The New Light of Myanmar (Sunday, 21 January, 2001)

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The New Light of Myanmar (Sunday,  21 January, 2001)
------------------------------------------
1. State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General
   Than Shwe sends message of congratulations to President of
   the Philippines
2. Special Refresher Course No 9 for Basic Education Teachers opens at
   CICS (Upper Myanmar)
3. Secretary-1 inspects regional development tasks in Mandalay, Magway
4. - MEC Chairman attends opening ceremony of PhaungdawU Parahita
     Monastic Education High School in Mandalay
   - Secretary-1 inspects construction tasks at Mindhamma Hill
5. - Secretary-2 attends review meeting on 56th Anniversary Armed
     Forces Day Commemorative Military Band Competition
   - Secretary-2 and wife visit Myanmar Traditional Snack Competition
6. Chief of Staff (Army) attends prize presentation ceremony of
   Tenth Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Competition
7. Secretary-3 inspects gem mining camps in Mogok Township, pays
   obeisance to Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda in Kanbalu Township, gives
   counsel to officials
8. - Chinese Minister tours Yangon
   - English Proficiency Course concludes
   - Pre-Conference of Shan State (East) War Veteran Organization held
9. - 34 members of KNU exchange arms for peace
   - MGF President's Cup Golf Tourney continues
___________________________


( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than
Shwe sends message of congratulations to President of the Philippines

Yangon, 20 Jan-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of
the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe has sent a congratulatory
message to Her Excellency Madame Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of
the Republic of the Philippines, on her assumption of office.

___________________________

( 2 ) Secretary-1 calls on all teachers to cultivate habit of
constantly going on learning modern technologies

Special Refresher Course No 9 for Basic Education Teachers opens at
CICS (Upper Myanmar)



Yangon, 20 Jan-The opening of Special Refresher Course No 9 for Basic
Education Teachers was held yesterday in Yadana Hall of the Central
Institute of Civil Service (Upper Myanmar), PyinOoLwin Township,
attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the
State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present
were members of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of
Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Ye
Myint, Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council
Commander Maj-Gen Soe Win, ministers, the Chairman of Civil Service
Selection and Training Board, the Chief of Staff (Air), deputy
ministers, the Mayor of Mandalay, senior military officers, officials
of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department,
members of Division, District and Township Peace and Development
Councils, Rector of CICS (Upper Myanmar) Col Aung Hsan Win, the Pro-
rector, department heads, instructors and trainee teachers.

The Secretary-1 said as all of us know the State Peace and Development
Council has been making efforts for emergence of a peaceful modern
developed nation, in line with the historical trend, objective
conditions of the nation and the people, future prospects and changes
in international situations, after laying down political, economic and
social objectives which accentuate the essence of the Union. Political,
economic and social objectives have met with success gradually, and all
of us can now enjoy the benefits due to the correct policies that
promote national interests practically, he said.

He said that rapid development has also been brought about in border
areas where national races are living, as a result of achieving
political stability and tranquillity on the basis of national
solidarity. In the economic sector, emphasis has been placed on
economic progress after laying down economic policies and plans based
on national forces. Basic economic foundations have emerged and so has
an economic force comprising national entrepreneurs who are rich and
efficient, he said.

He noted that the success of Myanmar's economic endeavours have not
come up to the expectation, and progress is slow due to some big
nations and the expatriate group relying on those nations and
committing subversive activities. Wanting to influence Myanmar, they
have fabricated propaganda in collaboration with some news agencies,
applied pressure and imposed sanctions with the use of much money and
power.

He said that the government is exerting continued efforts to promote
the interests of the nation and the people by making the best use of
already-achieved economic foundations, no matter how much pressure they
put on the government and how they are imposing economic sanctions. He
added that the government will continuously strive for the promotion of
national interests in cooperation with ASEAN member nations,
neighbouring countries and friendly nations in the economic sector. He
said Myanmar is making concerted efforts for development of electronic
and information communication technologies.

