The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday, 22 January, 2002)(2/2)

[Okkar66126@xxxxxxx]

The New Light of Myanmar (Tuesday, 22 January, 2002)(2/2)
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1. State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General
   Than Shwe receives State Councillor and Secretary General
   of State Council of PRC
2. - Secretary-1 opens Bagan International Data Centre and
     Teleport, Myanma ICT Park
   - Secretary-1 hosts dinner to mark opening of BIDCT building
     and Myanmar ICT park
3. Chairman of Working Committee for Development of Border
   Areas and and party inspected lychee plantations
   in Loihsansaw
4. Chinese goodwill delegation visits Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanma
   Gems Museum, National Museum, Thanlyin Bridge
5. Regular press conference held
6. Seminar on Information Technology held
7. USDA holds mass rally to support national and rural
   development tasks
8. Entries invited for 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day
   Poetry competitions
9. Software and Solution Technology Exhibition opens

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( 5 )  Regular press conference held

Yangon, 20 Jan-Regular press conference with local and foreign journalists
was held at Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road here this afternoon. Present on
the occasion were Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, Vice-Chief of Military
Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin
Maung Win, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, senior
military officers of the Ministry of Defence, departmental heads, officials
of the Ministry of Information, Correspondent of Kyodo News Agency U Sein
Win, Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club President U Sao Kai Hpa,
correspondents and guests.

Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen
Kyaw Win, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and officials
replied to the queries raised by local and foreign correspondents. Replying
to queries on nuclear power issue, U Khin Maung Win said: As you all know,
international media recently carried the news that Myanmar is trying to build
a nuclear research reactor. Statements of some news agencies could be open to
misinterpretation. It was also stated in connection with the false news that
Myanmar had secretly given asylum to the two nuclear scientists from Pakistan
about over a month ago.

The Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence himself had categorically denied that
the news was totally untrue. Now, I would like to say again that the news was
totally wrong. To give you an account of international news on this issue, it
can be said that Myanmar has been interested in peaceful use of nuclear power
for the people since long time ago.

You probably will remember that there used to be a department called Union of
Burma Applied Research Institute (UBARI) in Myanmar. A nuclear power
department had been formed under the institute since 1956. The department
handled matters related to radioactive materials needed by the ministries.
Moreover, Myanmar joined International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1957.
Since that time, Myanmar has attended meetings of IAEA regularly and
cooperated with it. The trainees were sent abroad under the scholarship
programmes sponsored by IAEA. In other words, Myanmar people have received
the nuclear technology for peaceful use from IAEA.

 Myanmar is a country that has actively participated in disarmament. Up to
now, Myanmar has been actively participating in the First Committee of the
General Assembly of the UN that is the main committee for disarmament of the
United Nations. Myanmar chaired the First Committee at the General Assembly
of the UN in 2000. Therefore, Myanmar is always in the forefront in nuclear
non-proliferation. In 1992, Myanmar signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
which is the main international treaty in non-proliferation of nuclear
weapons.

On the other hand, according to the treaty, a signatory country's efforts for
peaceful use of nuclear technology and acquiring nuclear technology are
recognised as the sovereign right of a country. Moreover, Myanmar signed
Regional Cooperative Agreement in 1994. Myanmar technicians have been sent to
seminars, workshops and training programmes sponsored by the organisation.

In 1995, Myanmar also signed the Safeguards Agreement of IAEA which plays a
vital role in preventing wrongdoings in nuclear issues. In 1995, Myanmar
together with other ASEAN member countries, also signed the agreement on
establishing nuclear-free zone in Southeast Asia under the leadership of
ASEAN. The agreement was ratified in 1996. According to the agreement,
countries in Southeast Asia are prohibited from producing, storing and giving
permission to transport nuclear weapons through their territories.

 I have presented the background history in order to express the fact that
Myanmar's interest in nuclear power is not for the wrong purpose but for
peaceful use of nuclear power in the interest of the people. Now, Myanmar has
to import isotopes made of nuclear power to be used in health, education and
agricultural sectors. Sometimes, we have experienced inconveniences in doing
so. Another fact I would like to present is that modern technologies are
needed for building the country a peaceful modern developed one. Ways and
means are to be sought for making endeavours for development of the country.
In this regard, the government has studied nuclear technologies in striving
for progress of medical, technological and communication sectors.

