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ARCHIVES	Sunday, 2 December 2007	THE MYANMAR TIMES

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Dec - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, on the occasion of the National Day of the United Arab Emirates, which falls on 2 December 2007.

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Dec - Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, on the occasion of the National Day of the United Arab Emirates, which falls on 2 December 2007.

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Dec - General Thein Sein, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, on the occasion of the National Day of the United Arab Emirates, which falls on 2 December 2007.

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Dec - On the occasion of the 32nd Anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, which falls on 2 December 2007, General Thein Sein, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Bouasone Bouphavanh, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Yangon, 1 Dec - The 3rd Plenary Meeting of the 6th 47-member State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee held the meeting at State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon) on Kaba Aye Hill, here, this morning.

Chairman of the SSMNC Magway Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Kumara presided over the meeting. Joint-Secretary Insein Ywama Pariyatti Monastery Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Tilokabhivamsa acted as MC.

The Chairman Sayadaw delivered an Ovadakatha. Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung supplicated on the religious affairs.

Joint-Secretary Sayadaw Agga Maha Ganthavaçaka Pandita Bhaddanta Indasiri and members of the Sangha submitted the report of the first branch of the SSMNC. The chairman and member Sayadaws discussed Viniççjaya affairs and religious matters.

Next, U Aung Myint and wife Daw Khin Phone Myint of University Avenue of Bahan Township offered meals to members of the Sangha.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo attends World AIDS Day 2007 In the fight against major diseases steps are being taken to control TB and malaria in addition to AIDS as a national duty

Nay Pyi Taw, 1 Dec-Jointly Organized by the Ministry of Health and UN agencies with the motto- Stop AIDS. Keep the promise. Reduce stigma and discrimination, all are human beings, a ceremony to mark World AIDS Day 2007 was held at the Ministry of Health, here, this morning with an address by Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo.

The Secretary-1 said that with the aim of working in concert for HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by departments, social organizations, people with HIV positive and the entire mass of people of the nation, the ceremony is observed from 1 to 7 December yearly and it has turned 20 years.

To raise HIV awareness among the public, the mottoes are designated yearly. This year's motto is Stop AIDS. Keep the promise. Reduce stigma and discrimination, all are human beings.

Under the leadership of the heads of the World nations, departments, social organizations, artistes, entrepreneurs and those with HIV infection are making relentless efforts for stepping up the work to control the AIDS, which has spread worldwide for two decades.

In the second part of this year's motto, the words Reduce stigma and discrimination, all are human beings? are being laid down for striving to provide care and support for HIV infected persons and their families without discrimination.

So far, about 33.2 million people have been suffering from AIDS in the world. During this year, 2.5 million people were infected with the disease and about 2.1 million people died. About 46 per cent of HIV positive persons are women. Most people aged between 15 and 49 years in the world have died of AIDS. The lifespan of the people in some nations has dropped.

As an epidemic in the world, AIDS has hampered not only the public health of a nation but social and economic development of the world nations. All world nations are giving priority to taking action on HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.

Therefore, the United Nations Millennium Development Goals cover the objectives to put an end to the spread of AIDS and to reduce the spread of the virulent disease in 2015.

In Myanmar, the government is taking systematic measures for uplift of health and fitness of the entire people, with the concept that the health and fitness of the people reflects the development of the nation and it is also a priceless resource for national development.

Moreover, arrangements are being made for each and every citizen to enjoy the public health care services as their social rights.

In the fight against major diseases steps are being taken to control TB and malaria in addition to AIDS as a national duty realizing that those diseases can pose a great danger to the public health.

In an effort to control AIDS the Central Committee for Control and Elimination of AIDS was formed in 1989 with the Ministry of Health, relevant ministries and social organizations at home and abroad. In the same way, the work committees at state, division. district and township levels were formed for successful realization of the task.

A Coordination Body comprising the ministries, UN agencies and social organizations at home and abroad was formed and possible steps are being taken for the control and treatment of AIDS, TB and malaria in Myanmar.

