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ARCHIVES	Monday, 3 December 2007	THE MYANMAR TIMES

Senior General Than Shwe welcomes back Prime Minister General Thein Sein on his return from Cambodia

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Dec - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe welcomed back Prime Minister General Thein Sein, who arrived back here after paying a goodwill visit to Cambodia at the invitation of Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, at Nay Pyi Taw Airport at 3 pm today.

Together with the Senior General were 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 the SPDC General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, Secretary-1 of the SPDC Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, members of the SPDC Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Lt-Gen Myint Hlaing of the Ministry of Defence, Military Affairs Security Chief Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Maj-Gen Wai Lwin, Deputy Minister for Transport Col Nyan Tun Aung, senior military officers, the director-general of the SPDC Office, departmental heads, the Charge d' Affaires ai of the Cambodian Embassy and officials.

Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Thein Swe, Director-General of Government Office Col Thant Shin, departmental heads and officials also arrived back on the same flight.

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Dec - The Myanmar Board of Examinations under the Ministry of Education issued an announcement today that the Matriculation Examination for 2008 will be held in March. Timetable of the examination is as follows:

Students are to sit the examination from 9 am to 12 noon daily for Myanmar on 10 March 2008 (Monday), for English on 11 March (Tuesday), for Mathematics on 12 March (Wednesday), for Chemistry on 13 March (Thursday), for Physics on 14 March ( Friday), for Biology/History on 15 March (Saturday), for Geography on 17 March (Monday), for Economics on 18 March (Tuesday) and for Optional Myanmar on 19 March (Wednesday).

Some Western countries putting pressure on Myanmar without having any sympathy Cambodia opposes imposition of economic sanctions on Myanmar and attempts to thrust Myanmar affairs into international spotlight

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Dec - Prime Minister General Thein Sein met Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen at Angkor Wat Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, at 4.30 pm on 30 November.

Together with Prime Minister General Thein Sein were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Thein Swe, Myanmar Ambassador to Cambodia Dr Aung Naing, Director-General of Government Office Col Thant Shin, Director-General of Political Department U Phae Thann Oo, Director-General of Protocol Department U Kyaw Kyaw and departmental heads. Together with the Cambodian Prime Minister were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mr HOR Namhong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers Mr Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister Mr Keo Puth Reasmey, Senior Minister and Minister of Environment Dr Mok Mareth, Senior Minister and Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Mr Veng Sereyvuth, Minister of Construction and of Transport Mr Sum Chanthol, Minister of Tourism Mr Thong Khon, Minister of Information Mr Khieu Kanharith, the Cambodian Ambassador to Myanmar and high ranking officers.

The Cambodian Prime Minister said: We warmly welcome your delegation and I am grateful to Myanmar for showing me great hospitality while I was on a goodwill visit.

Prime Minister General Thein Sein said: our goodwill visit to your country after we both had met at the ASEAN Summit recently has shown the depth of the friendship and mutual cooperation between the two countries. Our Head of State Senior General Than Shwe visited Cambodia in 1996 and 2002.

You visited our country four times during the period from 1997 to 2007 and your visits have expressed your genuine friendship towards Myanmar.

Exchange of visits between the leaders of the two countries will help ensure long-lasting friendly ties. We are grateful to Cambodia for her support for our country both in the international and regional arena. And we believe that your country will continue to support our country.

After briefing on developments of Myanmar, Prime Minister General Thein Sein said: As we have addressed our internal issues within our country, Myanmar is now peaceful and stable.

As an endeavour for democratization in Myanmar it is important to analyze the situation and prevailing conditions of the country. And it is impossible to transform democratic system hastily.

Myanmar is also taking measures for ensuring sound foundations necessary to transform the country into democratic system such as the rule of law, community peace and tranquillity, strong economy, and high education standards of the people.

It is necessary for the international community to support and encourage Myanmar if they wish our efforts for democratic transition to be successful.

