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ARCHIVES	Saturday, 3 November 2007	THE MYANMAR TIMES

State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe accepts credentials of Ambassador of Japan

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Nov- Mr Yasuaki Nogawa, newly accredited Ambassador of Japan to the Union of Myanmar presented his credentials to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, at Bayintnaung Yeiktha, here, at 10 am today.

Present on the occasion were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Thu and Director-General U Kyaw Kyaw of the Protocol Department.

Ceremony to clarify true situation in response to statement of UN Country Team held UN Country Team in Myanmar ignores achievements of education sector, emphasizes on old and outdated data Such kind of false expression may affect credibility of UN

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Nov- The United Nations (UN) Country Team in Myanmar issued a statement concerning Myanmar on 24th October, 2007.

The statement said that it is urgently needed to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country; and that although it acknowledged the efforts of Myanmar government to build schools, hospitals and roads, there were no fundamental rights of people.

Although Myanmar is fully cooperating with the United Nations, the statement of the UN Country Team tarnishes the image of Myanmar by feeding the international community with wrong information.

On 25 October, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar sent a letter to the UN Country Team in Yangon to strongly reject the unusual statement.

On 31 October, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs again sent a letter to UN Secretary-General's office to reject the unusual statement saying that the statement is not in conformity with the motto of UN Day 2007, that the facts on social standard, social, health and education sectors mentioned in the statement are not based on firm evidences or true data and thus it does not reflect the objective conditions of Myanmar.

Moreover, a ceremony to clarify the true situation in response to the statement of UN Country team in Myanmar was held at the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development here at 11.10 am today.

Present on the occasion were Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Attorney-General U Aye Maung, Deputy Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Col Thurein Zaw, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Thu, ambassadors, Charges d' Affaires ai, and diplomats, the UN Resident Coordinator and representatives of UN agencies, departmental heads, officials of social organizations and invited guests.

Minister U Soe Tha explained the situation concerning the statement issued by UN Country Team in Myanmar on 24 October.

The United Nations (UN) Country Team in Myanmar issued the Statement on the United Nations Day, 24th October, 2007.

The UN Country Team stated that many of fundamental rights such as achieving development, prosperity, peace, security and dignity are not yet a reality for the people in Myanmar and that the people struggle everyday to meet basic needs and the urgent necessity to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country.

The statement is one-sided and entirely ignores Myanmar's present development situation.

Regarding Myanmar's development, a Press Conference was held on 17th December 2006 and Myanmar social economic development was presented thoroughly at that Press Conference. The topics included economic growth, trade, investment, infrastructure development and development initiatives.

The Country's economic system was changed into market oriented system in 1988. Short-term economic plans were implemented commencing 1992-1993. During the plan periods, the country's economy increased by 1.3 times in the first four-year, 1.5 times in the second five-year and 1.8 times in the third five-year plans respectively.

In implementing the short-term four-year and five-year plans, the agriculture sector expanded by 1.3, 1.4 and 1.6 times, industry sector expanded by 1.6, 1.7 and 2.9 times and services sector also expanded by 1.3, 1.5 and 1.9 times respectively. The total sown area had increased to 50.9 million acres from 23.8 million acres showing an increase of 2.1 times. A total of 197 new dams and reservoirs were built during the last 18 years beginning 1988-89.

Per capita GDP had increased by 3 times in the first four-year plan, 3.7 times in the second five-year plan and 4.3 times in the third five-year plan. Per capita GDP was 295,774 kyats in the year 2006-2007.

The United Nations Country Team stated that Myanmar's estimated per capita GDP is less than half of that of Cambodia or Bangladesh. Myanmar is one of the countries in the transitional economy. She has not reached fully market economic system yet as well as not yet fully integrated into the world economy. The current foreign exchange rate does not represent a true exchange rate. Per capita GDP in dollar deriving from using market current exchange rate does not represent true per capita GDP.

