The New Light of Myanmar (Friday, D

[OKKAR66129@xxxxxxx]

Subject: The New Light of Myanmar (Friday, December 31, 1999)

The New Light of Myanmar (Friday, December 31, 1999)
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(1)   Senior General Than Shwe welcomes back Secretary-2 
       Lt-Gen Tin Oo his return from Lao PDR 
(2)   Secretary-2 exchanges views with Laotian leaders to 
      further strengthen relations, cooperation Myanmar 
      goodwill delegation concludes La0 PRD visit
(3)   Minister for Foreign Affairs back from PRC
(4)   Lower Myanmar ISD Sports Meet
(5)   Upper Myanmar School Family Day continues
(6)   MKTIL holds meeting
(7)   15 exchange arms for peace
(8)   79 kilos of emphedrine seized in Mandalay
(9)   23 members resign from Kyunsu Township NLD
(10)  WEATHER 

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(1)   Senior General Than Shwe welcomes back Secretary-2 
       Lt-Gen Tin Oo his return from Lao PDR
    
YANGON, 30 Dec - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council 
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe welcomed back 
a Myanmar goodwill delegation led by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and 
Development Council Chief of the Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff 
(Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo who arrived back here by special flight at Yangon 
International Airport this evening from Vientiane after,paying a goodwill 
visit to Lao People?s Democratic Republic at the invitation of Deputy Prime 
Minister and Minister for Defence Lt-Gen Choummaly Sayasone of Lao PDR.


The Secretary-2 was also welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by 
Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy 
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General 
Maung Aye, Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council 
Adjutant-General, members of the State Peace and Development Council 
Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral, Commander-in-Chief (Air) and Chairman 
of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander, Deputy Prime 
Ministers Vice-Admiral and, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military 
Affairs, ministers, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, 
First Secretary Mr Shamsouay Keodalawag, Defence, Army, Air Attache Col Phanh 
Sonephachanh and embassy staff.


Members of the delegation Commander of Triangle Region Command Maj-Gen Thein 
Sein, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Lt-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister for 
Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Home Affair Col Tin Haling, Minister 
for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col 
Thein Nyunt, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin and officials of the 
State Peace and Development Council Office, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of 
Foreign Affair and Ministry of Information also arrived back on the same 
flight.

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(2)   Secretary-2 exchanges views with Laotian leaders to 
      further strengthen relations, cooperation Myanmar 
      goodwill delegation concludes La0 PRD visit


YANGON, 30 Dec - At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for 
Defence Lt-Gen Choummaly Sayasone of Lao People?s Democratic Republic, 
Myanmar goodwill delegation led by Chief of Bureau of Special Operations 
Chief of Staff (Army) Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council 
Lt-Gen Tin Oo paid a goodwill visit to Lao People?s Democratic Republic from 
27 to 30 December.


The goodwill delegation led by Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo left here on 27 
December by special flight and arrived at Wattay International-Airport in 
Vientiane at 1.20 pm local time the same day.


The party led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Lt-Gen 
Choummaly Sayasone, Ambassador of Lao PDR to Myanmar Mr Ly Bounkham, 
Ambassador of Myanmar to Laos U Sein Win Aung, Military Attache Col Maung 
Cho, embassy staff and families welcomed the Myanmar goodwill delegation at 
the airport.

Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo received Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen Choummaly 
Sayasone at the State Guest House.

The held a meeting at the Prime Minister?s Office at 3 p.m.

Together with Lt-Gen Choummaly Sayasone were Minister of Home Affairs Maj-Gen 
Asang Laoly, Minister of Commerce and Tourism Mr Phoumy Thipphavone, Minister 
at the Prime Minister ?s Office Mr Saisengly Tengbliachue, Minister of 
Agriculture and Forestry Mr Siane Saphangthong and Ambassador of Lao PDR to 
Myanmar Mr Ly Bounkhan.

Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen Choummaly Sayasone said exchanges of good-will 
visits including visits of high-level officials will lead to exchange of 
views on a broader scale and find more ways for the two nations to extend 
cooperation in regional development and peace endeavours, expressing belief 
that Myanmar will gain more progress due to the efforts and innovative mind 
of Myanmar people under the leadership of the State Peace and Development 
Council.

Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister of Lao 
People? s Democratic Republic Mr Sisavat Keobounphanh at his office at 5 pm.


Present together with the Secretary-2 were Commander Maj-Gen Thein Sein, 
Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister Col Tin 
Hlaing, Minister Col Thein Nyunt, Minister U Aung Khin, Chief of Staff (Navy) 
Commodore Kyi Min and Ambassador of Myanmar to Laos U Sein Win Aung.

Together with the Prime Minister of Lao PDR were Deputy Prime Minister and 
Minister for Defence Lt-Gen Choummaly Sayasone, Minister of Agriculture and 
Forestry Mr Siane Saphangthong and Ambassador of Lao PDR to Myanmar Mr Ly 
Bounkaham.

Further progress in the bilateral friendly relations and cooperation is a 
result of the exchanges of goodwill visits of Heads of State of the two 
nations, he added. 


The Prime Minister discussed matters relating to further strengthening of the 
mutual goodwill relations in a brotherly manner and bilateral cooperation 
benefiting the peoples of both nations.


Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo presented gifts to the Prime Minister.


Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Lt-Gen Choummaly Sayasone 
hosted dinner in honour of Myanmar delegation led by Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin 
Oo at Lane Xang Hotel in Vientiane.


Lt-Gen Tin Oo and Lt-Gen Choummaly Sayasone exchanged gifts.


Lt-Gen Choummaly Sayasone then proposed a toast to the guests.


Lt-Gen Tin Oo said due to bilateral relations which have been restored and 
developed for the successive eras, there are no unsolved problems between the 
two nations, and spoke of extending areas of cooperation.

The guests were entertained to cultural dances during and after the dinner.

Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo presented a flower basket to members of the 
cultural dance troupe.
Present on the Lao PDR side were Deputy Chief of General Staff Department 
Brig-Gen Kankham Senglathone and high-level officials and Ambassador Mr Ly 
Bounkham.


The Secretary-2 explained Myanmar Tatmadaw?s participation in public welfare 
tasks hand in hand with the people and discussed means for further 
strengthening of cordial ties between the two Armed Forces.


Lt-Gen Choummaly Sayasone explained the duties of the Laotian Armed Forces.


The ministers who were included in the delegation met with the respective 
ministers of Lao PDR.
Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin met Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Mr Siane 
Saphangthong at his office.


They discussed Cooperation rendering technical assistance to Laos and 
implementation of small-scale dams in Laos.


Minister Brig- Gen Pyi Sone met Minister of Commerce and Tourism Mr Phoumy 
Thipphavone at his office.


They discussed trade cooperation and development and exchanges of visits of 
entrepreneurs.


Ministers Col Tin Hlaing and Col Thein Nyunt met Minister of Home Affairs 
Maj-Gen Asang Laoly and Minister at the Prime Minister?s Office Mr Saisengly 
Tengbliachue who is the in charge of the Rural Development Department at the 
Ministry of Home Affair .

They discussed promotion of bilateral anti-drug activities of the two nations 
and upgrading of border roads.


Minister U Aung Khin met Acting Minister for Information and Culture Mr 
Bouabane Volakhoun at his office.


They discussed bilateral religious relations in the ancient times and plans 
to promote the relations at present.


The Secretary-2 and Myanmar delegation attended the ceremony to hand over 
four bronze Buddha images and books on Tipitaka in Pali and Myanmar donated 
by the State Peace and Development Council to Lao PDR, in the precinct of 
That Luang Pagoda in-Vientiane in the afternoon.


Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin explained matters related to the 
donation of Buddha images and religious books.
 

The acting minister for information and culture of Lao PDR spoke words of 
thanks.


Then, the Secretary-2 presented a Buddha image to the deputy prime minister 
and minister for defence of Lao PDR as a token of donating bronze Buddha 
images.


