The New Light of Myanmar (Friday, 1 March, 2002)

[Okkar66126@xxxxxxx]

The New Light of Myanmar (Friday, 1 March, 2002)
---------------------------------
1. Senior General Than Shwe inspects bridge construction
   and wetland reclamation projects
2. - Pujaniya of Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda in Kanbalu Township,
     Sagaing Division, held
   - General Maung Aye inspects sugar mill (Kanbalu)
3. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt receives delegate of ICRC
4. - Myanmar-Thai border region health cooperation meeting held
   - Cyberenglish course concludes
5. - Minister visits factories in Thingangyun and South Okkalapa
   - Minister inspects railroads and bridges
6. Briefing for heads of diplomatic mission held
7. "Soon" offered to members of the Sangha
8. Completion certificates presented
9. Myanmar trounces Indonesia 6-0 ,
   Myanmar and Laos to meet in final

----------

( 1 ) Plans made for once-useless wetlands to serve interests of State and
entrepreneurs Cooperative efforts required for timely completion of major
bridge projects
Senior General Than Shwe inspects bridge construction and wetland reclamation
projects

Yangon, 28 Feb- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied
by members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe
Mann, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence,
Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon
Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, senior military officers, deputy
ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office,
departmental heads and officials, left here by car and arrived at Bo Myat Tun
Bridge in Nyaungdon, Ayeyawady Division at 9.15 am today.

The Senior General and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Ayeyawady
Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command
Brig-Gen Htay Oo and officials. The Senior General and party then proceeded
to the work site of the Shwelaung Bridge Construction Project in Wakema
Township, Ayeyawady Division. At the briefing hall, Minister for Construction
Maj-Gen Saw Tun and Deputy Minister U Tint Swe reported on the project.
Deputy Superintending Engineer of Public Works U Khin Maung Lay reported on
tasks carried out to build the facility. The minister gave a supplementary
report. Then, the Senior General gave guidance on conducting constant
inspection and maintenance of roads to prevent damages during the rainy
season as the bridge would be commissioned into service soon. Harmonious
efforts should be made to build bridges on Wakema-Mawlamyinegyun road.

The Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems and
experts should make cooperative efforts to maintain the roads and bridges in
the entire nation and to take measures to prevent damages during the monsoon.
Afterwards, the Senior General and party inspected the bridge. The bridge
lies at mile post No 21/0 on Pantanaw-Shwelaung-Wakema road in Shwelaung,
Ayeyawady Division. The lower structure of the bridge is constructed with
reinforced concrete and the upper structure with steel frames. The main
bridge is 500 feet long and approach structure 1,400 feet long. It has a
14-foot-wide motorway and two three-foot-wide pedestrian lanes. It can
withstand 36 tons of load.

The bridge ensures easy transport link among Pantanaw, Shwe-laung, Wakema and
Kyonmange. During the inspection of Wakema Bridge Project, the Senior General
and party heard a report on salient points of the project, building of towers
to support the main structure, construction of the approach structures and
towers to control cables and installation of steel cables and steel frames
presented by Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein and Deputy
Superintending Engineer of Public Works U Khin Maung Hse. Minister for
Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun presented a supplementary report. Senior General
Than Shwe gave guidance saying that the South-West Command Commander and the
Construction Minister will have to make cooperative efforts to complete the
bridge in time. Priority should be given to meeting the set standards, he
said.

The division should continue to build the roads which are covered by regional
projects. Spanning Wakema River, the bridge will link Ywale ward on eastern
bank and Htawkanok ward on western bank in Wakema Township, Myaungmya
District, Ayeyawady Division. A bailey type bridge will be supported by
reinforced piles. The main structure will be 600 feet long. The two approach
structures will be 1,260 feet and 1,160 feet long. The motor way on it will
be 24 feet wide, flanked by 4-foot pedestrian lanes. It can bear up to 36 ton
loads.