The Integrated Household Living Condition Assessment Project was jointly implemented by UNDP and Myanmar in 2004. The survey result indicated that the proportion of people below the poverty line at the union level stood at 32%. The ADB Key indicators for 2007 shows the proportion of people below poverty line in Bangladesh is 40% in 2005, 34.7% in Cambodia in 2004 and 32.7% in Lao PDR in 2003. It can be observed that the proportion of people below poverty line in Myanmar is not much different from that of neighbouring countries. The survey result also indicated that Myanmar's poverty line for 2004 was 162,136 kyats, whereas the per capita GDP for the year 2004 was 167,202 kyats. Thereby, the per capita GDP was higher than the poverty line at that particular year.

The share of food expenditure in Myanmar is 68.2% of total expenditure and UN Country Team described 7% lower than the actual figure. In the year 2006-2007, the production of rice, meat, fish and prawn increased by 2.4, 5.6 and 4.2 times respectively than that of 1988.

In Myanmar, shelter is one of the basic needs. According to the survey results, 94.2% of population owns their dwellings and 99% of households have access to secure tenure.

The shares of expenditure for agricultural sector, processing and manufacturing sectors, construction sector and social sector are the highest in the total budget during the last six years. The expenditure for social sector increased yearly and spent at least 8% and above. The expenditure for the social sector increased between 30% to 60% every year. The share was 12.4% in the last year.

The expenditure for education sector increased between 40% to 65% every year and the health expenditure increased around 100 per cent every year in the last six years with the exception of the year 2005-2006.6.

As regards the education sector, the UN Country Team's statement has incorrectly presented the fact that the number of children who completed the basic education in Myanmar is less than 50% of total number of children.

The Ministry of Education has given official presentation on the efforts made for the upgrading of education sector as well as achievements in Myanmar in the Press Conference held early December 2006 in Nay Pyi Taw. However, the UN Country Team in Myanmar has ignored the achievements of education sector and emphasized on the old and outdated data. Such kind of false expression may affect the credibility of the United Nations.

In reality, the rate of students who have completed the primary education and attended the middle school has reached to 78.35% in 2006 from 45.6% in 1998. The Ministry of Education has launched the Thirty-Year Education Plan and six phases of 5-year programmes in order to upgrade the education sector in Myanmar.

The total number of high school in 2007 has increased to 190% comparing with that of the year 1988. Likewise the number of middle school increased by 53.8%, teachers increased by 49.3% and total students increased by 49.6%.

A total of 1,037 schools have been opened in the border areas and attended by more than 180,000 students. Students who have completed the primary education could be able to pursue middle school education through the expansion of post primary school every year, and a total of 6,200 post primary schools have already been opened up to 2007.

All School Age Children in School Programme has been launched throughout the country and as a result, school intake rate has reached to 98.01%. The literacy rate is 94.75%. Necessary measures have been taken to meet the international level of curricula and syllabuses of the basic education.

The statement issued by the UN Country Team disregarded the advancement of education sector and only pointed out incorrect figures on education sector. These facts have reflected that some of the UN agencies have been used by some big powers as against the host country.

The statement also mentioned that one in three children under five are suffering from malnutrition in the health sector.

The indicator in Myanmar, regarding, malnutrition of children under five year underweight decreased from 38.6% in 1997 to 35.3% in 2000 and 31.8% in 2003. In this regard, the trend is positive.

Malnutrition of under five children is not specific in Myanmar only but it is also prevalent in some Asian Countries with 45.2%, 40%and 28.4%.

The statement mentioned that seven hundred thousand people suffered from malaria each year in Myanmar. The malaria morbidity rate has decreased from 24.5 per 1,000 population to 9.7 per 1,000 population as compared to the last 18 years. Likewise, the malaria mortality rate has come down from 10.4 per 100,000 population to 2.9 per 100,000 population as compared to the last 18 years.

The UN Country Team also stated that one hundred and thirty thousand people suffer form Tuberculosis. In fact, the National Tuberculosis Programme has been implemented since 1994 and as a result Case Detection Rate (CDR) has increased from 33% in 1994 to 43% in 1998, 73% in 2003 and 86% in 2006 respectively. Similarly, Treatment Success Rate (TSR) has also increased from 78% in 1994 to 83% in 1998 and 85% in 2005. The UN Country Team has ignored the positive trend of the health indicators and pointed out the only dark side of the coin. The statement also mentioned that among patients with HIVpositive, an estimated sixty thousand people needing anti-retroviral do not yet have access to this life-saving treatment. In Myanmar, National AIDS programme has been launched and concerted efforts have been made in collaboration with the UN agencies, International NGOs as well as regional organizations.

