women and further strengthening of unity. In connection with the programme, the federation has held talks on traditions and culture.

Concerning the prevention of violence against women, human trafficking prevention, and rehabilitation and resettlement, the federation has held talks, opened education centres, carried out counselling activities.

We the members of MWAF took part in environmental conservation and environmental greening and sanitation activities and clean water supply projects and the federation educated the locals.

The MWAF has run domestic science training courses, found jobs, helped increase the income of persons and provided loans totalling over K 56 million. Small loan projects were established with the capital of K 102 million. MWAF spent K 648 million on education, health and raising of living standard of the people.

It has held wall posters and photo exhibitions, published newsletters, journals, magazines and pamphlets and showed educative videos and films. Moreover, the federation has made donations to libraries.

The International Committee of the Red Cross issued press release No. 07/82 about Myanmar affairs on 29 June 2007. The humanitarian situations mentioned in the press release are somewhat different from the findings we had witnessed.

Regarding the accusation of abuse against detainees, the Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation and other social organizations visited 42 prisons and 11 work camps for 206 times between October 2005 and April 2007. And we met 193,126 prisoners and provided food and medicines worth more than 61.4 million kyats and comforted them. At the meetings, none of them reported on abuses against prisoners, nor did we find any signs of abuses against them.

According to their interviews with people of national races, some ICRC employees said, ?The Myanmar armed forces have committed repeated abuses against men, women and children living in communities affected by armed conflict along the Thai-Myanmar border?. Women's Affairs Organizations have been formed at levels down to township, ward and village, and members make field trips to grassroots level and carry out activities all-year round. So, we would say firmly that Tatmadaw members never commit such violation.

However, in practice, we MWAF members have to care for the people of national races who are facing terrorist acts of insurgents and carry out rehabilitation tasks for them. We protected and comforted not only the women who were injured or killed but also their husbands, and family members of those who were injured or killed, and children.

In addition, we provided various forms of aid for 58 people of Zinbon Village in Thandaung Township who escaped from the forced relocation to refugee camps in border areas by KNU insurgents of 7 June 2007 and rehabilitated them so that they could lead a normal life again.

The ICRC made accusations that the government refused to hold talks with it and prohibited it from normal access to the prisons. According to the responsible personnel, the government did not prohibit the ICRC from visiting jails. In their visits to the jails, ICRC personnel mostly met the prisoners who were in the list given by anti-government groups at home and abroad, and provided assistance for such prisoners' family members only. Separate meetings with such prisoners were followed by unrest and protests at the jails in consequence. Moreover, the authorities found out evidences that personnel of the five regional offices of the ICRC had clandestine relations with insurgent groups.

Such activities harmed State's sovereignty, stability, peace and prevalence of law and order. So, the authorities had to hold discussions to lay down new procedures.

Nonetheless, the resident representative of the ICRC did not accept the point and unilaterally stopped visiting prisons.

Since its birth in 1863, the ICRC has stood as a noble organization that carries out independent and neutral humanitarian services.

However, we perceived that the points of the announcement are just wrong assessment based on made-up stories and exaggerated accusations of anti-government groups. So, the MWAF would like to express our profound regret at the announcement the ICRC released relying on exaggerated news stories.

Only peaceful and stable environment can ensure life security and improve living conditions for women. The MWAF will never let a situation happen that will harm peace and stability of the State. And it will have to oppose any internal and external instigation. The national goal of building a peaceful, modern and developed democratic nation with flourishing discipline is in the process of being implemented in the interests of the entire national people including women.

At the National Convention, the first step of the State's seven-step Road Map for adopting basic principles for a new State constitution, representatives of the eight delegate groups are holding discussions to adopt basic principles taking past historic lessons and development plans for the future State. The National Convention will be completed successfully soon, and the MWAF honours it.

The MWAF will continue to stand firmly as a reliable force for ensuring life security, improving the living standard of the mass of Myanmar women, and enhancing their dignity.

In conclusion, I would say that the MWAF represents the entire Myanmar women and recognizes the Myanmar women who have showed brilliant performances for flourishing of nationalistic spirit, patriotism and Union Spirit among the people, who preserve and safeguard traditional heritage and national character, and who have done their bit in the tasks for development of the Myanmar society.

