The New Light of Myanmar (Saturday, 29 December, 2001)(1/2)

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The New Light of Myanmar (Saturday, 29 December, 2001)(1/2)
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1. Pathaung Bridge on Dawei-Myeik-Taninthayi-Bokpyin-Kawthoung
   Road opens to develop road transport in Taninthayi Division
2. Vice-Chairman of State Peace and Development Council General
   Maung Aye inspects extension of Myeik airport
3. - Secretary-1 receives Thai Minister
   - Secretary-1 receives Permanent Secretary of Ministry of
     Foreign Affairs of Thailand
4. - Myanmar-Thai Friendship Trade Fair 2002 to be held in Tachilek
   - Secretary-1 inspects progress of construction of
     Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge No 2
5. Uplift of national integrity, preservation and protection of
   traditions and culture lifeblood for nation and race
6. - Thai minister attends opening ceremony of School Family Day
   - School Family Day continues
   - Education Minister visits School Family Day
7. - Myanmar Food and Drug Authority meets
   - Auditor-General tours Mingaladon and Shwepyitha Townships
8. - Industry-2 Ministry holds coord meeting
   - Ordination and novitiation ceremony in Gyobingauk
   - Myanmar Products Expo 2002 to be held
9. - 189 drug-related cases exposed in November
   - 3.266 kilos of opium seized in Shwebo
   - Drug trafficker sentenced

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( 1 )  Pathaung Bridge on Dawei-Myeik-Taninthayi-Bokpyin-Kawthoung Road opens
to develop road transport in Taninthayi Division

Yangon, 28 Dec - Pathaung Bridge on Kyaukphya River in Myeik Township,
Taninthayi Division, was commissioned into service this morning, attended by
Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General
Maung Aye.

The bridge was built by No 3 Works Regiment (Engineers) under the close
supervision of Directorate of Military Engineers of the Ministry of Defence.
Also present at the ceremony were members of the State Peace and Development
Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Soe Win, Maj-Gen Maung Bo,
Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha
Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and Maj-Gen Tin Aye, the
Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the Commander-in-Chief (Air), ministers, Chairman
of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal
Region Command Maj-Gen Aye Kywe, deputy ministers, senior military officers,
Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Tin Latt, officials of the State Peace and
Development Council Office, heads of department, members of Taninthayi
Division Peace and Development Council, division-level officials,
departmental personnel of Myeik District and Township, officials and soldiers
of the No 3 Works Regiment (Engineers), members of social organizations,
entrepreneurs, members of band troupes and dance troupes and local people
totalling nearly 10,000. Speaking on the occasion, Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin
Aung Myint Oo said the Pathaung Bridge across Kyaukphya River is located on
Dawei-Myeik-Tanin-thayi-Bokpyin-Kawhtoung Road. Under the guidance of
Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of
Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, the bridge was built by No 3 Works
Regiment (Engineers) under the close supervision of Directorate of Military
Engineers and Quartermaster-General's Office of the Ministry of Defence.

In accord with the guidance of the Senior General, which said, "A facility
can be used one day earlier and will benefit the people one day sooner if it
can be completed one day ahead of the targeted period." Due to the extra
efforts of the military engineers and officers and soldiers, the bridge was
completed within a period of 18 months. Pile driving ceremony was held on 1
June 2000. The 810 foot-long bridge has a 28-foot wide motorway flanked by
two four-foot wide pedestrian lanes. Its clearance is 20 feet high and 90
feet wide. It can withstand 60-ton loads. It is connected with two approach
structures each with a length of 1,200 feet on both banks.

 The 709-ton bridge is installed with steel beams. Designing and production
of the steel beams was conducted by No 2 Steel Plant at Myaungdaka, of the
Myanma Economic Corporation of the Ministry of Military Affairs. The bridge
cost K 724.95 million and US $ 395,000. The Tatmadaw opened not only Pathaung
Bridge but also Dawlan Bridge, 1,000 feet long, in Hlinebwe Township, Kayin
State, in 1999, and Ngamoeyeik Bridge, 660 feet long, in Yangon Division in
February 2001.