Moreover, Myanmar is also  implementing the tasks for strengthening of
national internal forces, national awareness, spirit and efficiency in
social sector, he added. Education promotion programmes for development
of students who are the source of national internal forces in accord
with social requirements and promotion of education up to international
level are successful. Skill demonstration of the students showed the
good results of the education promotion programmes on the recent School
Family Day, he added.


The Secretary-1 spoke on introduction of e-Education in Myanmar through
computer networks and satellite links, opening of over 200 learning
centres nationwide and telecasting of Electronic Data Broadcasting
System jointly carried out by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of
Information.

He spoke of the need to prepare the tasks to deal with advantages and
disadvantages of globalization without harming the national interest in
the process of international technological development. As the
government's educational promotion programmes today cover the tasks
beyond the classroom teaching system, all teachers are dutybound to
promote the habit of constantly going on learning modern technologies
with the aim of using them in the tasks for national development and
lead their pupils and all other citizens in this task, he said. After
the opening ceremony, the Secretary-1 cordially met with the trainee
teachers. Altogether 1,003 teachers of states and divisions are
attending the five-week course.


_________________________

( 3 ) Secretary-1 inspects regional development tasks in Mandalay,
Magway


Yangon, 20 Jan - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected regional development tasks in Mandalay and
Magway Divisions yesterday and today. The Secretary-1 and party,
accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council
Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander
Maj-Gen Ye Myint, attended the opening ceremony of Special Refresher
Course No 9 for Basic Education Teachers at the Central Institute of
Civil Service (Upper Myanmar) in PyinOoLwin Township, Mandalay
Division, yesterday afternoon.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party went to the Central Fire-Fighting
Training School of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and
Resettlement in PyinOoLwin, Mandalay Division. They were welcomed there
by Director-General of Fire Services Department U Myint Tun, Principal
Col Kyi Win and officials. Lecturer of Yangon Technological University
U San Kyu reported on construction of the school administration office
building and the 110-foot-high reinforced concrete training tower and
other construction tasks.


Next, the Secretary-1 inspected cultivation of crops and vegetables in
the compound of the training school by car. The Secretary-1 and party
proceeded to National Kandawgyi Park in PyinOoLwin., They were welcomed
by Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone, Commandant of PyinOoLwin Station
and Defence Services Academy Brig-Gen Tin Oo, senior military officers,
Chairman of Woodland Co U Win Aung and officials. Chairman of Woodland
Co U Win Aung reported on arrangements to upgrade National Kandawgyi
Park, reconstruction of streets in the park, construction of a
fountain, Rainbow Viewing Deck, the growing of flowers on an island in
Lake-1, construction of wooden railings and a wooden bridge at the
entrance of Phayalaykyun and View Plaza, the building of the approach
road to Visitor Centre, construction of archways, the growing of bamboo
trees around the lake, the setting up of nurseries and Workshop outside
the park, the growing of flower beds,the raising of birds and
construction of Timber Jungle Walkway in the swamp area.

Secretary-1 inspects regional development The Secretary-1 gave
instructions on the work. In the briefing hall, Minister U Aung Phone
reported on tasks for upgrading National Kandawgyi Park, Chairman U Win
Aung on implementation of the project phase I for upgrading the park
from 1-9-2000 to 7-1-2000 and arrangements for the project phase II.
Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung
reported on measures to be taken for the conservation of the lake, and
Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave an additional report. The Secretary-1
gave instructions.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party went to the construction project of
Medical Research Department (Upper Myanmar) under the Ministry of
Health in PyinOoLwin. They were welcomed by Director-General of Medical
Research Department (Upper Myanmar) Dr Myint Lwin, Managing Director of
Myanma Industrial Construction Services U Ye Tun and officials.
Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein reported on progress of
implementation of the project, the location of the project, areas, the
condition of the staff and research on traditional medicines.

