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ARCHIVES	Thursday, 17 April 2008	THE MYANMAR TIMES

NAY PYI TAW, 17 April - 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 Excellency Mr Bashar Al-Assad, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, on the occasion of the National Day of the Syrian Arab Republic, which falls on 17 April, 2008.

Secretary-1 attends prize presentation ceremony of Nay Pyi Taw Maha Thingyan Tour Gold Cup Golf Tournament

NAY PYI TAW, 16 April - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo this morning attended a ceremony to present prizes to winners of Nay Pyi Taw Maha Thingyan Tour Gold Cup Golf Tourney held at Nay Pyi Taw Golf Course from 13 (Akya Day) to 15 April (second Akyat Day).

It was also attended by members of the SPDC, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, the ministers, the deputy ministers, departmental heads, 156 golfers of clubs and teams from the ministries, the commands and states and divisions.

The golf tournament was held at Nay Pyi Taw Golf Course, City Golf Course and Yay Pya Golf Course from 13 to 15 April with the participation of 156 golfers from 26 teams.

The tournament was organized with the aim of promoting the standard of golf sports and golf courses in Nay Pyi Taw. Plans are under way to organize the tournament annually.

There are three 18-hole golf courses - Nay Pyi Taw Golf Course, City Golf Course and Yay Pya Golf Course-in Nay Pyi Taw. Nay Pyi Taw Golf Course has 7007-yard Fairway, City Golf Course, 7059-yard Fairway and Yay Pya Golf Course, 6183-yard Fairway. The 26 teams were divided into three groups to compete in the tournament at the respective golf courses alternately.

The opening ceremony took place at Nay Pyi Taw Golf Course, City Golf Course and Yay Pya Golf Course on 13 April morning.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo attended the opening ceremony at Nay Pyi Taw Golf Course and teed off the tracer ball to open the tournament.

At City Golf Course, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Nay Pyi Taw Mayor Col Thein Nyunt opened the tournament.

At Yay Pya Golf Course, Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Maj-Gen Wai Lwin opened the tournament.

Nay Pyi Taw Mayor organized the Nay Pyi Taw Maha Thingyan Tour Gold Cup at three golf courses.

A total of 26 golf clubs and teams namely Army Team, Navy Club, Air Force Club, Nay Pyi Taw Command (A) Team, Nay Pyi Taw Command (B) Team, Commerce Team, Home Affairs (A) Team, Home Affairs (B) Team, PBANRDA Team, Forestry Team, Kachin State Team, Kayah State Team, Kayin State Team, Sagaing Division Team, Bago Division (East) Team, Bago Division (West) Team, Magway Division Team, Mandalay Division Team, Mon State Team, Rakhine State Team, Yangon Division Team, Shan State (East) Team, Shan State (South) Team, Shan State (North) Team, Mandalay Shwemantaung Club and Kaung Myat Club participated in the gold cup at three golf courses.

At the prize presentation ceremony at City Golf Course, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Nay Pyi Taw Mayor Col Thein Nyunt handed the most par award to Myo Win Aung of Mandalay Division Team, the most birdie award to Zaw Zaw Latt of Home Affairs (A) Team, the longest drive award to Zaw Naing of Mon State Team, the nearest to the pin award to Zaw Win of Mon State Team, the nearest to the line award to Kyaw Kyaw of Shwemantaung Club, the fifth prize to Than Zaw of Navy Club with 74 strokes, the fourth prize to Myo Win Aung of Mandalay Division Team with 72, the third prize to Yan Myo Aye of Navy Club with 72, the second prize to Myint Shwe of Yangon Division Team with 71, the first prize to Zaw Zaw Latt of Home Affairs (A) Team with 69, the second prize to Mandalay Division Team with 304 strokes in total and the first prize to Navy Club with 301.