According to the finding of the HIV/AIDS projection and demographic impact analysis workshop conducted in 2007, HIV prevalence in Myanmar has reduced from 0.94% in 2000 to 0.67% in 2007.

The statement portrayed that Myanmar has not taken any measures for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS, which is one sided view of UN Country Team.

In the UN ESCAP's publication titling A Future Within Reach which assesses the progress towards achieving MDG in the Asia and the Pacific region, Myanmar is shown as on track for malnourishment, reaching grade 5 and early achiever for water and sanitation.

Regarding peace and security, although Myanmar gained independence in 1948, because of the existence of insurgency, peace and stability could not be attained.

Presently 17 out of 18 armed groups have returned to the legal fold and Myanmar is now unprecedentedly having peace and security throughout the country.

The indicator measuring the poverty is poverty gap. According to the results from the integrated Household Surveys, Myanmar's poverty gap is just 0.07. ADB key indicators for 2007 shows the poverty gap in Cambodia is 3.6 (2004), 6.6 (2002) in Lao and 8.4 (2005) in Bangladesh. The UN Country Team's statement has highlighted the poverty and suffering in Myanmar. In reality, the poverty in Myanmar is not very different from the neighbouring developing countries and the suffering is not to the extent as exaggerated by the UN Country Team.

Secretary-1 attends dinner, ceremony to present certificates of honour to maestros, panel of judges National customs and character are to be handed down from generation to generation for the perpetuation of the country and the people

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Nov - A ceremony to present certificates of honour to the maestros and the panel of judges who supervised the 15th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions was held in conjunction with a dinner at City Hall here yesterday evening, attended by Patron of the Committee for Organizing Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo.

Also present on the occasion were members of the SPDC Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and Lt-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Leading Committee for Organizing the Competitions Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Maj-Gen Wai Lwin, the ministers, members of the leading committee, the auditor-general, the deputy ministers, the director-general of the office of the State Peace and Development Council, departmental heads, chairmen and members of the work committee for organizing the competitions, the sub-committee members, the judges, the supervisors from states and divisions and cultural troupes. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo was welcomed by Commander Maj-Gen Wai Lwin, members of the Leading Committee, the chairman and members of the Work Committee at the City Hall here.

The Secretary-1 delivered an address saying that with the lofty aims Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Com-petitions have been held every year. In doing so, the quality and essence of Myanmar culture can be promoted owing to the concerted efforts of the maestros. Furthermore, the competitions have gained momentum and success because of the promotion of the quality and extension of categories of the competitions.

It is a noble custom that the dinner is held in honour of the maestros yearly. Led by the maestros the contestants across the nation have competed in all levels of competition and it reflects the capability of preservation and promotion of culture and traditions.

Our nation has a fine tradition that Myanmar traditional culture has been promoted and propagated in the successive periods. Although there has been interrelation between Myanmar culture and that of neighbouring countries, we have safeguarded our traditions and culture by promoting them. It shows the strength of culture and nationalistic spirit of the maestros.

At present, the government is committed to promotion of national culture as a national duty and encouraged the capability and cultural skill of the maestros. Nowadays, the influence of alien culture is gaining momentum through modern communication technologies and the relationship with the world nations. It is found that some are attempting to culturally and spiritually expand influence on the developing nations including Myanmar with the help of advanced information and communication technology. Therefore, the developing countries are engaging in the task for preservation and promotion of their traditional culture.

While preserving the cultural heritage of the nation, national customs and character are to be handed down from generation to generation for the perpetuation of the country and the people.

On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the artistes for their relentless efforts for preserving and safeguarding the national cultural heritage and for promotion of traditional cultural arts.

I would like to request artistes to make efforts for turning out a new generation who can preserve and promote the traditional cultural heritage.

To flourish the traditional cultural heritage which has been preserved for successive eras, it is important to nurture the culture without harming its original essence.