As part of the project for control of AIDS and syphilis efforts are being made for giving educative talks on AIDS, the cent per cent use of condoms in targeted groups in 170 townships and effective treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.

Work is well under way for preventing the spread of HIV among those who used drugs through injection and from mother to foetus at 37 hospitals and in 106 townships while preventing the spread of HIV through blood transfusion and introducing the safe blood transfusion.

With this end in view, efforts are being exerted in all aspects through comprehensive activities covering the educative talks on treatment aiming at changing the behaviours of targeted groups with a high incidence of AIDS, treatment of AIDS, TB and their complications and community-based health care services for HIV infected persons and AIDS victims.

In this regard, 13 strategies on preventive measures and rehabilitation are now being implemented in accordance with the National Strategic Plan (2006-2010) adopted collectively by the relevant ministries, local NGOs, UN agencies and community-based organizations.

Moreover, educative talks are being held and rehabilitation services carried out systematically in order that there is no the social stigma of infected people and those suffering AIDS.

As for the taking care of HIV/AIDS victims, measures are being taken to provide medical care, mental and social assistance, consultancy and educative talks, HIV diagnosis and anti-retro viral therapy.

In cooperation with social organizations such as the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation, Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Myanmar Red Cross Society, Myanmar Medical Association, and Myanmar Nurses Association, community-based disease prevention and health care services started in 2006 for AIDS, TB and the other chronic diseases.

Moreover, in cooperation with various ministries and social organizations, measures are being taken to give educative talks on STD and prevention of women against HIV and to provide medical care for the HIV/AIDS patients.

For ensuring development of living standards of the women, the government is providing vocational training courses to them to have abilities to carry out the tasks to increase income. Furthermore, tasks of the providing assistance for enhancement of education, health and social standards of the women, the prevention against human trafficking and the rehabilitation of human trafficking victims contribute to the control of HIV/AIDS.

The government is joining hands with local social organizations, UN agencies and international social organizations in combating HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, the government is actively taking part in implementing the ASEAN HIV/AIDS Control Plan, the HIV Prevention Plan in Mekong Region Countries and regional and central level plans of UN agencies.

Moreover, Myanmar is cooperating with neighbouring countries to combat the control of TB and HIV/AIDS as the special plan. In September, workshops on prevention against AIDS, TB, malaria and other infectious diseases along the Myanmar-Thai border were organized in Yangon and Tachilek. All-out efforts were made for gradual decline of HIV infection after the year 2000. According to the findings from the HIV/AIDS Projection and Impact Analysis Workshop organized by WHO and the government in September 2007, the infection rate of HIV declined from 0.94 per cent in the year 2000 to 0.67 per cent in 2007.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 said it is necessary to carry out tasks for the declining of HIV infection, providing effective treatment to HIV patients, rendering assistance to HIV victims and their families and minimizing the ill effects of AIDS. In addition, the Secretary-1 urged all the people to harmoniously participate in combating AIDS and performing rehabilitation task.

The Secretary-1 awarded prizes to the students who stood first in Central Level essay, painting and cartoon contests to mark World AIDS Day 2007.

Chairperson Mr Daniel B Baker of UN Theme Group on HIV/AIDS read the message of UNAIDS Executive Director Dr Peter Piot.

The Secretary-1 awarded first prizes to Ma Htet Yi Zaw of Nay Pyi Taw Tatkon BEHS No 1 in the high school level essay contest to mark the World AIDS Day, Maung Wai Yan Min Htet of Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana BEHS No 1 in the middle school level painting contest and Ma Kyi Seinn Lan of Nay Pyi Taw Tatkon BEHS in the primary school level cartoon contest.

Commander Maj-Gen Wai Lwin gave second prizes to Ma May Phu Kyaw of Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana BEHS No 1 in the high school level essay contest, Ma Yadana Oo of Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana BEHS No 1 in the middle school level painting contest and Maung Lay Thwin of Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana BEHS No 1 in the primary school level cartoon contest.

Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint presented third prizes to Ma Ma Hnin Pwint Wai of Nay Pyi Taw Lewe BEHS No 1 in the high school level essay contest, Ma May Mie Khin of Nay Pyi Taw Tatkon BEHS No 1 in the middle school level painting contest and Maung Htet Pyae Zaw of Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana BEHS No 1 in the primary school level cartoon contest.

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo and Chairperson Mr Daniel B Baker of UN Theme Group on HIV/AIDS presented consolation prizes to respective winners.

Nay Pyi Taw, 1 Dec - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Mandalay Division PDC Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Tin Ngwe and Chairman of Magway Division PDC Col Phone Maw Shwe, paid homage to the remains of Chairman of Magway Division Sangha Nayaka Committee Magway Maha Withutarama New Monastery Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Jotipala, age 86 and 66 vasa at the monastery in Magway on 29 November.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint donated K 300,000 and the commander, K 200,000 for the final rites of the Sayadaw.

At Myinkin River Water Pumping Project in Myinkin Village of Magway Township, they viewed pumping of water from Ayeyawady River to the canal.

Officials reported on supply of water to the farmlands, progress in implementing four more river-water pumping projects and matters related to Kyeeohn-Kyeewa, Upper Buywa, Buywa and Monechaung dam projects.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party viewed thriving 2-acre physic nut plantation and 104 Thitseint (Belleric myrobalan) near the river-water pumping station.

While in Magway, they also looked into physic nut plantations of departments concerned. They also inspected development of rural regions and agricultural matters along Magway-Yenangyoung-Chauk road.

After inspecting maintenance of Ayeyawady Bridge (Anawrahta) in Chauk, Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave instructions on durability of the bridge.

At the hall of Shwepon Hill Greening Project site in Chauk Township, Lt-Gen Ye Myint stressed the need to plant 5,000 acres of trees for greening Shwepon Hill region.

On 29 November, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and the commander met servicemen and family members of Magway Station and instructed them to carry out agriculture and livestock breeding on a manageable scale. They also met servicemen and family members of battalions in Yenangyoung and Chauk stations.

Nay Pyi Taw, 1 Dec - National Literary Award Scrutinizing Committee of the Ministry of Information today announced the list of the National Literary Award winners for 2006 today.

Kyi Naing won the National Literary Award in collected short stories genre, Myinmu Maung Naing Moe, in collected poems genre, Shin Htwe Yin (Manuttha), in Myanmar Culture and Fine Arts literature genre, Ma Sandar, in youth literature genre, Kyaw Win, in translation ( general knowledge) genre, Maung Paw Tun, in translation (aesthetics) genre, Kyaw Oo, in general knowledge (science) genre, Nay Myo Naing, in general knowledge (applied science) genre and Hmu Thamein, the political literary genre.

Among the 14 genres, novel, belles-lettres, child literature, general knowledge (art) and drama categories cannot be awarded.

Winners are to contact the Chief Editor of Sarpay Beikman at No 529-531 on Merchant Street (Tel: 240048, 381449) bringing together with one colour photo measuring 8 by 10 inches and one passport size photo each.

The prize presentation ceremony will be held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Information in Nay Pyi Taw on 23 December (Sunday).

Nay Pyi Taw, 1 Dec - National Literary Award Scrutinizing Committee of the Ministry of Information chose Daw Kyan (Ma Kyan) as the winner of Life-Long Literary Award. She has dedicated to the progress of Myanmar literature, said the committee.

She will be awarded at the prize presentation ceremony for National Literary Award and Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award for 2006 to be held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Information in Nay Pyi Taw at 2 pm on 23 December (Sunday).

Prize presentation for performance in crop production in Ayeyawady Division for 2006-2007 held

Nay Pyi Taw, 1 Dec - A prize presentation for performance in crop production in Aye-yawady Division for 2006-2007 was held at the city hall in Pathein on 28 November.

Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Kyaw Swe reported on the measures taken on agriculture, livestock breeding, education, health and regional development.

Next, member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence delivered an address.

He said the government has laid down political, economic and social objectives and implementing them for the emergence of a peaceful modern developed democratic nation and for progress of the entire economic life of the people. The government will continue to serve the interest of the people in the future.