The Secretary-2, the deputy prime minister and minister for defence of Lao 
PDR and party paid respects to nine members of the Sangha led by Sangha Raja 
Sasanabaing Sayadaw Vichit Xinthalath of Lao PDR at the ordination hall near 
That Luang Pagoda.


The Secretary-2 paid homage to bronze Buddha images donated by Myanmar and 
Buddha images in the ordination hall, and offered lights to the Buddha images.


The Secretary-2 and party received the Five Precepts from the Sangha Raja 
Sasanabaing Sayadaw of Lao PDR.


Then, the Secretary-2 offered bronze Buddha images, religious books and alms 
to the Sangha Raja Sasanabaing Sayadaw of Lao PDR.

Then, members of Myanmar delegation presented offer tones to the Sayadaw and 
members of the Sangha.


The deputy prime minister and minister for defence of Lao PDR and party also 
presented offertories to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha.


Afterwards, merits gained were shared.


The four bronze Buddha images will be kept at the four archways of ancient 
That Luang Pagoda.
Books on Tripitaka in Pali and Myanmar will be kept at Pitaka Taiktaw of the 
Sangha Raja Sasanabaing Sayadaw of Lao PDR.
 

A bronze Buddha image weighs over 500 pounds and is three and half feet high.


The Secretary-2 and Myanmar delegation paid homage to That Luang Pagoda, and 
the Secretary-2 signed in the visitor?s book.


The Secretary-2 paid a courtesy call on President of Lao PDR Mr Khamtay 
Siphandone at Ho Kham Presidential Palace at 3.30 pm.

The Secretary-2 presented a Buddha, image to the President of Lao PDR.


Then, Myanmar delegation led by the Secretary-2, together with the Minister 
of Agriculture and Forestry, visited Ho Phra Keo and offered lights and joss 
sticks to Buddha images there.


The Secretary-2 viewed and ancient Buddha images and handicrafts, and signed 
in the visitor?s book and made donations.


The Secretary-2 and Myanmar delegation went to Sisaket Museum and offered 
flowers and lights to the Buddha images there.


Next, they observed ancient Buddha images and handicrafts.


The Secretary-2 signed in the visitor?s book and presented donations for the 
museum to Mr Khamnoy, in charge of the museum.


In the evening, the families of Myanmar Embassy hosted dinner in honour of 
the Secretary-2 and Myanmar delegation at the residence of Myanmar Ambassador.


On arrival at the residence of Myanmar Ambassador at 6.45 pm, the Secretary-2 
and Myanmar Ambassador to Lao PDR U Sein Win Aung, Military Attache Col Maung 
Cho, the staff of the embassy, families and Myanmar trainees who are 
attending the course on Lao language.


The Secretary-2 presented gifts to the staff of the embassy, families and 
trainees through Ambassador U Sein Win Aung.
 

The Secretary-2 spoke of efforts of leaders of Myanmar and Lao PDR to further 
strengthen friendly ties, cooperation between two countries and friendly ties 
and cooperation between two governments and two Tatmadaw.

Afterwards, the Secretary-2 and party had dinner together with the families 
of the embassy.


Next, the Secretary-2 and party went to the government state house and 
stopped for the night.


The Secretary-2 and Myanmar delegation, together with the Minister for 
Agriculture and Forestry of Lao PDR, went to Pakse, Champasak Province, by 
special flight at 7.00 am on 29 December.


They were welcomed at the airport by Governor of Champasak Province Mr 
Oneneua Phommachanh and officials.


The Secretary-2 and party went to Champasak Palace Hotel.

At 9.30 am, the Secretary-2 and party went to Mekong River Crossing Pakse 
Bridge Project under construction at Pakse.


They were welcomed there by Project Manager of Shimizu-Hazama Corporation Mr 
Monichiro and engineers. They exchanged views on promotion of friendly 
relations between the two countries:

The Secretary-2 and party observed 1,380-metre-long Pakse Bridge. After that, 
the Secretary-2and party went to Khon Phapheng Waterfalls. They were welcomed 
thereby Mr Soubinh in charge of the region of the water fallsand officials. 
They enjoyed the beauty of the falls. Local residents hosted lunch the 
Myanmar goodwill delegation according to their traditions.