At Mogok-Deedok (South) wetland in Patanaw Township, the Senior General and
party inspected summer paddy cultivation at the agricultural project of
Yuzana Farming Group. They then inspected preparations being made to
distribute the yield of fish from the farms to the market, hatchery ponds,
and samples of fish. Chairman of the company U Htay Myint reported on
progress in land reclamation work at the wetland, digging of fish breeding
ponds and cultivation of 4,338 acres of monsoon paddy, 124 acres of jute and
687 acres of summer paddy, setting up of 1,836 acres of fish breeding ponds,
raising of fish in 24 ponds, setting up of 24 reserve ponds to store fish for
reproduction, breeding prawn in two ponds, rice and fish production and
distribution and plans to grow oil palm in Taninthayi Division.

The Senior General gave guidance, saying that it is required for the
government and the people to make harmonious efforts with goodwill for rapid
development of the nation. Plans are being made for the once-useless wetlands
to serve the interests of the government and the entrepreneurs. Detail plans
should be drawn to extend prawn breeding which has good potentials and
markets for its products. The government will provide every necessary
assistance to entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs should work together with local
authorities in find new areas suitable to breed prawn on commercial scale.
Fish breeding should be conducted at wetland areas where cultivation seems
impossible and cage culture should be conducted in the rivers. Oil palm
cultivation should be extended in accord with the projects to fulfil the
consumer and industrial requirements. All should strive to build more
finished-oil mills and semi-finished-oil mills. The Senior General and party
arrived back Yangon in the evening.
___________________________

( 2 ) Pujaniya of Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda in Kanbalu Township, Sagaing
Division, held

Yangon, 28 Feb- The second Pujaniya of Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda on Kammabala
Hill, Kanbalu Township, Shwebo District, Sagaing Division, was held in
conjunction with the merits-sharing ceremony for building Maha Shwesigyi
Pagoda Pariyatti Sarthintaik at the pagoda this morning. Vice-Chairman of the
State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence
Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San
attended the ceremony.

Also present were 108 members of the Sangha led by Vice-Chairman of the State
Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha
Saddhammajotikadaja Bhaddanta Kavindacara, 108 novices, members of the State
Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Soe Win, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and
Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo of the Ministry
of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Mandalay Division
Peace and Development Council Chairman Central Command Commander Brig-Gen Ye
Myint, Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Chairman North-West
Command Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing, ministers, deputy ministers, senior
military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council
Office, departmental heads, members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees, members
of social organizations, donors and local people. General Maung Aye and wife
Daw Mya Mya San and party offered "soon", fruits, water and flowers to Maha
Shwesigyi Pagoda at 5.30 am.

They offered dawn "soon" to the Sayadaws, members of the Sangha and novices.
Then, the Sayadaws went to the cave of the pagoda to consecrate Maha
Shwesigyi Pagoda. The 108 members of the Sangha led by Sayadaw Bhaddanta
Kavindacara consecrated the pagoda. General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya
San and party paid homage to them. A merits-sharing ceremony for the
Sarthintaik was then held at the Sarthintaik. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kavindacara
administered the Nine Precepts. Buddhist monks recited Parittas. The laymen
also recited religious verses. General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San
presented offertories to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kavindacara.

The State Peace and Development Council members, commanders, ministers and
donors presented offertories to the monks. Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga
Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Vimalabhivamsa delivered a sermon. General
Maung Aye and Daw Mya Mya San and party shared the merits gained. The
wellwishers also donated cash to the trust fund of Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda, the
trust fund of Pariyatti Sarthintaik of Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda and the
educational trust fund of Kanbalu Township. Then, a provision donation
ceremony followed. General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party, the
families of the wellwishers, officials of departments and organizations and
the people offered rice and alms to 108 members of the Sangha led by the
Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Myole Kyaungtaik
Sayadaw of Lashio. Afterwards, a ceremony to donate a fire-engine and an
ambulance to Kanbalu Township by Shwethanlwin Company was held within the
precincts of the pagoda. General Maung Aye and party attended the ceremony.
Chairman of Shwe-thanlwin Company U Kyaw Win handed over documents related to
the fire-engine and the ambulance to Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and
Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing, who in turn presented a
certificate of honour to the donor. General Maung Aye and party inspected the
fire-engine and the ambulance and had a cordial meeting with members of the
fire brigade and red cross and nurses.