Nonetheless, some Western countries, let alone encouraging our efforts, are putting pressure on the country without having any sympathy and consequently, the majority of the people have to be affected.

We express our thanks to you for your remark made at an economic forum during the ASEAN Summit in which you protested that economic sanctions against Myanmar can adversely affect the majority of the people.

The friendly ties between our two countries have been improving. We expect our good neighborly nations' understanding and support like Cambodia in order to resist the pressure and sanctions of the Western countries.

The Cambodian Prime Minister said: While our two countries are cooperating each other, we are also collaborating through such organizations as CLMV, ACMECS and ASEAN.

Cambodia opposes not only imposition of economic sanctions against Myanmar but also the attempts to thrust the Myanmar issue into the international spotlight. The situation of Myanmar can be best known by her people only. Cambodia opposes any act to encroach upon sovereignty of a nation.

Our nation did have bitter experiences. We had to overcome both internal strife and external pressures. There were internal armed insurgencies and the country experienced interference of some foreign nations. The Myanmar issue is only her internal affairs and it can be addressed only by herself.

Later, the two Prime Ministers discussed matters related to technological cooperation in agricultural sector, development of human resources, promotion of transport and tourism, establishment of direct flights between the two countries, more arrivals of tourists to tourist destinations in the two countries, improvement of cultural heritage, promotion of ecotourism, and promotion of mutual trade between the two countries.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo attends opening ceremony of Nay Pyi Taw Golf Course

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo attended the opening ceremony of the City Golf Course constructed by the Ministry for Progess of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs and the golf tournament in commemoration of the opening ceremony.

Also present on the occasion were SPDC members Lt-Gen Maung Bo and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Military Affairs Security Chief Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, the ministers, the Attorney-General, the Auditor-General, deputy ministers, senior military officers, the Director-General of the SPDC Office, departmental heads, the Secretary of Nay Pyi Taw Development Committee, members of committee and guests.

Minister for PBANRDA Mayor Col Thein Nyunt, Deputy Minister Col Tin Ngwe and Director-General U Myo Myint of the Development Affairs Department formally opened the golf resort.

At the golf tournament to mark the opening ceremony of the golf resort, the Secretary-1 teed off tracer ball.

Lt-Gen Maung Bo and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence and Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein also teed off tracer balls. The City Golf Resort in Nay Pyi Taw was constructed by the Ministry of Progess of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs. It is located between Chaungmagyi Dam and Ngalaik Creek. The 18-hole golf resort is 365 acres wide. One Club House, one driving range measuring 300 feet by 100 feet where 38 golfers can be accommodated, car parking, the half way shed, canteens and three bunkers include in the golf resort.

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Dec - Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Thein Sein, accompanied by ministers and departmental heads, left here by special flight to pay a goodwill visit to Cambodia at the invitation of Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and arrived at Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh of Cambodia at 10 am Cambodian Standard Time on 30 November.

Myanmar Am-bassador to Cambodia Dr Aung Naing and Director Mr Eat Seyla of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia welcomed the Prime Minister onboard the aircraft.

The Cambodian Prime Minister heartily welcomed Prime Minister General Thein Sein and party.

Prime Minister General Thein Sein cordially greeted Cambodian deputy prime ministers, senior ministers, ministers, Cambodian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Hul Phany and officials.

Next, the two Prime Ministers took the salute of the Guard of Honour. Meanwhile, the State Band played the national anthems of the two countries. Next, the two Prime Ministers inspected the Guard of Honour.

Prime Minister General Thein Sein greeted Cambodian high-ranking officials, ambassadors and Charges d'Affaires ai of foreign missions in Cambodia.

Myanmar Ambassador Dr Aung Naing and wife Daw Aye Mi, embassy staff and family members welcomed the Prime Minister. A Myanmar child presented a bouquet to the Prime Minister.

Next, Prime Minister General Thein Sein cordially greeted students and people of Cambodia who are waving miniature flags of the two countries.

The Myanmar goodwill delegation was welcomed at Phnom Penh International Airport with the signboard bearing Warmly Welcome Myanmar delegation in Cambodian and English languages.