At Yay Pya Golf Course, Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Maj-Gen Wai Lwin presented the most par award to Aung Htoo of Kachin State Team, the best birdie award to Hla Myo of Air Force Club, the longest drive award to Nay Min of Kachin State Team, the nearest to the pin award to Bo Bo of Air Force Club, the nearest to the line award to Maj-Gen Than Htay of Army Team, the fifth prize to Soe Kyaw Naing of Home Affairs (A) Team with 70 strokes, the fourth prize to Min Naing of Mandalay Division Team with 69, the third prize to Hla Myo of Air Force Club with 69, the second prize to Thura Kyaw of Shan State (South) Team with 69, the first prize to Myo Min Aung of Forestry Team with 68, the second prize to Kaung Myat Golf Club with 295 strokes in total and the first prize to Forestry Team with 288.

At Nay Pyi Taw Golf Course, Vice Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Khin Maung Tun gave the most par award to Bo Bo of Air Force Club, the best birdie award to Hla Myo of Air Force Club, the longest drive award to Myat Min Tun of Shwemantaung Club, the nearest to the pin award to Myo Win Aung of Mandalay Division Team, the nearest to the line award to Aik Si of Shan State (South), the fifth prize to Khin Maung Myint of Forestry Team with 73 strokes, the fourth prize to Zaw Zaw Latt of Home Affairs (A) Team with 73, the third prize to Min Naing of Mandalay Division Team with 73, the second prize to Yan Myo Aye of Navy Club with 71, the first prize to Hla Myo of Navy Club with 71, the second prize to Mandalay Division Team with 297 strokes in total and the first prize to Navy Club with 297.

At the prize presentation ceremony for the best individual winners and the best teams at three golf courses, Secretary-1 Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo awarded prizes to Hla Myo of Air Force Club who stood second with 217 strokes in total, Zaw Zaw Latt of Home Affairs (A) Team who stood first with 213 strokes, Mandalay Division Team, second with 898 strokes and Forestry Team, first with 894 strokes.

Later, the Secretary-1 presented the Maha Thingyan Tour Gold Cup to Forestry Team.

Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana, Nay Pyi Taw Tatkon, Nay Pyi Taw Lewe teeming with merry makers on Thingyan Atet Day

NAY PYI TAW, 16 April- Myanmar people participate in the Thingyan Festival on a grand scale in the

Myanmar

month of Tagu every year. On the Atet Day or the last day (16 April) of Thingyan, many people were seen everywhere, enjoying themselves by dousing water on one another happily and staying somewhere for rest and recreation.

Bogyoke Street and other streets in Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana were thronged with Thingyan revelers enjoying themselves at Thingyan pandals where Thingyan dances and songs were presented to the audience.

The Thingyan pandals in Nay Pyi Taw Lewe and Nay Pyi Taw Tatkon were packed with merry makers. Similarly, the Hlaykhwintaung Pagoda and Hlaykhwintaung bathing beach in Kyeetaungkan village-tract, Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana, were crowded with pilgrims and those dousing water on one another and cooling themselves for relexation.

Likewise, Nga Laik Kantha Gardens on the beach of Nga Laik Dam near Kyweshin village, seven miles from Nay Pyi Taw, was thronged with people cooling themselves and throwing water at one another, and riding water-slide in the bathing beach, and having meals and snacks in the restaurants.

Commission for Holding Referendum meets with sub-commissions at different levels in Sagaing, Magway, Bago, Bago (West), Ayeyawady Divisions

NAY PYI TAW, 16 April-The ceremonies to hold meetings between the Commission for Holding Referendum and members of the sub-commissions in Sagaing, Magway, Bago, Bago (West) and Ayeyawady Divisions, District, Township and Ward/village-tract sub-commissions took place at respective states and divisions on 10 April.

At the city hall in Monywa, the commission held a meeting with Sagaing Division, District, Township, Ward and Village-tract sub-commissions. Commission member U Tun Tun Oo delivered an address. It was also attended by Commission members Dr Manug Htoo and U Shi Thee, the Chairman of Sagaing Division Sub-commission and members of sub-commissions of Districts, Townships, wards and village-tracts, and those in-charge and members of polling stations.

In his address, Commission member U Tun Tun Oo said that all the sub-commissions are to carry out their tasks on schedule in line with the prescribed law, rules and work guidelines, and it is necessary to supervise the tasks at different levels.