Then, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo presented souvenir to In-charge of Khom 
Phapheng Falls Mr Soubinh and posed for souvenir photo together .with the 
members in front of the waterfall.


The Secretary-2 and party the Khom Phapheng waterfall for Wat Phou Temple in 
Cham- pasak District by helicopter. Head of Champasak District Mr Savoy and 
officials explained about the ancient Wat Phou Temple and ancient building& 
in the district to the Secretary-2.


Secretary-2 Gen Tin Oo made donations to Minister of Agriculture and Forestry 
Mr Siane Saphangthong for the renovation of Wat Phou Tempk and ancient 
buildings in the district.


Later, they inspected ancient buildings and posed for souvenir photos.


Secretary 2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and party went to Coffee plantation in Paksong 
District by helicopter,
 First, Planning Manager Mr Bounchit Sithiboune explained facts about coffee 
plantation,climate of the region, researchwork and success of cultivation to 
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and patty.


Then. Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and Planning Manager Mr Bounchit Sithiboune 
exchanged gifts.


Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and party inspected production of coffee seeds and 
coffee plantation.


The Secretary-2 and party also inspected coffee plantation of local farmers 
and durian plantation and left there by car for Champasak Palace in Pakse.


Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and, party attended the Basic Ceremony at the 
Govemor?s Office of Champasak Province.


The Govemor present gifts to Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo who presented a Buddha 
image and gifts to him.


Afterwards, on behalf of the Secretary-2, Minister for Religious Affairs U 
Aung Khin thanked the officials.


The Govemor of Champasak Province Mr Onuphongma Chanh hosted dinner in honour 
of Secretary-2 Lt -Gen Tin Oo and party at Champasak Palace.

Then, Secretary -2 Lt- Gen Tin Oo and goodwill delegation left the guest 
house for Wattay International Airport.

They arrived back here in the evening. Ambassador of Lao PDR to Myanmar Mr Ly 
Bounkham also arrived back on the same flight.

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(3)   Minister for Foreign Affairs back from PRC

YANGON, 30 Dec-At the invitation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of. the 
People?s Republic of China Mr  Tang Jiaxuan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of 
the Union of Myanmar U Win Aung paid a goodwill visit to the People?s 
Republic of China from 21 December to 29 December and arrived back here this 
evening.

Minister U Win Aung was welcomed back at the Yangon International Airport by 
Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Minister for Communications, Posts and 
Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung 
Win, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador of the People?s 
Republic of China Mr Liang Dong and Embassy staff.

The Myanmar delegation also visited Shanghia Pudong Economic Zone and 
Shenzhen Industrial Zone and held discussions with officials concerned of the 
Shanghai and Shenzen People?s Governments.

Members of the Myanmar delegation, Deputy Director-General U Aung Bwa and 
Director U Thein Zaw of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also arrived back on 
the same flight.


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(4)   Lower Myanmar ISD Sports Meet

YANGON, 30 Dec-The first lower Myanmar Inter- State/Division Sports Meet 
began this morning at Aung San Stadium here.


Present were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council 
Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, ministers, Yangon Mayor, 
deputy ministers, senior military officers, members of Myanmar Olympic 
Committee, leading patrons and members of the panel of patrons of Myanmar 
Women?s Sports Federation,officials of Sports and Physica1 Education 
Department of the Ministry of Sports, guests and the public.


Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye 
Myint gave the opening address.


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(5)   Upper Myanmar School Family Day continues


YANGON, 30 Dec-Minister for Education U Than Aung attended and parade of 
outstanding Day in Mandalay this morning.


Also present were Mayor of Mandalay Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Commander of 
Central Command Brig Gen Nay Win, Tactical Operation Commander Col Tin Kyi, 
senior military officers, Secretary of Mandalay Division Peace and 
Development Council Lt-Col Tin Ohn, Patron of Mandalay Division Maternal and 
Child Welfare Association Supervisory Committee Dr Daw Tin Lin Myint, 
officials, school heads,teachers and their pupils, parents and guests.

