HLUTTAW SESSIONS:- PYIDAUNGSU HLUTTAW: Pyidaungsu Hluttaw condemn individuals and armed groups affiliated with Kokang renegades and honours the Tatmadaw: "Nay Pyi Taw, 16 Feb — Pyidaungsu Hluttaw strongly criticized and expressed disapproval of individuals and armed groups affiliated with Kokang renegade groups which are launching attacks in Laukkai area, Shan state, honouring the government troops who are protecting sovereignty and territory of the country. The bicameral supported a proposal of U Stephen, an MP from Kengtung Township constituency, to object Kokang renegade groups which are also attacking civilians, security forces and government troops with the supports of other armed groups. U Stephen said Kokang renegades led by U Phon Kya Shin launched attacks to a military base in Konekyan area, headquarters of Kokang Self-Administrated Zone, Se-aw detention centre, police station in Yan Lone Kyaine and Laukkai station on February 8. He also noted that attacks of Kokang renegade groups are tantamount to threatening stability of Laukkai area and sovereignty of the country..."...PYITHU HLUTTAW: MPF extends many branches and enhances capacity: "Nay Pyi Taw, 16 Feb—At the 17th day session of Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) on Monday, U Than Myint of Wundwin Constituency asked whether there is a plan to issue warning of earthquake to the people and process of preparations. Deputy Minister for Transport U Zin Yaw replied that the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement is taking various ways and means for decreasing loss of life and property in natural disasters including earthquakes and disseminating knowledge to the people. Department of Meteorology and Hydrology also distributes pamphlets on preparations to be carried out before and after earthquakes and conducts natural disaster management courses and prevention of earthquake in cooperation with the Ministry of SWRR, Myanmar Red Cross Society and Myanmar Engineering Society. U Khaing Maung Yi of Ahlon Constituency submitted a proposal calling for extending establishment of Myanmar Police Force and security forces and upgrading them to be able to prevent and control terrorism and destructive acts for ensuring life security of the people. The Hluttaw approved it. Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Kyaw Zan Myint explained that MPF extended many branches from 2011 to 2014 and conducts capacity enhancement courses for the police and community policing courses with the assistance of European Union- EU for ensuring safety of people."...AMYOTHA HLUTTAW: Myanmar Investment Commission defends bylaw and notification: "Nay Pyi Taw, 16 Feb — Deputy Minister Dr Maung Maung Thein, a member of Myanmar Investment Commission, said Monday bylaw and notifications of Foreign Investment Law are not ultra vires to the law. In reply to U Tin Yu, an MP of Yangon region constituency 3, Dr Maung Maung Thein clarified bylaws and notifications are not beyond the powers in line with the definitions of ?letter of law? and ?spirit of law?, as he was quoting article 3 of the Foreign Investment Law that says the Law shall apply to business stipulated by the Commission, by notification, with the prior approval of the Union Government. He also said paragraph numbers 4, 5 and 7 explain details of this article about restriction, prohibitions and investment in business sector, as well as possible permissions. Notification number 49/2014 issued in August last year has stipulated the list of economic activities under prohibition. The Deputy Minister said sectors that have been allowed or prohibited can vary from time to time. MPs also agreed to discuss amendment bill on 2012 Amyotha Hluttaw Law which is required to meet the changing situations directly related with the Upper House."..... NOTIFICATION: Republic of the Union of Myanmar Press Release Team Notification (6/2015) 16 February, 2015 13th Waning Day of Tabodwe, 1376 ME Myanmar will continue to maintain stability and security of border areas.....Religious and higher learning institutions issue statements on current situation in Myanmar..... OTHER DOMESTIC NEWS: President U Thein Sein vows not to lose an inch of Myanmar?s territory, honours military personnel who fight against Kokang renegades...UEC, CSOs break deadlocks between them...Pyidaungsu Hluttaw denounce attacks of Kokang renegades...Endangered hardwood tree plantation to be established in Yangon...Vice President Dr Sai Mauk Kham visits Mawlamyine...Cash and kind donation invited for military servicemen...Drugs, weapons and ammunition seized from Kokang renegade groups...Daw Tint Tint Lwin presents consular commission to Union FM...In-charge of MRTV?s retransmission station in Monepaw abducted...Staff attend capacity building course...Three asphalt streets commissioned into service in Nay Pyi Taw...Thai specialists give free healthcare in Bahan Township...Futsal champion club wins K100,000...Inter-Club Sepak Takraw tourney wraps up...Authorities provide assistance for transport of those who came back from Laukkai...GAD offers Buddha images to locals in Natogyi Tsp...People get potable water thanks to tube-well, water tank donations..... EXTERNAL RELATIONS: Israeli representation at Culture Festival in Myanmar Convention Center...Tourists visit downtown Myanaung..... "PERSPECTIVES": "Opium poppy cultivation must be eliminated" by Myint Win Thein..... ARTICLE: "A quick fascinating glimpse inside the library of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore" by Sayar Mya