He said Myanmar has a population of over 56 million and 70 per cent of them live in rural areas. The government is making efforts for better economic life of the people living in the rural areas as the majority of them are engaged in agriculture and business on forests.

He said the government is implementing the five rural development tasks and is making endeavours for development of Pathein, Hinthada and Maubin in Ayeyawady Division after designating 24 development regions for the national develop-ment.

He said officials concerned are to organize local farmers to apply modern techniques for extended cultivation of ten major crops.

He stressed the need for the officials to reach the targets set in all the townships in the division.

He also spoke on increase of production of paddy, beans and pulses, fish, prawn and poultry.

Nakathu, Konchaung and Ma Mya dams were opened in Hinthada District in accord with the guidance of the Head of State. Kanyin Dam and other river water pumping stations are now under construction.

He urged local authorities at different levels, departmental officials, social or-ganizations, entrepreneurs, farmers and local people to make concerted efforts for progress of socio-economic life of the people utilizing natural and human resources as Ayeyawady Division is the one on which the State relies.

Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than presented cash awards, shields and certificates to officials of Myaungmya for best performance on economic progress and outstanding students of the division at the 2007 matriculation examination.

Commander Brig-Gen Kyaw Swe presented cash awards, shields and certificates to officials for best performance in implementation of the projects.

Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Aung Myo Min presented cash awards and certificates to 20 distinction winners in the matriculation examination in 2007 and other outstanding students.

Next, officials presented prizes to the respective persons for their performance in various fields.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and Commander Brig-Gen Kyaw Swe and party inspected Kyunkon suspension Bridge construction on Pathein-Wakema Road and fulfilled the require-ments. The bridge is 500 feet long and 13 feet wide.

They also inspected construction of 270-foot reinforced concrete Thonkhwa Creek Bridge on Einme-Pantanaw Road.

Yangon, 1 Dec-The Myanmar Paddy Pro-ducers Association held the first annual general meeting at the office of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Min Ye Kyaw Swa Street in Lanmadaw Township, here, this afternoon.

Lt-Gen Myint Swe in his address said that the nation produces 25 metric tons of paddy a year and 10 per cent of the produce is wasted, calling for education talks to minimize loss and wastage of paddy.

It is needed to use high-yield strains, advanced agricultural methods, and chemical and natural fertilizers in combination, plough paddy fields in the right time, and boost production in order to achieve targeted per acre yield, he said.

In conclusion, he called for collaborative efforts to grow paddy extensively, help trans-form the nation from conventional agriculture to mechanized agriculture, and ensure stable prices of rice.

The report of the Central Executive Com-mittee and annual financial statement were approved with the consent of the members.Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win, Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Com-mittee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, Chairman of the association U Sein Win Hlaing and party viewed rice samples, Golden Deer Brand combine-harvesters produced by Good Brothers Co Ltd, Vietnam style Pioneer Brand paddy drier and agricultural implements, fertilizers and pesticides.

Nay Pyi Taw, 1 Dec - Maj-Gen Khin Zaw of the Ministry of Defence together with Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Chairman Western Command Commander Maj-Gen Maung Shein and officials viewed the green fields on both sides of Minpya-MraukU Road, development of the town and condition of the road by car yesterday morning.

Maj-Gen Khin Zaw, the commander and party visited and paid homage to Shitthaung also known as Yanaung Zeya Stupa and made cash donations. He next stressed the need for the responsible persons to maintain cultural heritage and religious edifices.

Maj-Gen Khin Zaw and party paid homage to the Maha Myat Muni Pagoda in Kyauktaw and offered Shwe Thingan to it. They then visited the 100-acre physic nut plantation of Kyauktaw Station and left instructions on making efforts for extended cultivation of physic nut. Maj-Gen Khin Zaw met with the officers and other ranks and their families of Kyauktaw Station at Nawarat Hall in Kyauktaw.

Afterwards, Maj-Gen Khin Zaw and party visited Pyaingchaung Dam in Kyauktaw Township and gave instructions on supply of irrigation water. The earthen dam can irrigate 500 acres of farmland and generate 40 to 60 kilowatts.