Accompanied by Senior Minister and Minister of Environment Dr Mok Mareth and officials, the Myanmar delegation went to Independence Monument from the airport.

At the exit of the airport, local people and students welcomed the Myanmar delegation by waving miniature flags of the two countries. The Myanmar delegation was welcomed by hoisting of State flags of the two countries and the banner across the road.

On arrival at the Independence Monument, General Prohm Dan and officials of the Ministry of National Defence welcomed them.

Prime Minister General Thein Sein laid a wreath at the monument before proceeding to Hotel Inter-Continental.

Cambodian Prime Minister hosts dinner in honour of Prime Minister General Thein Sein and delegation members

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Dec - Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen hosted a dinner in honour of a goodwill delegation led by Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Thein Sein at Grand Ballroon of Hotel Inter-Continental in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 30 November.

The ministers, the Ambassador of Myanmar to Cambodia, the departmental officials of Myanmar delegation led by Prime Minister General Thein Sein and the Deputy Prime Ministers, the senior ministers, the ministers, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Combodian Armed Forces, the Cambodian Ambassador to Myanmar and officials concerned of Cambodia led by Cambodian Prime minister attended the dinner.

First, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen cordially greeted Prime Minister General Thein Sein,

The Prime Ministers of the two countries and members proposed a toast before dinner.

During and after the dinner, the cultural troupe of Cambodia performed traditional songs and dances to them.

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Dec - Prime Minister General Thein Sein of the Union of Myanmar called on Acting Head of State and President of the Senate of Cambodia Samdech Akka Moha Thamma Pothisal Chea Sim at the Senate in Phnom Penh at 3 pm on 30 November.

Also present at the meeting were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Thein Swe, Myanmar Ambassador to Cambodia Dr Aung Naing, Director-General of Government Office Col Thant Shin, Director-General of Political Departmet U Phae Thann Oo, Director-General of Protocol Department U Kyaw Kyaw and heads of departments, Senior Minister and Minister of Environment Dr Mok Mareth, Chairpersons of the Commissions of the Senate, Combodian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Hul Phany and high ranking officials.

At the meeting, Prime Minister General Thein Sein extended greetings and gave a brief account of latest developments in Myanmar, saying that there prevails stability and peace in Myanmar. The seven-step Road Map of the State is being implemented. Now the third step is being carried out. The Commission for Drafting State Constitution comprising 54 members will draw State Constitution. The National Convention has already adopted fundenmental principles and detailed basic principles to be enumerated in the State Constitution. The tasks are to be carried out systematically phase by phase. The capital of Myanmar was shifted from Yangon to Nay Pyi Taw two years ago. The capital-building endeavours are being undertaken. The buildings for the president and vice-president of the upcoming government are under construction and so are Hluttaw buildings. He said he would like to invite the President to pay a visit to Myanmar, if he finds time. He wishes the President and all citizens of Cambodia happy and healthy.

Next, the President of the Senate also said that Cambodia and Myanmar are very friendly nations. All Cambodian citizens and he wished all Myanmar citizens happy and healthy. He said he was gald to know that plans are under way for drafting State Constitution and that is a development move. He firmly believes that Myanmar's transition to democracy will be sucessful.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint looks into river water pumping projects in NyaungU, Myingyan Districts

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 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, Chairman of Magway Division PDC Col Phone Maw Shwe and departmental officials, on 30 November inspected river water pumping projects in NyaungU Township.

At the briefing hall, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party heard a report presented by Deputy Director of Water Resources Utilization Department U Win Hsan on work carried out for the projects and paddy cultivation in the township, 65 river water pumping stations already completed and 11 river water pumping stations under implementation in Mandalay Division.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave instructions on steps to be taken for cultivation of more crops by making use of river water and systematic supply of river water to the farmlands, and looked into the flow of water in Ayeyawady River, river water pumping stations, supply of river water and thriving paddy fields.