In conclusion, I would like to urge all of you to make efforts for success of traditional cultural performing arts competitions in the coming years. May all of you blessed with good health and peace of mind.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo presented certificates of honour to artistes aged 70 and above. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than presented certificates of honour to members of panel of judges for singing contests, dancing contests and song composing contests.

Next, Lt-Gen Maung Bo presented certificates of honour to judges for contests of playing musical instrument and to masters of ceremonies.

On behalf of artistes and judges, U Min Naung, a judge for the modern/oldies song contest, spoke words of thanks.

Afterwards, those present were entertained with songs and dances. Next, the dinner was held in honour of artistes and judges. After the dinner, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo cordially greeted the artistes and members of panel of judges.

Prizes awarded to winners in 15th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Nov - A ceremony to award prizes to winners in the 15th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions was held at City Hall, here, yesterday, attended by Patron of the Organizing the 15th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo.

Also present on the occasion were Members of the SPDC Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and Lt-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of the Leading Committee for Organizing the Competitions Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Maj-Gen Wai Lwin and wife, ministers and their wives, the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, the Auditor-General, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, senior military officers, deputy ministers, the Deputy Auditor-General, members of CSSTB, directors-general of SPDC Office and departments concerned, members of the Leading Committee, chairmen and members of the Work Committee and subcommittees, rectors of University of Agriculture, University of Veterinary Science and University of Forestry, members of social organizations and panel of judges, supervisors, contestants, prize winners and national race cultural groups.

U Hla Win, Daw Thida Swe and Daw Kay Khaing Swe of Myanma Radio and Television acted as MC.

First, Patron of the Organizing the Competitions Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo delivered an address.

Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun presented first and second prizes to Maung Wai Phyo Naing of Rakhine State and U Chan Tha of Mon State in the amateur level (first class) men's harp contest; first second and third prizes to U San Ko Lay of Bago Division, U Myo Thant of Ayeyawady Division and U Khin Maung Hsan of Mon State in the amateur level (second class) men's harp contest respectively; prizes to Maung Than Tun Aung of Mon State who stood first in the higher education level men's harp contest, Maung Myo Thu of Mandalay Division, second and Maung Zaw Zaw Aung of Rakhine State, third; prizes to Maung Naing Lin Thu who stood first in the basic education level (15-20 age group) boys' harp contest, Maung Aung Naing Soe of Ayeyawady Division, second and Maung Kan Oo Aung of Bago Division, third; first, second and third prizes to Maung Lwin Wai Yan Aung of Bago Division, Maung Gaday Kyaw of Ayeyawady Division and Maung Theik Chit Aung of Mandalay Division in the basic education level (10-15 age group) boys' harp contest; and the first prize to Maung Waing Lamin Aung of Yangon Division, the second prize to Maung Kyi Lin of Ayeyawady Division and Maung Nay Lin Oo of Magway Division in the (5-10 age group) boys' harp contest.

The minister also gave prizes to Ma Khin Swe Mya Nyunt of Mandalay Division and Daw Zar Zar Aye of Mandalay Division who stood first and second in the amateur level (first class) women's harp contest; the first prize to Ma Tin Nilar Win of Ayeyawady Division, the second prize to Daw Khin Aye Mon of Yangon Division and the third prizes to Daw Win Theingi Kyaw of Mandalay Division and Daw Htaw Nan Phaw of Rakhine State in the amateur level (second class) women's harp contest; first and second prizes to Ma Khin Moe Hein of Kayin State and Ma Gwa Sar (a) Ei Ei Mon of Ayeyawady Division in the higher education level (women's) harp contest; the first prize to Ma Hsu Yi Ko Ko of Yangon Division in the basic education level (15-20 age group) girls' harp contest; the first prize to Ma Yadana Su of Mandalay Division, the second prize to Ma Wint Htet Khin of Yangon Division, the third prize to Ma Khaing Zar Mon of Ayeyawady Division and the special prize to Ma Thè Nu Aye of Kayin State in the basic education level (10-15 age group) girls' harp contest; and prizes to Ma Paing Theint Theint Nwe of Yangon Division who stood first in the basic education level (5-10 age group) girls' harp contest, Ma Chu Thinza Theint of Taninthayi Division, second and Ma Cherry Lin of Mandalay Division, third.

