The New Light of Myanmar (Thursday, 16 November, 2000)

[Ok Kar <Okkar66126@xxxxxxx>]

The New Light of Myanmar (Thursday, 16 November, 2000)
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1. Certificates of honour presented to doyen artistes,
   members of board of judges
2. Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement
   Agencies, Asia and Pacific continues
3. - Minister receives Thai visitors
   - Minister meets Russian Ambassador
   - Minister meets Thai visitors
   - Deputy Minister for Commerce meets foreign guests
   - Deputy Minister for F & R receives Japanese guests
   - UMFCCI President meets foreign visitors
4. - Mindhamma Hill teeming with monks, devotees
   - Bagan ancient pagodas No 1071 and 293 consecrated
5. Cash donated to Kyauktan Township School Health Care
   Project, Township MCWA
6. - Fund Supervisory Committee for Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary
     Award meets
   - Ophthalmologists on free-treatment tour in Thandwe District
7. - Minister inspects repair of vessels at Dalla Shipyard
   - Minister inspects Kawthoung Hospital
8. - Observance of World AIDS Day coordinated
   - Myanmar amateur golf team third in Thai Putra Cup
9. - Three get 21 years each for smuggling narcotics
20 - Pale Township NLD members resign of own accord

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( 1 )  Certificates of honour presented to doyen artistes, members of board
of judges

Yangon, 15 Nov-A ceremony to present certificates of honour to artistes and
members of the board of judges who rendered assistance to the Eighth Myanma
Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions and host dinner in their
honour was held at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street this evening,
attended by Patron of Leading Committee for Organizing the Eighth Myanma
Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State
Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were member of the Panel of Patrons Chairman of  Maj-Gen Khin
Maung Than, the ministers, Vice-Chairman of Leading Committee Deputy Minister
for Culture U Soe Nyunt and members, members of Work Committee and
Sub-Committees, members of central board of judges, members of board of
judges from States and Divisions, managers and guests.

In his speech, the Secretary-1 thanked the doyen artistes, literary and
history scholars, and members of the panel of judges for successfully holding
the Eighth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions. The
performing arts competitions, he said, have become successful year after year
due to the doyen artistes' leadership and handing down of their talented
skill to the new generation youths, the new generation's willingness to learn
performing arts and efforts to gain the whole-hearted support by the
audiences who cherish Myanma traditional cultural performing arts.

Thus, the doyen artistes, literary and history scholars, and members of the
panel of judges were duly honoured. Today, sciences and technologies have
been developing with immeasurable momentum, and some big countries who have
the advantages in economy and technologies are trying in various ways to
dominate their power over the developing countries politically, economically
and socially.

For those who do not have vigilance, infiltration of culture seems to be an
entrance freely open, without any hindrance, he said. In many countries,
efforts for preservation of own culture are becoming lax, and it can be found
internationally that alien cultures have infiltrated the youths, eclipsing
almost all national cultural traits and that people are now seriously trying
to preserve and promote own cultures. Myanmar can be proud among the world's
nations as one that places preservation and promotion of own culture in the
fore of the tasks.

The Secretary-1 quoted Senior General Than Shwe as saying in his address to
the Annual General Meeting of the Union Solidarity and Development
Association for the Year 2000 that though Myanmar is still a developing
country considering it economically, it has a high prestige in preserving and
vitalizing national identity and prestige.

He also spoke of efforts for uplift of cultural heritage such as preservation
and renovation of religious edifices, building of new ones, and vitalization
of 10 kinds of Myanma traditional arts. He attributed the success in these
tasks to the cooperation of the entire nation, and cooperation between the
government and people in cultural, religious, educational and health sectors.

Organizing traditional cultural performing arts competitions at the national
level is one of the most vital tasks in preservation and safeguarding of
national culture.