Chairman of the Sagaing Division Sub-commission U Win Kyi reported on preparations for voting, arrangements for opening of polling stations at regiments and units, factories and workshops and convenience of voters.

The members of the Commission for Holding Referendum inspected the voting demonstration at No 3 Basic Education High School in Sulegon Ward of Monywa. A similar ceremony was held at the city hall in Magway, with an address by Member of the Commission for Holding Referendum Dr Aung Hsan Win.

Chairman of Magway Division Sub-commission U Myint Thein reported on seeking approval for the draft constitution and matters related to the Referendum Law and Rules and replied to the questions raised by members of the District, Township, Ward and Village-tract Sub-commissions. Next, Commission member Dr Aung Hsan Win and party viewed the sample polling station and the polling demonstration.

At Khabaung Hall in Toungoo, the Commission members met with members of Bago Division, District, Township, Ward and Village-tract Sub-commissions. Commission member U Chit Maung gave a speech.

Chairman of Bago Division Sub-commission U Pe Thein reported on progress in collection of eligible voters and replied to the queries raised by those present. Commission member U Chit Maung and U Tun Yin and party viewed the polling demonstration and functions of the polling station.

Likewise, Commission member U Chit Hla gave a speech at the meeting with members of Bago Division (West), District, Township, Ward and Village-tract Sub-commissions at Khittaya Yadana City Hall in Pyay.

Chairman of Bago Division (West) Sub-commission U Aung Win Oo reported on work progress for the referendum. U Chit Hla and party inspected the polling demonstration.

A similar meeting was held at the city hall in Pathein. Commission member U San Lwin delivered an address. Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Sub-commission U Kyaw San reported on preparations for holding the referendum and replied to the queries raised by those present. The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by Commission member U San Lwin.

Commission members U San Lwin and U Tin Hsan and party viewed the polling demonstration at No 20 BEPS in Ward 4 of Pathein.

Since the second week of March 2008, over 465,000 copies of the five books -?State Constitution Draft (2008)', ?Referendum Law', ?Referendum Rules', ?Manual for Referendum Holding Commission Polling Station Heads', and ?Work Guideline for Ward/Village-tract Sub-commissions' - have been distributed to related organizations.

The book ?State Constitution (Draft)' can be studied at the libraries of Township Information and Public Relations Departments across the nation, the libraries under the Ministry of Culture, libraries of universities, colleges and institutes, and copies are available now at the bookstalls of News and Periodicals Enterprise, Sarpay Beikman Book Centre, and private bookshops.

Industry-1 Ministry wins championship shield of First Nay Pyi Taw Inter-Ministry Men's Basketball Tournament

NAY PYI TAW, 16 April-The Ministry of Industry-1 beat the Ministry of Rail Transportation 79-66 points in the First Nay Pyi Taw Inter-Ministry Men's Basketball Tournament at the sport ground here on 10 April.

Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint presented K 1 million and the championship shield and the replica of the shields to the Ministry of Industry-1.

The Minister also presented K 700,000 to the Ministry of Rail Transportation, K 500,000 to the Ministry of Sports and K 300,000 to the Ministry of Defence that were second, third and fourth winners.

Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min presented the fair play award and K 200,000 to the Ministry of Sports.

Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu presented individual awards to first, second and third winners and Deputy Minister for Rail Transportation Thura U Thaung Lwin the best player award and prizes to the best players of respective places.

NAY PYI TAW, 16 April-The Maha Thingyan festival was held in Taunggyi, Shan State (South) on a grand scale from Akyo Day to Atet Day.

On 12 April (Akyo Day), the Maha Thingyan festival was opened at Central Pandal in Taunggyi along with the opening of Taunggyi Pandal, Nyein Chan Yay Pandal, Padauk Cherry Pandal, Einmet Pandal and ward pandals, attended by Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Thaung Aye and party.

On Thingyan Akyo Day, Central Pandal was packed with fun-loving people and townselders enjoying the entertainment of various Yein troupes including Mya Padauk Shwewar Yein troupe, Cherry May Yein troupe, NwayU Pyophyu Yein troupe, San Thit Yin Thuza Yein troup, NwayU Kalaya Yein troupe and Atamay Yein troupe.

