HLUTTAW SESSIONS:- PYIDAUNGSU HLUTTAW: Pyidaungsu Hluttaw approves call to extend ?state of emergency? period: "Nay Pyi Taw, 15 May — Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann sought approval from the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on Friday of the extension of the state of emergency for another 90 days in the Kokang self-administered area in Shan State, with members of parliament speaking in support of the extension. A state of emergency with a three-month period of martial law has been declared in the area since 17 February 2015, and expires on 17 May. MPs condemned acts of disturbance orchestrated by destructive elements, calling for the parliament to put on record whoever makes efforts to remove threats to national security. They shared their sympathy with families of soldiers wounded and killed in defence of the country, stressing the need to join hands with the army to ensure stability and rule of law in the reigon. ?The issue of Laukkai is a national rather than local concern, so collective participation and cooperation is individual responsibility,” an MP said. Union Defence Minister Lt-Gen Wai Lwin expounded the handling of situations in Laukkai, including military operations, security, and economic and judicial affairs."..... OTHER DOMESTIC NEWS: President U Thein Sein confers honours on Sayadaws, outstanding individuals...Myanmar?s largest food and hospitality trade event set for June...Army captures Point-2202 Hill of MNDAA insurgents in Laukkai...Rural youths undertake computer training course...Work under way to widen Muse-Lashio-Mandalay Union Highway...Primary assistance teachers undergo additional training...Govt sends pagoda trustees rules for preservation of ancient sites...Plan set to hoist diamond orb and umbrella atop Jade Pagoda...Mandalay set to host invitational volleyball tourney...Farmers receive rights to work newly released land plots...New power lines, transformers boost electricity supply in Chanayethazan Tsp..... EXTERNAL RELATIONS: Japanese sculptor?s nature-inspired creation ?gift to Myanmar?...German Myanmar Business Chamber launches with eye to increased bilateral trade...Pyithu Hluttaw speaker meets US, ROK delegations...Amyotha Hluttaw Speaker receives delegates from Korea-Myanmar Friendship Association...Vice President attends dinner to mark 70th Anniversary of WWII Victory...Local and foreign experts engage in discussions on progress of reform and future prospects of Myanmar...Canada prepares to assist Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association...Myanmar cruise into quarterfinal with 3-0 win over Saudi Arabia..... "PERSPECTIVES": "For better or worse, your vote is your destiny" by Kyaw Thura..... ARTICLE: "The great grand and auspicious paying homage ceremony for conferring the noblest religious titles on the outstanding Buddhist-monk candidates who distinctively got through the 67th Sacred Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida Selection Examination in the year of 2015" by Ba Sein (Religious Affairs)