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(6)   MKTIL holds meeting


YANGON, 31 Dec-Myanmar Korea Timber International Ltd held its seventh annual 
meeting at International Business Centre this morning.


Present were Chairman of MKTIL Mr Dan Sung Lee, Director-General of Forest 
Department Dr Kyaw Tint, Managing Director of Myanma Timber Enterprise U Win 
Tun, Director-General of Planning and Statistics Department U Soe Tint, 
members of the Board of Directors, Mr HC Chang of Daewoo Company and Mr JH Jo 
of Samwon Co who are shareholders and officials.


Mr Dan Sung Lee and U Soe Tint spoke. Director Mr Dong Chan Kim explained the 
company?s future programmes with audio-visual aids.

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(7)   15 exchange arms for peace

YANGON, 30 Dec -Armed groups, realizing the genuine goodwill and deeds of the 
Government are exchanging arms for peace at the various military commands.


In November 1999 in the region of South-East Command, platoon commander of 
KNU De Kyu Khar, together with two AK47 automatic rifles, two magazines, 59 
cartridges, one M-16 automatic rifle, two magazines, 50 cartridges, and pvt 
Tin Win of ABSDF Battalion 702,vin the region of North-East Command, sergeant 
Than Aye (a) Than Htoo of Battalion 702 of ABSDF (North) Central, in the 
region of Western Command, cpl Naing Oo (a) Tun Win of AA armed group, Maung 
Khin Win (a) Myo Htet, I/cpl Than Naing (a) Tun Win, Kyaw Aye, pvt Maung Aye 
Thein (a) Naing Lin Soe and Kya Hein (a) Thein Maung, in the region of 
North-West Command, Medical in-charge sergeant.Taing Pan Al and pvt Byat Ae 
of CNA (Northern Region ) armed group, in the region of Coastal Region 
Command , administrative officers of No 4 Brigade of KNU Phado Saw Mya Maung, 
cadre Saw Gadon of Do Battalion No7 and pvt Che Kale of Battalion No 12, 
together with one M-16 automatic rifle, one magazine, five cartridges and pvt 
Su Kan of Battalion No 10 together with three grenades, exchanged arms for 
peace at the respective commands.

Officials of receptive commands warmly welcome the 15 person and attended to 
their needs.

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(8)   79 kilos of emphedrine seized in Mandalay

YANGON, 30 Dec - A combined team comprising members of regional intelligence 
unit and Myanmar Police Force seized three bags of emphedrine weighing 79 
kilos, which are used in making stimulant tablets, at the backyard of the 
house, No 22, Yadanabon Street, Ward-1, Chanmyathazi Township, Mandalay, on 
14 December.

Further investigation was followed by the arrest of Kyin Za Wung, aged 26, 
son of U Tut Kam Paung, and Hsan Htaung Hnin,aged 33, son of U Hlaw Ne Hsun, 
of 22, Yadanabon Street, Ward-1, Chanmyathazi, Gin Ko Tun (a) Tun Pu, aged 
65, son of U In Gin, Sa-2/108, Ward-2, Chanmyathazi Township,and Daw Kyin Lan 
Wun, aged 34, daughter of U Hsan Khan Htan, of 28th Street between 75th and 
76th Streets, Seiktaramahi Ward, Chanayethazan Township. Action is being 
taken against these four persons according to Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic 
Substances Law.
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(9)   23 members resign from Kyunsu Township NLD 

YANGON 30 Dec-Twenty-three members resigned from the National League for 
Democracy of Kyunsu Township, Taninthayi Division. Twenty three members of 
Kyunsu Township NLD,Taninthayi Division, of the own volition, resigned by 
sending letters of resignadon to Kyunsu Township Multiparty Democracy General 
Election Commission Office and the party concerned on 29 October 1999 as they 
DO longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.

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(10)  WEATHER

Maximum temperature on Dec 29 was 30.0 °C (86°F)
Minimum temperature on Dec 30 was 15.0 °C (59°F)

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