The Secretary-1 called for efforts to keep Myanma national cultural traits
alive among today's youths and to train them to value, preserve and promote
national culture. Infiltration of alien culture could be prevented to a
certain extent, and at the same time, all have to work with seriousness for
uplift of national culture, to organize the entire nation to join in these
tasks, to increase the number of youths who inherit the cultural heritage, to
make the high cultural standard more prominent, to preserve and
professionalize classical music, Buddha Jataka stories and plays, and to know
the true historical trend of Myanma culture.

The doyen artistes' undertaking of duties and their performance in
safeguarding and promoting national culture are vital for flourishing of
genuine cultural traits and handing down good legacy of professionalism in
performing arts.

The Secretary-1 urged all doyen artistes to bequeath their professional
skills to new generations and organize future performing arts competitions
with cultural and national essence. The Secretary-1 presented certificates of
honour to old doyen artistes, members of central board of judges, members of
board of judges of the Performing Arts Competitions (Central) and old
contestants in the music competition.

Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than presented certificates of honour to members
of board of judges (central) for music competition and members of board of
judges from states and divisions. Minister for Culture U Win Sein presented
certificates of honour to members of board of judges (central) for dance
competition and members of board of judges from states and divisions.
Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San presented certificates of honour to
members of board of judges (central) for Mahothada Drama competition, members
of board of judges from states and divisions, members of board of judges
(central) for marionette competition and members of board of judges from
states and divisions.

Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung presented certificates of honour to
members of board of judges for composing competition and members of board of
judges from states and divisions. Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint
Swe presented certificates of honour to members of board of judges for harp
competition, members of board of judges (central) for piano competition and
members of board of judges from states and divisions. Minister for Social
Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa presented certificates of
honour to members of board of judges (central) for xylophone and oboe
competitions and members of board of judges from states and divisions.
Minister for Education U Than Aung presented certificates of honour to
members of board of judges (central) for violin, Saing (solo and group)
competitions and members of board of judges from states and divisions. Deputy
Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt presented certificates of honour to members
of board of judges (central) for Ozi and Dobat competitions and members of
work committees from states and divisions, managers of state and division
troupes. Member of board of judges from Ayeyawady Division U Moe Kyaw Tun
spoke words of thanks.

First prize winners then entertained the guests. A farewell song composed by
Gitalulin U Ko Ko for the Eighth Myanma Traditional Cutural Performing Arts
Competitions was sung. Dinner was hosted in honour of doyen artistes and
members of board of judges.

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( 2 ) Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and
Pacific continues



Yangon, 15 Nov - The second day session of the 24th Meeting of Heads of
National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific, co-sponsored by
United Nations Drug Control Programme and Myanmar, continued at the Hotel
Equatorial today. Present at the meeting were officials of UNDCP and
INTERPOL, delegates of ASEAN, those of South Pacific Island Countries
Association and heads of delegations of Australia, Azerbaijan, People's
Republic of China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macau Special
Administrative Region, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lao
People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, the
Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

The Meeting Chairman the leader of Myanmar delegation Secretary of Central
Committee for Drug Abuse Control of Myanmar Director-General of Myanmar
Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win gave a speech. Drug Control Officer of
UNDCP Mr Lan Munro explained the agenda of the second day meeting. Joint
Secretary of CCDAC Police Col Kham Aung reported to the meeting on Myanmar's
national anti-narcotic drug activities with audio-visual aids.

He also answered to queries raised by the participants. Heads of the
delegates to the 24th Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement
Agencies, Asia and the Pacific held group-wise discussions on illicit
trafficking of heroin, consumption rate, effectiveness of anti-drug strategic
electronic systems, control of stimulant pills and trafficking of drugs along
the sea lanes. The meeting continues on 16 November.

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( 3 )  Minister receives Thai visitors



Yangon, 15 Nov-Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win
Tin received Managing Director of Udom Telecom Co Ltd Mr Udom Koonmongkon and
Marking Manager Mr Bryan W James and party of Thailand at his office this
morning. They discussed matters related to communication. Also present at the
call were Managing Director of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications U Maung
Maung Tin and officials.