Director-General Dr Myint Lwin also reported on matters related to
doing research, and Managing Director U Ye Tun on matters related to
staff quarters, water and power supply and construction of the
administration office building and the research building. Commander Maj-
Gen Ye Myint gave an additional report.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions on the work. Afterwards, the
Secretary-1 and party inspected construction of Medical Research
Department (Upper Myanmar) and the growing of herbal plants.


In the evening, Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1
of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife
Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe attended the dinner hosted by the Chairman of the
Committee for Organizing the 47th Myanmar Medical Conference of Myanmar
Medical Association at the Novotel Hotel at the foot of Mandalay Hill.
Also present were Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development
Council Lt-Gen Win Myint, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and wife Dr Daw
Tin Lin Myint, ministers, the chairman of the Civil Service Selection
and Training Board, the Chief of Staff (Air), the Mayor of Mandalay,
deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council
Office, heads of department, division and district authorities,
rectors, professors, Chairman of MMA (Central) Professor U Myo Myint
and executives, Chairman of Myanmar Medical Association (Mandalay)
Professor U Ko Lay and executives, Myanmar doctors abroad and members
of the association.

The Secretary-1 and party stopped for the night in Mandalay. The
Secretary-1 and party, together with Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint,
attended the opening and merit-sharing ceremony of the new building of
PhaungdawU Parahita Monastic Education School at Dawnabwa Ward,
Aungmyaythazan Township, Mandalay, this morning. Then, they left
Mandalay by Tatmadaw aircraft and arrived at Magway at 9.50 am. They
were welcomed at Magway Airport by Chairman of Magway Division Peace
and Development Council Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, military officers and
civilian officials and members of the Union Solidarity and Development
Association.

The Secretary-1 and party visited Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway) Project on
the bank of Magway. In the briefing hall, Deputy Chief Engineer
(Project) of Public Works U Han Zaw reported on progress of work, and
Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe gave
additional reports.

Then, the Secretary-1 inspected the project site and gave instructions.
Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway) links Mingalar Road, Magway, on the east bank
of the Ayeyawady, and Phaya Koehsu Kon, Htaukshabin Village, Minbu, on
the west bank. The main structure of the bridge is 6,969 feet long, and
the approach structure 2,020 feet long. The lower structure of the
bridge is built of reinforced concrete, and the upper structure of
steel frames. The bridge with a 28-foot-wide motor way can support 60-
ton loads.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party went to the site chosen for
construction of a new airport near Hsataingkan Village, Magway
Township. They were welcomed by Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen
Kyaw Myint and officials. In the briefing hall, Deputy Minister Brig-
Gen Kyaw Myint reported on the layout plan of the new airport, and Brig-
Gen Thein Zaw on supply of water from the Ayeyawady and Yin Creek for
the surrounding areas of Magway. The Secretary-1 gave instructions on
the work. The Secretary-1 and party left Magway by Tatmadaw aircraft
and arrived back here in the afternoon.

__________________________

( 4 ) MEC Chairman attends opening ceremony of PhaungdawU Parahita
Monastic Education High School in Mandalay


Yangon, 20 Jan-The opening and merit-sharing ceremony of PhaungdawU
Parahita Monastic Education High School on Dawnabwa Ward in Aungmyay
Thazan Township, Mandalay, was held in front of the school this
morning, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-
1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were Vice-Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee
Masoeyein Taikthit Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa
and member Sayadaws, chairmen Sayadaws of Division and Township Sangha
Nayaka Committees, Headmaster of PhaungdawU Parahita Monastic Education
High School Bhaddanta Nayaka (BSc, Chem), member of Patron Sayadaws,
member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mandalay
Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint,
ministers, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board,
the Chief of Staff (Air), deputy ministers, officials of the State
Peace and Development Council Office, department heads, members of
Division, District and Township Peace and Development Councils,
departmental officials, members of Union Solidarity and Development
Association, teachers, students and guests.

Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for Education U Than Aung and
Deputy Chief of Mission of Japanese Embassy Mr Yoshihiko Kamo formally
opened Japan-Myanmar friendship school.