Next, they proceeded to Myakan Reservoir and viewed growing of trees for greening the environs and storage of water.

After that, they arrived at the local battalion in NyaungU Township where they met with officers and other ranks and their families and gave necessary instructions.

Along the NayungU-Myingyan road, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party looked into the water supply to the paddy fields and thriving physic nut.

On arrival at Thugaungte River Water Pumping Station near Auknyit Village and Thugaungte Village, they heard a report on progress of work, arrival of transformers and supply of water to 500 acres of farmland. After inspecting the project, Lt-Gen Ye Myint left necessary instructions.

In Phayalaygon Village, they inspected the thriving cottons fields in the farm of Farmer U Soe Aung and gave instructions on extended cultivation of cotton and other crops.

Accompanied by Minister for Electric Power No (1) Col Zaw Min, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected the harvesting of paddy in the farm of Farmer Daw Khin Thein in Taungtettan Village.

On arrival at Ngathayuk River Water Pumping Project near Ohnhnechaung Village, Lt-Gen Ye Myint looked into water supply to paddy fields and gave instructions on timely completion of the project.

Next, they pro-ceeded to the physic nut plantations of NyaungU Myoma Cooperatives Ltd in Wetthakya Village and gave instructions on extracting bio-diesel from physic nut on a commercial scale.

On arrival at Kyawxi River Water Pumping Project in Taungtha Township, they heard a report on the salient points of the project and the current of Ayeyawady River and gave instructions on extended cultivation of paddy and bringing better transport to the project.

Next, they inspected the thriving paddy fields in the farm of Farmer U San Yu in Tamaiktha Village and gave instructions on boosting par acre yield.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party looked into the upgrading of Bagan-NyaungU-Myingyan-Myotha-TadaU-Mandalay Highway being under taken by Public Works and heard a report on progress of work.

They then inspected the thriving sunflower and groundnut in the farm of Farmer U Win Naing in ChaungU Village and gave necessary instructions.

At Myingyan Degree College, Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave instructions on growing of quality mangoes in the compound of the college.

In meeting with officers and other ranks and their families of the local battalion in Myingyan, Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave necessary instructions.

Next, they looked into the sesame plantations and physic nut plantations in Nabuaing Village in the township and gave instructions on growing of physic nut on a manageable scale.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected the tarring of Bagan-NyaungU-Myingyan-Myotha-TadaU-Mandalay Highway and Myotha Station Hospital in Ngazun Township and left necessary instructions.

3rd Plenary Meeting of 6th 47-member State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee concludes

Yangon, 2 Dec - The 3rd Plenary Meeting of the 6th 47-member State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee continued for the second and final day 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.

Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nandavamsa, Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pandavamsa and Agga Maha Pandita Sayadaw Bhaddanta Jotika discussed Viniççhaya affairs, religious matters and education sector of the report submitted by the SSMNC (First Branch).

Joint Secretary Agga Maha Pandita Sayadaw Bhaddanta Tilokabhivamsa responded to their discussions.

Later, the meeting concluded with three-time recitation of Jayanto Bodhiyamule Gatha.

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Dec - Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun together with departmental officials went on an inspection tour of Branch-2 of Myanma Economic Bank in Mandalay Division yesterday.

Managing Director U Myat Maw of Myanma Economic Bank and the Division Manager and the Branch Bank Manager briefed the minister and party on financial affairs and banking services. After hearing the reports, the minister gave instructions on banking services to help developing regional economy.

Upon arrival at Foreign Investment and Commercial Bank in Mandalay, the Assistant General Manager and officials briefed the minister and party on banking services and tasks for opening accounts.

The minister attended a meeting with officials at division, district and township levels held at the meeting hall of Internal Revenue Department in Mandalay Division.

Division level officials from Internal Revenue Department, Myanma Economic Bank, Customs Department, Central Bank of Myanmar, Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank, Pensions Department, Myanma Insurance, Myanma Small Loans Enterprise briefed the minister on accomplishment of the tasks in a year and future tasks.