Minister for Electric Power No 2 Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint handed prizes to U Hla Than (a) Sein Wan Tin of Yangon Division who stood first in the amateur level (first class) men's xylophone contest, Maung Kaung Thant of Mandalay Division, second and U Kaung Hset of Yangon Division, third; first, second and third prizes to U Tin Maung of Bago Division, Myan-marpyi Moe Hlyan of Mon State and Maung Aung Bo Min of Yangon Division in the amateur level (second class) men's xylophone contest re-spectively; first, second and third prizes to Maung Myo Thant of Ayeyawady Division, Maung Myo Thu of Mandalay Division and Maung Ye Min Han of Yangon Division in the higher education level (men's) xylophone contest respectively; the first prize to Maung Zaw Min (a) Po La Pyae of Yangon Division, the second prize to Maung Nay Lin Aung (a) Sein Bo Tu of Mandalay Division and third prize to Maung Phyo Hlyan of Mon State in the basic education level (15-20 age group) boys' xylophone contest; first, second and third prizes to Maung Wai Yan Maung Maung of Yangon Division, Maung Aung Ko Ko of Magway Division and Maung Zaw Tint Lin of Taninthayi Division in the (10-15 age group) boys' xylophone contest respectively; prizes to Maung Hla Myo Ko of Bago Division and Maung Min Min Zaw of Ayeyawady Division who stood firsts in the basic education level (5-10 age group) boys' xylophone contest, Maung Htin Lin Htway of Mon State, second and Maung Saw Paing of Yangon Division, third; first, second third prizes to Daw Khin Khin Myint of Rakhine State, Daw Khaing Zar Win of Yangon Division and Daw Win Thanda Aung of Bago Division in the amateur level (first class) women's xylophone contest respectively; the first prize to Doh Bo Hla (a) Aye Thanda Lwin of Mandalay Division, the second prize to Ma Hsu Myat Naing (a) Phyu Sin Phway of Mandalay Division and the third prize to Ma Lwin Lwin Cho Tun of Ayeyawady Division in the amateur level (second class) women's xylophone contest; first, second and third prizes to Ma Tin Zar Aye Lwin of Yangon Division, Ma Sein Moe of Bago Division and Ma Aye Su Mar of Mon State in the higher education level (women's) xylophone contest respectively; prizes to Ma Aye Nyein Thu of Mandalay Division who stood first in the basic education level (15-20 age group) girls' xylophone contest, Ma Kay Zin Chit Hsu of Yangon Division, second and Ma Yadana Lin of Yangon Division, third; the first prize to Ma May Thu Win of Yangon Division, Ma Zarni Nan Lwin of Yangon Division and Ma Aye Chan Moe of Sagaing Division and the special prize to Ma Swé Nwe Nwe Win of Kachin State in the (10-15 age group) girls' xylophone contest; and first, second and third prizes to Ma Thin Yadana Aung of Kachin State, Ma Thin Nanda Eint of Mandalay Division and Ma Ei Thanda Khin of Ayeyawady Division in the (5-10 age group) girls' xylophone contest respectively.

Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and for Immigration and Popu-lation Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe awarded prizes to U Maung Soe Thein of Rakhine State who stood first in the amateur level (first class) men's piano contest, U Myint Aung of Ayeyawady Division, second and U Tint Naing of Yangon Division, third; first, second and third prizes to Maung Zaw Min Oo of Yangon Division, Maung Pa Zaw Hein of Yangon Division and Maung Thant Zin Htwe of Mandalay Division in the amateur level (second class) men's piano contest respectively; Maung Ye Min Han of Yangon Division, Maung Thet Aung of Rakhine State and Maung Aung Min Thu of Yangon Division in the higher education level men's piano contest respectively; Maung Hein Htoo Zaw of Yangon Division, Maung Kaung Hset Lu of Mandalay Division and Maung Thein Bo Bo of Sagaing Division in the basic education level (15-20 age group) boys' piano contest respectively; Maung Aung Ko Ko Hla of Yangon Division, Maung Aung Si Min Htet of Yangon Division and Maung Htet Naing Win of Rakhine State and the special prize to Maung Lar Paw of Kachin State in the basic education level (10-15 age group) boys' piano contest respectively; and first prizes to Maung Thura Aung Myat Min San of Mandalay Division and Maung Swan Htet of Mandalay Division, the second prize to Maung Ko Ko Aung of Yangon Division, the third prize to Maung Waing Lamin Aung of Yangon Division and the special prize to Maung Sai Khay Hlyam of Shan State in the basic education level (5-10 age group) boys' piano contest.