Then, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt pressed the button to unveil the
signboard of the school. Later, merits sharing ceremony of PhaungdawU
Parahita Monastic Education High School was held at the second floor of
the school. Vice-Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee
Masoeyein Taikthit Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa
administered the Five Precepts.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and ministers
presented offertories to members of the Sangha. Chairman of Mandalay
Division Sangha Nayaka Committee Myataungtaik Shwewawin Kyaung Sayadaw
Bhaddanta Sasanabhivamsa delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of
merits. The three-storey school building, is 100 feet in length, 33
feet in width and 34 feet in height. It was built with the donation of
US $ 80,000 under the Grassroots Grant Assistance Scheme, US $ 4,200 by
UNWA and K 10 million by Myanmar.


Secretary-1 inspects construction tasks at Mindhamma Hill


Yangon, 20 Jan - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected tasks for the emergence of Lawka Chantha
Abhaya Labha Muni Image on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township at 7.00 pm
today. On arrival at Mindham-ma Hill, the Secretary-1 was welcomed by
Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council Office U Arnt Maung,
Joint Secretary of the Committee for All-round Construction of
Mindhamma Hill Cmdr Khin Maung Oo (Navy), committee members, scholars,
officials and members of Mindhamma Hill Board of Trustees. The
Secretary-1, together with Maha Gandhavacaka Pandita Maha Saddhamma
Jotikadhaja Agga Maha Saddhama Jotikadhaja Alodawpyi Sayadaw Bhaddanta
Ariyavamsa, paid homage to Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image. Then,
the Secretary-1 inspected progress of work in carving the Image and
other construction tasks.

__________________________

( 5 ) Political, economic, social progress being achieved mainly due to
national consolidation

Secretary-2 attends review meeting on 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day
Commemorative Military Band Competition


Yangon, 20 Jan - A review meeting on the 2001 56th Anniversary Armed
Forces Day Commemorative Tenth Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Military
Band Competition was held in Pyidaungsu Hall on Kyaikkasan Grounds this
afternoon, with an address by Chairman of the Leading Committee for
Organizing the Tenth Military Band Competition Chief of the Bureau of
Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo.

Also present at the meeting were Chairman of the Management Committee
for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Patron of the
Committee for Organizing the Tenth Military Band Competition Commander
of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Patron of the Organizing
Committee Chief of the Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Chief
of Staff (Navy) Commodore Soe Thein, Chairman of the Committee for
Organizing the Tenth Military Band Competition Vice-Adjutant-General
Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Vice-Quartermaster-General Brig-Gen Kyaw Win,
directors of the Ministry of Defence Services Directorates, members of
the Board of Judges for the Tenth Military Band Competition,
departmental heads, managers and leaders of the competing military
bands, and members of the bands.

Lt-Gen Tin Oo said it was the day of honour as the Tenth Military Band
Competition had been successfully held and awards presented to the
deserving bands.

He said the competition started in 1992 with five competing bands and
in the tenth competition, the number of competing bands had reached 51.
He noted that as the bands had improved skills, the tenth competition
had to be divided into four classes, and spoke of the need for the
other training units and schools to be prepared to send their bands in
the next year's competition. Every independent, sovereign State has its
State Military Band as the honour, and the State Military Band plays
the National Anthem. In exchange of visits by the State leaders, the
State Military Band, with the Guard of Honour, has to play the national
anthems, and thus, the State Military Bands can play the tunes of the
national anthems of various world's nations.

Usually, all the State guests and foreign nations' leaders see and hear
the standard of the State Military Band as soon as they arrive a
country, and thus, every nation forms the State Military Band and
trains it to be always talented and skilful. Myanmar with many friendly
nations in the world is seeing more and more visits by State Leaders
and Heads of State year after year, and the State Military Band is
formed to be modern, and new generation members of the bands are being
trained. Whoever hears the military band playing, he feels encouraged
and determined to safeguard the nation and religion, as the tune
revitalize his military might and valour and in him, it is stimulated
the spirit to shoulder the national defence duty.