New Ministry of Science and Technology was established in October 1996. The
ministry has been carrying out tasks for peaceful use of nuclear power that
started since 40 years ago. In finding new ways, we have come to know that a
nuclear reactor is needed for availability of radio isotopes for promotion of
research works and nurturing of youth scientists and engineers. Taking into
account of these situations, feasibility studies have been made for
construction of a nuclear research reactor. We have received a proposal from
the Russian Federation. Myanmar has followed systematic procedures on this
issue according to international obligations.

The Ministry of Science and Technology informed Director-General Dr M El
Baradei of IAEA that Myanmar has an intention of building a nuclear research
reactor and asked IAEA for advice and assistance. Moreover, Myanmar
delegation that attended IAEA Meeting met the director-general and discussed
the issue on September 21. IAEA sent a delegation to Myanmar from 18 to 21
June, 2001 in response to the official report and proposal of Myanmar.

The delegation comprising experts presented a report based on the findings.
Myanmar's consideration of building a nuclear research reactor is based on
the peaceful purposes getting modern technologies needed for the country,
availability of radio isotopes being used peacefully, training technicians
and performing feasibility study for generation of electricity from nuclear
power. In doing so, Myanmar has openly carried out tasks in accord with
international treaty. To tell you the truth, there are already nuclear
reactors in five neighbouring countries of Myanmar except for Laos. So, there
is no need to worry about this issue because if we carry out the tasks, we
will do it systematically. Then, the press conference ended.

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( 6 ) Seminar on Information Technology held

Yangon, 21 Jan - The opening ceremony of the Seminar on " Information
Technology In Myanmar : Business Outlook and Opportunities " jointly
organized by Bagan Cybertech of Myanmar, Information and Resource Centre of
Singapore and Sasakawa Southeast Asia Cooperation Fund of Japan, was held at
Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road this afternoon.

 It was attended by the ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), the Chief of
Staff (Air), the deputy ministers, officials of embassies in Yangon, e-ASEAN
Task Force, Myanmar e-National Task force, Sasakawa Southeast Asia
Cooperation Fund of Japan, Information and Resource Center of Singapore,
officials of Cybertech and Myanmar ICT Park, participants, local and foreign
IT technicians and guests.

First, Chairman of e-National Task Force, Minister for Communications, Posts
and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and Director of Information and Resource
Center of Singapore Mr M Rajaretnam made speeches. Consultant Mr T Rajagopal
of Supply Chain Management Society- Asia presided over the Myanmar ICT Park
and Future Strategic programme. Joint-Secretary of e-National Task Force U
Pyone Maung Maung submitted paper on "Myanmar ICT Park & Bagan Teleport:
Vision and Future Plans", Director-General of the Attorney-General's Office
Dr Tun Shin on " Investment Incentives and Rules for the ICT Sector in
Myanmar" and Director of International Programme Development, Global VSAT
Forum of United Kingdom, Mr Martin Jarrold on " The Role of VSAT in Emerging
Economies ". Then, the first day of the seminar came to a close in the
evening. The conference will continue tomorrow at the same venue. Similarly,
the seminar on " Interaction for Progress: Internet Revolution and Society in
Myanmar", jointly organized by Bagan Cybertech of Myanmar, Information and
Resource Centre of Singapore and Sasakawa Southeast Asia Cooperation Fund of
Japan, will be held in Mandalay on 24 and 25 January.

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( 7 ) USDA holds mass rally to support national and rural development tasks

Govt spends K 121.2m for education sector, K 241.5m for health sector in
Kachin State Kachin State

USDA holds mass rally to support national and rural development tasks

Yangon, 21 Jan-Kachin State Union Solidarity and Development Association held
a mass rally to support the national and rural development tasks of the
Government near Bala Min Htin Bridge in Sitapu Ward, Myitkyina, Kachin State
on 15 January morning. A total of 12,400 USDA members marched to the venue in
Myitkyina District column comprising 5,630 members from Myitkyina, Waingmaw,
Mohnyin, Mokaung, Phakant, Tanai, Chiphwe, Sawlaw and Njinyan Townships led
by U Pyo Si; Putao District column comprising 3,570 members from Putao,
Machanbaw, Nagmon, Khaunglanphu and Sumprabum Townships led by U Phon Yi Min;
and Bhamo District column comprising 3,000 members from Bhamo, Shwegu, Mansi
and Momauk Townships led by U Tin Nwe. Kachin State USDA Secretary U Rah Wan
Jom presided over the rally together with Bhamo District USDA Secretary U Tin
Nwe and Phakant Township USDA Secretary U Mya Ohn. Ayeya Ward USDA Executive
of Myitkyina Township Daw Yu Yu Kyi acted as master of ceremonies and Putao
District USDA Executive Daw Sannai Nanseng acted as co-master of ceremonies.