They also visited the two-acre plantation of Manawthukha paddy strain of U Maung Hla Thein and the two-acre plantation of edible oil crops of U Bo Thein Aung in Apaukwa Village. Maj-Gen Khin Zaw and party then inspected condition of the town, villages and roads along Kyauktaw-Sittway road and visited Thetaw construction site near Thetaw Village in Ponnagyun Township.

Later, they proceeded to Kyauktan Bridge in Sittway Township and inspected the bridge, which is 32 feet wide and 452 feet long. The bridge construction has been competed by 90%. Maj-Gen Khin Zaw and party next met with the families of Sittway Station at Bandoola Hall and called for their participation in regional development work.

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Dec - U Nyan Win, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Sheikh Abdallah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, on the occasion of the National Day of the United Arab Emirates, which falls on 2 December 2007.

Yangon, 1 Dec-Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Mogok Vipasana Association Missionary Sayadaw Bhaddanta Saddhamma Kittisara of Aung San Tawya TatU Monastery in Insein Township accompanied by disciple U Soe Aung left here by air to Singapore yesterday to deliver sermons there at the invitation of Mahamuni Buddhist Society (MBS) of Singapore and Earth Integration Co Ltd of Thailand.

Yangon, 1 Dec - The circulation ceremony of Standardized Sign Language Dictionaries Vols: I and II for the deaf published by Social Welfare Department of the Ministry of Social Welfare Relief and Resettlement was held at Mary Chapman School for the Deaf in Dagon Township this morning with an address by Minister for Social Welfare Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe.

Director-General U Sit Myaing of Social Welfare Department spoke words of thanks to those who took part in compilation of the dictionary and Principal Daw Khin San Yi of School for the Deaf in Mandalay explained the efforts of the department in collaboration with JICA to produce the dictionary. Later, the minister and the Director-General presented the books to the representatives of the Ministry of Education, the Archive and Library of the Social Welfare Department, Schools for the Deaf in Yangon and Mandalay, Dagon Township BEHS No (3), Japan International Cooperation Agency, Myanmar Disabled Persons Federation and wellwisher Mr Tanaka Toshihara.

After the ceremony, the minister and party viewed books and equipment for the deaf.

Yangon, 1 Dec - Myanmar Table-Tennis Team left here by air for Thailand to take part in the table-tennis event of XXIV SEA Games to be held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand this morning.

Myanmar Table-Tennis Team comprises President of MTTF U Kyaw Kyaw, Manager U Win Naing, Coaches U Ye Kyaw and Mr Pu Jin Chaung (China), athletes Thet Ko Ko Latt, Ye Aung Naing, Lin Zaw Oo, Sein Lin, Swe Swe Han, Aye Myat Thu, Thanda Aung and Nyo Nyo Myint also left for Thailand on the same flight.

Nay Pyi Taw, 1 Dec - The first round matches of the 46th Defence Services Commander-in-Chief's Trophy Football Tournament for 2007 went on today at designated zones.

In South West Command Zone (Pathein), Northern Command team and North East Command team ended in 3-3 draw. Nay Pyi Taw Command team beat No 33 LID team 2-1 in North West Command Zone (Monywa) and Coastal Region Command team defeated No 101 LID team 5-3 in Central Command Zone (Mandalay). No 99 LID team beat No 88 LID team 2-1 in Southern Command Zone (Toungoo).

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Dec - On the occasion of the 32nd Anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, which falls on 2 December 2007, U Nyan Win, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Dr Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Nay Pyi Taw, 1 Dec - The First Nay Pyi Taw Inter-Ministry Volleyball Tournament 2007 continued at the designated sports grounds, here, today.

Transport Ministry team edged out Ministry of Culture 3-0; Ministry of Electric Power No 1 beat Ministry of Religious Affairs 3-1; Ministry of Industry-1 won over Ministry of Forestry 3-0 and Ministry of Industry-2 defeated Ministry of Hotels and Tourism 3-1. The tournament continues tomorrow at the same venues.