National defence duty, he said, has already been instilled in the mind
of all citizens, and the military band is able to stimulate and
revitalize it. Lt-Gen Tin Oo also spoke of the discovery of the high
primate fossils belonging to the time dating 40 million years back,
high standard of ancient culture, causes of falling under the colonial
rule and efforts for reconsolidation of national unity after
independence had been regained.

He noted that today's political, economic and social developments of
Myanmar are the results that have accrued from national consolidation,
and he expressed belief that Myanmar can be one of the top countries of
the world if efforts are to be made with oneness of mind and same
conviction. He said the Tatmadaw must be constantly strong and
brilliant to be able to safeguard the nation being built to be
peaceful, modern and developed, and a modern Tatmadaw must always keep
on undergoing training and be vigilant and battle-ready.

Myanmar, he said, is not only participating in the international tasks
on equal terms with other members of the United Nations but also
actively taking part in the ASEAN tasks as a member upholding the Five
Principles of Peaceful Co-existence. He noted that if the nation should
face a danger owing to the new challenges, the Tatmadaw will
necessarily confront it together with the entire people.

The duty of defending the nation is an inherent duty of the entire
national people. All the national people are imbued with national pride
and national spirit. It is the duty of military band troupes to evoke
national pride in the national people. It is encouraging to see that
there are 140 band troupes of basic education high schools in Myanmar
today. As the Ministry of Education is holding band troupe
competitions, the quality of the band troupes of basic education school
students is improving.

This year, the number of military band competitions has increased, and
the band troupe competition for basic education schools has been held
with the participation of ten band troupes. Arrangements are to be made
to enable the school band troupes to undergo training as Tatmadaw band
troupes do. It is necessary for Myanmar Police Force and Fire Services
Department to form one more band troupe each.

If the band troupes of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air), Myanmar
Police Force, Fire Services Department and students of basic education
school play together, the sound of the collected band troupe can surely
evoke the spirit of defending the nation in the entire national people.
In conclusion, the Secretary-2 urged all to strive to uplift the spirit
of defending the nation with military band troupes, to try to reach the
international level and to widen the scope of knowledge of the military
band.

Then, Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Chief of Armed Forces Training
Maj-Gen Win Myint and Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo reported
on matters related to the competition. Military band expert Maj Khin
Maung Hla (Retd) gave suggestions on the competition.


Secretary-2 and wife visit Myanmar Traditional Snack Competition

Yangon, 20 Jan- Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Tin Oo and wife Daw Khin Than Nwe visited Myanmar Traditional
Snack Competition at International Business Centre on Pyay Road this
morning. Accompanied by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and
Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Chief of Staff
(Navy) Commodore Soe Thein and officials, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and
wife Daw Khin Than Nwe arrived at the competition at 11 am. Secretary-2
Lt-Gen Tin Oo and wife Daw Khin Than Nwe viewed Myanmar Traditional
snack shops at the competition and gave suggestions.

___________________________

( 6 ) Chief of Staff (Army) attends prize presentation ceremony of
Tenth Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Competition

Yangon,20 Jan- The prize presentation ceremony of the 56th Anniversary
Armed Forces Day Tenth Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band
Competition was held at the People's Square this morning, attended by
Chairman of Leading Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary
Armed Forces Day Patron of Organizing Committee for Tenth Tatmadaw
(Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Competition Chief of Bureau of
Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo.

Also present on the occasion were Daw Khin Than Nwe, wife of Secretary-
2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Chairman of Management Committee for Observance of the
56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Patron of Organizing Committee for
Tenth Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Competition Commander
Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than,Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win
Myint,Judge Advocate-General Maj-Gen Thein Soe, Chief of Staff (Navy)
Commodore Soe Thein, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the
Military Band Competition Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo,
senior Tatmadaw officers, Military attaches of foreign embassies,
officials of various sub-committees, Tatmadawmen and their families and
students and guests.