 First, Secretary of Kachin State USDA U Ra Wan Jom made a speech. He said
that the Government has laid down the national policy Ñ non-disintegration of
the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of
sovereignty  and is implementing it diligently. Altogether 17 armed groups
had returned to the legal fold and they are now striving together with the
Government in the interests of the nation as a result of gaining mutual
understanding. Rural development task is one of the objectives of the third
five-year short-term plan being implemented by the Government. Over 70 % of
total population reside in rural areas. Hence, priority should be given to
rural development.

All-round efforts must be made to fulfil the requirements of the rural areas.
Emphasis should be placed on ensuring better transportation, rural water
supply works, developing agriculture and livestock breeding works and promoti
ng education and health services in rural areas. The public participation is
required in undertaking these tasks to reduce poverty. In Kachin State, the
net sown acreage is 546,002 acres. The paddy cultivated acreage in the past
was 0.27 million acres and now the number increased to 0.39 million acres.
Before 1988, Kachin State was not self- sufficiency in rice.

Now, it has gained 112 per cent of self-sufficiency in rice. The
self-sufficiency in edible oil is 111 per cent. At the opening ceremony of
USDA's Myanmar Affairs and International Studies Course No 4, Management
Course No 23 for USDA executives and International Relations Course No 7,
Patron of the USDA Senior General Than Shwe mentioned the duties to be
shouldered by the USDA members at different levels, he said. He continued to
say that USDA members are to take organizational measures for ensuring
success of the third five-year short-term plan as well as to make efforts for
ensuring success of rural development tasks. In conclusion, he urged the USDA
members to accept the nation- building tasks as the national tasks and to
safeguard the prevalence of peace and tranquillity; to participate in the
nation-building tasks and to give serious attention to rural area
development.

 Next, Waingmaw Township USDA Secretary U Bom Yein tabled a motion calling
for the support of the nation-building endeavours of the Government. He said
that the significant achievement has been made during the period of a decade
since the basic tasks have been implemented by the government for the
national development. USDA members are to participate in implementing the
basic tasks without fail. Transport infrastructures which play a key role in
promotion of socio-economy of the people, have been set up. More motor roads,
railroads and major bridges, airports and ports have been constructed. Bala
Min Htin Bridge in Kachin State is one of the major bridges.

 It has been built with a view to ensuring better transport among national
races in Kachin State. This facility reflects goodwill, generosity and loving
kindness of the Head of State. Altogether seven major bridges in Kachin State
have been constructed from 1994 to 2000. They are the 320-foot long Tapain
Bridge in Momauk Township costing K 27 million, the 500-foot long Tabat Creek
Bridge in Waingmaw Township costing K 4.2 million and over US $ 0.2 million,
the 2,688-foot long Bala Min Htin Bridge in Myitkyina costing K 1077.3
million and US $ 5.9 million, the 260-foot long Nammyit-kha Bridge in
Waingmaw Township costing K 21.1 million and US$ 0.102 million, the 320-foot
long Malian Bridge in Waingmaw Township costing K 70.3 million and US $ 0.13
million, the 400-foot long Namhsanyan Bridge in Momauk Township costing K
209.3 million and US $ 0.09 million and the 325-foot long Mole Creek Bridge
in Momauk Township costing K 69.7 million and US$ 0,03 million.

 In addition, the Myit-kyina-Shwebo-Mandalay road, the
Myitkyina-Sum-pranbum-Putao road, the Myitkyina-Tanai-Pansauk-Lido road, the
Myitkyina-Bhamo road, the Myitkyina-Sadone-Kanpaikte road, the
Myitkyina-Gwayhtaw-N'jnyan road, the Bhamo-Momauk-Kyauksakhan-Seinlon-Lweje
road, the Myitkyina-Kamaing-Phakant road and the
Shwegu-Katha-Tagaung-Mandalay road have been constructed and put into
service.

The government has spent K 525.4 million for construction of roads in Kachin
State. Airports in Myitkyina, Bhamo and Putao have also been upgraded, he
pointed out. In the communication sector, 543 telephone exchanges have been
extended throughout the country up from 239 in 1988. In Kachin State, there
was one auto exchange before 1988 and now three digital microwave links, one
analog link, five auto exchanges in Bhamo, two local sattellite communication
stations, 33 rural area communication stations, 73 post offices and 27
telegraph stations were built at a cost of US $ 9.16 million and K 1328.89
million.

