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ARCHIVES	Tuesday, 11 March 2008	THE MYANMAR TIMES

Nay Pyi Taw, 11 March - At the invitation of General Thein Sein, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, His Excellency Mr Samak Sundaravej, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand , will pay a goodwill visit to the Union of Myanmar in the near future.

Spoke Authoritative Team meets Special Adviser to UN Secretary-General In accordance with essence of democracy, opportunities provided for minority to participate in national political process The way Myanmar marching is best and most suitable one for nation and people, ensures stability as well as smooth transition to democracy With cooperation and assistance, democratization process as desired by UN, international community, entire Myanmar people, supporters and those opposing Government certainly meets success

Yangon, 10 March - Mr Gambari, Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General, and party met with Spoke Authoritative Team of the State Peace and Development Council at the Guest House of the National Defence College here at 2.30 pm today.

Present at the meeting were Leader of the Spoke Authoritative Team of the SPDC Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, members Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win and Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint.

At the meeting, Mr Gambari expressed thanks for the permission to come to Myanmar , for arrangements during his trip and hospitality. Moreover, he also expressed thanks for holding talks with him and persons who should be met during his trip. He also said he expects that Myanmar always opens her door to hold talks between UN and Myanmar . During the trip, he was able to discuss openly and exchange views at the meetings, he said. He believes that the two sides have the same desire to see the country become a peaceful and developed democratic nation. He believes that he will get a chance to come to the country again for cooperation of the two sides.

Afterwards, Leader of the Spoke Authoritative Team of the SPDC Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan explained matters related to the trip of Mr Gambari.

The clarification of Leader of the Spoke Authoritative Team of the SPDC Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan is as follows : -

To come to Myanmar , Your Excellency made two-tiresome journeys spending a lot of hours from New York to Singapore and from Singapore to Yangon . In addition, Your Excellency might be very tired after spending five days with very tight schedule. We deeply appreciate your earnest efforts spending your valuable time. Recognizing the role of UNSG's good offices and showing our willingness to cooperate, we comply with as much as possible in your every trip. Regarding your suggestions we complied with, to the most possible extent, constructively in your previous trips so also in this trip. This trip was originally scheduled for 4 days. At your request, it has been rescheduled for 5 days. We also arranged to our utmost, for you to meet with the persons and organizations you requested.

So during this trip, Your Excellency have met with those who should be met such as the Spoke Authoritative Team, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for National Planning & Economic Development and party, diplomats, officials of UN agencies and ICRC, the Referendum Commission members, Union Solidarity and Development Association, NLD CEC members, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi twice, National Unity Party, Pa-O National Organization, etc. You may have understood the prevailing situation of

Myanmar

, the wishes of the majority of the people, the stances and views of political parties including national race political parties, we believe.

Hence, you may have known that the efforts of the Government today are meant for the realization of the wishes and desires of the majority of Myanmar people comprehensively. Though we are exerting efforts for realization of the wishes of the majority, we do not ignore the wishes of the minority at all. In accordance with the essence of democracy, we provide opportunities for the minority to participate in the national political process.

As Your Excellency has known, the national referendum will be held in May to approve the draft Constitution as the 4th step of the Road Map. At the referendum, those supporting and opposing the Government will have the right to vote freely. Moreover, after the draft Constitution is approved, those in favour of the Constitution or those against it can have equal right to form political parties, launch campaign and enter election in accordance with the laws concerned. When candidates are elected by the people's vote in the election, which will be the 5th step of the Road Map, they will become Hluttaw members and they can discuss, coordinate and make decisions on political, economic and social affairs of the nation as the 6th and 7th steps of Road Map. It shows that our national political process guarantees all-inclusiveness. It can clearly be seen that we keep the door open for ?Win-Win? situation. Speaking frankly, the way we are marching is the best and the most suitable one for the nation and the people. It ensures stability as well as smooth transition to democracy. Hence, Your Excellency is believed to render a cooperative hand for the entire

Myanmar

people to march on the right path towards the desired goal.

With the cooperation and assistance of Your Excellency, our democratization process as desired by the UN, international community, the entire Myanmar people as well as supporters and those opposing the Government, will certainly meet success. Then, the entire people can participate extensively with democratic practices.

At the meeting on 7th March, we frankly and comprehensively discussed our stance and views. And Your Excellency also discussed frankly and comprehensively. The constructive suggestions of Your Excellency are also appreciated. As the international community is welcoming and supporting the role of UNSG's good offices, our country is also recognizing and cooperating with it.

In conclusion, our discussion in friendly and frank manner will produce good results in Myanmar 's political development, we believe. The entire Myanmar people wish Your Excellency a good and successful trip back home. We are anticipating to learn Your Excellency's constructive reporting when you arrive back home. Thank you.

After the meeting, participants of the meeting enjoyed tea party and the meeting ended at 3:50 pm.

Mr Gambari also met with ambassadors, charge d affaires ai and responsible persons at 9 am and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at noon at Seinle Kantha State Guest House. He left here this evening by air.