General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party offered "soon" to 108
members of the Sangha and 108 novices. A ceremony to novitiate 108 boys in
commemoration of the second Buddha Pujaniya of Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda was held
at Sasana Beikmandaw of the pagoda on 27 February evening. General Maung Aye
and wife Daw Mya Mya San attended the ceremony. Also present were members of
the State Peace and Development Council, commanders, ministers, deputy
ministers, senior military officers, heads of department and officials,
parents and relatives of novices-to-be, wellwishers and families. After the
ceremony, General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party performed the
ritual of silver and golden showers. General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya
San and party paid homage to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha led by
the Myole Kyaungtaik Sayadaw of Lashio. On 27 February night, General Maung
Aye, wife Daw Mya Mya San and party looked round the pagoda, religious
buildings and pandals, which were illuminated in commemoration of the Buddha
Pujaniya of the pagoda. The second Buddha Pujaniya of Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda
was held from 25 to 28 February.

---------

General Maung Aye inspects sugar mill (Kanbalu)

Yangon, 28 Feb- Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council
Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army)
General Maung Aye, together with members of the State Peace and Development
Council Maj-Gen Soe Win, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen
Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief
(Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State
Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads, left here by
Tatmadaw aircraft, and arrived at Mandalay International Airport in TadaU
Township at 11.45 am yesterday.

Accompanied by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council
Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, the General and party then
proceeded to the sugar mill (Kanbalu) by helicopter. They were welcomed there
by Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of
North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Naing, Director of Supply and Transport of
the Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Than Htay and officials. At the briefing
hall, the General and party heard a report presented by Brig-Gen Than Htay on
establishment of the sugar mill (Kanbalu) project, construction of the mill,
test-running of the mill, production of sugar on a commercial scale and
arrangements to obtain sugarcane for the mill. Then, Minister for Agriculture
and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on cultivation of black pulse,
green gram and tomato in the sugarcane plantations.

The General gave instructions on land reclamation for cultivation of
sugarcane as soon as possible and the growing of possible crops in the
sugarcane plantations, and inspected the sample sugar of the mill.
Afterwards, the General and party inspected production process of sugar at
the mill. The sugar mill (Kanbalu) was established near Zeegon Village,
Kanbalu Township, in February 2001. After completion, the mill started
test-running for three months beginning 27 September 2001, and it is now
producing sugar on a commercial scale. It can crush 2,800 tons of sugarcane
per day. It can produce 70 percent EEC grade II finished sugar and 30 percent
brown sugar. The General and party next arrived at Kanbalu by helicopter in
the afternoon.

They were welcomed there by Commander of No 33 LID Col Tin Tun Aung,
Secretary of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Ye Htut
and officials. General Maung Aye inspects Minister for Information Maj-Gen
Kyi Aung, who accompanied the General, together with Managing Director of the
News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha, inspected Pyinnya Alin modern
library of Kanbalu Township Information and Public Relations Department and
met with officials and gave necessary instructions. Then, the minister
inspected the new office of the IPRD in Ward 2, Kanbalu. Later, the minister
inspected TV retransmission station and fulfilled the requirements.
___________________________

( 3 ) Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt receives delegate of ICRC

Yangon, 28 Feb- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen
Khin Nyunt received delegate of Asia, Pacific and Latin America Regional
Representative of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), based in
Geneva, Switzerland, Mr Jean-Michel Monod at the Guest House of the Ministry
of Defence this morning.