Myanmar has less democracy experience and therefore it is taking special care in building a democratic nation PM General Thein Sein meets President of National Assembly of Cambodia

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Dec - Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Thein Sein met President of the National Assembly of Cambodia Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin at the National Assembly in Phnom Penh at 3:30 pm on 30 November.

Together with the Prime Minister were the ministers and departmental heads. Together with the President of the National Assembly of Cambodia were Senior Minister and Minister of Environment Dr Mok Mareth, Chairpersons of the Commission of the National Assembly, Cambodian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Hul Phany and senior officials.

Prime Minister General Thein Sein said Head of State Senior General Than Shwe sent his best wishes to King Sihanauk. He said he came to Cambodia to strengthen the existing friendly ties and exchange of visits can promote cordial relations. He said he will discuss bilateral interest in meeting with his counterpart.

He said the Cambodian Prime Minister paid visits to Myanmar four times. Prime Minister General Thein Sein invited the President of the National Assembly to pay a visit to Nay Pyi Taw if conditions permit. He also clarified political situations and peace and stability in Myanmar.

Continuing, he said, Myanmar and Cambodia have the same historical background. The government had been able to put an end to armed opposition that came together with independence and had built peace.

He said Myanmar has less democracy experience and therefore it is taking special care in building a democratic nation. All have witnessed grave incidents in international communities because of hasty transition to democracy. Prime Minister General Thein Sein hoped that the President would understand that the tasks to transition of democracy are being carried out step by step due to hindrances from outside.

Both countries have friendly relations and are cooperating between the two countries and in the region. Myanmar government thanked Cambodia for its support for Myanmar in the international arena, he added.

The President of the National Assembly of Cambodia said both countries maintain friendly relations.

He said the recent protests in Myanmar were only internal affairs and he believed the problems could be solved successfully at home.

He said Cambodia had witnessed internal strife for many decades and it suffered great losses and peace was restored fully only in 1999.

He lauded Myanmar for successfully handling the recent incidents in the country. He was glad to see the measures for national reconsolidation and intnoduction of democracy.

Yangon, 2 Dec - The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) held the Seminar on Myanmar-Korea Cooperation in ICT development at Myanmar Info-Tech, here, yesterday evening. The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, the Vice-Chairman of e-National Task Force and the Resident Representative of KOICA made speeches. The President of Myanmar Computer Federation, the KOICA Senior IT Volunteer, a Korean IT expert and those present participated in the discussions. The seminar aimed at seeking effective ways of cooperation between the two countries.

Nay Pyi Taw, 2 Dec - Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi received Minister for Energy of Republic of Kalmykia of the Russian Federation Mr Chedyrov Boris, Russian Ambassador to Myanmar Dr Mikhail M Geladze and party at the minister's office, here, on 30 November and made com-prehensive discussions on energy sector. Present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Htay, the acting director-general and the managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry.

Yangon, 2 Dec - The first round matches of the 46th Defence Services Commander-in-Chief's Shield Football Tournament 2007 went on today at the designated zones.

In South-East Command Zone (Mawlamyine), Yangon Command Team beat South-East Command Team with 4-2, South-West Command defeated Camp Commandant's Office with 3-1 in South-West Command Zone (Pathein), Defence Services (Navy) and North-West Command ended a goaless draw in North-West Command Zone (Monywa), Central Command edged out No 77 LID with 5-0 in Central Command Zone (Mandalay) and Defence Services (Air) and Southern Command ended a 1-1 draw in Southern Command Zone (Taungoo).

Manager of SOGO (PVC) Pipe Industry named for Training Programme on International Standardization Advanced Course

Yangon, 2 Dec - Manager U Aung Kyaw Oo of SOGO (PVC) Pipe Industry was named to attend the Training Programme on International Standardization Advanced Course organized by the Association for Overseas Technical Scholarships (AOTS) from 3 to 14 December at Yokohama in Japan.