Afterwards, Honoured Patron of MWAF Daw Kyaing Kyaing awarded outstanding women of MWAF. She presented prizes to Writer Daw Yin Yin (Saw Monnyin), winner of Lifetime Achievement National Literary Award for 2006; Writer Daw Kyan, winner of National Literary Award for 2005 (General Knowledge-Arts); Writer Daw Yin Nu (Mandalay), winner of the National Literary Award for collected short stories genre for 2005; Daw Khin Mar Kyu, on behalf of Writer Daw Nann Mya Kay Khaing who won the National Literary Award for translation genre for 2005; Ma Ei Ei Hlain of No 2 Basic Education High School, Latha Township, who won the highest marks in the matriculation examination for 2006 and Police Captain Mi Ni Oo, outstanding member of Myanmar Police Force.

Afterwards, Honoured Patron of MWAF Daw Mya Mya San awarded outstanding members of MWAF, and presented prizes to Daw Myint San, Deputy Commander of the Red Cross company of Kungyangon Township, who became an outstanding Red Cross member for 2006; Ma Yar Thet Pan (Weight Lifting) who became an outstanding sportswoman for 2006; Ma Theint Thu Thu Lin who became an outstanding disabled sportswoman for 2006; Sergeant Kay Thi Khaing of Central Fire Services Training School (Pyin Oo Lwin) of Fire Services Department, who became an outstanding firewoman for 2006 and Daw Myint Myint San, who became the most frequent blood donor in 2006.

Afterwards, Member of the Panel of Patrons of MWAF Daw Khin Lay Thet awarded winners of the photo competition organized to mark Myanmar Women's Day. U Zaw Win Tun (Sports and Physical Education Department) won the first prize; A K Moe (Zoology) the second and U Hla Tun (Myanmar Photographic Society) the third and seven won the handsome prizes in the photo competition.

Afterwards, President of MWAF Daw Than Than Nwe awarded prizes to Ma Saw Eindar Thet Maung, the first prize winner of the article contest organized to mark Myanmra Women's Day; Dr Cho Cho Tint (Ma Tint-Myanmarsar), the second prize winner of the contest, and Daw Thin Thin U (Shein-Mya Thin), the third prize winner of the contest.

After the ceremony, Honoured Patron of MWAF Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party and guests visited the booth of documentary photos of MWAF, journals, photos of outstanding women, documentary photos of state/division WAOs, works of outstanding women writers, books published by MWAF, periodicals and news bulletins.

Yangon, 3 July - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, accompanied by SPDC member Lt-Gen Kyaw Win of the Ministry of Defence, ministers, officials of the SPDC Office and departmental heads, arrived at Lashio in Shan State (North) by Tatmadaw aircraft on 30 June.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed at Lashio Airport by Chairman of Shan State (North) PDC Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Aung Than Htut, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hla Myint and senior military officers of Lashio Station, state level departmental heads and members of social organizations.

First, the Secretary-1 and party attended the opening of the three-storey main building of the Technological University (Lashio). On arrival at the 500-acre physic nut plantation of Lashio Station on Lashio-Hsenwi road, Lt-Col Kyi Shwin of the station reported on cultivation of 600,000 physic nut plants on 500 acres of land beginning 3 September 2006, 75 percent thriving the plantation and 20 per cent bearing of fruit; Commander Maj-Gen Aung Than Htut on production and use of cow dung fertilizer.

The Secretary-1 and party visited the bio-diesel plant of Hnin Hnin Khaing Co Ltd. The commander reported on production of bio-diesel from physic nut. The Secretary-1 inspected production process.

The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to No 1 highland farm of 1000 acres. The commander reported on annual cultivation of high yield Hsinshweli paddy strains in accord with the guidance of the Head of State, triple cropping by use of water from Humon dam, arrangements for growing edible oil crops and the deputy commander on reclamation of highland farm and distribution of Hsinshweli paddy strains. In response, the Secretary-1 stressed the need for self-supply of Hsinshweli paddy strains in own region, establishment of highland farm to protect the natural environment and extended cultivation of crops to generate more income for farmers.

The Secretary-1 inspected Hsinshweli hybrid strain paddy seeds, and plantations of tapioca, poppy-substitute coffee, rubber, and Hsinshweli paddy.

He also inspected thriving physic nut and vegetables plantations of the North-East Command.

The Secretary-1 and party arrived at Mandalay at 12.50 pm. They were welcomed at Mandalay International Airport by SPDC Member Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, Mandalay Division PDC Chairman Central Command Commander Maj-Gen Khin Zaw, Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Phone Zaw Han, senior military officers and departmental officials.