The Tatmadaw is building bridges, which are of great importance for the
further strengthening of ties of friendship among national races, the
flourishing of trading activities and regional development. It is taking part
in the community welfare activities as well as discharging national defence
and training duties, thereby helping build a modern, developed nation. In
conclusion, he thanked the Tatmadaw members, employees and departmental
personnel for their contribution to construction of the bridge and urged all
to safeguard and maintain the bridge. Then, Chairman of Taninthayi Division
Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Maj-Gen Aye
Kywe made a speech. Taninthayi Division is situated in the southernmost part
of Myanmar, comprising three districts and ten townships.

 The motor road from Yebyu in the northernmost part of Taninthayi Division to
Kawhtoung Township is over 500 miles long, and bridges are being built on
this road. In 1998, Winwa Bridge, Palauk Bridge and Palaw Bridge were
inaugurated, and in November 2000, Taninthayi Bridge, 1,360 feet long, was
opened. Kywegu-Kyaukphya Bridge and Laynya-Mandaing Bridge are still under
construction, and arrangements have been made to construct Thamoaklutlut
Bridge.

 When these bridges are opened, people can travel from Yebyu Township to
Kawhtoung Township day and night in all weathers. Previously, the transport
condition of Taninthayi Division was very difficult, and reliance had to be
put on waterways and airways. Now people can go to Dawei, Myeik, Taninthayi,
Bokpyin and Kawthoung by car. With the improvement of the transport
condition, more efforts can be made for the development of the region. On
behalf of the local people, representative U Moe Myint spoke words of thanks
for the completion of the bridge which contributes to the development of the
region. Then, Director of Military Engineers Col Tin Tun of the Ministry of
Defence handed over the related documents to Deputy Minister for Construction
Brig-Gen Myint Thein.

 Next, State Peace and Development Council Member Quartermaster-General
Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo presented gift of honour to Lt-Col
Thein Naing of No 3 Works Regiment (Engineers) which constructed the Pathaung
Bridge. Afterwards, General Maung Aye and party took place in front of the
archway of the bridge. State Peace and Development Council Member
Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Taninthayi
Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Coastal Region Command
Commander Maj-Gen Aye Kywe, Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint
Thein and Director of Military Engineers Col Tin Tun formally opened the
Pathaung Bridge by cutting a ribbon.

Next, General Maung Aye formally unveiled the plaque of the new bridge. Then,
General Maung Aye and party strolled along the bridge and cordially greeted
those present at the opening ceremony. Afterwards, General Maung Aye and
party posed for a documentary photo in front of the archway of the bridge.
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( 2 ) Vice-Chairman of State Peace and Development Council General Maung Aye
inspects extension of Myeik airport


Yangon, 28 Dec-Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council
Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army)
General Maung Aye, accompanied by members of the State Peace and Development
Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Soe Win and Maj-Gen Maung Bo of the
Ministry of Defence, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein,
Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win
and Maj-Gen Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min,
Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, deputy ministers,
senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development
Council Office and departmental heads, left here for Myeik, Taninthayi
Division, by air yesterday afternoon.

On arrival at Myeik Airport, the General and party were welcomed by Minister
for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Chairman of
Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region
Command Maj-Gen Aye Kyway, deputy ministers, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Tin
Latt and high-ranking military officers of the command, division-level
departmental officials and entrepreneurs who grow oil palms. At the briefing
hall of the airport extension project, Director of Military Engineers Col Tin
Tun of the Ministry of Defence explained extension work and plans to be
implemented to the General.

 The General gave necessary instructions. Afterwards, Commander Maj-Gen Aye
Kyway reported to the General on outbreak of fire at Alekyun (Kyaung Nge)
Ward in Myeik on 23 December morning, losses, resettlement and arrangements
made for security and health. Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa gave an account of
previous cases of fire outbreak in Myeik and resettlement work. Next, Deputy
Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Deputy Minister for
Health Professor Dr Mya Oo, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen
Thura Aung Ko, Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Deputy
Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan reported to the General on
assistance being provided for resettlement. General Maung Aye gave necessary
instructions. Later, the General and party inspected extension work of the
runway at Myeik Airport. Afterwards, they inspected the fire-ravaged wards in
Myeik. The General and party proceeded to Shwe Kyaung in Myitnge Ward where a
temporary camp for fire victims is opened.