Yangon Division Sub-Commission for Holding Referendum for Approval of Draft Constitution meets

Yangon, 10 March -Yangon Division Sub-Commission for Holding Referendum for the Approval of the Draft Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar held work coordination meeting (1/2008) at the General Administration Department, on Saya San Road, Bahan Township here this afternoon.

U Thaung Nyunt and U Myat Thu, members of the Commission for Holding Referendum for the Approval of the Draft Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, chaired the meeting. U Thaung Nyunt gave an opening speech.

The chairman of Yangon Division Sub-Commission explained the referendum law and rules for the approval of the draft constitution. The secretary of YDSC reported on the formation of District and Township Sub-Commissions.

Later, the participarts of the meeting discussed general matters and U Thaung Nyunt gave concluding remarks.

Yangon , 10 March-A total of 122 fires broke out in the whole nation in February 2008. 105 fires broke out due to negligence, 12 due to short-circuit and five due to arson.

The fires destroyed 2380 homes, four factories/workshops and 10 warehouses leaving 6,349 people homeless, 13 people dead and 12 injured with 105 animals dead. 86.07 percent of fires broke out due to negligence.

Most of fires broke out in Mandalay Division followed by Yangon Division and Shan State .

Most property was lost in Mandalay Division, followed by Taninthayi Division and Yangon Division.

Nay Pyi Taw, 10 March - Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of North-East Command Maj-Gen Aung Than Htut and Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun attended the meeting with the officials and staff of the MFR in Shan State (North) at the City Hall in Lashio on 8 March.

They looked into the MEB and State Manager's Office, State/District/Township Internal Revenue Department under the Ministry of Finance and Revenue in Lashio and fulfilled the need after hearing reports of officials concerned.

On 7 March, the minister inspected the Myanma Economic Bank in Nawnghkio, Kyaukme, Hsipaw and Myanma Small Loans Department (Branch) in Hsipaw.

After hearing reports on services of Banks by Managing Director U Myat Maw and officials, the minister gave necessary instructions.

Yangon, 10 March - CEC members Dr Myo Thant and U Khin Maung Win, Dr Su Hla Han, Daw Kaing Zar Thant, Dr San Lwin and U Aung Zaw Win led by Vice-President U Zaw Min Win of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of Myanmar Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment Entrepreneurs' Asso-ciation Dr Win Si Thu left here for Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia by air yesterday to attend Asia Health Care 2008 Conference & Business Meeting to be held from today to 12 March.

Yangon, 10 March-The Myanmar Brewery Co Ltd presented its special programmes for forthcoming Myanmar New Year to journalists and made cash donations to social organizations at a ceremony held in conjunction with the blood donation of its staff at Women Development Organization (Wingaba) in Bahan Township , here, at 10 am today.

Present on the occasion were Chairman of the company Lt-Col Ne Win (Retd), General Manager Mr Peter Ong, officials, mediamen, representatives of social organizations, staff and guests.

The chairman, the general manager and officials presented K 3,000,000 to National Blood Department of Yangon General Hospital and K 1,000,000 each to Women Development Organization (Wingaba), Aung Zabu Youths Development Centre, school for the disabled children, Christian school for the blind, Psychiatric Hospital, New Life Foundation, Yadanatheri monastic education school, Mandaly school for the deaf and dumb, Home for the Aged at the foot of Mandaly hill, Taungyyi school for the disabled, Kayin State National Youths Development (Paraheita) Centre, Mawlamyine orphan training centre, Pathein Parahita youths development school and Hlegu township war veterans organization.

Staff of Myanamr Brewery Co Ltd made blood donations. The company is pursuing its special programmes for the fun of its customers. It is planning to donate cash to social organizations this year.

Yangon, 10 March-The opening ceremony of Myanmar Olympic Committee Chairman' Cup Men's Hockey Tournament for 2008, organized by Myanmar Hockey Federation, was held at the hockey pitch on Theinbyu Road yesterday afternoon.

Among the spectators were the Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee the Minister for Sports, officials, President of MHF Brig-Gen Myint Soe, Vice-President U Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing, executives and guests.

Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint gave a speech on the occasion and Vice-President U Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing of MHF spoke words of thanks.

Before the ceremony, vocalists entertained the audience. In the events, Yangon Command beat Tatmadaw Hockey Committee 1-0. Tatmadaw (Air Force) defeated Yangon Youths Team 3-0.

On March 11, Triangle Region Command plays against South-East Command and Yangon Command, against Tatmadaw (Navy).

All patriotic people to strive for perpetual existence of Union as well as for its prosperity Myanmar Affairs and International Studies Course No 14 opens

Yangon, 10 March - Myanmar Affairs and International Studies Course No 14 conducted by Union Solidarity and De-velopment Association was opened at the training school of USDA in Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township today.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary-General of USDA U Htay Oo said we all have witnessed that every country has to lay down and implement policies and tasks which can serve the interests of their people in implementing the national objectives of a country.

