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Information Sheet N0.A-0819(I)



MYANMAR  INFORMATION   COMMITTEE
YANGON

Information  Sheet
N0.A-0819(I)                28th  February, 1999 

(1)		Secretary-1, members of House of Representatives of Japan Observe 
		Cultivation of Poppy Substitute Buckwheat in LaukKai

		Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National
Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt
and the guests from Japan observed the projects for cultivation of quality
strain buckwheat, as substitute for poppy, in Laukkai area in northern Shan
State on 27 February. Cultivation of poppy substitute crops such as Japanese
strain buckwheat, and other crops such as paddy, sugarcane, lychee and apple,
successful cultivation of buckwheat on 200 acres in Tarshwehtan area in
Laukkai District and the yield, and preparation for cultivation of buckwheat
on 2000 acres in the district. Kokang region was frequented by Burma Communist
Party (BCP) about 10 years ago and there were engagements between BCP troops
and the government troops. The simple Kokang nationals were persuaded by the
BCP to go counter to the government and that around 1989, Kokang national
leaders started to make contacts with the government for peace. As the
government had already laid down the policy for reconsolidation of national
unity, it accepted the proposal to make peace and later held talks. As a
result of the peace talks, Kokang nationals drove out BCPs, and they have been
cooperating with the government in the tasks for regional development.
Alongside regional development projects, efforts have been made for
eradication of cultivation of poppy and production of narcotic drugs, and at
the onset, it was rather difficult to organize the regional people not to grow
poppy, for they were poor and had to rely on the crop. The success in
organizing the people not to grow poppy due to active leadership and
organization of the national leaders and gradual achievements in the tasks for
eradication of narcotic drugs. The crops being cultivated to substitute poppy
and difficulties encountered in agriculture work, and today, Kokang nationals
very well understand the danger and menace of narcotics and are carrying out
agriculture work with government's support.
		The government has utilized over K 100 billion for Kokang and Wa regions to
bring about socioeconomic development seen there at the present day, and the
buckwheat has now become the favourite crop of the local people. The local
people feel a sense of gratitude to Japan for its support for cultivation of
the crop, and expressed belief that the people would render more assistance
for expansion of cultivation of buckwheat as well as for regional development.
Kokang national leader U Phon Kya Shin expressed words of thanks, and spoke of
the success in the regional development projects and efforts for eradication
of narcotic drugs. Mr. Koichi Kato, member of House of Representatives
expressed satisfaction at the success of the projects for easing livelihood of
the regional people and promised to provide continued assistance in
coordination with the government. 

(2)		44th Conference of Nurses Association Begins

		The 44th Conference of Myanmar Nurses Association was opened in the hall of
the Institute of Nursing, Yangon, on 27 February. Myanmar Nurses Association
was established in 1948, and since then, the association has been
participating in activities for development of education, social and sports
sectors in accord with its objectives. The conference will continue till 1
March. 

(3)		Cultural Music Programme of Artistes of Pakistan Begins

		The Cultural Music Programme of Artistes of Islamic Republic of Pakistan in
commemoration of Pakistan Day Celebrations Charity was held at the National
Theatre at 7 pm on 27 February. Artistes Mr Hamid Ali Khan, Mr Waris Baig and
Ms Eram Hassan entertained the guests with Pakistan folk songs, traditional
and modern music. The cultural music programme will continue 1 March evening.

(4)		Myanmar - Thai Goodwill Traditional Boat Race Concludes

		Myanmar-Thai goodwill traditional boat race was held on Inya Lake at Myanmar
Rowing Federation on 27 February and successfully concluded. MInister for
Sports and  officials presented prizes to the winning-teams.

(5)		Minister for Energy Meets People's Republic of China Energy Delegation

		Minister for Energy met energy delegation led by director of China-Myanmar
Economic and Trade Information Exchange Department Mr Lu Weizhao of the
People's Republic of China at his office on 27 February. 

(6)		Assistant Director of Interpol Leaves

		Assistant Director Mr. Ian Bain of International Criminal Police
Organization 
(Interpol) and party left Yangon on 27th February after attending the Fourth
International Heroin Conference held from 23 to 26 February. 

(7)		Seminar on Public Participation in FMI

		Seminar on Public Participation in FMI Co Ltd jointly sponsored by Myanmar
Women Entrepreneurs Association and First Myanmar Investment Co Ltd was held
at International Business Centre on 27 February. Adviser of MWEA Professor of
the Institute of Economics Daw Yi Yi Myint (Retired) explained public
participation and corporate finance. Functions and future tasks of FMI were
explained with audio visual aids. Those present took part in the discussions.

(8)		Air-cons Donated to Hninzigon Home for the Aged

		Premier Petroleum Myanmar Ltd donated 15 air-conditioners to Hninzigon Home
for the Aged in Bahan Township on 23 February evening. On behalf of Premier
Petroleum Myanmar Ltd, Mr Alan R Mc Phee presented gifts to Hninzigon Home for
the Aged Management Board.


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