Minister meets Russian Ambassador



Yangon, 15 Nov-Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung met Ambassador of
Russian Federation Mr Gleb A Ivashentsov at his office at 1 pm today. Also
present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein,
Director-General of Myanma Radio and TV U Khin Maung Htay, Managing Director
of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, Managing Director of Printing
and Publishing Enterprise Col Myint Thein, Adviser to the Minister U Kyaw Min
and Head of Office Captain Soe Aung.

Minister meets Thai visitors



Yangon, 15 Nov-Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win
Tin met Chairman of Myanmar-China Huanyu-thama (Group) Co Ltd Mr Zhao Ji Dong
and party at his office this morning. They discussed matters related to
communication. Also present at the call were officials of the ministry.

Deputy Minister for Commerce meets foreign guests

Yangon, 15 Nov-Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan met Managing
Director Mr Guy De Montule of Louis Dreyfus Trading Ltd, Switzerland and
party at his office at 10 am today. They cordially discussed mutual interest
on trade, investment and commerce between the two countries. Also present at
the call were Director-General of Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye, Managing
Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung, Deputy
Director-General of Border Trade Department U Thein Lwin and officials.

Deputy Minister for F & R receives Japanese guests

Yangon, 15 Nov - Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen Than Tun
received Deputy Director-General Mr Yoshihi Ueda of the Ministry of Finance
International Bureau of Japan and party at his office this morning. They
cordially discussed bilateral matters. Also present at the call was Governor
of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung.

UMFCCI President meets foreign visitors

Yangon, 15 Nov- Manager of Multimedia Development Corporation Sdn Bhd of
Malaysia Mr Steven Lim and party called on President of the Union of Myanmar
Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint and
Secretary-General U Zaw Min Win and Joint-General-Secretary U Pyone Maung
Maung at the office of UMFCCI at 1 pm today. Similarly, Sales Engineers of
Lohia Starlinger Limited of India Mr Dhirendra Sharma met Secretary-General U
Zaw Min Win at the office of UMFCCI at 2 pm today.

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( 4 ) Mindhamma Hill teeming with monks, devotees



Yangon, 15 Nov- Members of the Sangha and Buddhist devotees crowded Mindhamma
Hill in Insein Township today, where Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image is
kept for public obeisance. Engineers and physical and intellectual workers of
special construction group-2 of Public Works were carrying out construction
work of Gandakuti Kyaungdawgyi, northern and southern stairways and the
retaining walls of Mindhamma Hill. Sculptors led by U Taw Taw are carving the
Image. Myanmar designers U Ohn Tin and party are also doing decoration work.
Wut associations recited religious verses from 7 am to 10 pm. Bookshops of
the Religious Affairs Department, News and Periodicals Enterprise and Sarpay
Beikman were selling books on religion, knowledge and literature. Donations
to the fund of the Image amounted to over K 97 million.

Bagan ancient pagodas No 1071 and 293 consecrated

Yangon, 15 Nov-A ceremony to consecrate Bagan ancient pagodas No 1071 and 293
was held at the Mingalar Mandat near the pagoda No 1071 on 12 November
morning. The pagodas were renovated with K 1,744,250 donated by the managing
director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading and staff families, under the
patronage of Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and Deputy Minister
Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan. Member of Central Working Committee of the Sangha
Gukyaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Jagara and members of the Sangha
consecrated the pagoda No 1071. Then, Padana Nayaka Sayadaw of Thabbyinnyu
Kyaungtaik U Naninda invested the congregatin with the Five Precepts. Members
of the Sangha recited the parittas. Managing Director U Min Hla Aung and wife
and staff families presented provisions to members of the Sangha. Later,
Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Jagara delivered a sermon, followed by
sharing of merits gained.

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( 5 ) Cash donated to Kyauktan Township School Health Care Project, Township
MCWA



Yangon, 15 Nov-A ceremony to present cash and kind donated by Women's
Federation for World Peace (WFWP) of Japan to Kyauktan Township School Health
Care Project and Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association was held at
Shwehmawwun Hall of the township this afternoon, attended by Minister for
Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.

Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Minister Professor Dr Mya Oo,
Vice-Chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Dr Daw
Khin Win Shwe, Patron of Supervisory Committee of Yangon Division MCWA Dr Daw
Malar Tint, directors-general and deputy directors-general of departments
under the ministry, Yangon Division Health Officer Dr Khin Maung Win,
Chairman of Yangon Division (South) District Peace and Development Council
Lt-Col Maung Maung Sein and officials.



Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein made an opening address. Then, Chairperson of WFWP
Ms Tetsuko Kuboki explained the purpose of the donation and presented US$
11,700 for the School Health Care Project to the minister who presented a
certificate of honour to her. Then, Ms Tetsuko Kuboki also presented K
250,000 for Township MCWA to Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe who
presented a certificate of honour to her. The chairperson of WFWP and
officials presented stipends to 16 students who won scholarship awards.
Later, the minister and party and members of WFWP had a souvenir photo taken.

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( 6 ) Fund Supervisory Committee for Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award meets



Yangon, 15 Nov-The Fund Supervisory Committee for Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary
Award held its Meeting 1/2000 at the meeting hall of the Ministry of
Information on Bo Aung Gyaw Street at 10 am today.

It was attended by Chairman of the Fund Supervisory Committee for Pakokku U
Ohn Pe Literary Award Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein and
members and wellwisher Pakokku U Ohn Pe. Secretary of the Fund Supervisory
Committee for Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award Director (News) of News and
Periodicals Enterprise U Hla Tun acted as master of ceremonies. Speaking on
the occasion, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein called on committee members
to report work done sector-wise, progress of scrutinization of manuscripts
and financial situation as the prize-presentation ceremony of Pakokku U Ohn
Pe Literary Award was drawing near.

Then, Chairman of Literary Award Scrutinization Committee Adviser to the
Ministry of Information U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin) reported on progress of
scrutinization of the manuscripts, and Deputy General Manager (Accounts) of
Printing and Publishing Enterprise U Myint Tun on current financial
situations. This was followed by a general round of discussions. The meeting
ended with the concluding remarks by Chairman of the Fund Supervisory
Committee for Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award Deputy Minister for Information
Brig-Gen Aung Thein.

Ophthalmologists on free-treatment tour in Thandwe District

Yangon, 15 Nov-Under the arrangement of the Department of Health, the
Ministry of Health, an outreach Eye Surgical Team of the Eye Hospital in
Yangon led by Lecturer Consultant Eye Surgeon Dr U Kan Nyunt and four
ophthalmologists comprising Rakhine State Ophthalmologist Dr Daw Than Than
Htwe and four nurses left for Thandwe, Rakhine State, on 10 November. The
team looked after 463 out-patients at the Thandwe District Hospital with the
help of Thandwe District Medical Officer Dr U Kyaw Win and staff on 11
November.

The team operated 77 cases of cataract with modern technique putting intra
ocular lens free of charge and 30 cases of minor operations on 12 and 13
November. This is the last programme for 2000 and the ministry had sent the
similar teams to Kyaukse, Hpa-an, Pakokku, NyaungU and Pyay during this year.
All teams have successfully carried out their operations in the areas.

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( 7 ) Minister inspects repair of vessels at Dalla Shipyard

Yangon, 15 Nov-Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Deputy Minister
Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, Managing Director of Myanma Port Authority U Thein Htay,
Managing Director of Inland Water Transport U Tun Aung Myint and officials
inspected repair of Pyi Nyein Chan triple-decker and Ponnya
shallow-water-going vessel at Dalla Shipyard this morning. The minister
inspected fish breeding pond of the shipyard. Managing Director U Tun Aung
Myint, Senior Engineer U Charlie Than and officials reported on work. The
minister inspected construction of a dock and new barges and repair of old
vessels and construction of new dock. Senior Engineer U Charlie Than reported
on work. The minister then gave instructions. The minister and party
inspected Dalla Jetty and roll-on and roll-off jetty and gave instructions on
safety of passengers.