Similarly, Our Three Main National Causes is the national policy of Myanmar and 12 political, economic and social objectives are the pratical ways that can pave the way to achieving the national goal. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Government, the Tatmadaw and the people, the country has enjoyed pravalence of community peace and all-round developments.

The USDA was organized with the aim of participating in implementing the development tasks in cooperation with the people, and 24 million of its members have actively been participating in implementing the tasks.

They have taken part in implementing the project for development of 24 Special Regions, border areas develop-ment project and the five rural area development tasks.

Members of the association come from all walks of life and they are committed to participate in implementing develop-ment tasks in their local regions as much as they can.

Members of the association should be united as well as should be members of quality of the association in their dedication to contribute to welfare of the people. Trainings will improve the quality of every members and can lead to improvement of the efficiency of the association.

All national races have been living together in the country since time immemorial.

Myanmar

has stood tall as a Union where all the national races living through thick and thin. So all the patriotic people are to strive for the perpetual existence of the Union as well as for its prosperity.

Now is the time when the country is in the process of implementing the seven-step Road Map while undertaking the tasks for ensuring peace and stability and the development of economic and social sectors. All the people on their part have welcomed and supported the road map. The National Convention, the most fundamental and important step, has also been held with the participation of over 1000 delegates representing the entire people. They adopted fundamental principles and detailed basic principles for the writing of the draft constitution. So, the NC has represented the entire people.

The State has announced that the national referendum would be held in May this year for the approval of the draft constitution and the multi-party general election in 2010. The implementation of the seven-step Road Map is the national duty concerned with the entire people. Therefore, all the association members are to cooperate with the people for the success of the national referendum. Today's issues of the State are the internal affairs of Myanmar that can be coped with the State and the people alone. Any foreign countries will not know the history and prevailing conditions of Myanmar . So, the country is ready to welcome any encouragement and assistance to help with the construction of a new nation. However, the people will also guard against any outside interference with one-sided view. In conclusion, he urged the members to participate in their respective sectors for the wellbeing of the people, to strive for the good of the people knowing the prevailing conditions of the country, to cooperate with the people for the approval of the draft constitution essential for the building of a new nation, to cooperate with the people for the success of the seven-step Road Map, to guard against any destructive acts, to cooperate with the people with goodwill for the building of a new nation and to try to enable the association to stand as a national force knowing the importance of the national duty.

A total of 101 trainees from the states and divisions are taking the course that lasts 4 weeks.

Yangon , 10 March - The Weiza Magazine No 7 of April edited by Maung Pan Hmawe and Maung Twe Chon is in circulation.

It carries articles that will widen the scope of knowledge on and promote the practices on Samatha Vipassana. It also covers Eisitan Maha Muni Buddha Image steps of Vipassana of Sayadaw U Gawsita, Panipatti and health aspects of Pyay Wai Ponlayama Sayadaw and other range of knowledgable items.

The magazine embraces the works of eminent writers such as Thar Ga Doe, Chit Oo Nyo, Hein Latt, Hla Moe (Education), Myaylat Myat Thu, Sanzarni Bo, Maung Khine Khant, Dr Thin Thin, Khin Saw Tint, Kaung Thaw, Yan Aung Hein and Dhamma Cariya U Aung Kyaw Moe,

Nay Pyi Taw, 10 March - To mark Maha Thingyan Festival in Nay Pyi Taw, Tour Gold Cup Golf Tournament will be held at Nay Pyi Taw Golf Resort, Yepya Tatmadaw Golf Resort and Nay Pyi Taw City Golf Resort from 13 to 15 April.

Tour Gold Cup and a gold medal will be awarded to a winning team after three days and a silver medal to a team which stands second.

After daily events, first, second and third prizes and handsome prizes will be awarded to winning teams daily. Those golf teams wishing to participate in the tournament may enroll at the office of the Nay Pyi Taw Mayor, the committee for holding the tournament said.

Nay Pyi Taw, 10 March - Minister for Education Dr Chan Nyein together with Deputy Ministers U Myo Nyunt and Brig-Gen Aung Myo Min and officials visited the matriculation exam centres of Nay Pyi Taw Basic Education High School Nos 1 & 3, Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana BEHS Nos 1 & 3 and Nay Pyi Taw Lewe BEHS No 1 this morning and viewed the students taking the matriculation examination.

Likewise, Chairman of Myanmar Examination Board U Ohn Myint and Director-General of No 3 Basic Education Department U Aye Khyu also viewed the students sitting for the matriculation examination at No 2 BEHS Sangyoung Township, No 2 BEHS and No 4 BEHS Ahlon Township, No 2 BEHS Latha and Yangon General Hospital .

The 2008 matriculation examination started at 9 am today at 1334 exam centres across the country and 16 other exam centres of Myanmar embassies in foreign countries totaling 1350 exam. A total of 609307 students are taking the exams, it is learnt.