Also present at the call together with the Secretary-1 were Minister for Home
Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win
and Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet. Together
with the visiting delegate, Mr Michel Ducraux, Resident Representative of the
ICRC to Myanmar, was also present.
__________________________

( 4 ) Myanmar-Thai border region health cooperation meeting held

Yangon, 28 Feb- The opening ceremony of the central level meeting on
Myanmar-Thai border region health cooperation was held at the Thahtaykyun
Hotel in Kawthoung on 26 February evening. It was attended by senior
officials of the health departments of the two countries led by Minister for
Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, and Minister for Public Health of Thailand Madam
Sudarat Keyuraphan, delegates of the World Health Organization (WHO) and
officials. First, Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein and Minister Madam Sudarat K
eyuraphan delivered addresses.

Then, the two health ministers signed the proposal of health cooperation
programme to combat AIDS, TB and malaria at the border areas between the two
countries which will be submitted to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and
Malaria (GFATM) and the opening ceremony came to a close. Afterwards, the
central level meeting followed at the Andaman Room. Director-General of the
Health Planning Department Dr Kyi Soe presided over the meeting. Then,
project managers of the two countries reported on implementation of tasks for
combating AIDS, TB and Malaria and the meeting came to an end in the evening.
The second day meeting was held yesterday morning and work schedules of
health cooperation programme were drawn and approved.

---------

Cyberenglish course concludes

Yangon, 28 Feb- The conclusion ceremony of Cyberenglish courses and Diploma
in Communicative English courses organized by Human Resources Centre of
Yangon University and Myanmar-Newzealand Education Centre was held at the
Yangon University Diamond Jubilee Hall this afternoon. It was attended by
Minister for Education U Than Aung, Deputy Minister U Myo Nyunt,
directors-general of the departments under the ministry, officials, invited
guests and trainees.

First, Chairman of the Human Resources Centre of Yangon University Pro Rector
Dr Khin Zaw made an address and presented prizes to the outstanding students.
Then, Dr Khin Zaw and Manager of Cyberenglish Centre Daw Khin Mar Kyi
presented certificates to the trainees. Cyberenglish courses were opened on
21, May 2000 and a total of 533 trainees attended to the courses. A total of
515 teachers of universities, colleges and 176 teachers of Basic Education
Schools in the Yangon Division attended to the courses from June to December
2001.
__________________________

( 5 ) Minister visits factories in Thingangyun and South Okkalapa

Yangon, 28 Feb-  Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, together with Deputy
Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, visited Soap Factory No 2
of Myanma Pharmaceutical Industries in Thingangyun Township here this
morning. The minister inspected production of soap and gave instructions on
taking innovative measures for production of Thabyenyo soap, finding new ways
and means to cool soap in a short time and extension of production lines for
Shwewah soap.

Then, the minister and party inspected storage of crude oil for production of
soap in the compound of the factory, the site chosen for extension of the
factory, condition of boilers and warehouses, and gave instructions on future
tasks. Afterwards, the minister and party proceeded to Myanma Garment Factory
of Myanma Textile Industries on Lutlatye Street in Thingangyun Township. The
minister inspected the production of napkins and towels, packaging process,
installation of sewing machines and condition of boilers. The minister and
party also inspected South Okkalapa Biscuit Factory of Myanma Foodstuff
Industries, and South Okkalapa Win Thuza Shop in South Okkalapa.

---------

Minister inspects railroads and bridges

Yangon, 28 Feb- Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, accompanied by
officials, inspected maintenance of railroad on Hsinbyushin bridge,
Pakokku-Kyaw railroad section, repair of a pile under Minkaing bridge and
levelling of railroad-slope on 24 February and gave necessary instructions.
On 25 February, the minister inspected tunnel digging site on Pakokku-Kaley
railroad section, laying of a new railroad linking Kyaw and Myatmyaung and
construction of bridge on Kyaw creek and gave instructions on systematic
maintenance of machinery. Then, the minister inspected along the axis of the
new railroad and arrived in Hnongyi Village. He met with local people at the
monastery of the village.