 Now, direct calls can be made through auto exchanges in Bhamo, Mogaung,
Monyin, Hopin and Myitkyina. More auto exchanges in Phakant, Myitkyina, Bhamo
townships are under construction and contacts will soon be made through
e-mail, fax and internet. Moreover, arrangements have been made for
installation of telephone lines in 15 major villages in Kachin State, he
added. Myitkyina Degree College has been upgraded to Myitkyina University,
and one technological college and one computer college have been opened in
Myitkyina and computer college, technological college and degree college are
under construction in Bhamo.

At present, there are 1,308 schools in Kachin State up from 1,178 in 1988.
Thre are now 161,740 primary students,76,768 middle school students and
24,224 high school students. There were 154,264 primary students, 33,424
middle school students and 5,447 high school students in 1988. In conclusion,
he tabled the motion calling for support of rural development tasks and
nation-building endeavours of the Government and urged all USDA members to
actively take part in those tasks.

Then, Ayeya Ward USDA Executive Daw Ei Ei Kyi of Myitkyina Township USDA
seconded the motion calling for regional development tasks of the Government
tabled by Waingmaw Township USDA Executive U Bom Yein. She said at present,
0.54 million acres of sown acerage have been cultivated compared with 0.35
million in the past. Per acre yield of paddy has increased from 46 baskets to
59. Production of paddy has increased to 23.3 million baskets from 11.6
million baskets. So, there was food sufficiency in the region and the surplus
paddy was exported to China and Malaysia earning US$ 1.75 million in
2000-2001.

 In transport sector, roads have been built to places which were difficult to
access in the past. Smooth transport from northernmost to southernmost, from
easternmost to westernmost in the State is the result of farsightedness of
the Head of State. Major projects are being implemented for power supply and
there will be sufficient power supply in near future. As all parts of the
country have made progress in harmony, aim of building up the nation into a
peaceful, modern and developed one can be achieved. Hence, border regions
development is given priority. Small villages in border areas are now
becoming urban-like major villages.

 In border areas, 6243 miles of earthen road, 1396 miles of gravel road, 281
miles of tar road and 679 big and small bridges have been built. Schools,
hospitals, dispensaries, power stations, industries, agricultural and
livestock breeding farms have emerged unprecedentedly here and there in boder
areas. As regards Kachin State, there emerged 6 middle schools, 39 primary
schools, 2 hospitals, 1 station hospital, 13 dispensaries, 4 streets and ten
bridges in Kachin Special Region-1 with the expense of 98.91 million kyats .

 Similarly, there emerged 6 middle schools, 60 primary schools, 5 station
hospital, 40 dispensaries, ten streets and five bridges in Kachin Special
Region-2 with the expense of 173.6 million kyats. All have been known that
the national development tasks of the Government are meeting with success
tremendously. These accomplishments are directly benefitting the people and
they are, in fact, good infrastructures for new generations. In conclusion,
she urged the USDA members to maintain the momentum of development and
actively participate in the endeavours. Then, member Daw Shi Zaw Lun Hlan of
Myitkyina Township USDA tabled the motion calling on the members to take part
in development tasks being undertaken by the State.

She said in carrying out tasks for rural area development, the State has
striven for harmonious development in water supply, transportation, education
and health sectors including economic, agriculture and livestock breeding. In
Kachin State there lived 1 million people and transportation was very
difficult, and there went only one train a day from Myitkyina to mainland in
the past. So, out of 600,000 people living in Myitkyina, about 1,000 people
could travel by train daily for their health, education and social affairs.

Likewise, there was only a ship to be relied on for 300,000 people residing
in Bhamo and only about 200 people could travel by water. There were delays
in travelling in Kachin State. Now, all means of transport Ñ railroad, motor
road, waterway and air  can be used now. As a result, nationals from
different regions and tourists from foreign countries could happily attend
Wan-pau Nein-gon Khon-ra Manau Festival (Myitkyina Majoi) held recently, she
pointed out. For the rural education, the Government has also opened new
5,336 basic education schools during a decade and now there are altogether
39,082 school. At present, there are 1388 schools in Kachin State, and 15
basic education school branches, 45 affiliated schools and 10 past-primary
school are opened in small and large villages. Moreover, five e-learning
centres and 42 schools with multimedia class rooms are also opened in Kachin
State.

The State has spent K 121.2 million for education sector in Kachin State, she
added. For the latest information and news, 22 retransmittion stations have
been constructed in Kachin State, she said. In education sector, over 90 per
cent of school-age children are pursuing their education and efforts are
being made to be able to raise up to 100 percent. In health sector, there
were 1,337 rural health care departments in the past and there are now 1,402.
The regional dispensaries are extended up to 84 from 64.