The General cordially met the fire victims and gave them encouragement. The
General then inspected the clinic opened there. A fire broke out in Alekyun
(Kyaung Nge) Ward in Myeik at about 11 am on 23 December. The fire spread to
Myeik Taung Ward and Naukle Ward. Over 1,000 houses were destroyed by the
blaze and relief measures are being taken.
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( 3 ) Secretary-1 receives Thai Minister

Yangon, 28 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Minister of University Affairs of Thailand Mr
Sutham Saengpra-toom and party at the Guest House of the Ministry of Defence
at 4 pm today. Also present on the occasion together with the Secretary-1
were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Education U Than
Aung, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Deputy Minister
for Education U Myo Nyunt and Director-General of the Protocol Department
Thura U Aung Htet.

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Secretary-1 receives Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
Thailand


 Yangon, 28 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of Thailand Mr Tej Bunnag and party at the Guest House of the
Ministry of Defence at 4.30 pm today. Present on the occasion were Minister
for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin
Maung Win, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and
Ambassador of Thailand Mr Oum Maolanon.

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( 4 ) Myanmar-Thai Friendship Trade Fair 2002 to be held in Tachilek

Yangon, 28 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt discussed the holding of Myanmar-Thai Friendship Trade Fair
2002 in Tachilek under the Myanmar-Thai cultural and economic cooperation
programme.

The meeting held at Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) of the Ministry
of Defence this afternoon was also attended by ministers, deputy ministers,
senior military officers, the director-general of Myanmar Police Force, heads
of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments, the
president and the secretary of Myanmar-Thai Cultural and Economic Cooperation
Association, the president of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of
Commerce and Industry and officials. Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone
reported to the meeting on coordination work carried out with Thailand to
hold the fair, the number of booths, the kinds of goods to be exhibited by
the ministries and enterprises and preparations to the hold the fair.

 Officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, the Ministry of
Forestry, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the Ministry of Home
affairs and the Ministry of Health explained the kinds of goods to be
displayed by the respective ministries. The Secretary-1 gave suggestions and
explained the types of the booths to be opened by other departments in accord
with the aims of the fair.

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Secretary-1 inspects progress of construction of Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge No 2

Yangon, 28 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt this morning inspected progress of construction of
Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge No 2, which links Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township and
Thanlyin Township. Accompanied by ministers, deputy ministers, officials of
the State Peace and Development Council Office, and departmental heads, the
Secretary-1 arrived at the construction site of Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge No 2
on the bank of Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township, where they were welcomed by
Managing Director of Public Works U Nay Soe Naing and officials. At the
briefing hall of the project, Managing Director U Nay Soe Naing reported on
progress of work and future tasks. The Secretary-1 gave instructions. The
Secretary-1 then inspected progress of construction of the bridge from the
observation tower and left the construction site in the afternoon. The
six-lane reinforced concrete bridge is 4,540 feet long and 72 feet wide. It
has two six-foot-wide pedestrian lanes on either side. Its clearance areas
under the bridge is 130 feet wide and 18 feet high. It can bear 60-ton loads.

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( 5 ) Uplift of national integrity, preservation and protection of traditions
and culture lifeblood for nation and race

Yangon, 28 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the conclusion of Myanmar and International Music
Notes Course No 3/2001 and opening of Course No 4/2001 at Myanmar Music
Asiayon building in Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township this morning.

Also present were ministers, deputy ministers, senior military officers,
officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the deputy
director-general of Myanmar Police Force, officials, chairmen and members of
NGOs, the chairman and executives of Myanmar Music Asiayon, course
supervisors, course instructors and others. The Secretary-1 said uplift of
national integrity and preservation and protection of traditions and culture
are vitally important like the lifeblood of a nation and a race. Absence of
protection and preservation of traditions and culture will lead to the
dwindling of national pride and loss of the race. Hence, the task to preserve
and protect the heritage, traditions and culture is being carried out with
greater momentum to ensure existence of the race and to uplift national
prestige and integrity.

 In retrospects, high-standard civilizations did emerge in Myanmar for years
countable by the thousand. The finds of the historical artifacts of Pyu and
Srikhestra eras indicate that Myanmar possessed a high-standard civilization
and culture and music. The finds are being displayed at the National Museum.
The records of the Tan dynasty in China which was contemporary with the Pyu
period show that a Myanma cultural delegation of high standard visited China.
A study of the history of Myanmar people shows that evidence of anthropoid
primates which developed into human beings over forty million years ago has
been discovered. International palaeontologists conducted study tours of that
region and found fossilized primates, and the discoveries were carried in
international research publications. Therefore, the Myanmar people have
existed in Myan-mar and have had a civilization of high standard for many
years countable by the thousand. Therefore, the dignity of the Myanmar people
has been high in the course of history.