The minister also presented prizes to Daw Tin Sanda Win of Bago Division who stood first in the amateur level (first class) women's piano contest, Daw Lwin Mie Tun of Mandalay Division, second and Daw Khin Swe Mya Kyi of Mandalay Division, third; Daw Hnin Ei Phyu of Ayeyawady Division who secured first prize in the amateur level (second class) women's piano contest, Daw Khin San Hlaing of Yangon Division, the second prize, and Daw Aye Thida Hlaing of Yangon Division, the third prize; first, second and third prizes to Ma Nay Yi Aung of Mandalay Division, Ma Thi Thi Zin of Shan State and Ma Tin Zar Aye Lwin of Yangon Division in the higher education level women's piano contest; prizes to Ma Chan Myae Thu of Mandalay Division who stood first in the basic education level (15-20 age group) girls' piano contest, Ma Hnin Aye Wai of Yangon Division, second and Ma Nyein Aye Thu of Mandalay Division, third; the first prize to Ma Wut Yi Shun of Yangon Division, the second prize to Ma Yadana Oo of Mandalay Division, third prizes to Ma Hnin Htet Aye of Yangon Division and Ma Jaw Hsai Zin of Kachin State in the basic education level (10-15 age group) girls' piano contest; and first, second and third prizes to Ma Htet Htet Win Pyone Ei of Mandalay Division, Ma Than Thar Oo Wai of Mandalay Division and Ma Khaing Htet Htet Lin of Ayeyawady Division and the special prize to Ma J Khong Hsai Mai of Kachin State in the basic education level (5-10 age group) girls' piano contest.

Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt gave prizes to U Khin Maung Win of Yangon Division who secured the first prize in the amateur level (first class) men's Myanmar guitar contest; U Khin Maung Than of Bago Division, the second prize, and U Myint Kyi of Yangon Division, the third prize; first, second, third and special prizes to U Hla Myint of Yangon Division, U Tin Shwe of Mon State, U Kyaw Myint of Rakhine State and U Saw Min Lwin of Kayin State in the amateur level (second class) men's Myanmar guitar contest; first prizes to Maung Chan Hein Aung of Yangon Division and Maung Phyo Min Zaw of Kachin State, the second prize to Maung Aung Naing Soe of Ayeyawady Division and the third prize to Maung Thura of Kayin State in the basic education level (15-20 age group) boys' Myanmar guitar contest; first, second and third prizes to Maung Htet Ko Ko Lin of Yangon Division, Maung Min Htut of Yangon Division and Maung Nan Tein Yan Tun of Bago Division in basic education level (10-15 age group) boys' Myanmar guitar contest respectively; Maung Waing Lamin Aung of Yangon Division, Maung Sithu Tun of Yangon Division and Maung Myo Naing Oo of Mandalay Division in basic education level (5-10 age group) boys' Myanmar guitar contest respectively; prizes to Daw Khaing Khaing Myint of Bago Division and Daw Ohnma of Ayeyawady Division who secured the first and second prizes in the amateur level (first class) women's Myanmar guitar contest; first, second and third prizes to Ma Nwe Zin Win of Yangon Division, Daw Ywet Nu Khaing of Yangon Division and Ma Lwin Lwin Cho Tun of Ayeyawady Division in amateur level (second class) women's Myanmar guitar contest re-spectively; the first prize to Ma Phyo Phyo Lin of Bago Division and the second prize to Ma Aye Myat Thu of Yangon Division in the basic education level (15-20 age group) girls' Myanmar guitar contest respectively; second prizes to Ma May Myat Tin of Ayeyawady Division and Ma Po Ei Kyi Thu Hsan of Yangon Division in the basic education level (10-15 age group) girls' Myanmar guitar contest respectively; and first and second prizes to Ma May Aye Aye Chan (a) Kyar Lay Sein of Yangon Division and Ma Thet Htar Wai of Yangon Division in the basic education level (5-10 age group) girls' Myanmar guitar contest respectively.