Yesterday morning, the Secretary-1 together with Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Maj-Gen Khin Zaw, Mandalay City Development Committee Chairman Brig-Gen Phone Zaw Han attended the opening of the Special Refresher Course No 9 for Faculty Members of the Central Institute of Civil Service (Upper Myanmar) held at Yadana Hall of the institute in PyinOoLwin Township, Mandalay Division.

He visited Yadanabon Myothit Housing Project in PyinOoLwin Township. Chairman of the Supervisory Committee for the project Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw reported on the programme for building Yadanabon Myothit as an IT based town on a 10,000-acre land near mile post 27/0 of Mandalay-PyinOoLwin Road, work progress in implementing the guidance of the Head of State, construction of teleport main building and incubation building using a 2200-acre land for software and a 2200-acre land for hardware as the first stage, and implementation of the tasks by respective committees for supply of clean water and electric power, building roads, measures being taken for completion of phases on schedule, and work progress of greening the project area.

Director-General U Aung Win of the Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development reported on the use of 10,000 acres for the project; Acting Director-General of the Irrigation Department U Khin Zaw, on prospects for supply of water from Sitha supporting dam, Hsinlan, Twinnge, Pyinhsa, Pwegauk and Dattawchai dams; and Deputy Chief Engineer U Myint Oo of the Development Affairs Department, on arrangements for laying water pipelines for supply of water from water resources for the new town.

Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and Project Engineer U Khin Maung Htay reported on arrangements for establishment of water treatment system. Managing Director of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise Dr San Oo reported on supply of power to Yadanabon Myothit from Shwesayan and Bellin sub-power stations. Minister for Electric Power No 1 Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint gave a supplementary report.

Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thein Aung reported on reservoir and dams and conservation of catchment areas and Managing Director of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications U Tha Oo on installation of communication equipment.

U Teza of Htoo Trading Co Group and officials of Russian Federation-based CBOSS Co, Alcatel Shanghai Bell Co Ltd and Myanmar Daewoo Co reported on works undertaken.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions on immediate implementation of the guidance given by the Head of State during his inspection tour of Yadanabon Myothit Construction Project, priority tasks and completion of the project in time.

The Secretary-1 cordially greeted local and foreign IT experts and viewed the project.

He inspected construction of Teleport main building, incubation structure and concrete roads. The Secretary-1 and party went to 300-bed hospital in PyinOoLwin where they were welcomed by Director-General of Health Department Dr Tin Win Maung and staff.

The Secretary-1 met officials at the hospital and fulfilled the requirements. He gave instructions on implementation of the guidance by the Head of State and health care for local people.

He also inspected construction of new wards. They arrived back here in the evening.

Joint Secretary-General of USDA Minister for Electric Power No 1 Col Zaw Min and member of the Secretariat Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw met EC members of State, District and Township USDAs in Lashio on 1 July. They discussed USDA participation in community welfare service and regional development tasks and carrying out the tasks for realization of aims and work programmes of the association.

Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspects Pyaunghlyo Hydropower Project in Nawnghkio Township

Nay Pyi Taw, 3 July - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Kyaw Win of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Aung Than Htut and officials, met with officials concerned of Pyaunghlyo Hydropower Project being implemented by Hydropower Project Implementation Department and Colenco Power Engineering Co near Nawnghkio Township on 2 July morning.

At the briefing hall, Director U Myint Zaw of HPID reported on salient points of the project including the site chosen and Commander Maj-Gen Aung Than Htut gave a supplementary report.

In response to the report, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win stressed the need for officials to speedily implement the hydropower project in order to satisfy the power demand and try their utmost for timely completion of the project.

Next, Lt-Gen Kaw Win looked into Dokhtawady River on which the project will be implemented and gave necessary instructions.

The project is situated 29 miles and two furlongs south of Nawnghkio, and upon completion, it will be able to generate electricity ranging from 60 to 300 megawatts.

After that, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and party inspected the construction of Nawnghkio-Taungkhin-Kyaukgu-Intaw road and Dokhtawady Bridge.

At the Dokhtawady Hall, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win met with families of Taungkhin Station and presented exercise books, stationery and clothes to them.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and party proceeded to Sammase sugar mill and Ethanol plant construction project near Sammase Village, Nawnghkio Township and heard a report on the project and growing of sugarcane.

Lt-Gen Kyaw Win gave instructions on speedy implementation of the project and producing fertilizer out of waste of the plant.

Later, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and party met with those from Road Construction Special Group-1 and heard a report on progress of work.

After hearing the report, he spoke of the need for officials to implement the project with goodwill and ensure timely completion of the task.