 Today, rapid changes and developments are taking place all over the world;
some are constructive and some destructive at the same time. With the use of
advanced technology, some big nations are attempting to influence every
nation for their self-interests. There is also penetration of alien culture,
and if one gets carried away in the modern trend, one's national culture and
lineage will disappear. At such a time, Myanma traditional performing arts
competitions are being held to ensure that traditional culture is not on the
wane and to enhance national pride and dignity.

It is found that a large number of youths have taken part in the
competitions. Under these good circumstances, the opening of Myanma
traditional and international music basic courses by Myanmar Music Asiayon
amounts to preserving and developing traditional culture. The Myanmar people
have five kinds of musical instruments and genuine typical Myanmar music.

It is found that when Myanmar music is played with foreign musical
instruments, it is done so in accord with Myanmar culture. Therefore, Myanmar
Music Asiayon, while preserving and promoting typical Myanmar classical
music, is opening basic international music courses. Therefore, Myanmar Music
Asiayon needs to open one Myanma music and international music course after
another and to strive for the development of Myanma music and culture. Then,
Chairman of Myanmar Music Asiayon Accordion U Ohn Kyaw explained the purposes
of the course and spoke words of thanks.

Next, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented special prizes to mandolinist
Daw Tin Tin Mar, aged 65, trainee of basic international music course; and to
accordionist U Win Kyi, aged 64, trainee of basic international music course;
to Ma Nilar Shunlet, aged 5, trainee of Mahagita basic singing course; and to
Maung Htet Naing Aung, aged 6, trainee of basic Myanmar harp course.
Aftewards, the Secretary-1 presented prizes to outstanding trainees.

 Later, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone presented prizes to first,
second and third prize winners in basic Myanma Music harp course; Minister
for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung to first, second and third prize winners in
basic Mahagita course; Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung to first,
second and third prize winners in advanced Mahagita course and first, second
and third prize winners in basic piano course.

Then, Minsiter for Hotels & Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin presented prizes to
first, second and third prize winners in basic international music course,
Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein to first, second and third prize winners
in advanced music course, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint to first,
second and third prize winners in basic keyboard course, Deputy Minister for
Culture U Soe Nyunt to first, second and third prize winners in basic music
course, Deputy Minister for Forestry Brig-Gen Thaik Tun to consolation prize
winners in Mahagita course and those families who attended the course.

 After that, Chairman Accordion U Ohn Kyaw presented prizes to first prize
winners in harp competition of the ninth Myanma Traditional Cultural
Performing Arts Competitions, Vice-Chairman Hinthada Myint Ngwe to first
prize winners in composing contest, and second prize winners in mandolin
contest, Secretary Gangawdaw U Myo Aung to third prize winners in harp
contest. Then, the chairman presented completion certificates to the
trainees.

 Next, the trainees demonstrated their music skills. Later, master of
ceremonies Daw Khin Sanda Myint of Myanma Radio and Television read out
accounts of cash donations and key boards donated by wellwishers for the
conclusion of Myanmar Music Asiayon training course No 3/2001 and opening of
course No 4/2001.

 Then, Vice-Chairman Hin- thada Myint Ngwe, Secretary Gangawdaw U Myo Aung
and executives presented a portrait to Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and the
ceremony ended. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 inspected the portraits
of outstanding persons in music, thabin and motion picture to be displayed at
Myanmar Music Asiayon Museum, and gave necessary instructions to officials.

