HLUTTAW SESSIONS: Pyidaungsu Hluttaw: Pyidaungsu Hluttaw votes to postpone constitutional referendum: "Nay Pyi Taw, 22 July — The Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on Wednesday voted in favour of postponing a constitutional referendum until after the 8 November general election. The referendum on Section 59 (d) of the Constitution had been scheduled to be held in conjunction with the election, but the Union Election Commission proposed holding it separately at a later date. The referendum will ask voters whether the term ?military” in the section — which states the president of the union ?shall be well acquainted with the affairs of the Union such as political, administrative, economic and military” — should be changed to ?defence.” A majority of MPs backed the UEC proposal, saying the concurrent staging of the referendum with the election would pose several difficulties but would not reduce costs significantly. The Speaker of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw earlier this month said he would send a proposal to the Union Election Commission to hold a referendum on amendment of Section 59 (D) alongside the parliamentary elections on 8 November. In budget matters, MPs also discussed the Public Account Joint Committee?s report on the national budget for the second half of fiscal 2014- 2015. Union Minister for Finance U Win Shein said the government is making plans to reduce the number of its loans from the Central Bank of Myanmar."...Pyithu Hluttaw: Pyithu Hluttaw discuss reservoir projects, Chindwin River conservation: "Nay Pyi Taw, 22 July — Construction of two reservoirs for the Zawgyi irrigation system in Sagaing Region?s Singu Township can be completed next fiscal year provided enough funds are allocated in the budget, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Khin Zaw told the Pyithu Hluttaw on Wednesday. The ministry had requested funds to complete the Swanye and Minhla reservoir projects this fiscal year but did not receive budget approval. Deputy Minister for Transport U Han Sein said K 26.8 million will be spent on dredging as part of waterway maintenance of the Chindwin River. The Joint Bill Committee submitted the second amending bill on the Pyiduangsu Hluttaw Law. Approval was sought for the bills on the Union Government Law and Homogenous Marriage."...Amyotha Hluttaw: Amyotha Hluttaw MPs raise queries on illegal liquor license, national sports plans: "Nay Pyi Taw, 22 July — Strict enforcement of regulations on reduction of illegal liquor sales will continue while the number of beverage license is being decreased year by year, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Kyaw Kyaw Tun told the Amyotha Hluttaw on Wednesday. The ministry has issued 41,040 liquor licenses for the fiscal year, 170 fewer than last year, under 30 categories. Deputy Minister for Sports U Thaung Htike replied to queries about national sports plans. He said a total of 40 townships across the country do not have sports grounds or stadiums. He also urged other government agencies to inform the Union government and the sports ministry if sports facilities are renovated for other purposes. The Myanmar Red Cross Society Bill with an amendment from Pyithu Hluttaw was submitted for approval, and the report on the Arbitration Bill was read out. The Bill on the Brothel Suppression Act was submitted for approval, and was read out to the parliament. The report on the Bill amending the Blood and Blood Products Law was submitted and with a call for suggestions from parliamentarians."..... OTHER DOMESTIC NEWS: Gov?t, ethnic armed groups open latest ceasefire talks, agree on 4 amendments...Voters must check electoral roll before polling day or risk exclusion: UEC chairman...432,000 tablets seized from KKO group...Chindwin College touts education credentials at seminar...Traffic squads clamp down on bad drivers...Older residents receive free medical treatment...Farmers urged to cut chemical use to preserve Inlay Lake...Mandalay philanthropic groups aid flood victims..... EXTERNAL RELATIONS: President U Thein Sein receives Laotian delegation...Myanmar hands over 155 verified Bangladeshi nationals among those rescued by Myanmar Navy...Myanmar, Laos to promote cooperation...Networking, investment seminar draws more than 20 Japanese firms...President U Thein Sein sends messages of felicitations to Egypt...Myanmar, Laos to cooperate in various fields...MNA to expand its wings to new itineraries...Union FM sends message to Egyptian counterpart...Japan grants US$92,035 for BEMS in Kyaukkyi Tsp...Myanmar to launch UN-backed forestry emissions roadmap..... "PERSPECTIVES": "Inequality limits country?s prosperity, stability" by Kyaw Thura..... ARTICLE: "Make Election Free and Fair" by Htun Tin Htun