Graduation ceremony of course No 6 of Nationalities Youth Resource Development Degree College (Mandalay) held in Amarapura Steps being taken for creating education opportunity for children in border areas

Yangon, 3 July - The graduation ceremony of course No 6 of Nationalities Youth Resource Development Degree College (Mandalay) was held at the college of Education and Training Department of the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs in Amarapura Township on 2 July.

On behalf of Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Progress Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt delivered a speech.

Present were the directors-general of departments under the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, the principal of Nationalities Youth Resource Development Degree College (Mandalay), professors, students and their parents.

On behalf of the Secretary-1, Minister Col Thein Nyunt said the Nationalities Youth Resource Development Degree College (Mandalay) was established with the aims of turning out human resources needed in border areas and producing highly-qualified intellectuals and intelligentsia who can bring about regional development under the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe. It was the sixth convocation of the college (Mandalay).

He said the government has laid down national develop-ment projects system-atically and is imple-menting them for narrowing the develop-ment gap in the regions.

Therefore, in the time of the Tatmadaw Government projects for development of border areas and national races have been laid down and are being implemented, while work is under way for further fostering national solidarity, he said.

He quoted the address of the Chairman of Central Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council at the Central Committee's Meeting 1/2007 held in March as saying that priority was being given to construction work to narrow development gap between border areas and plain regions; that as efforts were being made with the noble aim of bringing about equitable development the length and breadth of the nation tasks for development of border areas and national races were meeting with success, thereby contributing to strengthening national solidarity.

He said steps are being taken for creating education opportunity for children in border areas as part of projects for development of border areas. This is done with the aim of enabling local people to have easy access to education and of widening their scope of knowledge.

Moreover, 27 national race youths development training schools were opened for children in border areas to have access to free education. Beginning 2000, two nationalities youths resource development degree colleges were opened in Yangon and Mandalay to produce intellectuals and technocrats capable of maintaining the momentum of the already-achieved development.

At present, altogether 574 graduate national races are serving national interest as service personnel at development and administrative bodies of their own regions.

Now, the entire national people are engaged in nation-building endeavours hand in hand with the government. As a result, there prevails peace and tranquillity across the nation including border areas. In the meantime, economic and social foundations of the State are improving year after year and the people are enjoying the fruits of such development all the more.

In conclusion, he stressed the need for the graduates to make relentless efforts for development of the regions to which they are assigned and improvement of education, health, economic and social standards of local people, while engaged in bringing about equitable development throughout the nation and perpetuation of the Union.

Next, the minister presented medals and certificates of honour to Maung Nyi Nyi Lwin of Loikaw, Kayah State who won the best performance award in arts subject, Maung Ya Htay of Homalin Township in Sagaing Division who won the best performance award in science subject and Maung Sai Naing Min Htet of Momeik Township in Shan State (North) who won the best performance award in engineering.

After the ceremony, the minister cordially greeted the principal, teachers, students and their parents. Next, he posed for documentary photos together with the newly-graduated students.

Those who graduated from Nationalities Youth Resource Development Degree College for 2006-2007 were 53 B.A degree holders, 49 B.Sc degree holders, and 18 AGTI diploma holders totalling 120.

Yangon, 4 July - Lt-Gen Myint Swe of Ministry of Defence inspected jade lots of the preview of 2007 Jade, Gem and Pearl Special Sales at Myanmar Convention Center on Mindhamma Road, Mayangon Township here this evening.

Lt-Gen Myint Swe was welcomed by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win, Patrons of the Central Committee Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Vice-Chairman Col Kyaw Kyaw Win, Secretary Managing Director of Myanma Gems Enterprise U Thein Swe, members of Central Committee and officials.

First, Lt-Gen Myint Swe looked into jade and jade lots of high quality and polished jade. Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and officials explained the facts about the sale.

Next, at the meeting hall, Patrons of the Central Committee Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint Chairman of YCDC Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin and Managing Director U Thein Swe reported on the agendas for the sale. Lt-Gen Myint Swe then gave instructions.

Expatriates, terrorist insurgents trying to commit destructive acts with intention of disturbing, jeopardizing soon-to-be-resumed National Convention Authorities concerned urge people to watch constantly and expose terrorists

Nay Pyi Taw, 3 July - The ABSDF (Central) a terrorist insurgent group opposing the nation through armed struggle line has been running terrorism courses at the border with the other country. Of all the trainees, 10 from DAB, and two from ABSDF who have completed small weapons course have been sent into Myanmar to commit terrorist acts inside the nation.