___________________________

( 6 )  Briefing for heads of diplomatic mission held

Yangon, 28 Feb- A briefing was held for heads of diplomatic mission here at
the Winzin Minyaza Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 4.30 pm today.
It was attended by Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of the Lao
People's Democratic Republic Mr Ly Bounkham and heads of the missions.
Briefing on the recent visit paid by an experts team of the International
Labour Organization, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win
said: A four-member expert team led by Mr Francis Maupain, Advisor to the
Director-General of ILO, visited Myanmar from 19 to 25 February. The team was
invited for the purpose of promoting cooperation between Myanmar and ILO.

Myanmar had made constructive proposals with genuine sincerity during the
discussions. Moreover, the Myanmar side demonstrated its spirit of
cooperation by trying to be as flexible and accommodating as possible.
However, it is regrettable that the ILO team took an adamant stand and
pressed on with its demand while ignoring Myanmar's constructive and positive
gesture. Moreover, it was found that in addition to labour matters, the
technical team also brought in politically-related matters. Nevertheless,
Myanmar hopes that ILO will gradually come to appreciate her constructive
initiatives. Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win concluded by saying that
Myanmar is confident that she will receive the understanding and support of
friendly and like-minded countries for the sincere and just stand taken by
her. Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win answered queries from the heads of
mission after which the briefing ended.
___________________________

( 7 ) "Soon" offered to members of the Sangha

Yangon, 28 Feb- The Chinese Buddhist Association offered "soon" and
provisions to 1,000 members of the Sangha at the State Pariyatti Sasana
University (Yangon) on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning. Present were 1,000
members of the Sangha led by Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka
Committee Bhaddanta Pannindabhivamsa (Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru)
Aungmye-bonsan Sayadaw, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura
Aung Ko, Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council U Arnt Maung,
Director-General of the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the
Sasana U Sann Lwin, Director-General of the Religious Affairs Department Dr
Myo Myint, Pro-Rector (Admin) of the International Theravada Buddhist
Missionary University Dr Hla Pe, wellwishers, guests and personnel.

The vice-chairman Saya-daw administered the Five Precepts and members of the
Sangha recited parittas. The deputy minister, officials and wellwishers
offered provisions to members of the Sangha. The joint-secretary Sayadaw of
the SSMNC delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits. After the
ceremony, the Chinese Buddhist Association offered "soon" to members of the
Sangha.
___________________________

( 8 ) Completion certificates presented

Yangon, 28 Feb- In accordance with the education promotion programmes of
Myanmar, the primary school level completion certificates presentation
ceremony of the Yangon Institute of Education Practising High School, Kamayut
Township, for 2001-2002 academic year, was held at the arts hall of the
school this morning.

Present on the occasion were Daw Khin Khin Lay, wife of Minister for
Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung and invited guests, Pro-rector of Yangon
Institute of Education Dr Khin Zaw, heads of departments, the headmistress,
teachers, students and their parents. The students sang the Myanma School
song after saluting the national flag. Headmistress Daw Khin Win Aung made a
speech and presented primary school level completion certificates to 675
students. Then, the students sang the song "Flowers are blooming" before the
ceremony came to an end.

___________________________

( 9 ) Myanmar trounces Indonesia 6-0

Yangon, 28 Feb- The semi-final match of the First ASEAN Youth (U-17) Soccer
Tournament for the year 2002 was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this
evening. The selected Myanmar youth team trounced the Indonesia youth team
6-0 in the match. In the first half, Nyi Nyi Aung and Tun Tun Win scored one
goal each. In the second half, Bo Bo Aung, Myo Min Tun, Win Min Htut
(Penalty) and Kyaw Kyaw Soe scored one goal each. The Myanmar team will play
the final match on 2 March.

Myanmar and Laos to meet in final

Yangon, 28 Feb- The second semi-final match of the first ASEAN Youth (U-17)
Soccer Tournament for the year 2002 took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,
this evening. In the match, the Laos youth team beat the host Malaysia youth
team 9-8. The selected Myanmar youth team will meet the Laos youth team in
the final match on 2 March evening.

----------------------------------

http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/