Chief of Staff (Army) Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo presented best prize to
leaders of military band of No 15 Operations Control Command team at
division D level, first, second and third prizes to winning leaders of
military bands of Defence Services Institute of Medicine, Defence
Services (Army) Officers Training School and Defence Service Combat
Training School at division C level, first, second and third prizes to
winning leaders of military bands of Chief of Staff (Army) attends
prize presentation North-East Command, Northern Command and North-West
Command in division B level, and best prize to winning leader of
military band of Commander-in-Chief of (Navy) in division A level.
Officials presented best and first, second and third prizes to winning
leaders of military bands of No 6 Training Depot, Defence Services
Combat Training School, Defence Services Institute of Medicine, No 6
Operations Control Command, Eastern Command, Coastal Region Command,
North-East Command and Commander-in-Chief (Navy).

Then, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo spoke on the occasion. The band troupes
of No 2 Basic Education High School in Latha, No 1 BEHS in Hmawby
Township and Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Office, North-East, Defence
Services Institute of Medicine and Guard of Honour and bag pipe of
military band demonstrated their skill. Then, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo
presented souvenir gifts to Defence Attache of Japanese Embassy Col
Hirofumi Yusa, on behalf of the military attaches of foreign embassies.

Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than
presented prizes to leaders of No 2 BEHS Latha, Guard of Honour and
Military band Troupe. Wellwishers U Aung Naing presented K 334,000, U
Khin Maung Htoo 15 ochestra music stand worth K 450,000 and U Maung
Maung Kyi-Daw Tin Tin Cho 2000 record books worth K 250,000 to Chief of
Staff (Army) Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo for prize winning leaders and
band troupes. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than presented prizes to
winning leaders of band troupes. Afterwards, Chief of Staff (Army)
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo presented prize to military band expert Maj
(Retired) Khin Maung Hla.

___________________________

( 7 ) Secretary-3 inspects gem mining camps in Mogok Township, pays
obeisance to Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda in Kanbalu Township, gives counsel
to officials


Yangon, 20 Jan-Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council
Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn
Myint, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Progress
of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein
Nyunt, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung and officials of
the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments left
here by the Tatmadaw flight yesterday and arrived at Mandalay
International Airport at 9.30 am.

The Secretary-3 and party were welcomed at the airport by member of the
State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace
and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint,
Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, military officers, Mayor of Mandalay
Brig-Gen Yan Thein, departmental officials, members of District and
Township Peace and Development Councils and officials of Division,
District and Township Union Solidarity and Development Associations.

The Secretary-3 and party, together with Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay
Win    went to Kyaukpyatthat Sanpya Village in Mogok Township by
helicopter. The Secretary-3 and party were welcomed by Tactical
Operations Commander Col Than Hlaing, directors of the Union of Myanmar
Economic Holdings Ltd, members of Township Peace and Development
Council, members of USDA, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red
Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigades, teachers and students. The Secretary-
3 and party went to Kaday Kadar gem mining site of UMEHL in
Kyaukpyatthat Sanpya Village in Mogok Township. U Hoke Kyi reported on
mining of gems, geological conditions, future tasks, prospects and
machinery and U Saw Void Tun of Thureintaung gem mining camp on gems
blocks and earth work.

The Secretary-3 then gave instructions. The Secretary-3 observed raw
gems and inspected mineral dressing plant and gem sorting. The
Secretary-3 and party went to Mogok Township where they were welcomed
by commanding officer of regional battalion Lt-Col Sein Win, military
officers, departmental officials, members of Township Peace and
Development Council, USDA members and national entrepreneurs. The
Secretary-3 and party proceeded to guest house of Panshow-nga-yant-in
gem mining camp in Mogok Township. Director of UMEHL Lt-Col Sein Than
reported on gem mining in cooperation with UMEHL and national
entrepreneurs, gem production for fiscal years and high-quality gems,
machinery and strength of staff and profits.