According to the information received, five terrorists whose leader is not yet known have been sent to Yangon, the group led by Ohn Chit to Pyu on 6 June, and group led by Nan Devi Kyaw to Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay via Bago on 9 June.

Nan Devi Kyaw is about 30 years old and about five feet six inches tall and slim and has brown complexion. Kyaw Moe Lwin of DAB, another terrorist, concealed US-made hand grenades in beer card boxes and secretly transported the explosives into the nation through Measot-Myawady road.

Those terrorist are making contacts with some persons of the anti-government bands inside the country that are launching various campaigns and activities and holding talks in assorted forms with the intention of endangering national peace and stability and the rule of law just to create opportunities for committing terrorist acts.

Internal and external terrorists are trying to commit destructive acts inside the nation with the intention of causing public death, injury and alarm, jeopardizing national peace and stability, gaining right for anti-government groups including NLD to participate in the National Convention that will be resumed soon, demanding to free so-called politicians serving prison terms for the offences including U Khun Tun Oo of SNLD and pressing government to accept the so-called tripartite dialogue for national reconciliation if their demands for taking part in the Convention are not met.

The government, the people and the Tatmadaw should join hands to crush all internal and external destructive elements to safeguard the sound foundations of peace, stability, development and modernization and high hopes for democracy transition against destruction. Authorities concerned urge the people to be vigilant and expose terrorists trying to enter their profession, trade and communities disguised in various forms and to send information about them in time.

Yangon, 3 July - Members of the Mawlamyinegyun Township National League for Democracy U Kyi Win, U Tun Naing, U Aung Saw, U Than Aung, U Myint Aung, U Pho La Pyae, U Win Kyi, U Aung Nyein, U Pho Tae, U Than Win and U Hla Aung resigned from the NLD party on 25 June.

They sent their resignation letters to the NLD Headquarters and local authorities concerned. In the letters they sent to Mawlamyinegyun Township Multi-party General Election Subcommission, they said that the NLD party had not served the interests of the State and the people. The acts of the NLD party showed that NLD wanted the country to become a colony of big countries. Therefore, they no longer wanted to become members of the party and resigned from the party of their own accord they said.

Boosting production of agricultural produce and promotion of export items discussed

Yangon,2 July - The meeting on boosting production of agricultural produce and promotion of export items was held at the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Minye Kyawswa Street here yesterday.

Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein spoke on the occasion. He discussed the formation of committees for boosting production of rice and work done for export of agricultural surpluses.

President of the UMFCCI U Win Myint and those present took part in the discussions. Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo called for cooperation with departments concerned in the respective sectors.

Minister inspects No-2 auto factory (Htonebo) and farm equipment factory (Sinde)

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 July - Minister for Industry No 2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin and officials inspected No-2 auto factory (Htonebo) in Padaung Township on 30 June.

The minister gave instructions on meeting the target, production of the vehicles in accord with the set standard and production of Station Wagon at reasonable price and economy of electricity and oil.

On 1 July, the minister and party looked into farm equipment factory (Sinde). The factory General Manager briefed the minister on new agricultural implements.

Next, the minister oversaw installation of farm equipment, export of fly wheel housing and gave instructions.

Yangon, 3 July - Myanmar hosted preliminary coordination meeting of Steering Committee of the 33rd Asean Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) at the Sedona Hotel here today.

Chairman of AJBM Mr Toshitaka Hagiwarai of Japan, Joint-Chairman of AJBM of Mr Hj Shazali Bin Dato Sulaiman of Brunei made speeches.

Steering Committee members of Myanmar, Japan, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand and observers attended the meeting.

Afterwards, they visited Zaykaba Co Ltd and the Shwedagon Pagoda. Dr Khin Shwe hosted a dinner in honour of the guests at Karaweik Palace Hotel.

Nay Pyi Taw, 3 July-Books on Laws, Bylaws, Orders and Notifications 2006, Myanmar Laws 2006, and Volume-7, No 2 of Law Journal published by Attorney-General's Office have been in circulation since April 2007 at a price of K 1300 per copy, K 900 per copy and K 1200 per copy respectively.

Books on Laws, Bylaws, Orders and Notifications 1993, Law Offices Manual and Books on Laws and Bylaws on control of illegal money and properties have been reprinted and distributed at a price of K 1600 per copy, K 1400 per copy and K 1300 per copy.

The books are available at the bookshop of Attorney-General's Office (Nay Pyi Taw), the bookshop of Attorney-General's Office Branch (Yangon), Sarpay Beikman Bookshop, Inwa Bookshop and the bookshop of News and Periodicals Enterprise.