Minister for Education Dr Chan Nyein gave prizes to U San Htwe of Rakhine State and U Kyi Shwe of Yangon Division who stood firsts in the amateur level (first class) men's mandolin contest, U Min Zaw of Bago Division, second, and U Tin Win of Yangon Division, third; first, second and third prizes to Maung Maung Lwin (a) Pauk Khaung Maung Maung Lay of Yangon Division, U Ko Ko Win of Bago Division and U Tun Naing Oo (a) Phaung Phaung of Yangon Division in the amateur level (second class) men's mandolin contest respectively; the first prize to Maung Nyi Nyi Lwin of Yangon Division, Maung Zaw Zaw Aung of Rakhine State and Maung Nyan Wint Aung of Mandalay Division in the higher education level men's mandolin contest; first, second and third prizes to Maung Aung Naing Win of Rakhine State, Maung Ye Win Aung of Bago Division and Maung Thet Aung Soe of Ayeyawady Division in the basic education level (15-20 age group) boys' mandolin contest respectively; Maung Toe Toe of Yangon Division, Maung Chan Hein Aung of Yangon Division and Maung Htein Lin Aung of Mandalay Division in the basic education level (10-15 age group) boys' mandolin contest respectively; and first and second prizes to Maung Sithu Tun of Yangon Division and Maung Po Po Htet Aung of Ayeyawady Division in the basic education level (5-10 age group) boys' mandolin contest respectively.

Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min handed prizes to Daw Mya Hnin Yi of Yangon Division who stood first in the amateur level (first class) women's mandolin contest, Daw Ohnma Kyaw of Mandalay Division, second, and Daw Ohnma of Ayeyawady Division, third; first, second and third prizes to Daw Nan Thuza of Bago Division, Ma Nway Zin Win of Yangon Division and Ma Tin Zar Nway of Kachin State in the amateur level (second class) women's mandolin contest respectively; first and second prizes to Ma Aye Su Mar of Mon State and Ma Hsu Lè Yi Aung of Yangon Division in the higher education level (women's) mandolin contest respectively; first, second and third prizes to Ma Theint Theint Htwe of Bago Division, Ma Honey Wai Yan Tun of Ayeyawady Division and Ma Thaw Thaw Oo of Yangon Division in the basic education level (15-20 age group) girls' mandolin contest respectively; Ma Po Ei Kyi Thu San of Yangon Division and Ma May Myat Tin of Ayeyawady Division, Ma Le Yi Win of Bago Division and Ma Nang Khin May of Shan State in the basic education level (10-15 age group) girls' mandolin contest respectively; and first and second prizes to Ma Khin Pyae Son Aung of Yangon Division and Ma Thet Htar Wai of Yangon Division in the basic education level (5-10 age group) girls' mandolin contest respectively.

(The programme of presenting prizes to the winners from donmin, oboe, violin, Ozi, Dobat and orchestra solo and troupe contests will be reported on 4 November issue.)

Yangon, 2 Nov-Lt-Gen Myint Swe of Ministry of Defence inspected tax-free markets, here, this morning and gave necessary instructions to officials concerned.

At 6.30 pm, Lt-Gen Myint Swe of Ministry of Defence arrived at the tax-free market at the corner of Razadarit Road and Anawrahta Road in Ward 38 of Dagon Myothit (North) Township where he was welcomed by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win, Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, departmental officials, the chairman of Yangon East District PDC and officials.

Accompanied by the Commander and party, Lt-Gen Myint Swe visited tax-free markets in Dagon Myothit (North), Shwe-pyitha, Hlinethaya, San-gyong and Mayangon townships.