In Kachin State, there were 56 rural health care departments and 58 and there
were 195 rural dispensaries in the past and now 208. The dispensaries are
extended up to 20 from three in the past. More doctors, nurses and mid-wives
are also appointed. The State has spent K 241.5 million for health care tasks
in Kachin State and striven for promoting of health standard of the people
including those in rural areas, and for increasing of life expectancy, she
added. In conclusion, she said the association is to take part with might and
main in rural development tasks being undertaken by the State. Afterwards,
Executive U Nan Zein Kun Phan of Bhamo Township USDA seconded the motion
calling for active participation of USDA members tabled by member Daw Shi Zaw
Lun Hlan of Myitkyina Township USDA.

He said the association is to actively take part in the rural development
tasks organized by the State and Kachin State Peace and Development Council
for the economic development of people in rural area that is the basic for
agriculture sector. At present, sown acreage of Kachin State is 0.54 million
of acres and it is 0.19 million acres more than in the past. So, there is
sufficiency of rice in Kachin State and the socio-economic life of the people
has increased. To promote the living standard of the people, the Kachin State
Peace and Development Council has reclaimed 73,652 acres of land in Talawgyi
Region in Myitkyina Township, Chaungwa Region and Mongpok Region in Monyin
Township, Pandunag Region in Waimaw Township, Kamine Region in Phakant
Township and Hukaung Region in Tanai Township in Myitkyina District.

 Similarly, 19213 acres of lands in Bhamo District and 126731 acres in Putao
District have been reclaimed. Kachin State Peace and Development Council has
made arrangements for 2096 vehicles and 40 bus lines for smooth
transportation, he pointed out. In conclusion, she urged all the members of
the association to actively take part in the rural area development tasks and
seconded the motion calling for taking part in the rural area development
tasks. Then the rally passed resolutions in support of the national and rural
development tasks carried out by the State and active participation of USDA
members in the tasks. Next, the rally ended with chanting of slogans.
___________________________

( 8 ) Entries invited for 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Poetry
competitions

 Yangon, 21 Jan - The subcommittee for organizing poetry competitions of Work
committee for holding poetry and arts competitions will hold poetry
competitions in commemoration of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, which
falls on 27 March 2002. Short and long poems must feature points on the
objectives of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, fine traditions of the
Tatmadaw, Konbaung Era (AD 1824-1885), colonial age (AD 1885-1948),
independence time (AD 1948-1988), and the State Law and Order Restoration
Council and the State Peace and Development Council period to this day.
Religious tasks, nation-building tasks, narcotic drugs eradication tasks and
restoration of peace of the State Peace and Development Council may also be
composed. The competitions will be categorised into long-poem level-1 and
level-2 and short-poem level-1 and level-2.

Apart from those who won the first, second and third prizes in the national
level competitions, the others are to enter level-2 competitions. Short poems
must be between 100 and 300 stanzas and long ones between 1,000 and 2,000. A
suitable title for the entry can be given. Free verses and modern poems will
not be taken into consideration. The entry must be written only on one side
of paper, must be own creation of the competitor. The competitor must send
two copies of his works together with his resume and two passport-size photos
to Lt-Col Ohn Maung (Retd) (Myinmu Maung Naing Moe), Chief Editor, Naing-ngan
Gonyi Publishing House, No 529-531, Merchant Street, Sarpay Beikman Building,
Yangon, by 31 January, 2002.

___________________________

( 9 )  Software and Solution Technology Exhibition opens

Yangon, 21 Jan- People visited the Software and Solution Technology
Exhibition at MICT Park in Hline Township from 9 am to 5 pm today. A total of
38 technological companies including Bagan Cybertech, Bagan Entertainment,
GeoComp, MPT, MCC, Mastech, Inforithm + Maze Media, SSI and Ta Ta Info Tech
displayed booths at the exhibition. Softwares relating to e-Government,
e-Commerce, e-Business and e-Entertainment were shown at the booth of
Inforithm + Maze Media Ltd, UPS Business Softwares at the booth of Mastech Co
Ltd, maps drawn with the use of GIS Method and softwares at the booth of
Suntac Technologies Co, matters related to software producing training at the
booth of SSI Co, On Line Banking Service at the booth of Asia Wealth Bank Ltd
and Pyu Saw Htee drama animated by digital system at the booth of Bagan
Entertainment. The exhibition will be kept open from 9 am to 5 pm daily till
23 January.

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