Minister inspects Kawthoung Hospital

Yangon, 15 Nov-Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein arrived at Kawthaung on
13 November and attended the Seminar on Public Health Care held at Kawthoung
Hospital. Also present on the occasion were Kawthoung-Based Tactical
Operations Commander Lt-Col Myint Tun of Coastal Region Command, military and
civilian officers, Township Health Officer and Health workers. After
delivering a speech at the Seminar, the Minister inspected the laboratory,
wards, operation theatre and fulfilled the requirements. Then, the minister
headed for the construction site for 150-bed hospital in Ayemyakantha Ward
where the head of Township Health Department and specialists reported on the
construction, work done and future plans for the hospital to the minister.
The Minister attended to the needs and gave necessary instructions to the
officials.

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( 8 )  Observance of World AIDS Day coordinated

Yangon, 15 Nov-Third coordination meeting on observance of World AIDS Day
which will fall on 1 December 2000 was held at the meeting hall of Health
Department (Head Office) on Theinbyu Road this afternoon. It was attended by
members of the Committee for Observance of World AIDS Day, officials of
Ministry of Health and the ministries concerned, officials of NGOs and
representatives of UN agencies. Officials discussed observance of AIDS Day
nationwide in cooperation with associations and departments in accord with
the motto" AIDS: Men Make a Difference ".

Myanmar amateur golf team third in Thai Putra Cup

Yangon, 15 Nov - Myanmar amateur golf team shared the third place with
Malaysia in the 40th Putra Cup South-East Asian Amateur Golf Championship
held in Thailand from 8 to 11 November. The competing teams came from Hong
Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Myanmar,
Singapore and host Thailand. Thai team won the championship cup with 877
strokes and the Philippines team was runner-up with 889 strokes. Myanmar and
Malaysia equally scored 901 strokes to secure the third place. Myanmar golfer
Zaw Paing Oo scored a total of 294 strokes and won the individual third
prize. He also won the fourth prize in 2-5 November Thailand Master Golf with
296 strokes. Other golfers of Myanmar amateur golf team were Min Naing, Zaw
Zaw Latt, Win Htwe Hlaing and Yin Htwe. They arrived back here on 12
November.

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( 9 )  Three get 21 years each for smuggling narcotics

Yangon, 15 Nov - Kawthoung District Court sentenced three to 21 years
imprisonment each on 31 October for smuggling narcotic drugs into the country
under Section 20 (b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.
The case was that on 1 May, 2000, personnel of regional intelligence unit and
Kawthoung special anti-drug squad, acting on tip-off, stopped KT-136 trawler
with Maung Gyi at the wheel, near Mwaydaw checkpoint in Kawthoung Township.
The personnel seized 39 tins of cotcodyl brand narcotic drug syrup weighing
3.9 litres smuggled in from the other country. The drugs were hidden among
the foodstuff brought in by merchant Ma Gyida (a) Mrs Mukda and Aung Naing.
Kawthoung Police Station booked Ma Gyida (a) Mrs Mukda, daughter of U Aw Rap,
living at 180/82, Fanfala Ward, Ranong, Thailand, Aung Naing, son of U Kyi
Taing, living at 176, Dana Lane, Oloke East Ward, Dawei, and Maung Gyi, son
of U Myint Aung, living at 332, Padauk Shwewah Ward, Kawthoung, under
Sections 15/19 (a)/20 (b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
Law.

20 Pale Township NLD members resign of own accord

Yangon, 15 Nov-Twenty members resigned from the National League for Democracy
of Pale Township, Sagaing Division. Twenty members of Pale Township NLD,
Sagaing Division, of their own accord, resigned by sending letters of
resignation to Pale Township Multiparty Democracy General Election
Sub-commission and the party concerned on 5 April 2000 as they no longer
wished to participate in party politics of NLD.


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WEATHER REPORT

TODAY

Forcast for Yangon and neighbouring area for 16th November  2000:
Intermittent rain which may be heavy at time. Degree of certainty is 70%


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