Press-Release : Indo-Myanmar Sector

[aungsan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Subject: Press-Release : Indo-Myanmar Sectoral Level Meet Concluded

PRESS RELEASE
No. 383/97

INDO-MYANMAR SETORAL LEVEL MEET CONCLUDE

Aizawl, May 29: Seventh Indo-Myanmar Sectoral Level Meeting was held at
Aizawl, Mizoram from 36th May to 28th May, 1997 in pursuance of
Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation between Civil Authorities on
border areas signed earlier. The meeting took place in a cordial and
friendly atmosphere. The Indian and Myanmar sides were led by Shri G.M.
Pillai, Joint Secretary to the Govt. of India, Ministry of Home Affairs
and U Maung Win, Deputy Director General in the Ministry of Home Affairs
of Myanmar respectively.

Both sides expressed satisfaction over progress made on issue discussed
in earlier meetings.

During the bilateral discussion, major issues deliberated upon included
improvement of existing information sharing mechanism, review of
progress of Tamu-Kalaymyo road being constructed with Indian assistance,
measures to be undertaken to enhance border trade with Myanmar,
operationalisation of border trade on Champhai-Rih Sector, possibility
of navigation on Kolodyne River, cultural and sports exchange on local
and regional levels, etc.

The Myanmar sides expressed appreciation for the Govt. of India for
taking up the construction of Tamu-Kalaymyo Road.

The Chief Secretary of Mizoram, Shri Lalfak Zuala emphasised the need
for starting the border trade on the Champhai-Rih Sector. It was
mentioned that most of the infrastructural arrangements are in place at
Champhai. He has suggested that trade in this Sector could commence by
1st  January, 1989. Myanmar side noted this date.

Members of the delegation went to Champhai and Rih by Helicopter on
28.5.97 for better appreciation of the problem in this sector and the
infrastructural requirement needed.

The Chief Minister of Mizoram Shri Lal Thanhala expressed his confidence
at positive steps being taken up to improve the bilateral relation
between India and Myanmar. HE also expressed that friendly and
cooperative relationship with Myanmar will go a long way in enhancing
better contacts of people of Mizoram with people of Myanmar.

-------------------- End of Text ---------------------------