The Secretary-3 gave instructions to the national entrepreneurs. The
Secretary-3 and party inspected washing of gems at the Panshow-nga-yant-
in gem mining camp. They went to Mandalay by helicopter and spent the
night there. The Secretary-3 and party together with Commander Maj-Gen
Soe Win, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and
Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone left Mandalay by helicopter for the
site of Shweli Bridge (Nga-O) in Katha Township. They were welcomed by
Brig-Gen Kyaw Oo Lwin of Bhamo Station, departmental officials, USDA
members and students. Assistant Engineer U Kyaw Lin reported on the
project .

The Secretary-3 gave instructions on completion of the project as
scheduled. The Secretary-3 and party went to Kanbalu Township where
they were welcomed by Tactical Operations Commander Col Min Swe and
officials. The Secretary-3 and party paid obeisance to Maha Shwesigyi
Pagoda. Chairman of Shwebo District Peace and Development Council Lt-
Col Than Han reported on construction of the pagoda and religious
structures, preparations for holding of hoisting of Htidaw. Commander
Maj-Gen Soe Win gave a supplementary report. The Secretary-3 gave
instructions to officials and members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees.
He paid obeisance to Buddha images in the precincts of the pagoda and
inspected religious buildings. The Secretary-3 and party arrived back
here in the evening.

___________________________

( 8 )  Chinese Minister tours Yangon

Yangon, 20 Jan-Minister of Public Security of the People's Republic of
China Jia Chun Wang and party together with Police Chief of Staff
Police Brig-Gen Zaw Win visited the Shwedagon Pagoda and made a cash
donation this morning. They then proceeded to National Indoor Stadium
in Thuwunna where they were welcomed and conducted round the Stadium by
Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint. Myanmar selected women's
volleyball team presented a demonstration. The visiting Minister and
party took part in body-building physical exercise there. Afterwards,
they visited Thanlyin Bridge. In the evening, they visited Pun Hlaing
Golf Resort in Hlinethaya Industrial Zone and Drug Elimination Museum
on Kyundaw Street.


English Proficiency Course concludes


mittee for Women's Affairs and Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Association,
concluded at the meeting hall of MWEA on Shwedagon Pagoda Road, Dagon
Township, this afternoon. Present on the occasion were Advisers at MNW-
CWA Daw Khin Than Nwe and Daw Khin Khin Lay, Vice-Chairperson Professor
Daw May May Yee, the patrons and advisers of MWEA, Chairperson of the
association Daw Sein Sein, Vice-Chairpersons Daw Thet Yi and Daw Khin
Khin Myint, guests and trainees. MNWCWA Health Chapter and MWEA Adviser
Professor Daw Yi Yi Myint made a speech on the occasion. Advisers Daw
Khin Than Nwe, Daw Khin Khin Lay and Chairperson Daw Sein Sein
presented certificates to the trainees, who completed the course. Then,
on behalf of the trainees, a trainee spoke words of thanks.


Pre-Conference of Shan State (East) War Veteran Organization held


Yangon, 20 Jan-The Pre-Conference of Shan State (East) War Veteran
Organization of Myanmar War Veteran Organization, was held in the town
hall of Kengtung, Shan State (East) this morning, attended by member of
the State Peace and Development Council Patron of Shan State (East) War
Veteran Organization under Myanmar War Veteran Organization Commander
of Triangle Region Command Maj-Gen Thein Sein.

Also present on the occasion were MWVO Central Organizing Committee
members Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Deputy Minister for
Labour Brig-Gen Win Sein, senior military officers, Shan State (East)
Peace and Development Council members, Shan State (East) WVO
Supervisory Committee members, Shan State level departmental officials,
members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, Shan State
(East) Maternal and Child Welfare Association Supervisory Committee,
Shan State (East) Women's Affairs Working Committee, delegates from
eight townships of Shan State (East) and guests.