The donations at the ceremony included K 100,000 by U Tin Aung and family of
Diamond Dragon Co Ltd; five key boards each by Chairman U Zaw Zaw Naing of
All Myanmar Tamil Hindu Foundation and wife Daw Yee Myint and family, and U
Maung Maung of Asia Express Co Ltd; K 50,000 each by U Chan Hein of
Yadanamyaing Enterprise, and U Aik Ohn of Nasar Enterprise; K 30,000 by U Cho
and Daw Nilar Myint of Cho Kyi Tha Enterprise, K 20,000 each by U Kyaw Nyunt
of Kyaw Furniture Mart and vocalist Hta and son Zaw Win Htut; K 11,000 by U
Soe Moe of May Enterprise; K 10,000 each by vocalist Paing Lin, U Than Lwin
of Zabai Oo, U Maung Maung Htwe of Heart Entreprise, U Htaik of Man Thiri
Enterprise, U Aung Khaing of Gabagyaw Enterprise, U Inn of Htinyuyeik
Enterprise, U Wunna Tin Soe of Khi Zabai Oo Enterprise, U Tin Maung Han of
Music World Enterprise, U Zaw Zaw of EMG Enterprise, U Hla Htay of Master
Enterprise, U Maung Maung Lwin of Excellent Entreprise, U Maung Maung of Oat
Aw Enterprise, and U Aung Ngwe Thein of Thiha Myanmar Enterprise; K 5,000
each by Ko Zaw Win of Metalzone Enterprise, U Pyaw Pyaw of Chitthu
Enterprise, U Zaw Latt of Lanpyakye Enterprise, U Zeya of Taungpan
Enterprise, U Nyunt Wai of Pyonepantayar Enterprise, U Chit Khin of Yinmar
Enterprise and U Ni of Mangalar Sein Enterprise; and K 3,000 by U Thiha Aung
Myint of Aung Enterprise.
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( 6 ) Thai minister attends opening ceremony of School Family Day

Yangon, 28 Dec - Minister of University Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand Mr
Sutham Saengpratoom and party attended the opening ceremony of the 2001-2002
Academic Year School Family Day of the Ministry of Education at the Diamond
Jubilee Hall at 7.30 am yesterday. The Thai minister and party visited the
University of Foreign Languages (Yangon) and Yangon Institute of Economics
yesterday morning and discussed matters related to education and cooperation
between the universities of the two countries with the rectors. Then, the
Thai minister and party proceeded to Bago, where they paid obeisance to
Shwemawdaw and Shwetha-lyaung pagodas and visited Kanbawzathadi Palace. In
the evening, the Thai minister and party, together with Minister for
Education U Than Aung and Deputy Minister U Myo Nyunt, attended the dinner
hosted by Chairman U Than Oo of the Myanmar Academy of Arts and Science at
the Inya Lake Hotel.

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School Family Day continues

Yangon, 28 Dec - The School Family Day of the 2001-2002 academic year
continued for the second day at the Diamond Jubilee Hall on Pyay Road in
Kamayut Township at 9 am today. Students, teachers and people visited the
ceremony. At the education book fair, books, research papers and references
of Yangon University, University of Distant Education, Eastern Yangon
University, Institute of Economics, Yangon University of Education,
University of Foreign Languages (Yangon) and Universities' Central Library
were shown and book stores of the News and Periodicals Enterprise of the
Ministry of Information and publishing houses were opened at the ground
floor. Prize-winng paintings exhibition of the No-1,2 and 3 Basic Education
Departments and booth of the Universities' Historical Research Department
were shown at the first floor. Myanmar folk art exhibition, including five
booths of cultural traditional paintings from prehistory to Yadanabon Era,
presents from the Chairman of the Myanmar Education Committee booth and
postcard painting demonstration of the basic education schoolgirls were shown
at the second floor. At the exhibition hall of "Myanmar : Towards a Knowledge
Dominant Society " Cyber English, University of Foreign Languages and Forever
Group booths were shown. The activities will continue on 29 December as the
third day.

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Education Minister visits School Family Day

Yangon, 28 Dec -Minister for Education U Than Aung and Deputy Minister U Myo
Nyunt arrived at the 2001-2002 School Family Day at the Diamond Jubilee Hall
on Pyay Road this afternoon. They were welcomed there by directors-general,
chairmen of departments and commissions under the ministry, and officials.
The minister and party inspected the School Family Day commemorative book
fair and book booths of Yangon University, Yangon Institute of Economics,
Dagon University, Yangon University of Distance Education, Yangon Eastern
University and the Central Universities' Library, bookshops of the Ministry
of Information, and Myanmar Education Research Bureau, private bookshops,
booths of Basic Education Departments, painting booths, and booths of
Universities Historical Research Department, Myanma traditional painting
booth, and painting demonstration booth of basic education students. Then,
the minister gave instructions and left there in the afternoon.
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to be continued ...