On Thingyan Akya Day, Commander Maj-Gen Thaung Aye formally opened Shwe Nay Kya Pandal of Eastern Command where both entertainment and traditional snacks were presented to revellers.

Next, the commander and party enjoyed the presentation of Yein troupes at the Industrial Zone Pandal in front of the office of Shan State Myanma Agriculture Service on Bogyoke Road .

The offering of meals to members of the Sangha by the commander and party and traditional snacks to revellers participating in the water festival by well-wishers reflected the essence and beauty of Taunggyi Maha Thingyan.

Today, being Atet Day, all roads and lanes were thronged with revellers enjoying the entertainment of Lazy Club and Emperor music bands and the water festival in groups or individually.

Next, the commander and party enjoyed a variety of traditional dances presented by national races at Nyein Chan Yay Pandal of local national races.

In the evening, decorated floats such as Kanbawza, Ywetnuway, Nweyokhlwa, Shwe Yin Aye, Myitpha Zawgyi and Loilem Maungme highlighted the essence of Taunggyi Thingyan.

NAY PYI TAW, 17 April - On the occasion of the National Day of the Syrian Arab Republic which falls on 17 April 2008, U Nyan Win, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Walid Al-Moualem, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic .

NAY PYI TAW, 12 April-Secretariat member of the Union Solidarity and Deve-lopment Association Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung met district/township departmental personnel, the secretaries and executives of district/township USDA, social organizations members, businessmen and townselders at Zaygyi Dhammayon in Myingyan, Mandalay Division on 9 April. The secretariat member also met the organizers from 14 village-tracts, the members and local people at Ywathit Model Village BEHS (branch) in Myingyan Township on 10 April.

At the meetings, the secretariat member discussed matters on voting Yes for ratification of the Constitution.

YANGON , 16 April -The closing ceremony of Yangon Mayor Maha Thingyan pandal was held at the pandal here this evening. Chairman of Working Committee for Yangon Mayor Maha Thingyan Festival Joint Secretary of Yangon City Development Committee U Kyaw Soe attended the closing ceremony. Present on the occasion were members of the Leading Committee and Work Committee, heads of department, musicians, dancers and staff of YCDC. Joint Secretary U Kyaw Soe announced successful completion of Yangon Maha Thingyan Festival for 1369 ME and the attendees sang Mantaungyeikho song in unison. Next, officials presented prizes to entertainers.

Various roads and streets in downtown Yangon crowded with revellers on final day of Maha Thingyan festival

YANGON, 16 April-Today, being Atet Day, various roads and streets in downtown Yangon as well as those in the area of Yangon City Development Committee were crowded with revellers enjoying the water festival to the accompaniment of Thingyan music from morning to evening.

Likewise, those who performed meri-torious deeds were doing charity and observing morality and practising meditation at monasteries and pagodas ushering in the New Year.

During the water festival, different pandals in wards and streets served revellers and townselders with various kinds of traditional foods and snacks including fried noodles and Shweyinaye.

In some townships of Yangon Division there were collective novitiations, ordinations, Vipassana meditation and the conveying of 28 Buddha images.

In the YCDC area there were over 300 pandals echoed with the songs of Maha Thingyan presented by vocalists and film artistes with the participation of fun-loving people and local people while other streets and lanes were busy with cars of various sizes enjoying the water festival.

The whole Yangon City was drenched with water as water-throwers on either side of streets using water pipes doused water on revellers roaming the city.

There were enter-tainment programmes of vocalists and film stars at pandals on Pansodan Street , Bo Aung Kyaw Street , Bo Gyoke Aung San Street , Anawratha Street and Botataung Pagoda Road .

The YCDC in cooperation with Yangon Division Peace and Development Council and All Private Bus Lines Control Committee was supervising the water festival in order that the people can enjoy the water festival in a peaceful way, avoiding undesirable behaviour and indecent dresses as well as reducing traffic acccidents.