Meeting Chairman Lt-Col (Retd) Thet Hnin Oo made a speech on the
occasion. Reports of the pre-conference were read out by the WVO
organizing Committee members. This was followed by a general round of
discussions. Then, the pre-conference laid down seven future tasks and
placed two matters on record. The Pre-Conference ended with the
concluding remarks by Meeting Chairman Lt-Col (Retd) Thet Hnin Oo. At
the ceremony, K 2 million were donated to Shan State (East) WVO.

___________________________

( 9 ) 34 members of KNU exchange arms for peace


Yangon, 20 Jan-The State Peace and Development Council, upholding Our
Three National Causes, is striving for national reconsolidation for the
emergence of a new, modern developed nation with genuine goodwill.
Realizing the genuine goodwill and endeavours of the government,
remnant armed group members, abandoning their destructive acts, which
do not benefit the nation and the people, are continuously exchanging
arms for peace individually or in groups.

Twelve armed group members led by Platoon Commander Hwayt Laphe (a)
Hnokekhan Hmwe of No 2 Company of No 10 Battalion under No 4 Brigade of
KNU armed group, together with 22 family members totalling 34, bringing
with them ten assorted weapons, 198 assorted rounds of ammunition, 14
assorted magazines, nine mines and hand grenades, four members
electronic detonators, one walkie-talkie, exchanged arms for peace at
the Tatmadaw camp in Mittasanpya Village, Dawei Township, Taninthayi
Division, on 9 January.


A ceremony to exchange arms for peace by 34 members of armed group led
by Platoon Commander Shwe Laphe (a) Hnokekhan Hmwe was held at the
sports ground of Mittasanpya Village, Dawei Township on 17 January,
attended by Brig-Gen Maung Oo of Dawai Station and senior military
officers, Dawei District/Township level departmental officers, members
of Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red Cross, Maternal
and Child Welfare Association and local people totalling over 2,000.
Brig-Gen Maung Oo extended greetings on the occasion.

Then, on behalf of 34 persons who exchanged arms for peace, U Hwayt
Laphe handed over arms and ammunitions to Brig-Gen Maung Oo.Next, Brig-
Gen Maung Oo presented cash and kinds assistance to 34 personal who
exchanged arms for peace. On behalf of those who exchanged arms for
peace, U Hwayt Laphe spoke words of thanks after which the ceremony
came to a close. After the ceremony, Brig-Gen Maung Oo and officials
cordially greeted those who exchanged arms for peace and attended to
their needs. More persons of armed groups are going to exchange arms
for peace.


MGF President's Cup Golf Tourney continues


Yangon, 20 Jan-The President's Cup 2001 Golf Tournament organized by
Myanmar Golf Federation and Myanmar Professional Golfers' Association
and mainly sponsored by Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd,
continued at Hanthawaddy Golf and Country Club in Bago for the third
day this morning. After the third-day 18-hole play of professional
golfers, Myint Thaung was leading with 218 strokes, followed by Soe
Kyaw Naing 221 strokes and Aung Win (YCDC) 222 strokes.

In men's amateur tourney, Zaw Zaw Latt was leading with 231 strokes.
The runner-up was Zaw Zin Win (Han Golf Masters) with 233 strokes and
Aung Aung Kyaw stood in the third position with 235 strokes. Kong Sun
Young (Korea) was leading with 164 strokes after the second-day 18-hole
play in women's amateur tourney, followed by Khin Thu Thu (YCDC) with
165 strokes and Cho Hee Soo (Korea) and Park Si Wan (Korea) tied at
174. The tour is being officially co-sponsored by Tiger Beer, Yangon
Airways, Canon, Star Cola (MGS-Beverages), Wilson, Callaway (Pan-West),
Precept (Eastern Pro), Srixon (KM Golf Centre), Ping (Pan-Dagon) and
Champion Golf Shop with the aim of turning out new generation golfers
who can bring honour to the State. The fourth-day 18-hole play
continues tomorrow there.

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