Officials reported on sales of goods at reasonable prices at the markets. After hearing the reports, Lt-Gen Myint Swe left necessary instructions.

People in Chin and Kachin States, Magway Division, Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay Division denounce recent protests

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Nov - The people of Falam, Haka, Matupi, Mindat, Kanpetlet, Reedkhodar, Rezwa and Kyikha of Chin State, Chipwe Township of Kachin State, Pauk Township of Magway Division and Nay Pyi Taw Tatkon Township, Nay Pyi Taw Lewe Township and Chanayethazan and Patheingyi Townships of Mandalay Division who favour stability of the nation, prevalence of law and order and peace and tranquillity regarded the protests instigated by some monks and NLD members as a threat to peace and stability.

On 23 October, over 16,000 people of Falam, over 7,800 people of Haka, about 13,500 people of Matupi, about 11,000 people of Mindat, over and 1,200 people of Kanpetlet walked in procession to denounce the recent protests in their respective regions, chanting slogans such as Our Three Main National Causes and the seven-step Road Map must be successful and holding placards that read We favour peace and stability', We oppose unrest and violence' and Beware of skyful liars RFA, VOA and BBC'. Similar processions were held in Reedkhodar with the participation of over 2,300 people on 24 October, in Rezwa with the participation of about 5,000 people and Kyikha with over 2,000 people on 25 October.

Likewise, over 7,000 people walked in procession in the urban area of Chipwe of Kachin State on 25 October. On 28 October, about 8,000 people participated in the ceremony to walk in procession in Pauk Township of Magway Division. In addition, over 27,000 people of Nay Pyi Taw Tatkon and over 35,000 people of Nay Pyi Taw Lewe walked in procession in the respective townships. Similar processions were organized in Chanaye-thazan Township of Mandalay Division with the participation of over 28,000 people and Patheingyi Township with over 15,000 people, chanting slogans and holding placards.

Yangon, 2 Nov - A ceremony to welcome a flight of Hong Kong Express Airways of Hong Kong Special Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China was held at Yangon International Airport, here, this morning.

Flight No UO 791 of Boeing 737-800 of Hong Kong Express Airways landed at the airport at 9.50 am.

Present at the ceremony were Director-General U Tun Hlaing of Department for Civil Aviation under the Ministry of Transport, officials from the departments under the ministries, staff of Hong Kong Express Airways and local and international airlines.

Hong Kong-Yangon-Hong Kong flight of Hong Kong Express Airways will fly twice a week on every Tuesday and Thursday.

The maiden flight landed here with 27 passengers and took off with 11 passengers.

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Nov-A coordination meeting took place at the Ministry of Culture here this afternoon to review the 15th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Art Com-petitions.

Chairman of the Leading Committee for the competitions Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Maj-Gen Wai Lwin in his speech said that the competitions have been completed successfully due to the contributions of officials from the work committee and subcommittees, doyen artistes and staff members of relevant departments towards the Leading Committee. He said he believed that in general, the competitions are deemed successful, however, the subcommittees and the work groups faced difficulties some way or another. The meeting was thus held.

He called on responsible persons at all levels to make sure that fashionable musical instruments can be used next competitions. He also urged them to review the subjects and hold discussions about the strengths and weaknesses of the competitions.

Vice-Chairman of the Leading Committee Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint delivered a speech.

The chairmen and officials of the committee and subcommittees reported on arrangements. The chairmen and officials of the work groups of respective subjects and representatives from the states and divisions submitted their findings.

The attendees held discussions and submitted general matters regarding the competitions.

Yangon, 2 Nov - Member U Ohn Ngwe of National League for Democracy of Nyaungbintha Village of Sagaing Township of Sagaing Division on 26 September, members U Yi, U Tin Win, U Thaung Shwe, U Kan Shein and U Khin Maung of Kyakhat Village on 2 October and U Khin Maung Lay of Tegyi Village on 10 October resigned from the NLD of their own accord, sending letters of resignation to the NLD Headquarters and local authorities.

In their letters sent to Sagaing Township Multi-party Democracy General Election Subcomission, they said that they no longer wished to stand as members of the NLD, and that is why they resigned from the NLD of their own volition.